Aviva stock rises after a 24% profit jump and a target hike
Published on 08/17/2026 at 13:32 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Aviva plc (GB0002162385) is drawing attention after first-half operating profit rose 24% to £1.33 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2026, while the shares last traded at GBX 726.60 and the market value stood at £19.52 billion. A fresh call lifted the price target to GBp820 from GBp800, keeping the stock close to a consensus target of GBp731.
Profit and payout
The half-year update added another concrete metric: insurance revenue climbed to £13.48 billion from £10.99 billion a year earlier, and operating earnings per share increased to 31.8p. The interim dividend was 14.0p, while cash remittances to the group rose 47% to £1.5 billion.
That mix matters because it pairs a higher profit base with a payout that still looks funded by operating momentum. The company also said UK and Ireland general insurance premiums advanced 42% to £5.9 billion, with operating profit in that division up 50% to £643 million.
What the target says
The new GBp820 target sits 12.9% above the GBX 726.60 share price and leaves only limited room above the broader GBp731 consensus shown on market data pages. In other words, the rerating case now depends more on execution than on a big new valuation gap.
One more figure stands out: return on equity climbed to 20.3% from 18.2% a year earlier, already above the group's longer-term target profile. That is a sharper signal than headline revenue alone because it ties growth to capital efficiency.
Products and scope
Aviva's business still centers on life insurance, long-term health and accident cover, pensions, annuities, savings, and investment products sold in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and other markets. The wider platform also includes the MyAviva channel and a mix of broker-led distribution and institutional services.
Price level to watch
As of August 14, 2026, the stock was at GBX 726.60, with a 52-week range of GBX 390.70 to GBX 510.20 and a market capitalization of £19.52 billion. The 50-day average on the same market page was GBX 664.13, which places the shares above a key short-term trend line.
Fact box
Company: Aviva plc
ISIN: GB0002162385
Ticker: AV
Exchange: LON
Price (as of August 14, 2026, 3:58 p.m. ET): GBX 726.60
Market cap: £19.52 billion
Sector / Industry: Finance / Insurance
Index membership: FTSE 100
