Reckitt Benckiser reported half-year results which showed second-quarter net sales growth topping expectations, leading the consumer goods company to raise its annual revenue forecast. The FTSE 100-listed company saw like-for-like quarterly net revenue growth of 1.9%, compared with 1.7% forecast in a company-compiled consensus. Reckitt, the maker of Durex condoms and Lysol cleaning products, said growth in North America and Europe fell short of expectations, but strong sales in China, India, and Latin America made up for weakness in those key markets. Reckitt also announced a new share buyback programme of £1 billion over the next 12 months. The firm’s shares jumped 8.9% to their highest level since early 2024 in opening trade.
ITV said its first-half results beat forecasts, putting the broadcaster on track to meet its 2026 targets. The FTSE 100-listed firm highlighted better-than-expected total advertising revenue and strong content demand from its Studios business. Against a tough comparison period last year, when the Men's Euros soccer tournament sent advertising revenues soaring, ITV posted total advertising revenue down 7% for the first six months, beating a consensus forecast for an 8% fall. That was partly offset by revenue growth of 3% at ITV Studios, where profits are expected to rise in the second half due to the phasing of high-margin sales. In early trading, ITV shares added 6.5%.
Centrica posted first-half results which showed its adjusted operating profit halve. The FTSE 100-listed company reported operating profit of £0.5 billion for the six months to June 30, down from just over £1 billion in the same period last year. Centrica's retail energy arm, British Gas, was impacted by warmer-than-normal weather, which affected energy demand, while its gas and power trading business had fewer opportunities to deploy capital given wholesale price volatility, driven by news about US tariffs, EU regulation, and geopolitical factors. However, Centrica said it still plans to raise its full-year dividend per share for 2025 to 5.5p, as announced previously in February, up 22% from the previous year. In early trading, Centrica shares fell 1.1%.
Most read news on Investegate this morning
2025 Half-Year Results - - Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY)
