1. BP hits four-month high as new portfolio review promised
The blue-chip oiler beat second-quarter profit expectations, ruled out a listing move to the US and said it plans to go further on reshaping the company.
2. Diageo profits fall 28% but outlook provides strong twist
Results from the Tanqueray and Baileys maker beat forecasts and delivered a new outlook for 2026 that impressed investors and analysts.
3. Smith & Nephew beats the lot with bounce back and new buyback
The hip and knee replacement group unveiled an impressive share buyback as the second quarter improved on the first.
4. FTSE 100 surges before running out of steam
The London benchmark surged to a solid gain on the back of a strong spread of corporate results, before faltering heavily in the home straight.
5. ACG Metals CEO says OTC move aims to boost liquidity, investor access and value
Artem Volynets talked to Proactive about the company’s application to trade on the OTCQX Best Market and what it means for liquidity, valuation and global investor appeal.
Small cap headlines
Seeing Machines Ltd (AIM:SEE, OTC:SEEMF) says its driver monitoring tech is now fitted in over 3.7 million vehicles worldwide. That’s up 36% on the last quarter as carmakers gear up for stricter EU safety rules from July 2026.
Synthomer PLC shares fell 18% after the company struck a guarded tone in its interim results, despite continued earnings growth in difficult markets.
Digitalbox PLC (AIM:DBOX) expects first-half revenue to grow 11%, with earnings coming in ahead of forecast. Advertising performance, session value and yield all improved — shares jumped 8.5% on the update.
Mosman Oil and Gas Ltd (AIM:MSMN) expects permits for the Sagebrush and Coyote Wash helium projects in Colorado by mid-August. Drilling and seismic work are ready to go, with strong helium readings and six prospects lined up for exploration.
Serica Energy PLC (AIM:SQZ) posted a $43 million loss as the Triton production vessel remained offline in the first half of its financial year. But output is ramping back up and Serica is targeting 50,000 barrels a day as new wells come online.
Zotefoams PLC shares rose 20% after the company announced record interim results and a new joint venture in Vietnam.