Prudential (PUK) rallies as FY2025 results, dividend hike and buyback momentum drive bid
Prudential plc’s ADR (PUK) is jumping after its March 18, 2026 full-year 2025 results highlighted double-digit growth and a 15% dividend increase to 26.60 cents per share. Shares are also being supported by ongoing repurchases under a new $1.2 billion 2026 buyback program that has continued into early April.
1. What’s moving the stock
Prudential plc’s ADR (NYSE: PUK) is trading sharply higher as investors digest the company’s full-year 2025 update released on March 18, 2026, which showed broad-based momentum across its Asia and Africa insurance footprint and an uplift to shareholder returns. The company reported 12% growth in earnings per share based on adjusted operating profit to 101.4 cents and lifted the 2025 total dividend 15% to 26.60 cents per share, with the second interim dividend set at 18.89 cents.
2. Buyback catalyst adds support
Investor focus is also on capital returns: Prudential has begun an additional $1.2 billion share buyback program in 2026, intended to be completed by no later than December 18, 2026. The company’s ongoing repurchase disclosures in early April indicate continued share retirements and pending cancellations, which can be incrementally supportive for earnings-per-share math and near-term supply/demand for the stock.
3. Other tailwinds investors are keying on
Beyond earnings and capital returns, the March 18 results packet also flagged an S&P Global Ratings upgrade of the financial strength rating of Prudential’s core entities to AA from AA-, highlighting balance-sheet resilience. Management also emphasized confidence in carrying 2025 momentum into 2026 and reiterated its double-digit growth trajectory across key metrics, keeping the market’s attention on execution against its 2027 financial objectives.