Greggs PLC (LON: GRG) was the best performer in London trading on Wednesday, with shares jumping 12% after the bakery chain reported strong first-half results and maintained its full-year outlook.
For the 26 weeks ended 27 June 2026, total sales rose 7.2% to £1.10 billion, supported by continued estate expansion, business-to-business growth and higher like-for-like sales.
Company-managed shop like-for-like sales increased 2.1%, while franchised shop like-for-like sales rose 1.3%.
Operating profit climbed 22.9% to £86.5 million, with pre-tax profit increasing 19.7% to £76.0 million. Diluted earnings per share rose to 54.9p.
Greggs declared an interim dividend of 19.0p per share, unchanged from the previous year.
The group also continued to gain market share, accounting for 8.7% of UK food-to-go visits during the period.
Chief executive Roisin Currie said Greggs had continued to outperform the wider market, with improved sales and strong cost control supporting profitable growth.
The company remains focused on expanding its shop estate, improving customer convenience and broadening its menu, while investing in the supply chain infrastructure needed to support further growth.
Capital expenditure guidance for 2026 has been revised to around £180 million, reflecting continued investment in production and distribution capacity.
Despite the increased spending, the board left its expectations for the full-year result unchanged.
