Prudential PLC’s resilient operational performance enables the insurer to maintain APE sales growth over the first quarter, despite considerable Covid-19-related disruption in many markets. Prudential achieved stronger APE sales growth in the second quarter as conditions started to normalise in most markets.
“New business profit was 5 per cent lower as the benefit of higher APE sales was offset by the impact of higher interest rates under our EEV methodology, lower sales in Hong Kong, where margins have traditionally been higher, and an increase in bancassurance sales. Excluding the effects of interest rates and other economic changes, new business profit was broadly flat when compared with the corresponding period in 2021,” Mark FitzPatrick, Group Chief Executive said.
“The Group’s adjusted operating profit was up 8 per cent, driven by a 6 per cent increase in life and asset management adjusted operating profit combined with a 32 per cent reduction in central costs, as interest costs fell following our $2.25 billion debt redemption programme that completed in January 2022,” he added.
“We are on track to deliver a $70 million reduction in head office costs by the start of 2023 in addition to the $180 million saving achieved following the demerger of the UK business. The first 2022 interim dividend is 5.74 cents per share, up 7 per cent, equating to one third of the prior year full-year dividend of 17.23 cents per share,” he concluded.
“We continue to invest in the business including extending Pulse beyond a consumer app so that it covers Prudential’s key business processes, from enabling agents by using tools designed to enhance productivity, to fulfilment of policy sales and servicing,” he stressed.
“Ultimately we believe this will help drive greater customer centricity and efficiency. In addition, via the Pulse platform, we are able to add additional distribution capability, allowing access to new channels and new customer segments which extend beyond our existing distribution footprint,” he explained
“Our Group-wide Supervision Framework (GWS) capital position is strong and resilient. The Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) approved our application to early adopt the RBC framework in Hong Kong, and this is incorporated within our GWS position at 30 June 2022. The Group’s shareholder surplus above the Group Minimum Capital Requirement (GMCR) was $19.4 billion, representing a cover ratio of 548 per cent. The Group aligns its established EEV and free surplus framework with the Group’s Prescribed Capital Requirement (GPCR). At 30 June 2022, our shareholder surplus above the GPCR was $16.2 billion and results in a coverage ratio of 317 per cent,”
“The first half of the year saw considerable macroeconomic volatility, characterised in many markets by lower equity index levels, material increases in government bond yields and widening corporate bond spreads. The combined impact of these factors on our balance sheet, with the fall in investments exceeding the reduction in liabilities, led to a significant fall in IFRS profit after tax for continuing operations from $1,070 million in the first half of 2021 to $106 million in the first half of 2022 and also led to a reduction in EEV under our active economic methodology.”
The insurer’s Moody’s total leverage ratio (which measures financial flexibility) at 30 June 2022 was estimated to be 22 per cent, well within its target range of 20-25 per cent.
“From a leadership perspective, as previously announced, we are delighted that Anil Wadhwani will join Prudential as Group CEO in February 2023. He will join a growth business, with a multi-channel distribution model and a distinctive geographic footprint, combined with the agility to grow and serve its customers even against the backdrop of the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We remain confident that Prudential has the financial resilience, capital strength and capability to meet the growing health and savings needs of our customers in Asia and Africa. By doing so, we believe we will deliver on our purpose to help people get the most out of life and also build value for our shareholders over the long-term.”
Summary of the financial performance of Prudential PLC
- *APE sales up 9 per cent (6 per cent) to $2,213 million reflecting diversified geographic footprint, product mix and distribution channels
- *New business profit fell by (5) per cent ((7) per cent) to $1,098 million following the impact of higher interest rates and differences in geographical and channel mix
- *Adjusted operating profit up 8 per cent (6 per cent) to $1,661 million
- *Shareholder GWS capital surplus over GMCR, following Hong Kong and China regulatory changes, remains strong and resilient with a coverage ratio of 548 per cent. Shareholder GWS capital surplus over GPCR was $16.2 billion, equivalent to a coverage ratio of 317 per cent
