Senior PLC Reports Strong H1 Results

Senior PLC (LON:SNR) also delivered a boost to market confidence, reporting a 32% year-on-year increase in pre-tax profits for the first half of FY2025.

Highlights include:

• Sales from continuing operations: £371.2 million (up 5% at constant currency)
• Growth in Aerospace and Flexonics divisions
• Strong operating margins
• Full-year forecast maintained
• Planned sale of Aerostructures unit remains on track

Senior’s steady outlook and execution were well received by the market, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable engineering player.

Lloyds Reviews Motor Finance Provision After Legal Win

In the financial sector, Lloyds Banking Group (LON:LLOY) confirmed it is continuing to review its motor finance provision after the UK Supreme Court overturned key elements of a previous judgment.

• The ruling found that car dealers acting as credit brokers do not owe fiduciary duties to customers.
• It also determined that commission payments in this context cannot be deemed bribes.

This marks a significant legal win for Lloyds, resolving a long-standing dispute and potentially limiting future liabilities in motor finance cases.

Conclusion: Positive Market Sentiment With Eyes on Earnings and Energy

As August trading kicks off, the FTSE 100 appears buoyed by strong corporate updates, particularly from BP and Senior, with additional clarity expected from BP’s cost-cutting strategy.