AIM liquidity improves in 2025
There were more trades in AIM shares in 2025 than in 2024 and it was the fourth highest figure in the history of the junior market (see this month's publication). Every month last year, the average number of daily trades was higher than the same month in 2024..
The number of companies on AIM fell to 619 as there were few new admissions and 84 cancellations. Of those cancellations, 37 companies chose to leave AIM predominantly because they did not fell that there was enough benefit from the quotation, although some companies were in the process of a solvent liquidation. There were also 28 takeovers.
There were 65 companies that had share prices that at least doubled last year. The Fiinu share price was 1,550% ahead.
GlobalData Main move confirmed
Data analysis and consultancy provider GlobalData has confirmed that it will move to the Main Market on 5 March. Forward bookings are growing.
In 2025, revenues improved 13% tp £322m and like-for-like growth was 1% higher. The EBITDA guidance is £110m, which is slightly below the forecast of Panmure Liberum. The margin was 34% and the company is targeting a figure of 40%.
Share buybacks cost £110m and acquisitions a further £40m, leaving net debt of £110m at the end of 2025.
Panmure Liberum has trimmed its 2026 forecast revenues by 2.5% to £346.2m. The pre-tax profit figure has been cut from £121.9 to £117.4m.
Strategic progress by Nichols
Soft drinks maker Nichols traded in line with expectations in 2025. Nichols is growing internationally as well as in the UK.
The 2025 underlying pre-tax profit is currently expected to be £33.1m. Revenues were 1% ahead at £175m. This in part reflects a change in model in Africa to the sale of concentrate. Like-for-like growth in Africa was 10%. Out of home division revenues were flat due to the exit from the low margin Starslush business.
There was cash of £55.8m at the end of 2025. The company confirmed its progressive dividend policy and the distribution of excess cash to shareholders. Matt Rothwell is joining the board as finance director in April .
