Aviva Results: Profit Jumps 25% as FTSE Slips on Mining Weakness
Insurer Aviva delivered an “outstanding performance” in 2025, posting a 25% jump in operating profit to £2. 2 billion — aviva results were published on 05 March 2025 (ET) as London trading reacted. The FTSE 100 fell 0. 3% to 10, 542. 70 as the mining sector dragged the index lower and Aviva shares slipped 8p to 659. 4p. The company credited its combination with Direct Line and stronger general insurance and wealth inflows for the move.
Aviva Results: Numbers that moved the market
Aviva reported operating profit of £2. 2 billion for the full year, a roughly 25% increase from the prior year, and announced a resumed share buyback alongside a 26. 2p final dividend and a £350 million buyback programme. The insurer also flagged stronger core flows: general insurance premiums rose materially and net inflows into its wealth business expanded. Market reaction was mixed—while the company hailed a fifth consecutive year of profitable growth and noted it has reached its 2026 targets a year early, aviva results did not stop the broader index slide driven by miners.
Market moves and immediate reactions
The FTSE 100 decline was concentrated in natural resources: Rio Tinto eased about 4%, Antofagasta fell 59p to 3986p and Anglo American dropped 75p to 3443p. Low-cost carrier easyJet fell 10. 7p to 423p following confirmation of its relegation from the FTSE 100. Conversely, some companies reporting results fared better on the day: Rentokil Initial and Entain jumped 8% while car insurer Admiral gained 1. 5%.
Chief executive Jennie Daly of Taylor Wimpey said, “The Spring selling season is progressing well, with encouraging levels of customer interest reflecting the quality of our sites and locations. ” In regulatory news, Ofwat said it plans to fine South East Water £22 million over water supply failures that affected more than 286, 000 people, noting lapses in ownership of root causes and infrastructure upkeep.
What’s next for investors and the company
With the company declaring it has hit its 2026 targets a year early, attention now shifts to execution: investors will watch the rollout of the £350 million buyback, the payment of the 26. 2p final dividend and whether premium and wealth inflows sustain the momentum. Markets will also monitor how the broader FTSE 100 reacts to ongoing sector weakness and corporate updates in coming sessions. For now, aviva results set a clear baseline for performance but leave the next chapter hinging on delivery of buybacks and continued earnings growth on the back of the Direct Line combination (05 March 2025 (ET)).
