Prudential PLC (LSE:PRU) delivered stronger first-half earnings and new business growth, supporting a higher dividend and an expansion of its 2026 share buyback programme.
Adjusted operating profit before tax increased 9% at constant exchange rates to $1.81 billion for the six months ended 30 June, while adjusted operating profit after tax advanced 10% to $1.52 billion. Adjusted earnings per share improved 17% to 58.4 cents.
The Asia and Africa-focused insurer also reported an 8% increase in new business profit to $1.38 billion. Its new business margin strengthened by 2 percentage points to 40%, while operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management activities climbed 15% to $1.79 billion.
Shareholders are set to benefit from a 15% increase in Prudential’s first interim dividend to 8.88 cents per share. The company also unveiled an additional share buyback of approximately $300 million, supplementing the $1.2 billion repurchase programme previously announced for 2026. Prudential returned a total of $1 billion in capital to shareholders during the first half.
The group continued to operate from a robust capital base, reporting a free surplus ratio of 209% and a shareholder Group-wide Supervision coverage ratio of 268%.
Chief executive Anil Wadhwani said Prudential was benefiting from profitable new business growth, improving margins and strong capital generation, while maintaining investment across technology, operations and artificial intelligence.
Looking ahead, Prudential reaffirmed its 2026 guidance for double-digit growth in new business profit, operating free surplus generation and adjusted earnings per share. The insurer also continues to expect double-digit growth in dividend per share.
About Prudential
Prudential plc is a UK-listed multinational financial services group focused on life and health insurance, retirement solutions and asset management across growth markets in Asia and Africa.
With operations centred on these regions, Prudential serves more than 17 million customers across markets including Greater China, ASEAN countries, India and selected African economies. Its strategy is focused on expanding access to healthcare protection and financial services while capturing long-term growth opportunities across its core markets.
The group also operates Eastspring Investments, its asset management business, which provides investment solutions and manages funds for retail and institutional clients across Asia.
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