Aviva dividend up 6% on profits jump

Aviva recorded a 21% jump in operating profit in the first half of the year, with the insurer declaring 6% dividend increase.

In the six-month period to 30 June, Aviva's IFRS operating profit rose 21% to £1.27bn, up from £1.04bn for the same time last year. UK life and pensions new business rose to £5.19bn, up 10% from £4.73bn in H1 09. Aviva says its strong performance and capital generation, which is on track to deliver £1.5bn net capital in 2010, allowed it to increase its interim dividend up 6% to 9.5p. The company say overall positive performance was lifted by its bancassurance business. This morning RBS announced it has entered into a new distribution agreement with Aviva, replacing their current...