AIA delivers strong first half results in 2026; double-digit growth across key financial metrics

AIA Group Limited reported strong first-half results for 2026, showcasing double-digit growth across key financial metrics. The value of new business rose to US$3,212 million, an increase of 10% overall and 14% excluding Thailand. The annualized operating return exceeded expectations, reaching 18.0% in the half, up from 15.8% in 2025.

The equity value was US$83.4 billion, marking a 6% per-share increase. Operating profit after tax amounted to US$4,163 million, a 13% jump per share. The company anticipates surpassing its 9 to 11% OPAT per share compound annual growth rate target from 2023 to 2026. Operating return on equity hit a record high of 17.5%, up from 15.5% the previous year.

Cash generation and capital returns were impressive, with underlying free surplus generation increasing by 10% per share and net free surplus generation up by 12%. The company returned US$3.6 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, with the interim dividend raised by 10% to 53.90 Hong Kong cents per share. Group CEO Lee Yuan Siong highlighted the company's strong position, boasting a Premier Agency that has been globally ranked number one for 12 consecutive years.

The company's extensive distribution network, particularly in bancassurance and independent financial adviser and broker channels, contributed significantly to the growth. AIA remains optimistic about the promising growth opportunities in Asia, driven by structural tailwinds in the region.