Genus PLC shares jumped 10% to 2,900p on Friday morning, lifting the company’s market capitalisation to approximately £1.9 billion. The rally marked the largest one-day gain in six months and reflected heightened investor confidence following an operational update that exceeded consensus forecasts. Trading volume on the London Stock Exchange was triple the three-month daily average, underlining strong demand from both institutional and retail participants.

In its trading update, Genus disclosed that adjusted profit before tax for the first half of its financial year reached about £50 million, surpassing the street consensus by nearly 15%. The performance was driven by robust sales in the bovine genetics division, which saw a 12% year-on-year increase in unit shipments, and improved margins in porcine products, where pricing discipline offset higher feed costs. Management reiterated full-year guidance, noting that cash conversion remained healthy at 85%.

Following the upbeat update, at least four major brokers increased their earnings forecasts and raised price targets by an average of 8%. Jefferies raised its full-year adjusted EPS estimate by 10% and lifted its target to 3,200p, citing stronger sales momentum in North America. UBS upgraded to a ‘buy’ rating and raised its target to 3,100p, highlighting Genus’s improved cost structure and potential for further margin expansion in the second half. Citi and Barclays followed suit with similar upward revisions.