Release Date: August 07, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
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Just Group PLC (LSE:JUST) reported a 34% increase in profits to 504 million, with operating earnings per share up 36%.
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The company achieved record sales of 5.3 billion, driven by a 36% increase in new business sales.
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The DB business completed its largest transaction to date, a 1.8 billion scheme, showcasing its strong market position.
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The solvency ratio stands at a robust 204%, providing significant headroom for future growth.
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The dividend was increased by 20%, reflecting confidence in the business’s future prospects.
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The share price reaction was not as positive as expected despite strong financial results.
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There is uncertainty regarding the impact of regulatory changes, such as the 42 million hit from Solvency UK reforms.
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The company faces potential challenges in maintaining margins if credit spreads tighten further.
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The market for DB transactions is expected to be more weighted towards the second half of the year, which may affect short-term growth visibility.
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There are concerns about the sustainability of low new business strain, which has been consistently below target.
Q: Can you provide an update on the DB pipeline and the impact of recent transactions on your growth plans? A: (David Richardson, CEO) Our Beacon platform continues to grow, with over 300 schemes now loaded. We’ve opened up the market for larger transactions, such as our first over 1 billion deal in 2024. Our pipeline remains strong, and we expect growth to be more weighted towards the second half of the year.
Q: What factors influenced the decision to increase the dividend by 20%? A: (Mark Godson, CFO) We consider cash, earnings, and capital over the medium term. Dividends are a small part of our surplus generation, with most surplus reinvested in new business. The increase reflects confidence in the business’s long-term value.
Q: Why haven’t you set new targets after achieving your previous profit doubling goal ahead of schedule? A: (David Richardson, CEO) We’ve exceeded our target by increasing profits by 2.4 times in three years. We are confident in our ability to grow earnings at an attractive rate from this higher level, supported by our strong business franchise and market opportunities.
Q: How do you view the use of funded reinsurance given regulatory scrutiny? A: (David Richardson, CEO) We are comfortable with our risk management practices and have always engaged openly with regulators. Funded reinsurance is an option to enhance margins but not a dependency for our profitability or future expectations.