FTSE 100 movers: Admiral gains on results; Diploma slumps on CFO exit
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Thursday 14 Aug 2025
(Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 100 was flat at 9,161.47 in afternoon trade on Thursday.
Admiral was the top riser as it posted a 69% increase in first-half pre-tax profit before continuing operations to a record £521m.
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "FTSE 100 insurer Admiral is humming along quite nicely, supported by a strong showing in its motor insurance business.
"In a competitive market, Admiral remains in the fast lane. The strength of its brand allows it to remain disciplined on price while still attracting new business. Admiral's smart pricing tools have also helped to support underwriting profitability over time.
"The company is being rewarded for treating customers relatively well, at least in relation to its rivals, including during the pandemic. This is driving customer loyalty.
"Admiral recently swerved a potential hazard as the FCA decided to take no regulatory action on premium finance - effectively the cost borne by consumers if they opt to pay their insurance premiums in monthly instalments rather than in one lump sum."
Centrica advanced after it and Energy Capital Partners bought National Grid's Grain LNG business for £1.66bn.
Aviva gained after it said half-year operating profit surged 22% as it hiked prices and grew premium income.
On the downside, Diploma slumped as it said chief financial officer Chris Davies has resigned with immediate effect.
"This decision follows a recent company event where, through a lapse in judgement, his personal behaviour did not meet the high standards required of the group's leadership team," the company said.
Rio Tinto, GSK, Unilever and BP all fell as they traded without entitlement to the dividend.
FTSE 100 - Risers
Admiral Group (ADM) 3,544.00p 5.23%
Centrica (CNA) 167.20p 3.15%
Aviva (AV.) 678.20p 2.91%
Babcock International Group (BAB) 993.00p 2.69%
BAE Systems (BA.) 1,777.50p 2.66%
Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 1,105.00p 2.17%
NATWEST GROUP (NWG) 550.80p 1.62%
Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 352.00p 1.59%
Smurfit Westrock (DI) (SWR) 3,313.00p 1.47%
WPP (WPP) 371.40p 1.20%
FTSE 100 - Fallers
Diploma (DPLM) 5,220.00p -4.13%
Rio Tinto (RIO) 4,486.50p -3.90%
Beazley (BEZ) 774.00p -3.25%
Persimmon (PSN) 1,099.50p -2.61%
GSK (GSK) 1,406.00p -2.02%
Halma (HLMA) 3,228.00p -1.77%
Barratt Redrow (BTRW) 377.90p -1.61%
Unilever (ULVR) 4,499.00p -1.55%
BP (BP.) 412.45p -1.41%
JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 87.78p -1.35%
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