CMC Markets shares climbed sharply after the online trading and fintech group released its full-year FY2026 results, with the stock up 15.2% to trade at 424p following the report. The company delivered stronger-than-expected top-line and bottom-line outcomes and issued guidance for the coming year that topped analyst forecasts, prompting investors to revalue the stock.
Key financials from FY26 showed profit before tax increasing 20% to 101.3 million and net operating income rising 15% to 92.6 million. Both of those metrics landed above the guidance range the company had previously communicated to the market.
Total revenue for the year expanded to 18.7 million, while earnings per share rose to 27.5 pence from 22.6 pence a year earlier.
The board proposed a final dividend of 8.3 pence per share, taking total FY26 dividends to 13.8 pence - a 21% increase from the prior year. That payout aligns with the company's stated policy of returning 50% of after-tax profit to shareholders.
Management provided an upbeat FY27 operating-income outlook, guiding net operating income to a range of 60 million to 80 million, which implies at least 17% year-over-year growth. That guidance materially exceeded consensus expectations and was a primary catalyst for the stock's re-rating.
Although the broader UK market was modestly constructive on the day - the FTSE 100 inched up 0.18% amid optimism around US-Iran diplomatic talks - the magnitude of CMC Markets' price move was driven by company-specific developments. The shares had earlier traded near a 52-week low of 203p before staging a recovery, and the FY26 results provided confirmation of the operational turnaround investors had been awaiting.
Investor interest was further supported by the firm's progress on institutional partnerships. The update highlighted momentum from a Westpac agreement in Australia and advancing API neobank relationships across Europe, which are scaling rapidly and were cited as contributors to the positive investor response.
Taken together, record annual profit, an upgraded FY27 outlook, a higher dividend and strengthening institutional deals prompted heavy buying. The stock hit an intraday 52-week high of 439.5p during the session, marking a defining moment in what market participants view as the company's recovery trajectory.
Summary
CMC Markets reported FY26 profits and revenue that exceeded management guidance, increased its dividend, and issued FY27 net operating income guidance well above consensus. Those factors triggered a substantial share price rally and pushed the stock to a new 52-week intraday high.