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

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

A cheap dividend stock and an ETF I’d buy to target a £1,200 passive income

Royston Wild believes this FTSE 100 dividend hero and high-yield exchange-traded fund (ETF) could provide a strong passive income for…

Read more »

photo of Union Jack flags bunting in local street party
Investing Articles

Why I prefer FTSE 100 dividends over the S&P 500 right now

As the S&P 500 soars to a new record, our writer highlights a high-yield dividend stock from the FTSE 100…

Read more »

Two multiracial girls making heart sign against red background
Investing Articles

2 UK dividend shares I’d love to buy for passive income!

This Fool has burned through his investment budget this month but if he had the cash, he'd grab these two…

Read more »

Night Takeoff Of The American Space Shuttle
Dividend Shares

2 dividend shares that are smashing the rest of the FTSE 100

Jon Smith flags up two dividend shares that are well ahead of the FTSE 100 average for both the dividend…

Read more »

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

Looking for shares to buy with dividend yields over 7%? I’d consider these 3!

Christopher Ruane likes to buy shares that offer him quality businesses at an attractive price, as well as having a…

Read more »

UK money in a Jar on a background
Investing Articles

Here’s the second income strategy I wish I’d followed when I started investing

I've made many mistakes while working towards a second income from dividends. If I'd used this strategy, I'd have avoided…

Read more »

Young mixed-race couple sat on the beach looking out over the sea
Dividend Shares

Here’s how (and why) I’d invest £200 a month in UK shares to target a second income of £19,251!

Using practical examples, this writer explains how he believes investing £200 a month could help him generate over £19,000 in…

Read more »

Young woman holding up three fingers
Investing Articles

3 top FTSE 100 shares! Which one is my favourite

The FTSE 100 has had a decent 2024 so far. Muhammad Cheema takes a look at some of its top…

Read more »

One English pound placed on a graph to represent an economic down turn
Investing Articles

High FTSE 100 yields, low prices!

Christopher Ruane explains the approach he takes when trying to find high-yield bargains in the blue-chip FTSE 100 index of…

Read more »

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

They’re down 7% but with a 7.1% dividend that’s forecast to rise — is it time for me to buy more Aviva shares?

Aviva shares look very undervalued to me given the firm’s strong growth prospects, and pay a high yield that can…

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

If I were retiring tomorrow, I’d consider buying these two dividend shares

For a more comfortable retirement, our writer's strategy is focused on a portfolio of dividend shares. Here are two he’d…

Read more »

Shot of a senior man drinking coffee and looking thoughtfully out of a window
Investing Articles

These are the dividend shares I’d buy now to aim for £100 weekly in passive income

Earning passive income from dividend stocks can be life-changing and I'd target making £100 a week with these few stocks.

Read more »