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Q & A Highlights

Q: Why aren't you increasing the full-year cash generation target despite strong half-year performance? A: We set three-year targets in March and are pleased with our progress. However, six months into a three-year plan, we won't upgrade targets yet. We're confident we'll hit the top end of the range for the year without any timing issues. (Andrew Briggs, CEO)

Q: Can you explain the negative IFRS earnings due to economic movements? A: The decline in shareholder equity is primarily due to rising interest rates, a consequence of our hedging strategy which protects our capital surplus and cash generation. Our focus is on growing operating profit to cover all recurring uses, ensuring shareholder equity grows annually. (Andrew Briggs, CEO; Stephanie Bruce, Non-Executive Director)

Q: Why did you pull out of the Sun Life sale process? A: We concluded that a disposal wouldn't maximize shareholder value due to current market uncertainties. Retaining and growing the business within the group is the highest-value approach. (Andrew Briggs, CEO)

Q: Can you provide more detail on the strong recurring management actions? A: These actions involve optimizing our balance sheet without increasing risk, similar to what our peers do. We've invested in systems, processes, and people to achieve this, and we're confident in maintaining this level of recurring management actions going forward. (Andrew Briggs, CEO; Stephanie Bruce, Non-Executive Director)

Q: How are the new product launches like individual annuities and the smooth fund performing? A: The smooth managed fund has been well-received, with around 70-80 adviser firms paneling it. Individual annuities and fixed-term annuities have also seen positive initial trading, and we expect significant growth in these areas. (Andy Curran, Chief Executive - Savings and Retirement, UK and Europe)

Q: Can you explain the impact of hedging on shareholder equity and how it might change with interest rate movements? A: Our hedging strategy protects the Solvency II surplus, which stabilizes cash generation and supports our dividend. While it causes accounting volatility, our focus is on growing operating profit to manage this. The strategy is reviewed periodically by the Board. (Andrew Briggs, CEO; Stephanie Bruce, Non-Executive Director)

Q: What gives you confidence in achieving the increased recurring management actions target? A: We've invested in capabilities and processes that have already shown strong results in the first half. This gives us confidence in hitting the GBP400 million target this year and maintaining it in future years. (Andrew Briggs, CEO)

Q: Can you provide guidance on fund flows for the second half and when you expect total group net flows to become positive? A: We expect continued strong workplace net fund flows, with some lumpiness due to large one-off transfers. BPA premiums are expected to be around GBP6 billion annually. The retail side offers significant upside potential, and we're focusing on new propositions to drive growth. (Andrew Briggs, CEO)

Q: Is the current level of solvency strain sustainable, and how do you view the impact of consumer duty on closed books? A: The 3% strain is sustainable due to structural changes from our Part VII fund merger. We're confident in our compliance with new consumer duty regulations and see no issues. (Andrew Briggs, CEO)

Q: How do you plan to achieve the target leverage ratio of 30% by 2026? A: We plan to repay at least GBP250 million of debt, which will reduce the leverage ratio by about 2 percentage points. Additionally, we aim to grow own funds through strong operating performance and cost reductions. (Andrew Briggs, CEO; Stephanie Bruce, Non-Executive Director)

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.