Prudential sees new business profit growth slow, announces US$300m share buy-back

British insurer Prudential has announced a US$300 million share buy-back to be completed by December, as it reported an 8% increase in new business profit for the first half of the year. The buy-back and slower profit growth come amid market concerns over a potential pullback in mainland Chinese visitors to Hong Kong, which could test the performance of insurers in one of their largest markets.

New business profit rose to US$1.38 billion in the six months ended June 30, matching analysts' estimates, but this growth rate was lower than the 12% surge in the first half of 2025. Prudential CEO Anil Wadhwani emphasized the company's focus on delivering long-term savings, health, and protection solutions while meeting customer needs and supporting societal aims of regulators and governments.

The company declared an interim dividend of 8.88 US cents per share, up from 7.71 US cents in the first half of 2025.

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