Prudential stock reports 17 percent EPS growth in H1 2026

Published on 09/28/2026 at 12:19 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Prudential stock delivered 17 percent adjusted EPS growth in the first half of 2026. JP Morgan set a GBp 1,480 target after the August results.

Hongkonger Skyline mit Berufstätigen, Sinnbild für Prudential plc GB0007099541 — Prudential plc mit ISIN GB0007099541 zeigt Hongkonger Finanzviertel, Symbol für Asien-Fokus des Versicherungskonzerns bei Sonnenuntergang, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

Prudential plc (ISIN GB0007099541) reported adjusted earnings per share growth of 17 percent in the six months ended June 30, 2026. The shares were trading at GBp 944.20 on the London Stock Exchange on September 28, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. BST, up 0.25 percent from the prior close.

First-half earnings gain momentum

According to MetaTrader, Prudential's adjusted earnings per share rose to 58.4 cents from 49.3 cents in the first half of 2026. New business profit increased 8 percent to USD 1,384 million from USD 1,260 million, while the new business margin expanded to 40 percent from 38 percent.

The operating figures were also higher. Adjusted operating profit after tax increased 10 percent to USD 1,523 million, and gross operating free surplus generation rose 15 percent to USD 1,791 million. IFRS profit after tax moved in the opposite direction, falling 27 percent to USD 995 million, making the distinction between adjusted and statutory performance important.

Analysts weigh Asia growth

As Proactive Investors reported, JP Morgan maintained an overweight rating and a GBp 1,480 price target after the August 27, 2026, half-year results. The bank said first-half new business profit growth of 8 percent was in line with consensus, while Prudential retained its full-year targets for double-digit growth in new business profit, operating free surplus, adjusted earnings per share and dividends.

Investing.com reported on September 3, 2026, that Berenberg began coverage with a Buy rating and a GBp 1,445 price target. The broker cited Prudential's exposure to life insurance demand in China, while also noting that Hong Kong new business volume fell 6 percent in the first half even as new business profit rose 8 percent.

Stock trades above yearly low

At GBp 944.20, Prudential stock stood above its 52-week low of GBp 910.20 and below its 52-week high of GBp 1,238.00. The session range was GBp 941.60 to GBp 950.80, with volume of 634,961 shares by 11:15 a.m. BST.

The combination of 17 percent adjusted EPS growth and a 40 percent new business margin gives the share a clear operating benchmark, while the 27 percent decline in IFRS profit after tax shows why investors must separate recurring performance from non-operating effects.