**Summary of Just Group PLCs Interim Results for the 6 Months Ended 30 June 2025**
Just Group PLC, a UK-based retirement income specialist, reported its interim results for the first half of 2025, highlighting strong performance despite a quieter start in the defined benefit (DB) market. Key highlights include
**Financial Performance**Underlying operating profit was £192 million, down 23% from £249 million in H1 2024, primarily due to lower new business margins and sales volumes. Retirement income sales were £2.2 billion, a 13% decrease from £2.5 billion in H1 2024, with DB sales at £1.6 billion (down 13%) and retail sales at £0.5 billion (down 13%). New business margins remained attractive at 7.5%, slightly lower than 9.0% in H1 2024.
**Market Position**Just Group maintained its leadership in the small scheme DB segment, completing 61 transactions (up from 55 in H1 2024). The company expects a strong rebound in the DB market in the second half of 2025, with a robust pipeline of transactions.
**Solvency and Capital**The Solvency II capital coverage ratio remained robust at 198%, down slightly from 204% at the end of 2024. New business strain was 1.1%, well within the target of <mark style="background-color:yellow">below</mark> 2.5%. Cash generation before new business capital strain increased to £63 million from £58 million in H1 2024.
**Shareholder Value**Tangible net assets per share grew to 267p from 254p at the end of 2024. The company declared an interim dividend of 0.84p per share, a 20% increase, reflecting confidence in its future prospects.
**Strategic Initiatives**Just Group continues to invest in technology and product development to support future growth. The companys Beacon platform, a bulk quotation and price monitoring service, has onboarded over 350 schemes, enhancing its market position.
**Outlook**The company anticipates a much busier second half of the year, with a strong pipeline of DB business and continued growth in the retail segment. Management remains confident in the companys ability to compound value in its attractive markets.
**Brookfield Wealth Solutions Offer**Just Group announced a recommended cash offer from Brookfield Wealth Solutions, providing shareholders with the opportunity to realize a certain and fair value for their shares. The acquisition is expected to complete in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Overall, Just Group demonstrated resilience in a challenging market environment, with a focus on long-term value creation and strategic growth initiatives. The companys strong capital position and market leadership position it well for future opportunities.
| Metric | H1 2025 | H1 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retirement Income Sales (shareholder funded) | £2,156m | £2,474m | (13%) |
| New Business Profit | £162m | £222m | (27%) |
| Underlying Operating Profit | £192m | £249m | (23%) |
| IFRS Profit Before Tax | £65m | £74m | (12%) |
| Return on Equity | 10.7% | 15.6% | (4.9pp) |
| Tangible Net Asset Value per Share | 267p | 240p | +13p |
| New Business Strain (as % of premium) | 1.1% | 1.5% | (0.4pp) |
| Cash Generation | £63m | £58m | 9% |
| Solvency II Capital Coverage Ratio | 198% | 196% | +2pp |
| Debt (Loans and Borrowings) | £681m | £687m | (1%) |