A dense morning of first-half earnings has set the tone for trading, with mining and consumer names delivering the standout numbers. Rio Tinto lifted its interim dividend sharply on surging cash generation, Reckitt Benckiser accelerated growth across every region while launching a fresh buyback, and Greggs posted a near-23% jump in profit as it continued to take market share. Corporate activity added further colour, with FirstGroup offloading a data unit to Tracsis and Plus500 extending its infrastructure reach into Canada.
Plus500 to power Wealthsimple's US futures access
Plus500 Di (PLUS) has signed an infrastructure deal to provide US futures trading capability to Wealthsimple's Canadian retail client base. The agreement extends Plus500's growing roster of business-to-business infrastructure partnerships, positioning the group as a backend provider to other brokers and platforms rather than solely a direct-to-consumer trading operator.
Mobico raises 2026 guidance despite going concern flag
Mobico Group (MCG) lifted its calendar-year 2026 operating profit guidance to a range of £215m-£230m, with strong growth at Spanish coach operator Alsa offsetting continued pressure in the UK Coach division. The upgrade came alongside an increase in covenant gearing, and auditors flagged a material uncertainty over going concern, underscoring the balancing act facing management as it works through the group's turnaround.
Rio Tinto lifts interim dividend on cash generation surge
Rio Tinto (RIO) reported a step-change in first-half performance, with underlying EBITDA up 28% and free cash flow ahead 75% year-on-year. The improvement in cash generation prompted the miner to raise its interim dividend by 43%, marking one of the strongest payout increases across the sector this reporting season.
Reckitt accelerates growth, unveils £500m buyback
Reckitt Benckiser Group (RKT) raised its dividend and launched a £500m share buyback after chief executive Kris Licht said all of the group's regions and categories accelerated in the second quarter. Licht described "a balanced contribution from volume and price/mix" as the driver behind the improved performance, signalling broad-based momentum across the consumer health and hygiene portfolio.
Glencore holds guidance after Kidd mine disposal
Glencore (GLEN) maintained its copper and zinc production guidance for the year despite the sale of its Kidd mine. Chief executive Gary Nagle said key assets "largely performed in line with expectations and previously communicated guidance" over the first six months, pointing to operational stability across the portfolio even as the asset base shifts.
Greggs profit jumps as market share grows further
Greggs (GRG) reported profit growth of 22.9% for the first half of 2026, with chief executive Roisin Currie citing continued outperformance of the market alongside improved sales and strong cost control. Currie said the combination had delivered "profitable growth" across the period, extending the bakery chain's run of share gains against wider high-street competition.
FirstGroup offloads Mistral Data to Tracsis for £48m
FirstGroup (FGP) agreed to sell Mistral Data to Tracsis for £48m. Chief executive Graham Sutherland said the proceeds would "further strengthen our balance sheet, supporting continued growth in attractive UK bus and rail markets and meaningful returns to our shareholders," framing the disposal as a capital-recycling move to sharpen the group's core transport focus.
Sage revenue growth accelerates to 11%
Sage (SGE) reported revenue growth accelerating to 11% over the first nine months of its financial year. Chief financial officer Jacqui Cartin said momentum "strengthened further in the third quarter", crediting focused execution on AI capabilities and the continued scaling of Sage Intacct as key drivers of the acceleration.
St James's Place funds under management hit record £240.8bn
St James's Place (STJ) reported funds under management reaching a record £240.8bn even as profit dipped over the period. Chief executive Mark FitzPatrick said the wealth manager had "delivered good operating and financial performance, continued to grow our client and adviser base, and made further progress against our strategic priorities," pointing to underlying business momentum despite the softer bottom-line figure.
Aston Martin narrows cash outflow on Valhalla deliveries
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (AML) narrowed its cash outflow in the first half of 2026 as deliveries of the Valhalla model lifted margins. Chief executive Adrian Hallmark said the results demonstrate "we are on track to deliver material financial improvement this year compared with 2025," pointing to the new model's contribution as central to the carmaker's ongoing turnaround.
