Trainline shares steamed 8% higher on Thursday after the group released a positive trading update and announced a fresh £150m share buyback.
Trainline shares had previously been derailed by slowing growth, and investors will hope today’s update means the company is back on track.
The group delivered performance in the first six months of its 2026 financial year that should please investors. Group net ticket sales rose 8% year-on-year to £3.2 billion, tracking towards the upper end of the company’s annual guidance.
Group revenue increased 2% to £235 million, also performing at the top of management’s expectations despite headwinds from reduced commission rates and changes to Google’s search algorithms affecting international bookings.
“Trainline raised its profit guidance and announced a £150m buyback, a move that reflects both strong cash generation and confidence in future growth,” said Lale Akoner, global market analyst at eToro.
“Net ticket sales rose 8% to £3.2B, with standout 34% growth in France as new competition on high-speed routes attracted more passengers.
“The UK business remains solid, but it’s the international side that’s proving Trainline’s ability to capture demand as markets open up. While the UK remains steady, the real driver is European rail liberalisation, where rising competition is fuelling demand and giving Trainline the chance to capture a bigger share of a growing market. Recent momentum in France highlights how structural changes can translate directly into earnings upside.”