Jefferies has reaffirmed its 'buy' rating on Prudential PLC, highlighting management's confidence in demand for its Hong Kong insurance products. Prudential reported a 9% rise in adjusted operating profit before tax to $1.81 billion and a 10% increase in adjusted profit after tax to $1.52 billion for the first half of 2026. The insurer also expanded its share buyback program by $300 million, funded by reducing its Indian shareholding, adding to the $1.2 billion planned for 2026 and $1.3 billion for 2027. Growth accelerated to 5% at constant exchange rates, supported by a 13% rise in bancassurance sales, excluding China, and ongoing efficiency improvements.
