LSE:AV. (Aviva plc)

About AV.

Aviva is the largest multi-line insurance company in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1990 following the merger of Commercial General Union and Norwich Union.

The business provides a suite of financial services covering savings, retirement, and, of course, insurance. There are four divisions within the company targeted toward both businesses and consumers.

  1. UK & Ireland Life – provides life, long-term health, and accident insurance as well as savings, pensions, and annuity services.
  2. UK & Ireland General Insurance – provides various forms of insurance to individuals as well as businesses.
  3. Canada General Insurance – provides a portfolio of personal and commercial insurance products.
  4. Aviva Investors – provides investment management services to financial institutions such as pension funds.

Overall, only half the revenue stream originates from the UK, with the rest stemming from international markets like Canada and Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Investing in large insurance businesses is often regarded as safe. The steady stream of capital from policyholders provides ample cash flow to cover liabilities while also fuelling an investment portfolio to deliver growth.

That’s arguably why the Aviva share price has a history of relative stability, making it ideal for income investors. However, the inability to correctly judge the quality of policyholders before issuing insurance can quickly start building up bad clients, potentially compromising the precious cash flow.

Investors need to consider these risks before making an investment decision.

Yes. Aviva shares pay a cash dividend at an average 52% payout ratio. Dividends were temporarily postponed in early 2020 but were resumed before the end of the year. The stock has two years of consecutive dividend growth.

Aviva shares pay out a dividend twice a year, in April and August.

Aviva shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange. They can be bought from any investment account that provides access to this exchange platform.

Aviva plc (LSE: AV.) Latest News

Finger pressing a car ignition button with the text 2025 start.
Investing Articles

Are Aviva shares the biggest no-brainer ISA buy for 2025?

Harvey Jones spent the last 18 months wishing he'd bought Aviva shares, which have performed splendidly. Is the December dip…

Read more »

Happy woman commuting on a train and checking her mobile phone while using headphones
Investing For Beginners

Never fear! Getting started with passive income is easier than many people think

It’s often best to follow the path of least resistance. Our writer explains why getting a start with passive income…

Read more »

Finger pressing a car ignition button with the text 2025 start.
Investing Articles

3 reasons to start a Stocks and Shares ISA in 2025, and they’re not all good ones!

Starting a Stocks and Shares ISA might be one of the best New Year's resolutions an investor can make. But…

Read more »

Businessman hand flipping wooden block cube from 2024 to 2025 on coins
Investing Articles

Best British value stocks to consider buying in 2025

We asked three of our contract writers to reveal their top value shares listed on UK markets for the long…

Read more »

Aviva logo on glass meeting room door
Investing Articles

Does acquiring Direct Line make Aviva shares a buy?

A big acquisition should give Aviva greater scale and profitability, increasing the value of its shares. But is it an…

Read more »

Close-up of a woman holding modern polymer ten, twenty and fifty pound notes.
Investing Articles

Is passive income possible from just £5 a day? Here’s one way to try

We don't need to be rich to invest for passive income. Using the miracle of compounding, we can aim to…

Read more »

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard
Investing Articles

Can this takeover news give Aviva shares the boost we’ve been waiting for?

Aviva shares barely move as news of the agreed takeover of Direct Line emerges. Shareholders might not see it as…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Investing Articles

What might 2025 have in store for the Aviva share price? Let’s ask the experts

After a rocky five years, the Aviva share price has inched up in 2024. And City forecasters reckon we could…

Read more »

Mature black woman at home texting on her cell phone while sitting on the couch
Investing Articles

Investors could get an 8% average dividend yield from these FTSE 100 shares!

Passive income isn't guaranteed. But our writer thinks these FTSE 100 shares should generate a chunky dividend stream to make…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

A 7% yield and down 6.5%! Ahead of the Direct Line takeover, is now the time for me to buy more Aviva shares?

Aviva shares have struggled to stay above £5, even after news of the intended takeover of a key rival insurer.…

Read more »

Close-up of a woman holding modern polymer ten, twenty and fifty pound notes.
Investing Articles

7%+ yields! 3 choices to consider for a Stocks and Shares ISA

Christopher Ruane highlights a trio of FTSE companies each yielding over 7% he thinks investors should consider for a Stocks…

Read more »

Friends at the bay near the village of Diabaig on the side of Loch Torridon in Wester Ross, Scotland. They are taking a break from their bike ride to relax and chat. They are laughing together.
Investing Articles

£9k in an ISA? Here are 2 FTSE 100 stocks to consider for a juicy second income

There are plenty of quality UK shares to consider when attempting to build a second income. Here are two high-yielders…

Read more »