UK insurer Aviva has announced record half-year results for its worldwide businesses with an operating profit rise of 27% to £1.7 billion ($4.19 billion) and sales growth of 25%.

The insurer met and surpassed its £1.65 billion ($4.07 billion) guidance issued early last month and also kept in line with analysts’ predictions.

CEO Richard Harvey says the insurer has again boosted the top and bottom line, putting it in a prime position to capture a substantial share of European growth.

“Looking to the future, Europe and the US will be the two biggest long-term savings markets over the next decade,” he said.

“Meanwhile, we continue to build scale in Asia, where the savings market will offer significant rewards over the longer term.”

Mr Harvey says the group’s general insurance business achieved its best combined operating ratio to date of 92%, demonstrating the sustainability of its general insurance results.

“These results highlight the fundamental competitive advantage that Aviva derives from its balanced international portfolio of life and general insurance businesses.”