CMC Markets PLC (LSE:CMCX) shares soared in Thursday's session, rising 28%, after it reported a trading performance ahead of expectations.
The London-listed investment platform and retail trading venue told investors it had seen a solid first half with net operating income rising 5% to £186.20 million.
At the same time, it upgraded FY2026 income guidance by 10% following a strong start to the second half, and, an interim dividend has been increased to 5.5p.
Growth was supported by another record period for Australian stockbroking and continued momentum in API-led partnerships, CMC said, noting in particular a rapid expansion across Europe.
CMC also announced a significant new agreement with Westpac, which it described as a transformational opportunity for its Australian business.
"Share price performance over the past year has been disappointing, a reflection of delays in CMC’s ability to monetise the significant investment it has made over the
past few years ... as this investment finally begins to bear fruit, we model higher revenue, which drives material EPS and DPS upgrades," Shore Capital analyst Vivek Raja said in a note.
In London, CMC shares were up 28% changing hands at 267p.