Prudential PLC (LSE:PRU) reported stronger first-half operating profit and new business growth, while increasing its dividend and expanding its 2026 share buyback programme.
Adjusted operating profit before tax rose 9% on a constant exchange rate basis to $1.81 billion in the six months to 30 June, while adjusted operating profit after tax increased 10% to US$1.52 billion. Adjusted earnings per share climbed 17% to 58.4 cents.
New business profit increased 8% to $1.38 billion, with the new business margin improving by 2 percentage points to 40%, while operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management operations rose 15% to $1.79 billion.
The Asia and Africa-focused insurer increased its first interim dividend by 15% to 8.88 cents per share and announced a further roughly $300 million share buyback, adding to the US$1.2 billion programme already announced for 2026. Total capital returned to shareholders during the first half reached $1 billion.
Prudential maintained a strong capital position, with a free surplus ratio of 209% and shareholder Group-wide Supervision coverage ratio of 268%.
Chief executive Anil Wadhwani said the group was benefiting from profitable new business growth, margin expansion and strong capital generation, while continuing to invest in technology, operations and artificial intelligence.
Prudential reiterated its guidance for double-digit growth in new business profit, operating free surplus generation and adjusted earnings per share in 2026, alongside double-digit dividend-per-share growth.
