Standard Life Operating Profit Rises in Retirement Solutions Segment

The Tip Desk · March 20, 2026 · 2 min read

The company reported IFRS adjusted operating profit of £563 million for its Retirement Solutions business.

Standard Life Plc, a UK FTSE-listed insurance and asset management business, reported an IFRS adjusted operating profit of £563 million for its Retirement Solutions segment, up from £474 million in 2024. The company also reported IFRS adjusted operating profit of £389 million for its Pensions and Savings segment, compared with £316 million in the previous year.

Growth in the Retirement Solutions segment was supported by a CSM release of £189 million, an increase of £39 million over the 2024 figure of £150 million. The company said this increase was primarily driven by new business and management actions to improve profitability. Trading profit for the segment also rose to £233 million from £154 million.

However, the expected investment return for Retirement Solutions decreased to £148 million from £212 million in 2024. The company attributed this decline to a lower level of surplus assets, which fell to £2.0 billion from £3.0 billion, though this was partly offset by higher yields.

Total capital for the company stood at £6,921 million at 31 December 2025, compared with £6,687 million at 31 December 2024. Distributable reserves were £5,800 million at the end of 2025, up from £5,571 million in 2024. Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to owners was £780 million, compared with £249 million in 2024.

Cash flows from operating activities showed a utilization of £212 million, an improvement from the £312 million utilized in 2024. The company paid £548 million in ordinary share dividends during the year, compared with £533 million in 2024.

Standard Life said it is over two-thirds of the way through a three-year strategic cycle and reports that total shareholder returns of 67% since the 2024 strategy launch have exceeded the FTSE 100 returns of 38%. The company stated that its current operating momentum provides the financial flexibility to reduce leverage while sustaining its progressive dividend policy.