Citi has reiterated its 'buy' call on Phoenix Group Holdings PLC (LSE:PHNX), describing the insurer’s 18-month outlook as “a compelling delivery story” underpinned by strong cash generation and attractive income.
The bank highlighted Phoenix’s position in structurally growing markets, with a sharpened customer offering and significant cost savings expected to drive a 17% compound annual growth rate in operating earnings per share between 2025 and 2027.
Free cash flow is also set to rise strongly, supporting what Citi calls a “well-covered” dividend yield of 8.5%.
On top of this, Citi flagged the potential for a £500 million buyback with the 2026 full-year results, which could boost both earnings and cash flow per share by around 10%.
Reflecting incremental upgrades to operating profit estimates, Citi nudged its target price up 5% from £7.30 to £7.69, implying a total expected return of 26%.