OSB Group PLC, a specialist mortgage and savings bank, has reported a mixed set of results for its first half, announcing an increase in its dividend and backing its full-year guidance, but also reporting a 20% drop in pre-tax profit.
The decline in profit was attributed to a number of factors, including lower net interest income, rising costs, and losses on unmatched assets.
The results highlight the challenges facing the UK's financial services sector, which is navigating a complex environment of changing interest rates and economic uncertainty.
The company's decision to increase its dividend is a sign of management's confidence in the long-term health of the business and its ability to weather the current headwinds.
However, the drop in profit is a cautionary signal for investors.
The news underscores the importance of a balanced view of a company's financial health, where positive signals like a dividend increase must be weighed against a decline in profitability.
The results from OSB Group are a key indicator of the health of the UK's mortgage and savings markets.
Timber and materials distributor James Latham has reported a rise in revenue, citing strong demand for timber products.
Fishing tackle and equipment retailer Angling Direct has reported a stronger-than-expected first-half trading performance, boosted by a solid UK performance.
Beacon Rise Holdings has named Mark Tavener, the former finance lead at Manolete, as its new chief financial officer.
Nanoco Group has stated that it expects to exceed market forecasts for revenue, a positive signal for the London-listed technology company.
Construction giant Balfour Beatty has reported a lift in profits and is optimistic about a boost from its UK construction projects.
Construction and infrastructure giant Balfour Beatty has reported a lift in its profits, citing a strong performance from its UK-based construction and infrastructure projects.
Travel giant Tui has reported a jump in profits, defying the challenges of extreme heatwaves and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Homebuilder Persimmon has sold more homes but has warned that high mortgage costs are still a 'barrier' to buyers.
Dr Martens has reported a slide in profits but has stated that it remains on track for a return to growth in the coming year.
London-listed pawnbroker H&T has been acquired by a US firm, marking another loss for the London Stock Exchange.
The London Stock Exchange has welcomed Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, a major Nigerian financial services firm, to the market.
The insurer posted better-than-expected half-year results, boosting cash generation and shareholder payouts.
Online sports betting operator Flutter has raised its full-year profit guidance after a record quarter, driven by strong growth in the US market.
Insurance company Royal London has reported a 15% increase in pre-tax profit for the first half of 2025, buoyed by higher business sales and a successful entry into the bulk purchase annuity (BPA) market.
The former CEO of Metro Bank has stepped down from his role, marking the end of his tenure at the challenger bank.
Former star fund manager Neil Woodford faces a ban from the financial services industry and a substantial fine over the collapse of his flagship investment fund.
Figures reveal that traditional UK high street banks have lost an estimated £100 billion in savings as customers move their money to challenger banks and building societies.
The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark judgment on undisclosed commissions in motor finance, which could have significant implications for a potential consumer redress scheme.
London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) announced robust H1 2025 performance, with significant income growth and plans for further share buybacks.
Sainsbury's, Visa, and Barclays are collaborating to resolve an online payment issue affecting customers.
Sainsbury's Bank has divested its travel money business to the Fexco Group as part of its strategic review.
The Bank of England has launched a consultation on extending the operating hours for its Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) service and CHAPS.
AstraZeneca raised its dividend after strong drug sales drove higher earnings in the first half of 2025.
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has updated its guidance on waivers and modifications of rules for financial firms.
The FTSE 100 reached a record high, driven by optimism over a US-EU trade deal and strong corporate earnings.
UK’s IG Group exceeded annual profit forecasts and announced a $170 million share buyback program.
UK dividend income drops for shareholders amid weak earnings.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy at the Mansion House speech.
Londoners are purchasing the lowest proportion of houses outside the capital in over a decade due to stalling local prices and the shift back to office working.
FTSE 100 property developer Berkeley Group has warned of a housing slowdown in London, forecasting further decline unless the government addresses regulatory and tax hurdles.
