While UK firms may not match the size of their US counterparts, many play a key role in shaping global markets. These companies are well-established names, often recognised by traders and investors worldwide.
Their significance lies in sector influence. From banking and energy to pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, top UK-listed firms often act as bellwethers for their industries. That means their performance can signal wider market trends, making them valuable to watch - especially for traders seeking macro or sector-specific exposure.
Most of these companies are traded on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and feature in the FTSE 100 Index. The FTSE 100 includes the UK’s 100 largest companies by market capitalisation and serves as a key benchmark for the health of the UK equity market.
Download now
The UK remains one of the world’s most developed economies, home to several large-cap companies that shape both local and international markets. Monitoring these firms could offer traders valuable context on market sentiment, particularly those with exposure to the UK market.
These companies operate across diverse sectors, and their scale often means their performance reflects broader economic conditions. Observing their price movements, earnings reports, or strategic updates could provide a general view of trends influencing the wider economy.
Keeping track of these market leaders may help traders identify potential shifts within specific industries. For example, significant movements in a major company’s share price could indicate broader shifts in the market or highlight emerging sector trends that could be worth monitoring.
Staying informed about the UK’s largest companies could therefore contribute to a more complete view of market dynamics. This awareness could help traders connect technical insight with a clearer understanding of the underlying fundamentals and, therefore, could assist with making more informed trading decisions.
Here are some of the biggest UK companies by market capitalisation:
Market cap: £182.77 billion
AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company listed on the London Stock Exchange. Founded in 1913 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, it develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines.
Over the past year, the company’s shares returned -10.57%, reflecting sector pressures and pipeline timing. Its operations span multiple therapeutic areas and a network of R&D and manufacturing sites that support global commercialisation.
The company concentrates on oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism (CVRM), and respiratory and immunology (R&I). AstraZeneca applies research and clinical development to expand its portfolio and to progress late-stage programmes. It maintains ongoing investment in R&D and capacity to support regulatory filings and product launches across its core therapeutic areas.
Market cap: £164.23 billion
HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services groups, founded in 1959 and listed on the London Stock Exchange. The group reported £110.12 billion in annual revenue and posted a +42.14% one-year share return.
It serves retail, commercial and institutional clients across more than 60 countries and territories and operates a substantial branch and digital network to reach global customers.
HSBC organises its activity through Wealth & Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Global Banking and Markets. These divisions deliver retail banking, mortgages, wealth management, corporate lending, capital markets and transaction services. The group balances regional coverage with product capability to support clients across multiple markets and customer segments.
Market cap: £158.58 billion
Shell is a global energy and petrochemical company operating across exploration, production, refining, distribution and low-carbon energy. The firm reported £212.38 billion in revenue and £36.13 billion in gross profit, with a -0.33% one-year return.
Its business is structured to cover:
Shell is pursuing a portfolio that includes both conventional hydrocarbon production and lower-carbon projects. Alongside its core oil and gas activities, the company is developing EV charging, biofuels, hydrogen and carbon-reduction technologies while maintaining trading and supply capabilities to support its global operations.
Market cap: £114.06 billion
Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company founded in 1930 and listed on the London Stock Exchange. It reported £50.24 billion in revenue and a -5.63% one-year share return.
The group sells food, home care and personal care products across more than 190 countries and reaches billions of consumers through established distribution and retail channels.
Its portfolio includes over 400 brands across Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care and Nutrition. Unilever manages brand development, product innovation and supply chain operations to support global distribution. The company focuses on efficiency and portfolio management while investing in product development and channels that serve both emerging and developed markets.
Market cap: £91.37 billion
British American Tobacco (BAT) is a global tobacco and nicotine company established in 1902 and listed on the London Stock Exchange. It reported £25.6 billion in revenue and £16.58 billion in gross profit, with a +46.86% one-year share return.
BAT’s operations cover manufacturing, marketing and distribution of cigarette brands and alternative nicotine products in multiple regions.
The company sells traditional cigarette brands such as:
Alongside a growing portfolio of non-combustible products, including:
BAT is reallocating resources toward reduced-risk product categories while maintaining operations across conventional tobacco markets.
Market cap: £90.23 billion
Rolls-Royce Holdings is an industrial technology company founded in 1906 that specialises in power and propulsion systems. It reported £19.54 billion in revenue and £4.77 billion in gross profit, delivering a +119.47% one-year share return.
The business supplies engines and related services for commercial aircraft, military platforms and marine applications. It also operates a global maintenance and support network that underpins long-term service contracts.
The company’s civil aerospace division designs engines for major airframes while its defence unit supplies propulsion systems for military aircraft and naval vessels.
Rolls-Royce’s commercial model relies on a combination of product sales and recurring aftermarket services, with engineering and long-term service agreements contributing to revenue stability.
Market cap: £78.93 billion
Rio Tinto is a global mining and materials company founded in 1873. It reported £41.53 billion in revenue and £10.08 billion in gross profit, with a -4.47% one-year return.
The group produces:
They operate a network of mines, refineries, smelters and transport assets to move bulk commodities to market. These operations support construction, industrial and energy sectors worldwide.
Rio Tinto’s product mix and infrastructure enable large-scale production and distribution. The company manages upstream mining and downstream processing across multiple jurisdictions, with an operational focus on maintaining output and optimising logistics to serve global supply chains for steel, aluminium and electrical materials.
Market cap: £66.81 billion
BP is an integrated energy company founded in 1908 that operates across exploration and production, refining, marketing and trading. The company reported £144.2 billion in revenue and £22.79 billion in gross profit, with a -1.11% one-year return.
Its downstream activities include retail fuel stations and petrochemicals, while upstream operations focus on oil and gas reserves and production.
Alongside conventional energy, BP is active in developing lower-carbon technologies such as hydrogen, bioenergy and offshore wind. The company combines its trading and supply capabilities with investments in energy transition projects, while continuing to manage core oil and gas operations that deliver cash flow and fuel global markets.
Market cap: £62.96 billion
RELX is an information and analytics group founded in 1903 that provides data, analytics and decision tools for professional markets. It reported £9.53 billion in revenue and £5.99 billion in gross profit, with a -4.01% one-year return.
The company serves legal, scientific, risk and business customers through divisions such as Elsevier and LexisNexis, delivering research content and analytical platforms.
Its offerings combine content with software and data services to support professional workflows in research, legal practice and risk assessment. RELX’s model includes recurring subscription and licensing revenue from digital products that are used across academic, corporate and regulatory environments.
Market cap: £58.51 billion
GSK is a biopharmaceutical company founded in 1715 that focuses on vaccines and speciality medicines. It reported £31.63 billion in revenue and £22.68 billion in gross profit, with a +13.88% one-year share return.
The company develops immunisations and prescription treatments for infectious diseases, respiratory conditions and immunological disorders, supported by R&D and global manufacturing.
GSK’s vaccine portfolio is a material part of its operations, supplying immunisations for a range of diseases. The group also develops speciality medicines for HIV, respiratory and immune-related conditions and invests in clinical development and partnerships to sustain and expand its treatment pipeline.
Create an account
Market capitalisation, which is calculated by multiplying a company’s share price by the number of shares in circulation, is not the only gauge of a company's size and health. Revenue, or sales, is another useful measure, and this can lead to a different assessment from considering market capitalisation alone.
Revenue: £206.89 Billion
Shell plc is a global energy company with operations across oil, gas, chemicals, and low-carbon solutions. Its core businesses span exploration and production, liquefied natural gas, refining, and energy marketing. Under CEO Wael Sawan, Shell’s strategy prioritises growth in gas and trading while maintaining disciplined capital spending and shareholder returns.
The company plans to distribute 40–50% of operating cash flow via dividends and buybacks, cut structural costs by up to $7 billion by 2028, and sustain annual investment at around $20–22 billion. It also continues to reinvest up to 10% of its capital into renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies as part of its 2035 and 2050 climate goals.
Shell’s revenue has eased alongside normalising energy prices, with sales falling from $316.6 billion in 2023 to $284.3 billion in 2024. To improve efficiency, the company has been simplifying its portfolio, including the sale of its Nigerian onshore assets in 2024 to focus on higher-return LNG and deepwater projects. The overall goal remains to deliver strong returns and lower emissions through its integrated gas and trading operations.
Revenue: £141.88 Billion
BP plc is a London-based integrated energy company with global operations in oil and gas exploration, refining, petrochemicals, and energy trading. It also owns Castrol lubricants and has investments in renewables and biofuels. Under CEO Murray Auchincloss, BP has adjusted its focus to drive shareholder value by increasing oil and gas investment to around $10 billion annually and scaling back renewable energy spending to about $1.5–2 billion per year.
The company aims to produce between 2.3 and 2.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030 while maintaining tight cost control and a consistent dividend policy.
BP’s revised plan includes a $20 billion divestment programme and a new carbon-intensity target for 2030, replacing its previous emissions goals. While scaling back some renewables projects, BP continues to develop offshore wind and hydrogen assets where it sees competitive advantages.
Its 2024 revenue declined to about $189.2 billion from $210.1 billion in 2023 due to weaker commodity prices and lower volumes. The company’s near-term focus is on improving cash flow, strengthening its balance sheet, and delivering steady shareholder returns.
Revenue: £97.92 Billion
Prudential plc is a life insurance and asset management company focused primarily on Asia and Africa. After separating from its US and UK businesses, Prudential now operates in 24 markets, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Its services cover life and health insurance, retirement planning, and investment management.
The company distributes through agents, banks, and digital platforms and continues to expand in key markets like Hong Kong and Macau. With dual listings in London and Hong Kong, Prudential’s strategy targets high-growth emerging economies, combining strong demographic demand with rising wealth levels.
Recent results show consistent growth in Asia, with double-digit increases in new business and steady profitability. Fitch Ratings upgraded Prudential to A+ in 2025, reflecting its stable financial position and regional growth potential.
The company has reinstated and raised its dividend as part of its focus on returning value to shareholders while maintaining solid capital discipline. Its long-term approach centres on capturing growth in underpenetrated markets and expanding its life and health product offerings across Asia and Africa.
Revenue: £67.00 Billion
Tesco PLC is the UK’s largest retailer, holding roughly 28% of the grocery market, with additional operations in Ireland and Central Europe. Its core business includes supermarkets, convenience stores, banking, and wholesale services.
Tesco has strengthened its domestic position by selling its Asian businesses and focusing on the UK and European markets. Through its Clubcard loyalty programme and price-matching strategy, the company continues to attract value-conscious consumers while growing online and in-store sales.
In 2024–25, Tesco achieved stronger earnings and raised its full-year profit forecast to £2.9–3.1 billion. The company’s emphasis on digital innovation includes expanding its online marketplace, retail media advertising, and personalised promotions through Clubcard data.
Tesco’s strategy focuses on maintaining price competitiveness, improving customer experience, and expanding its e-commerce footprint. Alongside these operational priorities, the company continues to balance investment in growth with shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks.
Revenue: £53.11 Billion
Vodafone Group Plc operates mobile, broadband, and enterprise communication services across Europe and Africa. It has a large global footprint and plays a major role in digital financial services through its M-Pesa platform in Africa.
Under CEO Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone has refocused on efficiency and core markets, merging with Three UK to form the country’s largest mobile operator and exiting non-core regions such as Italy and Spain. The company’s priorities include expanding 5G and fibre networks while improving cash generation and profitability.
In fiscal 2025, Vodafone reported stronger service revenue growth, driven by a recovery in Germany and solid performance in the UK, Turkey, and Africa. The company raised its dividend for the first time in eight years and maintained full-year guidance at the upper end of expectations.
Vodafone’s current strategy aims to strengthen its European and African operations through network upgrades, digital services such as IoT and cloud solutions, and disciplined cost management to enhance long-term free cash flow.
Balfour Beatty is an international infrastructure group employing more than 26,000 people and generating around £9–10 billion in annual revenue. With a 115-year heritage, it finances, develops, builds, maintains, and operates critical infrastructure worldwide, from the Hinkley Point C nuclear station and HS2 rail to the Thames Tideway “super sewer” and UK airport expansions.
The company’s focus on digital and off-site construction, using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and modular fabrication, enhances efficiency and reduces waste. It has also committed to going beyond net-zero carbon by 2040, embedding sustainability into all its projects.
Balfour Beatty’s 2024 order book reached approximately £17 billion, supported by strong US operations and a fifth consecutive year of share buybacks. It continues to be ranked among the UK’s top contractors by Construction Index and Barbour ABI, reflecting its scale, digital leadership, and sustainability credentials. The group’s proven project pipeline, innovative approach, and commitment to responsible delivery make it a bellwether for the UK infrastructure sector.
Kier Group is one of the UK’s leading construction and infrastructure services firms, generating roughly £4.1 billion in FY24 revenue through more than 400 projects. Its core divisions span transportation, energy & water, and construction, with major involvements in HS2 enabling works, highway maintenance, and new healthcare and education builds such as Luton & Dunstable Hospital.
Kier employs around 11,000 people and is a trusted delivery partner for both public and private clients, maintaining a strong presence across essential UK infrastructure.
Kier’s recent wins include a £700 million highways contract with Norfolk County Council (2026–2039) and multiple water, health, and education projects. The company targets net-zero carbon by 2045 (Scope 3) and aims for a 100% electric vehicle fleet by 2030. Its 2024 results showed an £11 billion order book and improved profitability.
With a diversified base and long-term government frameworks, Kier remains a cornerstone of UK construction, combining operational breadth with a clear sustainability roadmap.
Multiplex Construction Europe, part of the Brookfield Multiplex group, specialises in complex, large-scale projects across the UK and Europe. Known for iconic London developments such as The Shard, 22 Bishopsgate, and 250 City Road, the company focuses on technically challenging commercial and residential builds.
In FY24, Multiplex booked about £780 million in revenue and ended with a £3.4 billion order book. Its use of advanced construction methods, including off-site consolidation centres and community engagement programs, reflects a balance between precision engineering and social responsibility.
The company has set science-based net-zero targets (scope 1 & 2 by 2030; full value chain by 2050) and integrates BIM, digital twins, and low-carbon materials into its operations. Ranked among the top UK contractors by project value in 2024, Multiplex continues to secure landmark office, education, and residential projects exceeding £1.5 billion.
Its blend of high-rise expertise, ESG focus, and technical excellence keeps it at the forefront of sustainable, design-driven construction.
Morgan Sindall Group is a diversified UK construction and regeneration business operating through six divisions: Partnership Housing, Mixed Use Partnerships, Fit Out, Construction, Infrastructure, and Property Services. This structure gives it a broad presence across housing, education, healthcare, and regeneration projects, with FY24 revenues around £3.6 billion across approximately 130 active sites.
The group’s regional delivery model prioritises local partnerships and sustainable development, using off-site construction and modular design to accelerate delivery and reduce waste.
Sustainability is embedded through its in-house carbon tracking tool, CarboniCa, which measures and reduces whole-life emissions. Morgan Sindall aims to achieve net-zero across its operations and value chain by 2030. With its community-focused approach and proven record in public-sector delivery — from modular schools to regeneration schemes — the group combines stability with innovation.
Its Science-Based Targets approval further reinforces its position as one of the UK’s most responsible and forward-thinking contractors.
BAM Construction UK, part of the Royal BAM Group, is a leading UK construction and engineering company known for its sustainable, digital approach to building. In 2024, it completed roughly £1.7 billion of work, including the V&A Museum of Childhood renovation and several net-zero school projects.
BAM UK applies cutting-edge digital tools, from BIM and 3D printing to VR/AR, in order to plan, test, and refine designs before construction, increasing precision and efficiency through off-site modular production.
The company has one of the most ambitious decarbonisation targets in the industry: net-zero operations by 2026, excluding renewable tariffs to focus on genuine emission reductions. It also leads hydrogen-powered equipment trials through the “Element 1” consortium and pioneers low-carbon concrete solutions.
With a nearly 300-year heritage and a clear focus on innovation and sustainability, BAM Construct UK represents the modern evolution of British building, blending craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and environmental leadership.
Shell is a global integrated energy and petrochemicals company operating across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It explores and produces oil and gas, holding major fields in the North Sea, the US, and Nigeria, while refining fuels and manufacturing petrochemicals and lubricants.
Under CEO Wael Sawan, Shell’s 2024 Energy Transition Strategy targets a 50% cut in emissions by 2030 (from 2016 levels) and allocated $10–15 billion between 2023 and 2025 for low-carbon projects.
A global leader in LNG through projects like LNG Canada and Qatar’s North Field expansion, Shell continues to prioritise methane reduction with an industry-low intensity of roughly 0.05%. In 2025, the company sold 50% of its UK MarramWind offshore wind lease and exited CampionWind to concentrate on higher-return hydrocarbon assets.
Shell’s operations span several segments: upstream oil and gas, integrated gas and LNG, downstream fuels, chemicals, and renewables. Recent strategic actions include the creation of a 50/50 joint venture with Equinor in December 2024 to form the North Sea’s largest independent producer.
The company also sold stakes in 11 UK gas fields and the Bacton gas terminal in July 2024 to streamline its portfolio. While it continues investing in hydrogen, carbon capture, and charging networks, Shell’s refreshed approach balances stable oil production with expansion in profitable gas and power markets.
BP is a British integrated energy major with operations spanning oil and gas exploration, refining, petrochemicals, and low-carbon energy initiatives. The company aims to reach net-zero by 2050 but has shifted its near-term focus toward core hydrocarbons and cost discipline.
In 2025, BP announced plans to divest around $20 billion in assets by 2027, including the sale of 300 Dutch service stations, and scaled back select renewables projects. The company is now concentrating its capital on oil and gas production while streamlining its hydrogen, LNG, and mobility divisions. Its EV-charging business, BP Pulse, remains active across major markets such as the UK, Europe, the US, China, and India.
BP operates through four key segments: upstream, gas and low-carbon energy, downstream, and retail/EV. Recent portfolio updates include the divestment of European retail networks and a broader exit from non-core businesses to strengthen its balance sheet.
The February 2025 strategy refresh explicitly reaffirmed BP’s focus on oil and gas while retaining its 50 GW renewables target by 2030. As part of its renewed commitment to shareholders, BP has pledged to reduce debt and sustain dividend payments exceeding $500 million per year.
NAK Kazatomprom is Kazakhstan’s state-owned nuclear fuel enterprise and the world’s largest producer of uranium for civilian reactors. The company mines uranium ore from the country’s vast deposits and processes it into reactor-grade fuel for global customers.
Responsible for about 20% of global uranium supply, Kazatomprom continues to expand aggressively, with 2025 plans to triple domestic exploration drilling and pursue new international projects in Jordan and Mongolia. In addition to uranium, it produces materials such as tantalum and beryllium and operates small power-generation units supporting its core activities.
Kazatomprom’s focus remains squarely on mining and fuel-cycle production, including conversion and pellet manufacturing for nuclear utilities. With a dominant market share of roughly one-fifth of world output, the company has reinforced its 2025 production guidance and is scaling output to meet the forecasted doubling of global reactor demand by 2040.
Recent partnerships with Jordan’s atomic energy agency and Mongolia’s Mon-Atom highlight its continued expansion and diversification efforts.
Harbour Energy is the UK’s largest North Sea oil and gas producer, formed through the merger of Premier Oil and Chrysaor. It operates across the UK, Norway, Mexico, and Argentina, among other regions.
Following its $11.2 billion acquisition of Wintershall Dea’s non-Russian assets in 2023, Harbour more than doubled its production base, reaching about 470 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025. The company’s portfolio includes developments in Norway (Maria Phase 2), Mexico (Zama field), and a two-train LNG project in Argentina.
Geographically diversified, Harbour operates primarily offshore in the North Sea and Norway while maintaining stakes in Latin America and Asia. Production guidance for 2025 was raised to 465–475 kboepd following strong performance.
Under CEO Linda Cook, Harbour has emphasised cost control and free-cash-flow generation, targeting $1 billion in 2025. The firm is streamlining non-core holdings, such as divesting Vietnamese assets and several North Sea fields, to adapt to UK tax changes and is reportedly exploring a US listing to expand investor access.
Ithaca Energy is a UK-focused oil and gas producer, majority-owned by Israel’s Delek Group. It has rapidly expanded through acquisitions, including the £754 million purchase of Eni’s UK assets in 2024 and the $193 million acquisition of Japan Petroleum Exploration’s UK business in 2025. These deals, alongside its merger with Siccar, lifted output above 100 kboepd and positioned Ithaca among the largest independent operators in the North Sea.
The company plans annual dividends of $500 million (2024–25) supported by strong cash flow, and in mid-2025, it increased its production outlook to 109–119 kboepd after adding 46.25% of the Cygnus gas field.
Operating primarily on the UK Continental Shelf, Ithaca’s key fields include Rosebank (under development) and Cygnus. In H1 2025, the company averaged ~124 kboed (up from 53 kboed a year earlier) and reported $1.1 billion in EBITDA.
The business remains focused on shareholder returns, having declared $167 million in interim dividends toward its $500 million goal. Strategic priorities include completing Rosebank’s FPSO installation, advancing Cambo field development, and drilling new appraisal wells to sustain growth and portfolio value.
Prudential plc operates as a growth-focused life and health insurer, having divested its US and UK operations to concentrate on emerging markets in Asia and Africa. Headquartered in Hong Kong and listed in London, the company provides life and health insurance, savings, and investment solutions across 15 Asian and eight African markets.
Its asset management arm, Eastspring Investments, manages over US$258 billion in funds and serves both policyholders and external clients. Prudential’s growth strategy centres on markets such as Greater China, ASEAN countries, India, and Africa — regions benefiting from expanding middle-class populations and low insurance penetration.
The company’s latest strategy, introduced in August 2023, focuses on disciplined growth and digital transformation. It aims to increase high-quality new business in Health & Protection and long-term savings products while enhancing efficiency through data-driven digital tools, including its virtual financial adviser model in Taiwan.
Prudential expects to return over $5 billion to shareholders between 2024 and 2027 through buybacks and dividends, underpinned by strong new business profit growth. In Q3 2025, new business profit rose 13% to $705 million, with a 41% margin, reflecting strong pricing discipline and management’s commitment to double-digit free surplus growth through 2027.
Aviva has undergone a major strategic transformation, divesting non-core international operations to become a focused insurer serving the UK, Ireland, and Canada. It provides general insurance, wealth management, and retirement solutions across these core regions and operates through three main divisions: Insurance, Aviva Investors, and Wealth & Retirement. Its simplified structure allows Aviva to maintain strong market positions while improving operational efficiency and capital allocation.
The company’s strategy prioritises growth, digitalisation, efficiency, and sustainability. In 2025, Aviva completed its £3.7 billion acquisition of Direct Line, adding over four million customers and reinforcing its position as a UK market leader with more than 21 million customers.
The firm also acquired Probitas to expand into the Lloyd’s insurance market. Aviva aims to achieve £2 billion in operating profit by 2026, supported by cost synergies and the benefits of Solvency UK reforms, which have strengthened its capital position. In the first half of 2025, operating profit rose 22%, and the interim dividend increased by 10% to 13.1p, reflecting solid progress toward its medium-term goals.
Legal & General Group operates a vertically integrated model combining institutional retirement, asset management, and retail insurance. Its key focus areas include defined benefit pension management, global asset management through LGIM and LGC, and retirement and protection products for UK retail clients.
The company is a leading provider of Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) solutions, managing income security for over one million policyholders while maintaining a strong presence in both the UK and international markets.
LGEN’s strategy centres on unifying its asset management divisions to build scale in private market investments such as real estate, infrastructure debt, and venture capital. The approach aligns with Solvency UK reforms that allow greater flexibility for long-term, illiquid assets. Management remains cautious on acquisitions, preferring to leverage internal strengths to grow the Retail segment.
In the first half of 2025, core operating EPS rose 9% to 10.94p, supported by £729 million in Solvency II capital generation and a robust coverage ratio of 217%. The company also announced a £200 million share buyback and a 5% dividend increase for 2024, with plans for continued dividend growth into 2025.
Admiral Group is a leading financial services company headquartered in Cardiff, with a 14% share of the UK motor insurance market. It offers insurance and personal lending products across the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and the US, operating through its UK Insurance, International Insurance, and Admiral Money divisions.
The company’s strategy emphasises disciplined underwriting, cost efficiency, and measured diversification into personal lending to complement its insurance operations.
Operational performance remains strong, with a Group Combined Ratio of 77.7% in H1 2025, reflecting high underwriting profitability despite inflationary pressures. Admiral Money delivered significant growth, with profit rising to £16.3 million and loan balances up 25% year-on-year.
The group also agreed to sell its US motor insurance business and launched a three-year partnership with the National Trust to support flood prevention in the UK. Profit before tax from continuing operations rose 69% to £521 million in H1 2025, while customer numbers grew 10% to 11.42 million. Supported by free cash flow exceeding £635 million, Admiral continues to sustain a strong dividend yield of 5.51%.
Understanding a company’s performance is important as it could help you see what drives the value of the stocks you might be following. These key factors could influence how markets behave, and by understanding them, traders could respond more thoughtfully to changing conditions rather than reacting to short-term movements.
Having a general understanding of the UK’s financial landscape could help both local and international traders form a clearer view of the broader market. However, everything discussed here is intended only as general information and should not be taken as financial advice.
You can use a CFD account to trade on the biggest companies in the United Kingdom. You can also trade the FTSE 100 index itself, referred to as the ‘UK 100’ or the individual stocks themselves.
The United States is home to some of the world's biggest corporations, including tech behemoths Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, and Amazon. But there are other giant corporations around the world, including Saudi Arabia’s Aramco, Taiwan’s TSMC, and China’s Sinopec, Tencent, and Alibaba.
The majority of the largest UK businesses are classified as blue-chip. These are companies that were founded many years ago and had a large customer following as well as a recognised brand value.
The top FTSE 100 companies are AstraZeneca, Shell, Linde, HSBC Holdings, Unilever Group, BP, Diageo, Rio Tinto Group, Glencore, British American Tobacco, and GlaxoSmithKline.
Get started
Customer support
Sponsors of your favourite teams
The legal stuff
Contract for differences are complex financial instruments that requires knowledge and understating as it involves a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. This information is general advice only and does not take into consideration your objectives or financial means. Refer to our legal documents.
Trade Nation is a trading name of Trade Nation Financial UK Ltd, a financial services company registered in England & Wales under company number 07073413, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 525164. Our registered office is 14 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4BX, United Kingdom.
Trade Nation is a trading name of Trade Nation Australia Pty Ltd, a financial services company registered in Australia under number ACN 158 065 635, is authorised and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), with licence number AFSL 422661. Our registered office is Level 17, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
Trade Nation is a trading name of Trade Nation Ltd, a financial services company registered in the Bahamas under number 203493 B, is authorised and regulated by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB), with licence number SIA-F216. Our registered office is No. 3 Bayside Executive Park, West Bay Street & Blake Road, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
Trade Nation is a trading name of Trade Nation Financial Markets Ltd, a financial services company registered in the Seychelles under number 810589-1, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority of Seychelles (FSA) with licence number SD150. Our registered office is CT House, Office 6B, Providence, Mahe, Seychelles.
Trade Nation is a trading name of Trade Nation Financial (Pty) Ltd, a financial services company registered in South Africa under number 2018 / 418755 / 07, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), with licence number 49846. Our registered office is 19 9th Street, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2198 South Africa.
The information on this site is not directed at residents of the United States or any particular country outside the UK, Australia, South Africa, The Bahamas or Seychelles and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.
