0621 GMT - Prudential PLC's results will be received with relief from investors after the insurance and investment company backed its 2027 targets, J.P. Morgan analysts say. First-half new business profit was in line with consensus expectations, boosted by a higher-than-expected new business margin. This is consistent with Prudential's strategy of selling policies with higher margins, JPM says. The company raised its 2026 buyback program and JPM sees potential for further upside in buybacks as Prudential sells further tranches of its joint venture with Icici Bank. The analysts don't expect meaningful consensus underling earnings upgrades, though earnings per share forecasts are likely to benefit from the higher 2026 buyback. Shares in London closed at 10.39 pounds Wednesday and are down 9.2% over the year to date.