Trading platform firm Plus500 has reported its highest first-half revenues in three years, helped by its expansion into prediction markets.
Prediction markets boost
The FTSE 250-listed company said its February launch into prediction markets, followed by sports events in June, is expected to generate annualised turnover of around $140 million (£103.7 million) from the division.
Prediction markets allow traders to buy and sell shares linked to the outcome of real-world events, with sport being the most heavily traded category.
World Cup timing
Plus500 launched its sports prediction markets offering at the end of June, coinciding with the World Cup football tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada.
The company hopes prediction markets will become a major growth driver as the offering expands and attracts new customers.
Financial results
Group revenues rose 12% to $462.9 million (£343 million) in the six months to June 30, the highest interim result in three years. Customer income reached a five-year high, up 24% year-on-year.
Pre-tax profit growth was more subdued, edging up to $183.2 million (£135.8 million) from $181.8 million (£134.7 million) a year earlier. The company attributed this to a “deliberate step-up in customer acquisition investment” and costs related to scaling its US business, as well as a short-term foreign exchange impact.
Shareholder returns
Plus500 announced additional shareholder returns of $182.5 million (£135.2 million), including $100 million (£74.1 million) in share buybacks and total dividends of $82.5 million (£61.1 million).
Shares rose 4% in early trading as the group maintained its annual earnings and revenues outlook, following several upgrades earlier this year.
CEO comment
David Zruia, chief executive of Plus500, described the first half as “outstanding” for the firm.
He said: “Collectively, the first half of 2026 marked a genuine step-change for our US business.
“At the same time, our OTC (over-the-counter) business continued to gain real traction globally, expanding both its geographic footprint and its product offering.”
