FTSE 250 movers: Mondi, Helios Towers surge

30th Jul 2026 14:12

(Sharecast News) - FTSE 250 (MCX) 24,133.82 0.57%

Mondi shares surged on Thursday after the packaging group posted a better‑than‑expected first‑half performance and signalled improving trading conditions heading into the second half.

The company said pricing actions, stronger volumes and early benefits from its network optimisation programme helped offset weaker selling prices and elevated input costs.

Underlying EBITDA came in at €379m, down from €564m a year earlier, with results held back by higher wood and energy costs and a €35m forestry fair‑value loss. Mondi said momentum improved through the period, with order books strengthening and packaging‑paper prices rising.

Cash generated from operations slipped to €347m from €416m, while capital expenditure guidance for 2026 was trimmed to €500m as major projects near completion. The group booked €320m in special‑item charges linked to impairments and restructuring, though only €24m will have a cash impact.

Mondi declared an interim dividend of 9.42 cents, down from 23.33 cents last year, but said it expects trading to continue improving as supply chains stabilise and demand strengthens across key European markets.

Mobile tower company Helios Towers rallied as it lifted its guidance for the year, citing robust customer demand, and posted a jump in first-half profit.

In the six months to the end of June, adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation grew 14% to $257m, with revenue up 11% on the same period a year earlier to $466.3m as tenancies ticked up 13% to 34,455. Operating profit increased 22% to $162.9m.

For FY2026, Helios now expects 3,500-4,000 tenancy additions, up from previous guidance for 3,000 to 3,500. Adjusted EBITDA is now seen at between $520m and $535m, versus previous guidance of $515m to $530m, and recurring free cash flow guidance was lifted to between $220m and $235m, from between $215m and $230m.

FTSE 250 - Risers

Mondi (MNDI) 883.40p 11.35%

Ocado Group (OCDO) 212.40p 8.62%

Genuit Group (GEN) 280.60p 5.36%

Endeavour Mining (EDV) 3,651.00p 4.76%

Helios Towers (HTWS) 211.80p 4.75%

Pan African Resources (PAF) 96.80p 4.54%

Breedon Group (BREE) 329.00p 4.31%

Rosebank Industries NPV (ROSE) 339.00p 3.85%

TBC Bank Group (TBCG) 4,796.00p 3.63%

Hochschild Mining (HOC) 452.00p 3.57%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Globaldata (DATA) 80.45p -4.23%

Hays (HAS) 61.95p -4.10%

WPP (WPP) 310.40p -3.57%

Mony Group (MONY) 205.80p -3.38%

Worldwide Healthcare Trust (WWH) 378.50p -3.07%

Kainos Group (KNOS) 902.00p -2.96%

AEP Plantations (AEP) 169.00p -2.87%

Rightmove (RMV) 470.40p -2.83%

Michael Page (PAGE) 191.60p -2.59%

Baltic Classifieds Group (BCG) 204.40p -2.48%