Wednesday's premarket news flow was dominated by resilient guidance and margin progress across mining and industrials, with Rio Tinto's improved copper cost outlook headlining a busy morning of trading updates. Elsewhere, growth stories from Audioboom, James Cropper and B&M pointed to broad-based momentum away from the mega-caps, while Zegona and Barratt Redrow rounded out a session heavy on operational detail.
Rio Tinto cuts copper cost guidance as output climbs
Rio Tinto (RIO) lifted copper equivalent production 3% year-on-year in the first half and sharply reduced its copper unit cost guidance for the year, aided by higher gold prices and productivity gains across its operations. The improved cost trajectory gives the miner additional headroom against a backdrop of firm copper pricing.
Antofagasta holds guidance despite Q2 cost jump
Antofagasta (ANTO) kept its full-year guidance intact even as second-quarter costs rose, with chief executive Iván Arriagada pointing to record copper prices during the period as evidence of "robust demand and an increasingly constrained supply outlook". The company's fundamentals commentary reinforces the same tight copper market dynamic underpinning Rio Tinto's improved outlook.
Dr Martens repeats full-year guidance on US wholesale strength
Dr Martens (DOCS) confirmed trading remains on track to meet full-year guidance, with the US wholesale channel emerging as a particular bright spot in the update. The bootmaker's reiteration signals steadying demand trends after a period of turnaround work in its key markets.
Hunting holds guidance as order book builds
Hunting (HTG) maintained its full-year expectations, with chief executive Jim Johnson citing "continued strong momentum" in the Subsea and Perforating Systems divisions through the first half. The order book climb across those units underpins the unchanged full-year guidance.
James Cropper profits jump 33% on packaging momentum
James Cropper (CRPR) reported a 33% jump in profits alongside a strengthened balance sheet, with chief executive David Stirling highlighting "significant positive momentum" in the Paper & Packaging division that the company expects to carry into the current year.
Audioboom posts record H1 growth, adds $10m credit line
Audioboom (BOOM) delivered record first-half growth, with revenue climbing 30% and earnings rising sharply over the period. The podcast company also flagged a new $10m credit facility earmarked to fund further acquisitions as it looks to accelerate expansion.
B&M lifts group revenue 2% as France offsets UK garden slowdown
B&M European Value Retail (BME) grew group revenue 2%, with strong French performance offsetting a slowdown in UK garden category sales. Chief executive Tjeerd Jegen said the French business demonstrated "how consistent execution of the B&M model can drive higher footfall and positive sales in a competitive retail market".
Zegona posts third straight quarter of Spanish growth
Zegona Communications (ZEG) reported a third consecutive quarter of growth at Vodafone Spain, with higher revenue, EBITDA and cashflow in the first quarter of its 2027 financial year. The update came alongside a €3.7bn refinancing that cuts the unit's annual interest costs.
Barratt Redrow completes 17,667 homes in line with forecasts
Barratt Redrow (BTRW) completed 17,667 homes over the period, matching its own forecasts. Chief executive David Thomas attributed the performance to "the proactive approach we have taken to managing our business, including the careful use of incentives, rigorous management of our cost base".
