Disposal of business units could result in Aviva share re-rate

clock •

Aviva's decision to cut its losses and leave 16 underperforming business segments could result in a share re-rate, analysts have predicted.

According to sister title Post, analysts also warned that leaving the underperforming segments could prove "challenging" amid the current market climate.

Yesterday, new chairman John McFarlane confirmed the decision to exit the non-core segments which are set to produce returns below the group's required capital.

These include South Korea, UK large-scale bulk purchase annuities and small Italian partnerships.

And speaking to Post, Investec analyst Kevin Ryan said the decision is likely be a good move for the insurer.

He said: "We suspect that as disposals occur, the group will begin to look less complex and this is likely to benefit the stock.

"Aviva is likely to remain European focussed and concentrated on mature markets.

"While this may look unexciting, Europe continues to harbour a large part of the world's wealth and Aviva's products are designed to look after this; consequently we do not see this as bad market positioning."

In a bid to improve efficiency and create a leaner operating model Aviva aims to cut costs by £400m per annum over the next two years.

And Panmure Gordon & Co analyst Barrie Cornes said Aviva's disposal strategy has already been met with high levels of demand for its shares in Delta Lloyd and described the move as a boost to economic capital.

For all the latest industry news direct to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

More on Insurer

Just Group returns to Just Retirement brand

Just Group returns to Just Retirement brand

Emphasises focus on core UK retirement businesses

Jen Frost
clock 03 November 2026 • 2 min read
Royal London makes beneficiary nomination default for protection policies

Royal London makes beneficiary nomination default for protection policies

Adviser guidance released

Jaskeet Briah
clock 02 November 2026 • 3 min read
Insurance United Against Dementia adds James Boyce to board

Insurance United Against Dementia adds James Boyce to board

Campaign group aims to raise £20m by 2030

Jaskeet Briah
clock 02 November 2026 • 2 min read

Highlights

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

"It takes longer than ever to get underwriting terms"

John Brazier
clock 12 October 2023 • 5 min read
Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

According to latest ReMark report

John Brazier
clock 11 October 2023 • 2 min read
ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

Women within executive teams have grown to 32%

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 October 2023 • 3 min read