Stock Updates: Ex-dividend stocks impact FTSE 100, Aviva and Centrica experience gains, index suffers a loss of 20.63 points
The FTSE 100 index experienced a slight dip on August 14, 2025, as the ex-dividend effect took hold. However, this downward pressure was offset by strong performances from notable companies such as Aviva, Admiral, and Centrica.
The ex-dividend effect, which causes shares to trade lower by the approximate dividend amount once they go ex-dividend, contributed to the FTSE 100's dip of about 0.2% (20.63 points) to 9,144.60 on that day [1]. Major companies like HSBC, BP, Rio Tinto, Shell, and GSK were among those whose share prices fell due to this adjustment [1].
Regarding key individual companies:
- Aviva: Shares surged by 3% to a multi-year high (£677.4) following strong half-year results. The insurer's operating profit rose 22% to £1.1 billion, with notable growth in wealth management and general insurance sectors. Aviva also increased its interim dividend by 10% to £13.1 per share, signaling robust financial health and shareholder returns [1].
- Admiral: The insurer’s shares rose by 6% (to £3,554), buoyed by excellent half-year results including a 67% increase in profit before tax and a 22.6% revenue rise. Admiral doubled its earnings year-on-year and hiked its dividend from 71p to 115p, achieving a record high share price of 3,646p by August 20, 2025 [1][3].
- Centrica: Despite the ex-dividend pressure on some FTSE 100 stocks, Centrica experienced a surge in share price around the same time, indicating positive momentum. The acquisition of the Isle of Grain LNG terminal for £1.5 billion from National Grid on August 16, 2025, is expected to further strengthen Centrica's focus on net-zero commitment and long-term energy security [2].
- Diploma: No recent performance or dividend updates on Diploma were found in the current search results, so its specific impact on FTSE 100 or recent results remain unclear from the data available.
Overall, while the ex-dividend effect causes some downward drift in the FTSE 100-index's aggregate price level, companies like Aviva, Admiral, and Centrica continue to show strong operational results and dividend growth, supporting investor confidence [1][3]. The UK market is also benefiting from better-than-expected GDP growth in Q2 2025, providing a resilient economic backdrop [1].
In summary, the ex-dividend impact slightly weighs on FTSE 100 prices, but Aviva, Admiral, and Centrica are outperforming thanks to solid results and dividend increases, while Diploma's current status is not detailed in the latest data.
References:
[1] FTSE 100 Dips as Ex-Dividend Stocks Pressure Index (August 14, 2025). Retrieved from https://www.thefinancialtimes.com/business/markets/ftse-100-dips-as-ex-dividend-stocks-pressure-index
[2] Centrica Acquires Isle of Grain LNG Terminal from National Grid (August 16, 2025). Retrieved from https://www.centrica.com/news-and-media/press-releases/centrica-acquires-isle-of-grain-lng-terminal-from-national-grid
[3] Admiral's Shares Soar on Strong Half-Year Results (August 20, 2025). Retrieved from https://www.cityam.com/admirals-shares-soar-on-strong-half-year-results/
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