Proactive Investors - Barclays (LON:BARC) Capital has reduced its price target for Aviva PLC (LON:AV) by 14% to 470 pence per share while maintaining an 'equal weight' stance on the insurer.
This comes ahead of Aviva's first-half 2023 (1H23) results, set to be announced on 16 August.
The focus of Aviva's upcoming results is anticipated to be on growth and sustainable earnings, especially under the new International Financial Reporting Standard 17 (IFRS17) for life insurance operations.
This standard aims to bring more consistency to life insurance profits by spreading earnings over the contract period. In 2022, Aviva's pro forma metrics, adjusted for IFRS17, indicated that life operations contributed 63% of the group's earnings.
However, the adoption of IFRS17 has not been without challenges. Aviva's preliminary figures showed a 13% decline in shareholder equity and a 39% drop in operating profits before adjustments.
After restatements, earnings were down by 15%. Despite these changes, Aviva's management has assured that there will be no impact on the company's strategy, capital generation, dividends or capital returns.
An operating profit of £700 million for 1H23 is expected, marking a 6% increase from the restated £661 million in the first half of 2022.
From a broader perspective, UK life insurers are experiencing a modestly improving yet slow macroeconomic environment.
Barclays expects these insurers to maintain strong Solvency II ratios, which measure their financial stability.
Elevated interest rates are predicted to boost bulk annuity volumes, a type of pension product.
In afternoon trade, Aviva stock was trading sideways at 383.9p.