Aegon Achieves Strong Commercial Growth and Robust Financial Results in First Half 2026
Aegon, a leading global life insurance, pensions, and asset management company, has reported strong commercial growth and robust financial results for the first half of 2026. In a recent conference call, Aegon CEO Lard Friese highlighted the company's strategic developments and commercial performance, which delivered operating results of EUR 804 million.
The company's operating capital generation increased year-over-year to EUR 416 million from business growth and improved claims experience. Transamerica, a key subsidiary, achieved excellent growth in new life sales, while World Financial Group continued to grow and perform well. Written sales in the retirement plans remained strong, with asset management experiencing positive third-party flows.
"We delivered strong commercial growth and robust financial results in the first half of 2026," said Lars Friese during the conference call. "Our operating results increased to EUR 804 million, supported by strong commercial momentum and favorable financial markets." He also noted that operating capital generation increased year-over-year to EUR 416 million from business growth and improved claims experience.
Asset Management had third-party flows positive, with third-party net flows in international businesses contributing to growth led by Brazil. The company's capital position remains strong, with cash capital at holding reaching EUR 1.7 billion, supported by EUR 392 million of free cash flow in the period.
Aegon also announced an increase in the share buyback program for the second half year by EUR 150 million to EUR 350 million and an interim dividend of EUR 0.21 per share, up 11% year-over-year. The company continues to move at pace with its planned relocation to the U.S., with an extraordinary general meeting targeted to take place on October 8th.
In the Americas segment, Transamerica commercial momentum remains strong across all businesses. At World Financial Group, the number of licensed agents surpassed 100,000, and more agents are producing average premiums per policy have increased. The distribution business delivered 5% growth in life sales and 12% growth of annuity sales compared with the previous year period.
The company's savings and investments segment continued to perform well, with retirement plans remaining strong, especially in pooled plans. Net deposits were negative in the first half of 2026, largely due to a single contract termination following the client's merger with a peer. Within the individual life business, Aegon's entry into the instant decision market with final expense products has been a remarkable success, with new life sales increasing by 54% in the first half of 2026.
In its international segment, new life sales were broadly stable year-over-year, with growth in Brazil driven by strong demand for individual risk products offsetting lower sales in China from product repricing. Aegon Asset Management recorded third-party net inflows in both global platforms and strategic partnerships businesses.
