AXA Investment Managers SA Discloses 2.14% Stake in Just Group plc

AXA Investment Managers has disclosed a 2.14% stake in Just Group plc, totaling 22,183,923 10p ordinary shares. The disclosure was made under Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code, which requires parties with a 1% or more interest in relevant securities to disclose their holdings.

AXA Investment Managers has disclosed a 2.14% stake in Just Group plc, totaling 22,183,923 10p ordinary shares. The disclosure was made under Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code, which requires parties with a 1% or more interest in relevant securities to disclose their holdings. The disclosure, made on August 7, 2025, indicates AXA's significant interest in the UK retirement market leader [1].

Just Group plc recently reported record Q2 2025 earnings, with sales reaching £5.3 billion and a 34% profit growth to £504 million. The company's operational excellence is evident in its 36% year-over-year increase in EPS to GBX 13.80, driven by a £1.8 billion Defined Benefit (DB) transaction and strong new business sales [1].

The strategic acquisition by Brookfield Wealth Solutions for £2.4 billion in H1 2026 enhances Just Group's capital efficiency and de-risking solutions for mid-sized UK pension schemes. This acquisition positions the company to capitalize on the UK retirement market's growth, projected at a 4.22% CAGR through 2033 [1].

Just Group's ESG leadership, with £825 million in green/social investments since 2020, aligns with global sustainability goals. The company's net-zero targets and 20 consecutive 5-star service awards reinforce its competitive differentiation [1].

AXA's stake in Just Group plc highlights the company's potential for long-term value creation. The investment thesis for Just Group is supported by its financial discipline, strategic agility, and strong ESG credentials. With a 34% profit surge and a 204% solvency ratio, the company is well-positioned to outperform in the UK retirement sector, expected to grow to £1 trillion in assets by 2030 [1].

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/group-plc-record-q2-earnings-strategic-positioning-uk-retirement-market-deep-dive-sustainable-growth-attractive-valuation-2508/