SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the
month of April, 2025
PRUDENTIAL PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
(Translation
of registrant's name into English)
13/F, One International Finance Centre,
1 Harbour View Street, Central,
Hong Kong, China
(Address
of principal executive offices)
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports
under
cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form
20-F X
Form 40-F
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information
contained
in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to
the
Commission
pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
Yes
No X
If
"Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant
in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-
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 $2
billion share buyback programme between 1 January and 23 April
2025. We continue to evaluate a potential listing of our India
asset management business, as discussed in our 2024 Annual Report,
with the intention that net proceeds would be returned to
shareholders.
"The current tariff uncertainty does not directly impact our
business but has resulted in global economic and market volatility,
with the impacts of the latter illustrated by our published
sensitivities. We remain confident that, despite the wider
macroeconomic uncertainty, our robust solvency position and
multi-channel, multi-market franchise situates us well for
long-term success in this highly profitable and attractive growth
business."
APE new business sales (APE sales) and TEV new business profit
(NBP)
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Constant exchange rate
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Actual exchange rate
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3 months ended 31.03.2025
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3 months ended 31.03.2024
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Change
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3 months ended 31.03.2024
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Change
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APE sales
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NBP
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APE sales
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NBP
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APE sales
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NBP
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APE sales
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NBP
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APE sales
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NBP
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$m
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$m
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$m
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$m
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$m
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$m
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Total
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1,677
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608
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1,609
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543
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4%
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12%
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1,625
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545
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3%
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12%
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Total new business margin (%)
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36%
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34%
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34%
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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:
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Media
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Investors/Analysts
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Simon Kutner
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+44 (0)7581 023260
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Patrick Bowes
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+852 2918 5468
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Sonia Tsang
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+852 5580 7525
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William Elderkin
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+44 (0)20 3977 9215
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Darwin Lam
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+852 2918 6348
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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.
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
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: 30
April 2025
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PRUDENTIAL
PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
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By: /s/ Ben Bulmer
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Ben
Bulmer
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Chief
Financial Officer
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