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

A person holding onto a fan of twenty pound notes
Investing Articles

I like these FTSE 100 shares with 5%+ yields for passive income

These big companies could offer sustainable passive income to UK investors because of their strong business models, says Andy Ross.

Read more »

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

The Aviva or Prudential share price: which is more attractive right now?

The Prudential share price has grown faster than Aviva's, but Aviva has been paying better dividends. Which would I buy?…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Best UK stocks to buy in an ISA

The year 2021 has been a good year for UK stocks. Royston Roche picks three stocks that he would like…

Read more »

Investing Articles

The best shares to buy now: 3 FTSE 100 bargains

Rupert Hargreaves highlights three undervalued FTSE 100 financial stocks that he believes are some of the best shares to buy…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As the FTSE 100 stays above 7,000, Aviva and Pearson shares rise

The FTSE 100 is rising and stocks Pearson (LSE:PSON) and Aviva (LSE:AV) are enjoying share price rises too. Are these…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 bargain FTSE 100 shares I’d buy now with £5k

Bargain FTSE 100 shares don't come around every day. But using these simple metrics I can buy like Warren Buffett!…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 FTSE 100 stocks I’d buy in May

Jonathan Smith runs through Aviva and Rio Tinto. They're two FTSE 100 stocks that he thinks are well positioned for…

Read more »

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

The Aviva share price is up 20% in 2021. Should I buy some more?

After a painful crash in 2020, the Aviva share price has come storming back. Is it a good buy for…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Should I invest in Direct Line Insurance or Aviva shares right now?

Following a bad year for insurance shares, I’m investigating which stock is better for my portfolio right now, Direct Line…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 UK penny stocks and 2 FTSE 100 shares to buy today!

I'm on the hunt for UK shares to add to my Stocks and Shares ISA. Here are some FTSE 100…

Read more »

A graph made of neon tubes in a room
Investing Articles

As the Aviva share price continues to rise, here’s why I’d invest £5k in the insurer

The Aviva share price looks cheap compared to the company's peers, and management's efforts to streamline the business seem to…

Read more »

Investing Articles

The Aviva share price: I’m not tempted to buy now after the recent rise

Andy Ross outlines the reasons why the rising Aviva share price isn't tempting him to dive in and buy as…

Read more »