Aviva has reported a 25 per cent rise in annual operating profit to £2.2 billion, achieving its 2026 financial targets a year ahead of schedule. The results, for the year ending 31 December 2025, were bolstered by the integration of Direct Line, which the group acquired in mid-2025.

The London-listed insurer, which employs thousands of staff across significant operational hubs in York and Sheffield, saw its UK and Ireland general insurance profits climb 52 per cent to £1.08 billion. This performance was driven by a 27 per cent increase in premiums, supported by the addition of Direct Line’s customer base.

The group announced a final dividend of 26.2p per share, a 10 per cent increase, and confirmed a new £350 million share buyback programme. Amanda Blanc, Group Chief Executive Officer, described the performance as "outstanding," noting it marked a fifth consecutive year of growth.

Ms Blanc said: “We have achieved our 2026 financial targets one year early, highlighting the rapid and sustained progress we are making. We have transformed Aviva over the last five years and whilst we have made significant progress, there is so much more to come.”

The company is increasingly focusing on "capital-light" business areas, such as wealth management and workplace pensions, which now account for 68 per cent of operating profit. Its workplace pension arm won more than 500 new corporate schemes during the year, managing £153 billion in assets.

Looking forward, Aviva has set new medium-term targets, including an 11 per cent compound annual growth rate in operating earnings per share through to 2028. The group also highlighted its investment in artificial intelligence, which it claims has already halved the time some customers spend on hold during claims processing.

The results also noted a steady performance in Canada, where general insurance premiums rose 2 per cent to £4.4 billion.