Prudential Posts 7% Rise In 2011 Operating Profit, Declares Dividend

Prudential PLC

posted a 7% surge in its 2011 operating profit. Prudential's operating profit climbed to GBP2.07 billion, versus GBP1.94 billion in 2010, beating analysts' estimates of GBP1.99 billion. Its insurance sales on an annualized premium equivalent basis gained 6% to GBP3.68 billion, from GBP3.48 billion. Prudential declared a full-year dividend of 25.19 pence per share, up from 23.85 pence per share and versus analysts' estimates of 25.16 pence per share. Prudential shares closed at $22.82 yesterday.