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RNS Number : 7220G  Prudential PLC  30 April 2025

 

NEWS RELEASE

30 April 2025

 

This announcement contains inside information.

 

PRUDENTIAL PLC Q1 BUSINESS PERFORMANCE UPDATE

 

Continued operational and financial progress - first quarter new business
profit up 12 per cent

 

Performance highlights on a constant exchange rate basis for the three months
ended 31 March 2025:

 

·      Q1 new business profit on a Traditional Embedded Value (TEV)
basis was up 12 per cent compared with the prior year to $608 million.

 

·      First quarter APE sales were up 4 per cent to $1,677 million.

 

·      New business margin increased 2 percentage points.

 

Commenting on the results CEO, Anil Wadhwani said:

 

"Our on-going focus on quality growth in new business profit continues to
produce attractive returns and capital generation. Our strong 2025 first
quarter new business performance reflects the benefits of our on-going efforts
to build and modernise our capabilities to better serve our customers.

 

"New business profit grew by 12 per cent in the first quarter of 2025,
consistent with our guidance that we expect FY25 new business profit to grow
by more than 10 per cent. New business profit growth in the first quarter was
broad-based across our markets, driven by higher volumes and a 2 percentage
point margin improvement.

 

"Across the business we continue to advance our operational efficiency by
investing in technology and refining our operating model. We have welcomed
strong new talent to the business with the appointment of John Cai to lead
Agency across our markets and serve as Regional CEO for Malaysia, Indonesia
and Vietnam. We continued to deliver shareholder value in 2025 having
completed an additional $442 million (49 million shares) of repurchases under
our $2 billion share buyback programme between 1 January and 23 April 2025. We
continue to evaluate a potential listing of our India asset management
business, as discussed in our 2024 Annual Report, with the intention that net
proceeds would be returned to shareholders.

 

"The current tariff uncertainty does not directly impact our business but has
resulted in global economic and market volatility, with the impacts of the
latter illustrated by our published sensitivities. We remain confident that,
despite the wider macroeconomic uncertainty, our robust solvency position and
multi-channel, multi-market franchise situates us well for long-term success
in this highly profitable and attractive growth business."

 

APE new business sales (APE sales) and TEV new business profit (NBP)

                                                                  Constant exchange rate                               Actual exchange rate
                                3 months ended 31.03.2025         3 months ended 31.03.2024     Change                 3 months ended 31.03.2024     Change
                                APE sales      NBP                APE sales      NBP            APE sales  NBP         APE sales      NBP            APE sales  NBP
                                $m             $m                 $m             $m                                    $m             $m
 Total                          1,677          608                1,609          543            4%         12%         1,625          545            3%         12%
 Total new business margin (%)                 36%                               34%                                                  34%

 

Market highlights for the three months ended 31 March 2025

(New business profit, which has been prepared solely on a Traditional Embedded
Value basis, and APE sales are both on a constant currency basis. See
"Definitions of Performance Metrics" below for more details.)

 

In Hong Kong we delivered double-digit growth in new business profit for the
first three months of 2025. Growth in both the domestic and our Mainland
Chinese Visitor markets was driven by higher volumes and margin expansion as
we continued to benefit from 2024 repricing actions. We continue to innovate
for our customers, with growth supported by the launch in the first quarter of
a new multi-currency savings product, with trust-like features, which provides
families with financial flexibility to support their children's future.

 

In Mainland China, our joint venture CITIC Prudential Life delivered double
digit new business profit growth compared with the same period in the prior
year, in the seasonally strong first quarter. This performance was supported
by our actions to rebalance the product portfolio to drive profitability,
sustainability and manage risk. We expect the recently announced regulator-led
agency reform will support high-quality agency development across the industry
and have a positive impact on market dynamics. They are aligned with our focus
on driving quality agency growth and, similar to the changes in the
bancassurance channel, we believe the business will successfully adapt to
them.

 

In Indonesia we maintained our momentum following our on-going operational
transformation, delivering strong double-digit new business profit growth in
the first quarter of 2025. This was supported by the launch of new medical
products through the agency channel beginning in the second quarter of 2024,
leading to an increase in the proportion of APE sales being health and
protection.

 

Our business in Malaysia saw new business profit decline on the back of a
strong prior period comparator. New business profit levels continued to
reflect the ongoing changes made in our health pricing and also that the
bancassurance channel continues to be a significant contributor to new
business.

 

Our Singapore business delivered double-digit growth in new business profit in
the first three months of 2025, with growth in both agency and bancassurance
channels.

 

Our "Growth markets and other" segment saw double digit new business profit
growth in the first quarter driven by sustained strong double digit growth in
Taiwan and double-digit growth in the Philippines. This growth was partially
offset by a decline in Vietnam following our focus on quality and where
challenging consumer confidence continues to hold back recovery in that market
in the near term. India remains a key strategic market, especially for
insurance and health business, and we are going through the regulatory
approval process for our proposed Indian standalone health insurance joint
venture.

 

Eastspring funds under management or advice (FUM) at the end of the first
quarter were $256.2 billion (31 December 2024: $258.0 billion). FUM
development was supported by net inflows from the Group's insurance business
of $2.1 billion and third-party inflows (excluding money market funds and
funds managed on behalf of M&G) of $0.5 billion, with strong inflows into
retail funds partially offset by institutional outflows. Overall, after
allowing for other movements, FUM development was broadly neutral for the
quarter.

 

Update on Litigation in Malaysia

 

Prudential continues its ongoing dispute with Detik Ria, the 49 per cent
shareholder in SHS, the holding company of PAMB, including a new claim
notified to Prudential by Detik Ria regarding dividends for the equivalent of
approximately US$ 813 million* plus interest at a rate of 5 per cent from the
date of payment of each dividend or other payment to which it claims to be
entitled.  The claim is yet to be served on all of the defendants. Prudential
does not admit liability for any of the claims made by Detik Ria and will
vigorously pursue its defence including any available claims and counterclaims
and manage the dispute in the best interests of Prudential and its
shareholders.

 

*based on the exchange rate per Bloomberg on 29 April midday (Hong Kong time).

 

Notes

Comparisons are to the first three months of the prior year unless otherwise
stated and year-on-year percentage changes are provided on a constant exchange
rate basis unless otherwise stated. All results are presented in US dollars.

See "Definitions of Performance Metrics" below for explanation of performance
measures used in this announcement.

 

Person responsible

 

The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on
behalf of Prudential plc is Tom Clarkson, Company Secretary.

 

Contact:

 

 Media                             Investors/Analysts
 Simon Kutner  +44 (0)7581 023260  Patrick Bowes       +852 2918 5468
 Sonia Tsang   +852 5580 7525      William Elderkin    +44 (0)20 3977 9215
                                   Darwin Lam          +852 2918 6348

 

About Prudential plc

 

Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24
markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential's mission is to be the most trusted
partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by
providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business
has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the
London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore
Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the
form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng
Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong
Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

 

Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a
company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America,
nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G
plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.

 

https://www.prudentialplc.com/

 

Metrics presented

 

This business performance update provides information on the trading and sales
development of the Group in the first three months of 2025. This update
focusses on annual premium equivalent (APE) and new business profit (NBP),
which are key metrics used by the Group's management to assess and manage the
development and growth of the business. APE sales are provided as an
indicative volume measure of transactions undertaken in the reporting period
that have the potential to generate profits for shareholders. NBP is measured
in accordance with our Traditional Embedded Value (TEV) methodology and
reflects the value of future profit streams which are not fully captured in
shareholders' equity in the year of sale under IFRS. Under this methodology,
new business profit is determined using long-term economic assumptions at the
start of the year and on operating assumptions at the start of the quarter
being reported on. More details on the Group's TEV methodology is contained in
the Additional unaudited information section of the Group's 2024 Annual
Report.

 

The presentation of these key metrics is not intended to be considered as a
substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented
in accordance with IFRS. Further information about these metrics including a
reconciliation of TEV shareholders' equity at 31 December 2024 to the most
directly comparable IFRS measure can be found in the Group's 2024 Annual
Report.

 

Definitions of Performance Metrics

 

Annual premium equivalent (APE) sales

A measure of new business activity that comprises the aggregate of annualised
regular premiums and one-tenth of single premiums on new business written
during the period for all insurance products.

 

Eastspring total funds under management or advice

Total funds under management or advice including external funds under
management, money market funds, funds managed on behalf of M&G plc and
internal funds under management or advice.

 

 

New business profit

Presented on a post-tax basis, on business sold in the period calculated in
accordance with our TEV methodology.

 

Traditional Embedded Value (TEV)

Financial results that are prepared on a supplementary basis to the Group's
consolidated IFRS results and is a way of measuring the current value to
shareholders of the future profits from life business written based on a set
of assumptions. Our TEV methodology is set out in the Prudential plc 2024
Annual Report (see the Additional unaudited information section).

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This announcement contains 'forward-looking statements' with respect to
certain of Prudential's (and its wholly and jointly owned businesses') plans
and its goals and expectations relating to future financial condition,
performance, results, strategy and objectives. Statements that are not
historical facts, including statements about Prudential's (and its wholly and
jointly owned businesses') beliefs and expectations and including, without
limitation, commitments, ambitions and targets, including those related to
sustainability matters, and statements containing the words 'may', 'will',
'should', 'could', 'continue', 'aims', 'estimates', 'projects', 'believes',
'intends', 'expects', 'plans', 'seeks' and 'anticipates', and words of similar
meaning and the negatives of such words, are forward-looking statements. These
statements are based on plans, estimates and projections as at the time they
are made, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. By their
nature, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty.

 

A number of important factors could cause actual future financial condition or
performance or other indicated results to differ materially from those
indicated in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not
limited to:

·    current and future market conditions, including fluctuations in
interest rates and exchange rates, inflation (including resulting interest
rate rises), sustained high or low interest rate environments, the escalation
of protectionist policies, the performance of financial and credit markets
generally and the impact of economic uncertainty, slowdown or contraction
(including as a result of the emergence, continuation and consequences of
adverse geopolitical conditions, such as political instability, unrest, war,
the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, and
increasing global or diplomatic tensions related to China and/or the US, as
well as resulting economic sanctions and export controls), which may also
impact policyholder behaviour and reduce product affordability;

·      asset valuation impacts from sustainability related
considerations;

·      derivative instruments not effectively mitigating any exposures;

·      global political uncertainties, including the potential for
increased friction in cross-border trade and the exercise of laws, regulations
and executive powers to restrict trade, financial transactions, capital
movements and/or investment;

·      the policies and actions of regulatory authorities, including, in
particular, the policies and actions of the Hong Kong Insurance Authority, as
Prudential's Group-wide supervisor, as well as the degree and pace of
regulatory changes and new government initiatives generally;

·      the impact on Prudential of systemic risk and other group
supervision policy standards adopted by the International Association of
Insurance Supervisors, given Prudential's designation as an Internationally
Active Insurance Group;

·      the physical, social, morbidity/health and financial impacts of
climate change and global health crises (including pandemics), which may
impact Prudential's business, investments, operations and its duties owed to
customers;

·      legal, policy and regulatory developments in response to climate
change and broader sustainability-related issues, including the development of
regulations and standards and interpretations such as those relating to
sustainability reporting, disclosures and product labelling and their
interpretations (which may conflict and create misrepresentation risks);

·      the collective ability of governments, policymakers, the Group,
industry and other stakeholders to implement and adhere to commitments on
mitigation of climate change and broader sustainability-related issues
effectively (including not appropriately considering the interests of all
Prudential's stakeholders or failing to maintain high standards of corporate
governance and responsible business practices), and the challenges presented
by conflicting national approaches in this regard;

·      the impact of competition and fast-paced technological change;

·      the effect on Prudential's business and results from mortality
and morbidity trends, lapse rates and policy renewal rates;

·      the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions
or combinations within relevant industries;

·      the impact of internal transformation projects and other
strategic actions failing to meet their objectives or adversely impacting the
Group's operations or employees;

·      the availability and effectiveness of reinsurance for
Prudential's businesses;

·      the risk that Prudential's operational resilience (or that of its
suppliers and partners) may prove to be inadequate, including in relation to
operational disruption due to external events;

·      disruption to the availability, confidentiality or integrity of
Prudential's information technology, digital systems and data (or those of its
suppliers and partners), including the risk of cyber-attacks and challenges in
integrating AI tools, which may result in financial loss, business disruption
and/or loss of customer services and data and harm to Prudential's reputation;

·      the increased non-financial and financial risks and uncertainties
associated with operating joint ventures with independent partners;

·      the impact of changes in capital, solvency standards, accounting
standards or relevant regulatory frameworks, and tax and other legislation and
regulations in the jurisdictions in which Prudential and its affiliates
operate; and

·      the impact of legal and regulatory actions, investigations and
disputes.

 

These factors are not exhaustive. Prudential operates in a continually
changing business environment with new risks emerging from time to time that
it may be unable to predict or that it currently does not expect to have a
material adverse effect on its business. In addition, these and other
important factors may, for example, result in changes to assumptions used for
determining results of operations or re-estimations of reserves for future
policy benefits. Further discussion of these and other important factors that
could cause actual future financial condition or performance to differ,
possibly materially, from those anticipated in Prudential's forward-looking
statements can be found under the 'Risk Factors' heading of Prudential's 2024
Annual Report, available on Prudential's website at www.prudentialplc.com
(https://www.prudentialplc.com) .

 

Any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement speak only as of
the date on which they are made. Prudential expressly disclaims any obligation
to revise or update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this
announcement or any other forward-looking statements it may make, whether as a
result of future events, new information or otherwise except as required
pursuant to the UK Prospectus Rules, the UK Listing Rules, the UK Disclosure
Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the SGX-ST
Listing Rules or other applicable laws and regulations.

 

Prudential may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking
statements in reports filed with or furnished to the US Securities and
Exchange Commission, the UK Financial Conduct Authority, the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange and other regulatory authorities, as well as in its annual report and
accounts to shareholders, periodic financial reports to shareholders, proxy
statements, offering circulars, registration statements, prospectuses,
prospectus supplements, press releases and other written materials and in oral
statements made by directors, officers or employees of Prudential to third
parties, including financial analysts. All such forward-looking statements are
qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under the
'Risk Factors' heading of Prudential's 2024 Annual Report.

 

Cautionary statements

 

This announcement does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation
to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell, dispose of or issue, or any
solicitation of any offer to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell or dispose
of, any securities in any jurisdiction nor shall it (or any part of it) or the
fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection
with, any contract therefor

 

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA

 

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