António Simões, CEO:
“We are making good progress in becoming a simpler, more focused L&G. Core operating profit grew 7%, core operating EPS increased 11%, and we have completed c.£450m of our £1.2bn buyback programme. We have improved dividend cover by earnings and capital generation. We are pleased to confirm a 2% interim dividend increase as we continue to deliver strong and sustainable shareholder returns.
“The highlight of the first half was the performance in Asset Management, with fee-related earnings increasing 37%, supported by record Annualised Net New Revenue and a reduced cost-income ratio of 71%. In Institutional Retirement, we maintained our strict pricing discipline while writing or exclusive on £5.7bn of global PRT year to date. We continue to cement our leading positions in Retail. Workplace Pensions administered assets increased 27% year on year to £128bn and total UK DC assets under management reached £236bn.
“Our scale and the connections between our businesses remain a clear competitive advantage, which we are building further through improvements in operating efficiency. We are on track to meet or exceed our strategic targets.”
