Aviva reported a 24% rise in first-half operating profit to £1.33 billion, or $1.79 billion, for the six months to June 30, up from £1.07 billion a year earlier and above the £1.26 billion average forecast in a company-compiled consensus. Stronger earnings were driven by solid general insurance performance and progress integrating Direct Line Insurance Group Limited, while the British insurer and asset manager said it had lowered full-year expectations for its health business. Aviva also raised its interim dividend by 7%, underscoring confidence in cash generation from its diversified operations in Britain, Ireland and Canada even as it navigates market volatility linked to the Middle East conflict and softer property and catastrophe insurance pricing.