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 May, 2010
 
 

PRUDENTIAL PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
 

(Translation of registrant's name into English)
 
 

LAURENCE POUNTNEY HILL,
LONDON, EC4R 0HH, ENGLAND
(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-            
 
 


Enclosure: Prudential plc Q1 2010 IMS
 

Embargo
: 07:00 am 17 May 2010
 
PRUDENTIAL PLC FIRST QUARTER 2010 INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT
 
 
 
NEW RECORD FOR FIRST QUARTER NEW BUSINESS SALES AT £807 MILLION
 
·     
GROUP-WIDE SALES OF £807 MILLION UP 26 PER CENT. NEW BUSINESS PROFIT UP 27 PER CENT
 
·     
OUTSTANDING FIRST QUARTER IN ASIA. SALES UP 30 PER CENT, NEW BUSINESS PROFIT UP 35 PER CENT
 
·     
CONTINUED POWERFUL MOMENTUM IN US. SALES UP 39 PER CENT, NEW BUSINESS PROFIT UP 25 PER CENT
 
·     
UK FOCUS ON VALUE OVER VOLUME DELIVERS HIGH MARGINS
 
·     
ASSET MANAGEMENT NET INFLOWS OF £1.2 BILLION
 
 
·     
CAPITAL POSITION REMAINS STRONG - IGD SURPLUS ESTIMATED AT
£3.4
BILLION 1
 
 
 

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
 % change on
Q1 09
Group Insurance   
2, 3
 



Sales - APE
£807m
£640m
26%
New Business Profit  4
£427m
£336m
       27%
Margin - APE %
      53%
53%
       -




Investment Net Inflows
£1,203m 
£2,728m
(56%)
 
Tidjane Thiam, Group Chief Executive said:
 
"Our record performance in 2009 continued into the first quarter of 2010. We maintained our focus of allocating capital to the most profitable opportunities, and as a result have delivered strong growth in new business profit. This first quarter interim management statement represents a significant evolution in our financial communication as it includes for the first time new business profit, as well as new business sales. This change reflects our continued commitment to greater disclosure.
 
In the first quarter, APE new business across the Group was £807 million, up 26 per cent (first quarter 2009: £640 million), and new business profit was £427 million, up almost £100 million and 27 per cent (first quarter 2009: £336 million). 
 
In Asia we delivered strong growth in new business compared to the first quarter 2009.  APE sales in the first quarter 2010 were £359 million, an increase of 30 per cent on the first quarter last year of £276 million. New business profit for the first quarter was £183 million, an increase of 35 per cent. This performance demonstrates the strength of our businesses in Asia and emphasises the return to economic growth experienced across the region.
 
In the US, Jackson's focused approach and strict pricing discipline also delivered an improved first quarter  with new business profit of £175 million, up 25 per cent (first quarter 2009: £140 million) and APE new business sales of £255 million up 39 per cent (first quarter 2009: £184 million). We maintained our deliberate emphasis on variable annuities in which we ranked fourth in the US in 2009, with a market share of 8 per cent.  
 
Prudential UK continued to serve targeted segments of the retirement savings and income markets, emphasising value over volume. This strategy delivered attractive returns on the capital employed in the first quarter. New business profit was £69 million, up 15 per cent (first quarter 2009: £60 million) and APE new business sales were £193 million, up 7 per cent (first quarter 2009: £180 million).
 
M&G continued to outperform the market with net fund inflows in the first quarter of £1,889 million (first quarter 2009: £2,543 million). After making allowance for the exceptional nature of the inflows into corporate bond funds in the first quarter of 2009,
this is a very strong
performance in a reinvigorated and competitive environment.
 
Our performance has been delivered while taking a disciplined approach to risk management and targeted Group-wide actions to protect our strong capital position. Our estimated IGD surplus was £3.4 billion at 31 March 2010 (31 December 2009 £3.4 billion). This capital strength underpins our ability to exploit growth opportunities.
 
In 2010 we said that we would accelerate our proven strategy to capitalise on the most profitable growth opportunities in our chosen markets and these strong results demonstrate we are delivering on that objective. Going forward, we expect momentum in Asia to continue, whilst the economic conditions in the UK and the US stabilise."
 
Notes
1
Before allowing for the 2009 final dividend
2
Asia 2010 and 2009 comparative APE new business sales and new business profit exclude the Taiwan agency business disposed of during Q2 2009 and the Japanese insurance operations which we have closed to new business from 15 February 2010
3
Unless otherwise stated all growth rates are on a sterling basis. Growth rates on constant currency are presented on schedule 1B of the Interim Management Statement 
4
For Q1 2010 we have presented new business profit and margin for the 3 month period ended 31 March 2010 and the comparative period.  The assumptions underlying new business profit are presented in schedule 5 to the Interim Management Statement
 
 
1. Q1 2010 Business Unit financial highlights
 
Sales - APE
 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
Insurance



Asia
5
£359m
£276m
30%
US
£255m
£184m
39%
UK
£193m
£180m
7%
Total Group Insurance
£807m
£640m
26%




New Business Profit
6
 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
Asia
£183m
£136m
35%
US
£175m
£140m
 25%
UK
£69m
£60m
15%
Total Group Insurance
£427m
£336m
27%




 
Margin - APE %
 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
+/- %pts
Asia
51%
49%
+2pts
US
69%
76%
-7pts
UK
36%
33%
+3pts
Total Group Insurance
53%
53%
0pts




Investment Net Inflows
 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
M&G
£1,889m 
£2,543m
(26%)
Asia Asset Management
(£686m)
£185m
(471%)
Total
£1,203m 
£2,728m
(56%)
 
Notes
5
Asia 2010 and 2009 comparative APE new business sales and new business profit exclude the Taiwan agency business disposed of during Q2 2009 and the Japanese insurance operations which we have closed to new business from 15 February 2010
 
6
For Q1 2010 we have presented new business profit and margin for the 3 month period ended 31 March 2010 and the comparative period.  The assumptions underlying new business profit are presented in schedule 5 to the Interim Management Statement
 
 
 
1.1 Asia Insurance operations
 
Asia
 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
Sales - APE
 
£359m
£276m
30%
New Business Profit
 
£183m
£136m
35%
Margin - APE %
51%
49%
+2pts
 
During the first quarter 2010 the Asian economies have continued to perform well
and demand for life and savings business is rebounding strongly to pre-crisis levels
. Prudential has delivered a very strong quarter, with APE new business sales of £359 million up by 30 per cent over the same period last year.  Sales in the first quarter of 2010 at actual exchange rates were the second highest in our history and represent a record first quarter, ahead of the previous best first quarter in 2008. 
Our high margin South-East Asian operations (including Singapore and Hong Kong), grew APE sales by 53 per cent to £216 million, a clear indication of the potential of these markets. 
 
In line with the recovering economic outlook, single premiums are up 66 per cent over the first quarter last year meaning that their proportion of total APE has increased from 5 per cent to 6 per cent. The business mix is in line with the first quarter 2009, linked at 44 per cent, par at 29 per cent and protection at 24 per  cent.
 
We have continued to focus on the profitability of the business we write, allocating capital in priority to those markets and products which offer the highest returns. New business profits increased by 35 per cent to £183 million resulting in an improved margin of 51 per cent (first quarter 2009: 49 per cent).
 
Looking at developments of our sales in each major market:
 
China

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
  £14m
£11m
  27%  
 
In
China
, Prudential's share of new business sales for the first quarter 2010, is £14 million (reflecting our 50 per cent ownership) up 27 per cent on 2009 and represents our strongest quarter ever in both local currency  and at actual exchange rates. Recruiting and retaining agents in China remains challenging and CITIC-Prudential's average agent numbers have declined by 20 per cent compared to the first quarter last year.  However,  this has been more than offset by a significant increase in average APE per case of 31 per cent and an increase in agent activity. The bancassurance channel is also performing very well with sales up 47 per cent.  Our joint venture partner CITIC-Bank in particular is showing strong growth and generated 32 per cent of the total bank new business in the quarter. 
 
Hong Kong
 

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
£68m
£46m
  48%  
 
Hong Kong
delivered a very strong first quarter with March 2010 being the second highest production month ever in terms of APE for the agency channel after December 2009
.  A key driver of that performance is the 40 per cent increase we have achieved in the average case size as confidence returns to the market, coupled with the launch of a new linked product. Average agent numbers in the first quarter are up 14 per cent over the same period last year.  The bank channel also continues to perform well and is demonstrating strong momentum over the same period last year, with new business sales up 48 per cent.  
 
 
 
India

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
£73m
£56m
 30%
 
In
India
, ICICI-Prudential has seen a continuing resurgence in new business sales during the first quarter following on from the market related decline in 2009. This represents the second highest quarter of sales in both local currency and at actual exchange rates.  Prudential's share of first quarter new business sales of £73 million (reflecting our 26 per cent ownership) is up 30 per cent over last year.
The proportion of contribution of agency and other alternate channels (including bancassurance & broker channels) to the APE for the quarter were at 50 per cent each, remaining in line with the same period last year.
 
Indonesia

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
£ 61m
£38m
 61%
 
Strong growth in
Indonesia
continues with £61 million of new business sales up 61 per cent on the first quarter of 2009.  Agency continues to be the predominant distribution channel and our successful agency management system has driven a 28 per cent increase in average agency numbers (to 85,000), a 13 per cent increase in the number of cases per active agent and a 9 per cent increase in average case size. Takaful linked products remain a significant contributor at 24 per cent of the new business mix.
 
Korea

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
   £ 22m
£37m
 (41)%   
 
As seen during 2009, the market in
Korea
remains very challenging and a key contributor to the 41 per cent decline in new business sales over the first quarter 2009 to £22 million is our unwillingness to compete in the low margin, high capital guaranteed products sector. Our agency force has reduced by 38 per cent compared to last year.  Persistency experience in Korea continues to be on an improving trend.
 
Malaysia

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
£ 36m
£24m
 50%
 
Malaysia
delivered an excellent first quarter with new business sales up 50 per cent over the first quarter last year
.  This follows a 43% increase in new business sales in the previous financial year. The first quarter sales improvement was driven by promotional activity and the
launch of a very popular new par product.  Agent numbers for the first quarter 2010 are up 14 per cent over the same period last year and average case sizes are up 25 per cent reflecting renewed confidence in the market and the strong sales of the new par product that contributed 34 per cent of new business.
Correspondingly the proportion of protection business has declined relative to the first quarter last year, from 57 per cent to 43 per cent and the proportion of linked business declined from 35 per cent to 22 per cent.
 
Singapore

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
£ 33m
£22m
50%
 
Singapore
also had a very strong first quarter in 2010, with new business sales up 50 per cent to £33 million driven by promotional activity and increased agency productivity. Agency incentives drove the increased agency activity. Average agent numbers are up 7 per cent in the first quarter and average case sizes are up 21 per cent. The proportion of linked business increased to 26 per cent for the first quarter compared to 19 per cent for the same period last year. Sales of our highly profitable protection business also increased by 36 per cent. The bancassurance channel delivered 23 per cent of the quarter's new business and within this the new UOB relationship is performing very well which produced £1.4m of APE in March 2010.
 
Taiwan

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
£ 34m
£31m
10%
 
Following our exit from the agency channel in 2009,
Taiwan
is now successfully focused on bank distribution principally with partners E.Sun Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. New business sales of £34 million for the first quarter 2010 are up 10 per cent on the same period last year and represent our highest quarter sales since the disposal of our agency business in the second quarter of 2009. We have succeeded in increasing the proportion of protection business in the mix from 6 per cent for the first quarter last year to 18 per cent for the same period this year.
 
Others - Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
£18m
£11m
64%
 
In the first quarter
Vietnam
delivered a very strong result with APE sales up 33 per cent on the prior period, driven by a 35 per cent increase in agent numbers and a 14 per cent increase in average case size.  Both
Philippines
and
Thailand
delivered strong results, up 150 per cent and 25 per cent respectively with direct marketing successes in Philippines and our new distribution relationship with UOB in Thailand already contributing over 50 per cent of the total APE from the bank channel.
 
Japan
We announced at the start of 2010 that PCA Life
Japan
was suspending writing new business sales with effect from 15 February 2010.  Sales for Japan in the first quarter of 2010 amounted to £7 million (first quarter 2009: £17 million).  In order to reflect the results of our ongoing Asian operations, all of the headline financial metrics included in this announcement exclude the contribution from Japan.
 


1.2 US operations
 
a) Insurance operations
 US
 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
Sales - APE
 
£255m 
£184m
39%
New Business Profit
 
£175m
£140m
25%
Margin - APE %
69%
76%
-7pts
 
The US equity markets continued to recover during the first quarter of 2010 while interest rates remained generally flat and AA corporate spreads and volatility declined somewhat from year-end 2009 levels.  While market conditions have improved, companies that were hit hardest by the market disruption of the last 18 months are still struggling to regain market share as customers are increasingly seeking product providers that offer consistency, stability and financial strength.  Jackson has continued to benefit significantly from this flight to quality. Our strategy remains focused on increasing sales in variable annuities whilst managing fixed annuity sales in line with the goal of capital preservation. There were no institutional sales during the first quarter of 2010 as Jackson directed available capital to support higher-margin annuity sales.
 
Jackson delivered APE new business sales of £255 million in the first quarter of 2010, representing a 39 per cent increase over the same period in 2009 and the highest level of sales during the first quarter at actual exchange rates and local currency of any year in the company's history.  Jackson achieved exceptionally high new business margins in 2009, partially as a result of our ability to take advantage of extreme dislocation in the corporate bond market.  While recovery in the corporate bond market has led to somewhat lower new business margins for fixed index and fixed annuities due to lower spreads in 2010, we continue to write new business at Internal Rates of Return in excess of 20%. 
 
Our pricing discipline has enabled us to substantially preserve the 2009 margin improvement. Jackson achieved an overall margin of 69% in the first quarter 2010.  Whilst lower corporate bond spreads have resulted in fixed index and fixed annuity margins normalising to pre-crisis levels, variable annuity margins have remained high at 77%.
 
Variable annuity
 
 
 
 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
£201m    
£105m
91%
 
Variable annuity
(VA) APE sales of £201 million in the first quarter of 2010 were 91 per cent higher than the same period in 2009, reflecting the equity market rally that began in the second quarter of 2009, the relative consistency of Jackson's product offering and continued disruptions among some of our major competitors. Jackson's first quarter VA sales were the highest first quarter sales in the company's history. Jackson
7
ranked 4th in VA sales in 2009, with a market share of 8.1 per cent, up from 12th with a market share of 4.3 per cent in 2008. In the fourth quarter of 2009, which are the latest statistics available, Jackson
8
ranked 1st in VA net flows.
 
Notes
7
Source: VARDS
8
Source: Morningstar
 
 
Fixed index annuity
 
 

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
£30m  
£25m
20%
 
 
Fixed index annuity
(FIA) APE sales of £30 million in the first quarter of 2010 were up 20 per cent over the same period of 2009. Industry FIA sales have benefited from an increase in customer demand for products that offer guaranteed rates of return with additional upside potential linked to stock market index performance. Additionally, Jackson's FIA sales have benefited from the company's consistent financial strength ratings and continued disruptions among some of the top FIA sellers. Jackson
9
ranked 4th in sales of FIAs in 2009, with a market share of 7.5 per cent, up from 9th and a market share of 3.5 per cent in 2008. 
 
 
Fixed Annuity
 

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
APE
£18m 
£48m
(63%)
 
 
Jackson's strategy of containing
fixed annuity
volumes resulted in first quarter 2010 APE sales of £18 million, 63 per cent lower than the same period in 2009 and 14 per cent lower than in the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
Total
retail annuity net flows
of £1.5 billion for the first quarter of 2010 represented a 108 per cent increase on the same period in 2009, reflecting the impacts of the significant increase in sales and continued low levels of surrender activity.
 
b)  Asset management
 
Curian Capital
, a specialised asset management company that provides innovative fee-based separately managed accounts, had total assets under management of £2.7 billion at the end of March 2010 compared with £2.3 billion at the end of 2009. Curian generated record deposits at actual exchange rates and local currency of £309 million in the first quarter of 2010, up 218 per cent on the first quarter of 2009 and up 7 per cent on the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
Note
9
Source:
AnnuitySpecs.com
 
1.3 UK insurance operations
 
 UK
 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
Sales - APE
 
£193m
£180m
7%
New Business Profit
 
£69m
£60m
15%
Margin - APE %
36%
33%
+3pts    
 
Prudential UK continues to focus on balancing writing new business with cash generation while realising value from the opportunities created by the increasing need for retirement solutions in the UK. By competing in selected areas of the UK's retirement savings and income markets Prudential has been successful in generating attractive returns on capital employed. 
Total APE new business sales of £193 million were up 7 per cent on the first quarter of 2009, principally due to higher sales of corporate pensions and protection products.  In continuing to apply strict return criteria, Prudential did not write any significant bulk annuity transactions in 2009 or 2010.
The new business margin improved to 36 per cent in the first quarter of 2010 from 33 per cent in the first quarter of 2009. This was primarily due to increased margins on with-profit bond business combined with the continuation of strong margins achieved on shareholder-backed annuity business.
Sales of
individual annuities
of APE £59 million were 2 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2009.  Sales of external annuities of APE £26 million were up 37 per cent on the first quarter of 2009,
aided by strong sales of with-profit annuities, which were up 73 per cent at £13 million following the launch of  the with-profits Income Choice Annuity in the first quarter of 2009. 
Prudential UK continues to manage actively the flow of external conventional annuities to optimise capital consumption.
For internal vestings, APE of £33m was 15 per cent lower than 2009, impacted by a reduction of 13 per cent in average case sizes as a result of depressed asset values and by customers choosing to delay their retirement to allow asset values to recover.
We continue to see a positive shift in the number of internal customers choosing to take a with-profits annuity, APE sales amounted to £4 million and were 46 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2009.
Sales of
onshore bonds
of APE £33 million were in line with the first quarter of 2009. With-profits bonds sales of APE £29 million were down 6 per cent on the first quarter of 2009, but this was offset by an increase in sales of unit-linked bonds. Demand for with-profit bonds remains strong, reflecting the attractiveness of Prudential's with-profits offering, including in particular PruFund with its optional capital guarantee.
In January 2010 five new unit-linked risk graded portfolio funds - Pru Dynamic - were launched across Prudential's retirement savings product range, providing risk managed investment for IFAs and their customers.  We believe that the new funds play to Prudential's key strengths of portfolio management, asset allocation, and its reputation of being a solid, secure investment company.  
Within
corporate pensions
, Prudential UK continues to focus principally on the opportunities from the substantial existing Defined Contribution book of business as well as providing Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) arrangements to the public sector. 
We have been the sole AVC provider to Teachers' Pensions for 20 years and provide AVCs to 65 of the 99 Local Government Authorities in England & Wales. First quarter 2010 corporate pensions sales of APE £60m were 15 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2009.
Sales of
other products
of APE £40 million were 14 per cent above the first quarter of 2009.
Individual pensions
sales (including income drawdown) of APE £15 million were 21 per cent higher than first quarter 2009.  Sales of the Flexible Retirement Plan, Prudential UK's individual pension product with customer agreed remuneration, continued to grow, with sales in the first quarter 2010 of APE £6 million up 37 per cent from the first quarter of 2009.  Sales of the income drawdown product of APE £4million were double that of the first quarter 2009.
PruProtect
sales continued to grow strongly,
with APE sales in the first quarter of 2010 of £5 million, up 145 per cent on the same period last year. This represented a record quarterly performance for PruProtect.  Growth continues in
PruHealth,
with APE sales up 12 per cent on
the first quarter
2009. PruHealth
now has more than 210,000 customers insured.
1.4 M&G
 

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
Retail business inflows
£1,454m
£2,207m
(34%)
Institutional business inflows
£435m
£336m
29%
Total net inflows
£1,889m
£2,543m
(26%)
 
M&G is an investment-led business which aims to deliver superior long term performance for third party clients and the internal funds of the Prudential Group.
 
Our strategy is to recruit and nurture leading investment talent. We seek to create an environment in which this talent will thrive and so deliver the level of returns that our clients expect of us. This focus on investment performance, combined with a well-diversified business mix and well-established distribution capabilities, has helped M&G to make a strong start to 2010 as indicated by sales performance and the growth in FUM. We maintain our number two position in the UK on the basis of Retail FUM.
 
Net new business for the first quarter of 2010 was robust at £1.9 billion. While this is lower than the £2.5 billion of net inflows during the same quarter of the previous period, 2009 was an exceptional year for M&G as investors invested heavily in our top-performing bond funds to exploit a near unique opportunity in fixed income markets. We expect new business to return to more normal levels this year.
 
The UK & European Retail Business maintained its strong performance, with net inflows of £1.7 billion. Sales of our fixed income funds accounted for 35 per cent share of net inflows in the first quarter of 2010 but the continued recovery in the equity markets has meant that net inflows into M&G's top performing equity fund accounted for 49 per cent of the inflow.  The total
Retail Business
, including South Africa, attracted net new business of £1.5 billion, compared with £2.2 billion in the first quarter of 2009. Gross retail inflows for the quarter were £4.2 billion, an increase of 26 per cent on the first quarter 2009.
 
These strong flows were on the back of excellent investment performance by M&G's retail funds, with 42 per cent of funds in the top quartile over the preceding three years ending 31 March 2010 and 71 per cent of funds in the top half over the preceding three years ending 31 March 2010. Performance was strong across both equity and fixed income funds with 69 per cent of the equity funds and 75 per cent of the fixed income funds in the top half over the preceding three years ending 31 March 2010.
 
The
Institutional Business
also attracted net new business with net inflows at £0.4 billion for the first quarter of 2010, including £0.2 billion of new money into our public debt funds and a new £0.1 billion segregated equity mandate. Gross inflows were up 99 per cent over the first quarter of 2009 at £2.2 billion.
 
Investment performance on the Institutional side continues to be very strong with 94% of our external mandates at or above benchmark.
 
M&G's total
funds under management
at 31 March 2010 were £182.3 billion, up 5 per cent on the 2009 year-end and up 35 per cent on the first quarter of 2009. Total external funds under management at 31 March 2010 were £76.2 billion, a rise of 8 per cent since the start of the year and 64 per cent compared with 31 March 2009. The increase in external funds in the first quarter represents the combined result of market and other movements of £4.1 billion and net flows of £1.9 billion.
 
After an exceptional 2009 and in line with expectations, net sales are showing signs of returning back to more normal levels in 2010.  Nevertheless, the continuing excellent investment performance of M&G's flagship funds gives grounds for confidence that M&G will win a healthy share of new business.
 
1.5 Asia Asset Management
 

 Q1 2010
Q1 2009
% change on Q1 09
 
Net (outflows)/inflows
(£686)m
£185m
(471%)
 
The net retail outflows for the quarter were attributed to Money Market Funds (MMFs) of £857 million, principally in India and Taiwan, offset by net inflows of £171 million in other non-MMFs .  Large redemptions in MMFs are typical for the March financial year-end and during last year the MMFs were seen as a safer haven in the volatile investment markets. At 1 January 2010 MMF funds under management, at £4.9 billion, were 34 per cent higher than the beginning of last year hence influencing the volume of outflows this quarter. 
In the first few days of April, close to £1 billion of money had already flowed back to the MMF funds.
 
The non-MMF net inflows of £171 million included successes in Japan with the Asia/Oceania High Dividend Equity Fund that had net inflows of £440 million. In India ICICI-Prudential has won the "Debt Fund House" category in Morningstar's India Fund Awards 2009 for the second consecutive year.
 
 
2. Financial Management
 
The Group remains focused on the proactive management of its balance sheet and risk profile. We continue to impose stringent stress testing on our key capital measures, ensuring we could withstand, both in the short and medium term, significant market shocks.
 
2.1 Capital Management
 
Our capital position remains strong. We have continued to place emphasis on maintaining the Group's financial strength through optimising the balance between writing profitable new business, conserving capital and generating cash. We estimate that our Insurance Groups Directive (IGD) capital surplus was £3.4 billion at 31 March 2010 (before taking into account the 2009 final dividend of £0.3 billion), covering our capital requirements 2.7 times.  This compares to £3.4 billion at the end of 2009 and £2.3 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2009 (before taking into account the 2008 final dividend of £0.3 billion).
 
The IGD capital surplus at 31 March 2010 is unchanged since the end of 2009.  This primarily reflects a positive contribution from underlying earnings, offset by inadmissible assets arising on the purchase of UOB's life insurance subsidiary in Singapore of £0.2 million and the impact of costs incurred to the end of March 2010 in relation to the AIA acquisition and its financing.
 
We continue to have further available options for us to manage available and required capital.  These could take the form of increasing available capital (for example, financial reinsurance) or reducing required capital (for example, through the mix and level of new business) and the use of other risk mitigation measures such as hedging and reinsurance.
 
As at 31 March stress testing of our IGD capital position to various events has the following results:
 
·     
An instantaneous 20 per cent fall in equity markets from 31 March 2010 levels would reduce the IGD surplus by £250 million;
 
·     
A 40 per cent fall in equity markets (comprising an instantaneous 20 per cent fall followed by a further 20 per cent fall over a four week period) would reduce the IGD surplus by £650 million;
 
·     
A 150bps reduction (subject to a floor of zero) in interest rates would reduce the IGD surplus by £350 million;
 
·     
Credit defaults of ten times the expected level would reduce IGD surplus by £600 million.
 
In addition to our strong capital position, on a statutory (Pillar 1) basis the total credit reserve for the UK shareholder annuity funds also protects our capital position in excess of the IGD surplus.  This credit reserve as at 31 March 2010 was £1.6 billion. This represents 44 per cent of the portfolio spread over swaps, compared to 41 per cent at 31 December 2009, and 31 per cent as at 30 June 2009.
 
 
2.2 Credit
 
The Group's total debt portfolio on an IFRS basis is estimated at £102.8 billion at 31 March 2010, excluding holdings attributable to external unit holders of consolidated unit trusts. Of this total, £68.9 billion is in the UK, including £44.5 billion within the UK with-profits fund. Shareholders have limited risk exposure to the with-profits fund as the solvency is protected by the inherited estate.  Outside the with-profits fund there is £4.5 billion in unit-linked funds where the shareholder risk is limited, with the remaining £19.9 billion backing the shareholder annuity business and other non-linked business (of which 78.4 per cent is rated AAA to A, 18.8 per cent BBB and 2.8 per cent non-investment grade). No defaults were reported in the first quarter of 2010 for UK shareholder backed business.
 
Asia's debt portfolio totals £7.2 billion, of which £3.5 billion is invested in unit-linked and with-profits funds with minimal shareholder risk and £3.7 billion held by shareholder backed non-linked business.  No defaults were reported in the first quarter of 2010.
 
The most significant area of exposure to credit risk for the shareholder remains Jackson in the US.
Jackson's fixed income portfolio at 31 March is estimated at
£25.4
billion. As reported at 31 December 2009 the net unrealised position continues to benefit from the market recovery from the historically wide spreads at the end of 2008.
Jackson's net unrealised gains has increased to £0.4 billion at 31 March 2010 from £4 million at the end of 31 December 2009.
 
Gross unrealised losses on securities priced below 80 per cent of book value were £0.5 billion at 31 March 2010 compared to £0.6 billion at the end of 31 December 2009.  
 
Jackson did not experience any defaults during the first quarter of 2010.  Write downs of impaired securities in the first quarter of the year were £35 million, of which £26 million were on Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS). No write downs were reported on corporate bonds.
This compares to total write downs of £152 million for the first quarter 2009.
 
In addition losses of £76 million were incurred in the first quarter of 2010 on sales of impaired and deteriorating bonds (first quarter 2009:  £15 million). The increase over first quarter 2009 is the result of Jackson utilising opportunities to continue to de-risk the portfolio.
 
ENDS
 
Enquiries:
 
Media

Investors/Analysts

Edward Brewster
+44 (0)20 7548 3719
Matt Lilley
+44 (0)20 7548 3300
Robin Tozer
+44 (0)20 7548 2776
Jessica Stalley
+44 (0)20 7548 3300
 
 
Notes:
 
 
1.   Asia 2010 and 2009 comparative APE new business sales and new business profit (NBP) exclude the Taiwan agency business disposed of during the second quarter of 2009 and the Japanese insurance operations which we have closed to new business with effect from 15 February 2010.
 
2.  
On 1 March 2010 the Group announced that it has reached agreement with American International group (AIG) on terms for Prudential to acquire AIA Group Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of AIG.  The prospectus detailing the terms of the acquisition was issued to shareholders today (details of the terms of the offer can be obtained on the Company's website.
 
3.  
Annual premium equivalent (APE) sales comprise regular premium sales plus one-tenth of single premium insurance sales and are subject to rounding.
 
4.  
Present Value of New Business Premiums (PVNBP) are calculated as equalling single premiums plus the present value of expected new business premiums of regular premium business, allowing for lapses and other assumptions made in determining the EEV new business contribution.
 
5.  
NBP assumptions for the period are detailed in the accompanying schedule 5. All references to NBP margins on pages 1 to 12 of this statement refer to margins on an APE basis, calculated as the ratio of new business profit to APE.
 
6.   High resolution photographs are available to the media free of charge at
www.newscast.co.uk
(+44 (0)20 3137 9137) or by calling the media office on +44 (0)20 7548 2466.
 
7.  
Financial Calendar 2010
:
 
 
AGM
 
19 May 2010
 
Reconvened AGM
 
7 June 2010
 
2010 Half Year Results
 
12 August 2010
 
Third Quarter 2010 New Business Release
 
10 November 2010
 
8.   Sales for overseas operations have been reported using average exchange rates for the period as shown in the attached schedules. Reference to prior year figures in the commentary is on an actual exchange rate basis unless stated. An alternative method of presentation is on a constant exchange rate basis.
 
Prudential plc is a company incorporated and with its principal place of business in England, and its affiliated companies constitute a large global financial services group. It provides insurance and financial services through its subsidiaries and affiliates throughout the world. It has been in existence for over 160 years and has £290 billion in assets under management (as at 31 December 2009). Prudential plc is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc, a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
This statement may contain certain "forward-looking statements" with respect to certain of Prudential's plans and its current goals and expectations relating to its future financial condition, performance, results, strategy and objectives. Statements containing the words "believes", "intends", "expects", "plans", "seeks" and "anticipates", and words of similar meaning, are forward-looking.  By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances which are beyond Prudential's control including among other things, UK domestic and global economic and business conditions, market related risks such as fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates, and the performance of financial markets generally; the policies and actions of regulatory authorities, the impact of competition, inflation, and deflation; experience in particular with regard to mortality and morbidity trends, lapse rates and policy renewal rates; the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or combinations within relevant industries; and the impact of changes in capital, solvency standards or accounting standards, and tax and other legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions in which Prudential and its affiliates operate. This may for example result in changes to assumptions used for determining results of operations or re-estimations of reserves for future policy benefits.  As a result, Prudential's actual future financial condition, performance and results may differ materially from the plans, goals, and expectations set forth in Prudential's forward-looking statements. Prudential undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this statement 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 Prospectus Rules, the Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, the Hong Kong Listing Rules or the SGX-ST listing rules.
 

Schedule 1A - Reported Exchange Rates
PRUDENTIAL PLC - NEW BUSINESS - Q1 2010
INSURANCE OPERATIONS
 

Single
 
Regular
 
Annual Equivalents(3)
 
PVNBP
 

2010 Q1
YTD
2009 Q1
YTD
+/- (%)
2010 Q1
YTD
2009 Q1
YTD
+/- (%)
2010 Q1
YTD
2009 Q1
YTD
+/- (%)
2010 Q1
YTD
2009 Q1
YTD
+/- (%)

£m
£m

£m
£m

£m
£m

£m
£m

Group Insurance Operations












Asia - ex Japan(1a) (7)    -  (
Note
)
216
130
66%
337
263
28%
359
276
30%
1,581
1,297
22%
US(1a) (7)
2,497
1,783
40%
5
6
(17%)
255
184
39%
2,538
1,840
38%
UK
1,248
1,215
3%
68
58
17%
193
180
7%
1,557
1,490
4%
Group Total - ex Japan
3,961
3,128
27%
410
327
25%
807
640
26%
5,676
4,627
23%
Japan
(1a) (7)
7
16
(56%)
6
15
(60%)
7
17
(59%)
32
82
(61%)
Group Total
3,968
3,144
26%
416
342
22%
814
657
24%
5,708
4,709
21%













Asian Insurance Operations
(1a) (7)












Hong Kong
13
9
44%
67
45
49%
68
46
48%
370
293
26%
Indonesia
17
6
183%
59
37
59%
61
38
61%
218
127
72%
Malaysia
10
5
100%
35
23
52%
36
24
50%
177
129
37%
Philippines
9
1
800%
4
2
100%
5
2
150%
18
8
125%
Singapore
78
29
169%
25
19
32%
33
22
50%
245
152
61%
Thailand
3
2
50%
5
4
25%
5
4
25%
20
13
54%
Vietnam
-
-
0%
8
6
33%
8
5
33%
28
23
22%
SE Asia Operations inc. Hong Kong
130
52
150%
203
136
49%
216
141
53%
1,076
745
44%
China(8)
36
27
33%
10
8
25%
14
11
27%
83
68
22%
India(5)
18
23
(22%)
71
54
31%
73
56
30%
192
198
(3%)
Korea
9
9
0%
21
36
(42%)
22
37
(41%)
108
183
(41%)
Taiwan
23
19
21%
32
29
10%
34
31
10%
122
103
18%
Total Asia Operations - ex Japan
216
130
66%
337
263
28%
359
276
30%
1,581
1,297
22%













US Insurance Operations
(1a) (7)












Fixed Annuities
181
483
(63%)
-
-
0%
18
48
(63%)
181
483
(63%)
Fixed Index Annuities
303
247
23%
-
-
0%
30
25
20%
303
247
23%
Life
3
2
50%
5
6
(17%)
6
6
0%
44
59
(25%)
Variable Annuities
2,010
1,051
91%
-
-
0%
201
105
91%
2,010
1,051
91%
Total US Insurance Operations
2,497
1,783
40%
5
6
(17%)
255
184
39%
2,538
1,840
38%













UK & Europe Insurance Operations












Direct and Partnership Annuities
200
129
55%
-
-
0%
20
13
54%
200
129
55%
Intermediated Annuities
63
59
7%
-
-
0%
6
6
0%
63
59
7%
Internal Vesting Annuities
325
391
(17%)
-
-
0%
33
39
(15%)
325
391
(17%)
Total Individual Annuities
588
579
2%
-
-
0%
59
58
2%
588
579
2%
Corporate Pensions
68
63
8%
53
46
15%
60
52
15%
292
277
5%
On-shore Bonds
333
336
(1%)
-
-
0%
33
34
(3%)
333
336
(1%)
Other Products(10)
252
231
9%
15
12
25%
40
35
14%
337
292
15%
Wholesale
7
6
17%
-
-
0%
1
1
0%
7
6
17%
Total UK & Europe Insurance Ops
1,248
1,215
3%
68
58
17%
193
180
7%
1,557
1,490
4%
Group Total - ex Japan
3,961
3,128
27%
410
327
25%
807
640
26%
5,676
4,627
23%


Schedule 1B - Current Exchange Rates
PRUDENTIAL PLC - NEW BUSINESS - Q1 2010
                                                                                               
INSURANCE OPERATIONS
 

Single
 
Regular
 
Annual Equivalents(3)
 
PVNBP
 

2010 Q1
YTD
2009 Q1
YTD
+/- (%)
2010 Q1
YTD
2009 Q1
YTD
+/- (%)
2010 Q1
YTD
2009 Q1
YTD
+/- (%)
2010 Q1
YTD
2009 Q1
YTD
+/- (%)

£m
£m

£m
£m

£m
£m

£m
£m

Group Insurance Operations












Asia - ex Japan(1b)(7)
216
127
70%
337
266
27%
359
279
29%
1,581
1,303
21%
US(1b)(7)
2,497
1,640
52%
5
6
(17%)
255
170
50%
2,538
1,693
50%
UK
1,248
1,215
3%
68
58
17%
193
180
7%
1,557
1,490
4%
Group Total - ex Japan
3,961
2,982
33%
410
330
24%
807
629
28%
5,676
4,486
27%
Japan
(1b)(7)
7
15
(53%)
6
14
(57%)
7
16
(56%)
32
78
(59%)
Group Total
3,968
2,997
32%
416
344
21%
814
645
26%
5,708
4,564
25%













Asian Insurance Operations
(1b)(7)












Hong Kong
13
8
63%
67
41
63%
68
42
62%
370
269
38%
Indonesia
17
6
183%
59
42
40%
61
43
42%
218
146
49%
Malaysia
10
5
100%
35
22
59%
36
23
57%
177
127
39%
Philippines
9
1
800%
4
2
100%
5
2
150%
18
8
125%
Singapore
78
29
169%
25
18
39%
33
21
57%
245
150
63%
Thailand
3
2
50%
5
4
25%
5
4
25%
20
13
54%
Vietnam
-
-
0%
8
5
60%
8
4
100%
28
20
40%
SE Asia Operations inc. Hong Kong
130
51
155%
203
134
51%
216
139
55%
1,076
733
47%
China(8)
36
25
44%
10
8
25%
14
11
27%
83
63
32%
India(5)
18
23
(22%)
71
54
31%
73
56
30%
192
198
(3%)
Korea
9
10
(10%)
21
41
(49%)
22
42
(48%)
108
208
(48%)
Taiwan
23
18
28%
32
29
10%
34
31
10%
122
101
21%
Total Asia Operations - ex Japan
216
127
70%
337
266
27%
359
279
29%
1,581
1,303
21%













US Insurance Operations
(1b)(7)












Fixed Annuities
181
444
(59%)
-
-
0%
18
44
(59%)
181
444
(59%)
Fixed Index Annuities
303
227
33%
-
-
0%
30
23
30%
303
227
33%
Life
3
2
50%
5
6
(17%)
6
6
0%
44
55
(20%)
Variable Annuities
2,010
967
108%
-
-
0%
201
97
107%
2,010
967
108%
Total US Insurance Operations
2,497
1,640
52%
5
6
(17%)
255
170
50%
2,538
1,693
50%













UK & Europe Insurance Operations












Direct and Partnership Annuities
200
129
55%
-
-
0%
20
13
54%
200
129
55%
Intermediated Annuities
63
59
7%
-
-
0%
6
6
0%
63
59
7%
Internal Vesting Annuities
325
391
(17%)
-
-
0%
33
39
(15%)
325
391
(17%)
Total Individual Annuities
588
579
2%
-
-
0%
59
58
2%
588
579
2%
Corporate Pensions
68
63
8%
53
46
15%
60
52
15%
292
277
5%
Other Products(10)
333
336
(1%)
-
-
0%
33
34
(3%)
333
336
(1%)
On-Shore Bonds
252
231
9%
15
12
25%
40
35
14%
337
292
15%
Wholesale
7
6
17%
-
-
0%
1
1
0%
7
6
17%
Total UK & Europe Insurance Ops
1,248
1,215
3%
68
58
17%
193
180
7%
1,557
1,490
4%
Group Total - ex Japan
3,961
2,982
33%
410
330
24%
807
629
28%
5,676
4,486
27%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule 2A - Reported Exchange Rates
PRUDENTIAL PLC - NEW BUSINESS - Q1 2010
TOTAL INSURANCE NEW BUSINESS APE - BY QUARTER
 

2009
2010







Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1

£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Group Insurance Operations





Asia - ex Japan(1a)(7)
276
248
282
403
359
US(1a)(7)
184
208
249
272
255
UK
180
197
158
189
193
Group Total - ex Japan
640
652
689
864
807
Japan(1a)(7)
17
12
11
12
7
Group Total
656
664
700
876
814






Asian Insurance Operations
(1a)(7)





Hong Kong
46
49
55
91
68
Indonesia
38
46
43
64
61
Malaysia
24
29
32
62
36
Philippines
2
2
3
4
5
Singapore
22
30
29
48
33
Thailand
4
3
4
4
5
Vietnam
5
9
9
11
8
SE Asia Operations inc. Hong Kong
141
168
175
284
216
China(8)
11
11
13
11
14
India(5)
56
20
40
52
73
Korea
37
29
30
26
22
Taiwan
31
20
26
30
34
Total Asian Insurance Operations - ex Japan
276
248
282
403
359






US Insurance Operations
(1a)(7)





Fixed Annuities
48
22
14
21
18
Fixed Index Annuities
25
33
48
38
30
Life
6
6
6
6
6
Variable Annuities
105
147
180
207
201
Wholesale
-
-
-
-
-
Total US Insurance Operations
184
208
249
272
255






UK & Europe Insurance Operations





Direct and Partnership Annuities
13
14
15
17
20
Intermediated Annuities
6
8
6
5
6
Internal Vesting annuities
39
34
30
33
33
Total Individual Annuities
58
56
50
55
59
Corporate Pensions
52
62
41
55
60
On-shore Bonds
34
42
34
35
33
Other Products(10)
35
35
33
41
40
Wholesale
1
1
1
3
1
Total UK & Europe Insurance Operations
180
197
158
189
193
Group Total - ex Japan
640
652
689
864
807


Schedule 2B - Current Exchange Rates
PRUDENTIAL PLC - NEW BUSINESS - Q1 2010
TOTAL INSURANCE NEW BUSINESS APE - BY QUARTER
 

2009
2010







Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1

£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Group Insurance Operations





Asia - ex Japan(1b)(7)
279
264
307
420
359
US(1b)(7)
170
205
259
282
255
UK
180
197
158
189
193
Group Total - ex Japan
629
666
724
891
807
Japan(1b)(7)
16
13
12
13
7
Group Total
645
679
736
904
814






Asian Insurance Operations
(1b)(7)





Hong Kong
42
49
57
93
68
Indonesia
43
53
48
69
61
Malaysia
23
31
34
66
36
Philippines
2
2
3
4
5
Singapore
21
31
32
49
33
Thailand
4
3
5
3
5
Vietnam
4
9
8
11
8
SE Asia Operations inc. Hong Kong
139
178
188
296
216
China(8)
11
11
13
12
14
India(5)
56
22
45
54
73
Korea
42
33
34
26
22
Taiwan
31
21
28
33
34
Total Asian Insurance Operations - ex Japan
279
264
307
420
359






US Insurance Operations
(1b)(7)





Fixed Annuities
44
23
16
23
18
Fixed Index Annuities
23
32
49
40
30
Life
6
5
7
6
6
Variable Annuities
97
144
187
214
201
Total US Insurance Operations
170
205
259
282
255






UK & Europe Insurance Operations





Direct and Partnership Annuities
13
14
15
17
20
Intermediated Annuities
6
8
6
5
6
Internal Vesting annuities
39
34
30
33
33
Total Individual Annuities
58
56
50
55
59
Corporate Pensions
52
62
41
55
60
On-shore Bonds
34
42
34
35
33
Other Products(10)
35
35
33
41
40
Wholesale
1
1
1
3
1
Total UK & Europe Insurance Operations
180
197
158
189
193
Group Total - ex Japan
629
666
724
891
807
 


Schedule 3 - Reported Exchange Rates
PRUDENTIAL PLC - NEW BUSINESS - Q1 2010
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS - BY QUARTER
 

2009
2010

Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1

£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
Group Investment Operations





Opening FUM
62,279
61,703
72,336
85,016
89,780
Net Flows
2,725
7,344
2,898
2,450
1,203
 - Gross Inflows
19,154
25,567
26,394
24,942
24,173
 - Redemptions
(16,429)
(18,223)
(23,496)
(22,492)
(22,970)
Other Movements
(3,301)
3,289
9,782
2,314
5,763
Total Group Investment Operations
61,703
72,336
85,016
89,780
96,746






M&G





 
Retail





Opening FUM
19,142
19,671
23,324
28,504
31,059
Net Flows
2,207
1,863
1,656
1,790
1,454
 - Gross Inflows
3,325
3,126
3,315
3,802
4,190
 - Redemptions
(1,118)
(1,263)
(1,659)
(2,012)
(2,736)
Other Movements
(1,678)
1,790
3,524
765
1,556
Closing FUM
19,671
23,324
28,504
31,059
34,069
 
Institutional(4)





Opening FUM
27,855
26,865
32,597
37,731
39,247
Net Flows
336
4,219
856
551
435
 - Gross Inflows
1,083
5,097
2,495
2,632
2,151
 - Redemptions
(747)
(878)
(1,639)
(2,081)
(1,716)
Other Movements
(1,326)
1,513
4,278
965
2,473
Closing FUM
26,865
32,597
37,731
39,247
42,155
Total M&G Investment Operations
46,536
55,921
66,235
70,306
76,224
 
Asia





 
Equity/Bond/Other





Opening FUM
10,570
10,038
10,636
12,492
13,122
Net Flows
(370)
174
322
57
166
 - Gross Inflows
911
1,083
1,725
1,512
1,713
 - Redemptions
(1,281)
(909)
(1,403)
(1,455)
(1,547)
Other Movements
(162)
424
1,534
573
1,635
Closing FUM
10,038
10,636
12,492
13,122
14,923
 
MMF





Opening FUM
3,873
4,286
4,882
5,281
4,902
Net Flows
554
1,095
115
(321)
(857)
 - Gross Inflows
13,808
16,248
18,854
16,618
16,107
 - Redemptions
(13,254)
(15,153)
(18,739)
(16,939)
(16,964)
Other Movements
(141)
(499)
284
(58)
5
Closing FUM
4,286
4,882
5,281
4,902
4,050






Third Party Institutional Mandates





Opening FUM
789
799
859
1,008
1,450
Net Flows
1
2
(2)
372
5
 - Gross Inflows
24
10
5
378
12
 - Redemptions
(23)
(8)
(7)
(6)
(7)
Other Movements
9
58
151
70
94
Closing FUM
799
859
1,008
1,450
1,549
Total Asian Investment Operations
15,123
16,377
18,781
19,474
20,522
 
US





 
Retail





Opening FUM
50
44
38
-
-
Net Flows
(3)
(9)
(49)
1
-
 - Gross Inflows
3
3
-
-
-
 - Redemptions
(6)
(12)
(49)
1
-
Other Movements
(3)
3
11
(1)
-
Closing FUM
44
38
-
-
-






Curian Capital - FUM
1,613
1,646
2,041
2,260
2,708
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule 4 - Reported Exchange Rates
PRUDENTIAL PLC - NEW BUSINESS - Q1 2010
TOTAL INSURANCE NEW BUSINESS PROFIT AND MARGIN (% APE AND % PVNBP)
 

Annual Equivalents (3)
New Business Profit
New Business Margin (% APE)

2010 Q1
2009 Q1
+/- (%)
2010 Q1
2009 Q1
+/- (%)
2010 Q1
2009 Q1
2009 FY

£m
£m

£m
£m

%
%
%
Total Asian Insurance Operations - ex Japan(1a)(7)
359
276
30
183
136
35
51
49
60
Total US Insurance Operations(1a)(7)
255
184
39
175
140
25
69
76
73
Total UK & Europe Insurance Operations
 193
180
7
69
60
15
36
33
32
Group Total - ex Japan
807
640
26
427
336
27
53
53
57
Japan(1a)(7)
7
17
(59)
(1)
(4)
(75)
(14)
(24)
(23)










Group Total
814 
657
24
426
332
28
52
51
56
 
 

PVNBP (3)
New Business Profit
New Business Margin (% PVNBP)

2010 Q1
2009 Q1
+/- (%)
2010 Q1
2009 Q1
+/- (%)
2010 Q1
2009 Q1
2009 FY

£m
£m

£m
£m

%
%
%










Asia Operations - ex Japan(1a)(7)
1,581
1,297
22
183
136
35
11.6
10.5
12.1
Total US Insurance Operations(1a)(7)
2,538
1,840
38
175
140
25
6.9
7.6
7.3
Total UK & Europe Insurance Operations
 1,557
1,490
4
69
60
15
4.4
4.0
3.9
Group Total - ex Japan
5,676
4,627
23
427
336
27
7.5
7.3
7.7
Japan(1a)(7)
32
82
(61)
(1)
(4)
(75)
(3.1)
(4.9)
(4.6)
Group Total
 5,708
4,709
21
426
332
28
7.5
7.1
7.6
 
Schedule 5
 
EEV New Business Methodology and Assumptions
 
Valuation of new business
The valuation of new business represents profits determined on the following basis.  Non-economic assumptions used in the calculation of the new business contribution for Q1 2010 are consistent with those at 31 December 2009 with the exception of UK immediate annuity business where the mortality assumptions have been updated to reflect those at 31 March 2010. Non-economic assumptions used in the calculation of the new business contribution for Q1 2009 are consistent with those at 31 December 2008 with the exception of Asian operations where the assumptions have been updated to reflect those at 31 March 2009 and UK immediate annuity business where the mortality assumptions have been updated to reflect those at 31 March 2009.
New business target spreads for US operations reflect assumptions at the end of the period.  In determining the new business contribution for UK immediate annuity and lifetime mortgage business, which is interest rate sensitive, it is appropriate to use assumptions reflecting point of sale market conditions, consistent with how the business is priced. For other business within the Group, end of period economic assumptions are used.
 
Principal economic assumptions
In most countries, the long-term expected rates of return on investments and risk discount rates are set by reference to period end rates of return on cash or fixed interest securities. For the Group's Asian operations, the active basis is appropriate for business written in Japan, Korea and US dollar denominated business written in Hong Kong. Except in respect of the projected returns of holdings of Asian debt and equity securities for those countries where long-term fixed interest markets are less established, the 'active' basis of assumption setting has been applied in preparing the results of all the Group's US and UK long-term business operations.
For countries where long-term fixed interest markets are less established, investment return assumptions and risk discount rates are based on an assessment of longer-term economic conditions. Except for the countries listed above, this basis is appropriate for the Group's Asian operations. Similarly, the projected returns on holdings of Asian securities in these territories by other Group businesses are set on the same basis.
Expected returns on equity and property asset classes in respect of each territory are derived by adding a risk premium, based on the long-term view of Prudential's economists, to the risk-free rate. In Asia, equity risk premiums range from 3.0 per cent to 8.35 per cent as at 31 March 2010 and 31 December 2009 and range from 3.0 per cent to 7.1 per cent as at 31 March 2009. In the US and the UK, the equity risk premium is 4.0 per cent for all periods shown below.
Assumed investment returns reflect the expected future returns on the assets held and allocated to the covered business at the valuation date.
 
The tables below summarise the principal financial assumptions:
 
Asian operations
 
31 March 2010



China
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Japan
Korea
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam




(notes ii, iii)




(note iii)

(note iii)






%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
New business risk discount rate
11.75
  5.7  
14.25
13.8  
5.2
8.0
9.3
15.75
5.7 
7.5
13.0
16.75
Government bond yield
8.25
3.9
9.25
10.25
2.0
5.0
6.5
9.25
4.25
5.5
6.75
10.25















31 December 2009



China
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Japan
Korea
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam




(notes ii, iii)




(note iii)

(note iii)






%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
New business risk discount rate
11.75
5.5
14.25
13.8
5.1
8.2
9.4
15.75
5.7
7.5
13.0
16.75
Government bond yield
8.25
3.9
9.25
10.25
1.9
5.5
6.5
9.25
4.25
5.5
6.75
10.25
 
 
31 March 2009



China
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Japan
Korea
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam




(notes ii, iii)




(note iii)

(note iii)






%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
New business risk discount rate
11.75
4.3
14.25
15.25
5.0
9.2
9.2
15.75
5.65
9.25
13.0
16.75
Government bond yield
8.25
2.7
9.25
10.25
1.9
5.2
6.5
9.25
4.25
5.5
6.75
10.25
 
 


Asia Total

31 Mar
2010
31 Dec
2009
31 Mar
2009
%
%
%
New business weighted risk discount rate (note (i)) (excluding Taiwan agency business in 2009)
9.6
9.1
9.5
 
Notes
(i)
The weighted risk discount rates for Asian operations shown above have been determined by weighting each country's risk discount rates by reference to the EEV basis new business result.
(ii)
The assumptions shown are for US dollar denominated business which comprises the largest proportion of the Hong Kong business.
(iii)
The mean equity return assumptions for the most significant equity holdings in the Asian operations were:
 

31 Mar 2010
31 Dec 2009
31 Mar 2009

%
%
%
Hong Kong
  7.9
7.9
7.6
Malaysia
12.4
12.4
12.5
Singapore
10.2
10.2
10.2
 
To obtain the mean, an average over all simulations of the accumulated return at the end of the projection period is calculated. The annual average return is then calculated by taking the root of the average accumulated return minus 1.
 
 
US operations

31 Mar
2010
%
31 Dec
 2009
 %
31 Mar
2009
  %
Assumed new business spread margins: note iii



Fixed Annuity business (including the proportion of variable annuity business invested in the general account):note i



First five years:



January to June issues
2.25
2.75
2.75
July to December issues
n/a
2.25
n/a
Long-term assumption
2.0
2.0
2.0
Fixed Index Annuity business



January to June issues
2.5
3.5
3.5
July to December issues
n/a
2.5
n/a
New business risk discount rate note ii



Variable annuity
8.2
8.2
6.7
Non-variable annuity
6.2
6.2
3.5
Weighted average total
8.0
7.8
5.1
US 10-year treasury bond rate at end of period
3.9
3.9
2.7
Pre-tax expected long-term nominal rate of return for US equities
7.9
7.9
6.7
 
 
Notes
i      The spread assumptions for new tranches of fixed annuity business (including the proportion of variable annuity business invested in the general account) include a provision that crediting rates and spreads will normalise in the future. Thus, the assumption for new business spreads shown above applies for the first five years before normalising over the following 10 years to the long-term assumption of 2.0 per cent. The valuation of new business takes into account an assumed associated risk of increased lapse under certain interest rate scenarios.
 
ii     The increase in the discount rates at 31 December 2009 reflects the increase in the US 10-year treasury bond rate of 120 bps from 31 March 2009, and an additional allowance for a combination of credit risk premium and short-term default allowance of 30 bps for VA business and 150 bps for other business.
 
iii    Credit risk treatment
      The projected cash flows incorporate the expected long-term spread between the earned rate and the rate credited to policyholders. The projected earned rates reflect book value yields which are adjusted over time to reflect projected reinvestment rates.  Positive net cash flows are assumed to be reinvested in a mix of corporate bonds, commercial mortgages and limited partnerships.  The yield on those assets is assumed to grade from the current level to a yield that allows for a long-term assumed credit spread of 1.25 per cent over 10 years.  The expected spread on new business has been determined after allowing for a Risk Margin Reserve (RMR) allowance of 25 basis points for longer-term defaults for all periods shown above.
In the event that longer-term default levels are higher then, unlike for UK annuity business where policyholder benefits are not changeable, Jackson has some discretion to adjust crediting rates, subject to contract guarantee levels and general market competition considerations.
 
 
UK operations
 

31 Mar 2010
  %
31 Dec 2009
  %
31 Mar 2009
  %
Shareholder-backed annuity business:note i



New business risk discount rate
7.1
8.7
10.6  




Pre-tax expected long-term nominal rate of return:



         Fixed annuities
5.0 
5.7 
6.0
         Inflation-linked annuities
5.2 
 6.0 
5.3 




Other business:



New business risk discount rate note ii
7.1 
7.7
6.8




Pre-tax expected long-term nominal rates of investment return:



         UK equities
8.4
8.4
7.8
         Gilts
4.4
4.4
3.8
         Corporate bonds
6.1
6.1
5.2
Post-tax expected long-term nominal rate of return for the PAC with-profits fund:



          Pension business (where no tax applies)
6.9
6.9
6.5
          Life business
6.0
6.0
5.8
 
Notes
i      For Prudential's UK shareholder-backed annuity business, Prudential has used a market consistent embedded value (MCEV) approach to derive an implied risk discount rate which is then applied to the projected best estimate cash flows.
In the annuity MCEV calculations, the future cash flows are discounted using the swap yield curve plus an allowance for liquidity premium based on Prudential's assessment of the expected return on the assets backing the annuity liabilities after allowing for expected long-term defaults, credit risk premium and short-term downgrades and defaults.  For the purposes of presentation in the EEV results, the results on this basis are reconfigured.  Under this approach the projected earned rate of return on the debt securities held is determined after allowing for expected long-term defaults and, where necessary, an additional allowance for an element of short-term downgrades and defaults to bring the allowance in the earned rate up to best estimate levels. The allowances for credit risk premium and additional short-term default allowance are incorporated into the risk margin included in the discount rate.
The credit assumptions used in the MCEV calculations and the residual liquidity premium element of the bond spread over swap rates for shareholder-backed annuity new business are as follows:
 

31 Mar
2010
(bps)
31 Dec
2009
(bps)
31 Mar
2009
(bps)
Bond spread over swap rates
105
198
267
Total credit risk allowance
35
54
80
Liquidity premium
70
144
187
 
ii     The risk discount rates for new business for UK insurance operations other than shareholder-backed annuities reflect weighted rates based on the type of business.
 


Schedule 6
 
Group Debt Securities at 31 March 2010
 
1   IFRS balance sheet fair value
                                                                                                                    
The Group's investments in debt securities at 31 March 2010 excluding holdings attributable to external unit holders are as follows:                                                                                                                            
                               






With-profit
Unit-linked and variable annuity
Other shareholder backed business
Total






(note 1a)
(note 1a)








£bn
£bn
£bn
£bn

UK insurance operations
 (Notes 1b and 1c)


44.5
4.5
19.9
68.9

Jackson National Life
 (Notes 1d and 3)


-
-
25.4
25.4

Asia long-term business



1.2
2.3
3.7
7.2

Other operations




-
-
1.3
1.3

Total




45.7
6.8
50.3
102.8










      Notes                                                                                            
      1(a)  Shareholders are not directly exposed to value movements on assets backing with-profit, unit linked, and variable annuity business.
1(b)  Of the £19.9 bn of debt securities for UK annuity and other non-linked shareholder backed business 30.2% was rated AAA, 11.7% AA, 36.5% A, 18.8% BBB and 2.8% other.
      1(c)  For UK annuity business provision is made for possible future credit related losses. At 31 March 2010, a provision of £1.6bn was held.
      1(d)  Jackson debt securities comprise:
                                                                                                                                                                                         








31 Mar 2010
31 Dec 2009








£m
£m

Corporate securities (95% investment grade)




18,694
16,455

Residential mortgage backed securities (62% government agency; 23% for pre 2006/2007 vintages; £514m for 2006/2007 vintages of which £383m is for the senior part of the capital structure)


3,314
3,316

Commercial mortgage backed securities




2,333
2,104

CDO funds






85
79

Other debt securities






977
877

Total






25,403
22,831










2   Defaults, losses from sales of impaired and deteriorating bonds and write-downs for non-linked shareholder backed business
 
    
2.1  Jackson National Life                                    
                      
                                                                                          
In general, the debt securities of Jackson are purchased with the intention and the ability to hold them for the longer-term.
The majority of Jackson's debt securities are classified as available-for-sale under IAS 39. Under this classification realised losses from defaults, sales of impaired and deteriorating bonds and write-downs are recorded in the income statement. Changes in unrealised appreciation and depreciation are recorded as a movement directly in shareholders' equity.
Jackson continues to review its investments on a case-by-case basis to determine whether any decline in fair value represents an impairment and therefore requiring an accounting write-down. IFRS requires available-for-sale debt securities which are impaired to be written down to fair value through the profit and loss account.
The defaults, write-downs and losses on sales of impaired and deteriorating bonds (net of recoveries) for the three months to 31 March 2010 were as follows:
 







Defaults
Bond write downs
Losses on sales of impaired and deteriorating bonds (net of recoveries)







£m
£m
£m

Corporate debt securities





-
-
18

Residential mortgage backed  securities







Prime





-
5
33

Alt-A





-
14
19

Sub-prime





-
7
-

Other





-
9
6

Total





-
35
76










     


 
2.2 
 
Other operations
                                                                                                                        
For the Group's operations, other than Jackson National Life, debt securities are accounted for on a fair value through P&L basis with all value movements recorded in the income statement. Excluding Jackson National Life there were no defaults in the first quarter of 2010 for other shareholder backed business (measured against market value) .
 
                                                                                                        
3   Jackson National Life - securities in an unrealised loss position
                                                                          
 
For Jackson's securities classified as available-for-sale under IAS 39, at 31 March 2010 there was a net unrealised gain position of £438 million. This amount comprised £1,142 million of gross unrealised gains and £704 million of gross unrealised losses on individual securities. Under IFRS unrealised losses are only applicable for securities which have not been impaired during the period. Securities impaired during the period are written down to fair value through the profit and loss in full. Note 2.1 shows the element of write downs in 2010. Included within the gross unrealised losses is £454 million for securities which are valued at less than 80 per cent of book value, of which 14 per cent have been at this level for less than 6 months.
IFRS requires securities to be carried at fair value, being the amount for which the security would be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction. The best evidence of fair value is quoted prices in an active market, but if the market is not active then a valuation technique is used to establish fair value.
a)  Movements in the values for the 3 months to 31 March 2010:
 
Movements in the values of available-for-sale securities for the three months to 31 March 2010 are included in the table shown below:
 





Change reflected directly in shareholders' equity





31 March 2010
Movement in Quarter 1
Foreign exchange translation*
Quarter 1 including Foreign exchange
31 December 2009





£m
£m
£m
£m
£m

Assets fair valued at below book value









Book value



7,589
(1,131)
500 
(631) 
8,220

Unrealised loss



(704)
316
(54) 
262 
(966)

Fair value (as included in balance sheet)


6,885
(815)
446
(369)
7,254

Assets fair valued at or above book value









Book value



17,218
1,791
 983
 2,774
14,444

Unrealised gain



1,142
106
 66
 172
970

Fair value (as included in the balance sheet)


18,360
1,897
1,049
2,946
15,414

Total









Book value



24,807
660
 1,483
2,143
22,664

Net unrealised gain



438
422
 12
434
4

Fair value (as included in balance sheet)



25,245
1,082
1,495
2,577
22,668










b) Fair value of securities in an unrealised loss position as a percentage of book value                                                
(i) Fair value of securities as a percentage of book value 
                                                                            
 
The unrealised losses in the Jackson balance sheet on unimpaired securities are £704 million (31 December 2009: £966 million) relating to assets with fair market value and book value of £6,885million (31 December 2009: £7,254 million) and £7,589 million (31 December 2009: £8,220 million) respectively.
 
The following table shows the fair value of the securities in a gross unrealised loss position for various percentages of book value:                                                                                                                        
                       






Fair value
Unrealised loss
Fair value
Unrealised loss






31 Mar 2010
31 Mar 2010
31 Dec 2009
31 Dec 2009





£m
£m
£m
£m

Between 90% and 100%




5,501
(130)
5,127
(169)

Between 80% and 90%




678
(120)
1,201
(203)

Below 80%




706
(454)
926
(594)






6,885
(704)
7,254
(966)
 


(ii) Fair value of sub-prime and Alt-A securities as a percentage of book value                
                                             
    
                                                                                                                                                             
Included within the table above are amounts relating to sub-prime and Alt-A securities in a gross unrealised loss position for various percentages of book value of:






Fair value
Unrealised loss
Fair value
Unrealised loss






31 Mar 2010
31 Mar 2010
31 Dec 2009
31 Dec 2009






£m
£m
£m
£m

Between 90% and 100%




67
(3)
102
(3)

Between 80% and 90%




32
(6)
160
(28)

Below 80%




124
(61)
159
(88)






223
(70)
421
(119)
         
c) Securities whose fair value were below 80 per cent of the book value
    
                                                                                                                                     
As shown in the table above, £454 million (31 December 2009: £594 million) of the £704 million (31 December 2009: £966 million) of gross unrealised losses at 31 March 2010 related to securities whose fair value were below 80 per cent of the book value. The age analysis for this £454 million (31 December 2009: £594 million), indicating the length of time for which their fair value was below 80 per cent of the book value, is as follows:
 






Fair value
Unrealised loss
Fair value
Unrealised loss






31 Mar 2010
31 Mar 2010
31 Dec 2009
31 Dec 2009






£m
£m
£m
£m

Less than 3 months




66
(19)
153
(45)

3 months to 6 months




33
(11)
5
(3)

More than 6 months




607
(424)
768
(546)






706
(454)
926
(594)
                       
For securities valued at less than 80 per cent of book value, 70 per cent are investment grade. The analysis by category of debt securities whose fair value were below 80 per cent of the book value is as follows:
 






Fair value
Unrealised loss
Fair value
Unrealised loss






31 Mar 2010
31 Mar 2010
31 Dec 2009
31 Dec 2009






£m
£m
£m
£m

RMBS









   Prime




247
(115)
322
(153)

   Alt-A




38
(17)
77
(33)

   Sub-prime




 86
 (44)
82
(55)






371
(176)
481
(241)

Commercial mortgage backed securities




47
(63)
87
(86)

Other asset backed securities




 178
 (172)
183
(188)

Total structured securities




596
(411)
751
(515)

Corporates




110
(43)
175
(79)






706
(454)
926
(594)
 
 
* Balance sheet items for Jackson National Life have been translated at the closing rate for the period, being $1.5169 at 31 March 2010 (31 December 2009 $1.6149). Jackson National Life income statement movements have been translated at the average exchange rate for the period, being $1.5592 for 3 months to 31 March 2010.
                         
                                                                                                                                 
Schedule 7 - BASIS OF PREPARATION
                                                                                                                                 
The new business schedules are provided as an indicative volume measure of transactions undertaken in the reporting period that have the potential to generate profits for shareholders. The amounts shown are not, and not intended to be, reflective of premium income recorded in the IFRS income statement.
                    
                                                                                                            
The format of the schedules is consistent with the distinction between insurance and investment products as applied for previous financial reporting periods. Products categorised as "insurance" refer to those classified as contracts of long-term insurance business for regulatory reporting purposes, i.e. falling within one of the classes of insurance specified in part II of Schedule 1 to the Regulated Activities Order under FSA regulations.
                                                                                                                                 
The details shown for insurance products include contributions for contracts that are classified under IFRS 4 "Insurance Contracts" as not containing significant insurance risk. These products are described as investment contracts or other financial instruments under IFRS. Contracts included in this category are primarily certain unit-linked and similar contracts written in UK Insurance Operations, and Guaranteed Investment Contracts and similar funding agreements written in US Operations.
                                                                                                                                 
New business premiums for regular premium products are shown on an annualised basis. Department of Work and Pensions rebate business is classified as single recurrent business. Internal vesting business is classified as new business where the contracts include an open market option. 
                                                                                                                                 
Investment products referred to in the tables for funds under management are unit trusts, mutual funds and similar types of retail fund management arrangements. These are unrelated to insurance products that are classified as investment contracts under IFRS 4, as described in the preceding paragraph, although similar IFRS recognition and measurement principles apply to the acquisition costs and fees attaching to this type of business.
 
New Business Profit has been determined using the European Embedded Value (EEV) methodology set out in our 2009 Annual Report and the assumptions set out in schedule 5.
 
In determining the EEV basis value of new business written in the period policies incept, premiums are included in projected cash flows on the same basis of distinguishing annual and single premium business as set out for statutory basis reporting.  New business values are all presented pre-tax.
 
Notes to Schedules 1 - 6
  
(1a)
Insurance and investment new business for overseas operations has been calculated using average exchange rates. The applicable rate for Jackson for the first quarter of 2010 is 1.56.
(1b)
Insurance and investment new business for overseas operations has been calculated using constant exchange rates. The applicable rate for Jackson is 1.56.
(2)
Represents cash received from sale of investment products.
(3)
Annual Equivalents, calculated as regular new business contributions plus 10 per cent single new business contributions, are subject to roundings. PVNBPs are calculated as equalling single premiums plus the present value of expected premiums of new regular premium business. In determining the present value, allowance is made for lapses and other assumptions applied in determining the EEV new business profit.
(4)
Balance includes segregated and pooled pension funds, private finance assets and other institutional clients. Other movements reflect the net flows arising from the cash component of a tactical asset allocation fund managed by PPM South Africa.
(5)
New business in India is included at Prudential's 26 per cent interest in the India life operation. 
(6)
Balance Sheet figures have been calculated at the closing exchange rate. Prior year balance is shown on a constant exchange rate.
(7)
Sales are converted using the year to date average exchange rate applicable at the time.  The sterling results for individual quarters represent the difference between the year to date reported sterling results at successive quarters and will include foreign exchange movements from earlier periods.
(8)
New business in China is included at Prudential's 50 per cent interest in the China life operation. 
(9)
Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) product sales in Hong Kong are included at Prudential's 36 per cent interest in Hong Kong MPF operation.


 

 


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 17 May 2010
 

 

PRUDENTIAL PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

   
 

By: /s/  Susan Henderson

   
 

 

Name  Susan Henderson

 

Title     Deputy Group Secretary