Aviva lifts first-half profit 22% and raises dividend as Direct Line integration gets under way
Aviva PLC (LSE:AV.) reported a strong first half and confirmed the integration of Direct Line, a deal completed last month, is “moving at pace.
Aviva Sticks With Outlook After Profit Jump
The insurer and asset manager reported a better-than-expected rise in first-half profit on growth in premiums and higher net flows in its wealth division.
Aviva and M&G tipped to beat expectations, Diageo and JD Sports to miss
Morgan Stanley flagged a selection of European stocks expected to outperform or underperform as earnings season continues, including Aviva PLC (LSE:AV.) and Diageo PLC (LSE:DGE).
M&G set to outperform, Aviva investors will have to wait a little longer, says investment bank
UBS has thrown its weight behind M&G PLC (LSE:MNG) ahead of the half-year results after recently upgrading the stock to 'buy' The Swiss bank's optimism centres on M&G's asset management arm, where UBS expects net inflows to hit £1.7 billion. That is nearly triple the consensus estimate, and it suggests the M&G is quietly winning new business while the sector wrestles with uncertainty.
Best Income Stocks to Buy for July 8th
BWMX, AVVIY and NWBI made it to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) income stocks list on July 8, 2025.
All You Need to Know About Aviva (AVVIY) Rating Upgrade to Buy
Aviva (AVVIY) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Aviva to complete Direct Line takeover today after CMA green light
Aviva PLC's (LSE:AV.) £3.7 billion takeover of Direct Line Insurance Group PLC (LSE:DLG) has been waved through by the UK competition watchdog, meaning the deal has been given full regulatory clearance.
Aviva expects to complete Direct Line takeover on 1 July
Aviva PLC (LSE:AV.) is confident that its acquisition of Direct Line Insurance Group PLC (LSE:DLG) will be completed by the start of next month after the the UK competition watchdog indicated the deal will be approved.
Aviva: Upside To Consensus As We Wait Direct Line Acquisition
Aviva's acquisition of Direct Line is expected to boost EPS by 15% within two years, supporting a compelling total return of over 10%. Q1 2025 results exceeded expectations in life, retirement, and protection, with strong cash generation and a robust Solvency II ratio. We have raised our EPS projections for 2025–2028, reflecting upgraded outlooks. Given the improved business mix and conservative consensus, we reiterate our overweight rating.
Aviva: Upside Potential Seems Limited Following Strong Share Price Rally
Aviva continues to deliver strong operating momentum, with robust premium growth, higher profits, and a solid capital position supporting its investment case. The Direct Line acquisition is set to enhance Aviva's market position and accelerate its shift toward capital-light operations, boosting long-term growth potential. Despite a healthy 5.8% dividend yield and ongoing capital returns, Aviva's yield premium over peers has narrowed, slightly reducing its income appeal.
Aviva downgraded as returns 'among lowest in Europe's big insurers'
Aviva PLC (LSE:AV.) has been downgraded by investment bank Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, citing limited upside relative to peers and doubts over capital deployment potential, especially following the FTSE 100 group's acquisition of Direct Line's brokered commercial business.
New Strong Buy Stocks for May 21st
GDS, MNDY, KGC, HCSG and AVVIY have been added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List on May 21, 2025.
