Aviva plc reports 2006 “record half-year results”

Aviva plc is reporting “record half-year results” during the first six months of 2006, with “strong performance across all businesses and geographies.”

Worlwide, the company’s operating profit increased 27%, to 1.699 billion (CD$3.62 billion). Canadian operations accounted for 85 million (CD$181 million) out of the Aviva International Group’s total six-month, 2006 operating profit of 311 million (CD$663 million).

Overall, Aviva announced in a press release, the company posted its “best-ever combined operating ratio (COR) of 92%,” easily surpassing the company’s “meet-or-beat commitment of 98%.”

The company’s general insurance and health operating profit was up 23%, to 866 million (CD$1.84 billion), the company reported. The group’s ROE for the first six months of 2006 was 14%

“Aviva has once again delivered top and bottom line growth around the world,” Aviva plc chief executive Richard Harvey announced. “Looking to the future, Europe and the U.S. will be the two biggest long-term savings markets over the next decade.”