Just Group shares gained 1.6% to 76.2p in early afternoon trading on Tuesday, following a 15% rise in underlying operating profits to £74 million in HY1 2022 compared to £64 million year-on-year.
However, the financial services group reported a widened IFRS post-tax loss of £226 million against £70 million the last year, as a result of economic variances driven by rising interest rates and the loss on the sale of its third LTM portfolio, which led to investment and economic losses of £353 million.
Just Group noted a 3% dip in retirement income sales to £879 million from £909 million, with an underlying organic capital generation of £31 million against £25 million.
The firm highlighted a return on equity of 6.2% from 5% the last year, driven by higher operating profits.
Its solvency II capital coverage ration increased 20% to 184% compared to 164%, and its IFRS net assets dropped 10% to £2.1 billion against £2.4 billion.
Just Group said it currently had a record pipeline of over £5 billion, providing confidence in meeting or exceeding its FY 2022 growth ambitions.
“This is a strong set of results which continues to demonstrate our ability to generate profitable growth within a sustainable capital model,” said Just Group CEO David Richardson.
“Following our strong H1 22 we have increased confidence of delivering 15% growth in underlying operating profit per annum, on average over the medium term.”
“We have a unique opportunity to build substantial value to shareholders and deliver our purpose to help more people achieve a better later life.”
The firm recommended a reinstated HY1 2022 dividend of 0.5p per share.
