London, January 22, 2026, 14:10 GMT
- Aviva shares slipped roughly 0.6%, hovering near 660 pence in London trading.
- Commentary flagged forecast dividend yields approaching 6% for 2025-26.
- Investors have their sights set on the upcoming earnings report scheduled for early March.
Aviva’s shares dipped roughly 0.6% to 659.8 pence by mid-afternoon Thursday, pushing the yield to about 5.6% on trailing dividends. The stock fluctuated between 652.0 and 673.8 pence, still shy of its 52-week peak at 700.6 pence. Investors are eyeing the insurer’s next earnings release, scheduled for March 5. (Investing)
The dividend theme is resurfacing as income-focused investors eye UK blue chips for yields that rival cash and bonds, but without the volatility often seen in smaller stocks.
It’s significant now since insurers occupy a tricky niche: headline-grabbing they’re not, but they do generate steady cash. When markets turn uneasy, “dull with a yield” often turns into a sought-after trade.
A Motley Fool UK column on Thursday highlighted Aviva’s forward yield — the expected dividend over the next year as a percentage of its share price. “No dividend is ever guaranteed,” the piece noted, citing forecast yields of 5.8% for 2025 and 6.2% for 2026. (Fool)
On Thursday, Kalkine Media published an index-focused analysis of Aviva, highlighting the company’s role in the UK insurance market by tracking daily benchmark shifts. (Kalkine Media)
Aviva’s most recent dividend was an interim payout of 13.1 pence per share for the 2025 financial year, disbursed in October 2025. The company anticipates growing the cash cost of the dividend by “mid-single digits,” though it cautioned that this guidance could shift and “the Board has not approved” any dividends beyond this period. (Aviva)
Aviva posted an operating profit of £1.068 billion in its 2025 interim results, revealing a Solvency II shareholder cover ratio of 206%, a key regulatory capital buffer. CEO Amanda Blanc called the first half “outstanding,” while the firm increased its interim dividend to 13.1 pence. The company also highlighted progress following the completion of its Direct Line acquisition in early July 2025. (Aviva)
Aviva faces competition from firms like Legal & General and Phoenix Group in the UK retirement and savings space, while also operating in general insurance—a sector known for rapid shifts in pricing.
But the risks are clear-cut. A higher yield might signal hopes that ultimately disappoint. Dividends could face cuts if claims climb, investment income falters, or regulators push for greater capital reserves.
Aviva’s blend of a strong yield and a share price hovering near recent peaks keeps it on investors’ radar, despite a dip in today’s trading.
