LONDON, March 24, 2026, 15:57 GMT
Shares of Prudential plc moved up 0.7% to 1,071 pence as of 1040 UTC, according to delayed LSEG figures. The insurer, which has dual primary listings, announced it scooped up another 377,608 shares on March 23, paying an average price of 1,055.79 pence as part of its ongoing $1.2 billion buyback.
Since Prudential posted its annual results last week, investors have been zeroing in on the insurer’s daily buyback figures—treating them as a live barometer for its capital-return pitch. Prudential has outlined a plan to return upwards of $7 billion to shareholders between 2024 and 2027, with $1.3 billion slated for 2027. That’s after new business profit for 2025 showed a 12% increase.
Prudential kicked off its 2026 buyback programme back in January, targeting completion by Dec. 18. According to the company, the move is designed to cut down its issued share capital while handing cash back to shareholders. Actual timing and pace, though, will hinge on market conditions and execution.
Trading beneath the surface looked steadier than the stock’s recent moves implied. Prudential’s 2025 new business profit came in at $2.78 billion—that’s their metric for future profit from policies sold. Adjusted operating profit before tax hit $3.31 billion. Hong Kong new business profit climbed 12%. As for the group’s mainland China joint venture, that posted a 27% jump.
Chief Executive Anil Wadhwani said momentum from 2025 rolled into 2026, adding he’s still confident the group can deliver double-digit growth on its main measures. Marc Jocum, senior product and investment strategist at Global X ETFs, flagged the increased emphasis on buybacks and shareholder returns in 2026 as a sign of sharper attention to earnings resilience and “capital discipline.” Reuters
Capital returns have taken center stage in the sector. Last week, AIA announced a $1.7 billion buyback, following record new business value for 2025. Aviva, after posting a 25% jump in annual profit, restarted its £350 million buyback program this month.
Investors aren’t quite finished yet. Prudential’s free surplus ratio, a key gauge of extra capital above what’s required, dropped to 221%—down from 234% last year, as buybacks rolled on. Morningstar’s Henry Heathfield described the stock as “fairly valued,” noting that doubts remain about Prudential’s ability to hit its 2027 targets. Prudential
Not much calm to be found. Brent crude climbed past $102 a barrel, while UK 10-year gilts hovered close to 4.9% on Tuesday, according to Reuters market data—a clear sign that oil prices, rates, and shifting risk appetite keep pressure on financial stocks, regardless of good news at the company level. Prudential shares are a case in point: the buyback appears to be lending some support, but gains remain slight.
