Shares of CMC Markets Plc spiked by as much as 24% on Wednesday, rising to their highest level since the company listed, after the spread-betting and contracts-for-difference provider upgraded its profit guidance for the second time this year.
The stock reached an intraday high of 575.52 pence before easing back later in the session. The company said it now expects net operating income for FY2027 of at least .
Alongside the higher net operating income, CMC set an EBITDA target of .
Guidance for operating expenses, excluding variable remuneration, remained unchanged at approximately .
Company rationale
In its statement, CMC said: "As outlined at our FY2026 results, the Group entered the new financial year with strong momentum driven by exponential and exceptional growth in our B2B business," adding that this momentum "has continued to build and scale."
The firm attributed the upward revision to the scale achieved by its B2B platforms. It said these platforms are producing operational gearing and supporting higher profit margins as income rises against a largely fixed cost base.
CMC also described its B2B platform business as "well positioned to scale," noting that there are "several important milestones expected over the next 12 months" and a "continuous pipeline" of new B2B opportunities.
Market reaction and context
The shares' intraday high of 575.52 pence represented a fresh peak since listing. After reaching that level the stock eased back later in the trading session, reflecting intraday volatility around the news.
Investors reacted to the dual elements of stronger-than-expected top-line guidance and an explicit EBITDA target. The unchanged operating expense guidance, excluding variable pay, frames the company's margin outlook amid the reported B2B-driven revenue expansion.
This article reports the company's updated guidance, the market response in share price, and the stated drivers behind the upgrade based on the company's public statement.