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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 2005



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 20-F

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

Commission File Number: 1-15040

PRUDENTIAL PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

England and Wales
(Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

Laurence Pountney Hill,
London EC4R 0HH, England
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing 2 Ordinary Shares, 5 pence par value each

 

New York Stock Exchange

Ordinary Shares, 5 pence par value each

 

  New York Stock Exchange*

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of December 31, 2004 was:

2,375,393,020 Ordinary Shares, 5 pence par value each

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes    X          No          

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:

Item 17                  Item 18    X  

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page
Item 1.   Not Applicable    
Item 2.   Not Applicable    
Item 3.   Key Information   1
        Selected Historical Financial Information of Prudential   1
        Dividend Data   4
        Exchange Rate Information   5
        Risk Factors   6
        Forward-Looking Statements   11
Item 4.   Information on the Company   12
        Business of Prudential   12
            Overview   12
            Strategy   14
            Significant Subsidiaries   19
            UK and Europe Business   20
            US Business   43
            Asian Business   53
            Investments   58
            Description of Property   70
            Competition   71
            Intellectual Property   73
            Legal Proceedings   73
            Sources   74
        Supervision and Regulation of Prudential   75
            UK Supervision and Regulation   75
            US Supervision and Regulation   87
            Asian Supervision and Regulation   93
Item 5.   Operating and Financial Review and Prospects   95
        Introduction   95
        Factors Affecting Results of Operations   96
        International Financial Reporting Standards and Discretionary Changes   106
        Overview of Consolidated Results   117
        Analysis by Geographic Region   120
        Geographic Analysis by Nature of Income and Expense   129
        New UK Accounting Pronouncements   138
        US GAAP Analysis   139
        Liquidity and Capital Resources   154
        Introduction of the Euro   164
Item 6.   Directors, Senior Management and Employees   165
        Compensation   168
        Share Ownership   178
        Board Practices   180
        Employees   185
Item 7.   Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions   186
        Major Shareholders   186
        Related Party Transactions   187
         

i


Item 8.   Financial Information   188
Item 9.   The Offer and Listing   189
        Comparative Market Price Data   189
        Market Data   189
Item 10.   Additional Information   190
        Memorandum and Articles of Association   190
        Material Contracts   196
        Exchange Controls   196
        Taxation   196
        Documents on Display   199
Item 11.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   200
        Overview   200
        Major Risks   201
        Asset/Liability Management   203
        Use of Derivatives   204
        World-Wide Operations   204
        Currency of Investments   205
        Currency of Core Borrowings   206
        Sensitivity Analysis   206
Item 12.   Not Applicable    
Item 13.   Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies   213
Item 14.   Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders   214
Item 15.   Controls and Procedures   215
Item 16A.   Audit Committee Financial Expert   215
Item 16B.   Code of Ethics   215
Item 16C.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services   215
Item 16E.   Purchases of Equity Securities by Prudential plc and Affiliated Purchasers   217
Item 17.   Not Applicable    
Item 18.   Financial Statements    
        Consolidated Financial Statements   F-1
        Condensed Financial Information of Registrant   S-1
Item 19.   Exhibits    

ii



Item 3. Key Information

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PRUDENTIAL

        The following table sets forth Prudential's selected consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. Certain data is derived from Prudential's audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with UK GAAP under which insurance business is accounted for on the modified statutory basis ("MSB"). These accounting principles differ in certain significant respects from US GAAP. Note 36 of the notes to the Prudential audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document includes a description of the differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP that are significant to the financial statements and provides a reconciliation from UK GAAP consolidated profit and loss and consolidated shareholders' funds to US GAAP consolidated net income (loss) and consolidated shareholders' equity, respectively. Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—US GAAP Analysis" provides a discussion of the significant differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP. This table is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with Prudential's consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this document, together with Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects".

        The following table presents the profit and loss account and balance sheet data for and as at the years ended December 31, 2000 to 2004 and has been derived from Prudential's audited consolidated financial statements audited by KPMG Audit Plc:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004(1)
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In $ Millions)

  (In £ Millions)

 
Profit and loss account data—UK GAAP basis                          
Gross premiums from continuing long-term business operations including acquisitions:   31,402   16,355   13,781   16,669   15,196   14,173  
Gross premiums from discontinued general business operations(2)         329   390   333  
Reinsurance and change in unearned premiums   (492 ) (256 ) (290 ) (545 ) (380 ) (130 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total earned premiums, net of reinsurance   30,910   16,099   13,491   16,453   15,206   14,376  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment returns:                          
  Continuing operations   28,157   14,665   15,617   (3,664 ) (1,227 ) 5,041  
  Discontinued operations   33   17   22   22   17   5  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investment returns   28,190   14,682   15,639   (3,642 ) (1,210 ) 5,046  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill, exceptional items and tax(3)                          
  Continuing operations:                          
    UK and Europe operations   929   484   394   470   361   360  
    US operations   349   182   140   131   281   461  
    Asian operations   250   130   71   62   25   36  
    Group activities   (370 ) (193 ) (181 ) (189 ) (130 ) (123 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Total continuing operations   1,158   603   424   474   537   734  
  Discontinued operations(2)   (39 ) (20 ) (67 ) (25 ) 89   38  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill, exceptional items and tax(4)   1,119   583   357   449   626   772  
Amortization of goodwill   (186 ) (97 ) (98 ) (98 ) (95 ) (84 )
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns(5)   440   229   91   (205 ) (480 ) (48 )
Profit on business disposals(6)   92   48     355     120  
Egg France closure cost(7)   (217 ) (113 )        
Merger break fee, net of related expenses           338    
Profit on Egg flotation             119  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total profit on ordinary activities before tax   1,248   650   350   501   389   879  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profit after tax and minority interests:                          
  Operating profit (including post-tax long-term investment returns)   783   408   257   333   466   511  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profit for the period (including post-tax actual investment returns)   822   428   208   468   395   577  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
                           

1


Statement of income and comprehensive income data—US GAAP basis                          
Insurance policy revenues   13,029   6,786   4,527   5,201   3,954   3,614  
Investment results   25,628   13,348   11,672   (1,832 ) 182   4,643  
Non-operating income:                          
  Merger break fee, net of related expenses           338    
  Profit on Egg flotation             119  
Other income   4,044   2,106   677   688   616   619  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue   42,701   22,240   16,876   4,057   5,090   8,995  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (after minority interests)   1,302   678   692   (642 ) (308 ) 496  
Income from discontinued operations including profit on disposals (net of applicable tax)(2)   (132 ) (69 ) (27 ) 285   39   6  
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles(8)   (995 ) (518 )     (139 )  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total net income (loss)   175   91   665   (357 ) (408 ) 502  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total comprehensive income (loss)   35   18   655   (627 ) (68 ) 673  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  As of and for the year ended December 31,
 
  2004(1)
  2004
  Restated
2003

  Restated
2002

  Restated
2001

  Restated
2000

 
  (In $ Millions, Except Share Information)

  (In £ Millions, Except Share Information)

Balance sheet data—UK GAAP basis                          
Total assets*     335,117   174,540   161,709   151,977   156,521   154,679
Long-term business provision     199,945   104,138   100,287   99,048   98,422   90,910
Technical provision for linked liabilities     46,343   24,137   20,195   16,007   17,783   18,719
Subordinated liabilities and debenture loans     6,125   3,190   3,117   2,310   2,244   1,585
Total shareholders' funds*     8,220   4,281   3,240   3,577   3,835   3,840
Balance sheet data—US GAAP basis                          
Total assets     334,191   174,058   160,645   150,379   155,668   153,024
Policyholder benefit liabilities(8)     235,031   122,412   90,307   89,304   84,190   76,711
Separate account liabilities(8)     10,620   5,531   30,487   25,793   29,729   32,337
Total shareholders' equity     11,380   5,927   5,128   4,878   5,964   6,455
Other data                          
Long-term business                          
New business from continuing operations:                          
  Single premium sales(10)     21,940   11,427   8,473   11,802   10,610   9,788
  New regular premium sales(9)(10)     1,350   703   710   707   693   538
Gross investment product contributions(10)     48,207   25,108   22,113   17,392   11,303   6,852
Funds under management     359,040   187,000   168,000   155,000   163,000   165,000
Basic earnings per share:                          
  Based on operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill, exceptional items and before tax on a UK GAAP basis^     52.6¢   27.4p   17.2p   21.7p   30.4p   37.9p
  Based on operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and after tax and related minority interests on a UK GAAP basis^     36.9¢   19.2p   12.4p   16.1p   22.7p   25.1p
  Based on total profit for the financial year after tax on a UK GAAP basis^     38.6¢   20.1p   10.0p   22.6p   19.2p   28.3p
  Net income (loss) per share on a US GAAP basis^     8.3¢   4.3p   32.0p   (17.3 )p (19.8 )p 24.6p
  Diluted earnings per share on a UK GAAP basis^     38.6¢   20.1p   10.0p   22.6p   19.2p   28.2p
  Diluted earnings (loss) per share on a US GAAP basis^     8.3¢   4.3p   32.0p   (17.2 )p (19.8 )p 24.5p
Dividend per share, as originally reported     30.8¢   16.05p   16.0p   26.0p   25.4p   24.5p
Dividend per share, as restated(11)^     30.4¢   15.84p   15.38p   25.00p   24.42p   23.56p
Equivalent cents per share(12)^         29.02¢   27.30¢   40.17¢   35.17¢   33.42¢
Market price at end of period^   $ 8.70   453p   454p   422p   765p   1,036p
Average number of shares (in millions)^         2,129   2,076   2,068   2,057   2,037

*
Comparative figures for these lines have been restated as a result of the implementation of UITF Abstract 38 'Accounting for ESOP Trusts'. See Note 4 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.

^
Comparative figures for these lines have been restated to take account of Prudential's rights offering in 2004. See Note 15 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements. The restatement factor is 0.9614 based on a theoretical ex-rights price of 405.71 pence divided by the closing share price on the final day Prudential's shares traded cum-rights of 422.00 pence.

2



Certain other minor reclassifications and presentational changes have been made to the amounts presented for prior periods to conform these periods to the current presentation. Such reclassifications and presentational changes had no overall effect on the shareholders' funds, profits or cashflows.

(1)
Amounts stated in US dollars have been translated from pounds sterling at the rate of $1.92 per £1.00 (the noon buying rate in New York City on December 31, 2004).

(2)
Discontinued operations relate to UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business, Jackson Federal Bank and Egg France. See Notes 7 and 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.

(3)
Investment returns credited to operating profit for investments attributable to shareholders are determined using the long-term rate of return. For the purposes of determining long-term investment returns, from 2001 Jackson National Life has averaged realized investment gains and losses arising on debt securities over five years. For equity related investments Jackson National Life has assumed a long-term rate of return of 8.0%. In 2000, long-term investment returns for Jackson National Life were estimated as the aggregate of investment income and averaged realized gains and losses for both debt securities and other types of security. Comparatives for the average long-term gains credited to operating results for 2000 have not been restated for the refinement in policy, as the effect is not material.

(4)
The Group uses operating profit based on long-term investment returns before amortization of goodwill and exceptional items as a supplemental measure of its results. For the purposes of measuring operating profit, investment returns on shareholder financed businesses are based on the expected long-term rates of return. The expected long-term rates of return are intended to reflect historical real rates of return and, where appropriate, current inflation expectations adjusted for consensus economic and investment forecasts. The significant operations that require adjustment for the difference between actual and long-term investment returns are Jackson National Life and certain businesses of Prudential Corporation Asia. In addition to the adjustments made for investment returns, as described above, operating profit excludes amortization of goodwill and gains on business disposals and similar items.


In determining operating profit, the Group has used the expected long-term investment return and excluded amortization of goodwill and exceptional items as the directors believe that such presentation better reflects the group's underlying financial performance, on a statutory basis of measurement.


For a further discussion of operating profit before amortization of goodwill, exceptional items and tax and a reconciliation of operating profit based on long-term investment returns before amortization of goodwill, exceptional items and tax to profit on ordinary activities, including the related basic earnings per share amounts, see Note 5 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.


Where operating profit before amortization of goodwill, exceptional items and tax is discussed elsewhere in this annual report, the above discussion as well as Note 5 should be referred to.


Due to the long-term nature of Prudential's business, the basis of presentation of operating profit may not be comparable with other UK companies. See Note 5 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements for a description of the basis.

(5)
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns represent the difference between the long-term return credited to operating profit and the actual investment returns achieved for the year.

(6)
Profit on business disposals is detailed in Note 16 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.

(7)
In July 2004, Egg announced that it intended to take the necessary steps to withdraw from the French market at an expected cost of £113 million.

(8)
Effective January 1, 2004, the Group adopted SOP 03-01 "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Non-traditional Long Duration Contracts and Separate Accounts". This has resulted in business previously disclosed as separate accounts business being reclassified to the general account. The cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle is described in Note 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.

(9)
New regular premium sales are reported on an annualized basis, which represents a full year of installments in respect of regular premiums irrespective of the actual payments made during the year.

(10)
New business premiums reflect the amount of business Prudential generated during each period shown and do not include renewal premiums on policies written during prior periods. Prudential considers new business premiums to be a measure of its operating performance because they represent new sales of insurance policies during a specified period, rather than its revenues or profitability during that period. This operating measure enables a comparison of operating performance across periods without regard to revenues or profitability related to policies sold in prior periods. Gross investment product contributions reflect the amount invested by Institutional and Retail customers in the period. Prudential considers these to be a measure of its operating performance because it measures the flow of monies into the funds managed by the Group. This operating measure enables a measurement of operating performance across periods.

(11)
The final dividend with respect to any year is paid in the following year. Final dividends are included in the year to which they relate rather than in the year paid. Annual dividends comprise both interim and final dividend payments.

(12)
The dividends have been translated into US dollars at the noon buying rate on the date each payment was made.

3



Dividend Data

        Under UK company law, Prudential may pay dividends only if "distributable profits" are available for that purpose. "Distributable profits" are accumulated, realized profits not previously distributed or capitalized less accumulated, realized losses not previously written off. Even if distributable profits are available, under UK law Prudential may pay dividends only if the amount of its net assets is not less than the aggregate of its called-up share capital and undistributable reserves (such as, for example, the share premium account) and the payment of the dividend does not reduce the amount of its net assets to less than that aggregate.

        As a holding company, Prudential is dependent upon dividends and interest from its subsidiaries to pay cash dividends. Many of its insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations that restrict the amount of dividends that they can pay to Prudential. These restrictions are discussed in more detail in Item 4, "Information on the Company—Supervision and Regulation of Prudential—UK Supervision and Regulation—Regulation of Insurance Business—Distribution of Profits and With-profits Business" and Item 4, "—Information on the Company—Supervision and Regulation of Prudential—US Supervision and Regulation—General".

        Historically, Prudential has declared an interim and a final dividend for each year (with the final dividend being paid in the year following the year to which it relates). Subject to the restrictions referred to above, Prudential's directors have the discretion to determine whether to pay a dividend and the amount of any such dividend but must take into account the company's financial position.

        The following table shows certain information regarding the dividends per share that Prudential paid for the periods indicated in pence sterling and converted into US dollars at the noon buying rate in effect on each payment date. Interim dividends for a specific year generally have a record date in August and a payment date in October of that year, and final dividends generally have a record date in the following March and a payment date in the following May.

Year

  Interim Dividend
  Interim Dividend
  Final Dividend
  Final Dividend
 
  (pence)

  (US Dollars)

  (pence)

  (US Dollars)

2000   8.2   0.1165   16.3   0.2311
2001   8.7   0.1253   16.7   0.2405
2002   8.9   0.1382   17.1   0.2796
2003   5.3   0.0899   10.7   0.1883
2004   5.4   0.0991   10.65   0.1950

        The following table shows the same information but the comparative figures for 2000 to 2003 have been restated to take account of Prudential's rights offering in 2004. The restatement factor used for these periods is 0.9614 based on a theoretical ex-rights price of 405.71 pence divided by the closing share price on the final day Prudential's shares traded cum-rights of 422.00 pence. See Item 4, "Information on the Company—Growing the Business".

Year

  Interim Dividend
  Interim Dividend
  Final Dividend
  Final Dividend
 
  (pence)

  (US Dollars)

  (pence)

  (US Dollars)

2000   7.89   0.1121   15.67   0.2221
2001   8.36   0.1204   16.06   0.2313
2002   8.56   0.1329   16.44   0.2688
2003   5.09   0.0863   10.29   0.1867
2004   5.19   0.0952   10.65   0.1950

        In February 2003, Prudential's Board of Directors (the "Board") announced that it would review Prudential's dividend policy. Since then the Board has determined a dividend policy which reflects operating cashflows, and the strategy to invest in the business for long-term growth. The Board believes

4



that the dividends for 2004 reflect an appropriate balance between the cash generated by the Group, the ability to finance growth, maintain financial flexibility and the development of modified statutory basis profits over the medium to long-term. The Board believes that the current level of dividend is one from which it will be possible to grow the dividend.


Exchange Rate Information

        Prudential publishes its consolidated financial statements in pounds sterling. References in this document to "US dollars", "US$", "$" or "¢" are to US currency, references to "pounds sterling", "£", "pounds", "pence" or "p" are to UK currency (there are 100 pence to each pound) and references to "euro" or "€" are to the European single currency. The following table sets forth for each year the average of the noon buying rates on the last business day of each month of that year, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for pounds sterling expressed in US dollars per pound sterling for each of the five most recent fiscal years. Prudential has not used these rates to prepare its consolidated financial statements.

Year ended December 31,

  Average rate
2000   1.51
2001   1.44
2002   1.51
2003   1.65
2004   1.84

        The following table sets forth the high and low noon buying rates for pounds sterling expressed in US dollars per pound sterling for each of the previous six months:

 
  High
  Low
December 2004   1.95   1.91
January 2005   1.91   1.86
February 2005   1.92   1.86
March 2005   1.93   1.87
April 2005   1.92   1.87
May 2005   1.90   1.82

        On June 23, 2005, the noon buying rate was £1.00 = $1.82.

5



RISK FACTORS

        A number of factors (risk factors) affect Prudential's operating results, financial condition and trading price. In common with other industry participants, the profitability of the Group's businesses depends on a mix of factors including mortality and morbidity trends, policy surrender rates, investment performance, and administration and acquisition expense.

        The risk factors mentioned below should not be regarded as a complete and comprehensive statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. The information given is as of the date of this report, is not updated, and any forward-looking statements are made subject to the reservations specified below under "Forward-Looking Statements".

Prudential's businesses are inherently subject to market fluctuations and general economic conditions.

        Prudential's businesses are inherently subject to market fluctuations and general economic conditions. In the UK, this is because a significant part of Prudential's shareholders' profit is related to bonuses for policyholders declared on its with-profits products, which are broadly based on historic and current rates of return on equity, real estate and fixed income securities, as well as Prudential's expectations of future investment returns.

        In the US, fluctuations in prevailing interest rates can affect results from Jackson National Life which is predominantly a spread-based business with the majority of its assets invested in fixed income securities. In particular, fixed annuities and stable value products in Jackson National Life expose the Group to the risk that changes in interest rates which are not fully reflected in the interest rates credited to customers will reduce spread. The spread is the difference between the amounts that Jackson National Life is required to pay under the contracts, and the rate of return it is able to earn on its general account investments to support the obligations under the contract. Declines in spread from these products or other spread businesses that Jackson National Life conducts could have a material impact on its businesses or results of operations.

        For some non unit-linked investment products, in particular those written in some of the Group's Asian operations, it may not be possible to hold assets which will provide cash flows to exactly match those relating to policyholder liabilities. This is particularly true in those countries where bond markets are not developed and in certain markets such as Taiwan, Korea and Japan where regulated surrender values are set with reference to the interest rate environment prevailing at the time of policy issue. This is due to the duration and uncertainty of the liability cash flows and the lack of sufficient assets of a suitable duration. This results in a residual asset/liability mismatch risk which can be managed but not eliminated.

        In all markets in which Prudential operates, its businesses are susceptible to general economic conditions and changes in investment returns which may also change the level of demand for Prudential's products. Past uncertain trends in international economic and investment climates which have adversely affected Prudential's business and profitability could be repeated. This adverse effect would be felt principally through reduced returns and credit defaults (in fixed interest corporate bonds or unsecured lending), and may continue to affect the business unless conditions improve. In addition, falling investment returns could impair Prudential's operational capability, including its ability to write significant volumes of new business.

        See Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—Investments" for a description of Prudential's invested assets, investment strategies and investment yields. See also Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Factors Affecting Results of Operations—General Economic and Market Conditions".

6



Prudential is subject to the risk of exchange rate fluctuations owing to the geographical diversity of its businesses.

        Due to the geographical diversity of Prudential's businesses, it is subject to the risk of exchange rate fluctuations. Prudential's international operations in the US, Asia and Europe, which represent a significant proportion of operating profit and shareholders' funds, generally write policies and invest in assets denominated in local currency. Although this practice limits the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on local operating results, it can lead to significant fluctuations in Prudential's consolidated financial statements upon translation of results into pounds sterling. The currency exposure relating to the translation of reported earnings and shareholders' funds is not separately managed other than hedging activity in respect of the US dollar and US dollar related components of the Financial Groups Directive surplus capital. This currency exposure could impact on the Group's gearing ratios (defined as debt over debt plus shareholder funds). The impact of gains or losses on currency translations is recorded as a component of shareholders' funds within the consolidated statement of total recognized gains and losses.

        Of core structural borrowings at December 31, 2004 of £2,797 million, £898 million was denominated in US dollars, partially to hedge the currency exposure arising from Prudential's investment in its US operations. The impact of gains or losses on currency translation is recorded as a component of shareholders' funds within the consolidated statement of total recognized gains and losses. This loss primarily arises upon translation into pounds sterling of the investments in Prudential's US and Asian operations, but reflects the offset of exchange gains of £64 million on the carrying value of the US dollar denominated borrowings, reflecting movements in the US dollar to pounds sterling exchange rate during 2004. See Item 11, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk".

Prudential conducts its businesses subject to regulation and associated regulatory risks, including the effects of changes in the laws, regulations, policies and interpretations in the markets in which it operates.

        Changes in government policy, legislation or regulatory interpretation applying to companies in the financial services and insurance industries in any of the markets in which Prudential operates, which in some circumstances may be applied retrospectively, may adversely affect Prudential's product range, distribution channels, capital requirements and, consequently, reported results and financing requirements. For instance, these changes include possible changes in the regulatory framework for pension arrangements and policies, the regulation of selling practices and solvency requirements or tax law or interpretation. In the UK the Financial Services Authority's ("FSA") depolarization reforms and the rules relating to stakeholder products could have a significant effect on the types of products sold by Prudential, how its products are priced, distributed and sold and on shareholders' return.

        Similar changes in regulation in other jurisdictions could also have an impact elsewhere in the Group.

        The EU Insurance Groups Directive, which was implemented in the UK in 2001, together with the FGD, which became effective from January 1, 2005, require European financial services groups to demonstrate net aggregate surplus capital in excess of solvency requirements at the Group level in respect of shareholder-owned entities. The EU is also currently reviewing future solvency requirements (the Solvency II review). The implementation of these directives leads to Prudential being required to maintain a somewhat higher amount of capital as calculated at the Group level than necessary in respect of some of its businesses. The FGD parent company solvency requirements have to be complied with continuously starting January 1, 2005, with the result that Prudential needs to maintain an appropriate amount of capital at the parent company level to accommodate, for example, short-term movements in global foreign exchange rates to the extent not hedged, interest rates, deterioration in the credit quality of the Group's bond portfolios and equity markets. In addition, changes in the local regulatory regimes of designated territories could affect the calculation of the Group's solvency position.

7



        Inconsistent application of these directives by regulators in different EU member states may place Prudential at a competitive disadvantage to other European financial services groups.

        Various jurisdictions in which Prudential operates have created investor compensation schemes that require mandatory contributions from market participants in some instances in the event of a failure of another market participant. As a major participant in the majority of its chosen markets, circumstances could arise where Prudential, along with other companies, may be required to make such contributions. See "Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects".

        See Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Factors Affecting Results of Operations—Government Policy and Legislation" and Item 4, "Information on the Company—Supervision and Regulation of Prudential".

Prudential is, and in the future may be, subject to legal and regulatory actions in the ordinary course of its business, both in the UK and internationally.

        The resolution of several issues affecting the financial services industry could have a negative impact on Prudential's reported results or on its relations with current and potential customers. These could be a review of business sold in the past under previously acceptable market practices at the time. Pending legal and regulatory actions include proceedings relating to aspects of Prudential's business and operations and which are typical of the business it operates such as the requirement in the UK to provide redress to certain past purchasers of pension and mortgage endowment policies and regulatory reviews on products sold and industry practices, including in respect of businesses it has closed.

        In the US, federal and state regulators have focused on, and continue to devote substantial attention to, the mutual fund, variable annuity and insurance product industries including the broker-dealer system. As a result of publicity relating to widespread perceptions of industry abuses, there have been numerous regulatory inquiries and proposals for legislative and regulatory reforms.

        Although Prudential believes it has adequately reserved in all material aspects for the costs of litigation and regulatory matters, no assurance can be provided that such reserves are sufficient. It is possible that Prudential's future performance could be affected by an unfavorable outcome in these matters.

Prudential's businesses are conducted in highly competitive environments and Prudential's continued profitability depends on its management's ability to respond to these pressures.

        The markets for the UK, the US and Asian financial services are highly competitive, with several factors affecting Prudential's ability to sell its products, including price and yields offered, financial strength and ratings, range of product lines and product quality, brand strength and name recognition, investment management performance and historical bonus levels. In some of its markets Prudential faces competitors that are larger, have greater financial resources or a greater market share, offer a broader range of products or have higher bonus rates or claims-paying ratios. Further, heightened competition for talented and skilled employees with local experience, particularly in Asia, may limit the Group's potential to grow its business as quickly as planned.

        Within the UK, Prudential's principal competitors in the life market include many of the major stock and mutual retail financial services companies including, in particular, Aviva, Legal & General, HBOS and Standard Life. In 2004 Prudential had a 58% market share of group additional voluntary contributions, 28% of the individual annuity market and in the fourth quarter had a 39% share of the with-profits bond market sold through IFAs.

        Jackson National Life's competitors in the US include major stock and mutual insurance companies, mutual fund organizations, banks and other financial services companies. Jackson National Life's principal life insurance company competitors in the US include AIG, Allstate Financial, Allianz Life of North America, AXA Financial Inc, Hartford Life Inc., ING, John Hancock, Lincoln National Corporation and Met

8



Life. At December 31, 2004 in the United States Jackson National Life was the fourteenth-largest life insurance company in terms of General Account assets, the sixth-largest provider of individual fixed annuities in terms of sales and the fifteenth largest provider of variable annuities in terms of sales.

        Within Asia, the Group's main regional competitors are international financial companies, including AIG, Allianz, ING and Manulife. In 2004, Prudential Corporation Asia was the leading European-based life insurer in Asia in terms of market coverage and number of top 5 markets, with operations in 12 Asian countries.

        Prudential believes competition will intensify across all regions in response to consumer demand, technological advances, the impact of consolidation, regulatory actions and other factors. Prudential's ability to generate an appropriate return depends significantly upon its capacity to anticipate and respond appropriately to these competitive pressures. See Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—Competition".

Downgrades in Prudential's financial strength and credit ratings could significantly impact its competitive position and hurt its relationships with creditors or trading counterparties.

        Prudential's financial strength and credit ratings, which are intended to measure its ability to meet policyholder obligations, are an important factor affecting public confidence in most of Prudential's products, and as a result its competitiveness. Downgrades in Prudential's ratings could have an adverse effect on its ability to market products and retain current policyholders. In addition, the interest rates Prudential pays on its borrowings are affected by its debt credit ratings, which are in place to measure Prudential's ability to meet its contractual obligations.

        On December 20, 2002, Moody's downgraded the financial strength rating of the Prudential Assurance Company Limited's ("Prudential Assurance" or "PAC") long-term fund from Aaa (on review for possible downgrade) to Aa1 (stable outlook). On January 29, 2003, Standard & Poor's downgraded the financial strength rating of PAC's long-term fund from AAA (negative outlook) to AA+ (stable outlook). Prudential believes the downgrades that it, and the rest of the UK insurance industry, experienced have not to date had a discernible impact on its performance.

        Prudential's long-term senior debt is rated as A2 (stable outlook) by Moody's, AA- (negative outlook) by Standard & Poor's and AA- (stable outlook) by Fitch Ratings. The rating from Moody's represents their third highest category out of 9, the rating from Standard & Poor's represents the second highest category out of 8 and the rating from Fitch Ratings represents the second highest category out of 12. Prudential's short-term debt is rated as P-1 by Moody's and A1+ by Standard & Poor's. These ratings represent the highest rating category out of 4 and out of 6 categories for each rating agency, respectively.

Adverse experience in the operational risks inherent in Prudential's business could have a negative impact on its results of operations.

        Operational risks are present in all of Prudential's business, including the risk of direct or indirect loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal and external processes, systems and human error or from external events. Prudential's business is dependent on processing a large number of complex transactions across numerous and diverse products, and is subject to a number of different legal and regulatory regimes. In addition, Prudential outsources several operations, including certain UK processing and IT functions. In turn, Prudential is reliant upon the operational processing performance of its outsourcing partners.

        Further, because of the long-term nature of much of Prudential's business, accurate records have to be maintained for significant periods. Prudential's systems and processes are designed to ensure that the operational risks associated with its activities are appropriately controlled, but any weakness in the systems could have a negative impact on its results of operations during the effective period. Prudential

9



has not experienced or identified any operational risks in its systems or processes during 2004 or subsequently which have caused, or are expected to cause, a significant negative impact on its results of operations.

Adverse experience against the assumptions used in pricing products and reporting business results could significantly affect Prudential's results of operations.

        Prudential needs to make assumptions about a number of factors including those enumerated in the first paragraph of the discussion of Risk Factors in determining the pricing of its products and for reporting the results of its long-term business operations.

        For example, the assumption that Prudential makes about future expected levels of mortality is particularly relevant for its UK annuity business. In exchange for a premium equal to the capital value of their accumulated pension fund, pension annuity policyholders receive a guaranteed payment, usually monthly, for as long as they are alive. As part of its pension annuity pricing and reserving policy, Prudential assumes that current rates of mortality continuously improve over time. Annuity mortality assumptions were revised in 2003 to assume future improvements in mortality for males and females at levels projected on the Continuous Mortality Investigations medium cohort table as published by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. If mortality improvement rates significantly exceed the improvement assumed, Prudential's results of operations could be adversely affected.

        A further example is the assumption that Prudential makes about future expected levels of the rates of early termination of products by its customers (persistency). This is particularly relevant to its lines of business other than its UK annuity business. Prudential's persistency assumptions reflect recent past experience for each relevant line of business. Any expected deterioration in future persistency is also reflected in the assumption. If actual levels of future persistency are significantly lower than assumed (that is, policy termination rates are significantly higher than assumed), Prudential's results of operations could be adversely affected.

As a holding company, Prudential is dependent upon its subsidiaries to cover operating expenses and dividend payments.

        Prudential's insurance and investment management operations are generally conducted through direct and indirect subsidiaries. As a holding company, Prudential's principal sources of funds are dividends from subsidiaries, shareholder backed funds, the shareholder transfer from Prudential's long-term funds and any amounts that may be raised through the issuance of debt and commercial paper.

        Certain of the subsidiaries have regulatory restrictions that can limit the payment of dividends, which in some circumstances could limit the Group's ability to pay dividends to shareholders.

Prudential operates in a number of markets through joint ventures and other arrangements with third parties. These arrangements involve certain risks that Prudential does not face with respect to its consolidated subsidiaries.

        Prudential operates, and in certain markets is required by local regulation to operate, through joint ventures. Prudential's ability to exercise management control over its joint venture operations and its investment in them depends on the terms of the joint venture agreements, in particular, the allocation of control among, and continued co-operation between, the joint venture participants and may be adversely affected by new or existing regulations in the markets in which its joint ventures operate. Prudential may also face financial or other exposure in the event that any of its joint venture partners fails to meet its obligations under the joint venture or encounters financial difficulty. In addition, a significant proportion of the Group's product distribution is carried out through arrangements with third parties not controlled by Prudential and is dependent upon continuation of these relationships. A temporary or permanent disruption to these distribution arrangements could affect Prudential's results of operations.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This annual report 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, economic and business conditions in the countries in which Prudential operates, 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 or accounting standards, and tax and other legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions in which Prudential and its affiliates operate, together with other factors discussed in "Risk Factors". 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.

        In particular, the following are forward-looking in nature:

        Prudential may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking statements in reports filed or furnished to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Prudential's annual report and accounts to shareholders, proxy statements, offering circulars, registration statements and prospectuses, press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by directors, officers or employees of Prudential to third parties, including financial analysts. Prudential undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report or any other forward-looking statements it may make.

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Item 4. Information on the Company

BUSINESS OF PRUDENTIAL

Overview

        Prudential is a leading international financial services group, providing retail financial services and fund management in the markets in which it operates: the United Kingdom, the United States, Asia and continental Europe. At December 31, 2004, Prudential was one of the 25 largest public companies in the United Kingdom in terms of market capitalization on the London Stock Exchange. Prudential is not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. or its subsidiary, The Prudential Insurance Company of America.

        Prudential has been writing life insurance in the United Kingdom for over 150 years and has had the largest long-term fund in the United Kingdom for over a century. Prudential began writing property and casualty insurance in 1915, and expanded its business into British Commonwealth countries, including Singapore and Malaysia, in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1986, Prudential acquired Jackson National Life Insurance Company, a US insurance company writing life and fixed annuity business. A group strategy review in the early 1990s identified significant opportunities for Prudential in the Asian life sector and Prudential Corporation Asia was established in 1994 to develop a material and profitable Asian business. In 1998, Prudential launched Egg, now a leading e-commerce retail financial services provider, and in 1999, Prudential acquired M&G, a leading UK fund manager. In June 2000, Prudential completed its listing on the New York Stock Exchange and completed an initial public offering of Egg plc on the London Stock Exchange. In January 2002, Prudential completed the transfer of its personal lines property and casualty insurance business to Winterthur Insurance and the Churchill Group, its UK subsidiary, for consideration of £353 million.

        In the United Kingdom, Prudential offers a range of retail financial products and services, including long-term insurance and asset accumulation and retirement income products (life insurance, pensions and pension annuities), retail investment and unit trust products, fund management services and banking products. Prudential primarily distributes these products through independent financial advisers, referred to as IFAs, bank branches, and direct marketing, by telephone, mail and the internet.

        At December 31, 2004, in the United Kingdom, Prudential was:


        In the United States, Prudential offers a range of products through Jackson National Life Insurance Company ("JNL"), including fixed, fixed-indexed and variable annuities, life insurance, guaranteed investment contracts and funding agreements. Equity-Indexed Annuities are now referred to as Fixed-Index Annuities, a term that JNL believes more accurately describes the product design and its benefits and features. Prudential distributes these products through independent insurance agents, securities

12


broker-dealers, registered investment advisors and banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. At December 31, 2004, in the United States, Jackson National Life was:


(1)
Source: National Underwriter Insurance Data Services from Highline Data

(2)
Source: LIMRA

(3)
Source: VARDS

        Prudential Corporation Asia is the leading European-based life insurer in Asia in terms of market coverage and number of top 5 markets, with operations in 12 Asian countries. Prudential Corporation Asia offers a mix of life insurance with accident and health options, selected personal lines property and casualty insurance and mutual funds with the product range tailored to suit the individual country markets. Its insurance products are distributed mainly through an agency sales-force and complementary bancassurance agreements while the majority of mutual funds are sold through banks and brokers. Its life operations in China and India are through joint ventures in which it holds 50% and 26%, respectively. In addition, in India, Prudential holds 55% of a fund management joint venture with ICICI and in Hong Kong it has a 36% stake in a joint venture with Bank of China International for MPF and mutual funds.

        At December 31, 2004 Prudential Corporation Asia had:

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        Prudential's operating profit under UK GAAP on the modified statutory basis before amortization of goodwill and tax for the periods indicated is set forth in the table below.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
UK and Europe Insurance Operations   305   256   372  
M&G   136   83   71  
Egg (continuing operations)   43   55   27  
   
 
 
 
  Total UK and Europe operations   484   394   470  
US operations (continuing operations)   182   140   131  
Asian operations   130   71   62  
Group activities   (193 ) (181 ) (189 )
   
 
 
 
  Total continuing operations   603   424   474  
Discontinued operations:              
  Egg France   (37 ) (89 ) (47 )
  US banking operations   17   22   22  
   
 
 
 
Total operating profit before amortization of goodwill and tax(1)   583   357   449  
   
 
 
 

(1)
In determining operating profit (based on a long-term investment returns before amortization of goodwill and tax), the Group has used the expected long-term investment return and excluded amortization of goodwill and exceptional items. The directors believe that such presentation better reflects the Group's underlying performance on a statutory basis of measurement.


Strategy

Shareholder Focus

        Prudential's strong mix of business around the world positions it well to benefit from the growth in customer demand for asset accumulation and income in retirement. Prudential believes that its international reach and diversity of earnings will continue to give it a significant advantage.

        Prudential's commitment to its shareholders is to maximize the value over the time of their investment. Prudential does this by investing for the long-term to develop and bring out the best in its people and its business to produce superior products and services, and hence superior financial returns.

        Prudential's aim is to develop lasting relationships with its customers and policyholders, through products and services that offer value for money and security. Prudential seeks to continually enhance its reputation, built over 150 years, for integrity and for acting responsibly within society.

Building the Platform

        In recent years, the global retail financial services industry has undergone significant change. Changes in underlying demographics, government attitudes, regulatory requirements, technology and customer demands are all driving fundamental change in the industry. Prudential is committed to delivering superior returns to its shareholders and has therefore reconfigured its business to compete more effectively in this changing environment.

        Over the past six years, Prudential has transformed itself from a business with a narrow product range and limited distribution channels focus into a multi-channel business with a broad product range and a clear retail financial services focus. At the same time, Prudential has withdrawn from those operations or markets that did not meet its target returns or that did not offer the opportunities to achieve critical mass in the desired timeframe.

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        Prudential has significantly restructured its operations in both the United Kingdom and the United States over the last few years to improve its customer focus and management accountability, and to broaden its product range and distribution reach.

        In the United Kingdom, Prudential restructured its long-term savings business into a single integrated business combining Prudential's UK businesses with that of Scottish Amicable, which was acquired in 1997, to form Prudential UK Insurance Operations. The simplified organizational structure was effective from January 1, 2002. This has resulted in improved operational effectiveness through removal of duplication, greater customer focus and reduced operating costs. Meanwhile, Egg added banking products to Prudential's product range and has a market leading on-line position in providing banking and insurance products. The acquisition of M&G in 1999 has enhanced Prudential's retail, institutional and internal fund management capability.

        In the United States, Prudential has significantly diversified its product range and distribution strategy. Prudential has launched and developed its own equity-based, index-linked and stable value product ranges complementing its fixed annuity products, successfully entered the broker-dealer market and significantly grown its presence in the bank channel.

        In Asia, building on a solid base of established operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, Prudential has followed since 1994 a clear, value creating strategy of entering new markets, building and diversifying distribution and launching innovative products through targeting profitable market segments.

        The cost of development initiatives has adversely impacted, and will continue to adversely impact, short-term earnings, but Prudential believes these investments are building long-term shareholder value.

        This value is clearly demonstrated by the scale and mix of Prudential's new business sales. In 2004, new business inflows exceeded £36 billion with over half coming from mutual fund sales, and 67% coming from outside the United Kingdom.

        This transformation has created a strong platform to pursue strategic initiatives for future growth and shareholder value creation.

Growing the Business

        Prudential is conscious that the retail financial services industry continues to evolve, and it expects to continue to adapt its business to maintain a strong advantage over its competitors while delivering returns to shareholders. Prudential's goal is to pursue its key strategic themes of maintaining focus on its customers, investing in technology to improve further customer access and service, driving down costs and driving growth in new and expanding markets.

        The strength of Prudential's businesses and positive developments in a number of its markets represent an opportunity to enhance its market position and generate improved returns for its shareholders. A strong financial position at a Group level provides increased financial flexibility and allow Prudential to capitalize on these opportunities as they arise. In response to these developments the Board decided in October 2004 to launch a 1 for 6 rights offering. The majority of the net proceeds of Prudential's rights offering (£1,021 million) will be used to provide capital to support Prudential's growth plans for the UK life business and to fund a potential opportunity to increase its ownership from 26% to 49% of its joint venture life insurance business with ICICI in India. The remainder of the proceeds will be used to ensure that Prudential continues to meet the parent company solvency test under the EU Financial Groups Directive ("FGD") that became effective from January 1, 2005. The proceeds of the rights offering have initially been invested centrally within the Group in fixed interest securities.

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Driving Growth

        Within its existing major markets of the United Kingdom, the United States and Asia, Prudential believes fundamental shifts in demographics and in the manner of pension provision will create significant opportunities for future profitable growth. At the same time as pursuing growth in its existing markets, Prudential continues to seek new markets in which it believes it can create value for its shareholders.

        In February 2002, M&G announced the launch of M&G International, focused initially on the distribution of M&G branded mutual funds to retail investors in Germany, Austria and Italy. In 2004, gross fund inflows increased fourfold to €611 million (£433 million), compared with 2003.

        In early 2002, Prudential reviewed the strategy for its Prudential and Scottish Amicable branded long-term business within continental Europe. The review concluded that an organic growth strategy based on investment in the German and French markets would be too slow and expensive to create value in these markets and would require significant acquisitions to create scale. Further, the analysis indicated that the returns achievable from any available acquisition would be too low to justify the investment of capital. As a consequence, in November 2002, Prudential agreed to sell its German long-term business to Canada Life for £82 million. This sale was completed in January 2003. In December 2003, Prudential agreed the sale of Prudential Europe Management Services Limited, its European administration company to Capita Life and Pensions Services Ireland Limited for £16 million. As part of this transaction a ten year third-party administration contract was put in place between the Prudential and Capita Life and Pensions Ireland Limited to ensure continuity of administration services to the company.

        Prudential believes that Asia offers significant long-term growth opportunities and its strategy is designed to create material and sustainable value in Asia by focusing on three dimensions: entering countries with opportunities to leverage its strengths, building and diversifying distribution and providing innovative customer-focused products. In India, Prudential's joint venture with ICICI continues to be the leading private sector player. In 2004, the Indian government announced its intention to allow increased foreign ownership in Indian companies, and Prudential remains interested in increasing its stake in the joint venture. However, the relevant legislation has not yet been put before the Indian Parliament. At present Prudential is not looking to expand the number of countries in Asia in which it operates. Prudential will however continue to diversify both channels and products within existing territories and increase its coverage within countries where it is already operating.

        In May 2002, Egg acquired 100% of Zebank, a French direct financial services company for £22.8 million in cash. During 2003 the decision was taken that the development of the business in France required a level of investment greater than that Egg was prepared to take on a standalone basis. Egg therefore began negotiations with potential partners that may have led to a joint venture or similar transaction. However, no suitable business partner was identified subsequently. On July 13, 2004, Egg announced its withdrawal from the French market to focus on its successful UK business. The exit from France was completed in Q1 2005 and the total closure costs are expected to be within the provision (£113 million) established in July 2004.

        The discussions with potential partners in relation to Egg's French business led to expressions of interest in Egg from a number of potential purchasers and as a result Prudential announced on January 14, 2004 that it was in preliminary discussions regarding a possible transaction with respect to its 79% shareholding in Egg. Following an extensive process, Prudential announced on August 3, 2004 that it was no longer in discussions with respect to its shareholding in Egg. Prudential intends to protect and build on its value of its investment while Egg remains part of the Group.

        During 2004 and the first quarter of 2005, Prudential UK was appointed to work with major independent financial advisor groups ("IFAs") such as Sesame, Millfield, Tenet and Burns Anderson on

16



the design of their respective multi-tie propositions. It has also been appointed to the regulated multi-tie panels for Millfield, Burns Anderson, THINC Destini and Barclays.

        The UK insurance market is starting to recover from three years of decline. During this period, Prudential transformed its UK insurance business from a direct-sales operation, selling with-profits products, into a company that sells mainly shareholder-backed products through a range of channels, including independent financial advisers, business to business and partnership agreements with other companies. Prudential also improved its efficiency and broadened its product range. Over the next few years, Prudential sees new opportunities arising from the creation of multi-ties, and has won places on many of the multi-tie panels announced to date. Prudential expects these agreements to begin to have an effect on its performance in 2005, and to make an increasing contribution thereafter.

        In October 2004 Prudential launched PruHealth, a UK healthcare product that links health and fitness to the cost of medical insurance. As PruHealth is not a life insurance product, its premium income is not reported as new business sales; for the first quarter of 2005, the gross written premiums were £1 million. Support for PruHealth is strong in the IFA channel and its rate of growth is accelerating. The product has been developed through a joint venture with Discovery of South Africa.

        In November 2004, Prudential and its Chinese joint venture partner CITIC were granted a life insurance license for Shanghai in addition to the existing life insurance licenses for Guangzhou, Beijing and Suzhou where operations commenced in 2000, 2003 and 2004, respectively. In the first quarter of 2005, Prudential and its joint venture partner CITIC were granted three more life insurance licenses for Dongguan, Foshan and Wuhan and in May 2005 announced that it had been awarded another license for Zhongshan. CITIC Prudential's new branches are expected to open for business in the second half of 2005. Prudential is now the only European life insurance joint venture with licenses for eight Chinese cities.

        In November 2004, Prudential announced the purchase of Life Insurance Company of Georgia for £142 million. This acquisition will double the number of JNL's in-force life and annuity policies, add scale to its operating platform and expand its distribution capability. This will enable JNL to grow its life business at a higher return and faster rate than can be achieved organically. JNL anticipates the capital provided will be returned over a period of about 5 years. The planning for the integration of the business is on track and full integration is anticipated within 12 months of closing the transaction. The purchase was completed on May 18, 2005.

        In October 2004, JNL completed the sale of Jackson Federal Bank ("JFB") to Union Bank of California for £166 million. JFB's principal area of business was banking and commercial real estate lending, which no longer aligned with JNL's strategy. Accordingly, the results of operations for Jackson Federal Bank are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements.

        Prudential continues to consider opportunities to acquire businesses to further the strategy of growing its business, particularly in new and expanding markets. Prudential may finance these acquisitions with bank borrowings, debt or equity issuances or a combination of such financings.

Focusing on Customers

        Prudential's goal is to deliver products that its customers want to buy, through the distribution channels they wish to use. Prudential is continually exploring opportunities to expand its distribution reach and broaden its product offering.

        In the United Kingdom, Prudential has complementary businesses and market-leading positions in key product areas, enabling it to deliver sustained growth in the low margin environment in which it now operates. The businesses comprising Prudential's UK Insurance Operations have undergone enormous strategic transformations in recent years, bringing together several operating units under the powerful Prudential brand and improving service to over seven million customers. In 2002, Prudential's

17



UK Insurance Operations announced the development of an outsourced customer service operation in Mumbai, India. In May 2003, the Mumbai customer service center opened and at the end of 2004 employed over 880 people. Measures to improve customer service continued in 2004 with a number of initiatives to simplify communication channels with both customers and intermediaries.

        M&G is Prudential's UK and European fund management business and had over £126 billion of funds under management as of December 31, 2004, of which £98 billion related to Prudential's long-term business funds. M&G operates in markets where it has a leading position and competitive advantage, including retail fund management, institutional fixed income, pooled life and pension funds, property and private finance. Based on May 2005 data from the Investment Management Association, M&G ranks as the fourth largest asset manager in the UK.

        Egg has 3.1 million customers who are defined as "marketable" based on their activity levels. Moving forward, Egg will focus on growing lending balances and fee income through a mix of both acquisition and cross sales rather than by customer acquisition as the key growth metric.

        In the United States, Prudential, through Jackson National Life, is one of the few providers to have a significant market position across the range of fixed, variable and fixed-indexed annuity products. It also offers life and institutional products. Jackson National Life has expanded its distribution channels to include independent agents, broker-dealers, banks, registered investment advisors and other financial institutions. Through the recent acquisition of Life Insurance Company of Georgia, JNL will double its number of in-force life and annuity policies, add scale to its operating platform and expand its distribution capability. This will enable JNL to grow its life business at a higher return and faster rate than achievable organically.

        In Asia, Prudential has a reputation for developing customer-focused and innovative savings and insurance products. It leverages UK and US product expertise and works with Asian regulators to bring new products to market, achieving particular success with unit-linked products. While Prudential believes it can best manage customer service quality in Asia through ownership of distribution channels, it also gives customers the choice to access its products through complementary bancassurance arrangements.

Summary

        Prudential's strategic initiatives over the past few years have significantly changed the shape and focus of the group and have built a platform for further growth and value generation. Prudential believes that by continuing to implement its strategy of product innovation for the benefit of its customers, improve efficiency and develop new distribution channels, it will maximize value for its shareholders over the long term.


Company Address and Agent

        Prudential plc is a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales. Our registered office is Laurence Pountney Hill, London EC4R 0HH, England (telephone: +44 20 7220 7588). Our agent in the United States is Jackson National Life Insurance Company, located at 1 Corporate Way, Lansing, Michigan 48951, United States of America.

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Significant Subsidiaries

        The table below sets forth Prudential's significant subsidiaries.

Name of Company

  Percentage
Owned(1)

  Country of
Incorporation

The Prudential Assurance Company Limited   100%   England and Wales
Prudential Annuities Limited(2)   100%   England and Wales
Prudential Retirement Income Limited(2)   100%   Scotland
M&G Investment Management Limited(2)   100%   England and Wales
Egg Banking plc(2)(3)   79%   England and Wales
Jackson National Life Insurance Company(2)   100%   United States
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Limited(2)   100%   Singapore
PCA Life Assurance Company Limited   99%   Taiwan

(1)
Percentage of equity owned by Prudential directly or indirectly. The percentage of voting power held is the same as the percentage owned. Each subsidiary has one class of ordinary shares and operates mainly in its country of incorporation, except for Prudential Retirement Income Limited which operates mainly in England and Wales.

(2)
Owned by a subsidiary of Prudential.

(3)
Egg Banking plc is a subsidiary of Egg plc, a listed subsidiary of Prudential. The ordinary shares of Egg plc, of which there is only one class, are 79% owned by Prudential and 21% owned by shareholders external to the Prudential group.

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UK and Europe Business

Introduction

        Prudential's UK business is structured into business units, each focusing on its respective target customer markets. Prudential's UK business units are UK and Europe Insurance Operations, M&G and Egg.

        The following discussion describes:

        In 2004, Prudential's UK and Europe business generated operating profit from continuing operations before amortization of goodwill and tax of £484 million and total UK and Europe new business insurance premiums of £6,538 million and investment flows of £5,845 million. As of December 31, 2004, M&G had over £126 billion funds under management and Egg had customer deposits of £6,336 million and a credit card book of £3,578 million.

UK Retail Financial Services Market Overview

        The United Kingdom is one of the world's largest life insurance markets in terms of premiums and is one of the largest retail banking markets. In recent years, the UK insurance and banking markets have changed significantly and are continuing to evolve as a result of changes in regulation and government policy, demographics, technological development and consumer awareness and attitudes. Retail financial services providers are adapting to these changes to meet consumer needs by broadening the range of products that they offer and the means by which those products are distributed to, and accessed by, customers.

        The historical divisions between insurance, banking and other financial products are being eroded. It is increasingly common for providers to offer a range of pension products, life products and services, property and casualty insurance, banking products and retail investment products and services. Consumers are increasingly being offered access to these products through direct marketing and over the internet, as well as through the traditional company salesforce, IFAs, and bank branch distribution channels. However, for more complicated products, detailed "fact finds" are often required and consequently face-to-face advice is still preferred.

        Independent financial advisors continue to be the principle channel for the distribution of life and pension products for insurers in the UK. This channel is undergoing significant change with the introduction by the Financial Services Authority ("FSA") of new "depolarization" rules leading to the establishment of multi-tie panels. Over the next few years, Prudential UK expects that a significant proportion of IFAs, which previously operated as whole-of-market providers, will move to a panel approach whereby they will distribute the product range of a select number of life companies.

        Depolarization is also expected to have an effect on the UK bank distribution market as some banks move to offer their customers products from a panel of different providers rather then from a single product provider.

        Competition among retail financial service companies is focused on product range, distribution reach, brand, investment performance and the specific benefits offered by products, charges and financial strength.

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        Prudential believes the prospects for the UK life insurance industry are improving and that it is well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented. In accordance with this, a proportion of Prudential's rights offering proceeds is to be used to support Prudential's growth plans in the UK. During 2005, Prudential UK and Europe sales are expected to grow by 10%, given the expectation of market growth of 5%.

UK Products and Profitability

        In common with other UK long-term insurance companies, Prudential's products are structured as either with-profits (participating) products, or non-participating products including annuities in payment and unit-linked products. Depending upon the structure, the level of shareholders' interest in the value of policies and the related profit or loss varies.

        With-profits policies are supported by a with-profits fund and can be single premium (for example, Prudence Bond) or regular premium (for example, certain corporate pension products). Prudential's primary with-profits fund is part of PAC's long-term fund. The return to shareholders on virtually all with-profits products is in the form of a statutory transfer to PAC shareholders' funds which is analogous to a dividend from PAC's long-term fund and is dependent upon the bonuses credited or declared on policies in that year. Prudential's with-profits policyholders currently receive 90% of the distribution from the main with-profits fund as bonus additions to their policies and shareholders receive 10% as a statutory transfer.

        In 2004, profits distributed from Prudential's primary with-profits fund amounted to £1,986 million, of which £1,788 million (90%) was added to policies as bonuses, and £198 million (10%) was available for distribution to shareholders and will be paid as a dividend in 2005.

        The profits from almost all Prudential's new non-participating business written since July 1, 2004 accrue solely to shareholders. Such business is written in the non-profit sub-fund within PAC's long-term fund, or in various shareholder owned direct or indirect subsidiaries, the most significant of which is Prudential Retirement Income Limited ("PRIL"). There is a substantial volume of in-force non-participating business in PAC's with-profits fund and that fund's wholly owned subsidiary Prudential Annuities Limited ("PAL"); profits from this business accrue to the with-profits fund. The vast majority of external non-profit annuity business is now written in PRIL and, with effect from July 1, 2004, immediate annuities arising from vesting deferred annuity policies were reinsured to PRIL.

Products

        The traditional life insurance product offered by UK life insurance companies was a long-term savings product with a life insurance component. The life insurance element conferred tax advantages that distinguished the traditional life insurance products offered in the United Kingdom from the savings products offered by banks, building societies and unit trust companies. The gradual reduction of these tax advantages and increasing sales of single premium life products have resulted in the distinction between life insurance and other long-term savings products becoming less important. Pension products remain tax-advantaged within certain limits.

        Prudential expects demand for private personal pension and savings products to increase over the medium to long term, in part reflecting a change in the UK government's approach to social security that has encouraged long-term savings through tax advantages, but also in reaction to the growing realization that state-provided pensions are unlikely to provide sufficient retirement income. An ageing population is focusing on asset-accumulation and other retirement products to supplement their state benefits, while younger generations are focusing on pension and long-term savings products as well as health and income protection cover.

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        During the late 1980s, the UK government began encouraging individuals to invest in equities, with particular emphasis on UK equities. The UK government's privatization program and the introduction in 1988 of tax-advantaged Personal Equity Plans, referred to as PEPs, considerably widened the UK equity investor base. The current UK government replaced PEPs in April 1999 with Individual Savings Accounts, referred to as ISAs, a tax-advantaged product that offers equity, insurance and deposit investment options. ISAs will continue until 2010 based on government pronouncements.

        The UK government introduced "stakeholder pensions" in April 2001 with the intention of creating a pension for individuals who were earning enough to be able to afford to make a contribution towards a pension but were not currently doing so. This initiative built on previous changes, such as the introduction of personal pensions in 1988.

        Until the late 1990s, the UK's regulation of savings has largely focused on the sales process, rather than on the product design. With the advent of "stakeholder' pensions, the government made a tentative step into product regulation—a pension product can only use the name "Stakeholder' if it meets certain conditions, concerning charges, access and terms. However, the sales regulation for these pensions was just as onerous as for non-stakeholder pensions, with all sales requiring a full fact find of the customer to check suitability.

        Following the Sandler Review, which was reported in 2002, HM Treasury and the Department of Work and Pensions have been developing regulatory constraints for a new set of "Stakeholder' products based on simplicity, charge caps, and safety (by controlling investment risk). These new stakeholder products will include a cash deposit account, a medium-term savings vehicle, a pension (a revised version of the existing stakeholder pension), and a Child Trust Fund (to which the government will contribute for every new-born child in the UK). It is proposed that this suite of products will operate within a lighter-touch regulatory sales and advice regime. The advice is based on standard questions which are designed to determine whether a savings or investment product from a stakeholder range is suitable for a customer. It is aimed at minimizing potential customer detriment. See "—Supervision and Regulation of Prudential—UK Supervision and Regulation—Application of 2000 Act Regulatory Regime to Prudential—Regulation of Insurance Business".

        The product requirements, and the lighter touch sales approach, have now been determined and took effect from April 2005. The extent of the industry's participation in the new stakeholder regime is likely to depend very heavily on the balance of charges available and costs associated with the new sales approach.

        Historically, the majority of the life and pensions business written in the United Kingdom was with-profits business. However, in response to regulatory scrutiny and subsequent changes in the regulatory environment and customer requirements, with-profits products are being increasingly supplemented by simpler unit-linked products. For a detailed description of Prudential's with-profits products and policies, "—Shareholders' Interests in Prudential's Long-term Insurance Business—With-profits Products".

Distribution

Direct to Consumer

        The direct to consumer distribution channel is primarily charged with increasing revenue from existing Prudential customers and by seeking new customers. Direct to Consumer includes the telephone and Internet and focuses on annuities, protection and health products.

Business to Business

        The business to business distribution channel focuses on the maximization of the value of the existing book of corporate pension schemes and winning new schemes. This channel targets Prudential's

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strong base of corporate pensions through workplace marketing. Prudential UK Insurance Operations corporate pension products are marketed through consulting actuaries, benefits advisers and its company employer and employee relationship management teams. Consulting actuaries and benefits advisers are IFAs, but are not generally the same as the retail IFAs being targeted via the intermediary channel discussed below. In addition, Prudential markets bulk annuities to trustees of Defined Benefit schemes via employee benefit consultants.

        Within the Corporate Pensions sector the adviser market is heavily dominated by a small number of Employee Benefit Consultants ("EBCs") who control the majority of the 250 plus lives sectors. Prudential targets its proposition at medium to large sized employers, distributed via the major EBC's on a nil commission basis. Prudential has a well developed and comprehensive worksite communication proposition that is effectively deployed within both our new and existing clients to educate and inform members as well as increasing the take up within the arrangements. Prudential is the provider to 20% of FTSE 350 companies, managing more than 4,000 pension schemes.

Intermediaries

        The intermediary channel focuses on the distribution of products to individual customers via retail IFAs. This channel was restructured during 2004 in response to the new regulatory regime effective from December 2004. A new infrastructure was created to customize the levels of support required. A new divisional structure was implemented that matches field-based account managers with high value customer segments. Lower value segments are serviced by telephone-based account managers. The new organization structure positions the Intermediaries business to extract maximum value from the opportunities the new regulatory regime presents.

Corporate Partnerships

        The corporate partnerships channel focuses on developing strong relationships with banks, retail brands and other distributors. Corporate partnerships also seeks to help our distribution partners in their distribution and product development strategies. In October 2002, Prudential's UK Insurance Operations announced an agreement with Abbey National to distribute the Prudence Bond in the United Kingdom. This agreement was discontinued in 2004. In January 2003, Zurich Financial Services signed a five-year distribution agreement for Zurich Advice Network to offer customers a Prudential annuity post depolarization and improved annuity rates pre-depolarization and in 2004 Pearl Assurance and Prudential signed an agreement whereby Prudential provides annuities to Pearl's vesting personal pension customers. Prudential has also signed a number of deals with banks to provide life insurance. The partnership with Lloyds TSB is one of the largest of these. In December 2004, Prudential reached agreement with Royal London to reassure Scottish Life's approximately 60,000 in-force annuities, representing in excess of £1 billion of funds under management.

        Retail financial services and products are distributed face-to-face, through branches, tied agents, company salesforces and IFAs, or directly by mail, telephone and over the internet. Tied agents are exclusive agents who represent only one insurer and must offer customers the products most suitable to their needs, but only from the range of products offered by that insurer. In recent years the high costs of company salesforces and tied agency networks, combined with customers perceiving a lack of choice, have meant that salesforces and tied agents have lost significant market share to IFAs, with the result that many insurers, including Prudential, have chosen to close these tied agents and direct salesforce networks.

        Increasingly, consumers require wider access to financial products than agents can provide. IFAs, banks, direct marketing and, to a lesser extent, e-commerce distribution are gaining market share at the expense of traditional company salesforces. Direct and e-commerce distribution methods are generally lower-cost than other methods but have not been conducive to providing financial advice to the

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consumer to date. Accordingly, products distributed directly are generally more straightforward and have lower, often fee-based, charges.

        IFAs are required by the UK polarization laws to provide the best advice to customers, considering all of the products available in the market and the customer's particular circumstances, and are legally responsible for their own advice. In contrast, company salesforces may only sell the products of the company of which they are employed, but must nevertheless provide the best advice in light of the customer's particular circumstances. A company has legal responsibility for the advice its salesforce provides and the conduct of its tied agents.

        The FSA announced a relaxation of the polarization rules in March 2001 with respect to stakeholder pension schemes and direct offer financial promotions for packaged products (which include life policies other than pure protection policies, pensions, regulated collective investment schemes and investment trust savings schemes). As a result of these changes, tied sales forces and appointed representatives of product provider firms are now free to market stakeholder pensions manufactured by any other company.

        The FSA following a consultation process, published new rules at the end of 2004 implementing new "depolarization' rules. Advisers now have the choice of being "single tied' as before, or multi tied advising on the products of a limited range of providers, or IFA where they offer products from the "whole of market' as now, but they also have to offer a "fee alternative'. Prudnetial's view is a significant number of existing IFAs will choose to adopt a "multi tie' selecting a limited number of large brands.

        In preparation for this change, Prudential has worked with major IFA groups to design and build multi-tie propositions and, as of March 31, 2005, Prudential has been appointed to work with Sesame, Millfield, Tenet and Burns-Anderson on the design of their respective multi-tie propositions. It has also been appointed to the regulated multi-tie panels including, Millfield, Thinc Destini, Barclays and Burns-Anderson.

UK Business Units

UK and Europe Insurance Operations

        In 2004, operating profit before goodwill, amortization and tax from Prudential's long-term UK and Europe Insurance Operations was £305 million. This represented 63% of the total £484 million operating profit before amortization of goodwill and taxation recorded by Prudential in the United Kingdom and Europe from long-term and other operations. See Item 5, "—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Analysis by Geographic Region—UK and Europe Operating Results". The UK insurance operation's profit accounts for over 98% of the combined UK and Europe Insurance Operation's profit. Therefore this section primarily focuses on the UK Insurance Operation.

UK Insurance Operations

Products

        Prudential offers a wide range of products, which traditionally have been marketed under the "Prudential" and "Scottish Amicable" brands. From January 2003, however, products have only been sold under the Prudential brand. See Item 5, "—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Analysis by Geographic Region—UK and Europe Insurance Operations—UK Restructurings". The products distributed include long-term products consisting of:

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        Until December 2001, Prudential also offered personal lines property and casualty insurance through its UK Insurance Operations. However it transferred this business in January 2002 to Winterthur Insurance and the Churchill Group, (Winterthur's UK subsidiary) which is now owned by Royal Bank of Scotland. Since April 1, 2002, all new Prudential branded personal lines property and casualty insurance business has been written in Churchill's name. See "—Transfer of Property & Casualty Business to Winterthur".

        In October 2004 Prudential launched PruHealth, a UK healthcare product that links health and fitness to the cost of medical insurance. As PruHealth is not a life insurance product, its premium income is not reported as new business sales; for the first quarter of 2005, the gross written premiums were £1 million. Support for PruHealth is strong in the IFA channel and its rate of growth is accelerating. The product has been developed through our joint venture with Discovery of South Africa.

Long-term Products

        Prudential's long-term products in the United Kingdom consist of life insurance, pension products and pensions annuities. The following table shows Prudential's UK Insurance Operations new business insurance and investment premiums by product line for the periods indicated. New business premiums include deposits for policies with limited or no life contingencies.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Life insurance            
  With-profits   246   532   1,875
  Unit-linked   1,565   617   396
   
 
 
    Total life insurance   1,811   1,149   2,271
Pensions            
  With-profits individual   28   35   57
  Unit-linked individual   60   59   88
  Department of Work and Pensions rebates   354   383   305
  Corporate*   432   368   397
   
 
 
    Total pensions   874   845   847
Pension annuities and other retirement products            
  Fixed   3,482   1,855   2,055
  Retail Price Index   204   133   293
  With-profits   76   59   117
   
 
 
    Total pension annuities   3,762   2,047   2,465
   
 
 
Total new business premiums   6,447   4,041   5,583
   
 
 

*
Note: certain investment mandates previously reported as UK Corporate Pension business are now reported as M&G institutional investment flows. This gives rise to a restatement of 2003 UK sales of £320 million (£688 million to £368 million) and restatement of 2002 UK sales of £158 million (£555 million to £397 million).

        New business premiums in 2004 were £6,447 million, up 59% and 16% respectively on 2003 and 2002. This increase principally reflects a growth in sales of Unit-Linked investments of 144% and Pension Annuities of 84%. The 84% growth in Pension Annuities was mainly driven by growth in both individual and bulk annuities and also a reassurance deal for £1,108m with Royal London (see Corporate Partnerships section).

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Life Insurance Products

        Prudential's UK life insurance products are predominantly medium to long-term savings products with life cover attached, and also include pure protection (term) products. The main savings products Prudential offers are investment bonds.

Savings Products—Investment Bonds

        Prudential offers customers a choice through a range of investment funds to meet different risk and reward objectives. Prudential launched the Flexible Investment Plan ("FIP") in November 2003. Through this plan, our customers have the option to invest in the Prudence Bond (With-Profits) along with a range of unit linked bonds. Advisers can build an individual portfolio and asset allocation model to accurately match a client's risk / reward profile. FIP also gives financial advisers the opportunity to choose from different external fund management groups and the flexibility to make changes to portfolio and asset allocation over time.

        The Prudence Bond, a single premium, unitized with-profits policy with no fixed term, is one of the United Kingdom's leading investment bond products in terms of with-profits market share. Prudential launched the Prospect Bond, another single premium with-profits bond, in October 2003. The Prospect Bond gives investors the opportunity to move out of under-performing funds elsewhere in the market, and into the Prudential With-Profits Fund. In September 2004, Prudential launched the next generation with-profits investment bond, entitled PruFund. A complement for Prudence Bond, it is designed to provide increased transparency and smoothed investment returns to the customer. In 2004, total new business premiums attributable to the PruFund, Prudence Bond, Prospect Bond and the Prudential Investment Bond, were in excess of £246 million. Sales of Prudential's offshore bonds, the International Prudence Bond and International Prudential Portfolio Bond, were £273 million in 2004.

        These with-profits products aim to provide capital growth over the medium to long-term, and access to a range of investment sectors without the costs and risks associated with direct investment into these sectors. Capital growth for the policyholder on with-profits bonds apart from PruFund is achieved by the addition of reversionary or regular bonuses, which are credited to the bond on a daily basis from investment returns achieved within Prudential Assurance's long-term with-profits fund, off-set by charges and expenses incurred in the fund. A final bonus may also be added when the bond is surrendered. PruFund delivers growth through a published expected growth rate, updated quarterly, and a transparent formulaic smoothing mechanism. In contrast the capital return on unit-linked bonds directly reflects the movement in the value of the assets underlying those funds. When funds invested in Prudential Assurance's long-term with-profits fund are either fully or partially withdrawn, Prudential may apply a market value adjustment to the amount paid out.

Life Protection

        Prudential underwrites life protection for companies providing loans to their customers. Sales in 2004 were £795 million mostly generated through partnership agreements with Lloyds TSB and Alliance and Leicester.

Pension Products

        Prudential provides both individual and corporate pension products. In 2004, new business premiums totaled £88 million for individual pensions and £432 million for corporate pensions. Pension products are tax-advantaged long-term savings products that comply with rules established by the UK Inland Revenue and are designed to supplement state-provided pensions. These rules require that, upon retirement, maturity benefits are used to purchase pension annuities by policyholder election at retirement or at least by the age of 75, although they do permit a portion to be taken as a tax-free lump sum. Prior to retirement, these products typically have minimal mortality risk to Prudential and are

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primarily considered investment products. An exception is where a guaranteed annuity option has been offered on the product, with an element of risk to Prudential both in underlying mortality and investment assumptions.

        Prudential ceased marketing Guaranteed Annuity Options ("GAOs") in 1987, but for a minority of corporate pension schemes GAOs still apply for new members. Current liabilities for this type of business make up less than 1% of the with-profits sub-fund.

        Many of the pension products Prudential offers are with-profits products or offer the option to have all or part of the contributions allocated to a with-profits fund. Where funds invested in the with-profits fund are withdrawn prior to the pension date specified by the policyholder, Prudential may apply a market value adjustment to the amount paid out. The remaining pension products are non-participating products, which include unit-linked products.

Individual Pensions

        Prudential's individual pension range offers unit-linked and unitized with-profits products.

        In 2001, Prudential introduced products that meet the criteria of the UK government's stakeholder pension program. The stakeholder pension is intended for individuals earning enough to be able to afford to make contributions to a pension but who are not currently doing so. The introduction of stakeholder pensions has had implications for, among other things, how Prudential designs, administers, charges for and distributes pension products. The most significant requirements involve capped charges and a low minimum contribution which must be accepted by the provider. The government has capped charges at 1% of the policyholder account balance per annum for stakeholder pensions, which is significantly below the charges on personal pension products previously offered by the UK pensions industry.

Department of Work and Pensions Rebates ("DWP Rebate")

        Prudential also provides individual personal pension products through the DWP Rebate arrangement. Under this arrangement, individuals may elect to contract out of the UK's State Second Pension (referred to as SP2) which was previously known as State Earnings Related Pension Scheme, administered by the UK Department of Work and Pensions. If an individual elects to contract out, then he or she will designate a pensions provider, such as Prudential. Premiums on products sold in this manner are paid through "rebates" from the Department of Work and Pensions, which represent the amount that would be otherwise paid into SP2. Rebate amounts are invested to provide benefits to the individual. Premiums from Department of Work and Pensions rebates are typically reported in the first quarter of each year. In 2004, Prudential recorded total premiums of £354 million from Department of Work and Pensions rebates.

Corporate Pensions

        There are two categories of corporate pension products: defined benefit and defined contribution. Prudential has an established defined benefit plan client base that ranges from small unlisted companies to some of the largest companies in the United Kingdom. In addition, Prudential offers defined contribution products including additional voluntary contribution plans (current UK regulations require that all companies that offer an occupational pension plan must also offer a group additional voluntary contribution plan to their employees). Additional voluntary contribution plans enable employees to make additional pension contributions, either regularly or as a lump sum, to supplement their occupational pension plans.

        Defined benefit plans and products continue to dominate the corporate pensions market in terms of funds under management. In recent years, however, most new plans established have been defined

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contribution products. In addition, there is an increasing trend among companies to close the plans to new members or to convert existing schemes from defined benefit to defined contribution in order to stabilize or reduce potential pension liabilities.

        Prudential offers group unit-linked policies and with-profits policies to the corporate pensions market. Prudential's defined contribution products are Additional Voluntary Contribution plans, Group Money Purchase Plans, Group Personal Pension plans, Group Stakeholder Pension plans and Executive Pension plans.

        Prudential also has a Company Pension Transfer Plan (or Bulk S32), designed to accept benefits from both defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes which are winding-up (cease to exist or being replaced by a new type of scheme).

Pension Annuities and other retirement products

        Prudential offers individual conventional immediate annuities that are either fixed or retail price-indexed (referred to as RPI), where annuity payments are guaranteed from the outset, or with-profits annuities, where annuity payments are variable. A total of £2,180 million of individual conventional annuities were sold in 2004. Of this total, £1,055 million were sold to existing Prudential customers with maturing pension policies. The other £1,125 million were sold to new customers, typically individuals with a pension maturing with another provider who chose Prudential to provide their annuity. Prudential also offers bulk annuities, whereby it manages the assets and accepts the liabilities, of a company pension scheme or life fund, usually when it is being wound up by the employer. Due to the nature of the product, the volume of Prudential's bulk annuity sales is unpredictable as it depends on the decision of scheme trustees. In 2004, Prudential sold £1,582 million of bulk annuities, of which £1,108 million related to an agreement with Royal London in which Prudential reached an agreement to reassure Scottish Life's approximately 60,000 in-force annuities.

        Prudential's immediate annuity products provide guaranteed income for a specified time, usually the life of the policyholder, in exchange for a lump-sum capital payment. No surrender value is available under any of these products. The primary risks to Prudential from immediate annuity products, therefore, are mortality improvements and credit risk.

Conventional Annuities

        Prudential's conventional annuities include level (non-increasing), fixed increase and retail price index ("RPI") annuities. Prudential's fixed-increase annuities incorporate automatic increases in annuity payments by fixed amounts over the policyholder's life. The RPI annuities provide for a regular annuity payment to which an additional amount is added periodically based on the increase in the UK Retail Prices Index. In 2004, sales of RPI annuities were £204 million (including £109 million of bulk annuities). In 2004, sales of level and fixed-increase annuities amounted to £3,482 million (including £1,583 million of bulk annuities and £31 million of Flexible Retirement Income Account ("FRIA") products).

With-profits Annuities

        Prudential is one of only a few companies in the United Kingdom writing with-profits annuities. In 2004, Prudential wrote £76 million of this business including £7 million of FRIA sales. Prudential's with-profits annuities combine the income features of annuity products with the investment smoothing features of with-profits products and enable policyholders to obtain equity-type returns over time. Policyholders select an "anticipated bonus" from the specific range Prudential offers for the particular product. The value of the annuity payment each year depends upon the anticipated bonus rate selected by the policyholder when the product is purchased and the bonuses Prudential declares each year during the term of the product. If bonus rates fall below the anticipated rate, then the annuity income falls.

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Flexible Retirement Income Account

        FRIA offers customers a flexible retirement solution and consists of two separate products. The Flexible Income Draw-down Plan ("FIDP") offers wide investment choice, income flexibility and options on death, including the repayment of the remaining fund as a lump sum. Under the current rules for approval of pension schemes, customers can use this draw-down product to provide retirement income up to age 75. These rules require customers to purchase annuities with any remaining pension funds at age 75. The Flexible Lifetime Annuity ("FLA") offers similar investment choice and income flexibility to FIDP but no lump sum death benefits. Prudential sold £31 million of the FRIA products in 2004.

Home Equity Release Plan

        In 2004, through a partnership with Northern Rock Plc, Prudential offered a lifetime mortgage product to customers aged 60 and over who wished to access the equity in the value of their home. Under the partnership agreement, £11 million of Prudential branded lifetime mortgages were sold in 2004. In May 2005, Prudential announced that its partnership agreement with Northern Rock would come to an end in 2005 and Prudential will further develop lifetime mortgages on its own. These loans are typically used to supplement income in retirement. No capital repayments or interest payments are required during the customer's lifetime under the lifetime mortgage.

Transfer of Property and Casualty Business to Winterthur

        In November 2001, Prudential agreed to transfer its personal lines property and casualty insurance operations to Winterthur and the Churchill Group, its UK subsidiary. On December 31, 2001, the insurance liabilities were almost wholly reassured to Winterthur Insurance. The related cash transfer for this reinsurance was offset in January 2002 against the sales proceeds of this business. The sale was completed on January 4, 2002 for a consideration of £353 million. After allowing for the costs of the sale and other related items, the profit on sale recorded in the 2002 results was £355 million before tax. Profits from this business have been classified as discontinued operations throughout this report.

        As part of the arrangements for the handover of the operations, new personal lines property and casualty insurance business for the three months to April 1, 2002, was written by Prudential with full reinsurance to Winterthur. Since April 1, 2002, all new Prudential branded personal lines property and casualty insurance business has been written in Churchill's name.

Other Closed Businesses

        Prior to 1993, Prudential wrote a wide range of commercial lines property and casualty insurance business, which it sold through brokers and its company salesforce. Prudential also had a London Market operation and specialist marine and aviation insurance operations. Prudential withdrew from all of these areas and, consequently, these businesses are now in run-off. The total claims provisions established for these closed businesses amounted to £104 million, comprising net claims provisions of £87 million and a closure provision of £17 million, at December 31, 2004. Prudential believes these provisions are prudent and does not currently anticipate that it will need to make any further provisions in respect of these closed businesses.

        In 2004, PAC proposed a solvent scheme of arrangement to certain of its creditors pursuant to section 425 of the Companies Act 1985 (the "PAC Scheme") in respect of certain books of business covering marine insurance and reinsurance ("Scheme Business") underwritten by various underwriting pools managed by St Helen's Trust Limited in which PAC was a participant. The Scheme Business also included non-marine insurance and reinsurance underwritten by PAC. The PAC Scheme was approved by the requisite majority of its Scheme Creditors (as defined in the PAC Scheme) on June 24, 2004 and was sanctioned by the High Court of England and Wales on July 9, 2004. The sanctioning order of the High Court was lodged that day with the Registrar of Companies, thereby rendering the PAC Scheme effective on July 9, 2004.

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        On September 9, 2004, the US Bankruptcy Court granted PAC ancillary relief under section 304 of the US Bankruptcy Code preventing Scheme Creditors from taking any action against PAC in respect of Scheme Business otherwise than in accordance with the terms of the PAC Scheme.

        The PAC Scheme required Scheme Creditors to submit all claims in respect of Scheme Business by 12 noon, London time, on October 7, 2004. Since that time, PAC and Omni Whittington Insurance Services Limited in its capacity as Scheme Manager, have been working with those Scheme Creditors who submitted claims by October 7, 2004 to seek to agree the value of those claims. Approximately 80% of claims submitted by Scheme Creditors under the PAC Scheme have now either been settled, repudiated or the subject of formal settlement offers.

        It should be noted that the PAC Scheme does not apply to United Kingdom statutory classes of insurance including employers' liability coverage and PAC continues to administer new claims in this category.

European Business

        In early 2002, Prudential re-evaluated its strategy for the Prudential and Scottish Amicable-branded long-term business within continental Europe. The review concluded that an organic strategy based on investment in the German and French markets would be too slow and expensive to create value and would require significant acquisitions to create scale. Further, the analysis indicated that the returns achievable from any available acquisition would be too low to justify the investment of capital. This resulted in divestment from France and Germany and, where possible, the outsourcing of administrative functions.

        Prudential sells offshore products via its Dublin based subsidiary Prudential International Assurance. The major products being the International Prudence Bond (which offers a with-profits option) and the International Prudence Portfolio Bond (unit-linked). These are sold via the Intermediary channel described above and in mainland Europe through master distributor intermediary network relationships, including Master Finance in Belgium, ProTrust in Liechtenstein and Austria, Andrew Peat in the Netherlands. Total premiums sold through these partners in 2004 was £91 million.

Sale of German Business to Canada Life

        In November 2002, Prudential agreed to sell its in-force German life business to Canada Life for £82 million. The sale was completed on January 1, 2003. New business policies continued to be underwritten by Prudential International Assurance plc ("PIA") and all in-force business and new business was reassured to Canada Life, and Canada Life retroceded (onwardly reassured) the with-profits business to PAC. A full portfolio transfer was completed following High Court approval on 14 August 2003. The reassurance agreement from PIA to Canada Life was automatically cancelled as a result of the portfolio transfer. The with-profits retrocession agreement was also cancelled, and replaced by a new direct reassurance agreement from Canada Life to PAC.

Closure of French Branch

        In June 2003, Prudential announced its intention to cease writing new business in France and from January 1, 2004 Prudential ceased selling the Prudential Europe Vie product in France. It will continue to administer existing policies.

Sale of Prudential Europe Management Services

        In December 2003, Prudential announced the sale of Prudential Europe Management Services Limited to Capita Life and Pensions Services Ireland Limited for £16 million. As part of the transaction a

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ten year third-party administration contract was put in place between Prudential and Capita Life and Pensions Services Ireland Limited to ensure continuity of administration services to the company.

        PIA was excluded from the scope of this transfer and remains a Prudential owned company focused on supporting the development of international offshore and cross-border business. PIA's role is to provide an opportunity for "offshore' sales for UK Intermediaries ("UKI") together with sales into continental Europe on a "Freedom of Services" basis (enabling PIA to sell in European countries without establishing a local office) using Master Distributors distribution, which is similar to an IFA network in the UK. The increase in sales in 2004, from both UKI and Master Distributors, provides a platform for further development in 2005.

M&G

        M&G is Prudential's fund management business in the United Kingdom and continental Europe and comprises retail, institutional and internal fund management activities. In 2004, M&G's profit accounted for £136 million of Prudential's 2004 UK operating profit before amortization of goodwill and taxation of £447 million. The table below shows the breakdown in profits between M&G's underlying profits and performance fees over the period indicated.

 
  Period ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Underlying Profits   110   70   49
Performance Related Fees   6   8   20
Carried Interest   20   5   2
   
 
 
  Total   136   83   71
   
 
 

        M&G delivered strong underlying profits of £110 million in 2004, a 57% increase on the previous year, reflecting the strengths of M&G's diversified business, disciplined cost management and the success it has had in developing new sources of revenue. In addition, there were also £7 million of one-off provision releases in 2004, the majority of which was due to the satisfactory resolution of a fee negotiation. Between 2002 and 2004, M&G's underlying profit has more than doubled even though the average of the FTSE All Share index in 2004 was at similar levels to 2002.

        Over three years Prudential UK's main with-profits fund, which is principally managed by M&G, has generated annual returns 0.7% higher than its strategic benchmark and 2% higher than its competitor benchmark. Total performance fees in 2004 were £26 million, including £6 million of performance related fees for the management of the Prudential Assurance Company long-term and annuity funds which continued to beat their strategic and competitor benchmarks during the year. M&G also received £20 million which relates to the disposal of some of the investments by PPM Ventures that are not expected to recur.

        Gross fund inflows into M&G's retail products were a record £2 billion in 2004, a 61% increase on 2003 as M&G maintained its fixed income sales and continued to increase fund flows into equity funds on the back of its strong fund performance. Net fund inflows for 2004 were £417 million. This enabled M&G to consolidate its position as one of the top three retail fund managers in the United Kingdom, measured in terms of total funds under management (source: Investment Management Association).

        In its institutional businesses, M&G continued to reap the benefits of its position as a leading innovator in fixed income and private finance, with gross fund inflows increasing by 50% to £3.9 billion during 2004. Net fund inflows were £1.6 billion. The successful strategy of developing new external business lines with attractive margins, using expertise developed for internal funds, generated increased revenue streams, especially in the area of non-correlated assets such as leveraged loans. M&G's private

31



finance business successfully completed two more Collateralized Debt Obligations ("CDOs") during the year, bringing the total number of CDOs launched since 2001 to six.

        M&G's property division, Prudential Property Investment Managers ("PruPIM"), which invests primarily on behalf of the Prudential Assurance Company, significantly increased its funds under management during 2004 and expanded its product offering into the retail marketplace with the launch of the M&G Property Fund alongside its growing unit-linked funds. PruPIM is one of the largest institutional property fund managers in the UK with over £14.8 billion invested in the property market.

        The following table shows funds managed by M&G at the dates indicated.

 
  At December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Billions)

Retail fund management   11   10   9
Institutional fund management   17   14   12
Internal fund management   98   87   79
   
 
 
  Total   126   111   100
   
 
 

Retail Fund Management

        M&G's retail fund management business comprises management and distribution of retail investment products. In its most important market, the United Kingdom, distribution is increasingly through various types of intermediary though it also sells directly to customers. M&G is also expanding its distribution into certain European markets (via M&G International) and some Asian markets.

Institutional Fund Management

        M&G's institutional business is focused on fixed income and pooled pension mandates. Clients are typically large institutional investors, primarily pension funds and insurance companies. In addition to traditional institutional fund management activities, M&G has also expanded its activities in more specialist areas, primarily through its Private Finance and Prudential Finance business units. Private Finance provides fund management services in project finance and securitized debt and Prudential Finance manages the Group's banking relationships, core debt issuance and commercial paper programs and provides capital market solutions for Prudential group companies. M&G also carries out securities lending on behalf of its clients.

Internal Fund Management

        M&G's internal fund management activities are based in the United Kingdom. Total internal funds under management at December 31, 2004 were £98 billion. Internal funds are invested by M&G in equities, fixed income securities, property and private equity.

        Where Prudential chooses to invest internal funds in the United States or Asia, this is done through PPM America in the United States and Prudential Asset Management in Asia. See "—US Business—PPM America" and "—Asian Business—Funds Management" for descriptions of PPM America and Prudential Asset Management, respectively.

Egg

        Egg offers banking products and intermediated services. It was launched in October 1998 with the goal of attracting a new segment of customers and developing a new direct distribution channel. The Egg brand has consistently targeted consumers who like to manage their own financial affairs, seek consistently good value and simple products and prefer the flexibility offered by remote access.

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Following its unprecedented success in attracting new customers in the first six months, Egg began accepting new applications for deposit accounts exclusively through the internet in April 1999 and since then its business model has remained internet-led, supported by the telephone. By the end of 2004 Egg had 3.1 million customers that are defined as "marketable' based on their activity levels with the majority of these acquired into its highly successful credit card product. These customers are typically aged between 25 and 45, are ABC1 in terms of their social demographics (according to the definition set by the Central Statistical Office of the UK based on occupation) and earn above average salaries.

        Egg's operating profit from continuing operations in 2004 was £43 million, compared with £55 million in 2003.

        Egg UK delivered an operating profit of £74 million in 2004, compared with a £73 million in 2003. Income arising in the UK of £497 million grew by 18 per cent on 2003, with net interest income and non-interest income increasing over 2003 by 9 per cent and 34 per cent respectively. Unsecured lending balances grew by £1.4 billion during 2004, taking total balances to £6.2 billion as at the end of 2004.

        Consistent with the intention to focus on its successful UK business, Egg has sold its investment business to Fidelity Funds Network incurring a £3 million restructuring charge. This will release approximately £20 million of capital back to its core banking business in 2005. At the year end Egg had also put Funds Direct, its investment wrap platform business, up for sale and provided for a £17 million impairment charge against the full carrying value of the underlying assets. During 2004, Egg also incurred £6 million of costs in relation to the process whereby Prudential was considering proposals for its shareholding in Egg. These mainly comprised of loyalty and retention bonus for Egg's staff and other legal and advisory fees. Prudential announced on August 3, 2004 that it was no longer in discussions with respect to its shareholding in Egg.

        The operating loss of the discontinued French operation was £37 million, reflecting the results up to the date of the announcement of Egg's intention to withdraw from the market in July 2004. A provision of £113 million was made for the estimated exit costs. The main components of this provision are cumulative loss on disposal on the lending, savings and brokerage businesses (£39 million), future operating losses (£32 million) and redundancy costs under the agreed social plan (£25 million). £96 million of the exit costs provision had been utilized by the year end.

        Egg's total operating profit before amortization of goodwill and tax in 2004 was £6 million, compared to a loss of £34 million in 2003. This reflects the higher operating loss recorded in France in 2003 (£89 million). Taking into account the French exit cost provision, total loss of Egg in 2004 was £107 million, compared to £34 million in 2003.

        The following table shows the total product balances for both Egg and Prudential branded products at the dates indicated.

Products

 
  At December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Customer savings   6,336   6,452   8,016
Mortgage loans   1,693   1,995   2,360
Credit card receivables   3,578   3,131   2,338
Personal loans   2,619   1,785   973

        Egg's own-branded banking product portfolio includes credit cards, savings accounts, mortgages and personal loans. Egg Card, the UK's first credit card designed for the internet, was launched in September 1999. Egg achieved a market share of 6% of outstanding UK credit card balances at December 31, 2004 and the balance outstanding on credit cards stood at £3,578 million. At

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December 31, 2004, Egg's branded savings in the UK totaled in £6,215 million and Egg's own-branded mortgage balances stood at £1,102 million and its personal loan balances stood at £2,618 million.

        Egg also offers motor, travel, home and contents and life assurance, with each product type underwritten by different insurers and Egg receiving a sales commission. Egg sold approximately 120,000 policies in 2004.

        Egg also markets Prudential branded products. These product balances, included in the above table, were £591 million of mortgage loans, savings of £121 million and £1 million of personal loans at December 31, 2004.

        Prudential believes that Egg has gained a significant advantage in the provision of internet-based financial services by being among the first to the market with the services and products it offers. Egg has developed into an on-line marketplace, enabling clients to obtain products and services ranging from core banking products and related financial services to intermediated financial and non-financial products and services.

Acquisitions and Disposals

Egg France:

        In May 2002, Egg acquired 100% of Zebank, a French direct financial services company, for £22.8 million in cash (€36 million). The fair value of Zebank's net assets on May 22, 2002, the date the transaction was completed, was £20.3 million (€32 million).

        On November 1, 2002, Egg launched its first retail financial services product in France, an international VISA card, "la Carte Egg". The start-up costs in preparing for launch and building the brand led to a loss of £47 million in the period from acquisition to December 31, 2002. At December 31, 2003 Egg France had 130,000 customers, with 66,000 credit cards in issue and a credit card balance outstanding of £120 million.

        During 2003 the decision was taken that the development of the business in France required a level of investment greater than what Egg was prepared to take on a standalone basis. Egg therefore began negotiations with potential partners that may have led to a joint venture or similar transaction. However, no suitable business partner was identified. On July 13, 2004, Egg announced its withdrawal from the French market to focus on its successful UK business. The exit from France was complete in Q1 2005 and the total closure costs are expected to be within the provision (£113 million) established in July 2004.

Funds Direct:

        In January 2002, Egg announced that it had acquired Funds Direct, an investment wrap platform business, for £2.9 million. The fair value of the net assets acquired on the date of acquisition was £0.9 million. Following the decision to focus on its core UK business, Egg put Funds Direct up for sale and booked a £17 million impairment charge against the full carrying value of the underlying assets in 2004.

Investment Business:

        Egg announced in October 2004 an agreement with Fidelity whereby from Q1 2005, Egg will host Fidelity's Funds Network on its website as its exclusive investment platform. As part of this agreement, Egg also sold its funds supermarket business which had assets under management of around £170 million to Fidelity Funds Network. The transaction resulted in restructuring costs of £3 million in 2004.

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Reinsurance

        In view of the size and spread of Prudential Assurance's long-term insurance fund, there is little need for reinsurance to protect this business. Some limited reinsurance is maintained and treaties relating to critical illness, permanent health insurance and term insurance are in place.

Reserves

        In the United Kingdom, a long-term insurance company's reserve and other requirements are determined by its Board, with advice from its Actuarial Function Holder, subject to minimum reserve requirements. These minimum reserve requirements are established by the rules of the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers and have been interpreted by mandatory professional guidance notes.

        The reserves are published in annual returns to the UK supervisory authority. In practice, similar provisions are included in the life insurance company's statutory accounts with limited adjustments. Whether an employee of, or consultant to, an insurance company, an Actuarial Function Holder must give due regard to the fair treatment of policyholders in making recommendations to a company's board of directors. Mandatory professional guidance notes require an Actuarial Function Holder to report directly to the UK supervisory authority any serious concerns regarding a company's ability to treat its customers fairly.

        Prudential's reserving for with-profits products as required by UK regulation, takes into account annual bonuses/annual interest credited to policyholders because these are "attached" to the policies and are guaranteed. The reserve also includes an element in respect of final bonuses including a reserve for claims expected in the period for which final bonuses have been declared.

        Prudential reserves for unit-linked products on the basis of the value of the unit fund and additional reserves are held for expenses and mortality where this is required by the contract design.

        As well as the reserves, the company's assets must also cover other capital requirements set out in the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook. These comprise a resilience capital requirement, which makes prudent allowance for potential future adverse movements in investment values; a with-profits insurance capital component, which is a measure of the difference in the surplus assets on regulatory and realistic bases; and the long-term insurance capital requirement, which must be held by all European Union insurance companies. See "Financial Strength of Prudential Assurance's Long-term Fund" for further information on solvency.

Financial Strength of Prudential Assurance's Long-term Fund

        A common measure of financial strength in the United Kingdom for long-term insurance business is the free asset ratio. The free asset ratio is the ratio of assets less liabilities to liabilities, and is expressed as a percentage of liabilities. On a comparable basis with 2003, the free asset (or previous regulatory Form 9) ratio of the Prudential Assurance Company (PAC) long-term fund was approximately 14.8% at the end of 2004, compared with 10.5% at December 31, 2003.

        The valuation has been prepared, in our opinion, on a conservative basis in accordance with the current FSA valuation rules, and without the use of implicit items. No allowance has been taken for the present value of future profits and the PAC long-term fund has not entered into any financial reinsurance contracts. Certain reinsurance treaties with a value of approximately £49 million, which were transferred from Scottish Amicable Life when that Company's business transferred into the PAC long-term fund at the end of 2002, were converted into a contingent loan during 2004.

        The fund is very strong with an inherited estate measured on an essentially deterministic valuation basis of more than £6.5 billion compared with approximately £6 billion at the end of 2003. On a realistic

35



basis, with liabilities recorded on a market consistent basis, the free assets are valued at around £5.4 billion before a deduction for the risk capital margin.

        The PAC long-term fund is rated AA+ by Standard & Poor's and Aa1 by Moody's. The ratings from Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch for Prudential Assurance's long-term fund represent the second highest ratings out of 8, 9 and 16 in their respective rating categories.

        The table below shows the change in the investment mix of Prudential's main with-profits fund:

 
  At December 31,
 
  2004
%

  2003
%

  2002
%

UK equities   33   33   32
International equities   15   15   13
Fixed income securities   29   31   33
Cash and other asset classes   5   4   4
Property   18   17   18
   
 
 
Total   100   100   100
   
 
 

        For the UK main with-profits fund 86% of fixed income securities are investment grade with 23% rated AA or above. For Prudential Annuities Limited 98% of the fixed income securities are investment grade with 46% rated AA or above. For Prudential Retirement Income Limited 98% of total assets are investment grade with 57% rated AA or above.

        The investment return on the Prudential main with-profits fund was 13.4% in the year to December 31, 2004 compared with the rise in the FTSE All Share (Total Return) Index of 12.8% over the same period. Over the last ten years the with-profits fund has consistently generated positive compound fund returns with 3, 5 and 10 year compound returns of 6.7% per annum, 3.8% per annum and 10.3% per annum, respectively. These returns demonstrate the benefits of the fund's strategic asset allocation and long-term outperformance. During 2004 there was no change to the strategic asset allocation of the fund. There has been no significant reduction in the level of the fund's equity holdings during the year or subsequently.

Realistic Financial Strength Reporting

        As noted in the 2003 Form 20-F, the FSA's view at that time was that the regulations for determining with-profits reserves on a statutory basis, while prudent, did not robustly relate the degree of prudence to the actual risks faced. A specific issue was that the degree of prudence increased as market values declined. The result was that companies could have come under pressure to sell equities to meet the solvency regulations, even though this might not have been in the best long-term interests of policyholders.

        In order to address these issues, the FSA published its Integrated Prudential Sourcebook, which included regulations for a more "realistic" valuation basis, which applied from December 31, 2004.

        Prudential supported the FSA's objective of moving to a more realistic basis of solvency reporting. In due course, this will make companies' financial health more transparent to policyholders, IFAs and regulators alike, and enable more informed choices to be made by policyholders. The PAC long-term With-Profits Sub-Fund is very strong with the inherited estate (free assets) measured on a realistic basis, valued at £5.4 billion at the end of 2004 before deducting for the risk capital margin.

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Shareholders' Interests in Prudential's Long-term Insurance Business

        In common with other UK long-term insurance companies, Prudential's products are structured as either with-profits products or non-participating (including unit-linked) products. For statutory and management purposes, Prudential Assurance's long-term fund consists of a number of sub-funds in which shareholders and policyholders have varying interests.

With-profits Products

        With-profits products provide an equity-type return to policyholders through bonuses that are "smoothed". There are two types of bonuses: "annual" and "final". Annual bonuses, often referred to as reversionary bonuses, are declared once a year and, once credited, are guaranteed in accordance with the terms of the particular product. Unlike annual bonuses, final bonuses are only guaranteed until the next bonus declaration. Final bonuses are only credited on a product's maturity or surrender or on the death of the policyholder. Final bonuses can represent a substantial portion of the ultimate return to policyholders.

        With-profits policies are supported by a with-profits fund. Prudential's primary with-profits fund is part of Prudential Assurance's long-term fund. With-profits products provide benefits that are generally either the value of the premiums paid, less charges and fees and with the addition of declared bonuses, or the guaranteed death benefit with the addition of declared bonuses. Smoothing of investment returns is an important feature of with-profits products. It is designed to reduce the impact of fluctuations in investment return from year to year and is accomplished predominantly through the level of final bonuses declared.

        The return to Prudential's shareholders in respect of with-profits business Prudential writes is an amount equal to up to one-ninth of the value of the bonuses Prudential credits or declares to policyholders in that year. Prudential has a large block of in-force with-profits business with varying maturity dates that generates a relatively stable stream of shareholder profits from year to year.

        Prudential Assurance's board of directors, with the advice of its Actuarial Function Holder and its With-Profits Actuary determines the amount of annual and final bonuses to be declared each year on each group of contracts.

        When determining policy payouts, including final bonuses, Prudential follows an actuarial practice of considering "asset shares" for specimen policies. Asset shares broadly reflect the value of premiums paid in respect of a policy accumulated at the investment return on the assets Prudential notionally attributes to the policy. In calculating asset shares, Prudential takes into account the following items:

        However, Prudential does not take into account the surplus assets of the long-term fund, or their investment return, in calculating asset shares. Asset shares are used in the determination of final bonuses together with treating customers fairly, the need to smooth claim values and payments from year to year and competitive considerations.

        Prudential is required by UK law and regulation to consider the fair treatment of its customers in setting bonus levels. The concept of treating customers fairly is established by statute but is not defined.

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In practice, it provides one of the guiding principles for decision-making in respect of with-profits products.

        The overall return to policyholders is an important competitive measure for attracting new business. The ability to declare competitive bonuses depends, in part, on the financial strength of Prudential Assurance's long-term fund, enabling it to maintain high levels of investment in equities and real estate, if it wishes to do so. Equities and real estate have historically over the long-term provided a return in excess of fixed interest securities.

        In 2004, Prudential declared a total bonus of £1,986 million from Prudential Assurance's primary with-profits fund, of which £1,788 million was added to with-profits policies and £198 million was available for distribution to shareholders. This includes annual bonus rates of 3.25% for the Prudence Bond and 3.25% for personal pensions. In 2003, Prudential declared total bonuses of £2,093 million from Prudential Assurance's primary with-profits fund, of which £1,884 million was added to with-profits policies and £209 million was distributed to shareholders. This included annual bonus rates of 3.25% for the Prudence Bond and 3.25% for personal pensions. In 2002, Prudential declared total bonuses of £2,724 million, of which £2,451 million was added to with-profits policies and £273 million was distributed to shareholders. This included annual bonus rates of 3.25% for the Prudence Bond and 3.5% for personal pensions.

        The closed Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (referred to as "SAIF") declared total bonuses in 2004 of £379 million, compared to £379 million in 2003 and £601 million in 2002. Shareholders have no interest in profits from the SAIF fund, although they are entitled to the investment management fees paid by this business. For greater detail on the SAIF fund, see "—The SAIF Sub-fund and Accounts" below.

        The FSA and HM Treasury are currently conducting independent reviews of with-profits business in the United Kingdom. See "—Supervision and Regulation of Prudential—UK Supervision and Regulation".

Surplus Assets in Prudential Assurance's Long-term With-profits Fund

        The long-term fund contains the amount that PAC expects to pay out to meet its obligations to existing policyholders and an additional amount used as working capital. The amount payable over time to policyholders from the with-profits sub-fund is equal to the policyholders' accumulated asset shares plus any additional payments that may be required by way of smoothing or to meet guarantees. The balance of the assets of the with-profits sub-fund is called the "inherited estate" and represents the major part of the working capital of Prudential's long-term fund which enables PAC to support with-profits business by:

        The size of the inherited estate fluctuates from year to year depending on the investment return and the extent to which it has been required to meet smoothing costs, guarantees and other events.

        Prudential believes that it would be beneficial if there were greater clarity as to the status of the inherited estate and therefore it has discussed with the FSA the principles that would apply to any re-attribution of the inherited estate. No conclusions have been reached. Furthermore, Prudential expects that the entire inherited estate will need to be retained within the long-term fund for the foreseeable future to provide working capital and so it has not considered any distribution of the

38



inherited estate to policyholders and shareholders. Prudential estimates that at December 31, 2004, the value of the inherited estate was more than £6.5 billion compared to around £6 billion at the end of 2003.

        The costs associated with the mis-selling review of Prudential's with-profits personal pensions have been met from the inherited estate. Accordingly, these costs have not been charged to the asset shares used in the determination of policyholder bonus rates. Hence policyholders' pay-out values have been unaffected by personal pension mis-selling.

Depletion of Surplus Assets and Shareholders' Contingencies

        As a proprietary insurance company, Prudential Assurance is liable to meet its obligations to policyholders even if the assets of the long-term funds are insufficient to do so. The assets, in excess of amounts expected to be paid for future terminal bonuses and related shareholder transfers (the excess assets) in the long-term funds, represented by the Fund for Future Appropriations could be materially depleted over time by, for example, a significant or sustained equity market downturn, costs of significant fundamental strategic change or a material increase in mis-selling provisions. In the unlikely circumstance that the depletion of the excess assets within the long-term fund was such that the Group's ability to treat its customers fairly was adversely affected, it might become necessary to restrict the annual distribution to shareholders or to contribute shareholders' funds to the long-term funds to provide financial support.

        In 1998, Prudential stated that deducting personal pensions mis-selling costs from the inherited estate of the With-Profits Sub-Fund would not impact the Company's bonus or investment policy. The Company gave an assurance that if this unlikely event were to occur, it would make available support to the fund from shareholder resources for as long as the situation continued, so as to ensure that policyholders were not disadvantaged. The assurance was designed to protect both existing policyholders at the date it was announced, and policyholders who subsequently purchased policies while the pension mis-selling review was continuing. The mis-selling review was completed on June 30, 2002 and consequently the assurance has not applied to new business issued since January 1, 2004. New business in this context consists of new policies, new members to existing pension schemes plus regular and single premium top-ups, transfers and switches to existing arrangements. The assurance will continue to apply to any policy in force as at December 31, 2003, both for premiums paid before January 1, 2004 and for subsequent regular premiums (including future fixed, retail price index or salary related increases and Department for Work and Pensions rebates).

        The maximum amount of capital support available under the terms of the assurance for policies in-force at December 31, 2003 will reduce over time as Prudential pays claims on the policies covered by it.

        The bonus and investment policy for each type of with-profits policy is the same irrespective of whether or not the assurance applies. Hence removal of the assurance for new business has had no impact on policyholder returns and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

The SAIF Sub-fund and Accounts

        The SAIF sub-fund is a ring-fenced sub-fund of Prudential Assurance's long-term fund and was formed following the acquisition of the mutual Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society in 1997. No new business may be written in SAIF, although regular premiums are still being paid on policies in-force at the time of the acquisition and "top-ups" are permitted on these policies.

        This fund is solely for the benefit of those Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society policyholders whose policies were transferred to SAIF. Shareholders have no interest in the profits of this fund, although they are entitled to the investment management fees paid on this business. The brand name

39



and rights to profit on new business were transferred to a new Prudential subsidiary, Scottish Amicable Life plc, which operated for the benefit of shareholders.

        At the time of the acquisition, Prudential Assurance's long-term fund made payments of £276 million to the SAIF sub-fund for the unit-linked life business and non-participating life business and the future profits from unitized with-profits life business. Prudential Assurance also agreed to set up a memorandum account of £1.3 billion that is considered in determining SAIF's investment policy. The SAIF sub-fund pays an annual charge to the other part of Prudential Assurance's long-term fund in respect of this memorandum account.

        Prudential Assurance's long-term fund made a further payment of £185 million to qualifying Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society policyholders for the use of the Scottish Amicable brand and future expense synergies. This payment will be recovered by the long-term fund by means of a combination of a service agreement and a license fee agreement with Craigforth Services Limited now renamed Prudential UK Services Limited, a shareholder-owned service company set up at the time of the acquisition.

        In addition to the payments described above, shareholders paid £415 million to qualifying Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society policyholders, representing goodwill, and £70 million for certain Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society strategic investments.

        With the exception of certain guaranteed annuity products—referred to below,—the majority of SAIF with-profits policies do not guarantee minimum rates of return to policyholders. Should the assets of SAIF be inadequate to meet the guaranteed benefit obligations to the policyholders of SAIF, the Prudential Assurance long-term fund would be liable to cover any such deficiency. At December 31, 2004, the excess of SAIF assets over guaranteed benefits was £1,836 million. Due to the quality and diversity of the assets in SAIF, the excess of assets stated above and the ability of SAIF to revise guaranteed benefits in the event of an asset shortfall, the directors believe that the probability of either the Prudential Assurance long-term fund or the Group's shareholders' funds having to contribute to SAIF is remote.

Non-participating Business

        The majority of Prudential-branded non-participating business is written in Prudential Assurance's long-term fund or by subsidiaries owned by the fund. Prudential's principal non-participating business is Prudential Annuities Limited (referred to as PAL), which is wholly owned by PAC's with-profits fund. The profits on this business are attributable to the fund and not to shareholders, although indirectly shareholders get one ninth of additional amounts paid to policyholders through the declaration of bonuses. In 2001, Prudential started to write new bulk annuity and individual external annuity business through Prudential Retirement Income Limited (referred to as PRIL), from which the profits are attributed solely to shareholders.

        The unit-linked business written by Prudential Assurance and Prudential International Assurance is written with capital provided by shareholders. At December 31, 2002 all of the Scottish Amicable Life plc business transferred to Prudential Assurance's long term fund. In 2003, ex-Scottish Amicable internal vestings (annuity sales arising from maturing in-force pension books) were transferred from PAL to the Prudential Assurance Company shareholders' fund. All profit from these businesses accrue to the shareholders.

Guaranteed Annuities

        Prudential Assurance sold guaranteed annuity products in the UK and held a provision of £49 million at December 31, 2004 within the main with-profits fund to honor guarantees on these products. The Group's main exposure to guaranteed annuities in the UK is through the SAIF and a

40



provision of £648 million was held in SAIF at December 31, 2004 to honor the guarantees. As SAIF is a separate sub-fund of the Prudential Assurance long-term business fund, this provision has no impact on shareholders. See "—Shareholders' Interests in Prudential's Long-Term Insurance Business—The SAIF Sub-fund and Accounts".

Compliance

        From December 1, 2001, the FSA took formal responsibility for the regulation and supervision of all Prudential's authorized UK insurance, investment and banking businesses under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "2000 Act"), described in greater detail under "—Supervision and Regulation of Prudential—UK Supervision and Regulation".

        Within Prudential's UK businesses, matters arise from time to time as a result of inspection visits or other regulatory activity, which need to be discussed or resolved with the regulators. At any one time, there are a number of these issues and Prudential ensures that programs of corrective activity are discussed and agreed with the regulator, that such programs are properly planned, managed and resourced (using external resources as necessary), that, where appropriate, policyholders who have been disadvantaged are properly compensated and that progress is reported to the regulators on a regular basis. The issues currently affecting Prudential are set out below. Some of these are industry-wide.

Mortgage Endowment Products Review

        In common with several other UK insurance companies, the Group used to sell low-cost endowment products related to repayment of residential mortgages. At sale, the initial sum assured is set at a level such that the projected benefits, including an estimate of the annual bonus receivable over the life of the policy, will equal or exceed the mortgage debt. Because of a decrease in expected future investment returns since these products were sold, the FSA is concerned that the maturity value of some of these products will be less than the mortgage debt. The FSA has worked with insurance companies to devise a program whereby the companies write to customers indicating whether they may have a possible shortfall and outline the actions that the customers can take to prevent this possibility.

        The Group's main exposure to mortgage endowment products is in respect of policies issued by Scottish Amicable Life plc ("SAL") and policies issued by Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society ("SALAS") and transferred into the SAIF. The FSA issued a report in March 2001 raising concerns regarding the conduct of sales of these products by tied agents of SAL and in March 2003 it fined SAL £750,000 in respect of cases where advisers did not place appropriate emphasis on identifying whether a customer was prepared to take the risk that their mortgage might not be repaid at the end of the term. A provision of £25 million was made in 2001 in SAL for cases that may require redress. At December 31, 2004, the provision was £7m. A provision of £47 million was set up in SAIF at December 31, 2004. As SAIF is a separate sub-fund of the Prudential Assurance long-term business fund, this provision has no impact on shareholders. Scottish Amicable withdrew from the mortgage endowment product market in April 2001 and disbanded its network of tied agents in October 2001.

        Compensation of £16 million in respect of mis-sold endowment products was paid in 2004 by Prudential Assurance's main with-profits fund and a further provision of £61 million was established in the fund at December 31, 2004. This provision has no impact on the Group's profit before tax.

Pension Mis-selling

        In 1988, the UK government introduced new pensions legislation intended to encourage more individuals to make their own arrangements for their pensions. During the period from April 1988 to June 1994, many individuals were advised by insurance companies', Independent Financial Advisers and other intermediaries to not join, to transfer from or to opt out of their occupational pension schemes in favor of private pension products introduced under the UK Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. The

41



UK insurance regulator (previously the Personal Investment Authority, now the FSA subsequently determined that many individuals were incorrectly advised and would have been better off not purchasing the private pension products sold to them. Industry participants are responsible for compensating the persons to whom private pensions were mis-sold. As a result, the FSA required that all UK life insurance companies review their potential cases of pension mis-selling and pay compensation to policyholders where necessary and, as a consequence, record a provision for the estimated costs. Prudential met the FSA's requirement of issuing offers to all cases by June 30, 2002.

        Provisions in respect of the costs associated with the review have been included in the change in the long-term technical provision in Prudential's profit and loss account. Within the long-term technical provisions, the transfer from the FFA has been determined accordingly. See Item 5 "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Analysis by Geographic Region—United Kingdom—Fund for Future Appropriations" for more information on the FFA. Prudential established an initial provision in 1994 that was increased to £1,700 million by January 1, 2000. Subsequent movements in the pension mis-selling provision, including internal and external legal and administrative costs, have been as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Balance at January 1   530   730   1,065  
Changes to actuarial assumptions and method of calculation   (32 ) (131 ) (50 )
Discount accretion   22   21   53  
Redress to policyholders   (26 ) (56 ) (292 )
Payments of administrative expenses   (7 ) (34 ) (46 )
   
 
 
 
Balance at December 31   487   530   730  
   
 
 
 

        During 2004, the provision for pension mis-selling decreased by £43 million as well as decreasing by £200 million and £335 million during 2003 and 2002, respectively. The reasons for this movement are highlighted below.

        In 2004, 2003 and 2002, the provision was decreased by £32 million, £131 million and £50 million, respectively, to reflect changes in the method of calculation resulting from new requirements issued by the UK regulator and changes in the interest rate and mortality assumptions used.

        The pension mis-selling provision represents the discounted value of future expected payments and including benefit payments and all internal and external legal and administrative costs of adjudicating, processing and settling those claims. To the extent that amounts have not been paid, the provision increases each year reflecting the shorter period of the discount. The increase in the provision relating to the accretion of the discount amounted to £22 million in 2004, £21 million in 2003 and £53 million in 2002.

        The directors believe that, based on current information, the provision, together with future investment return on the assets backing the provision, will be adequate to cover the costs of pension mis-selling as well as the costs and expenses of the Group's pension review unit established to identify and settle such cases. Such provision represents the best estimate of probable costs and expenses. However, there can be no assurance that the current provision level will not need to be increased.

        The costs associated with the pension mis-selling review have been met from the inherited estate. Accordingly, these costs have not been charged to the asset shares used in the determination of policyholder bonus rates. Hence policyholders' pay-out values have been unaffected by pension mis-selling.

        In 1998, Prudential stated that deducting mis-selling costs from the inherited estate would not impact its bonus or investment policy and it gave an assurance that if this unlikely event were to occur,

42



it would make available support to the fund from shareholder resources for as long as the situation continued, so as to ensure that policyholders were not disadvantaged. The assurance was designed to protect both existing policyholders at the date it was announced, and policyholders who subsequently purchased policies while the pension mis-selling review was continuing.

        This review was completed on June 30, 2002, and consequently the assurance has not applied to new business since January 1, 2004. New business in this context consists of new policies, new members to existing pension schemes plus regular and single premium top-ups, transfers and switches to existing arrangements. The assurance will continue to apply to any policy in force at December 31, 2003, both for premiums paid before January 1, 2004, and for subsequent regular premiums (including future fixed, retail price index or salary related increases and Department of Work and Pensions rebate business). The maximum amount of capital support available under the terms of the assurance will reduce over time as claims are paid on the policies covered by it.

        The bonus and investment policy for each type of with-profits policy is the same irrespective of whether or not the assurance applies. Hence removal of the assurance for new business has had no impact on policyholder returns and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Free Standing Additional Voluntary Contribution Business

        In February 2000, the FSA ordered a review of Free Standing Additional Voluntary Contribution business, which constitutes sales of personal pensions to members of company pension schemes. Individuals who purchased these pensions instead of the Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme connected to their company's pension scheme may have been in a better financial position investing their money, and any matching contributions from their employers, in their company's AVC scheme. The FSA's review was to ensure that any employees disadvantaged due to not being properly informed of the benefits foregone from not investing in their AVC scheme were compensated.

        The review required companies to identify relevant investors and to contact them with an offer to review their individual cases. The Group met the deadline set by the FSA to issue offers to all cases by December 31, 2002. As a result of the review, the Group held a provision of £2 million at December 31, 2004 and continues to monitor the situation.


US Business

        Prudential conducts its US insurance operations through Jackson National Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, including Curian Capital LLC, a registered investment advisor. The US operations also include PPM America, Prudential's US internal and institutional fund manager, and Prudential's US broker-dealer operations (National Planning Corporation, SII Investments, Inc., IFC Holdings, Inc. and Investment Centers of America, Inc.). At December 31, 2004, Prudential's US operations had approximately 1.6 million policies and contracts in effect and PPM America managed approximately US$71 billion (£37 billion) of assets. In 2004, operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) from continuing operations before amortization of goodwill and tax was £182 million.

US Market Overview

        The United States is the world's largest life insurance market in terms of premiums. Many of the factors that have affected the UK life insurance market in recent years, such as an ageing population, have also affected the US market. Uncertainties surrounding the adequacy of public and private pensions benefits are increasing the incentive to fund a secure retirement privately, and the demand for income products is also expected to increase as the baby boomer generation and its parents age.

        Despite favorable demographics, the US insurance industry faces a number of challenges, both from within and outside the industry. The life insurance business is projected to grow slowly and competition

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is fierce. While the growth prospects for the annuity industry are more favorable, there are many players fighting for market share. Likewise, there is competition for retirement savings from other financial services providers, in particular, mutual fund companies and banks.

        There has been increasing convergence among US retail financial services providers as regulatory barriers have begun to erode and competition in the US life insurance industry has increased. Overcapacity in the industry generally has also contributed to more competitive pricing and greater consolidation, presenting opportunities to companies with financial strength and below industry-average cost structures.

        The US investment markets experienced two years of unusually poor returns in 2001 and 2002, with equity markets suffering significant declines and bond defaults reaching record levels. Like its competitors, Jackson National Life was affected by these market forces. The market in 2003 was also affected by weak growth in the economy at the start of the year and declining interest rates. However, there was dramatic growth in the second half of 2003 and the first annual, positive stock index gains in three years. However, in 2004 interest rates remained low and equity markets were relatively flat in the first nine months of the year, recovering somewhat in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Products

        The demographic factors described above, as well as the increased reliance on defined contribution plans (such as 401(k) plans) have resulted in a shift in the financial services market. This shift has been away from risk protection products, such as traditional life insurance, to tax-deferred savings (or asset accumulation) products, such as fixed and variable annuities. These products tend to be spread or fee-based and have accounted for a significant portion of the growth in the US insurance industry in recent years.

        When life insurance and annuity products initially became popular in the United States, they were interest-rate based and provided a minimum guaranteed rate of return. However, declining interest rates eroded the after-tax benefits of these products. Meanwhile, during the 1990s there was significant growth in equity markets. As a result, equity-based and equity-linked products, with and without guarantees, became increasingly important product offerings. Reflecting this shift, industry sales of individual variable annuity products grew from $29 billion in 1992 to $128 billion in 2000, a compound annual growth rate of 20.7%. During the same period, industry individual variable annuity assets grew from $212 billion to $971 billion, a compound annual growth rate of 20.9%.

        The mutual fund industry also benefited from the shift to equity-based products. The strong equity markets in the late 1990s fueled growth in assets under management, both through investment returns and increased contributions from the retail sector. In particular, fund managers with strong brands and investment performance provided strong competition for individuals' retirement savings.

        The above trends reversed in 2001 when, for the first time in twelve years, industry-wide variable annuity sales did not increase. In 2002, annuity providers continued to face the challenges of the previous year. By year-end 2002, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite Indices had declined from their year 2000 peaks by 40% and 67%, respectively. In these volatile equity markets, annuity sales have benefited from a flight to safety. In 2002, total industry individual annuity sales increased by 20% to $223 billion, with the bulk of the increase coming from a continuing surge in fixed annuity sales. Nevertheless, variable annuity sales managed some increase in 2002, with significant amounts going to fixed account options.

        In 2003 and 2004, total industry individual variable annuity sales have been driven by sales of principal guaranteed benefits and living benefits, and by contract holders shifting from fixed options and fixed income funds into equities as these markets improved. This resulted in an increase in total industry individual variable annuity sales of 11% and 3% in 2003 and 2004, respectively. In 2003, total industry

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individual fixed annuity sales fell by 15% reflecting declining interest rates, tightening spreads and declining margins, whilst in 2004 they increased by 1% as a result of interest rate increases during the year and customers' expectations of further increases.

Distribution

        Traditionally, insurance companies distributed their products through career or independent agencies. The career agencies typically received office space, training and administrative support from the sponsoring insurance company in return for directing a significant portion of their business to them. Independent agencies may receive some support from a specific insurance company, but are typically not required to specifically sell their products. The independent agencies have the ability to sell products from any insurance company.

        In contrast, broker-dealers are licensed to sell products regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as variable annuities. Broker-dealers maintain "panels" of preferred providers for each type of product. Broker-dealers are often organized into firms and networks typically depending on size and function. These consist of large broker-dealers specializing in security sales and underwriting, regional broker-dealers who sell securities and perform some underwriting functions, and independent broker-dealers who primarily specialize in financial planning activities. Many insurance companies now own financial planner broker-dealers.

        The regional broker-dealer channel focuses on firms with captive agents in a specific region of the United States. Distribution is through branch offices with an average of 10 to 15 brokers per office.

        Historically, regulatory barriers prohibited banks from developing and selling their own insurance products. Banks therefore generally developed favorable supplier relationships with insurance companies and distributed their products through bank branches. These barriers to entry have begun to diminish, and companies are developing the bancassurance model in the US market.

        Direct distribution is relatively mature in the United States. Consumers are accustomed to purchasing less complex retail financial products remotely, both by telephone and via the internet. The mutual fund providers have led this expansion within the retail financial services industry, setting the standard for cost structure and service.

        The registered investment advisor market began as a service offered to very high-net worth investment clients, focusing on platforms rather than specific products, and providing institutional-quality management, custom portfolios, and tax services. The industry has evolved to offer personalized investment advice, very high quality money management, good returns, and reasonable costs to a broader range of clients.

Jackson National Life

        Jackson National Life is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement products to retail and institutional customers throughout the United States. Jackson National Life offers variable annuities, fixed-indexed annuities, individual fixed annuities, life insurance and institutional products. By developing and offering a wide variety of products, Jackson National Life believes that it has positioned itself to compete effectively in various stock market and interest rate environments. Jackson National Life markets its retail products through various distribution channels, including independent agents, broker-dealer firms (including financial planners), regional broker-dealers, banks and the registered investment advisor channel.

        The interest-sensitive fixed annuities, fixed-indexed annuities, immediate annuities and life insurance products are sold through independent agents, broker-dealers and banks. For variable annuity products, which can only be sold through broker-dealers licensed by the US National Association of Securities Dealers, Jackson National Life has selling agreements with such firms and is continuing to focus on its

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own broker-dealer distribution channel. Its group pension department sells institutional products. In early 2003, Jackson National Life commenced operating in the registered investment advisor channel, with the launch of Curian Capital, LLC.

Products

        The following table shows total new business premiums in the United States by product line and distribution channel for the periods indicated, and policyholder reserves by product line. Total new business premiums include deposits for investment contracts with limited or no life contingencies.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,

   
 
  Policyholder
Reserves At
December 31,
2004

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

By Product                
Annuities                
  Fixed annuities                
    Interest-sensitive   1,087   1,279   2,647   11,137
    Fixed-indexed   429   255   254   1,748
    Immediate   43   96   61   622
  Variable annuities   1,981   1,937   1,363   7,208
   
 
 
 
      Total   3,540   3,567   4,325   20,715
   
 
 
 
Life insurance   28   13   22   2,652
   
 
 
 
Institutional products                
  GICs and funding agreements   180   183   292   988
  Medium term note funding agreements   672   303   1,118   2,862
   
 
 
 
      Total   852   486   1,410   3,850
   
 
 
 
Total   4,420   4,066   5,757   27,217
   
 
 
 
By Distribution Channel                
Independent agents   647   846   1,443    
Bank   1,089   1,007   1,568    
Broker-dealer   1,832   1,728   1,336    
Group pension department   852   485   1,410    
   
 
 
   
    4,420   4,066   5,757    
   
 
 
   

        In 2004, interest-sensitive fixed annuities accounted for 25% of total new business premiums and 41% of policyholder reserves of the US operations. Interest-sensitive fixed annuities are primarily deferred annuity products that are used for retirement planning and for providing income in retirement. They permit tax-deferred accumulation of funds and flexible payout options.

        The policyholder of an interest-sensitive fixed annuity pays Jackson National Life a premium which is credited to the policyholder's account. Periodically, interest is credited to the policyholder's account and in some cases administrative charges are deducted from the policyholder's account. Jackson National Life makes benefit payments at a future date as specified in the policy based on the value of the policyholder's account at that date.

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        The policy provides that at Jackson National Life's discretion it may reset the interest rate, subject to a guaranteed minimum. The minimum guarantee varies from 1.50% to 5.50%, depending on the date of issue, with 77% of the fund at 3.0% or less at December 31, 2004. In addition, Jackson National Life also offers multi-year guaranteed products.

        When the annuity matures, Jackson National Life either pays the amount in the policyholder's account to the policyholder or begins making payments to the policyholder in accordance with the policyholder's instructions. Fixed annuity policies provide for surrender charges to be assessed on surrenders generally for the first seven to nine years of the policy.

        Approximately 22% of the interest-sensitive fixed annuities Jackson National Life wrote in 2004 provide for an adjustment, referred to as a market value adjustment, on surrenders in the surrender period of the policy. This formula based adjustment approximates the change in value that assets supporting the product would realize as interest rates move up or down. This adjustment can be positive or negative. The minimum guaranteed rate is not affected by this adjustment.

        Jackson National Life bears the investment and surrender risk on interest-sensitive fixed annuities, and its profits come from the spread between the yield on investments and the interest credited to policyholders (net of any surrender charges or market value adjustment) less initial and recurring expenses.

        Equity-Indexed Annuities are now referred to as Fixed-Indexed Annuities, a term that more accurately describes the product design and its benefits and features.

        Jackson National Life ranked ninth in the sale of fixed-indexed annuities in the United States in 2004. Fixed-indexed annuities accounted for 10% of total new business premiums in 2004 and 6% of policyholder reserves of US operations. Fixed-indexed annuities vary in structure, but generally are deferred annuities that enable policyholders to obtain a portion of a fixed-linked return but provide a guaranteed minimum return.

        Jackson National Life hedges the equity return risk on fixed-indexed products by purchasing futures and options on the relevant index. The cost of these hedges is taken into account in setting index participation rates. Recent volatility in the equity markets combined with lower bond yields has increased the cost of these hedges. In response, Jackson National Life has reduced its index participation rates on new business and developed new products with index participation rates that are less sensitive to changes in these variables.

        Jackson National Life bears the investment and surrender risk on fixed-indexed annuities. Profit arises from the difference between the premiums received plus the associated investment income, and the combined cost of expenses (general expenses, costs of purchasing fixed interest securities and options) and the policyholder's benefit (subject to the minimum guarantee).

        In 2004, immediate annuities accounted for 1% of total new business premiums and 2% of policyholder reserves of US operations. Immediate annuities guarantee a series of payments beginning within a year of purchase and continuing over either a fixed period of years and/or the life of the policyholder. If the term is for the life of the policyholder, then Jackson National Life's primary risk is mortality risk. This product is generally used to provide a guaranteed amount of income for policyholders and is used both in planning for retirement and in retirement itself. The implicit interest rate on these products is based on the market conditions that exist at the time the policy is issued and is guaranteed for the term of the annuity.

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        Jackson National Life began offering variable annuity products in 1995. In 2004, variable annuities accounted for 45% of total new business premiums and 26% of policyholder reserves of US operations. Variable annuities are deferred annuities that have the same tax advantages and payout options as interest-sensitive and fixed-indexed annuities. They also are used for retirement planning and to provide income in retirement.

        The primary differences between variable annuities and interest-sensitive and fixed-indexed annuities are investment risk and return. If a policyholder chooses a variable annuity, the rate of return will depend upon the performance of the underlying fund portfolio. The policyholder bears the investment risk except for fixed account options, where Jackson National Life guarantees a minimum fixed rate of return. In most cases, variable annuities also offer various types of elective benefits. Enhanced death benefits guarantee that on death the policyholder receives a minimum value regardless of past market performance. These guaranteed death benefits might be expressed as the return of original premium, the highest past anniversary value of the policy, or as the original premium accumulated at a fixed rate of interest. Certain of the variable annuities also offer a guaranteed minimum income benefit, which provides for a minimum floor level of benefits upon annuitization, and a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit which provides a guaranteed return of principal invested, by allowing for periodic withdrawals of no more than a specified percentage of the initial premium each year, regardless of the value of the investments under the contract. Jackson National Life charges a fee for these elective benefits.

        Jackson National Life credits premiums on variable annuities to a separate account or to the fixed account, depending on the policyholders' elections. The policyholders determine how the premiums will be allocated by choosing to allocate all or a portion of their accounts either to a variety of variable sub-accounts, with a choice of investment managers, or to guaranteed fixed-rate options. The rate of election of the fixed account option within variable annuities in 2004 of 29% compares with 48% in 2003. The value of the portion of the separate account allocated to variable sub-accounts fluctuates with the underlying investment. Jackson National Asset Management, LLC (a subsidiary of Jackson National Life) earns fee income as the investment adviser for the underlying funds and has retained the services of a number of other investment advisers to act as sub-advisers to Jackson National Asset Management, LLC. Additionally, Jackson National Life Distributors, Inc. (a subsidiary of Jackson National Life) earns a 12b-1 fee for distributing the funds.

        The non-fixed account portion of variable annuity products is backed by specific assets that are held in a separate account. The assets in this separate account are "segregated" pursuant to state insurance law and do not form part of the assets in the US general account, which backs the remainder of the insurance business in the United States. Amounts held in the separate account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business Jackson National Life may conduct. All of the income, gains or losses from these assets less specified management charges are credited to or against this portion of the policies and not any other policies that Jackson National Life may issue.

        Jackson National Life earns fee income on the underlying separate account investment, earns profits from the spread between what it earns on investments backing the fixed rate accounts and the interest credited, and earns fee income for the additional elective benefits in the contract.

Life Insurance

        Reflecting the competitive life insurance market place and the overall trend towards asset accumulation products, Jackson National Life's life insurance products accounted for less than 1% of the total new business premiums and 10% of policyholder reserves of US operations in 2004. The products offered include term life insurance, interest-sensitive life insurance and variable universal life insurance. Each of these types of insurance policies can be modified using several options and riders to provide

48



particular benefits, including waiver of premium, accidental death benefit and supplemental term insurance.

Institutional Products

        Institutional products consist of guaranteed investment contracts ("GICs"), funding agreements and medium term note funding agreements. In 2004, institutional products accounted for 19% of total new business premiums and 15% of policyholder reserves of US operations. Jackson National Life began marketing GICs to institutional investors in December 1995. The GICs are marketed by its group pension department to defined contribution pension and profit-sharing retirement plans. Funding agreements are marketed to institutional investors, including corporate cash accounts and securities lending funds, as well as money market funds. Sales of institutional products increased in 2004 as JNL was able to take advantage of attractive issuance opportunities. Three types of institutional products are offered:

Traditional Guaranteed Investment Contracts

        Under a traditional GIC, the policyholder makes a lump sum deposit. Interest is paid on the deposited funds, usually on a quarterly basis. The interest rate paid is fixed and is established when the contract is issued.

        Traditional GICs have a specified term, usually two to three years, and typically provide for phased payouts. Jackson National Life tailors the scheduled payouts to meet the liquidity needs of the particular retirement plan. If deposited funds are withdrawn earlier, an adjustment is made that approximates a market value adjustment.

        Jackson National Life sells GICs to retirement plans, in particular 401(k) plans. The traditional GIC market is extremely competitive. This is due in part to competition from synthetic GICs.

Funding Agreements

        Under a funding agreement, the policyholder either makes a lump-sum deposit or makes specified periodic deposits. Jackson National Life agrees to pay a rate of interest, which may be fixed but which is usually a floating short-term interest rate linked to an external index. Interest is paid quarterly to the policyholder. The average term for the funding agreements is one to two years. At the end of the specified term, policyholders may re-deposit the principal in another funding agreement. Jackson National Life makes its profit on the spread between the yield on its investment and the interest rate credited to policyholders.

        Typically, brokerage accounts and money market mutual funds are required to invest a portion of their funds in cash or cash equivalents to ensure sufficient liquidity to meet their customers' requirements. The funding agreements permit termination by the policyholder on 7 to 90 days notice, and thus qualify as cash equivalents for the clients' purposes. Funding agreements terminable by the policyholder with less than 90 days notice account for less than 2% of Jackson National Life's total policyholder reserves.

Medium Term Note Funding Agreements

        Jackson National Life has also established European and global medium-term note programs that access new markets for Prudential. The notes offered may be denominated in any currency. Notes are

49



issued to institutional investors by a special purpose vehicle and are secured by funding agreements issued by Jackson National Life.

Distribution and Marketing

        Jackson National Life distributes products in all 50 states of the United States and in the District of Columbia, although not all products are available in all states. Operations in the State of New York are through a New York insurance subsidiary.

        Jackson National Life has focused on independent distribution systems and has avoided the fixed costs associated with recruiting, training and maintaining employee agents. It supports its network of independent agents and brokers with education and training programs. A substantial portion of the costs associated with generating new business are not fixed costs but vary directly with the level of business produced. As a result, industry figures show that the costs are low relative to other US insurers.

        Jackson National Life offers internet-based support to its broker-dealers. It continues to expand its internet-based services, increasing amounts of information available for both customers and agents.

Independent Agents

        The insurance and fixed annuity products are distributed through independent agents located throughout the United States. These 28,000 licensed insurance agents or brokers, who also may represent other companies, are supported by four regional marketing offices. Jackson National Life generally deals directly with writing agents and brokers thereby eliminating intermediaries, such as general agents. This distribution channel, called "Deal Direct", has enabled it to generate significant volumes of business on a low, variable cost basis. Jackson National Life is responsible for providing agents with product information and sales materials.

Broker-Dealers

        Jackson National Life Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer, is the primary wholesale distribution channel for the variable annuity products. Jackson National Life Distributors also sells fixed-indexed annuities and fixed annuities. An internal network of wholesalers supports this distribution channel. These wholesalers meet directly with broker-dealers and financial planners and are supported by an extensive home office sales staff. There are more than 700 active selling agreements with regional and independent broker-dealer organizations throughout the United States. These selling agreements provide Jackson National Life with access to more than 33,000 registered representatives.

        In January 2002, Jackson National Life opened a new wholesale distribution channel servicing the regional broker-dealer distribution channel. Jackson National Life is well suited to provide the type of customized sales attention required for this channel, with the emphasis being on providing dedicated, specialized sales support, continuing education and tailored marketing solutions.

        Jackson National Life is responsible for training its broker-dealers, providing them with product information and sales materials and monitoring their activities from a regulatory compliance perspective.

Banks, Credit Unions and Other Financial Institutions

        Jackson National Life's Institutional Marketing Group distributes its annuity products through banks, credit unions and other financial institutions and through third-party marketing organizations that serve these institutions. Jackson National Life is a leading provider of annuities offered through banks and credit unions and can access over 21,000 financial institution representatives through existing relationships with banks and credit unions. Jackson National Life has established distribution relationships with medium-sized regional banks, which it believes are unlikely to develop their own insurance product capability.

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Independent Broker-Dealers

        JNL's retail distribution is managed by its independent broker-dealer network, National Planning Holdings ("NPH"), which is made up of four firms, National Planning Corporation, SII Investments, Inc., INVEST Financial Corporation and Investment Centers of America, Inc. Jackson National Life's broker-dealer group has contracts with more than 2,400 registered representatives.

Registered Investment Advisor

        Commencing operation in early 2003, Curian Capital, LLC (Jackson National Life's registered investment advisor channel) provides innovative fee-based separately managed accounts and investment products to advisors through a sophisticated technology platform.

        The registered investment advisor industry began as a service offered to very high-net worth investment clients, focusing on platforms rather than specific products, and providing institutional-quality management, custom portfolios, and tax services. The industry has evolved to offer personalized investment advice, very high quality money management, good returns, and reasonable costs to a broader range of clients.

Group Pension Department

        Jackson National Life markets its institutional products through its group pension department. It has direct contacts with banks, municipalities, asset management firms and direct plan sponsors. Institutional products are distributed and marketed through intermediaries to these groups.

Factors Affecting Pricing of Products and Asset Liability Management

        Jackson National Life prices products based on assumptions about future mortality, investment yields, expenses and persistency. Pricing is influenced by competition and by its objectives for return on capital. Although Jackson National Life includes a profit margin in the price of its products, the variation between the assumptions and actual experience can result in the products being more or less profitable than it was assumed they would be. This variation can be significant.

        Jackson National Life designs its interest-sensitive products and conducts its investment operations to match closely the duration of the assets in its investment portfolio with the annuity, whole life, universal life and guaranteed investment contract product obligations. Jackson National Life seeks to achieve a target spread between what it earns on its assets and what it pays on its liabilities by investing principally in fixed-rate securities and in options and futures to match the equity-related returns under its fixed-indexed products.

        Jackson National Life segregates its investment portfolio for certain investment management purposes and as part of its overall investment strategy into four portfolios: fixed annuities without market value adjustment, fixed annuities with market value adjustment, fixed-indexed annuities and institutional liabilities. The portfolios backing fixed annuities with and without market value adjustments and the fixed-indexed annuities have similar characteristics and differ primarily in duration. The portfolio backing the institutional liabilities has its own mix of investments that meet more limited duration tolerances. Consequently, the institutional portfolio is managed to permit less interest rate sensitivity and has limited exposure to mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2004, 2% of the institutional portfolio was invested in residential mortgage-backed securities.

        The fixed-rate products may incorporate surrender charges, market value adjustments, two-tiered interest rate structures or other limitations relating to when policies can be surrendered for cash, in order to encourage persistency. At December 31, 2004, approximately 72% of Jackson National Life's fixed annuity reserves had surrender penalties or other withdrawal restrictions, down from 74% in 2003.

51



Substantially all of the institutional portfolio had withdrawal restrictions or market value adjustment provisions.

Underwriting

        The decision to underwrite a particular life policy depends upon the assessment of the risk to Jackson National Life represented by the proposed policy. The risk selection process is performed by the underwriters who evaluate policy applications on the basis of information provided by the applicant and other sources. Specific medical tests may be used to evaluate policy applications based on the size of the policy, the age of the applicant and other factors.

        Jackson National Life's underwriting rules and procedures are designed to produce mortality results consistent with the assumptions used in product pricing while providing for competitive risk selection.

Reserves

        Jackson National Life uses reserves established on a US GAAP basis as the basis for consolidation into Prudential's UK GAAP accounts.

        For the fixed, fixed-indexed and variable annuity contracts and institutional products, the reserve is the policyholder's account value. For the immediate annuities, reserves are determined as the present value of future policy benefits. Mortality assumptions are based on the 1983a Individual Annuitant Mortality Table and the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table for newer issues. Interest rate assumptions currently range from 2.0% to 8.0%.

        For the traditional term life contracts, reserves for future policy benefits are determined using the net level premium method and assumptions as to mortality, interest, policy persistency and expenses. Mortality assumptions are generally from 50% to 90% of the 1975-1980 Basic Select and Ultimate tables, depending on underwriting classification and policy duration. Interest rate assumptions range from 4.0% to 8.0%. Persistency and expense assumptions are based on Jackson National Life's experience.

        For the interest-sensitive and single premium life contracts, reserves approximate the policyholder's account value.

Reinsurance

        Jackson National Life reinsures portions of the coverage provided by its life insurance products with other insurance companies under agreements of indemnity reinsurance. Reinsurance assumed from other companies is not material.

        Indemnity reinsurance agreements are intended to limit a life insurer's maximum loss on a large or unusually hazardous risk or to obtain a greater diversification of risk for the life insurer. Indemnity reinsurance does not discharge the original insurer's primary liability to the insured. Jackson National Life's reinsured business is ceded to numerous reinsurers and the amount of business ceded to any one reinsurer is not material.

        Jackson National Life limits the amount of risk it retains on new policies. Currently, the maximum risk that is retained on new policies is $1.5 million on last survivor life business. Jackson National Life is not a party to any risk reinsurance arrangement with any reinsurer pursuant to which the amount of reserves on reinsurance ceded to such reinsurer equals more than 1% of total policy reserves.

        Beginning in late 1995, Jackson National Life entered into reinsurance agreements to cede 80% of its new level premium term life insurance business written in the United States to take advantage of competitive pricing in the reinsurance markets. Beginning January 1, 1999, it began to cede 90% of new writings of level premium term products. Jackson National Life intends to continue to cede a significant

52



proportion of new term life insurance business for as long as pricing in the reinsurance markets remains favorable.

        Effective December 31, 2002, Jackson National Life ceded the guaranteed minimum death benefit coverage associated with variable annuities to an affiliate, Prudential Atlantic Reinsurance Company, Dublin, Ireland.

        Jackson National Life cedes the guaranteed minimum income benefit on variable annuities to an unaffiliated reinsurer.

Policy Administration

        Jackson National Life provides a high level of administrative support for both new and existing policyholders. Jackson National Life's ability to implement new products quickly and provide customer service is supported by integrated computer systems that propose, issue and administer complex life-insurance and annuity contracts. Jackson National Life continues to develop its life insurance administration and underwriting systems and its fixed and variable annuity administration systems to enhance the service capabilities for both new and existing policies.

PPM America

        PPM America is Prudential's US fund management operation, with offices in Chicago and New York. Its primary focus is to manage funds for Jackson National Life and therefore the majority of funds under management are fixed interest in nature. PPM America has also launched a number of institutional high yield and special investment vehicles to leverage their fund management capabilities into new areas. PPM America also serves as investment advisor for certain mutual funds, several private investment funds and structured finance vehicles and the US equity and fixed income portion of portfolios of certain affiliates within Prudential.

Jackson Federal Bank

        Prudential further diversified its business in the United States through the purchase in 1998 of a federally chartered savings association, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of San Bernardino, which was called Jackson Federal Bank ("JFB"). In February 2000, Jackson National Life announced the acquisition of three Fidelity Federal Branches and in September 2000, Jackson National Life acquired Highland Bancorp Incorporated, the holding company for Highland Federal Bank, for $110 million. Highland Federal Bank and the three Fidelity Federal Branches were merged with and renamed as Jackson Federal Bank. At the date of sale, Jackson Federal Bank's assets totaled $1.5 billion (£0.8 billion) and deposit accounts totaled $1.1 billion (£0.6 billion).

        In October 2004, JNL completed the sale of JFB to Union Bank of California for £166 million. JFB's principal area of business was banking and commercial real estate lending. With the sale of JFB, JNL was able to redeploy a portion of the capital to acquire Life Insurance Company of Georgia, which is more closely aligned with JNL's core strategy of providing long-term savings and retirement vehicles to our customers. Accordingly, the results of operations for Jackson Federal Bank are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements.


Asian Business

        The Asian economies' consistently high economic growth rates and favorable demographics, together with the trend to allow greater access to foreign financial services players makes these markets very attractive. However, success is not guaranteed; there are many regulatory, cultural, competitive and organizational challenges which favor companies such as Prudential who have a long history and clear commitment to Asia, a successful track record and an operating model enabling us to 'think internationally and act locally'.

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        Over the last ten years, building on its long-standing commitment to the region, Prudential has followed a proven strategy of expanding geographically, diversifying its distribution, launching innovative, customer focused products and partnering with leading local institutions. Today, Prudential has operations in 12 countries and is Europe's leading life insurer in Asia in terms of market coverage and number of top 5 market positions. It has an agency force of 136,000 that generates around 75% of new business with the remainder of new business coming from a variety of distribution partnerships, including a number of leading banks. The Prudential's logo is well-known throughout the region and has similar recognition levels to other leading international financial services institutions.

        This breadth and depth of operations across the region gives Prudential diversity backed up by collective scale that is a real competitive advantage as it can leverage expertise and experience in some countries and apply this elsewhere as appropriate. It is also able to take a longer-term view on the development of the region as a whole. Prudential Corporation Asia's consistently impressive product profit margins illustrate not just the overall attractiveness of the Asian markets, but more specifically our success in maximizing long-term value creation while effectively managing risk.

        With over five million life insurance customers, Prudential Corporation Asia now has the scale to benefit from more standardization and integration of processes and the introduction of common systems platforms. In 2004, the first step towards a more integrated back office was made with the launch of a regional processing center, Prudential Services Asia, based in Malaysia's high tech business park Cyberjaya.

        The impact of Prudential Corporation Asia's focus on capital efficiency and its increasing scale can be seen as it is expected to become a net contributor of cash to the Group in 2006, whilst continuing to fund high growth rates.

Development of Prudential's Asian Business

        Prudential's Asian operations are managed by its Hong Kong-based regional head office. Prudential's operations in Asia date from 1923, when it opened a branch office in India, which served the Indian sub-continent and several Middle Eastern countries with historic ties to the United Kingdom. In 1924, Prudential opened a branch office in Malaysia. Prudential expanded into Singapore in 1931 and opened a branch office in Hong Kong in 1964. In 1956, Prudential's Indian operations were nationalized and, in 1984, the Malaysian government required Prudential to sell a majority interest in its Malaysian operations to a local company. A majority share of the Malaysian operations was then reacquired in 1998. A group strategy review in the early 1990s identified significant opportunities for Prudential in the Asian life sector and Prudential Corporation Asia was established in 1994 to develop a material and profitable Asian business.

        During 1995 and 1996, Prudential Corporation Asia entered Thailand and Indonesia through acquisitions and launched a new operation in the Philippines. These were followed by re-entry into India with a joint venture mutual fund operation in 1998 (55% ownership), the acquisition of a Taiwanese life insurance operation and the launch of a new life insurance operation in Vietnam in 1999. In 2000, Prudential acquired a mutual fund business in Taiwan, launched new life insurance operations in China (50% ownership) and India (26% ownership) and established a joint venture in Hong Kong for the Mandatory Provident Fund ("MPF") and mutual funds (36% ownership).

        Prudential Corporation Asia continued its geographic expansion in 2001 with acquisitions of small, but financially and operationally sound life companies in Japan and South Korea. Also in 2001, Prudential Corporation Asia acquired Allstate's small operations in Indonesia and the Philippines. In June 2002, Prudential Corporation Asia acquired ING's small life operation in the Philippines and in October 2002 acquired Good Morning ITMC, a mid-sized South Korean mutual fund operation.

        The Japanese life market remains very challenging and in 2003 Prudential scaled back its operations to focus on higher value distribution channels and more profitable products. While the operation is now

54



somewhat more efficient with lower expense levels and has made some progress with establishing new distribution channels, it will take some time to deliver material volumes and become a positive contributor to Prudential Corporation Asia's overall results.

        Prudential Corporation Asia has also launched mutual fund operations in Japan, Singapore and Malaysia and has had its composite insurance licenses in Singapore and Malaysia reactivated.

        In India, our joint venture with ICICI continues to be the leading private sector player. In 2004, the Indian government announced its intention to allow increased foreign ownership in Indian companies, and Prudential remains interested in increasing our stake in the joint venture. However, the relevant legislation has not yet been put before the Indian Parliament.

        In March 2003, Prudential and its joint venture partner CITIC were granted its second life insurance license for Beijing in addition to the license for Guanghzou where operations commenced in 2000. In March 2004, Prudential and CITIC received their third and fourth life insurance licenses in China for Suzhou and Shanghai, respectively.

        As of December 31, 2004, CITIC Prudential had opened operations in three cities in China. As of March 31, 2005 it was granted additional licenses for cities in Guangdong province (Donggaun and Foshan), Hubei province (Wuhan) and approval to provide Group policies alongside the core individual life products. In May 2005 CITIC Prudential announced that it had been awarded another license for Zhongshan. Prudential is now the only European life insurance joint venture with licenses for eight Chinese cities. It is expected that this rapid development will continue as geographic licensing restrictions ease further.

        Prudential believes the key ingredients for the long-term Asian growth model are firmly in place: high population densities, high personal savings rates, improving education levels, increasingly entrepreneurial environment, rapid urbanization and deregulation. Prudential continues to support the long-term growth prospects of Prudential Corporation Asia in Asia.

        Prudential Corporation Asia's strategic themes are to:


Distribution

        Throughout Asia, agency continues to be the primary distribution channel. At the end of the year Prudential Corporation Asia had 136,000 tied agents, up from 112,000 in 2003. These agents, who are largely self-employed, sell insurance products exclusively for Prudential Corporation Asia. Management teams ensure that quality training, best practice agency management and high quality customer service are consistently provided.

        Prudential Corporation Asia continues to develop complementary distribution channels through a variety of distribution partnerships, with a number of leading banks. Alternative distribution, other than

55



agency-based, which includes bancassurance and direct distribution, produced 24% of total insurance sales in 2004, up from 22% in 2003.

Products

        Prudential Corporation Asia offers a range of products including life insurance with some accident and health options, personal lines property and casualty insurance and also mutual funds.

Life Insurance

        The life insurance products offered by Prudential Corporation Asia include a range of with-profits and non-participating term, whole life, endowment and unit-linked policies. Prudential Corporation Asia also offers health, disability, critical illness and accident coverage to supplement its core life products.

        Prudential Corporation Asia has a strong focus on capital-efficient product innovation and packages products to meet specific customer needs. In 1992, Prudential Corporation Asia was the first company to launch unit-linked products in Singapore and subsequently has leveraged this expertise with great success across the region. In 2004, Prudential Corporation Asia continued with unit-linked product launches in Philippines and Korea.

Funds Management

        In addition to the life products described above, Prudential offers mutual fund investment products in India, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Korea, allowing customers to participate in debt, equity and money market investments. The Company earns a fee based on assets under management.

        In Hong Kong, Prudential Corporation Asia has a successful joint venture with Bank of China International ("BOCI") for the Mandatory Provident Fund ("MPF") and also unit trusts. As from December 1, 2000, employees, employers and the self-employed in Hong Kong became obliged to make contributions to the MPF. The plans that comprise the MPF are defined contribution pension plans with immediate vesting, preservation until retirement (or some other event specified by legislation) and full portability. Individuals are required to make monthly mandatory contributions of 5% of salary and employers make contributions equal to 5% of the employee's salary to the individual's accounts in the Fund. Both employee and employer contributions are subject to a maximum amount, currently HK$1,000 per month, the equivalent of £65 per month. Additional voluntary contributions are possible.

        Prudential Asset Management ("PAM") (formerly PPM Asia) is Prudential Corporation Asia's fund management division responsible for managing Prudential Corporation Asia's life and third party institutional funds including the Prudential group's investments in the Asia-Pacific region. PAM has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

        At December 31, 2004, Prudential Corporation Asia was managing £22.6 billion of funds, comprising Asian life insurance funds of £8.4 billion, £5.7 billion of non-Asian funds which predominately relate to the UK, Prudential Corporation Asia retail mutual funds and third party institutional funds of £8.5 billion and Prudential Corporation Asia's 36% of Bank of China International- Prudential Corporation Asia joint venture pension related funds, including MPF, of £0.2 billion.

Products and Profitability

Life Insurance Products

        Unit-linked products combine savings with protection and the cash value of the policy depends on the value of the underlying unitized funds. Participating products provide savings with protection where the basic sum assured can be enhanced by a profit share (or bonus) from the underlying fund as determined at the discretion of the insurer. Non-participating products offer savings with protection

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where the benefits are guaranteed or determined by a set of defined market related parameters. Accident and Health ("A&H") products provide mortality or morbidity benefits and include health, disability, critical illness and accident coverage. A&H products are commonly offered as supplements to main life policies but can also be sold separately.

Life Product Profitability

        The profits from participating policies are shared between the policyholder and insurer (typically in a 90:10 ratio) in the same way as with-profits business in the UK. Under unit-linked products the profits that arise from managing the policy, its investments and the insurance risk accrue entirely to shareholders, with investment gains accruing to the policyholder within the underlying unitized fund. The profits from non-participating products consist of any surplus remaining after paying the defined policy benefits. All the profits from A&H products accrue to shareholders.

        Unit-linked products tend to have higher profit than traditional non-linked products as expenses and charges are better matched and solvency capital requirements are lower. At the end of 2004 Prudential Corporation Asia offered unit-linked products in 10 of the 12 countries in Asia in which it operates.

Mutual Fund Products

        Prudential Corporation Asia's mutual fund range includes debt, equity, balanced and money market funds. Prudential Corporation Asia makes transaction charges (initial and surrender depending on the type of fund and the length of the investment) and also makes a service charge based on assets under management. The charges vary by country and fund with money market style funds generally having the lowest charges and equity funds the highest.

New Business Premiums

        In 2004, total sales of insurance products were £1,172 million, up 19% from 2003 (£989 million). Of this amount, regular premium insurance sales were up 1% to £510 million and single premium insurance sales increased from £482 million in 2003 to £662 million.

        The following table shows Prudential's Asian life insurance new business premiums by territory for the periods indicated. In this table "Other Countries" includes, Thailand, The Philippines and Vietnam.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Singapore   246   238   325
Hong Kong   333   272   224
Malaysia   68   70   74
Taiwan   231   160   159
Japan   24   44   48
Korea   96   49   10
China   25   18   13
Indonesia   66   58   30
India (Group's 26% interest in joint venture with ICICI)   38   20   10
Other countries   45   60   51
   
 
 
  Total   1,172   989   944
   
 
 

        In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2004, Prudential Corporation Asia's mutual funds had funds under management of £7.6 billion, up from £6.4 billion in 2003, following net sales of £1.2 billion during the year, down slightly from £1.5 billion in 2003. The £7.6 billion of funds under management at the end of 2004 primarily comprised of, India £2.1 billion, Taiwan £1.8 billion and Korea £1.4 billion.

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Investments

General

        The overall financial strength of the Prudential group and the results, both current and future, of the insurance business are in part dependent upon the quality and performance of the various investment portfolios in the United Kingdom, the United States, Asia and in continental Europe.

Prudential's Total Investments

        The following table shows Prudential's insurance and non-insurance investments at December 31, 2004. In addition, at December 31, 2004 Prudential had £33 billion of external retail mutual funds under management. The "Other" column includes central funds, a short-term fixed income securities reinvestment program and funds in respect of other non-insurance operations. Assets held to cover linked liabilities relate to unit-linked and variable annuity products. In this table, investments are valued as set out in Note 3 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Insurance
  Banking
   
 
  United
Kingdom

  Europe
  United Kingdom
and
Europe

  United
States

  Asia
  Other
  Sub-total
  United
Kingdom

  Total
 
  (In £ Millions)

Debt and other fixed income securities   41,769   100   41,869   19,612   3,791   1,478   66,750   3,120   69,870
Equity securities   35,834   443   36,277   130   2,002   17   38,426     38,426
Loans and other   6,237   203   6,440   4,058   691   897   12,086   8,577   20,663
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total   83,840   746   84,586   23,800   6,484   2,392   117,262   11,697   128,959
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real-estate                                    
  Investment   12,104     12,104   38   38   1   12,181     12,181
  Company-occupied   110     110   37   36   3   186   15   201
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total real-estate   12,214     12,214   75   74   4   12,367   15   12,382
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Sub-total   96,054   746   96,800   23,875   6,558   2,396   129,629   11,712   141,341
Participating interests           20   6   26     26
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Total investments   96,054   746   96,800   23,875   6,578   2,402   129,655   11,712   141,367
Assets held to cover unit-linked liabilities   16,132   593   16,725   5,392   1,713     23,830     23,830
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Total   112,186   1,339   113,525   29,267   8,291   2,402   153,485   11,712   165,197
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Prudential's Investment Yields

        The following table shows the income from the investments of Prudential's continuing operations by asset category for the periods indicated. This table does not include investment income from unit-linked and variable annuity products, or from banking investments. Yields have been calculated using the average of opening and closing balances for the appropriate asset.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  Yield
  Amount
  Yield
  Amount
  Yield
  Amount
 
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

 
Debt and other fixed income securities                          
  Net investment income   6.0   3,938   6.4 % 4,109   6.7 % 4,126  
  Net realized investment gains (losses)   (0.0 )% (9 ) 0.6 % 375   (0.9 )% (531 )
  Net unrealized investment gains (losses)   1.2 % 786   0.1 % 44   1.1 % 651  
  Ending assets       66,750       64,591       63,200  
Equity investments                          
  Net investment income   3.6 % 1,329   3.2 % 1,050   3.0 % 1,053  
  Net realized investment gains   3.5 % 1,271   0.5 % 154   1.5 % 520  
  Net unrealized investment gains (losses)   6.9 % 2,526   17.2 % 5,566   (27.9 )% (9,907 )
  Ending assets       38,426       34,877       30,007  
Loans and other                          
  Net investment income   11.6 % 1,272   9.7 % 1,012   9.7 % 986  
  Net realized investment gains (losses)   0.3 % 32   0.0 % 5   (0.0 )% (3 )
  Net unrealized investment gains (losses)   1.1 % 125   0.4 % 37   0.8 % 80  
  Ending assets       12,086       9,751       11,092  
Real estate                          
  Net investment income   6.8 % 799   8.0 % 867   7.4 % 789  
  Net realized investment gains   2.3 % 269   2.2 % 235   1.9 % 200  
  Net unrealized investment gains (losses)   8.6 % 1,009   3.0 % 321   0.2 % 21  
  Ending assets       12,367       10,965       10,766  
Total (excluding unit-linked and cash)                          
  Net investment income   5.9 % 7,338   6.0 % 7,038   5.9 % 6,954  
  Net realized investment gains   1.3 % 1,563   0.7 % 769   0.2 % 186  
  Net unrealized investment gains (losses)   3.6 % 4,446   5.1 % 5,968   (7.8 )% (9,155 )
  Ending assets       129,629       120,184       115,065  

Prudential's Insurance Investment Strategy and Objectives

        Prudential's insurance investments support a range of businesses operating in many geographic areas. Each of the operations formulates a strategy, based on the nature of its underlying liabilities, its level of capital and its local regulatory requirements. Where the nature of underlying liabilities, level of capital and local regulatory requirements permit, Prudential tends to invest its assets predominantly in equities and real estate that have, over longer periods, provided superior returns to fixed interest assets.

Management of Insurance Funds

        Except for a small amount of unit-linked business and variable annuity business, amounting to approximately 6% of Prudential's own funds under management at December 31, 2004, Prudential manages its insurance funds principally through its fund management businesses, M&G in the United Kingdom, together with PPM America in the United States and Prudential Asset Management (formerly PPM Asia) in Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

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        In each of the operations, local management analyzes the liabilities and determines asset allocation, benchmarks and permitted deviations from these benchmarks appropriate for its operation. These benchmarks and permitted deviations are agreed with internal fund managers, who are responsible for implementing the specific investment strategy through their local fund management operations.

Investments Relating to UK Insurance Business

Strategy

        In the United Kingdom, Prudential tailors its investment strategy for long-term business, other than unit-linked business, to match the type of product a portfolio supports. The primary distinction is between with-profits portfolios and non-participating portfolios, which include the majority of annuity portfolios. Generally, the objective is to maximize returns while maintaining investment quality and asset security and adhering to the appropriate government regulations.

        With-profits contracts are long-term contracts with minimal guaranteed amounts, the nature of which permits Prudential to invest primarily in equities and real estate. Accordingly, the with-profits fund investment strategy emphasizes a well-diversified equity portfolio (containing some international equities), real estate (predominantly in the United Kingdom), UK and international fixed income securities and cash.

        For Prudential's UK pensions annuities business and other non-participating business the objective is to maximize profits while ensuring stability by closely matching the cashflows of assets and liabilities. To achieve this matching, the strategy is to invest in fixed income securities of appropriate maturity dates.

        For Prudential's unit-linked business, the primary objective is to maximize investment returns subject to following an investment policy consistent with the representations Prudential has made to its unit-linked product policyholders.

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Investments

        The following table shows the investments relating to Prudential's UK insurance business, other than its unit-linked business, at December 31, 2004. In this table, investments are shown at market value. The with-profits fund also includes two other businesses, SAIF and Prudential Annuities Limited. The investments in respect of SAIF are shown separately. The investments in respect of Prudential Annuities Limited are included within the Annuities column. The "Other" column includes investments relating to solvency capital of unit-linked funds and investments relating to non-life long-term business.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
 
  With-
Profits

  Annuities
  SAIF
  Other
  Total
  Total %
 
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

 
Equity securities                          
United Kingdom                          
  Listed   20,517     3,841     24,358      
  Unlisted   153     32     185      
   
 
 
 
 
     
  Total United Kingdom   20,670     3,873     24,543   25.6 %
   
 
 
 
 
     
International                          
  United States   1,390     276     1,666      
  Europe (excluding the United Kingdom)   2,968     546     3,514      
  Japan   1,170     211     1,381      
  Pacific (excluding Japan)   3,121     551   14   3,686      
  Other   905     139     1,044      
   
 
 
 
 
     
  Total international   9,554     1,723   14   11,291   11.8 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total equity securities   30,224     5,596   14   35,834   37.3 %
   
 
 
 
 
     
Debt and other fixed income securities                          
  UK government   355   2,558   309   191   3,413      
  US government   33       48   81      
  Other   17,392   14,754   5,137   992   38,275      
   
 
 
 
 
     
    Total fixed income securities   17,780   17,312   5,446   1,231   41,769   43.5 %
   
 
 
 
 
     
Real estate                          
  Investment property   9,932   453   1,719     12,104      
  Company-occupied property   110         110      
   
 
 
 
 
     
    Total real estate   10,042   453   1,719     12,214   12.7 %
   
 
 
 
 
     
Loans and other                          
  Loans   70   251   139   5   465      
  Deposits   4,336   355   611   470   5,772      
   
 
 
 
 
     
    Total loans and other   4,406   606   750   475   6,237   6.5 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total   62,452   18,371   13,511   1,720   96,054   100.0 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Equity Securities

        Prudential's UK insurance operations, excluding unit-linked business, had £35,834 million invested in equities at December 31, 2004. Most of these equities support Prudential Assurance's with-profits fund and the SAIF fund, both of which are managed using the same general investment strategy. The following table shows the geographic spread of this equity portfolio by market value in accordance with the policies described in Note 3 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Market Value
  %
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

United Kingdom   24,543   68.5
United States   1,666   4.6
Europe (excluding United Kingdom)   3,514   9.8
Japan   1,381   3.9
Pacific (excluding Japan)   3,686   10.3
Other   1,044   2.9
   
 
  Total   35,834   100.0
   
 

        The UK equity holdings are well diversified and broadly mirror the FTSE All-Share share index. Prudential holds equities in 568 UK companies. At December 31, 2004, the ten largest holdings in UK equities amounted to £10,826 million, accounting for 44.1% of the total UK equity holdings of £24,543 million supporting the UK insurance operations. The following table shows the market value of the ten largest holdings in UK equities at December 31, 2004.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Market Value
  %
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

B.P.   1,884   7.7
Vodafone Group   1,635   6.7
HSBC Holdings   1,493   6.1
GlaxoSmithKline   1,435   5.8
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group   1,057   4.3
Barclays   917   3.7
Shell Transport and Trading   808   3.3
Astra Zeneca   558   2.3
Diageo   523   2.1
Lloyds TSB Group   516   2.1
   
 
  Total   10,826   44.1
   
 

        99.8% of all industry sectors are represented in Prudential's equity portfolio. At December 31, 2004, within the £24,543 million in UK equities supporting the UK insurance operations, Prudential had £17,192 million, or 70.0% of the holdings invested in ten industries. The following table shows the

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primary industry concentrations based on market value of the portfolio of UK equities relating to the UK insurance business at December 31, 2004.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Market Value
  %
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

Banks   5,004   20.4
Oil and Gas   3,024   12.3
Telecommunication Services   2,354   9.6
Pharmaceuticals and Biotech   2,107   8.6
Media and Entertainment   889   3.6
Construction and Building Materials   843   3.4
Mining   825   3.4
General Retailers   725   3.0
Beverages   724   2.9
Leisure and Hotels   697   2.8
   
 
  Total   17,192   70.0
   
 

Debt and Other Fixed Income Securities

        At December 31, 2004, 84.2% of Prudential's fixed income securities supporting the UK insurance operations were issued by corporations, 8.2% were issued or guaranteed by the UK government, 0.2% were issued or guaranteed by the US government and 4.8% were issued or guaranteed by other overseas governments. These guarantees relate only to payment and, accordingly, do not provide protection against fluctuations in market price that may occur during the term of the fixed income securities. The remaining 2.6% of Prudential's fixed income securities supporting the UK insurance operations consists mainly of local UK government issues.

        The following table shows the market value of the fixed income securities portfolio by maturity at December 31, 2004, in accordance with the policies described in Note 3 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Market Value
  %
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

Securities maturing:        
  Within one year   482   1.2
  Over one year and up to five years   4,925   11.8
  Over five years and up to ten years   8,997   21.5
  Over ten years and up to fifteen years   5,096   12.2
  Over fifteen years   22,269   53.3
   
 
    Total   41,769   100.0
   
 

        Approximately 60.9% of the fixed income securities portfolio was rated by Standard & Poor's at December 31, 2004, of which 20.3% was rated AAA, 5.8% was rated between AA+ and AA-, 18.0% was rated between A+ and A-, 12.5% was rated between BBB+ and BBB- and 4.3% was rated below BBB-. A further 14.0% of this portfolio was rated by Moody's at December 31, 2004, of which approximately 4.8% was rated Aaa, 1.9% was rated between Aa1 and Aa3, 3.8% was rated between A1 and A3, 2.1% was rated between Baa1 and Baa3 and 1.4% was rated below Baa3.

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Real Estate

        At December 31, 2004, Prudential's UK insurance operations had £12,214 million of investments in real estate in the United Kingdom. The following table shows the real estate portfolio by type of investment. The real estate investments are shown at market value in accordance with the policies described in Note 3 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Market Value
  %
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

Office buildings   3,824   31.3
Shopping centers/commercial   5,550   45.4
Retail warehouses/industrial   2,576   21.1
Development   74   0.6
Other   190   1.6
   
 
  Total   12,214   100.0
   
 

        51.3% of the UK real estate investments are located in London and Southeast England (Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire and Surrey) with 46.6% located throughout the rest of the United Kingdom and the remaining 2.1% located overseas.

Loans and Other

        At December 31, 2004, the loans and other portfolio of the UK insurance operations amounted to £6,237 million. The following table shows the loans and other portfolio by value at December 31, 2004.

 
  At December 31,
2004

 
  (In £ Millions)

Loans collateralized by mortgages   330
Loans to policyholders collateralized by insurance policies   54
Other loans   81
Deposits with credit institutions   4,769
Other   1,003
   
  Total   6,237
   

Investments Relating to Prudential's US Insurance Business

Strategy

        The investment strategy of the US Operations, for business other than the variable annuity business, is to maintain a diversified and largely investment grade debt and fixed income securities portfolio that maintains a desired investment spread between the yield on the portfolio assets and the rate credited on policyholder liabilities. Interest rate scenario testing is continually used to monitor the effect of changes in interest yields on cash flows, the present value of future profits and interest rate spreads.

        The investment portfolio of the US Operations consists primarily of fixed income securities, although the portfolio also contains investments in mortgage loans, policy loans, common and preferred stocks, cash and short-term investments and miscellaneous other investments.

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Investments

        The following table summarizes the total insurance investments of the US Operations, other than the separate account investments supporting the variable annuity business, at December 31, 2004.

 
  December 31, 2004
 
  Non-Institutional
  Institutional
  Total
  Total %
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

Debt and other fixed income securities                
  Corporate securities and commercial loans   12,640   2,627   15,267   64.0
  Residential mortgage-backed securities   1,868   82   1,950   8.2
  Commercial mortgage-backed securities   961   262   1,223   5.1
  Other   846   326   1,172   4.9
   
 
 
 
    Total debt and other fixed income securities   16,315   3,297   19,612   82.2
   
 
 
 
Loans and other   3,457   601   4,058   17.0
Equity securities   124   6   130   0.5
   
 
 
 
    Total   19,896   3,904   23,800   99.7
Real estate   75     75   0.3
   
 
 
 
    Total   19,971   3,904   23,875   100.0
   
 
 
 

        Debt and other fixed income securities are shown at amortized cost, with the exception of certain securities held by the US fund management operation, which are shown at fair value of £182 million. Loans and other are shown at outstanding loan balance or amortized cost except for investments in limited partnership interests which are shown at the Company's share of partnership equity. Equity securities are shown at fair value. Real estate is shown at depreciated cost. Interests in associate undertakings are carried at Jackson National Life's proportionate share of net assets. The fair value of unlisted securities is estimated by Jackson National Life, using independent pricing services or analytically determined values.

Debt and Other Fixed Income Securities

        At December 31, 2004, the US Operations had £15,267 million of corporate securities and commercial loans, representing 64.0% of US insurance total investments. Of the £15,267 million, £12,703 million consisted of fixed income securities that are publicly traded or trade under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Rule 144A") and £2,564 million consisted of investments in non-Rule 144A privately placed fixed income securities.

        For statutory reporting in the United States, debt securities are classified into six quality categories specified by the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). The categories range from Class 1 (the highest) to Class 6 (the lowest). Performing securities are designated Classes 1-5. Securities in or near default are designated Class 6. Securities designated as Class 3, 4, 5 and 6 are non-investment grade securities. Generally, securities rated AAA to A by nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations are Class 1, BBB in Class 2, BB in Class 3 and B and below in Classes 4 through 6. If a designation is not currently available from the NAIC, Jackson National Life's investment advisor, PPM America, provided the designation for the purposes of the disclosure contained herein.

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        The following table shows the credit quality of the portfolio of publicly traded and Rule 144A fixed income securities at December 31, 2004.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Book Value
  % of Total
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

NAIC Designation        
  1   4,781   37.6
  2   6,678   52.6
  3   951   7.5
  4   271   2.1
  5   21   0.2
  6   1   0.0
   
 
    Total   12,703   100.0
   
 

        The following table shows the credit quality of the non-Rule 144A private placement portfolio at December 31, 2004.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Book Value
  % of Total
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

NAIC Designation        
  1   980   38.2
  2   1,210   47.2
  3   274   10.7
  4   85   3.3
  5   5   0.2
  6   10   0.4
   
 
    Total   2,564   100.0
   
 

        At December 31, 2004, the US insurance Operations had £1,950 million of residential mortgage-backed securities, representing 8.2% of US insurance total investments. Although this percentage is higher than the average US insurance company, Jackson National Life believes these securities provide additional yield and liquidity. At December 31, 2004, 96.9% of the US insurance Operations' residential mortgage-backed securities were rated AAA or the equivalent by a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization (these include Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch) and 99.8% were rated NAIC 1.

        The primary investment risk associated with residential mortgage-backed securities is that a change in the interest rate environment could cause payment of the underlying obligations to be made more slowly or more quickly than was anticipated at the time of their purchase. If interest rates decline, then this risk is called "pre-payment risk" and the underlying obligations will generally be repaid more quickly when the yields on reinvestment alternatives are lower. Alternatively, if interest rates rise, the risk is called "extension risk" and the underlying obligations will generally be repaid more slowly when reinvestment alternatives are higher. Residential mortgage-backed securities offer additional yield to compensate for these risks. The US Operations can manage pre-payment risk, in part, by reducing crediting rates on its products.

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        At December 31, 2004, the US Operations had £1,223 million of commercial mortgage-backed securities, representing 5.1% of US insurance total investments, invested in commercial mortgage-backed securities. 99.0% of this total was rated by a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization (these include Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch) and 98.3% was rated investment grade. Due to the structures of the underlying commercial mortgages, these securities do not present the same pre-payment or extension risk as residential mortgage-backed securities.

        At December 31, 2004, the US Operations had £1,172 million of other fixed income securities, representing 4.9% of US insurance total investments.

Loans and Other

        Loans and other totaled £4,058 million, representing 17.0% of US insurance total investments at December 31, 2004. Of the £4,058 million, £2,786 million consisted of loans and £1,272 million consisted of other financial investments.

        Loans represented 11.7% of US insurance total investments at December 31, 2004. £2,412 million related to commercial mortgage loans and £374 million to policy loans.

        Commercial mortgage loans represented 10.1% of US insurance total investments at December 31, 2004. This total included 489 first mortgage loans with an average loan balance of approximately £5.0 million, collateralized by properties located in the United States and Canada. The vast majority of the US Operations' commercial mortgage loan investments have been directly originated in the last eight years.

        Jackson National Life has addressed the risk of these investments by building a portfolio that is diverse both in geographic distribution and property type, emphasizing four main institutional property types: multi-family residential, retail, suburban office and warehouse/distribution facilities.

        As of December 31, 2004, approximately 21.6% of the portfolio was industrial, 25.5% multi-family residential, 22.1% suburban office, 20.4% retail, 9.9% hotel and 0.5% other. Approximately 12.7% of the portfolio is collateralized by properties in California and 12.4% of the portfolio is collateralized by properties in Texas, with no other state representing more than 7% of the total origination.

        Commercial mortgages generally involve more credit risk than residential mortgages due to several factors, including larger loan size, general and local economic conditions, local real estate conditions and the credit quality of the underlying tenants for the properties. Jackson National Life's investment policy and strict underwriting standards are designed to reduce these risks while maintaining attractive yields. In contrast to residential mortgage loans, commercial mortgage loans have minimal or no pre-payment and extension risk.

        Policy loans represented 1.6% of US insurance total investments at December 31, 2004. Policy loans are fully secured by individual life insurance policies or annuity policies and are contractual arrangements made under the policy.

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Other

        Other financial investments, representing 5.3% of US insurance total investments at December 31, 2004, were made up of £721 million of cash and short-term investments, £400 million of limited partnership interests and £151 million of other miscellaneous investments.

        The largest investment in the limited partnerships category is a £166 million interest in the PPM America Private Equity Fund. The remainder of this category consists of diversified investments in 146 other partnerships managed by independent money managers that generally invest in various equity and fixed income loans and securities.

Equity Securities

        Equity securities supporting US insurance operations totaled £130 million at December 31, 2004 representing 0.5% of US insurance total investments, and consisted of £95 million of common stocks including associates and £35 million of preferred stocks.

Common Stocks

        The £95 million of investments in common stocks included £65 million of investments in mutual funds and £30 million of other investments in common stocks at December 31, 2004.

Preferred Stocks

        The £35 million of investments in preferred stocks included £21 million of private equity preferred stocks at December 31, 2004.

Real Estate

        At December 31, 2004, the US Operations had £75 million of investments in real estate, £37 million of which is real estate Jackson National Life occupies.

Investments Relating to Asian Insurance Business

        Prudential's Asian operations' investments, other than investments in respect of unit-linked business, largely support the business of its Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan and Taiwan operations.

        The following table shows Prudential Asia's investments, other than investments from unit-linked business, at December 31, 2004. In this table, investments are valued in accordance with the policies described in Note 3 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Market Value
  % of Total
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

Debt and other fixed income securities   3,791   57.7
Equity securities   2,002   30.4
Loans and other   691   10.5
Real estate   74   1.1
Participating interests   20   0.3
   
 
  Total   6,578   100.0
   
 

        Prudential manages interest rate risk in Asia by matching liabilities with fixed interest assets of the same duration to the extent possible. Asian fixed interest markets however generally have a relatively short bond issue term, which makes complete matching challenging. A large proportion of the Hong

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Kong liabilities are denominated in US dollars and Prudential holds US fixed interest securities to back these liabilities.

Debt and Other Fixed Income Securities

        The following table shows consolidated investment categorization of the debt and fixed income security investments of Prudential Asia's long-term insurance fund, other than investments from unit-linked business, at December 31, 2004.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Market Value
  % of Total
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

Debt and other fixed income securities:        
Government Bonds   2,021   53.3
Quasi Government Bonds   125   3.3
Investment grade Corporate Bonds   1,454   38.4
Non-Investment grade Corporate Bonds   27   0.7
Un-rated bonds   164   4.3
   
 
  Total   3,791   100.0
   
 

Equity Securities

        The following table shows a geographic analysis of equity security investments of Prudential Asia's long-term insurance fund, other than investments from unit-linked business, at December 31, 2004.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Market Value
  % of Total
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

Singapore   929   46.4
Hong Kong   886   44.3
Malaysia   88   4.4
Japan   49   2.4
Taiwan   44   2.2
Other   6   0.3
   
 
  Total   2,002   100.0
   
 

Loans and Other

        Loans and other include policy loans, mortgage loans, deposits with credit institutions, unit trust investments and derivatives, including forwards, futures, options and swaps.

Investments Relating to Banking Business

        At December 31, 2004, Prudential had total banking investments of £11,712 million. The following table summarizes the investment portfolios relating to the UK banking business. In this table,

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investments are valued on the same basis as in Note 3 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Market Value
  Total %
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

Debt and other fixed income securities   3,120   26.6
Loans and other   8,577   73.2
Real estate   15   0.2
   
 
  Total   11,712   100.0
   
 

        Of the £11,712 million of investments, £1,269 million was in respect of certificates of deposit maturing in less than three months.

        The following table shows UK banking business loans by type and repayment period at December 31, 2004.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Due in One
Year or Less

  Due in Over One
Year and Up to
Five Years

  Due in Over
Five Years

  Provision for bad
and doubtful debts

  Total
 
  (In £ Millions)

Overdrafts   2       (1 ) 1
Unsecured personal loans   35   1,386   1,197   (131 ) 2,487
Credit card receivables   3,578       (117 ) 3,461
Residential mortgages   7   98   1,589   (1 ) 1,693
Loans to banks   616         616
   
 
 
 
 
  Total   4,238   1,484   2,786   (250 ) 8,258
   
 
 
 
 

        The following table shows UK banking business loans by type and interest rate at December 31, 2004.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Fixed
Rate

  Variable
Rate

  Provision for bad
and doubtful debts

  Total
 
   
  (In £ Millions)

   
Overdrafts     2   (1 ) 1
Unsecured personal loans   2,618     (131 ) 2,487
Credit card receivables     3,578   (117 ) 3,461
Residential mortgages   27   1,667   (1 ) 1,693
Loans to banks   270   346     616
   
 
 
 
  Total   2,915   5,593   (250 ) 8,258
   
 
 
 


Description of Property

        Prudential's UK based businesses occupy approximately 30 properties in the United Kingdom, Europe and Mumbai. These properties are primarily offices with some ancillary storage/warehouse facilities. Prudential's headquarters are located in London. Of the remainder, the most significant are offices in London, Reading, Chelmsford, Dudley and Derby in England, Stirling in Scotland and Belfast in Northern Ireland. The property in Stirling and two properties in Reading and Derby are held on a freehold basis. The properties in Stirling and in Reading are leased by the business from Prudential

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Assurance's long-term fund. The rest of Prudential's UK and Mumbai properties are held on long-term leaseholds. The leasehold properties range in size from 1,800 to 270,000 square feet. Overall, the occupied property portfolio totals approximately 1,300,000 square feet.

        In addition to these properties, the Prudential group owns the freehold of a sports facility in Reading for the benefit of staff.

        The Prudential group also holds approximately 80 other leasehold properties in the United Kingdom. This surplus accommodation consists primarily of small offices spread geographically across the United Kingdom and totals approximately 364,000 square feet.

        In the United States, Prudential owns Jackson National Life's executive and principal administrative office located in Michigan. Prudential also leases premises in Michigan, Colorado, California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, Wisconsin, Kansas, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and North Dakota for certain of its operations. Prudential holds 38 operating leases with respect to office space, throughout the United States. In the United States, Prudential owns and leases a total of approximately 730,000 square feet of property.

        In Asia, Prudential owns or leases properties principally in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, India and Korea. Within these countries, Prudential holds 59 offices on a freehold basis, 8 offices on a leasehold basis and 543 operating leases in respect of office space, totaling approximately 5,300,000 square feet of property. In addition, Prudential is planning to lease approximately 425,000 square feet of additional property in 2005 to support expansion plans throughout the region.

        Prudential believes that its facilities are adequate for its present needs in all material respects.

        Prudential had tangible assets, principally computer equipment, furniture and fixtures of £155 million, £184 million and £196 million at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.


Competition

General

        There are significant participants in each of the financial service markets in which Prudential operates. Its competitors include both mutual and stock financial companies. In addition, regulatory and other developments in many of Prudential's markets have obscured traditional financial service industry lines and opened the market to new competitors and increased competition. Some new entrants are taking advantage of the low barriers to entry afforded by internet distribution, especially in the area of retail banking. In some of Prudential's markets, other companies may have greater financial resources, allowing them to benefit from economies of scale, and may have stronger brands than Prudential does in that market.

        The principal competitive factors affecting the sale of Prudential's products in its chosen markets are:

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        An important competitive factor is the ratings Prudential receives in some of its target markets, most notably in the United States, from recognized rating organizations. The intermediaries with whom Prudential works, including IFAs, agents, brokers, wholesalers and financial institutions consider ratings as one factor in determining from which provider to purchase financial products. Prudential Assurance's long-term fund is currently rated AA+ (stable outlook) by Standard & Poor's, Aa1 (stable outlook) by Moody's and AA– (stable outlook) by Fitch Ratings. The ratings from Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch Ratings represent the second highest ratings out of 8, 9 and 12 in their respective rating categories. Jackson National Life is rated AA (negative outlook) by Standard & Poor's, AA (stable outlook) by Fitch Ratings and A1 (stable outlook) by Moody's. The ratings from Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings represent the second highest rating category out of 9 and 12 categories respectively and the ratings from Moody's represent the third highest rating category out of 9 categories.

        Prudential offers different products in its different markets of the United Kingdom, the United States and Asia and, accordingly, faces different competitors and different types of competition in these markets. In all of the markets in which Prudential operates its products are not unique and, accordingly, it faces competition from market participants who manufacture a varying range of similar and identical products.

United Kingdom

        Prudential's principal competitors include many of the major stock and mutual retail financial services and fund management companies operating in the United Kingdom. These companies include Aviva, Legal & General, Standard Life, Friends Provident, Lloyds TSB, HBOS, Aegon, AXA, Zurich Financial Services, Fidelity, Invesco, Jupiter, Threadneedle and Schroders. Prudential competes with other providers of financial products to be included on IFA panels of preferred providers.

        In the United Kingdom, the level of bonuses on Prudential's with-profits products is an important competitive measure for attracting new business through IFAs. The ability to declare competitive bonuses depends, in part, on a company's financial strength, which enables it to adopt an investment approach with a higher weighting in equities and real estate and allows it to smooth the fluctuations in investment performance upon which bonuses are based. Bonus rates on Prudential's with-profits policies are broadly in line with those of its major competitors.

United States

        Jackson National Life's competitors in the United States include major stock and mutual insurance companies, mutual fund organizations, banks and other financial services companies. National banks, in particular, may become more significant competitors in the future for insurers who sell annuities, as a result of recent legislation, court decisions and regulatory actions. Jackson National Life's principal life insurance company competitors in the United States include AXA Financial Inc., Lincoln National Corporation, Transamerica Corporation, Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., SunAmerica, Inc. and Hartford Life, Inc.

        Jackson National Life does not have a career agency salesforce in the United States and, consequently, competes for distributors such as banks, broker-dealers and wholesalers. Jackson National Life also competes with other providers of financial products to be placed at the top of independent agents' lists of sources.

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Asia

        Competition in the Asian markets in which Prudential operates is mainly focused on distribution, with particular emphasis on the size and competency of the agency salesforce. Within Asia, Prudential is second to AIG in terms of penetration and overall life market share across the region. While there are large local participants in individual markets, for example, Great Eastern Life in Singapore and Malaysia, Nippon Life in Japan, Cathay Life in Taiwan, and LIC in India, none of these has pan-regional businesses. Regional players are typically of North American or European origin.

        In addition, Prudential compete with the above as well as smaller competitors for talented and skilled employees with local experience, which are in particular demand in Asia. See Item 3 "Key Information—Risk Factors"

        In the regional mutual fund market in terms of market presence and position, Prudential ranks alongside leading international participants such as Schroders and Fidelity.


Intellectual Property

        Prudential does not operate in the United States under the Prudential name and there have been long-standing arrangements between it and Prudential Financial, Inc. and its subsidiary, the Prudential Insurance Company of America, relating to their respective uses of the Prudential name. Prudential and Prudential Financial, Inc. recently entered into a new trade mark co-existence agreement.


Legal Proceedings

Jackson National Life

        JNL is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. It is the opinion of management that the ultimate disposition of such litigation will not have a material adverse affect on JNL's financial condition or results of operations. JNL has been named in civil litigation proceedings, which appear to be substantially similar to other class action litigation brought against many life insurers alleging misconduct in the sale and administration of insurance products. JNL generally accrues for legal contingencies once the contingency is deemed to be probable and estimable. Accordingly, at December 31, 2004 and 2003, JNL had recorded accruals totaling $20.8 million and $13.5 million, respectively.

Prudential Corporation Asia

        On April 23, 2004 the Jakarta Commercial Court accepted a bankruptcy petition filed against PT Prudential Life Assurance ("PT Prudential"). The case arose as a result of PT Prudential terminating a consultancy contract for agency salesforce management, following legal advice. As a result, the consultant made a claim for approximately US$40 million and filed a bankruptcy petition in the Jakarta Commercial Court. The Court held that PT Prudential owed the consultant approximately US$165,000 and, despite the business being solvent, put PT Prudential into bankruptcy. In June 2004, the Supreme Court of Indonesia overturned the bankruptcy decision of the Jakarta Commercial Court. An amendment to the Indonesian bankruptcy law has subsequently been enacted and as result only the Ministry of Finance can now file of bankruptcy petition against an insurance company.

Prudential Group

        Prudential and its subsidiaries are involved in other litigation arising in the normal course of business. While an adverse ruling in any individual case may not in itself be material to Prudential, if applied across all similar cases, the potential liabilities may be more significant. Although the outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the ultimate outcome of

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such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the group's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


Sources

        Throughout this annual report, Prudential describes the position and ranking of its overall business and individual business units in various industry and geographic markets. The sources for such descriptions come from a variety of conventional sources generally accepted as relevant business indicators by members of the financial services industry. These sources include information available from the Association of British Insurers, the UK Department of Trade and Industry, Association of Unit Trusts and Investment Funds, Neilsen Net Ratings, Moody's, Standard & Poor's, Fitch, UBS Warburg, Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association, the Variable Annuity Research Data Service, referred to as VARDS, LIMRA International, Townsend and Schupp, The Advantage Group, the Life Insurance Association of Singapore, the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, Life Insurance Association of Malaysia, Life Insurance Association of Taiwan and the Taiwanese Securities Investment Trust Consulting Association.

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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION OF PRUDENTIAL

        Prudential's principal insurance, investment and banking operations are in the United Kingdom, the United States and Asia. Accordingly, it is subject to applicable United Kingdom, United States and Asian insurance, banking and other financial services regulation which is discussed below.


UK Supervision and Regulation

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000

        Prudential's insurance, investment and banking businesses in the United Kingdom are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (the "FSA"), the statutory regulator granted powers under the 2000 Act. In addition, those businesses are subject to various United Kingdom laws governing the terms and the sale of products (for example, the Consumer Credit Act 1974 in relation to the banking business) some of which require the relevant Prudential entity to be licensed or registered.

Risk-Based Regulation

        The FSA employs a risk-based regulatory approach under the 2000 Act pursuant to which each regulated firm's risk is assessed on a common model. This covers the firm's control environment and business and customer risk profiles, together with an assessment of the potential impact on consumer protection and market stability of financial or compliance failure of that firm. The FSA aims to create a single set of prudential requirements organized according to risk category with sections containing rules and guidance on credit, market, operational and insurance risks, as well as capital adequacy and consolidated supervision.

        A key feature of the risk-based regime is the introduction of a single Integrated Prudential Sourcebook to replace the separate "Interim Prudential Sourcebooks" that currently regulate businesses in different regulated sectors. While the FSA initially envisaged that the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook would be fully implemented on January 1, 2004, developments and delays in the agreement of international legislation (such as the new Basel capital accord) have led to a phased introduction of its provisions. However, since the regulation of insurance has not been affected by many of these delays, the FSA proceeded with the early introduction of substantially all of the new prudential regime for insurance firms in its original target year of 2004.

Overview of 2000 Act Regulatory Regime

Single Regulator

        The FSA is the single regulator for all authorized persons with respect to regulated activities in the financial services sector. In this regard, the FSA is authorized to make rules and issue guidance and codes in relation to a wide sphere of activity encompassing the governance of the conduct of business by, and the prudential supervision of, authorized persons.

Permission to carry on "Regulated Activities"

        Under the 2000 Act, no person may carry on or purport to carry on a regulated activity in the United Kingdom unless he is an authorized person or is an exempt person. A firm which is granted permission by the FSA to carry on regulated activities becomes an authorized person for the purposes of the 2000 Act. "Regulated activities" are prescribed in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 and include banking activities, insurance activities and certain other activities, such as dealing in investments as principal or agent, and the establishment, operation and winding up of stakeholder pension schemes, as described below.

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Authorization Procedure

        When considering an application for authorization by a firm, the FSA may delineate the scope of, and include such restrictions on, the grant of permission as it deems appropriate. In granting or varying the terms of a firm's permissions, the FSA must ensure that the firm meets certain threshold conditions, which, among other things, require the firm to have adequate resources for the carrying on of its business, and to be a fit and proper person, having regard to all the circumstances.

        Once authorized, and in addition to continuing to meet the threshold conditions to authorization, firms are obliged to comply with the FSA Principles for Business, which are high level principles for conducting financial services business in the United Kingdom. These include the maintenance of adequate systems and controls, treating customers fairly and communicating with customers in a manner that is clear, fair and not misleading.

        Moreover, the 2000 Act obliges firms to secure the FSA's prior approval of the appointment of individuals performing certain important functions within a firm or on its behalf with respect to the carrying on of regulated activities (approved persons).

Application of 2000 Act Regulatory Regime to Prudential

        Each of Prudential's principal UK insurance, investment and banking businesses is subject to regulation and supervision by the FSA in the carrying on of its regulated activities. The following discussion considers, in turn, the main features of the 2000 Act regime applicable to Prudential's insurance, investment and banking businesses in the United Kingdom.

Regulation Applicable to Prudential's Insurance, Investment and Banking Businesses

Supervision of Management and Change of Control of Authorized Firms

        The FSA closely supervises the management of authorized firms through the approved persons regime, under which any appointment of persons who hold positions of significant influence within an authorized firm must be pre-approved by the FSA.

        The FSA also regulates the acquisition of control over authorised firms. Under the 2000 Act, any person proposing to acquire control of an authorised firm must first obtain the consent of the FSA. In considering whether to grant or withhold its approval to the acquisition of control, the FSA must be satisfied both that the acquirer is a fit and proper person to have control over the authorized firm, and that the interests of consumers would not be threatened by his acquiring control.

        Control over a UK authorised firm ("A") is acquired if the acquirer holds 10% or more of the shares in A or a parent undertaking of A ("P"); is able to exercise significant influence over the management of A or P by virtue of his shareholding in that company; is entitled to exercise, or control the exercise, of 10% or more of the voting power of A or P; or is able to exercise significant influence over the management of A or P by virtue of his voting power in that company. Increases in "control', once they reach thresholds of 20%, 33% and 50% of the shares or voting power of an authorized firm or one of its controllers, also require the consent of the FSA.

        In order to determine whether a person or a group of persons is a "controller" for the purposes of the 2000 Act, the holdings (shares or voting rights) of the person and his "associates", if any, are aggregated.

Intervention and Enforcement

        The FSA has extensive powers to investigate and intervene in the affairs of an authorized firm. The 2000 Act imposes on the FSA statutory obligations to monitor compliance with the requirements

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imposed by, and to enforce the provisions of, the 2000 Act, related secondary legislation and the rules made thereunder.

        The FSA's enforcement powers, which may be exercised against both authorized firms and approved persons, include public censure, imposing unlimited fines and, in serious cases, the revocation or variation of permission to carry on regulated activities or of an approved person's approved status. In addition, the FSA may vary or revoke an authorized firm's permission if it is desirable to protect the interests of consumers or potential consumers, or if the firm has not engaged in regulated activity for 12 months, or if it is failing to meet the threshold conditions for authorisation. The FSA has further powers to obtain injunctions against authorized persons and to impose or seek restitution orders where persons have suffered loss. Once the FSA has made a decision to take enforcement action against an authorized or approved person (other than in the case of an application to the court for an injunction or restitution order), the person affected may refer the matter to the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal. Breaches of certain FSA rules by an authorized firm may also give a private person who suffers loss as a result of the breach a right of action against the authorized firm for damages.

        In addition to its ability to apply sanctions for market abuse, the FSA has the power to prosecute criminal offences arising under the 2000 Act and insider dealing under Part V of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 and breaches of money laundering regulations. The FSA's stated policy is to pursue criminal prosecution in all appropriate cases.

        The FSA, although not a creditor, may seek administration orders under the Insolvency Act 1986 (as amended), present a petition for the winding-up of an authorized person or have standing to be heard in the voluntary winding-up of an authorized person. It should be noted that insurers carrying on long-term insurance business cannot voluntarily be wound up without the consent of the FSA.

FSA Conduct of Business Rules

        The FSA's Conduct of Business Rules apply to every authorized firm carrying on regulated activities and regulate the day-to-day conduct of business standards to be observed by authorized persons in carrying on regulated activities.

        Recent amendments in the FSA's Conduct of Business Rules have brought about changes in the structure of the markets in which packaged products (such as life insurance policies with an investment element) are sold within the UK and the mechanics of the sales process.

        Under the previous regime, the FSA's policy of 'polarisation' effectively required those intermediaries who advised on packaged products either to be independent and advise on products from across the market, or to represent one company only, and sell only its products. The removal of this restriction has allowed firms to sell not only their own products, but those of other providers as well, without limit on the number of providers whose products can be sold.

        Those firms which advise customers on packaged products are now required to provide advice based on a particular range of products, details of which range will need to be decided in advance by the firm, and disclosed to the customer as part of the pre-sales process through FSA prescribed documentation. In order to be able to hold itself out as "independent", a firm needs to offer customers the chance to pay for its services on a fee (rather than commission) basis as well as advising on products across the whole market.

        The amendments to the FSA's Conduct of Business Rules to reflect the process of "depolarisation" included provisions restricting the terms on which product providers can take up direct or indirect holdings in, or provide credit to, intermediaries offering advice on packaged products (which do not apply in between firms in the same immediate group). Furthermore, the FSA's Conduct of Business Rules were amended to include rules governing the extent to which product providers can provide

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intermediaries with indirect benefits, in order to avoid the development of conflicts of interest (which rules, again, are disapplied for firms in the same immediate group).

Financial Promotion

        The FSA's Conduct of Business Rules govern the circumstances and manner in which authorized firms may communicate and approve "financial promotions", which are communications in the course of business that constitute invitations or inducements to engage in investment activity.

The Financial Ombudsman Service

        The Financial Ombudsman Service is intended to provide speedy, informal and cost effective dispute resolution of complaints made against authorized firms by individuals and small-business customers. The Ombudsman is empowered to order firms to pay fair compensation for loss and damage and may order a firm to take such steps as it determines to be just and appropriate to remedy a complaint. Authorised firms must have appropriate complaints handling procedures.

        In a recent decision (which may be appealed), the High Court of England and Wales has ruled that the Financial Ombudsman may depart from principles of English law when deciding levels of compensation in order to achieve a result which is fair and reasonable in his opinion.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme

        The 2000 Act provides for the establishment of a compensation scheme intended to compensate individuals and small businesses for claims against an authorized firm where the authorized firm is unable or unlikely to be able to meet those claims (generally, when it is insolvent or has gone out of business). The scheme is divided into three sub-schemes of banking, insurance and investment business, reflecting the different kinds of business undertaken by authorized firms. The scheme is funded by contributions from industry participants referable to the particular sub-schemes so as to minimize cross-subsidy between authorized persons whose businesses are not similar. Prudential estimates its reserve for future fund assessments for its UK business to be insignificant, and, believes the reserves in place are adequate for all payments for known insolvencies. In the event of a failure of a market participant, Prudential could be required to make contributions to compensate investors.

Regulation of Insurance Business

        Effecting and carrying out contracts of insurance as principal are regulated activities for the purposes of the 2000 Act, and the carrying on of such regulated activities is referred to as insurance business. Some of Prudential's subsidiaries, including The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, Prudential Annuities Limited, Prudential Retirement Income Limited, Prudential Pensions Limited, Prudential Holborn Life Limited and Prudential (AN) Limited carry on insurance business in the United Kingdom with the permission of the FSA and are supervised by the FSA under the 2000 Act.

Developments in Prudential Regulation

        The FSA's rules on the prudential regulation of insurance business are principally contained in those sections of the FSA's Integrated Prudential Sourcebook which prescribe rules and guidance for authorized persons carrying on insurance business. Under rules in the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook, an insurance company is restricted from carrying on any commercial business other than insurance business and activities directly arising from that business. The FSA Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers (the "Interim Prudential Sourcebook") continues to govern some matters such as the reporting requirements.

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Capital requirements of the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook

        The FSA made the majority of the rules which govern the prudential regulation of insurers in 2004 and these rules are now in force as part of the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook. Overall, the requirements of the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook are intended to align the capital adequacy requirements for insurance businesses more closely with those of banking and investment firms and building societies, for example, by addressing tiers of capital, rather than looking at net admissible assets.

        The Integrated Prudential Sourcebook also introduced an Individual Capital Assessment framework for life and non-life insurers. The Individual Capital Assessment requires all insurers to assess for themselves the amount of capital needed to back their business. If the FSA views the result of this assessment as insufficient, it may draw up its own Individual Capital Guidance for a firm, which can be imposed as a requirement on the scope of the authorized firm's permission.

Long-term Assets and Liabilities

        Long-term business assets and liabilities—those assets and liabilities relating to, broadly, life and health insurance policies—must be segregated from the assets and liabilities attributable to non-life insurance business or to shareholders. Separate accounting and other records must be maintained and a separate fund must be established to hold all receipts of long-term business.

        The extent to which long-term fund assets may be used for purposes other than long-term business is restricted by the rules in the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook and Interim Prudential Sourcebook. Only the "established surplus"—the excess of assets over liabilities in the long-term fund, as determined by an actuarial investigation—may be transferred so as to be available for other purposes. Restrictions also apply to the payment of dividends by the insurance company, as described below. The rules in the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook require, in addition to the capital requirements referred to below, the maintenance of sufficient assets in the separate long-term insurance fund to cover the actuarially determined value of the insurance liabilities.

Capital Requirements

        The Integrated Prudential Sourcebook requires that insurance companies maintain assets sufficient to meet the relevant capital requirement at all times in respect of both any long-term insurance and general insurance undertaken by the insurance company, the calculation of which requirement in any particular case being dependent on the type and amount of insurance business a company writes. The method of calculation of the capital requirement is set out in the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook and the level of an insurer's capital resources is also determined in accordance with the rules set out in the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook. Failure to maintain the required capital resources requirement is one of the grounds on which wide powers of intervention conferred upon FSA may be exercised.

        Under the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook, an authorized person carrying on insurance business must hold capital resources equal at least to the Minimum Capital Requirement (the "MCR"). Insurers with with-profits liabilities of more than £500 million must hold capital equal to the higher of MCR and the Enhanced Capital Requirement (the "ECR"). The ECR is intended to provide a more risk responsive and "realistic" measure of a with-profits insurer's capital requirements, whereas the MCR is broadly speaking equivalent to the previous required minimum margin under the Interim Prudential Sourcebook and satisfies the minimum EU standards.

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        Determination of the ECR involves the comparison of two separate measurements of the firm's financial resources requirements, which the FSA refers to as the "twin peaks" approach. The two separate peaks are:

          (i)  the requirement comprised by the mathematical reserves plus the sum of the "Long Term Insurance Capital Requirement" (the "LTICR") and the resilience capital requirement, together known as the "regulatory peak"; and

         (ii)  a calculation of the "realistic" present value of the insurer's expected future contractual liabilities together with projected "fair" discretionary bonuses to policyholders, plus a risk capital margin, together known as the "realistic peak".

        The LTICR is made up of several components, but in general is equal to approximately 4 per cent. of the mathematical reserves, although the formula varies according to the type of business written. The resilience capital requirement is in respect of the potential effects of market risk. If the calculation of the realistic peak produces a requirement in excess of the regulatory peak, then the difference is known as the with-profits insurance capital component.

Actuarial functions

        The rules in the FSA's Supervision Manual require that every insurance company that carries on long-term business must appoint one or more an actuaries to perform the "actuarial function" in respect of all classes of its long-term insurance business and, if it has any with-profits business, the "with-profits actuary function' in respect of all classes of that with-profits business.

        The actuary performing the "actuarial function" must prepare an annual report for the company's directors quantifying the company's long-term liabilities attributable to the insurance company's long-term insurance business, determining the value of any excess over those liabilities of the assets representing the long-term insurance fund and where any rights of long-term policyholders to participate in profits relate to particular parts of such a fund, a valuation of any excess of assets over liabilities in respect of each of those parts.

        The actuary performing the "with-profits actuary function" must advise the firm's management, at the level of seniority that is reasonably appropriate, on key aspects of the discretion to be exercised affecting those classes of the with-profits business of the firm in respect of which he has been appointed. He must also, at least once a year, in respect of each financial year commencing on or after January 1, 2005, report to the firm's governing body on key aspects (including those aspects of the firm's application of its Principles and Practices of Financial Management on which the advice described has been given) of the discretion exercised in respect of the period covered by his report affecting those classes of with-profits business of the firm.

Distribution of Profits and With-profits Business

        The Interim Prudential Sourcebook provides that, once an allocation of surplus in a with-profits fund has been made to policyholders, no transfer of assets representing any part of a subsequent surplus can be made, to shareholders or otherwise, unless either the "relevant minimum" (as defined in the Interim Prudential Sourcebook) of the surplus has been allocated to policyholders or a statutory notification procedure has been followed. Calculation of the relevant minimum is based upon the percentage of the relevant surplus previously allocated to eligible policyholders.

        Under the Interim Prudential Sourcebook, an insurance company is prohibited from declaring dividends in circumstances where the value of the long-term insurance business assets is less than the amount of the long-term insurance business liabilities. While its parent is not subject to the same restriction, HM Treasury however is given power under the 2000 Act to make regulations preventing an insurance company's parent from doing anything to lessen the effectiveness of any "asset identification

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rules" made by the FSA, which will include in this context rules requiring insurers to maintain the solvency of the long-term fund.

        There has been considerable public debate regarding the rights and legitimate expectations of with-profits policyholders to assets forming part of an insurance company's surplus, particularly where such assets do not derive from the payment of current policyholders' premiums but are rather "inherited" from previous generations of policyholders or from other entities.

        The FSA also mandated that firms carrying on with-profits business must:

        Since April 1, 2004, firms carrying on with-profits business have been required to produce PPFM and to make them publicly available. From the same date, firms have also been required to have in place the relevant governance arrangements and reporting procedures to with-profits policyholders.

Treating Customers Fairly

        Principle 6 of the FSA's Principles for Businesses requires firms to treat customers fairly. This requirement has existed for many years in parts of the regulatory system and is seen as key to the operation of an efficient retail market for financial services and is closely linked to maintaining consumer confidence. Until recently the meaning of the duty had not been further defined. However, after a series of consultations, in January 2005 the FSA published Policy Statement 05/01, which contained as set of specific rules on this area in relation to with-profits policyholders.

        These new rules address, among other things, the costs charged to a with-profits fund by the firm managing the fund; penalties and charges levied on policyholders who surrender their policies early, the need for funds to be managed with the objective of ensuring that maturity payouts fall within a target range set for the fund; and the provision of information to with-profits policyholders or potential policyholders in a format that they can more readily understand—through the introduction of "Consumer Friendly Principles and Practices of Financial Management" (CFPPFMs).

        In addition, life insurers writing with-profits business must provide information to with-profits policyholders within 28 working days of a decision to close a fund to new business or of the appointment of a policyholder advocate to protect the interest of policyholders should a firm decide to make a reattribution of its inherited estate.

        These changes are to be implemented as a whole on 30th June 2005 but with a transitional period of up to six months (up until 31st December, 2005) for authorized firms to implement requirements on pay-out target ranges and policy surrender values. The requirements for firms to product CFPPFMs will take effect on December 31, 2005.

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Reporting Requirements

        Under the Interim Prudential Sourcebook, insurance companies must file with the FSA their audited annual accounts and balance sheets and life insurers annual reports from the actuary performing the actuarial function.

        The FSA began consultation in 2002 on the use of implicit items to form part of an insurer's capital resources, and has now produced rules and guidance in the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook to indicate that the FSA will not permit implicit items to be included in the calculation of a firm's capital resources, except where the firm in question has obtained a formal waiver of the rules under the 2000 Act. The guidance notes that certain implicit items are not eligible for inclusion beyond December 31, 2009.

Transfer of Insurance Business

        Before any transfer of insurance business may take place, the 2000 Act requires a scheme of transfer to be prepared and approved by the High Court.

Winding-Up Rules

        The general insolvency laws applicable to UK companies are modified in certain respects in relation to insurance companies. Since the introduction of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Administration Orders Relating to Insurers) Order 2002 (the "2002 Order"), which came into force in May 2002, insurance companies in the UK have become subject to the administration procedures contained in Part II of the Insolvency Act 1986 (which previously did not apply). These administration procedures have, however, also been slightly modified by the 2002 Order in relation to, for example, the power of an administrator to make any payments due to a creditor.

        Additionally, in the United Kingdom, all FSA authorized insurance companies, except for pure reinsurers, are subject to the Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding-up) Regulations 2004, which came into force in February 2004.

        These Regulations provide, among other things, that direct insurance claims will have priority over the claims of other unsecured creditors, including reinsurance creditors, on a winding-up by the court or a creditors' voluntary winding up of the insurance company. Furthermore, instead of making a winding-up order when an insurance company has been proved unable to pay its debts, a UK court may, under Section 377 of the 2000 Act, reduce the amount of one or more of the insurance company's contracts on terms and subject to conditions (if any) which the court considers fit. Where an insurance company is in financial difficulties but not in liquidation, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme may take measures for securing the transfer of all or part of the business to another insurance company.

        Section 376 of the 2000 Act provides further insolvency protection to policyholders of insurance companies effecting or carrying out contracts of long-term insurance. Unless the court orders otherwise, a liquidator must carry on the insurer's business so far as it consists of carrying out the insurer's contracts of long-term insurance with a view to it being transferred as a going concern to a person who may lawfully carry out those contracts. In carrying on the business, the liquidator may agree to the variation of any contracts of insurance in existence when the winding-up order is made, but must not effect any new contracts of insurance.

EU Directive on Group Supervision

        The European Union formally adopted Directive 98/78/EC on the supplementary supervision of insurance undertakings within a group (the "Insurance Groups Directive") in October 1998. The

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Insurance Groups Directive required member states to introduce the following measures to strengthen supervision of insurance companies, which are part of a group:

        These requirements have been implemented in the UK by the Insurer's Interim Prudential Sourcebook and the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook.

        The parent undertaking solvency calculation under the rules that implement the requirements of the Insurance Group Directive is filed with the FSA and differs from the adjusted solo solvency margin test in that it is a currently only a calculation rather than a formal test. However, insurers will be required under the rules in the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook from December 31, 2006 to ensure that the group capital resources of the each undertaking included in the parent undertaking solvency calculation are equal to or exceed the group capital resources requirement for that undertaking.

EU Directive on Financial Conglomerates

        In November 2002, the European Union formally adopted Directive 2002/87/EC (the "Financial Groups Directive") on financial conglomerates, which are groups that include regulated entities which are active in the banking/investment services sectors and the insurance sector, and which meet certain criteria. The Financial Groups Directive, as implemented in the UK through the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook, came into force for those firms and groups affected (which for the time being includes Prudential) from financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2005. The aim of the Financial Groups Directive is to impose additional prudential requirements in respect of regulated entities within financial conglomerates including, to a certain extent, any mixed financial holding company. The additional supervision is organized at the level of the financial conglomerate and covers capital adequacy, risk concentration and intra-group transactions.

        The Insurance Groups Directive, which was implemented in the UK in 2001, together with the Financial Groups Directive, require European financial services groups, including Prudential, to maintain on a continuous basis net aggregate surplus capital in excess of solvency requirements at the Group level. The Financial Conglomerates Directive requires a continuous parent company solvency test which requires the aggregating of surplus capital held in the regulated subsidiaries, from which group borrowings are deducted, other than those subordinated debt issues which qualify as capital. The test is passed when this aggregate number is positive. A negative result at any point in time is a notifiable breach of UK regulatory requirements. Additionally, the FSA has indicated that it will require public disclosure of the Financial Groups Directive solvency position from December 31, 2005.

New EU Rules on Solvency Margins

        In addition to the solvency requirements of the Insurance Groups Directive and Financial Groups Directive, under rules amending the solvency margin requirements for life and non-life insurance

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undertakings, which have been implemented in EU member states in 2004 (the FSA's new rules in this respect apply to firms from the beginning of their 2004 financial years), each UK insurer must maintain capital resources (shareholders' equity and quasi-equity) at a level that depends on the nature of the insurer's activity and that is calculated with reference to certain balance sheet and income statement items, subject to an absolute minimum (so-called minimum guaranteed fund) of €3 million (€2 million for some classes of non-life insurance). The rules are part of the European Commission's efforts to achieve a single European market for financial services. These rules were introduced by the Solvency I Directives (2002/12/EC and 2002/13/EC). They were fully implemented in the United Kingdom in January 1, 2005 and make up part of the FSA's Integrated Prudential Sourcebook. The rules also give regulators greater powers to intervene in the event of concerns regarding an insurance company's financial position.

        The European Commission continues to work on a more comprehensive review of solvency requirements for insurance undertakings, the so-called "Solvency II" project, which will be based on a three-pillar structure, comprised of capital requirements, supervisory review and public disclosure. Although the final form of the Directive is yet to established, and there can be no certainty of its impact on solvency requirements, it is expected that the new solvency rules will be based on two levels of regulatory capital requirements for insurers: a solvency capital requirement, which is expected to adopt a more risk-based approach along the lines introduced in the United Kingdom through the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook and will be aimed at reflecting and quantifying the exposure of the relevant insurance undertaking, and a minimum capital requirement, which will be computed in a less refined manner and which would act as trigger for supervisory intervention. However, the indications from the European Commission are that the Directive adoption process will not start before summer 2006, with a view to the Directive's formal adoption in October 2006.

Other EU Measures

        In May 2003, the European Union adopted Directive 2003/41/EC on the activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision, which member states must implement into their national law by September 2005. This Directive is intended to permit employee pension schemes to be operated and managed on an EU-wide basis. The Directive contains certain prudential rules and "prudent person" investment requirements, which could be extended by member states to the occupational retirement schemes operated by life insurance companies. Finally, on April 21, 2004, the European Commission presented a proposal for a directive on the supervision of reinsurance undertakings. If adopted, the reinsurance directive would introduce a set of harmonized rules to allow pure reinsurance companies to operate across the European Union on the basis of their home-country license.

Regulation of Investment Business

        Certain of Prudential's subsidiaries are authorized by the FSA to carry on investment business. These entities are subject to regulation and supervision by the FSA and must comply with the FSA Conduct of Business Rules and all other applicable rules prescribed by the 2000 Act regime.

Regulation of stakeholder pension schemes

        The establishment, operation and winding-up of a stakeholder pension scheme are regulated activities, and rights under a stakeholder pension scheme are defined as "investments" for the purposes of the 2000 Act regime, so that dealing, arranging, managing, advising and providing custody activities in respect of rights relating to a stakeholder pension also constitute regulated activities.

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Regulation of mortgage lending, sales and administration and general insurance mediation

        Mortgage lending, sales and administration as well as long-term care insurance became activities regulated under the 2000 Act on October 31, 2004, for which for which authorization by the FSA is now required. General insurance sales and administration became activities regulated under the 2000 Act on January 14, 2005, for which authorization by the FSA is now required.

Regulation of Banking Business

        The FSA has sole responsibility for banking supervision and regulation in the United Kingdom and has wide discretionary powers in relation to those banks it regulates. The FSA has wide investigatory and enforcement powers, including the power to require information and documents from banks, appoint investigators, apply to the court for injunctions in cases of breaches or likely breaches of rules, impose financial penalties, issue a public statement or censure and vary, cancel or withdraw authorization to carry on banking business.

Supervision

        In its role as supervisor of banks, the primary objective of the FSA is to fulfil its responsibilities under the 2000 Act regime relating to the safety and soundness of banks with the aim of strengthening, but not guaranteeing, the protection of depositors. The FSA has adopted a risk-based approach to bank supervision.

        The FSA requires Prudential to maintain a certain minimum capital adequacy ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets and to report large exposures. The Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Banks, on a general level, requires banks operating in the United Kingdom to maintain adequate liquidity, taking into account the nature and scale of their business so that they are able to conduct business in a prudent manner and meet their obligations as they fall due. As part of its supervision, the FSA requires the banks subject to its supervision to provide it with information that the FSA may reasonably require to perform its functions under the 2000 Act regime.

Solvency Requirements

        The requirement to have adequate financial resources is one of the criteria for permission to accept deposits under the 2000 Act. A bank should have sufficient capital to provide a stable resource to absorb any losses arising from the risks in its business. In assessing a bank's capital adequacy, the FSA takes into account not only the level of a bank's own funds but also other matters such as concentration of the loan book (large exposures) and liquidity.

        The FSA applies capital adequacy rules and guidelines that accord with relevant EC Directives and which are based on the Basel Accord of 1988, which established a framework for measuring the capital adequacy of international banking organizations. These rules and guidelines implement the requirements of the Banking Consolidation Directive and the Capital Adequacy Directive, as amended, which require credit institutions and investment firms to provide capital for counterparty risk and market risk. The FSA's rules and guidelines impose on banks a requirement that they maintain a minimum level of capital to support on and off-balance sheet exposures, weighted according to broad categories of risk. Each bank is subject to the FSA's rules and guidelines and must maintain a required capital adequacy ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets. This ratio is set by the FSA individually for each such bank, but the ratio is in no case less than 8%.

        The FSA introduced a new market risk regime as from October 1, 1998 for implementation of its policy based on the Basel Accord and the parallel EC Market Risk Directive, known as the "CAD Amending Directive". Both the 1996 Basel Amendment to the Basel Accord and the CAD Amending

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Directive enable banks and investment firms to use internal value-at-risk models to calculate capital charges for market risks.

        Banks that have a trading book over a certain size are obliged to meet the trading book capital requirements of the CAD and the CAD Amending Directive in respect of the market-related and credit-related risks arising from their proprietary trading activities. This involves splitting their business between trading and banking books.

        Most UK banks are required to maintain, in non-interest-bearing accounts at the Bank of England, a cash balance, known as the cash ratio deposit, which is based on eligible liabilities, primarily pound sterling deposits less amounts on loan to other monetary institutions. Although these balances count towards the liquidity requirements for the real time gross settlement system introduced in the United Kingdom during 1996, they are generally regarded as non-operational and, accordingly, do not count towards overall liquidity requirements. The liquidity standard for sterling, which the UK government introduced in January 1996, requires the maintenance of sufficient holdings of liquid assets to cover potential cash outflows over the next five business days. This policy applies to UK-incorporated retail banks and group UK-based sterling operations.

        The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published a new accord in June 2004 which will replace the Basel Accord of 1988. Basel II consists of three "pillars": minimum capital, a supervisory review of an institution's capital adequacy and internal assessment process and market discipline to strengthen disclosure. With respect to the first pillar, the new capital framework will not merely expand and develop the standardized rules set out in the 1988 Accord, but will allow banks to compute their capital charges for credit risk on the basis of their own internal ratings, subject to rigorous quantitative and qualitative criteria. It is expected that the new accord will be implemented by the end of 2006.

        In July 2004, the European Commission presented a proposal for a new capital requirements framework for banks and investment firms. The European Commission's paper implements, with modifications, the new Basel framework and similarly contains proposals for minimum capital requirements, supervisory review, and disclosure as an aid to market discipline.

        The FSA published in January 2005 Consultation Paper 05/03 on the implementation of the New Basel Capital Accord and the EC Capital Requirements Directive. The main proposals in the Consultation Paper are:

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US Supervision and Regulation

General

        Prudential conducts its US insurance activities through Jackson National Life, a stock life insurance company licensed to transact its insurance business in, and subject to regulation and supervision by, the District of Columbia and 49 of the 50 states; Jackson National Life operates a subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York, in the state of New York. The extent of such regulation varies, but most jurisdictions have laws and regulations governing the financial aspects of insurance companies, including standards of solvency, reserves, reinsurance and capital adequacy and the business conduct of insurance companies. In addition, statutes and regulations usually require the licensing of insurers and their agents and the approval of policy forms and related materials. These statutes and regulations in Jackson National Life's state of domicile, which is Michigan, also set out the permitted types and concentration of investments.

        Insurance regulatory authorities in each of the jurisdictions in which Jackson National Life does business require it to file detailed quarterly and annual financial statements, and these authorities have the right to examine its operations and accounts. In addition, Jackson National Life is generally subject to federal and state laws and regulations that affect the conduct of its business. New York and Michigan require their state insurance authorities to conduct an examination of an insurer under their jurisdiction at least once every five years. The New York insurance authorities conducted an examination of Jackson National Life of New York in 2003 for the exam period of January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2002 and the report included no material findings. Michigan insurance authorities completed a routine examination of Jackson National Life during the year 2001 for the period ending December 31, 2000 and the report included no material findings.

        Jackson National Life's ability to pay shareholder dividends is limited under Michigan insurance law. The Commissioner of the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (the "Michigan Insurance Commissioner") may limit, or not permit, the payment of, shareholder dividends if the Michigan Insurance Commissioner determines that an insurer's surplus, as regards policyholders, is not reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities and is not adequate to meet its financial needs as required by Michigan insurance law. Jackson National Life must report any shareholder dividends to the Michigan Insurance Commissioner before they can be paid. In the case of an extraordinary shareholder dividend or distribution, an insurer must give 30 days advance notice to the Michigan Insurance Commissioner and may not pay the dividend or distribution if the Michigan Insurance Commissioner disapproves within such 30-day period. For this purpose, an extraordinary dividend or distribution means any dividend or distribution of cash or other property whose fair market value together with that of other dividends or distributions that an insurer made within the preceding twelve months exceeds the greater of 10% of the insurer's surplus as regards policyholders as of December 31 of the immediately preceding year, or the net gain from operations of the insurer, not including realized capital gains, for the prior year. In 2002, 2003 and 2004, Jackson National Life paid shareholder dividends of $142.0 million, $85.2 million and $120.0 million, respectively.

        State regulators also require prior notice or regulatory approval of changes in control of an insurer or its holding company and of certain material transactions with affiliates. Under New York and Michigan insurance laws and regulations, no person, corporation or other entity may acquire control of an insurance company or a controlling interest in any parent company of an insurance company, unless that person, corporation or entity has obtained the prior approval of the regulator for the acquisition. For the purpose of each of New York and Michigan law, any person acquiring, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting securities of an insurance company is presumed to have acquired "control" of the company. To obtain approval of any change in control, the proposed acquiror must file an application with the New York Superintendent of Insurance or the Michigan Insurance Commissioner, as appropriate. This application requires the proposed acquiror to disclose, among other information, its background, financial condition, the financial condition of its affiliates, the source and amount of funds by which it

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will effect the acquisition, the criteria used in determining the nature and amount of consideration to be paid for the acquisition, proposed changes in the management and operations of the insurance company and other related matters.

Guaranty Associations and Similar Arrangements

        Each of the 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have laws requiring insurance companies doing business within their jurisdictions to participate in various types of guaranty associations or other similar arrangements. These associations and arrangements provide certain levels of protection to policyholders from losses under insurance policies issued by insurance companies that became impaired or insolvent. Typically, these associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on member insurers on a basis that is related to the member insurer's proportionate share of the business in the relevant jurisdiction of all member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired or insolvent insurer is engaged. Some jurisdictions permit member insurers to recover assessments that they paid through full or partial premium tax offsets, usually over a period of years. Prudential estimated its reserve for future guarantee fund assessments for Jackson National Life to be £9.8 million ($18.9 million) at December 31, 2004. Prudential believes this reserve to be adequate for all anticipated payments for known insolvencies.

Asset Valuation Reserve

        State regulators generally require that insurers establish an asset valuation reserve that consists of two components: a "default component" to provide for future credit-related losses on fixed income investments and an "equity component" to provide for losses on all types of equity investments. The asset valuation reserve establishes statutory reserves for fixed maturity securities, equity securities, mortgage loans, equity real estate and other invested assets. The reserve is designed to provide for all realized and unrealized gains and losses on such assets, other than those resulting from changes in interest rates. The level of reserves is based on both the type of investment and its rating. Contributions to the reserve may result in a slower growth in surplus or a reduction of Jackson National Life's unassigned surplus, which, in turn, may reduce funds available for shareholder distributions. The extent of the impact of the asset valuation reserve on Jackson National Life's statutory surplus depends in part on the future composition of the investment portfolio.

Interest Maintenance Reserve

        State regulators generally require that insurers establish an interest maintenance reserve to defer non-credit-related realized capital gains and losses, net of taxes, on fixed income investments (primarily bonds and mortgage loans) which are amortized into net income over the estimated remaining periods to maturity of the investments sold and to defer material gains or losses, net of taxes, resulting from market value adjustments on policies and contracts backed by assets carried at book value. The extent of the impact of the interest maintenance reserve on earnings and surplus depends on the amount of future interest-rate related realized capital gains and losses on fixed maturity investments and deferred gains or losses resulting from market value adjustments.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners Ratios

        On the basis of statutory financial statements that insurers file with state insurance regulators, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners annually calculates twelve financial ratios to assist state regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies. A usual range of results for each ratio is used as a benchmark and departure from the usual range on four or more of the ratios can lead to inquiries from individual state insurance departments. In 2004, all of Jackson National Life's ratios fell within the usual range.

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Policy and Contract Reserve Sufficiency Analysis

        Michigan insurance law requires Jackson National Life to conduct annually an analysis of the sufficiency of its life and annuity reserves. A qualified actuary must submit to the insurance department an opinion that states that the reserves, when considered in the light of the assets that an insurance company holds with respect to such reserves, make good and sufficient provision for the associated contractual obligations and related expenses of the insurance company. If a qualified actuary cannot provide such an opinion, then the insurance company must set up additional reserves by moving funds from unassigned surplus. The 2004 opinion has been submitted to the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services without any qualifications.

Jackson National Life's Capital and Surplus

        Michigan insurance law requires Jackson National Life, as a domestic stock life insurance company, to maintain at least US$7,500,000 in unimpaired capital and surplus. In addition, insurance companies are required to have sufficient capital and surplus to be safe, reliable and entitled to public confidence.

        As a licensed insurer in the District of Columbia and every state but New York, where it operates through a subsidiary, Jackson National Life is subject to the supervision of the regulators of each such jurisdiction. In connection with the continual licensing of Jackson National Life, regulators have discretionary authority to limit or prohibit the new issuance of business to policyholders when, in their judgment, the regulators determine that such insurer is not maintaining minimum surplus or capital or if the further transaction of business will be hazardous to policyholders.

Risk-based Capital

        In 1992, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners approved risk-based capital standards for life insurance companies as well as a model act for state legislatures to enact. The model act requires that life insurance companies report on a formula-based, risk-based capital standard that they calculate by applying factors to various asset, premium and reserve items. The formula takes into account the risk characteristics of a company, including asset risk, insurance risk, interest rate risk and business risk. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners designed the formula as an early warning tool to identify potentially inadequately capitalized companies for purposes of initiating regulatory action. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners intended the formula as a regulatory tool only and did not intend it as a means to rank insurers generally. The model act imposes broad confidentiality requirements on those engaged in the insurance business (including insurers, agents, brokers and others) and on state insurance departments as to the use and publication of risk-based capital data.

        Any state adopting the model act gives the state insurance commissioner explicit regulatory authority to require various actions by, or take various actions against, insurance companies whose adjusted capital does not meet minimum risk-based capital standards. The Michigan Insurance Commissioner takes into account the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' risk-based capital standards to determine adequate compliance with Michigan insurance law. At December 31, 2004, Jackson National Life's total adjusted capital under the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' definition substantially exceeded Michigan standards.

Regulation of Investments

        Jackson National Life is subject to state laws and regulations that require diversification of its investment portfolio, limit the amount of investments in certain investment categories such as below investment grade fixed income securities, common stock, real estate and foreign securities and forbid certain other types of investments altogether. Jackson National Life's failure to comply with these laws and regulations would cause investments exceeding regulatory limitations to be treated by the Michigan Insurance Commissioner as non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring surplus and, in some instances, the Michigan Insurance Commissioner could require divestiture of non-qualifying investments.

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USA Patriot Act

        The Patriot Act, enacted in 2001, includes numerous provisions designed to fight international money laundering and to block terrorist access to the US financial system. The US Treasury Department has issued a number of regulations implementing the Patriot Act that apply certain of its requirements to financial institutions such as Prudential's broker-dealer subsidiaries. Among other things, the regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing. Jackson National Life does not expect the impact of the Patriot Act on its operations to be material, and has established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Patriot Act's provisions. The Treasury Department is expected to issue a number of additional regulations which will further clarify the Patriot Act's requirements, including with respect to insurance companies.

Securities Laws

        Jackson National Life, certain of its affiliates and certain policies and contracts that Jackson National Life offers are subject to various levels of regulation under the federal securities laws that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") administers.

        The primary intent of these laws and regulations is to protect investors in the securities markets and generally grant supervisory agencies broad administrative powers, including the power to limit or restrict the conduct of business for failure to comply with such laws and regulations. Jackson National Life may also be subject to similar laws and regulations in the states in which it provides investment advisory services, offers the products described above or conducts other securities-related activities.

        Jackson National Asset Management, LLC is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended ("Investment Advisors Act of 1940"), and is also registered or notice filed in all applicable states. Jackson National Asset Management, LLC is registered as a transfer agent pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Securities Exchange Act"). The investment companies (mutual funds) for which Jackson National Asset Management, LLC serves as an investment adviser are subject to SEC registration and regulation pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("Investment Company Act"). In addition, each variable annuity and variable life product sponsored by Jackson National Life, organized under an applicable separate account or unit investment trust, is subject to SEC registration and regulation pursuant to the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act, and applicable state insurance and securities laws.

        Curian Capital, LLC is registered with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 and is also registered or notice filed in all applicable states.

        BH Clearing, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act, and is registered as a broker-dealer in all applicable states. In addition, BH Clearing, LLC is in process of seeking membership in the National Association of Securities Dealers (the "NASD").

        Jackson National Life Distributors, Inc. is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act, and is registered as a broker-dealer in all applicable states. In addition, Jackson National Life Distributors, Inc. is a member firm of the NASD.

        Each of SII Investments, Inc., National Planning Corporation, Investment Centers of America, Inc., and IFC Holdings, Inc. (which does business under the name INVEST Financial Corporation), is a broker-dealer, investment adviser, and insurance agency (or affiliated with an insurance agency), licensed and qualified to transact business pursuant to its respective registration and/or membership with the SEC, the NASD, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, applicable state securities and insurance authorities, and all other applicable jurisdictional authorities.

        Prudential also conducts US investment management activities through PPM America, Inc., which is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. PPM

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America, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to Jackson National Life, certain mutual funds, several private investment funds and structured finance vehicles, and the US equity and fixed income portions of portfolios of certain UK affiliates of PPM America, Inc. The mutual funds for which PPM America, Inc. serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser are subject to regulation under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act.

        PPM America, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries are subject to various levels of regulation under the federal securities laws that the SEC administers as well as state securities laws.

        To the extent that PPM America, Inc. manages assets of employee benefit plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), or the Internal Revenue Code, it may be subject to certain restrictions imposed by ERISA and taxes imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Such restrictions are summarized in "—Employee Benefit Plan Compliance" in this section below. The Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service have interpretive and enforcement authority over the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.

Employee Benefit Plan Compliance

        Jackson National Life issues certain types of general account stable value products, such as GICs and funding agreements, to employee benefit plans and to investment vehicles that pool the investments of such plans. Many of these plans are retirement plans that are subject to the fiduciary standards of ERISA and that are tax-qualified under the Internal Revenue Code. As such, Jackson National Life may be subject to certain restrictions imposed by ERISA and taxes imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. These restrictions include:

        In general, the Internal Revenue Code imposes taxes on persons involved in certain of the transactions described above.

        The Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service, have interpretive and enforcement authority over the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.

        In the instance where an insurer issues a guaranteed benefit policy to a plan, ERISA provides that the insurer need not become a fiduciary with respect to the plan solely as a result of the issuance of the policy. Under Section 401 of ERISA, a guaranteed benefit policy means an insurance policy to the extent such policy provides for benefits the amount of which the insurer guarantees.

        In 1993, in John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company v. Harris Trust & Savings Bank, the US Supreme Court held that a portion of the funds held under a certain type of general account annuity contract did not constitute a "guaranteed benefit policy" within the meaning of ERISA, a holding which potentially exposes insurers with similar types of contracts to the application of ERISA's fiduciary and prohibited transaction provisions in connection with the management of assets in their general accounts.

        Although no assurances can be given, Jackson National Life believes that none of its contracts are of the type to which the holding in Harris Trust would be applicable. Moreover, the Department of Labor has issued PTE 95-06 which generally exempts external, unaffiliated investment transactions from ERISA's prohibited transaction provisions. If the Harris Trust holding is applied to its contracts, Jackson

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National Life would be subject to ERISA's fiduciary and prohibited transaction provisions described above.

Financial Services Regulatory and Legislative Issues

        Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the financial institutions industry are frequently introduced in the US Congress, in the state legislatures and before the various regulatory agencies. The likelihood and timing of any proposals or legislation and the impact they might have on Jackson National Life and its subsidiaries cannot be determined at this time.

        State legislatures and/or state insurance regulatory authorities frequently enact laws and/or regulations that significantly affect insurers supervised by such authorities. Although the US federal government does not directly regulate the insurance business, federal initiatives may also have an impact on the insurance industry.

        A major issue at the state level involves the Insurance Product Regulation Compact (the "Compact"), which has already been adopted by several states and has been introduced in a number of state legislatures. The Compact was developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to serve as an agreement among member states to create a more streamlined system of insurance product regulation. A principal component of the Compact is the creation of a multi-state commission governed by participating states. It is contemplated that the commission would serve as a single point of filing for life insurance and annuity products, and would establish uniform, national standards for those products. The Compact is expected to become operational only if certain criteria (based on the number of states enacting the Compact or the premium volume for life insurance, annuities, disability income and long-term care insurance of states joining the Compact) are met.

        The US President has in the past proposed to increase the taxes levied against the insurance industry to increase the federal budget revenues. The industry has been very successful in resisting these proposals on the grounds that an increase in taxes on insurance companies or insurance policies would have a negative affect on US citizens saving for their retirement. The insurance industry is very vigilant in monitoring these proposals and taking action to oppose them, as well as to support proposals that would provide more favorable tax treatment for certain annuity products.

        The governor of Michigan has recently proposed to increase the state tax assessed on insurance companies' premiums. It is unclear at this time whether the tax increase, which is still under consideration by the Michigan state legislature, will be adopted as proposed.

        Proposed US federal legislation, the State Modernization and Regulatory Framework (the "SMART Act"), intended to streamline and modernize the state insurance regulatory framework has garnered some Congressional support. The SMART Act would require states to comply with uniform standards and resolve disputes, speed up the process of getting new products to the market and move toward a system of market-based rates, without creating a federal regulator to monitor compliance. A coalition of national insurance and banking organizations is also actively seeking introduction of US federal legislation that would allow insurance companies to obtain a federal charter as a regulatory alternative to a state charter. Prudential cannot predict whether any federal (or state) legislative initiative to change the nature or scope of the regulation of the insurance industry will be enacted into law.

        Federal and state regulators have focused on, and continue to devote substantial attention to, the mutual fund and variable annuity and insurance product industries including the broker-dealer system. As a result of publicity relating to widespread perceptions of industry abuses, including fraudulent and anticompetitive practices among insurance brokers and mutual funds, there have been numerous regulatory inquiries and proposals for legislative and regulatory reforms. In addition, the Attorney General of New York State and the New York State Insurance Department have recently launched an investigation into alleged fraud and bid rigging in the insurance industry and have compelled certain insurance companies to adopt reforms in their business practices. Jackson National Life has not, to our

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knowledge, been a target in the ongoing probe. It is difficult to predict at this time whether changes resulting from industry investigations and/or new laws and regulations will affect our insurance or investment management businesses, and, if so, to what degree.


Asian Supervision and Regulation

        Prudential's businesses in Asia are subject to all relevant local regulatory and supervisory schemes. These laws and regulations vary from country to country, but the regulators typically grant (or revoke) licenses and therefore control the ability to operate a business.

        The industry regulations are usually widely drawn and will include provisions governing both financial matters and the way business is conducted in general. Examples include the registration of agents, the approval of products, asset allocation, minimum capital and the basis for calculating the company's solvency and reserves and the valuation of policyholder liabilities. Regulatory authorities may also regulate affiliations with other financial institutions, shareholder structures and the injection of capital and payment of dividends. Financial statements and other returns are filed with the regulators. The regulators may also conduct physical inspections of the operations from time to time.

        A number of Asian countries require insurance companies to participate in policyholder protection schemes (i.e., contribute to a fund to support policyholders in the event of an insurance company failing).

        To date Prudential Corporation Asia has had no regulatory issues giving rise to a material impact on its results.

        For Prudential Corporation Asia's more material operations the details of the regulatory regimes are as follows:

Hong Kong

        The Insurance Companies Ordinance ("ICO") empowers a Commissioner of Insurance to establish an office for the administration of the industry including approvals for a company to conduct insurance business.

        The Hong Kong branch of Prudential Assurance is authorized to carry on both long-term business and general business under a composite license.

Japan

        The Financial Services Agency of Japan ("JFSA") regulates insurance companies and other financial institutions. The Insurance Business Division of the JFSA specifically undertakes the supervision of insurance companies. The fundamental principles of insurance regulation are set out in the Insurance Business Law.

        PCA Life Japan is licensed by and registered with the JFSA as a life insurance company.

Korea

        The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Korea set the insurance law after consultation with the Financial Supervisory Commission ("FSC"). The FSC's responsibilities include regulation of the insurance industry but it delegates to the Financial Supervisory Services ("FSS") work such as supervision, examination and direct contact with insurance companies. The detailed rules under the supervisory regulation are prepared by FSS

        PCA Life Korea is licensed by and registered with the FSC as a life insurance company

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Singapore

        The Monetary Authority of Singapore ("MAS") is responsible for insurance company regulation and supervision. In order to sell insurance in Singapore, companies need to be licensed by the MAS.

        Prudential Assurance Company Singapore is registered and licensed to manufacture and sell both life and general insurance business.

Taiwan

        The Taiwanese Ministry of Finance ("MOF") is responsible for approving a company's participation in insurance activities and for regulating and supervising authorized insurers.

        PCA Life Taiwan operation is licensed for life insurance business.

Malaysia

        In Malaysia, Bank Negara is the regulatory body responsible for supervising and regulating the conduct of financial services including insurance business.

        All insurance companies must be licensed with the Ministry of Finance. In addition, they are required to be a member of the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia and/or General Insurance Association of Malaysia.

        Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad has a license for both life and general insurance business.

China

        Historically, the People's Bank of China were responsible for the supervision of the insurance industry but in October 1998, a new authority, China Insurance Regulatory Commission ("CIRC") was formed.

        Consistent with WTO requirements, geographic restrictions on foreign players have been eased as of December 2004, however, entry into any new province still requires approval by CIRC. Within a province the China Insurance Regulatory Bureau (CRIB) manage all insurance regulatory matters on behalf of CIRC including foreign companies application for sales office licenses within the provinces where they are already operating.

India

        Insurance is subject to federal regulation in India. The primary legislation is the Insurance Act, 1938, and the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority Act, 1999 ("IRDA").

        The IRDA's duties include issue of certificates of registration to insurance companies and it has a mandate to protect the interests of the policy holders

Indonesia

        The insurance industry is regulated by the Insurance Directorate of the Ministry of Finance.

        The anomaly in the country's bankruptcy rules that allowed insurance companies to declared bankrupt via the commercial courts rather than by the Ministry of Finance has recently be overturned.

Future Regulatory Development

        Prudential Corporation Asia expects the regulatory regimes in Asia to continue to develop, potentially driven by, for example, consumers requiring greater degrees of product transparency and more sophisticated advice. Regulators may introduce new legislation and hence there is a risk past sales may be assessed against new compliance requirements and investment conditions. Given the size of Prudential Corporation Asia's agency force, the introduction of more complex regulation may increase the risk of compliance issues in the future.

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Item 5.    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

        The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Prudential's consolidated financial statements and the related notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document. Prudential's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK GAAP, which differs in certain material respects from US GAAP. Information related to the nature and affect of such differences is presented in Notes 36 and 37 of the notes to the consolidated financial statement in this document. A summary of the critical accounting policies which have been applied to these statements is set forth in the section below entitled "—Factors Affecting Results of Operations—UK GAAP Critical Accounting Policies".

        The results discussed below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future periods. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations, which involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of certain events may differ significantly from those projected in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth in the section below entitled "—Factors Affecting Results of Operations", in Item 3, "Key Information—Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this document.


Introduction

        Prudential provides a broad range of financial products and services, primarily to the retail market. The period since 2002 has been one of significant change as Prudential has positioned itself to compete internationally in an increasingly challenging global marketplace.

        In 2002, Prudential's UK Insurance Operations announced plans to establish an offshore service center in India to improve customer contact service for the UK business and achieve additional cost savings. This initiative has incurred a restructuring charge of approximately £7 million with an estimated total impact on shareholders of £2 million, with the remaining £5 million borne by the PAC long-term fund. However, the charge is expected to be offset by gross cost savings from 2006 of approximately £16 million, of which approximately £4 million per annum is expected to be attributable to shareholders. See Item 5 "—Operating and Financial Review and Prospectus—Analysis by Geographic Region—UK and Europe Insurance Operations—UK Restructurings".

        In November 2002, Prudential agreed to sell its German life insurance business (the policies for which are underwritten through a Dublin-based life insurance company) to Canada Life for £82 million. The sale was completed on January 1, 2003. In December 2003, Prudential announced the sale of Prudential Europe Management Services Limited to Capita Life and Pensions Services Ireland Limited for £16 million. As part of this transaction, a ten year third-party administration contract was put in place between Prudential and Capita Life and Pensions Services Ireland Limited to ensure continuity of administration services See Item 4, "—Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—European Business—Sale of German Business to Canada Life" and "—Sale of Prudential Europe Management Services".

        At December 31, 2002 all of Scottish Amicable Life plc's business was transferred into Prudential Assurance's long-term fund.

        In November 2003, M&G completed the outsourcing of its retail administration to International Financial Services Limited. This will ensure M&G has leading edge IT systems to support its retail operation and deliver significant cost savings.

        During 2004 and the first quarter of 2005, Prudential UK was appointed to work with major IFA groups such as Sesame, Millfield, Tenet and Burns Anderson on the design of their respective multi-tie

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propositions. It has also been appointed to the regulated multi-tie panels for Millfield, Burns Anderson, THINC Destini and Barclays.

        In October 2004, Prudential launched PruHealth, a UK healthcare product that links health and fitness to the cost of medical insurance. As PruHealth is not a life insurance product, its premium income is not reported as new business sales; for the first quarter of 2005, the gross written premiums were £1 million. Support for PruHealth is strong in the IFA channel and its rate of growth is accelerating. The product has been developed through a joint venture with Discovery of South Africa.

        In 2003, Prudential Corporation Asia was awarded its second life insurance business license for Beijing by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission and in August, Prudential announced the launch of its partnership in Beijing with CITIC, its joint venture partner in China. In November 2004, Prudential and CITIC were granted a life insurance license for Shanghai in addition to the existing life insurance licenses for Guangzhou, Beijing and Suzhou where operations commenced in 2000, 2003 and 2004, respectively. In the first quarter of 2005, Prudential CITIC were granted three more life insurance licenses for Dongguan, Foshan and Wuhan and in May 2005 announced that it had been awarded another license for Zhongshan. CITIC Prudential's new branches are expected to open for business in the second half of 2005. Prudential is now the only European life insurance joint venture with licenses for eight Chinese cities.

        In October 2004, JNL completed the sale of JFB to Union Bank of California for £166 million. JFB's principal area of business was banking and commercial real estate lending, which no longer aligned with JNL's strategy. Accordingly, the results of operations for JFB are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements.

        In November 2004, Prudential announced the purchase of Life Insurance Company of Georgia for £142 million. This acquisition will double the number of JNL's in-force life and annuity policies, add scale to its operating platform and expand its distribution capability. This will enable JNL to grow its life business at a higher return and faster rate than can be achieved organically. JNL anticipates the capital provided will be returned over a period of about 5 years. The planning for the integration of the business is on track and full integration is anticipated within 12 months of closing the transaction. The purchase was completed on May 18, 2005.

        In October 2004, the Board decided to launch a 1 for 6 rights offering. The majority of the net proceeds of the rights offering (£1,021 million) will be used to provide capital to support Prudential's growth plans for the UK and to fund a potential opportunity to increase its ownership from 26% to 49% of its joint venture life insurance business with ICICI in India. The remainder of the proceeds will be used to ensure that Prudential continues to meet the parent company solvency test under the FGD that became effective from January 1, 2005. The proceeds of the rights offering have initially been invested centrally within Prudential in fixed interest securities.


Factors Affecting Results of Operations

        Prudential's results of operations are affected, to a greater or lesser degree, by a variety of factors, including demographics, general economic and market conditions, government policy and legislation and regulation, as discussed in greater detail below. See Item 3, "Key Information—Risk Factors" for more information on risks associated with these and other factors. In addition, changes to the composition of its businesses and the execution of its growth strategy may result in increased variation in profits from year to year.

General Economic and Market Conditions

        Since 2004, stock market prices have significantly recovered and interest rates have risen again. Despite these recent fluctuations, Prudential believes that the historical strength of the UK and US

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equity markets, combined with demographic factors and governmental efforts to increase individual savings and self-provision for retirement, have resulted in increased consumer focus on savings and investment products.

        In Asia, Prudential believes the potential for strong economic growth remains and that it is in a strong position to benefit from the long-term growth potential throughout the region. In 2004 Asian economies performed exceptionally well, with strong GDP growth. The composition of demand and economic activity has been shifting recently towards being more domestically driven and Prudential expects this trend to continue, resulting in less dependence on Western economies. Short interest rates are expected to continue to rise slowly as central banks balance normalizing economic policy with containing pressure for currencies to appreciate. Long bond yields are expected to climb from current levels as economic activity broadens and domestic inflation rises. Equity investments will be supported by continued economic growth and the current valuation levels. Overall, it is expected that these factors will continue to encourage investors into long term savings products.

        Changes in interest rates and returns from equity, real estate and other investments as well as volatility in these items may affect Prudential's profitability. In the United Kingdom, where Prudential invests in debt and other fixed income securities, equity securities and real estate, shareholders' profits under UK GAAP are largely a function of the bonuses it declares on with-profits products. The most important influences on the bonus rates are the overall rate of return earned on investments and Prudential's expectation of future investment returns. See "—Analysis by Geographic Region—United Kingdom—Basis of Profits", "—With-profits Products" and "—Bonus Rates" below. Prudential's bonus policy and its impact on profitability is addressed in more detail in "UK GAAP Critical Accounting Policies" below.

        In the United States, fluctuations in prevailing interest rates, including changes in the difference between the levels of prevailing short-term and long-term rates, can affect results from Jackson National Life, which is predominantly a spread-based business with the majority of its assets invested in fixed income securities. Changes in interest rates, either upward or downward, can expose Jackson National Life to the risk of not earning anticipated spreads between the rate earned on investments and the rate credited on its policies. For example, if interest rates go up and/or competitors offer higher crediting rates, withdrawals on annuity contracts may increase as policyholders seek higher investment returns elsewhere. In response, Jackson National Life could (1) raise its crediting rates to stem withdrawals, decreasing its spread; (2) sell assets which may have depressed values in a high interest rate environment, creating realized investment losses; or (3) pay out existing cash which would otherwise have earned interest at the higher interest rates. Moreover, to the extent that Jackson National Life holds illiquid private placements and commercial mortgages, there is a risk that it will incur losses if it needs to sell those assets. Conversely, if interest rates decrease, withdrawals from annuity contracts may decrease relative to original expectations, creating more cash than expected to be invested at lower rates. Jackson National Life may have the ability to lower the rates it credits to policyholders as a result, but may be forced to maintain crediting rates for competitive reasons or because there exist minimum interest rate guarantees in certain contracts. In either case, the spread earned by Jackson National Life would be lowered.

        The profitability of Jackson National Life's spread-based businesses depends in large part on its ability to manage interest rate spreads, as well as the credit and other risks inherent in its investment portfolio. There can be no guarantee that these risks will be managed successfully. Prudential designs its US products and manages the investments supporting this business to reduce interest rate sensitivity. This has the effect of moderating the impact on Prudential's results of changes in prevailing interest rates. See Item 11, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" for a discussion of the management of Prudential's exposure to such market risk.

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Government Policy and Legislation

        Changes in government policy or legislation applying to companies in the financial services and insurance industries in any of the jurisdictions in which Prudential operates, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States and Asia, may adversely affect the result of its operations. These include possible changes in the tax treatment of financial products and services, government pension arrangements and policies, the regulation of selling practices and solvency standards. These changes may affect Prudential's existing and future business by, for example, causing customers to cancel existing policies, requiring Prudential to change its range of products and services, redesign its technology or other systems, retrain staff, pay increased tax or incur other costs.

Regulation

        In recent years, the insurance sectors in the markets in which Prudential operates have faced increased scrutiny. In 1997, Prudential was publicly criticized by its UK regulators for its treatment of pension mis-selling during the period from 1988 to 1994 and for failures to adequately monitor and train its salesforce. In 2001, a fine of £650,000 was levied by the Personal Investment Authority on Prudential, following an inspection in 1999 of Prudential's Phase 1 procedures, which revealed instances of delay in making payments of redress and of deficiencies in its record keeping. Pension mis-selling is discussed in more detail under Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—Compliance—Pension Mis-selling". In March 2003, the FSA levied a fine of £750,000 on Prudential for the mis-selling of mortgage endowment policies by Scottish Amicable during the period from January 1999 to February 2001. Mortgage endowment mis-selling and regulatory actions taken by the FSA to address the issue are discussed in more detail under Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—Compliance—Mortgage Endowment Products Review".

        Additional regulation, scrutiny and related costs have put pressure on the margins on new business. In the United States, Prudential has been the subject of regulatory sanctions and class actions. These class actions are discussed in more detail under Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—Legal Proceedings". Changes in pensions financial services and tax regulation could have an impact on Prudential's results. See Item 4, "Information on the Company—Supervision and Regulation of Prudential" for a summary of the current regulatory environment in which Prudential conducts its business.

Exchange Rates

        Due to the geographical diversity of Prudential's businesses, it is subject to the risk of exchange rate fluctuations. Prudential's international operations in the United States, Asia and Europe, which represent a significant proportion of total group income and expenses, generally write policies and invest in the same local currency, which although limiting the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on local operating results, can lead to fluctuations in Prudential's consolidated financial statements upon translation of results into pounds sterling.

UK GAAP Critical Accounting Policies

        Prudential's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon Prudential's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom. Prudential's financial statements are prepared in accordance with the modified statutory basis ("MSB") of reporting of long-term business. This is in accordance with the revised Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of British Insurers ("ABI") in November 2003. In broad terms, MSB profits for long-term business reflect

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the aggregate of statutory transfers from with-profits funds and profits on a traditional deferral and matching approach for other long-term business.

        The preparation of these financial statements requires Prudential to make estimates and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, Prudential evaluates its estimates, including those related to long-term business provisioning, the fair value of assets and the declaration of bonus rates. Prudential bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgements about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

        Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgements and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. Prudential believes that its critical accounting policies are limited to those described below. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 3 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements and "US GAAP Analysis—US GAAP Critical Accounting Policies" below.

        The critical accounting policies in respect of the items discussed below are critical for the group's results in so far as they relate to the group's shareholder financed business, in particular for Jackson National Life.

Long-term Business Provision

        At December 31, 2004, the long-term business provision represented 60% of Prudential's total liabilities. These liabilities predominantly relate to with-profits and other protection type policies. These liabilities are estimated using actuarial methods based on assumptions relating to premiums, interest rates, investment returns, expenses, mortality and surrenders.

UK insurance operations

        The overwhelming majority of the liabilities for business in-force of UK insurance operations are held by Prudential Assurance Company and its subsidiaries Prudential Annuities Limited and Prudential Retirement Income Limited. The key features of the liabilities of these companies are as follows:

Conventional with-profits and other protection-type policies

        The future policyholder benefit provisions on conventional with-profits and other protection-type policies are calculated using the net premium method. The net premium is calculated such that it would be sufficient at the outset of the policy to provide only for the discounted value of the original guaranteed death and maturity benefits on the chosen assumptions. The provision is then calculated by subtracting the present value of future net premiums from the present value of future benefits (including vested bonuses) using a prudent discount rate.

        Under the net premium valuation method, vested bonuses are included in the cash flows assessed but future allocations of bonuses are not included explicitly, although are implicitly taken into account in the discount rate used, which is based on the return available on suitable investments. The detailed methodology for UK companies is included in regulations contained in the FSA rules. In particular, the returns available from equity and property assets are based on expected income and/or earnings and no allowance is made for potential future growth.

        The assumptions to which the estimation of the long-term business provision is particularly sensitive are the interest rate used to discount the provision and the assumed future mortality experience of policyholders. The net premium reserves are calculated using assumptions for interest, mortality,

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morbidity and expense but without assumptions for withdrawals. These assumptions are determined as prudent best estimates at the date of valuation. Interest rates used in establishing policyholder benefit provisions for conventional with-profits policies in the consolidated financial statements range from 3.0% to 5.0%. There have been no significant changes to key assumptions.

Pension Annuities

        The interest rates used in establishing policyholder benefit provisions for pension annuities in the course of payment are adjusted each year and ranged from 1.5% to 5.0% at December 31, 2004, 2.0% to 5.1% for 2003, and 2.4% to 5.4% for 2002. Mortality rates used in establishing policyholder benefit provisions are based on published mortality tables adjusted to reflect actual experience. For 2004, the only other noteworthy change of assumptions was with respect to mortality, where the shape of the set of assumptions was changed as part of the regular monitoring of mortality developments.

Accumulating with-profits business

        For accumulating with-profits business, the calculation of the long-term business provision is based on a gross premium bonus reserve valuation. In general terms, a gross premium valuation basis is one in which the premiums brought into account are the full amounts receivable under the contract. The method includes explicit estimates of premiums, expected claims, future regular bonuses, costs of maintaining contracts and future renewal expenses. Cash flows are discounted at the valuation rate of interest. The methodology for UK companies is included in the FSA rules. The discount rate is based on the expected return on the assets deemed to back the liabilities as prescribed by the FSA rules.

        For PAC business the calculation is based on a valuation under which no future reversionary bonuses are added to the guaranteed liabilities existing at the valuation date. The provision is then calculated as the present value of future policyholder benefits plus the present value of future expenses. Regular partial withdrawals are allowed for in the calculation.

        An addition is made in respect of future premiums if this produces a higher provision. The assumptions to which the estimation of the long-term business provision is particularly sensitive are the interest rate used to discount the provision, the assumed future per policy expenses and the assumed future mortality experience of policyholders.

        For PAC business, the provision is taken as the lower of:

        For the purpose of calculating the liability using the bonus reserve method, the assumed interest rates range from 2.5% to 5.0% at December 31, 2004, and from 3.0% to 5.0% at both December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, while future reversionary bonuses are assumed to fall immediately from current levels to zero. For unitized with-profits policies, the policyholder benefit provisions are based on the policyholder account balance. There have been no significant changes of assumptions for accumulating with-profit business.

        If actual experience differs from these assumptions, or the basis of preparation is altered (for example, as for UK unitized with-profits business in 2003), then the value of the liabilities would need to be adjusted. See Item 4, "Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—UK Business Units—UK

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Insurance Operations—Life Insurance Products—Savings Products—Investment Bonds" for a discussion of Prudential's unitized with-profits business.

Jackson National Life

        The future policyholder benefit provisions for Jackson National Life's conventional protection-type policies are determined using the net level premium method, with an allowance for surrenders and claims expenses. Rates of interest used in establishing the policyholder benefit provisions range from 4.0% to 8.0%. Mortality assumptions range from 50% to 90% of the 1975-1980 Basic Select and Ultimate tables, depending on underwriting classification and policy duration. For investment-type products sold by Jackson National Life, the policyholder benefit provision included within technical provisions in the consolidated balance sheets is the policyholder account balance.

Asian Operations

        The future policyholder benefit provisions for Asian businesses are determined in accordance with methods prescribed by local GAAP adjusted to comply, where necessary, with UK GAAP. For the Hong Kong business, which is a branch of the Prudential Assurance Company, and the Singapore and Malaysian operations the valuation principles and sensitivities to changes of assumptions of conventional with-profits and other protection-type policies are similar to those described above for equivalent products written by the UK operations. For Hong Kong business the interest rate has reduced to 3.4% at December 31, 2004 from 3.6% at December 31, 2003 and from 3.75% at December 31, 2002 for traditional business and to between 2.5% and 2.9% at December 31, 2004 from 3.25% at December 31, 2003 and from 3.75% at December 31, 2002 for accumulating with-profits assurances. For Singapore and Malaysia there have been no significant changes of assumption. Interest rates of 3.5% to 4.0% in Singapore and 4.0% in Malaysia have been used in accordance with local regulations.

        For Asian operations in countries where local GAAP is not well established and in which the business written is primarily non-participating and linked business, US GAAP is used as the most appropriate proxy to local GAAP. The future policyholder benefit provisions for non-linked business are determined using the net level premium method, with an allowance for surrenders, maintenance and claim expenses. Rates of interest used in establishing the policyholder benefit provisions vary by operation depending on the circumstances attaching to each block of business. As with the other Asian operations mentioned above, the assumptions to which the future policyholder benefit provisions are most sensitive are the interest rate used to discount the liabilities and the future mortality and morbidity experience of policyholders. In Taiwan, interest rates range from 1.4% to 7.0% at December 31, 2004 and from 1.5% to 6.5% at December 31, 2003. In Japan, they range from 0.9% to 1.3% at December 31, 2004 and from 0.9% to 1.6% at December 31, 2003.

Fair Value of Assets

        Equity securities are carried at fair value. Debt and other fixed income securities are carried at fair value, except for those held by Jackson National Life which, subject to provision for permanent diminution in value, are carried at amortized cost. Fair value is based on quoted market prices for listed securities and on quotations provided by external fund managers, brokers, independent pricing services or values determined by the directors for unlisted securities. Where third party information is not available, the Group performs alternative valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis, option-adjusted spread models, and enterprise valuation.

        Except to the extent of other than temporary impairments, movements in the fair value of Jackson National Life's bond portfolio do not impact shareholders' profits or funds as they are carried at amortized cost. Impairments in the carrying value of the individual bonds and other fixed income securities that are considered other than temporary are reflected as losses in profit or loss before tax.

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Among the factors considered is whether the decline in fair value results from a change in the quality of the security itself, or from a downward movement in the market as a whole, and the likelihood of recovering the carrying value based on the current and short-term prospects of the issuer. Unrealized losses that are considered to be primarily the result of market conditions, such as increasing interest rates, unusual market volatility or industry-related events, and where the Group also believes there exists a reasonable expectation for recovery and, furthermore, has the intent and ability to hold the investment until maturity or the market recovers, are usually determined to be temporary.

Investment Returns

        Investment returns comprise investment income, realized gains and losses and changes in unrealized gains and losses, except for changes in unrealized gains and losses on debt securities held by Jackson National Life. These securities are carried in the balance sheet at amortized cost. For debt and other fixed income securities held by Jackson National Life, purchase premiums and discounts are amortized based on the underlying investments' call or maturity dates and this amortization is included in investment returns. Realized gains and losses, including writedowns on permanent diminutions, are recognized in income on the date of sale as determined on a specific identification basis for Jackson National Life and on an average cost basis elsewhere.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

        In common with other insurers, Prudential incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new insurance business. These costs, which vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business, are capitalized and amortized against margins in future revenues on the related insurance policies. The recoverability of the asset is measured and the asset is deemed impaired if the projected future margins are less than the carrying value of the asset. Assumptions are made as to whether certain costs should be deferred or not and whether they will be offset by future margins on the policies. To the extent that the actual future margins differ from those anticipated, then an adjustment to the carrying value of the deferred acquisition cost asset will be necessary.

        The deferral and amortization of deferred acquisition costs is of most relevance to the Group's reported profits for shareholder financed long-term business operations, principally Jackson National Life in the United States. In 2004, the amortization of deferred acquisition costs were at expected levels. Equity market performance in 2003 improved expected profits on variable annuity lines and resulted in a £69 million ($112 million) lower amortization charge than 2002. In 2002, for Jackson National Life, poor equity market performance lowered future expected profits on the variable annuity line through lower fee income and an increased provision for future guaranteed minimum death benefit claims. As a result, the deferred acquisition cost asset associated with the variable annuities became impaired. No such deferred acquisition cost asset impairments were recorded in 2004 or 2003 due to improved equity market performance. However, further impairments or accelerated amortization of this deferred acquisition cost asset may result if future equity market returns are below assumed levels.

Deferred Tax

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities generally are recognized in accordance with the provisions of FRS 19, "Deferred tax". Prudential has chosen not to apply the option available under FRS 19 of recognizing such assets and liabilities on a discounted basis to reflect the time value of money. Except as set out in FRS 19, deferred tax is recognized in respect of timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date.

        Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that they are regarded as recoverable, that is to the extent that, on the basis of all available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences

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can be deducted. The UK taxation regime applies separate rules to trading and capital profits and losses. The distinction between timing differences that arise from items of either a capital or trading nature may affect the recognition of deferred tax assets under FRS 19. Accordingly, for the 2004 results and balance sheet position at December 31, 2004, the possible tax benefit of approximately £430 million, which may arise from capital losses valued at approximately £1.7 billion, is sufficiently uncertain that it has not been recognized. In addition, a potential deferred tax asset of £114 million, which may arise from trading losses of approximately £408 million, is sufficiently uncertain that it has not been recognized. With regard to £100 million of the asset, the trading losses would be recoverable only if there were sufficient future trading profits in the jurisdictions where the losses have arisen. The balance is dependent upon the outcome of a case before the European Court of Justice regarding group relief claims in connection with European subsidiaries.

Derivative Financial Instruments

        Derivative financial instruments are used to reduce or manage investment, interest rate and currency exposures, to facilitate efficient portfolio management and for investment purposes. The Group's policy is that amounts at risk through derivative transactions are covered by cash or by corresponding assets. With the exception of derivatives held by Jackson National Life, these instruments are carried at fair value with changes in fair value included in investment returns. For other derivative financial instruments, various methods of hedge accounting are used. These are fully described in Note 24 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

        As part of the efficient portfolio management of the Life Fund of the Prudential Assurance Company Limited, the fund may, from time to time, invest in cash settled forward contracts over Prudential plc shares. This is in order to avoid a mismatch of the Life Fund's investment portfolio with the investment benchmarks set for its equity based investment funds. The contracts will form part of the long-term investments of the Life Fund. These contracts are subject to a number of limitations for legal and regulatory reasons.

        Jackson National Life uses derivatives (primarily interest rate swaps) to hedge certain risks in conjunction with its asset/liability management program. However, Jackson National Life has elected not to incur the costs of restructuring its derivative contracts, segregating investment portfolios and adding the systems and personnel required to qualify for much stricter hedge accounting treatment.

Other Features of UK GAAP Accounting That Are of Particular Significance to an Understanding of Prudential's UK GAAP Results

        The other features that are of significance relate to the method of accounting for the assets and liabilities of the Group's with-profits funds. A summary of this basis of accounting is included in "—Analysis by Geographic Region—United Kingdom—Basis of Profits". Further details are described below.

        For with-profits business (including non-participating business of Prudential Annuities Limited which is owned by the PAC with-profits fund), adjustments to liabilities and any related tax effects are recognized in the profit and loss account. However, except for any impact on the annual declaration of bonuses, shareholder profits for with-profits business and shareholders' funds would not be affected by adjustments to liabilities. This is because UK GAAP profits for with-profits business solely reflect one-ninth of the cost of bonuses declared for the year. Adjustments to the UK GAAP basis long-term business provision for the PAC with-profits fund would normally reflect changes that have also been reflected in the annual regulatory returns submitted to the FSA. Except to the extent of any second order effects on other elements of the regulatory returns, such changes can be expected to have a consequent effect on the excess of assets over liabilities of the fund for purposes of solvency

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calculations, and the related free asset ratio which is an indicator of the overall financial strength of the fund. Similar principles apply to the Group's Asian with-profits business.

Fund for Future Appropriations

        The fund for future appropriations ("FFA") represents the excess of assets over policyholder liabilities of the Group's with-profits funds. The annual excess or shortfall of income over expenditure of the with-profits funds after declaration and attribution of the cost of bonuses to policyholders and shareholders, is transferred to, or from, the fund for future appropriations through a charge or credit to the profit and loss account. The balance retained in the FFA for future appropriations represents cumulative retained earnings arising on the with-profits business that has not been allocated to policyholders or shareholders. The balance is determined after full provision for deferred tax on unrealized appreciation of investments.

        Changes to the level of the fund for future appropriations do not directly impact shareholders' results or funds. After allowing for differences in the basis of preparation of UK GAAP and UK regulatory returns, movements in the level of the fund for future appropriations are broadly indicative of movements in the excess of regulatory basis assets over liabilities of the fund. In turn, movements in this excess as a proportion of liabilities are indicative of changes in the financial strength of the fund. Differences in the basis of preparation of UK GAAP and UK regulatory returns arise principally from the treatment of certain regulatory basis liabilities, such as mismatching reserves (that are accounted for as reserves within the fund for future appropriations), recognition of deferred acquisition costs for UK GAAP, and asset valuation differences and admissibility deductions reflected in the regulatory returns.

Profits Recognition

        As outlined in "—Analysis by Geographic Region—United Kingdom—Basis of Profits" below, Prudential's results include an annual profit distribution to shareholders from long-term with-profits funds that represents an amount of up to one-ninth of the value of that year's bonus declarations to policyholders. The distribution corresponds directly to the post-tax modified statutory basis profit for with-profits business. The boards of directors of the subsidiary companies that have with-profits operations, using actuarial advice, determine the amount of annual and final bonuses to be declared each year on each group of contracts. More detail on Prudential's bonus policy is set out in "—Analysis by Geographic Region—United Kingdom—Basis of Profits".

Fair Value of Assets

        Changes in the fair value of assets of Prudential's long-term with-profits funds will primarily be reflected in the excess of assets over liabilities recorded under UK GAAP as the fund for future appropriations. Shareholders' profits from with-profits business and shareholders' funds are not directly impacted by movements in the fair values of the assets. However, current investment performance is a factor that is taken into account in the setting of the annual declaration of bonuses which, in turn, affects UK shareholder profits to the extent of one-ninth of the cost of bonus.

        Changes in the fair value of assets of unit-linked (separate account) funds are normally accompanied by a matching change in unit-linked business liabilities that is also recognized in the profit and loss account.

Investment Returns

        For with-profits business, investment returns together with other income and expenditure are recorded within the profit and loss account. However, the difference between net income of the fund and the cost of bonuses and related statutory transfers is reflected in an amount transferred to or from the fund for future appropriations within the profit and loss account. Except to the extent of current

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investment returns being taken into account in the setting of bonus policy, the investment returns of with-profits fund in a particular year do not affect shareholder profits or with-profits funds.

Securities lending

        The Group is party to various securities lending agreements under which securities are loaned to third parties on a short-term basis. The loaned securities are not removed from the Group's consolidated balance sheet; rather, they are retained within the appropriate investment classification. The Group's policy is that collateral in excess of 100% of the fair value of securities loaned is required from all securities borrowers and reverse repurchase agreements and typically consists of cash, debt securities, equity securities or letters of credit.

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International Financial Reporting Standards and Discretionary Changes

Background

        The European Union ("EU") requires that all listed European groups prepare their financial statements in accordance with EU approved International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") from January 1, 2005. For Prudential, the IFRS basis of reporting will replace the current UK GAAP Modified Statutory Basis of reporting. In common with other major groups, Prudential has a well-developed programme to implement the necessary changes.

        The Group will report interim 2005 IFRS basis results in July. However, Prudential recognizes that the market will need time to become familiar with the changes and their impact on the presentation of the financial statements, therefore the Group published selected comparative full-year 2004 IFRS basis results on the basis of selected financial information on June 2, 2005. For the avoidance of doubt neither the information contained in the June 2, 2005 announcement nor the information contained in this document constitutes IFRS financial statements.

IASB and EU developments on technical requirements

        The International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") has now, with some exceptions, completed its deliberations, and fully issued all of the standards to constitute the stable platform for 2005 reporting. New standards issued from April 1, 2005 are called IFRS whilst those issued prior to this date (including those amended subsequently under the IASB's improvement project) are referred to as International Accounting Standards ("IAS").

        Substantially all of these standards have been subjected to a process of review under EU auspices, recommended for approval by the EU's Accounting Regulatory Committee, and then formally approved.

        The IASB is continuing to consider the restrictions that should apply under IAS 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement" ("IAS 39") to companies' ability to record the fair value movements on assets and liabilities to the profit and loss account. The IASB's continued consideration of these issues reflects concern expressed by some European institutions at the current version of the standard.

Application of IFRS to Prudential and Effects of Other Accounting Changes

        The description that follows contains extracts and explanations based on the Group's recent publication of selected IFRS financial information announced on June 2, 2005. Due to the continuing work of the IASB and possible amendments to the interpretive guidance, the Group's accounting policies, and consequently the information presented, may change prior to the publication of the first IFRS results in July 2005 and/or the 2005 full year results to be published in mid March 2006.

        In recognition of the difficulties for the banking sector in retrospectively applying IAS 32 "Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation" ("IAS 32") and IAS 39 on financial instruments, the IASB has permitted application of these standards from January 1, 2005. This is also permitted for IFRS 4 "Insurance Contracts" ("IFRS 4") on insurance contracts. For Prudential, application of IAS 32 to IAS 39 for its banking subsidiary, Egg plc, for 2004 would have given rise to results that are not representative of the approach it intends to apply for hedge accounting from January 1, 2005. The Group has therefore chosen to utilize the IFRS 1 option to adopt these standards from January 1, 2005. The selected IFRS financial information presented below has been prepared on this basis.

        In addition to changes necessitated by the adoption of IFRS, Prudential has chosen to make a discretionary change to the basis of determining long-term investment returns included in operating profits for fixed income securities. The purpose of this change is to reflect longer-term returns rather than a 5 year averaged credit experience currently used. The impact of this change is included in the

106



information presented below. The presentation of operating profit based on longer-term investment returns, although currently a 'GAAP measure' under UK GAAP, may be considered to be a 'non-GAAP measure' in future periods under IFRS. This may affect the way Prudential presents financial information in future reports.

        The application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 to Prudential's insurance operations (particularly JNL), however, has a material impact on IFRS reported results. The Group recognizes the importance of providing information that is indicative of the basis of reporting to be applied for 2005 for these operations. Accordingly, a description of the estimated impact of applying IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 has been included. In addition, the Group discloses below the transitional impact of applying these three standards to shareholders' equity as at January 1, 2005.

The summary impact of applying IFRS basis reporting (excluding IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4) and discretionary presentation changes for longer-term investment returns is as follows:

        The adoption of IFRS and the discretionary change to the presentation of investment returns for the Group's shareholder backed non-participating business give rise to the following summary impact on full year 2004 IFRS basis results.

IFRS Basis Results

Year ended December 31, 2004

  Previously
published
(UK GAAP)(1)

  Discretionary
change for
long-term
investment
returns(3)

  Required
change to
statutory IFRS

  Statutory
IFRS(2)

 
  £m

  £m

  £m

  £m

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns, before amortization of goodwill and shareholder tax of continuing operations:                
  JNL   196   100     296
  Other operations   427   (9 ) (6 ) 412
   
 
 
 
  Total(3)   623   91   (6 ) 708
   
 
 
 
Representing:                
  IFRS basis results before discretionary change for longer-term investment returns               617
  Effect of discretionary change of policy for longer-term investment returns               91
  IFRS basis results after discretionary change for longer-term investment returns               708
               
Total profit, including actual investment return, before shareholders' tax*(4) of continuing operations   758     92   850
   
 
 
 
Shareholders' Equity (capital and reserves)                
  As at December 31, 2004   4,281     209   4,490
   
 
 
 

(1)
Figures shown for 'previously published' relate to continuing operations and exclude amounts attached to discontinued activities, including Egg's Funds Direct operations

(2)
References in the table above to 'Statutory IFRS' reflect the Group's adoption of all IFRS standards other than IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for the 2004 comparative results to be included in the Group's 2005 statutory basis financial statements, in so far as they affect the selected financial information. For the avoidance of doubt the statutory IFRS results do not represent the

107


(3)
References to operating profit, based on longer-term investment returns, before shareholders' tax, reflect the continuation of the Group's approach to providing an analysis of results that demonstrates underlying performance i.e. excluding short-term volatility in investment returns. Profits determined on this basis are provided as an additional analysis of the results to be included in the Group's income statement and reflect the long-standing convention previously advocated for UK insurers by the Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of British Insurers.


In determining the statutory IFRS basis operating results based on longer-term investment returns, the basis of determining the longer-term investment returns has been refined. Previously for fixed income securities of JNL and other non-participating shareholder backed businesses of the Group, the basis for determining longer-term returns was estimated by recognizing realized gains and losses on a five-year averaged basis. For future reporting under IFRS and restated 2004 IFRS basis results this has been replaced with a combination of an annualized charge for long-term expected default experience and amortization of interest related realized gains and losses to the period when the sold securities would have otherwise matured.


The change more closely reflects the longer-term nature of the credit cycle and refines the impact of realisations that are unrelated to defaults and impairments. Prudential believes that the presentation of operating profits based on longer-term investment returns better reflects the Group's underlying performance.

(4)
References to operating profit and total profit before shareholder tax reflect the continued presentation as additional information of tax attributable to with-profits funds and unit linked policyholders as a charge deducted in the determination of pre-shareholder tax results. In determining the allocation of tax charges between those attributable to with-profits funds, unit-linked policyholders and shareholders, a methodology consistent with that previously appropriate under UK GAAP (modified statutory basis) reporting has been applied.

        Technically under IFRS, which does not recognize the distinction between taxes attributable to these different participants, total formal IFRS pre-tax profit is required to be recorded in the income statement before deduction of all taxes. In determining such pre-tax profits, transfers to and from unallocated surplus of with-profits funds are taken into account. These transfers are themselves a function of the tax borne by with-profits funds. The total profit before tax on an IFRS basis is not representative of profit before taxes attributable to shareholders.

        In order to provide pre-tax results that are relevant from a shareholder perspective, the Group has elected to provide additional analysis in its financial statements of the profits before shareholder tax, but after deduction of policyholder tax.

108


The impact on operating profit, based on longer-term investment returns, before shareholder tax (by business unit) of applying IFRS basis reporting (excluding IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4) and discretionary presentation changes for longer-term investment returns is as follows:

A summary of the changes to operating profit, based on longer-term investment returns, before shareholder tax for continuing operations is shown below:

 
  Previously
published*(1)

  Discretionary
change for
longer-term
investment
returns

  Required
change to
statutory IFRS

  Statutory
IFRS*(2)

 
 
  £m

  £m

  £m

  £m

 
UK and Europe operations                  
  Insurance operations   305   0   0   305  
  M&G (note a)   136   0   0   136  
  Egg (note b)   63   0   (2 ) 61  
   
 
 
 
 
  Total   504   0   (2 ) 502  
   
 
 
 
 
US operations                  
  JNL (note c)   196   100   0   296  
  Broker dealer and fund management   (14 ) 0   0   (14 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Total   182   100   0   282  
   
 
 
 
 
Asian operations (note d)                  
  Long-term business   126   (9 ) 0   117  
  Fund Management   19   0   0   19  
  Development Expenses   (15 ) 0   0   (15 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Total   130   (9 ) 0   121  
   
 
 
 
 
Other income and expenditure                  
  Interest payable on core structural borrowings   (154 ) 0   0   (154 )
  Other (note e)   (39 ) 0   (4 ) (43 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Total   (193 ) 0   (4 ) (197 )
   
 
 
 
 
Total continuing operations (note f)   623   91   (6 ) 708  
   
 
 
 
 
Representing:                  
  IFRS basis results before discretionary change for longer-term investment returns               617  
  Effect of discretionary change of policy for longer-term investment returns               91  
  IFRS basis results after discretionary change for longer-term investment returns               708  
               
 

*(1)
Figures shown for 'previously published' relate to continuing operations and exclude amounts attached to discontinued activities, including Egg's Funds Direct operations

*(2)
References in the table above to 'Statutory IFRS' reflect the Group's adoption of all IFRS standards other than IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for the 2004 comparative results to be included in the Group's 2005 statutory basis financial statements, in so far as they affect the selected financial information included in this summary. For the avoidance of doubt the statutory IFRS results do not represent the Company's statutory accounts, nor have they been extracted from statutory IFRS accounts. Figures in the statutory IFRS column also reflect the effect of Prudential's discretionary charge for longer-term investment returns.

109


Notes on changes to operating results, based on longer-term investment returns, of continuing operations:

(a)    M&G    

        For M&G, the zero change reflects the effect of applying IAS 19 "Employee Benefits" ("IAS 19") for the M&G pension scheme (£(1) million) offset by the altered measurement of acquisition costs and front-end charges for external investment management business (£1 million) under IAS 18 "Revenue" ("IAS 18").

(b)    Egg    

        Operating profit, as previously published, of £63 million is shown after adjusting for the losses of £20 million attaching to the now discontinued Funds Direct business.

        The statutory IFRS changes to the 2004 comparative results for Egg reflect only those adjustments arising from IFRS standards other than from IAS 32 and IAS 39. £(3) million of the change of £(2) million arises from the application of IFRS 2 to share based payment in respect of shares in Egg plc.

(c)    JNL    

        The discretionary change to reflect the altered basis of recognition of longer-term investment return is unrelated to the requirements of IFRS. The change primarily affects the operating result of JNL as follows:

Previously published basis:

  £m
 
Averaged losses on fixed income securities   (102 )

Statutory IFRS


 

£m


 
Longer-term default assumption   (47 )
Amortization of interest related realized gains and losses   45  
   
 
    (2 )
   
 

Net Change


 

£m


 
Gross change   110  
Change to related amortization of acquisition costs   (10 )
   
 
    100  
   
 

        The change of £100 million results from Prudential's decision to replace the prior methodology for estimating longer-term returns by recognizing realized gains and losses (including the exceptional default losses experienced in 2001 and 2002) with a default assumption that reflects longer-term expectations, based on historical precedent. The longer-term default provision has been calibrated on a basis consistent with published rating agency risk margin analyses and is reflective of the credit quality of individual investments held in the JNL portfolio.

        There are no significant changes to JNL's operating results for IFRS changes. The accounting basis applied previously to JNL's contracts aligns very closely to that required under IFRS.

(d)    Asian operations    

        With the exception of the altered basis of determining longer-term returns, there is no change to operating profit for Asian operations. Virtually all insurance contracts of the Group's Asian Operations

110



continue to be accounted for under UK GAAP as they are technically classified as insurance rather than investment contracts under IFRS 4.

(e)    Other income and expenditure    

        The change of £(4) million comprises:

 
  £m
 
Shareholders' share of pension costs not allocated to business operations   (3 )
In respect of share based payments   (1 )
   
 
    (4 )
   
 

(f)    Estimated impact if IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 had been adopted at January 1, 2004 for the Group's insurance operations    

        If the IASB had not permitted the adoption of IAS 32, IAS 39, and IFRS 4 from January 1, 2005, it is estimated that operating profit for the period relating to the Group's insurance operations would have been £9 million lower. This reduction relates to the application of IAS 39 and IFRS 4 to unit-linked contracts that are classified as investment contracts under IFRS 4 within the Group's UK and Europe operations. The impact on operating profit of adopting IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 at January 1, 2004 for the Group's non-insurance operations has not been identified. Further details on the impact of adopting these standards is provided below in the section describing the impact on transition.

111



The impact on total profit before shareholder tax, including actual investment returns (of continuing operations) of applying IFRS basis reporting (excluding IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4) is as follows:

A summary of changes to total profit before shareholder tax, including actual investment returns, of continuing operations is shown below:

 
  Previously
published
(UK GAAP)*(1)

  Discretionary
change for
longer-term
investment
returns

  Required
change to
statutory IFRS

  Statutory
IFRS*(2)

 
 
  £m

  £m

  £m

  £m

 
Operating profit, based on longer-term investment returns, before shareholder tax   623   91   (6 ) 708  
Representing:                  
  IFRS basis results before discretionary change for longer-term investment returns               617  
  Effect of discretionary change of policy for longer-term investment returns               91  
  IFRS basis results after discretionary change for longer-term investment returns               708  

Amortization of goodwill (note a)

 

(94

)


 

94

 


 

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns (note b)

 

229

 

(91

)

11

 

149

 

Shareholders' share of actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes (note c)

 


 


 

(7

)

(7

)
   
 
 
 
 

Total profit including actual investment returns, before shareholder tax of continuing operations (note d)

 

758

 


 

92

 

850

 
   
 
 
 
 

*(1)
Figures shown for 'previously published' relate to continuing operations and exclude amounts attached to discontinued activities, including Egg's Funds Direct operations

*(2)
References in the table above to 'Statutory IFRS' reflect the Group's adoption of all IFRS standards other than IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for the 2004 comparative results to be included in the Group's 2005 statutory basis financial statements, in so far as they affect the selected financial information. For the avoidance of doubt the statutory IFRS results do not represent the Company's statutory accounts, nor have they been extracted from statutory IFRS accounts.

Notes on changes to total profit before shareholder tax of continuing operations

(a)    Amortization of goodwill    

        Subject to annual impairment testing, goodwill is not amortized under IFRS.

(b)    Short-term fluctuations in investment returns    

        The discretionary change of £(91) million reflects the revised basis of determining longer-term returns, as discussed previously. The £11 million change to statutory IFRS principally reflects the share of profits of property and venture fund investment subsidiaries, held by the PAC with-profits fund, that are attributable to minority interests.

112



(c)    Shareholders' share of actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes    

        The actuarial gains and losses comprise the effect of short-term fluctuations in investment returns on scheme assets, and the effect of changes in actuarial assumptions, after deduction of the proportion absorbed by the PAC with-profit fund. Due to IFRS requirements, as they apply to the share of actuarial gains and losses absorbed by with-profit funds, the Group's policy is to record all actuarial gains and losses in the income statement.

(d)    Estimated impact if IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 had been adopted at January 1, 2004 for the Group's insurance operations    

        If the IASB had not permitted the adoption of IAS 32, IAS 39, and IFRS 4 from January 1, 2005, total profit for the period relating to the Group's insurance operations would have been £135 million higher. The £135 million uplift comprises a reduction in operating profit of £9 million to £699 million (as previously described) and an increase of £144 million to £293 million in short-term fluctuations in investment returns resulting in a revised total profit of £985 million. The £144 million change to short term fluctuations arises from the market valuation of derivatives used for economic hedging purposes by JNL. The Group has not generally sought to hedge account for JNL's derivatives and as result value movements on these derivatives will be included in the income statement from January 1, 2005. The impact on total profit of adopting IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 at January 1, 2004 for the Group's non-insurance operations has not been identified. Further details on the impact of adopting these standards is provided below in the section describing the impact on transition.

The impact on shareholders' equity of applying IFRS basis reporting (excluding IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4) is as follows:

        A summary of changes to shareholders' equity at December 31, 2004 is shown below:

 
   
  £m
 
Previously published under UK GAAP   4,281  

Changes to statutory IFRS

 

 

 
    Timing difference on recognition of accrued final dividend (note a)   253  
    Shareholders' share of deficits (net of tax) of UK defined benefit pension schemes (note b)   (115 )
    Goodwill (note c)   94  
    Other items (note d)   (23 )
        209  
       
 
Statutory IFRS basis shareholders' funds at December 31, 2004*   4,490  

*
References in the table above to 'Statutory IFRS' reflect the Group's adoption of all IFRS standards other than IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for the 2004 comparative results to be included in the Group's 2005 statutory basis financial statements, in so far as they affect the selected financial information. For the avoidance of doubt the statutory IFRS results do not represent the Company's statutory accounts, nor have they been extracted from statutory IFRS accounts.

Notes on changes to shareholders' equity (capital and reserves)

(a)    Timing difference on recognition of accrued final dividend    

        Under IFRS, dividends declared after the balance sheet date of the reporting period are recognized for accounting purposes in the period of declaration.

113



(b)    Shareholders' share of deficits (net of tax) of UK defined benefit pensions schemes    

        Under IAS 19 provision for pension scheme deficits is required on a basis similar to that previously shown in the 2004 Annual Report as memorandum disclosure under FRS 17. The deficits of the schemes reflect the difference between the market value of the assets of the schemes and projected liabilities for future cash flows discounted at an AA graded corporate bond rate. The total deficits have been apportioned, on a basis that reflects the activity of the members of the schemes, between the PAC with-profit fund and shareholders' funds. After deduction of attaching deferred tax the net effect is to reduce the unallocated surplus of the PAC with-profit fund at December 31, 2004 by £472 million. Shareholders' funds are reduced by £115 million.

(c)    Goodwill    

        The charge for goodwill reflects the fact, subject to annual impairment testing, that goodwill is not amortized from the date of adoption of IFRS.

(d)    Other items    

        Of the deduction of £23 million, £27 million relates to Prudential shares owned by unit trusts that are consolidated under IFRS. These shares are accounted for as Treasury shares and hence deducted from shareholders' equity rather than being recorded as assets.

The adjustment on transition to IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 is as follows:

        On formal adoption of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 at January 1, 2005 for the Group's insurance and other operations, the Group's IFRS basis results will incorporate a transitional adjustment to shareholders' equity. The changes are as follows:

 
  Previously
published

  Statutory*
IFRS

 
 
  £m

  £m

 
Shareholders' equity attributable to holders of Prudential plc at December 31, 2004   4,281   4,490  
Transition adjustments:          
  Insurance operations (note a)   N/A   261  
   
 
 
    N/A   4,751  
  Banking and other non-insurance operations (note b)   N/A   (25 )
   
 
 
Shareholders' equity attributable to holders of Prudential plc at 1 January 2005   4,281   4,726  
   
 
 

*
References in the table above to 'Statutory IFRS' reflect the Group's adoption of all IFRS standards other than IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for the 2004 comparative results to be included in the Group's 2005 statutory basis financial statements, in so far as they affect the selected financial information. For the avoidance of doubt the statutory IFRS results do not represent the Company's statutory accounts, nor have they been extracted from statutory IFRS accounts.

(a)    Insurance operations    

        The transition adjustment for insurance operations shown above predominantly relates to the altered valuation bases of JNL's derivatives and fixed income securities.

        On application of IAS 39, movements in the fair value of financial instruments are recorded in either the income statement or directly to shareholder reserves in the balance sheet, depending upon the designation and the impact of hedge accounting rules. Derivative instruments are generally also carried at fair value with movements in value being recorded in the income statement. Hedge accounting,

114



whereby value movements on derivatives and hedged items are recorded together in the performance statements, is permissible only if certain hedge effectiveness criteria are met.

        Currently, under UK GAAP the fixed income securities of JNL are, unless impaired, accounted for at amortized cost with derivatives similarly treated. In applying IFRS the Group has decided to account for JNL's fixed income securities on an "available for sale" basis whereby the fixed income securities are accounted for at fair value with movements in that fair value being recorded in shareholders' reserves rather than the income statement. In this respect, the treatment is the same as applied by many US insurers under US GAAP. Value movements for JNL's derivatives will however be booked in the income statement as required by IAS 39.

        For derivative instruments of JNL, Prudential has carefully considered whether it is appropriate to undertake the necessary operational changes to apply hedge accounting in order to achieve matching of value movements in hedging instruments and hedged items in the performance statements. In reaching the decision not to do so a number of factors were particularly relevant. These are:

        In this regard, the issues surrounding IAS 39 application are very similar to those considered by other US life insurers when SFAS No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" was first applied for US GAAP reporting. Taking account of these considerations, Prudential has decided that, except for certain minor categories of derivatives, it is not sensible to seek to achieve hedge accounting under IAS 39 by completely re-configuring the structure of JNL's derivative book. As a result of this decision the total income statement result will be more volatile as the movements in value of JNL's derivatives will be reflected within it. This is despite the fact that JNL's derivative activity achieves a high level of economic hedge effectiveness.

        After partially offsetting 'shadow' accounting changes in the balance sheet and shareholder reserves for deferred acquisition costs and related deferred tax, the altered valuation basis gives rise to an increase in shareholders' equity of £273 million. The movement in this unrealized appreciation from period to period primarily reflects the impact of changes of market interest rates and risk premium. In future, IFRS shareholders' funds are likely to be more volatile for this feature.

        Partially offsetting the uplift on transition described above, a deduction of £12 million to shareholders' funds was made. This primarily relates to the application of IAS 39 and IFRS 4 to those unit-linked contracts in the Group's UK and Europe insurance operations that are classified as investment contracts under IFRS 4. Under the changed basis of classification:

115


        It should be emphasized that the IFRS changes to profit recognition for these contracts merely impact the timing of profit recognition. Cash flow in any particular period from these contracts, as they mature and regulatory basis surpluses emerge, will be unaffected, as is the aggregate profit for the contracts over their life. The impact of the changes on the result in any given period depends upon the level of deferred acquisition costs under previous (UK GAAP) and revised (IFRS) basis. In general under IFRS, it is expected that, with a growing book of unit-linked business, emergence of profit will be delayed.

        Guaranteed Investment Contracts ("GIC's") of Jackson National Life and a very small number of contracts in the Asian operations are also subject to measurement change under IAS 39. The current measurement approach for GIC's is though almost the same as the amortized cost approach being applied under IFRS. The changes to the Asia contracts are immaterial in their financial effect.

        On presentational effects, under IAS 39, premiums and claims on these UK unit-linked contracts, GIC's, and minor Asian contracts will be recorded as movements on contract liabilities in the balance sheet. Although profit does not alter for this change, the presentation in the Group's income statement is affected so that premium income and the charge for claims and surrenders are reduced. In this regard the change is similar conceptually to that required under deposit accounting as applied under US GAAP.

        It should be noted that the IFRS 4 rules are very different from those under US GAAP as to the category of policies that are classified as "investment contracts". Most of the Group's contracts that would be classified as investment contracts under US GAAP will continue to be accounted for under IFRS as either insurance contracts, or investment contracts with discretionary participating features, with the facility to continue to account under IFRS on a UK GAAP basis (the MSB method of reporting).

        For all other insurance contracts of UK and Europe operations the basis of measurement of assets and liabilities continues to be applied as under UK GAAP until the IASB introduces a comprehensive (Phase 2) standard.

        It should be noted however that, by the UK insurance industry's adoption of the requirements of FRS 27, UK GAAP for with-profit contracts of UK life funds will alter to reflect the FSA realistic reporting regime. The change essentially alters the basis of providing for future bonuses on, and valuing guarantee features of, with-profit contracts. In turn this affects the residual amount that has yet to be allocated between policyholders and shareholders (the Fund for Future Appropriations). The estimated impact on the 2004 year end position is shown on page 138. Profit recognition for this business on the UK GAAP and IFRS bases though will continue to reflect the company's 10% interest in the actuarially determined surplus for distribution.

(b)    Banking and non-insurance operations    

        The transition adjustment for banking and non-insurance operations of £(25) million relates to the Group's share of Egg's transitional adjustment and the difference between fair value and amortized cost in relation to certain derivatives held by the Group's non-insurance operations.

        On application of IAS 32 and IAS 39 Egg has designated its wholesale assets as Available-for-Sale, holding them at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reflected directly in equity. Liabilities are measured at amortized cost with no effect compared to UK GAAP, except where set-up fees had been previously expensed but will, under IFRS, be capitalized and amortized.

        Derivatives are the only products for which changes in fair value will affect the total result for the reporting period. However, for interest rate swaps that economically hedge fixed rate personal loans by matching them against the variable rate savings book, Egg will apply portfolio cash flow hedge accounting under IAS 39. Changes in the fair value of these hedges will be recorded directly in equity in the balance sheet and not the income statement.

116



Overview of Consolidated Results

Introduction

        Prudential has built strong positions in the United kingdom, the United States and Asia, three of the most attractive savings markets in the world. In 2004, each of its three regional insurance businesses delivered double-digit growth in sales and profits.

        Prudential achieved these results by adopting a disciplined approach to investment and growth, allocating capital to those businesses that deliver sustainable high returns. At the same time, Prudential managed its risks by maintaining a diversified portfolio of businesses across its chosen markets, principally in the UK, the US and Asia, including several mature cash generators, as well as attractive newer businesses which require investment.

        The following table shows Prudential's UK GAAP consolidated total profit on ordinary activities on the modified statutory basis for the periods indicated.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax from continuing operations(1)              
    UK and Europe Operations   484   394   470  
    US Operations   182   140   131  
    Asian Operations   130   71   62  
    Other income and expenditure   (193 ) (181 ) (189 )
   
 
 
 
  Total continuing operations   603   424   474  
  Discontinued UK banking operation   (37 ) (89 ) (47 )
  Discontinued US banking operation   17   22   22  
   
 
 
 
Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax   583   357   449  
Amortization of goodwill   (97 ) (98 ) (98 )
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns   229   91   (205 )
Profit on business disposals   48     355  
Egg France closure cost   (113 )    
   
 
 
 
Profit on ordinary activities before tax   650   350   501  
   
 
 
 
Tax on profit on ordinary activities              
  Tax on operating profit before amortization of goodwill   (177 ) (106 ) (120 )
  Tax on items excluded from operating profit before amortization of goodwill   (55 ) (38 ) 78  
   
 
 
 
Tax on profit on ordinary activities   (232 ) (144 ) (42 )
   
 
 
 
Profit on ordinary activities after tax before minority interests   418   206   459  
Minority interests   10   2   9  
   
 
 
 
Profit on ordinary activities after tax and minority interests   428   208   468  
   
 
 
 

(1)
For the purposes of this report, operating profit is based on long-term investment returns before amortization of goodwill and tax. See Note 5 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements for a description of the basis.

        The Group's reportable business segments are based on the organizational structure used by the directors for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance and are as follows: UK and Europe Insurance operations, M&G and Egg, which are all located in the UK (collectively "UK and Europe Operations"), US Operations and Asian Operations. The business segments are determined firstly by the territories in which the Group conducts business, which are the United Kingdom and Europe, the United States and Asia. UK and Europe Operations include long-term life

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insurance business, banking and fund management activities. The US and Asian Operations mainly include life insurance business and fund management activities.

        In determining operating profit, the Group has used the expected long-term investment return and excluded amortisation of goodwill and tax. For additional information on this basis see Note 5 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements. The directors believe that such presentation better reflects the group's underlying performance on a statutory basis of measurement.

Group operating profit before amortization of goodwill and tax

        Group operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax in 2004 was £583 million compared to £357 million in 2003 and £449 million in 2002. The higher profit in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily reflects strong growth in insurance and fund management businesses. In 2003 the reduction from 2002 primarily reflects a £90 million reduction in PAC with-profits fund shareholder transfer. Below is a summary by operation of results.

        UK and Europe Operation's operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax comprises;

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Continuing operations:              
UK and Europe Insurance Operations   305   256   372  
M&G   136   83   71  
Egg   43   55   27  
   
 
 
 
Total continuing operations   484   394   470  
   
 
 
 
Discontinued operations:              
Egg France   (37 ) (89 ) (47 )
   
 
 
 
UK and Europe operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax   447   305   423  
   
 
 
 

        UK and Europe Insurance Operations' operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax was £305 million in 2004, an increase of 19% on 2003. This included a fourfold increase in the profit of Prudential Retirement Income Limited ("PRIL") from £31 million to £124 million. This more than offset the £17 million reduction in the profit from the with-profits fund of The Prudential Assurance Company Limited ("Prudential Assurance" or "PAC"), which fell due to lower annual and terminal bonus rates announced in February 2004. In 2003, the £116 million reduction in the UK and Europe Insurance Operations' operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax includes a reduction of £90 million from the PAC with-profits fund due to lower annual and terminal bonus rates announced in 2003, partially offset by fees earned from higher funds under management and increased policy claims. Losses on shareholder-backed business increased by £26 million as a result of increased new business volumes that carry significant new business strain.

        M&G's operating profit before amortization of goodwill and tax was £136 million in 2004, a 64% increase on 2003. Underlying profit before performance fees was £110 million during 2004, a 57% increase on the previous year, reflecting the strengths of M&G's diversified business, disciplined cost management and the success it has had in developing new sources of revenue. There were also £7 million of one-off provision releases in 2004, the majority of which was due to the satisfactory resolution of a fee negotiation. Over the last two years, M&G's underlying profit has more than doubled even though the average of the FTSE All Share index in 2004 was at similar levels to 2002. In 2003, M&G's operating profit before amortization of goodwill and tax of £83 million was an increase of £

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12 million on 2002. This reflected the benefit of diversified revenue streams, sharp focus on cost control and cost savings achieved through outsourcing its retail administration.

        Egg's operating profit before amortization of goodwill and tax amounted to £6 million in 2004, compared with a loss of £34 million and a loss of £20 million in 2003 and 2002 respectively. Egg's profit from continuing operations in 2004 was £43 million, compared with £55 million in 2003, reflecting an increase in profit from the UK business offset by a £17 million impairment charge on the underlying assets of its subsidiary, Funds Direct.

        The US Operations' operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax of £199 million in 2004 was 23% ahead of 2003. The increase primarily reflects higher spread income, record variable annuity fee income, a favorable £28 million legal settlement and a positive £8 million adjustment arising from the adoption of SOP 03-01 "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Non-traditional long duration contracts and for separate accounts". This adjustment relates to a change in the method of valuing certain liabilities. These are partially offset by increased Deferred Acquisition Costs ("DAC") amortization. The US Operations' operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax in 2003 was £162 million, compared to £153 million in 2002. The increase in profit primarily reflects lower amortization of DAC for variable annuity products and higher fee and other income, offset by higher market value adjustment payments and higher average bond losses. See Note 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

        Prudential Corporation Asia's operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax was £130 million in 2004, an increase of £59 million over £71 million achieved in 2003. This reflects an increase in underlying profits of £47 million and a decrease in development expenses of £12 million. Profits from the more established operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia were £110 million, an increase from the £91 million recorded in 2003, as these operations continue to mature. Prudential Corporation Asia's operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax in 2003 was £71 million compared to £62 million in 2002 reflecting growth in insurance and investment products and the continued development of distribution channels.

Profit on ordinary activities before tax

        Profit on ordinary activities before tax was £650 million in 2004 compared to £350 million in 2003. This mainly reflects growth in operating profit of £226 million and improvement in short-term fluctuations in investment returns from £91 million in 2003 to £229 million in 2004.

        In 2003, profit on ordinary activities before tax was £350 million compared to £501 million in 2002, which included £355 million relating to the disposal of the UK General Insurance business. The lower profit in 2003 was also driven by lower operating profit of £92 million offset by an improvement in short-term fluctuations in investment returns from a negative £205 million in 2002 to a positive £91 million in 2003.

Profit on ordinary activities after tax

        Profit on ordinary activities after tax before minority interests was £418 million in 2004 compared with £206 million in 2003 and £459 million in 2002. These movements reflect the movements in profit before tax in those years and effective tax rates of 36% in 2004, 41% in 2003 and 8% in 2002. The 36% effective tax rate in 2004 and 41% effective tax rate in 2003 reflect an effective operating profit tax charge of 30% in both years combined with the lack of tax relief on the amortization of goodwill charge and the impact of taxation on short-term fluctuations in investment returns. The overall low rate of tax in 2002 reflects the relief of tax payable on business disposals against capital losses available to Prudential.

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Analysis by Geographic Region

        Prudential focuses on operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill, tax and exceptional items by geographic region as the primary measure of current year performance. This excludes exceptional items, such as profits on business disposals, and includes the investment return for (i) the UK shareholders' funds and (ii) Jackson National Life using a long-term rate of return, rather than the actual return for the year, in accordance with UK GAAP and the Association of British Insurers' guidelines. The analysis and discussion below is based upon operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill, exceptional items and tax. Due to the long-term nature of Prudential's business, its basis of presentation of operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill, exceptional items and tax may not be comparable with other UK companies. See Note 5 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements for a description of this basis.

        For all of Prudential's long-term insurance businesses (United Kingdom and Europe, United States and Asia), operating profit is generated principally from its in-force book of business. Prudential's in-force book is business written in earlier years and on which it continues to declare bonuses or credit interest to policyholders and generate profit for shareholders. These books of in-force business have been built up over many years with the result that, for Prudential's long-term insurance business, sales in any one year do not have a significant impact on shareholders' profit in that year, but may have an impact in subsequent years.

United Kingdom

Basis of Profits

        In order to understand how Prudential's results are derived it is necessary to understand how profit emerges from its with-profits business.

        Prudential's results comprise an annual profit distribution to shareholders from its UK long-term with-profits fund, hereafter referred to as the with-profits fund, as well as profits from its other businesses. Prudential's primary UK GAAP financial statements are prepared under the modified statutory basis of reporting as required by UK law. For most of its operations, other than its UK long-term insurance businesses, the modified statutory basis matches items of income and related expenditure within the same accounting period. This is achieved through the deferral of acquisition costs and application of the accruals concept.

With-profits Products

        For Prudential's UK long-term insurance business, the primary annual contribution to shareholders' profit comes from its with-profits products. With-profits products are designed to provide policyholders with smoothed investment returns through a mix of annual and final bonuses. Shareholders' profit in respect of bonuses from with-profits products represents an amount of up to one-ninth of the value of that year's bonus declaration to policyholders. The smoothing inherent in the bonus declarations provides for relatively stable annual shareholders' profit from this business.

Bonus Rates

        The main factors that influence the determination of bonus rates are the return on the investments of the with-profits fund, the effect of inflation, taxation, the expenses of the fund chargeable to policyholders and the degree to which investment returns are smoothed. The overall rate of return earned on investments and the expectation of future investment returns are the most important influences on bonus rates. The assets backing the with-profits business are predominantly invested in equities and real estate. If the financial strength of the with-profits fund were adversely affected, then a higher proportion of fixed interest or similar assets might be held by the fund.

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Fund For Future Appropriations

        The annual excesses of premiums and investment returns over claim payments, operating expenses and the change in benefit provisions within Prudential's with-profits fund that are not distributed in that year as bonuses and related shareholders' profit are transferred to the fund for future appropriations by a charge to the profit and loss account of the with-profits fund. Any shortfall in such amounts would result in a transfer from the fund for future appropriations by a credit to the profit and loss account of the long-term fund. Current year amounts in respect of premiums, investment returns, operating expenses and unusual charges or credits do not directly affect the distribution of profit to shareholders from the with-profits business in that year. Current year claims, which include final bonus payments, do have an effect on shareholders' profit through the shareholders' proportion of the value of those final bonuses.

Surplus Assets and Their Use

        The fund for future appropriations comprises amounts Prudential expects to pay to policyholders in the future, the related shareholder transfers and surplus assets. These surplus assets, which are described in more detail under Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—Shareholders' Interests in Prudential's Long-term Insurance Business—Surplus Assets in Prudential Assurance's Long-term With-profits Fund", have accumulated over many years from a variety of sources and provide the with-profits fund with working capital. This working capital permits Prudential to invest a substantial portion of the assets of the with-profits fund in equity securities and real estate, smooth investment returns to with-profits policyholders, keep its products competitive, write new business without being constrained as to cash flows in the early policy years and demonstrate solvency.

        In addition, Prudential can use surplus assets to absorb the costs of significant events, such as fundamental strategic change in its long-term business and, with the consent of the UK regulator, the cost of its pension mis-selling, without affecting the level of distributions to policyholders and shareholders. The costs of fundamental strategic change may include investment in new technology, redundancy and restructuring costs, cost overruns on new business and the funding of other appropriate long-term insurance related activities, including acquisitions.

The "SAIF" and "PAL" Funds

        Prudential's with-profits fund also includes the Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund ("SAIF") and the wholly-owned subsidiary, Prudential Annuities Limited ("PAL"). All assets of the SAIF business are solely attributable to former policyholders of Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society (predating the acquisition of Scottish Amicable by Prudential in October 1997). The SAIF with-profits fund is discussed in more detail under Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—Shareholders' Interests in Prudential's Long-term Insurance Business—The SAIF Sub-fund and Accounts". Since PAL is a wholly owned subsidiary of the with-profits fund, profits from this business affect shareholders' profits only to the extent that they affect the annual with-profits bonus declaration and resultant transfer to shareholders.

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UK and Europe Operating Results

        The following table shows operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax for the periods indicated.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Continuing operations:              
  UK and Europe Insurance Operations—long-term business   305   256   372  
  M&G   136   83   71  
  Egg   43   55   27  
   
 
 
 
  Total continuing operations   484   394   470  
   
 
 
 
Discontinued operations:              
  Egg France   (37 ) (89 ) (47 )
   
 
 
 
Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax   447   305   423  
   
 
 
 

UK and Europe Insurance Operations

        Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax totaled £305 million in 2004 compared to £256 million in 2003 and £372 million in 2002.

UK Insurance Operations

        The operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax excluding European Operations totaled £299 million in 2004 compared with £254 million in 2003 and £371 million in 2002. The increase on 2003 included a four-fold increase in Prudential Retirement Income Limited's profit from £31 million to £124 million reflecting very strong sales performance, including a substantial annuity transaction with Royal London. This more than offset the £17 million reduction in profit from the with-profits fund, which fell due to lower annual and terminal bonus rates announced in February 2004. See Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—UK Business Units—UK Insurance Operations—Life Insurance Products—Savings Products—Investment Bonds" for information on the bonus structure of Prudential's with-profits products.

        In any single period, operating profit is primarily the shareholders' annual distribution, also known as the shareholder transfer, from the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund which represents up to one-ninth of the value of bonuses declared in that year to policyholders, and consequently is not directly impacted by current year gross premiums, investment return or expenses.

        In 2004 Prudential declared total post-tax bonuses of £2.0 billion from the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund, of which £1.8 billion was credited to the with-profits policies and £198 million was distributed to shareholders. In 2003 Prudential declared total post-tax bonuses of £2.1 billion from the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund, of which £1.9 billion was credited to the with-profits policies and £209 million was distributed to shareholders. In 2002, Prudential declared total post-tax bonuses of £2.7 billion from the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund, of which £2.45 billion was credited to the with-profits policies and £273 million was distributed to shareholders.

        All unit-linked and non with-profits business written by Prudential in the United Kingdom is funded by capital provided by shareholders. Accordingly, all profit from this business goes to shareholders. In 2004 this business generated pre-tax losses of £25 million compared to pre-tax losses of £38 million in 2003 and £12 million in 2002.

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UK Restructurings

        Restructuring of the Prudential UK Insurance Operations continued in 2004, following the restructuring of its direct salesforce and customer services channels and the establishment of an Indian service center which were announced in 2001 and 2002 respectively.

        In 2002, Prudential announced plans to establish an offshore service center in India to improve customer contact service levels for its UK Insurance Operations customers and to achieve further cost savings to those announced in 2001. The new processing center has been established in Mumbai and became fully operational during 2004. The initiative is expected to generate gross cost savings from 2006 of approximately £16 million per annum, of which approximately £4 million per annum is expected to be attributable to shareholders. In 2001, Prudential announced the restructuring of the direct salesforce and customer service channels of its UK and Europe Insurance Operations.

        As part of the restructurings, Prudential plans to make some 4,300 jobs redundant, of which approximately 4,100 had been completed by December 31, 2004.

European Operations

        The operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill, exceptional items and tax from Prudential's European Insurance operations represents profits from Prudential International Assurance Plc (previously Scottish Amicable Life International), an Irish company, which mainly markets long-term insurance products into Belgium, Austria and the United Kingdom.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Long-term business   6   2   9  
Development expenses       (8 )
   
 
 
 
Europe total   6   2   1  
   
 
 
 

        Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax from Prudential's European operations was £6 million in 2004, compared to £2 million in 2003, and £1 million in 2002.

        In November 2002, Prudential agreed to sell its German long-term business to Canada Life for £82 million. The sale was completed on January 1, 2003. A full portfolio transfer occurred in August 2003. See Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—European Business—Sale of German Business to Canada Life". In June 2004, Prudential announced it was ceasing to write new business in France. See Item 4, "Business of Prudential—European Business—Closure of French Branch".

M&G

        M&G's operating profit before amortization of goodwill and tax was £136 million in 2004, a 64% increase on 2003. Underlying profit before performance fees was £110 million during 2004, a 57% increase on the previous year, reflecting the strengths of M&G's diversified business, disciplined cost management and the success it has had in developing new sources of revenue. There were also £7 million of one-off provision releases in 2004, the majority of which was due to the satisfactory resolution of a fee negotiation. Over the last two years, M&G's underlying profit has more than doubled even though the average of the FTSE All Share index in 2004 was at similar levels to 2002.

        Performance related fees in 2004 were £26 million, including £20 million which relates to the disposal of some of the investments by PPM Ventures that are not expected to recur. M&G also received £

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6 million of performance fees for the management of the Prudential Assurance Company long-term and annuity funds which continued to beat their strategic and competitor benchmarks during the year.

        In 2003, M&G's operating profit before amortization of goodwill and tax increased by £12 million, from £71 million in 2002 to £83 million in 2003. This was despite continuing weakness in equity markets, with market rises in the second half of the year still leaving the FTSE All-Share Index averaging 11% less over the year than 2002. Underlying profits increased from £49 million to £70 million, whilst performance fees fell from £22 million in 2002 to £13 million in 2003. Similar to the growth during 2004, the increase in the underlying profit from 2002 to 2003 reflected M&G's diversification of revenue streams and disciplined cost control. In 2003, the performance fees decreased from the £22 million achieved in 2002 which recognized the exceptional performance of 2000 in the rolling three-year calculation.

Egg

        The following table shows operating profit (loss) before tax, for the periods indicated.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
UK banking operations              
Continuing operations:              
  Operating income   497   420   326  
  Expenses   (423 ) (347 ) (291 )
   
 
 
 
UK banking operating profit   74   73   35  
International banking operations (excluding Egg France)     (4 ) (3 )
Share of operating losses from joint ventures and associated undertakings   (21 ) (4 ) (5 )
Transaction and restructuring costs   (10 ) (10 )  
   
 
 
 
Operating profit from continuing operations   43   55   27  
   
 
 
 
Discontinued operations:              
Egg France   (37 ) (89 ) (47 )
   
 
 
 
Operating profit (loss)   6   (34 ) (20 )
   
 
 
 

        Egg's core UK business generated a profit before tax in 2004 of £74 million, compared to a £73 million profit in 2003 and a profit of £35 million in 2002.

        The profit from the core UK business reflects operating income of £497 million, an 18% increase from £420 million in 2003, offset by expenses of £423 million, compared to expenses of £347 million in 2003. The UK banking operations' increase in operating income reflects net interest income of £287 million, 9% higher than in 2003, despite the keen competition for card balances and the margin squeeze caused by rising base rates during 2004. In addition, other operating income of £210 million increased by £53 million from 2003, reflecting record personal loan sales with resulting commission income on selling associated insurance up £32 million from 2003. The increase in expenses is largely due to a £55 million increase in bad debt provision that reflects the change in product mix following the continuing growth in the unsecured lending portfolio, the stage of the life cycle of the card and loan books and the increasing proportion of personal loans business.

        In 2003, the profit from the UK banking operations reflects operating income of £420 million, compared to £326 million in 2002, offset by expenses of £347 million, compared to expenses of £291 million in 2002. The UK banking operations' increase in operating income reflects net interest income of £263 million, 18% higher than in 2002, due to the growth in the retail asset book combined with maintenance of margin. In addition, other operating income of £157 million increased by £

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54 million from 2002, principally reflecting fees and commissions earned from a larger credit card book and from selling personal loan payment protection insurance. The increase in expenses is largely due to a £43 million increase in the bad debt provision that reflects the 22% growth in the credit book and an increase in unsecured lending balances as a proportion of the total asset book. Unsecured lending which comprises credit card and personal loans, grew in 2003 by £1.49 billion, leading to a balance of £4.8 billion, of which credit card balances accounted for £3.0 billion (£2.3 billion in 2002).

        Share of operating losses from joint ventures and associated undertakings in 2004 was £21 million, compared to a loss of £4 million in 2003. This loss principally comprised a £17 million impairment charge against the full carrying value of the underlying assets of Funds Direct, Egg's investment wrap platform business. This followed Egg's decision to focus on its successful UK banking business and dispose its investment in Funds Direct.

        Egg's operating profit was £6 million in 2004, compared to a loss of £34 million in 2003. This principally reflected the lower operating loss recorded in its operations in France. Operating loss in France was £37 million up until July 13, 2004 when the decision to withdraw from the French market was announced and at that point in time a provision of £113 million was established to cover the estimated costs of exit. This provision is accounted for as a non-operating loss.

United States

        Prudential's US operations comprise its US insurance company, Jackson National Life, which includes Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York, Curian Capital, LLC, PPM America, its US internal and institutional investment manager, and its US broker-dealer group, National Planning Holdings. Jackson Federal Bank, the US banking operation, was sold in October 2004.

Basis of Profits

        The profit on Jackson National Life's business predominantly arises from spread income from interest-sensitive products, such as fixed annuities, institutional products and fee income on variable annuities. For the purposes of UK reporting, deposits into these products are recorded as premiums, withdrawals and surrenders are included in benefits and claims and the resulting net movement is recorded under other reserve movements within benefits and claims. Benefits and claims also includes interest credited to policyholders in respect of deposit products and fees charged on these policies. While the presentation of these items differs between UK GAAP and US GAAP, there is no net impact on operating profit. The UK GAAP result for Jackson National Life is based on Jackson National Life's US GAAP results with an adjustment to exclude the requirements of FAS 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" as amended by FAS 137, 138 and 149 ("FAS 133"), and for a different treatment of investment gains and losses.

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United States Operating Results

        The following table shows operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax for the periods indicated.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Continuing operations:            
Jackson National Life   196   143   117
National Planning Holdings and Curian   (26 ) (20 )
PPM America   12   17   14
   
 
 
Total continuing operations   182   140   131
   
 
 
Discontinued operations:            
US banking operation   17   22   22
   
 
 
Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax   199   162   153
   
 
 

        Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax of £199 million in 2004 was 23% ahead of 2003. The increase primarily reflects higher spread income, record variable annuity fee income, a favorable £28 million legal settlement and a positive £8 million adjustment arising from the adoption of SOP 03-01 "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Non-traditional Long Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts". This adjustment relates to a change in the method of valuing certain liabilities. These are partially offset by increased DAC amortization. The increased losses at National Planning Holdings and Curian relate solely to Curian as it continues to build scale. See Note 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

        Variable Annuity DAC amortization is calculated using a long-term return assumption which is implemented through the use of a mean reversion methodology. If the mean reversion were to be eliminated as of December 31, 2004, the variable annuity DAC carrying value would be reduced by approximately £6 million.

        Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill, exceptional items and tax of £162 million in 2003 was 6% ahead of 2002. The increase primarily reflected lower DAC amortization for variable annuity products, and higher fee and other income, offset by higher market value adjustment payments, higher average bond losses and the loss on Curian. The fall in variable annuity DAC amortization in 2003 was primarily due to improved market performance. In 2002, the effect of poor equity market performance was to lower expected future profits in the variable annuity book to the level where the variable annuity DAC asset was impaired and a write-off was required. No such impairment write-off of variable annuity DAC was required in 2003.

        The provision for guaranteed minimum death benefits (referred to as "GMDB") on variable annuity products was reviewed and strengthened at the end of 2002. In addition, an increase to the recurring charge was required in respect of GMDB which is included within the 2003 result. No further strengthening beyond the recurring charge was required in 2004.

        The movement in the average exchange rates from $1.64/£1.00 to $1.83/£1.00 during 2004 had an adverse translational impact of £24 million on the United States operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax.

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Asian Operations

        Profits from the long-term insurance business of the Asian operations currently contribute 22% to Group operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax. Prudential Corporation Asia head office costs are included in Other Income and Expenditure below.

        The Japanese life market remains very challenging and in 2003 Prudential scaled back its operations to focus on higher value distribution channels and more profitable products. While the operation is now somewhat more efficient with lower expense levels and has made some progress with establishing new distribution channels, it will take some time to deliver material volumes and become a positive contributor to Prudential Corporation Asia's overall results.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Long-term business   126   85   82  
Investment products   19   13   6  
Development expenses   (15 ) (27 ) (26 )
   
 
 
 
Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax   130   71   62  
   
 
 
 

        Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax was £130 million in 2004, an increase of £59 million over £71 million achieved in 2003. This reflects an increase in underlying profits of £47 million and a decrease in development expenses of £12 million. In 2003, operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax increased £9 million over 2002.

        Operating profit before development expenses, amortization of goodwill and tax was £145 million in 2004, an increase of £47 million over the £98 million in 2003. Profits from the more established operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia were £110 million, an increase from the £91 million recorded in 2003, as these operations continue to mature. In 2003, Prudential Asia's operating profit before development expenses, amortization of goodwill and tax increased £10 million over the £88 million in 2002.

        This result is after significant investment in 2004, as Prudential builds high quality customer-focused distribution channels across the region. Further significant investment is planned for 2005.

        Development expenses (excluding Asia regional head office expenses) decreased from £27 million in 2003 to £15 million in 2004.

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Other Income and Expenditure

        Other income and expenditure represents the investment return on centrally retained shareholder capital and funds, interest expense on group borrowings and central corporate expenditure.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Investment return and other income   44   29   3  
Interest payable on core structural borrowings of shareholder financed operations   (154 ) (143 ) (130 )
Corporate expenditure              
Group Head Office   (54 ) (43 ) (36 )
Asia Head Office   (29 ) (24 ) (26 )
   
 
 
 
Total other income and expenditure   (193 ) (181 ) (189 )
   
 
 
 

        Losses from other income and expenditure before amortization of goodwill and tax for Group activities increased to £193 million in 2004 from £181 million in 2003. This reflected an increase in investment return and other income offset by higher interest payable and head office costs. Head office costs (including Asia regional head office costs of £29 million) were £83 million, up £16 million on 2003. The increase mainly reflects the substantial work being undertaken for the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards, Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulatory costs.

        Losses from other income and expenditure before amortization of goodwill and tax for Group activities decreased to £181 million in 2003 from £189 million in 2002. This was mainly due to a £26 million increase from 2002 in investment return and other income, primarily as a result of a non-recurrent £24 million write down of the Group's 15% holding in Life Assurance Holding Corporation Limited in 2002. This was partly offset by a £13 million increase in funding costs from £130 million in 2002 to £143 million in 2003 reflecting an increase in core debt.

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Geographic Analysis by Nature of Income and Expense

        The following table shows Prudential's consolidated total operating profit based on long-term investment returns before amortization of goodwill and tax for the periods indicated, following which is a discussion of significant line items by geography. Certain minor reclassifications and presentational changes have been made to the amounts presented for prior periods to conform these periods to the current presentations but there is no overall effect on total operating profit.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Long-term business:              
Gross premiums   16,355   13,781   16,669  
Reinsurance   (256 ) (290 ) (216 )
   
 
 
 
Earned premiums   16,099   13,491   16,453  
Investment return—continuing operations   13,792   14,918   (4,073 )
                               —discontinued operations   17   22   22  
Expenses   (1,985 ) (1,844 ) (1,805 )
Taxation within long-term business funds   (896 ) (824 ) 662  
Benefits and claims   (22,568 ) (20,413 ) (16,383 )
Transfer (to) from the fund for future appropriations   (4,025 ) (5,021 ) 5,520  
   
 
 
 
Shareholders' profit after tax before amortization of goodwill, minority interests and exceptional items   434   329   396  
Add back tax on shareholders' profit   195   150   171  
   
 
 
 
Shareholders' profit from long-term business   629   479   567  
Other operations:              
  Continuing operations:              
    UK fund management   136   83   71  
    US broker-dealer and fund management   (14 ) (3 ) 14  
    Asia fund management   19   13   6  
    UK banking   43   55   27  
    Other income and expenditure   (193 ) (181 ) (189 )
   
 
 
 
  Total other continuing operations   (9 ) (33 ) (71 )
  Discontinued operations:              
    UK banking operation   (37 ) (89 ) (47 )
   
 
 
 
Total operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and tax   583   357   449  
   
 
 
 

Gross Premiums

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Long-term business:            
United Kingdom and Europe   9,186   7,264   8,675
United States   4,717   4,369   6,098
Asia   2,452   2,148   1,896
   
 
 
Total   16,355   13,781   16,669
   
 
 

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        Gross premiums totaled £16,355 million in 2004 compared to £13,781 million in 2003. Gross premiums in 2004 include £9,186 million from Prudential's UK and European operations, an increase of 26% on 2003 primarily due to a substantial annuity transaction with Royal London which concluded in December 2004, £4,717 million from the US, an 8% increase due to higher variable annuity sales partially off set by lower fixed annuity sales and a 14% increase in Asia due to increased contributions from established operations.

        Gross premiums totaled £13,781 million in 2003 compared to £16,669 million in 2002. Gross premiums in 2003 include £7,264 million from Prudential's UK and European operations, a reduction of 16% on 2002 primarily due to lower with-profits bond sales and the closure of the German operation in January 2003 and £4,369 million from the US, a 28% reduction due to lower fixed annuity and institutional sales partially off-set by higher variable annuity sales, partly offset by a 13% increase in Asia.

United Kingdom and Europe

        Gross premiums increased by 26% in 2004 to £9,186 million from £7,264 million in 2003. In the UK gross premiums increased 27% in 2004, to £8,674 million compared to £6,850 million in 2003. The increase principally reflects the premiums of £1,108 million from a large annuity reinsurance treaty with Royal London.

        Gross premiums decreased 16% in 2003 to £7,264 million from £8,675 million in 2002. In the UK gross premiums decreased 19% in 2003, to £6,850 million compared to £8,435 million in 2002. The reduction principally reflects the decline in the single premium with-profits bond market in 2003.

United States

        Gross premiums in 2004 were £4,717 million, or 8% above 2003 levels of £4,369 million, due to higher sales of variable annuities, fixed-indexed annuities and institutional products, partially offset by lower fixed annuity sales.

        In 2004, JNL's retail sales of £3,568 million were slightly lower than the £3,580 million delivered in 2003. This was driven by record sales of variable annuities, which at £1,981 million were up 2% on 2003's record of £1,937 million offset by negative foreign exchange movements of £430 million. Fixed annuity sales in 2004 of £1,130 million were 18% below the prior year. This is due to the continued low interest rate environment in the US limiting demand for this product and JNL's prudent capital management. There was a lower rate of election of the fixed account option within variable annuities for the full-year 2004 of 29% compared with 48% in 2003. The election level of the fixed account option is important since such premiums are managed within the general account and require higher levels of capital to back the business than if the premiums remained within the variable annuity separate account. Total sales for the year were up 9% on 2003 to £4,420 million due to the slightly lower retail sales offset by a 75% increase in sales of institutional products to £852 million. Institutional sales are made opportunistically, based on capital availability and return expectation.

        Gross premiums in 2003 were £4,369 million, or 28% below 2002 levels of £6,098 million, due to lower sales of fixed annuities and institutional products, partially offset by higher variable annuity sales.

        In 2003, JNL's retail sales of £3,580 million represented its second best year, 18% lower than the record sales delivered in 2002. This was driven by record sales of variable annuities, which at £1,937 million were up 42% on 2002. While JNL was able to gain share in the fixed annuity marketplace, fixed annuity sales in 2003 of £1,375 million were 49% below the prior year. This is due to the continued low interest rate environment in the US limiting demand for this product and JNL's prudent capital management. There was a relatively high rate of election of the fixed account option within variable annuities for the full-year 2003 of 48% compared with 58% in 2002, although this had

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fallen below 30% in November and December. The election level of the fixed account option is important since such premiums are managed within the general account and require higher levels of capital to back the business than if the premiums remained within the variable annuity separate account. Total sales for the year were down 29% on 2002 to £4,066 million due to the lower retail sales together with a reduction in sales of institutional products. Institutional sales are made opportunistically, based on capital availability and return expectation. Lower institutional sales reflected JNL's focus on retail markets, and the active management of its capital position during the year.

Asia

        Gross premiums increased by 14% to £2,452 million in 2004 compared to £2,148 million in 2003. This growth reflects Prudential's successful strategy of entering new markets, strengthening and diversifying distribution channels and launching customer-focused products.

        The increase in gross premiums in 2004 mainly reflects a 37% increase in single premium sales from £482 million in 2003 to £662 million in 2004. Single premium sales in 2004 were £199 million in Singapore (up 10%), £255 million in Hong Kong (up 35%), £88 million in Taiwan (up 214%), £17 million in Japan (up 89%), £38 million in Indonesia (up 41%), £36 million in Korea (up 89%), £9 million in China (up 29%) and £5 million in India (up 25%) in each case, compared to 2003.

        The increase in gross premiums of 13% in 2003 mainly reflects a 9% increase in new regular (continuing) premium insurance sales from £465 million in 2002 to £507 million in 2003, and an 18% increase in renewal premiums from £952 million to £1,159 million over the same period. Single premium insurance increased from £479 million to £482 million. New regular premium insurance sales in 2003 were £57 million in Singapore (up 24%), £83 million in Hong Kong (down 1%), £59 million in Malaysia (in line with 2002), £132 million in Taiwan (down 9%), £35 million in Japan (down 10%), £31 million in Indonesia (up 63%) and £30 million in Korea (up 200%) in each case, compared to 2002.

        Single premium sales in 2003 included £189 million in Hong Kong (up 35%), £181 million in Singapore (down 35%), £28 million in Taiwan (up 100%) and £27 million in Indonesia (up 145%).

Investment Returns

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  Restated
2003

  Restated
2002

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Long-term business:              
Continuing operations:              
United Kingdom and Europe   12,028   13,030   (5,582 )
United States   1,120   1,188   1,393  
Asia(1)   644   700   116  
   
 
 
 
Total   13,792   14,918   (4,073 )
   
 
 
 

(1)
Investment returns for Asia shown above have been restated and represent investment returns from long-term business only. Investment products have been reclassified and are reported separately.

        The investment return for shareholder financed businesses, principally the operations in the United States, shown above represents long-term investment returns. For other businesses, investment returns represent income and realized and unrealized investment appreciation after deducting expenses.

        In 2004, investment returns from continuing operations fell from £14,918 million in 2003 to £13,792 million. This was due to a decrease of £1,002 million in the UK and European investment returns over the same period, reflecting a 13.4% positive return on PAC's long-term fund in 2004

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compared to a return of 16.5% in 2003. Meanwhile, US investment returns fell from £1,188 million in 2003 to £1,120 million in 2004 and Asian investment returns fell from £700 million in 2003 to £644 million in 2004.

        In 2003, investment returns improved from negative £4,073 million in 2002 to a positive return of £14,918 million. This was due to an increase of £18,612 million in the UK and European investment returns over the same period, reflecting a 16.5% positive return on PAC's long-term fund in 2003 compared to a negative return of 8.1% in 2002. Meanwhile, US investment returns fell from £1,393 million in 2002 to £1,188 million in 2003, whilst Asian investment returns increased from £116 million in 2002 to £700 million in 2003.

United Kingdom and Europe

        Total investment returns decreased from £13,030 million in 2003 to £12,028 million in 2004. Investment income primarily represents the return on the assets supporting the Prudential Assurance long-term fund. At December 31, 2004 33% of these assets were invested in UK equities, 15% in overseas equities, 29% in fixed maturities, 18% in real estate, and 5% in cash and other assets. The investment return on the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund was 13.4% in the year to December 31, 2004 compared with the rise in the FTSE 100 share index of 11.2% and the FTSE All-Share index of 12.8%.

        Total investment returns increased from negative £5,582 million in 2002 to positive £13,030 million in 2003. Investment income primarily represents the return on the assets supporting the Prudential Assurance long-term fund. At December 31, 2003, 33% of these assets were invested in UK equities, 15% in overseas equities, 31% in fixed maturities, 17% in real estate, and 4% in cash and other assets. The investment return on the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund was 16.5% in the year to December 31, 2003 compared with the rise in the FTSE 100 share index of 17.9% and the FTSE All-Share index of 20.9%.

United States

        In accordance with Group accounting policy (See Note 3 to the notes of Prudential's consolidated financial statements) the investment return for continuing US operations represents long-term investment returns and is analyzed as below:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Continuing operations:            
Actual investment income and realized gains and losses   1,279   1,281   1,135
Adjustment from actual to long-term investment returns   (159 ) (93 ) 258
   
 
 
Total   1,120   1,188   1,393
   
 
 

        Investment returns for continuing operations of £1,120 million in 2004 represented a 6% decrease from 2003. Investment returns in 2004 continued to be adversely affected by defaults and impairments on bonds as realized gains and losses on bonds are recognized on a five-year averaging basis. This resulted in a £102 million charge to the current year operating result. Actual net gains on bonds, including defaults and impairments, were significantly higher than each of the last two years at £41 million (net of related amortization of deferred acquisition costs).

        Investment income for continuing operations (before realized gains and losses and net of investment expenses) was £1,316 million in 2004 compared with £1,437 million in 2003. This reflects investment yields of 5.55% on average invested assets of £24,112 million in 2004, versus investment yields of

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5.49% on average invested assets of £26,608 million in 2003. The 9% decrease in average invested assets is due to adverse exchange rate movements of £2,913 million and lower institutional product liabilities partially offset by higher product liabilities for fixed annuities, fixed-indexed annuities and variable annuities electing the fixed account option.

        Investment returns for continuing operations of £1,188 million in 2003 represented a 15% decrease over 2002. Investment returns in 2003 continued to be adversely affected by defaults and impairments on bonds as realized gains and losses on bonds are recognized on a five-year averaging basis. This resulted in a £123 million charge to the current year operating result. Actual net losses on bonds, including defaults and impairments, were significantly lower than each of the last two years at £39 million (net of related amortization of deferred acquisition costs).

        Investment income for continuing operations (before realized gains and losses and net of investment expenses) was £1,437 million in 2003 compared with £1,533 million in 2002. This reflects investment yields of 5.49% on average invested assets of £26,608 million in 2003, versus investment yields of 5.78% on average invested assets of £26,957 million in 2002. The 1% decrease in average invested assets is due to adverse exchange rate movements of £2,090 million, lower institutional product liabilities, partially offset by higher sales of fixed annuities and variable annuities electing the fixed account option. The fall in investment yield is due primarily to reinvestment activity in a declining interest rate environment.

Asia

        Actual investment returns for 2004 were £644 million, slightly lower than the £700 million in 2003. The decrease principally reflects adverse currency movements. The 2003 actual investment return of £700 million was a significant improvement on £116 million in 2002. The improvement principally reflects an increase in unrealized investment gains in Taiwan and Japan combined with a reduction in unrealized losses in Singapore.

Expenses

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Long-term business:              
United Kingdom and Europe   (1,260 ) (1,156 ) (1,140 )
United States   (230 ) (185 ) (243 )
Asia   (495 ) (503 ) (422 )
   
 
 
 
Total   (1,985 ) (1,844 ) (1,805 )
   
 
 
 

        Total expenses of £1,985 million in 2004 were 8% higher than the £1,844 million of expenses incurred in 2003, reflecting a £104 million increase in UK and European expenses and £45 million increase in United States partly offset by a reduction in Asia.

        Total expenses of £1,844 million in 2003 were higher than the £1,805 million of expenses incurred in 2002, reflecting an increase in Asia expenses offset by a reduction in the United States.

United Kingdom and Europe

        Total UK and Europe expenses in 2004 were £1,260 million, compared to £1,156 million in 2003 and £1,140 million in 2002. The increase of £104 million in 2004 on 2003 mainly reflects an increase in commission on Credit Life, Prudential's loan protection insurance business, of £327 million partially

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offset by a decrease in DAC of £192 million compared to last year in which the impairment of DAC was reflected following an assessment of its recoverability in the light of persistency levels.

        Total UK and Europe expenses in 2003 were £1,156 million, compared to £1,140 million in 2002. The increase of £16 million in 2003 on 2002 mainly reflected the impairment of DAC following an assessment of its recoverability in light of persistency levels.

United States

        Expenses of £230 million in 2004 were 24% higher than expenses in 2003 of £185 million. The increase in expenses primarily reflects higher DAC amortization resulting primarily from increased gross profits in the variable annuity and fixed-indexed products.

        DAC is calculated using a long-term return assumption which is implemented through the use of a mean reversion methodology. If the mean reversion was eliminated as of December 31, 2004, the variable annuity DAC carrying value would be reduced by approximately £6 million.

        Expenses of £185 million in 2003 were 24% lower than expenses in 2002 of £243 million. The reduction in expenses primarily reflects lower DAC amortization for variable annuity products. The fall in variable annuity DAC amortization in 2003 was primarily due to improved equity market performance. In 2002, the effect of poor equity market performance was due to lower expected future profits in the variable annuity book to the level where the variable annuity DAC asset was impaired and a write-off was required.

Asia

        Total Asian expenses in 2004 were £495 million, a decrease of £8 million compared to £503 million in 2003, and £422 million in 2002. This reflects favorable currency movements offset by the costs of continued building of scale.

Benefits and Claims

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Long-term business:              
United Kingdom and Europe   (14,950 ) (13,217 ) (7,912 )
United States   (5,339 ) (5,152 ) (7,050 )
Asia   (2,279 ) (2,044 ) (1,421 )
   
 
 
 
Total   (22,568 ) (20,413 ) (16,383 )
   
 
 
 

        Benefits and claims represent payments, including final bonuses, to policyholders in respect of maturities, surrenders and deaths plus the change in technical provisions (which primarily represents the movement in amounts owed to policyholders).

        Total benefits and claims increased by £2,155 million in 2004 to £22,568 million, compared to £20,413 million in 2003. This principally reflects an increase of £1,733 million, or 13%, with respect to the United Kingdom and Europe, an increase of £235 million in Asia and a £187 million increase in the United States. In 2004, the £1,733 million increase in the United Kingdom and Europe's benefits and claims mainly reflects an increase in payment to policyholders, while in the United States the £187 million increase reflects a combination of higher death benefits, surrenders, maturities and a change in technical provisions.

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        Total benefits and claims increased by £4,030 million in 2003 to £20,413 million, compared to £16,383 million in 2002. This principally reflects an increase of £5,305 million, or 67%, with respect to the United Kingdom and Europe, an increase of £623 million in Asia, partly offset by a £1,898 million reduction in the United States. In 2003, the £5,305 million increase in the United Kingdom and Europe's benefits and claims reflects an increase in the technical provisions, while in the United States the reduction reflects a combination of lower death benefits, surrenders and maturities.

United Kingdom and Europe

        Overall benefits and claims increased from £13,217 million in 2003 to £14,950 million in 2004. Within this total, payments to policyholders amounted to £8,476 million in 2003 and £9,475 million in 2004. Payment to policyholders have increased across most types of business but in particular there were some large with-profits Prudence Bond surrenders and a few large pensions schemes surrendered their business from Prudential. In 2003 technical provisions increased by £4,741 million and in 2004 they increased by £5,475 million. The movement mainly arises from the impact of the annuity reinsurance treaty with Royal London partially offset by the impact of the Prudence Bond and large pension scheme surrenders mentioned above.

        Overall benefits and claims increased from £7,912 million in 2002 to £13,217 million in 2003. Within this total, payments to policyholders were relatively stable, amounting to £8,696 million in 2002 and £8,476 million in 2003. However, the change in technical provisions, or liabilities relating to long-term business, was markedly different in the two years—in 2002 technical provisions fell by £784 million whereas in 2003 they increased by £4,741 million. The movement in technical provision arises from the improved investment returns earned over the period.

        The annual movements in benefits and claims also include changes in the pension mis-selling provision, which decreased in 2004, 2003 and 2002. For a detailed analysis of this provision, see Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—Compliance—Pension Mis-selling". With the consent of the UK regulator, the total cost of pension mis-selling is included within the transfer to the fund for future appropriations of the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund. Payments related to pension mis-selling will be met from the surplus assets in the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund and not from amounts intended to fund existing and future bonuses.

        As described in "United Kingdom—Basis of Profits" above, because shareholders' profit from the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund represents an amount of up to one-ninth of the value of that year's bonus declaration to policyholders, shareholders' profit from the fund has not been affected by the increase in the provision for pension mis-selling. Given the strength of the fund, Prudential does not believe that pension mis-selling costs will have an adverse impact on the levels of bonuses paid to policyholders and, therefore, shareholders' profit from the fund. In the unlikely event that this proves not to be the case, Prudential's intention would be that an appropriate contribution to the long-term with-profits fund be made from shareholders' funds with a consequential impact on shareholders' profit.

United States

        In 2004, benefits and claims increased by 4% to £5,339 million. This movement reflects a 10% increase in death benefits, maturities, and surrenders of deposit products to £2,964 million, and a 3% decrease in the change in technical provisions to £2,375 million.

        The increase in death benefits, maturities and surrenders of deposit products in 2004 primarily reflects an increase in fixed and variable annuity benefits. The overall change in technical provisions to £2,375 million represents an increase of £571 million primarily due to an increase in fixed annuity liabilities and an increase in variable annuity liabilities where customers have elected the fixed account

135



option, together with a £1,804 million increase in separate account liabilities. The increase in separate account liabilities is largely due to the increase in sales of variable annuities and an improvement in equity markets.

        Average deposit liabilities of £22,756 million in 2004 were 9% lower than 2003's average of £25,128 million, due to adverse foreign exchange movements of £2,748 million, partially offset by sales of fixed annuities, fixed-indexed annuities and variable annuities electing the fixed account option. Lowering of crediting rates in 2004 resulted in a lower average interest credited rate of 3.58% in 2004, compared to 4.10% in 2003. Interest credited on deposit liabilities fell by £215 million to £814 million primarily due to adverse foreign exchange rate movements, together with falling crediting rates, partially offset by growth in deposit liabilities.

        In 2003, benefits and claims fell by 27% to £5,152 million. This movement reflects a 40% decrease in death benefits, maturities, and surrenders of deposit products to £2,698 million, and a 4% decrease in the change in technical provisions to £2,454 million.

        The decrease in death benefits, maturities and surrenders of deposit products in 2003 primarily reflects reduced institutional product surrenders and maturities partially offset by an increase in fixed and variable annuity benefits. The overall change in technical provisions of £2,454 million represents an increase of £826 million primarily due to an increase in fixed annuity liabilities and an increase in variable annuity liabilities where customers have elected the fixed account option, together with a £1,628 million increase in separate account liabilities. The increase in separate account liabilities is largely due to the increase in sales of variable annuities and an improvement in equity markets.

        Average deposit liabilities of £25,128 million in 2003 were 1% lower than 2002's average of £25,354 million, due to foreign exchange movements of £2,087 million, partially offset by higher sales of fixed annuities and sales of variable annuities electing the fixed account option. Lowering of crediting rates in 2003 resulted in a lower average interest credited rate of 4.10% in 2003, compared to 4.46% in 2002. Interest credited on deposit liabilities fell by £100 million to £1,029 million primarily due to foreign exchange rate movements, together with falling crediting rates, partially offset by growth in deposit liabilities.

Asia

        In 2004, benefits and claims totaled £2,279 million, up 11% on £2,044 million in 2003 reflecting the increasing maturity of the business. In 2003, benefits and claims totaled £2,044 million, up 44% on 2002.

Transfer (to) from the Fund for Future Appropriations

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Long-term business:              
United Kingdom and Europe   (3,928 ) (4,852 ) 5,576  
United States        
Asia   (97 ) (169 ) (56 )
   
 
 
 
Total   (4,025 ) (5,021 ) 5,520  
   
 
 
 

        The fund for future appropriations ("FFA") represents the excess of assets over policyholder liabilities for the Group's with-profits funds. The annual excess or shortfall of income over expenditures of the with-profits fund, after declaration and attribution of the cost of bonuses to policyholders and shareholders, is transferred to or from the FFA each year through a charge or credit to the profit and

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loss account. The balance retained in the FFA represents cumulative retained earnings arising on the with-profits business that have not been allocated to policyholders or shareholders. The balance retained in the FFA is determined after full provision for deferred tax on unrealized appreciation on investments. The FFA in respect of SAIF is wholly attributable, but not allocated, to policyholders of that fund. As no with-profits business is written in the United States, there are no transfers to or from the fund for future appropriations and all profits are attributable directly to shareholders.

United Kingdom and Europe

        The transfer to the fund for future appropriations in 2004 of £3,928 million compares to a transfer to the fund of £4,852 million in 2003. The change in 2004 predominantly reflects an investment return of positive 13.4% on the Prudential Assurance long-term fund compared to an investment return of positive 16.5% in 2003.

        The transfer to the fund for future appropriations in 2003 of £4,852 million compares to a transfer from the fund of £5,576 million in 2002, a difference of £10,428 million. The change in 2003 predominantly reflects an investment return of positive 16.5% on the Prudential Assurance long-term fund compared to negative 8.1% in 2002.

Asia

        The FFA in Asia relates to Prudential's operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia and operates under the same principles as UK GAAP; the long-term technical provisions include provision for declared annual and terminal bonuses. The charge for the cost of bonuses is recognized in the movement in the long-term business provision in the long-term business technical account. No technical provisions are made for bonuses beyond that covered in the current bonus declaration period. All amounts of the with-profits funds not yet allocated to policyholders or shareholders are recorded in the FFA. Changes to the FFA are charged or credited to the profit and loss account

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New UK Accounting Pronouncements

        There have been no changes in accounting policies for the preparation of the 2004 UK GAAP results with the exception of UITF Abstract 38 "Accounting for ESOP Trusts" which requires the company to present the cost of acquiring shares held in trusts for employee incentive plans as a deduction in determining shareholder's funds. The effect of the change in policy is to reduce the Group's shareholders funds at January 1, 2004 from the previously published December 31, level by £38 million. Comparative balance sheet amounts have been restated accordingly. The impact on the profit and loss is immaterial.

        The Accounting Standards Board ("ASB") published FRS 27 "Life Assurance" in December 2004. The implementation of FRS 27 is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") agreed between the UK's leading life assurance companies, the Association of British Insurers, and the ASB. Under the terms of the MoU certain unaudited narrative and numerical disclosures were required to be published in the Company's 2004 UK Annual Report. These disclosures do not form part of the Company's financial statements and are unaudited.

        In summary, the requirements address the following areas:

        The impact on the Group's income statement and balance sheet as a result of adopting FRS 27 (as part of the Implementation of IFRS basis reporting (page 106) during 2005 will be confined to the Group's UK with-profit funds. Under FRS 27, the main changes that are required for UK with-profits funds are the de-recognition of deferred acquisition costs and related deferred tax; and, the replacement of modified statutory basis liabilities for with-profits business with adjusted realistic basis liabilities.

        Adjusted realistic liabilities represent the Peak 2 or "realistic peak" realistic liabilities for with-profits business included in Form 19 of the FSA regulatory returns, after excluding the element for shareholders' share of the future bonuses. This latter item is recognized as a liability for the purposes of regulatory returns but, for accounting purposes under FRS 27, consistent with the current basis of financial reporting, shareholder transfers are recognized only on declaration.

        Applying this methodology, the excess of realistic assets over realistic liabilities, including the FSA Peak 2 basis of the value of in-force non-participating business written by the with-profits sub-fund and SAIF for the PAC with-profits fund (including the Hong Kong branch and SAIF) at December 31, 2004, is estimated to be £8.9 billion. This compares with the Fund for Future Appropriations attributable to these funds at December 31, 2004 of £16.3 billion. Other changes arising from the implementation of IFRS will further affect the accounting value of the unallocated surplus of with-profits funds.

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US GAAP Analysis

US GAAP Analysis

        Prudential's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK GAAP, which differs in certain material respects from US GAAP. Information related to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Notes 36 and 37 to Prudential's consolidated financial statements in this document.

        The most significant difference in the results of operations between UK GAAP and US GAAP is the treatment of the with-profits business.

        Under UK GAAP, profit attributable to shareholders in respect of Prudential's with-profits business reflects up to one-ninth of the value of bonuses paid to policyholders. To the extent the annual earnings of the with-profits fund exceed policyholder bonuses and related shareholder distributions, this excess is added to the fund for future appropriations by a charge to the profit and loss account. However, to the extent the annual earnings of the with-profits fund are less than policyholder bonuses and related shareholder distributions, the shortfall is transferred from the fund for future appropriations.

        Under US GAAP, the impact of pre-bonus operating results within the with-profits fund is reflected in net income in the period in which it occurs. However, 90% of these results are allocated to with-profits policyholders by a charge to net income. The residual 10% interest is allocated to shareholders.

        This treatment of Prudential's with-profits fund under US GAAP causes profits attributable to shareholders to be strongly influenced by annual investment returns, particularly on equities. Annual investment returns include unrealized gains and losses and, accordingly, these returns and shareholders' profits will be subject to considerable volatility in the US GAAP figures.

        Other material differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP results include the method of deferral and amortization of acquisition costs, the accounting for certain investments and derivative instruments, accounting for real estate, revenue and claims recognition on investment type contracts, the measurement of and changes in policyholder benefit and dividend liabilities, and their related deferred income tax effects.

        Prior to the second half of 2004 for purposes of its US GAAP reconciliation, the Group was amortizing rent-free periods provided to tenants in the Group's investment property portfolio on a straight line basis over a period generally shorter than the lease term. In the second half of 2004, the Group changed its method of accounting for these rent-free periods to amortize these over the lease term on a straight-line basis consistent with US GAAP requirements. The cumulative effect of this correction resulted in the Group recording £68 million gross of tax (£48 million net of tax) of additional rental income in the second half of 2004, of which £60 million gross of tax (£42 million net of tax) related to SAIF. The impact of this change was included within investment results and increased income before taxes and net income in the Group's condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income and comprehensive income. The impact of this correction to the current period and prior periods was not material to the Group. See Notes 36 and 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

US GAAP Critical Accounting Policies

        Although there are a number of differences between accounting policies under UK GAAP and US GAAP, the critical accounting policies under US GAAP relates to the provision for policy liabilities and the treatment of the with-profits business.

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Provision for Policy Liabilities

        The concept of providing for policy liabilities is consistent with that under UK GAAP, in that the liabilities are estimated using actuarial methods based on assumptions about premiums, interest rates, investment returns, expenses, mortality and surrenders. However, the underlying classification of policies, reserving methodology and assumptions are different. If actual results differ from the assumptions used then the value of the liabilities would need to be adjusted.

        For unitized with-profits life insurance and other investment-type policies, the liability is represented by the policyholders' account balances before any applicable surrender charges. Policyholder benefit liabilities for conventional with-profits life insurance and other protection-type insurance policies are developed using the net level premium method, with assumptions for interest, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals and expenses using best estimates at the date of policy issue plus provisions for adverse deviation based on group experience. Interest assumptions range from 0.935% to 12%. When the policyholder benefit liability plus the present value of expected future gross premiums are insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses, using current best estimate assumptions, deferred acquisition costs are written down and/or a deficiency liability is established by a charge to earnings.

        The impact of changes would depend upon whether or not the liabilities being adjusted are for with-profits business, non-participating business of Prudential Annuities Limited (which is owned by the Prudential Assurance long-term fund) or shareholder financed long-term business operations.

        For with-profits business, adjustments to liabilities and any related tax effects, are recognized in the income statement. However, an amount equal to nine-tenths of the related increase or decrease in pre-bonus earnings of the with-profits fund is transferred to or from the Undistributed Policyholder Allocation. US GAAP shareholder profits are therefore only affected to the extent of one-tenth of the change in liabilities.

        This effect also applies to changes in liabilities of Prudential Annuities Limited. To the extent that movements in liabilities are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income as shadow adjustments to the income statement under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 115 ("Accounting for certain investments in debt and equity securities", (FAS 115)), an amount equal to nine-tenths of the movement is recognized within Other Comprehensive Income as a consequential change to the Undistributed Policyholder Allocation. Net movements on Other Comprehensive Income for this item will therefore reflect only one-tenth of the gross change.

        For shareholder financed long-term business operations, other than for exchange translation effects, changes to policy liabilities will be directly reflected in net income.

Treatment of With-profits Business

        Under UK GAAP, as described in "—Analysis by Geographic Region—United Kingdom—Basis of Profits" the shareholders' profit in respect of with-profits business represents an amount of up to one-ninth of the value of that year's bonus declaration to policyholders. As a consequence, current year amounts in respect of premiums, investment returns and operating expenses do not have an effect on the profit attributable to shareholders in that year. Consistent with this treatment, as mentioned in "—UK GAAP Critical Accounting Policies", amounts retained within with-profits funds are accounted for within the fund for future appropriations.

        For US GAAP purposes, the provision for the policyholders' share of earnings on with-profits business charged to income represents 90% of the current year's pre-bonus earnings, before income taxes. As a result, reported profit is directly impacted by current year amounts in respect of premiums, investment returns and operating expenses. As most investments of with-profits operations are

140



accounted for on a trading basis, the shareholders' 10% share of the pre-bonus earnings is likely to be highly volatile from year to year as a result of the fluctuations in investment markets.

Investment Returns

        Except primarily for Jackson National Life and UK annuity business (other than with-profits) all investment returns for long-term insurance business are accounted for on a trading basis. Accordingly investment returns reported in the income statement include unrealized gains and losses. This reflects the fact that policyholder benefits, in particular for with-profits business, includes the impact of unrealized appreciation over time through the bonus mechanism.

Impairment of Assets

        The group conducts regular impairment reviews in respect of those investment securities held on an available for sale basis. The group considers indicators, such as serious downgrades in credit ratings, breach of covenants or failure to make interest payments, that may suggest that interest and principal may not be paid in full. Any impairment losses that are not considered temporary are recognized in the profit and loss account. In assessing the fair value for impairment testing purposes where third party information is not available, the group performs alternative valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis, option-adjusted spread models, and enterprise valuation.

        Among the factors considered are whether the decline in fair value results from a change in the quality of the security itself, or from a downward movement in the market as a whole, and the likelihood of recovering the carrying value based on the current and short term prospects of the issuer. Unrealized losses that are considered to be primarily the result of market conditions, such as increasing interest rates, unusual market volatility or industry-related events, and where the group also believes there exists a reasonable expectation for recovery and, furthermore it has the intent and ability to hold the investment until maturity or the market recovers, are usually determined to be temporary.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

        Commissions, salesforce direct costs and costs associated with policy issue and underwriting that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new and renewal contracts are deferred. Deferred acquisition costs are regularly evaluated for recoverability and amounts determined not to be recoverable are charged to income. Deferred acquisition costs for conventional with-profits life insurance and other protection-type insurance policies are amortized in relation to premium income using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policyholder benefit provisions. Deferred acquisition costs for unitized with-profits life insurance and investment-type policies are amortized in relation to expected gross profits. Expected gross profits are evaluated regularly against actual experience and revised estimates of future gross profits and amortization are adjusted for the effect of any changes. Deferred acquisition costs associated with internally replaced policies are written off in the year replacement occurs and the incremental commissions and selling costs of the replacement contract are capitalized and amortized over the life of the replacement policy.

        The deferral and amortization of deferred acquisition costs is of most relevance to the Group's reported profits for shareholder financed long-term business operations, principally Jackson National Life in the United States. In 2004, the amortization of deferred acquisition costs were at expected levels. Equity market performance in 2003 improved expected profits on variable annuity lines and resulted in a £69 million ($112 million) lower amortization charge than 2002. In 2002, for Jackson National Life, poor equity market performance lowered future expected profits on the variable annuity line through lower fee income and an increased provision for future guaranteed minimum death benefit claims. As a result, the deferred acquisition cost asset associated with the variable annuities became impaired. No such deferred acquisition cost asset impairments were recorded in 2004 or 2003 due to improved equity

141



market performance. However, further impairments or accelerated amortization of this deferred acquisition cost asset may result if future equity market returns are below assumed levels.

        For with-profits funds, the shareholder impact of the accounting policy for acquisition costs is limited to 10% of the direct income statement and balance sheet effect due to 90% of the excess of US GAAP basis assets (including deferred acquisition costs) over liabilities in the funds being allocated to the Undistributed Policyholder Allocation. Accordingly, after this allocation, income before tax includes effectively only 10% of the amortization of deferred acquisition costs and shareholders' equity includes effectively only a 10% shareholder interest in the balance sheet carrying value of deferred acquisition costs.

Deferred Income Tax

        Deferred taxes are provided under the liability method for all temporary differences except for undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not expected to be remitted for an indefinite period. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to adjustment for valuation allowances when it is more likely than not that the underlying tax benefit will not be realized.

        In the United Kingdom the taxation regime applies separate rules to trading and capital profits and losses. The distinction between timing differences that arise from items of either a capital or trading nature may affect the recognition of deferred tax assets under FRS 19 and similarly under FAS 109. Accordingly, for the 2004 results and balance sheet position at December 31, 2004, the possible net tax benefit, which may arise from capital losses valued at approximately £1.7 billion, is sufficiently uncertain that it has not been recognized. The value of these carry forwards remains unchanged from 2002.

Derivative Financial Instruments

        Under US GAAP, derivative financial instruments may only be accounted for as hedges where they are appropriately documented and comply with the strict criteria as required by FAS 133. Derivative financial instruments held by the group's with-profits operations are generally entered into for the purposes of efficient portfolio management rather than as hedges. Consistent with the accounting treatment of other investment assets of with-profits funds, the movements in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized in the income statement with shareholders net income reflecting, as part of the 10% of pre-bonus earnings of the fund, 10% of the movement in the values of the derivative instruments.

        For the group's shareholder financed long-term business operations, principally Jackson National Life, which accounts for investments under FAS 115 on an Available-For-Sale basis, the impact of temporary movements in the values of these investments are recorded within Other Comprehensive Income. However, although Jackson National Life uses derivatives (primarily interest rate swaps) to hedge certain risks in conjunction with its asset/liability program, it has elected not to incur the costs of restructuring its derivative contracts, segregating investment portfolios and adding the systems personnel required to qualify for hedge accounting treatment on an ongoing basis. Accordingly, value movements on its derivative financial instruments are recognized in income while the largely offsetting change in fair value of hedged investments are reflected in other comprehensive income in the balance sheet as unrealized gains and losses.

Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF)

        For UK GAAP purposes, no effect is recorded for SAIF, reflecting the sole interests of policyholders in the performance of the fund. In years prior to 2004, a nil post-tax result was reported by SAIF for US GAAP purposes in order to reflect the ring-fenced nature of the fund but a pre-tax shareholder result was recorded as SAIF was accounted for as separate account business. However, since the adoption of SOP 03-1, SAIF no longer qualifies for the separate account treatment and reports in 2004, a loss of £

142



645 million (gross of tax) as a result of reflecting its real estate at depreciated historical cost. Of this total £469 million accounts for the cumulative impact of change in accounting principle.

Changes in Net Income on Application of US GAAP

        The following table analyzes the adjustments to consolidated profit and loss in accordance with UK GAAP on application of US GAAP for the operations and periods indicated.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Consolidated profit and loss in accordance with UK GAAP   428   208   468  
US GAAP adjustments:              
  With-profits fund   331   417   (773 )
  Other operations   (668 ) 40   (52 )
   
 
 
 
    (337 ) 457   (825 )
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss) in accordance with US GAAP   91   665   (357 )
   
 
 
 

Comprising:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Net income (loss) from continuing operations after minority interests*   678   692   (642 )
  Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations including profit on disposals*   (69 ) (27 ) 285  
  Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles   (518 )    
   
 
 
 
    91   665   (357 )
   
 
 
 

*
The 2003 and 2002 figures for these lines have been restated for the discontinued operations of Jackson Federal Bank and Egg France

        On a US GAAP basis, including profit on disposals, consolidated net income (loss) totaled £91 million, £665 million and £(357) million in 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively. Consolidated net income (loss) on a US GAAP basis was £337 million lower and £457 million more than consolidated profit under UK GAAP for 2004 and 2003, respectively. The US GAAP adjustments to UK GAAP consolidated profit and loss in respect of the with-profits fund were increases of £331 million and £417 million in 2004 and 2003 respectively, and a reduction of £773 million in 2002. The table below

143


analyzes the shareholders' 10% interest in the adjustments to the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund's results, as reflected above.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
US GAAP adjustments:              
  Land and buildings   (86 ) (44 ) (10 )
  Business acquisitions and investments in associates              
    Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   (1 )    
  Investment securities   (28 ) (7 ) (34 )
  Revenue and expense recognition   0   (23 ) (17 )
  Deferred acquisition costs   (1 ) 4   20  
  Policy liabilities (including cumulative effect of change in accounting principle)   110   96   (329 )
  Movement in UK basis excess assets over liabilities   359   406   (414 )
  Other   (11 ) (10 ) 2  
  Deferred tax effect of the above adjustments   (11 ) (5 ) 9  
   
 
 
 
    331   417   (773 )
   
 
 
 

        The adjustment for movement in the UK basis excess of assets over liabilities in 2004 of £359 million when compared to the £406 million in 2003 reflects relatively stable investment returns.

        The increase in the US GAAP adjustment for movement in the UK basis excess of assets over liabilities from a negative amount of £414 million in 2002 to a positive amount of £406 million in 2003 primarily reflects strong investment returns during 2003 compared to weaker returns during 2002.

        The increase in US GAAP adjustments for policy liabilities from a negative amount of £329 million in 2002 to a positive amount of £96 million in 2003 was as a result of poor investment returns over the previous three years, which produced UK GAAP unitized with-profits policy liabilities that are lower than fund value. This impact has been partially offset by strong positive investment returns in 2003, which remained relatively stable through 2004. Further explanation is provided in Note 36 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.

        The other main effects on the accounting for the income and expenditure of the with-profits fund on a US GAAP basis are:

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        The following table analyzes the US GAAP adjustments for other operations.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Business acquisitions and investments in associates   98   96   95  
Land and buildings:              
  Investment results   (203 ) (5 )  
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   (638 )    
Investment securities   (78 ) (94 ) (45 )
Derivative instruments   95   119   (204 )
Revenue and expense recognition   (378 ) (261 ) (221 )
Deferred acquisition costs   104   139   41  
Policy liabilities   170   32   266  
Equalization provision       (40 )
Profit on disposals   (5 ) 38    
Pension plans   (27 ) (16 ) 14  
Deferred income tax       (13 )
Other   8     (6 )
Deferred tax effect:              
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles   117      
  Other adjustments above   69   (8 ) 61  
   
 
 
 
    (668 ) 40   (52 )
   
 
 
 

        The US GAAP adjustments for business acquisitions and investments in associates primarily reflects the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Tangible Assets" (FAS 142), on January 1, 2002. Under FAS 142, amortization relating to goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets is discontinued. These assets are then subject to an impairment test at least annually. Any impairments are charged to net income. Under UK GAAP, goodwill for acquisitions up to 1997 has been charged to equity in the year of acquisition.

        Upon adoption of SOP 03-1 in 2004, certain land and buildings, previously reported at fair value within separate account, were reclassified to the general account at depreciated historic cost. This resulted in a transitional charge of £638 million gross of tax to reflect the accumulated depreciation and reversal of unrealized gains on the land and buildings. The tax credit relating to this charge is £117 million resulting in an overall net of tax charge of £521 million.

        The US GAAP adjustments for revenue and expense recognition primarily reflect the deferral of premiums and policy charges relating to future periods. Under UK GAAP these considerations and related expenses are, on recognition, recorded within the profit and loss account. The UK to US GAAP adjustments for deferred acquisition costs primarily relate to differences in what is allowed to be capitalized as an asset associated recoverability tests, and, amortization profiles. See Notes 36 and 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

        Under UK GAAP, upon disposal of the UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business in 2002, equalization provisions of £40 million were reversed increasing the gain on disposal. These equalization provisions were not carried under US GAAP and therefore the gain concerning the provision is reversed.

        Profit on sale of Jackson Federal Bank in 2004 on a US GAAP basis was £5 million lower than on a UK basis. The difference reflects the accumulated goodwill amortization under UK GAAP.

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        Profit on sale of the German life business in 2003 on a US GAAP basis was £38 million higher than on a UK basis. The difference reflects the deferral and matching of premiums and policy charges relating to future periods in relation to the future expected benefits of £31 million and different carrying values of policy liabilities and deferred acquisition costs of £7 million.

Changes in Shareholders' Funds on Application of US GAAP

        The following table shows the adjustments in shareholders' funds from UK GAAP to consolidated shareholders' equity under US GAAP for the operations and periods indicated.

 
  At December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
 
  (In £ Millions)

Shareholders' funds in accordance with UK GAAP*   4,281   3,240
US GAAP adjustments:        
  With-profits fund   1,384   1,030
  Other operations*   262   858
   
 
    1,646   1,888
   
 
Shareholders' equity in accordance with US GAAP   5,927   5,128
   
 

*
The 2003 figures for these lines have been restated. See Note 4 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.

        Shareholders' equity was greater under US GAAP than UK GAAP in 2004 and 2003, respectively, by £1,646 million and £1,888 million. The greater equity in respect of with-profits business was £1,384 million at December 31, 2004 and £1,030 million at December 31, 2003. This difference predominantly reflects the attribution to shareholders of a 10% interest in the excess of assets over liabilities held within the with-profits fund.

        The following table analyzes the shareholders' 10% interests in adjustments to the with-profits fund as reflected above.

 
  At December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
US GAAP adjustments:          
Land and buildings   (534 ) (448 )
Revenue and expense recognition   (114 ) (164 )
Deferred acquisition costs   142   149  
Policy liabilities   459   398  
UK basis excess of assets over liabilities   1,485   1,124  
Recognition of pension scheme minimum liability   (111 ) (115 )
Other   79   89  
Deferred tax effect of the above adjustments   (22 ) (3 )
   
 
 
    1,384   1,030  
   
 
 

        Under UK GAAP, the excess of assets over liabilities within the with-profits fund is not allocated between policyholders and shareholders. Under US GAAP, shareholders are credited with a 10% interest in the adjusted excess of assets over liabilities.

        The other main effects on the accounting for the assets and liabilities in the with-profits fund are:

146


        The following table analyzes US GAAP adjustments to shareholders' interests in other operations.

 
  At December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Business acquisitions and investments in associates   531   461  
Land and buildings   (845 )  
Investment securities   1,025   1,180  
Revenue and expense recognition   (1,199 ) (848 )
Deferred acquisition costs   201   6  
Policy liabilities   589   333  
Pension plans   221   248  
Recognition of minimum pension liability   (320 ) (333 )
Shareholder dividend liability   253   214  
Derivative instruments   (235 ) (335 )
Other*   16   57  
Deferred tax effect of the above adjustments   25   (125 )
   
 
 
    262   858  
   
 
 

*
The 2003 figure for this line has been restated. See Note 4 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.

        For other operations, shareholders' equity on a US GAAP basis was higher than that on a UK GAAP basis by £262 million in 2004 but higher by £858 million in 2003, as adjusted to reflect the UK GAAP implementation of UITF Abstract 38 "Accounting for ESOP Trusts".

        The principal reasons for the increase in consolidated shareholders' equity under US GAAP for other operations compared to consolidated shareholders' funds under UK GAAP are:

        The incremental effects of the above items have been considerably reduced by the implementation of SOP 03-1 "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Non-traditional Long Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts" in 2004. The adoption of the provisions of SOP 03-1 resulted in real estate previously carried at fair value within separate account assets now being carried at depreciated historical cost with a total charge to shareholders' equity of £894 million in 2004. See Notes 36 and 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

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Available-for-Sale Debt and Equity Securities

        For US GAAP purposes, the group has classified certain debt, other fixed income and equity securities principally in relation to Jackson National Life and the UK annuity business as available-for-sale. Securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value and changes in unrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity. Impairments in the value of available-for-sale securities that are considered other than temporary are reflected as realized losses in net income. The group's available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

 
  Amortized
Cost or Cost

  Gross
Unrealized
Gains

  Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)

  Estimated
Fair Value

 
  (In £ Millions)

December 31, 2004                
Fixed maturities—available-for-sale                
  UK government securities   3,211   153   (4 ) 3,360
  US government and other governments   2,947   226   (3 ) 3,170
  Local government securities   716   31   (1 ) 746
  Corporate securities   28,721   2,435   (100 ) 31,056
  Mortgage-backed securities   3,291   97   (21 ) 3,367
  Other debt securities   1,397   9   (14 ) 1,392
   
 
 
 
Total fixed maturities—available-for-sale   40,283   2,951   (143 ) 43,091
Equity securities—available-for-sale   391   78   (1 ) 468
   
 
 
 
Total available for sale fixed maturities and equity securities   40,674   3,029   (144 ) 43,559
   
 
 
 
December 31, 2003                
Fixed maturities—available-for-sale                
  UK government securities   3,337   77   (25 ) 3,389
  US government and other governments   667   57   (1 ) 723
  Local government securities   264   84     348
  Corporate securities   29,562   2,522   (154 ) 31,930
  Mortgage-backed securities   4,435   124   (40 ) 4,519
  Other debt securities   1,365   14   (9 ) 1,370
   
 
 
 
Total fixed maturities—available-for-sale   39,630   2,878   (229 ) 42,279
Equity securities—available-for-sale   472   47   (13 ) 506
   
 
 
 
Total available for sale fixed maturities and equity securities   40,102   2,925   (242 ) 42,785
   
 
 
 

        Fair value for listed securities or otherwise actively traded securities is based on their quoted market price. The group's determination of fair value for unlisted or inactively traded securities without a readily ascertainable market value is generally based on values provided by independent sources, including broker-dealer provided estimates. Where third party information is not available, the group performs alternative valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis, option-adjusted spread models, and enterprise valuation. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, available-for-sale securities without a readily ascertainable market value having a cost of £8,885 million and £9,427 million, respectively, had an estimated fair value of £9,421 million and £9,862 million, respectively.

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        As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the amount of gross unrealized losses and related fair value, by investment type included in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholder's equity, was as follows:

 
  December 31, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
 
  Estimated
Fair Value

  Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)

  Estimated
Fair Value

  Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)

 
 
   
  (In £ Millions)

   
 
Fixed maturities—available-for-sale                  
  UK government securities   843   (4 ) 2,376   (25 )
  US government and other governments   422   (3 ) 402   (1 )
  Local government securities     (1 ) 20    
  Corporate securities   4,130   (100 ) 3,918   (154 )
  Mortgage-backed securities   982   (21 ) 1,690   (40 )
  Other debt securities   833   (14 ) 369   (9 )
   
 
 
 
 
Total fixed maturities—available-for-sale   7,210   (143 ) 8,775   (229 )
Equity securities—available-for-sale   3   (1 ) 44   (13 )
   
 
 
 
 
Total available for sale fixed maturities and equity securities   7,213   (144 ) 8,819   (242 )
   
 
 
 
 

        The majority of fixed maturities in the group's portfolio are rated by external rating agencies. Fixed maturities are considered investment grade if they carry a rating of BBB-/Baa3 or better. For fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2004, 81% (based on fair value) were investment grade, 6% were below investment grade and 13% were not rated. For fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2003, 89% were investment grade, 3% were below investment grade and 8% were not rated. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, unrealized losses from fixed maturities that were below investment grade or not rated represented approximately 37% and 24%, respectively, of gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale fixed maturities.

        Corporate fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position were diversified across industries. As of December 31, 2004, the industries representing the larger unrealized losses included financial services (20% of fixed maturities gross unrealized losses) and automobiles (6%). As of December 31, 2003, the industries representing the larger unrealized losses included financial services (17% of fixed maturities gross unrealized losses) and industrial and manufacturing (6%). Other debt securities in an unrealized loss position primarily comprise asset-backed securities, including collateralized debt obligations. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, asset-backed other debt securities represented 15% and 13%, respectively, of fixed maturities gross unrealized losses, including 1% and 2%, respectively, related to collateralized debt obligations. The group had no material unrealized losses on individual fixed maturities or equity securities at December 31, 2004 or 2003.

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        As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the amounts of gross unrealized losses for fixed maturities and equity securities continuously in an unrealized loss position for the time periods indicated are shown in the table below.

 
  December 31, 2004
 
 
  Fixed
Maturities

   
   
 
 
  Not
Rated

  Non-Investment
Grade

  Investment Grade
  Equity
Securities

  Total
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Less than six months   (9 ) (2 ) (15 )   (26 )
Six months to one year   (5 ) (1 ) (14 ) (1 ) (21 )
One year to two years   (7 ) (11 ) (47 )   (65 )
Two years to three years       (6 )   (6 )
Three years to four years   (4 ) (1 ) (6 )   (11 )
Four years to five years     (8 ) (2 )   (10 )
Five years to six years     (5 )     (5 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total gross unrealized losses   (25 ) (28 ) (90 ) (1 ) (144 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  December 31, 2003
 
 
  Fixed
Maturities

   
   
 
 
  Not
Rated

  Non-Investment
Grade

  Investment Grade
  Equity
Securities

  Total
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Less than six months   (9 ) (3 ) (73 ) (1 ) (86 )
Six months to one year   (12 ) (9 ) (39 )   (60 )
One year to two years   (1 ) (4 ) (20 ) (4 ) (29 )
Two years to three years   (10 ) (4 ) (7 ) (8 ) (29 )
Three years to four years       (23 )   (23 )
Four years to five years            
Five years to six years   (2 )   (13 )   (15 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total gross unrealized losses   (34 ) (20 ) (175 ) (13 ) (242 )
   
 
 
 
 
 

        The amount of gross unrealized losses for fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position by maturity date as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 was as follows:

 
  At
December 31,

 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Less than one year   (10 ) (1 )
One to five years   (4 ) (3 )
Five to ten years   (16 ) (36 )
More than ten years   (78 ) (140 )
Mortgage-backed securities and other debt securities   (35 ) (49 )
   
 
 
Total gross unrealized losses   (143 ) (229 )
   
 
 

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Realized Losses

        The following table sets out certain additional information relating to sales and realized losses on available-for-sale securities sold at a loss and impairment losses recognized:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Sales proceeds   1,586   4,042   1,989  
   
 
 
 
Gross realized losses on sales   (87 ) (140 ) (260 )
Impairment losses   (43 ) (148 ) (360 )
   
 
 
 
Gross realized losses   (130 ) (288 ) (620 )
   
 
 
 

        The Group periodically reviews its fixed maturities and equity securities to determine if any decline in fair value below the carrying value is "other than temporary" on a case-by-case basis. If it is determined that a decline in value of an investment is temporary, the decline is recorded as an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity pursuant to the guidance of FASB Statement 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". If the decline is considered to be other than temporary, a realized loss is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

        Securities with declines in value generally to less than 80% of cost and other securities the group determines are under performing or potential problem securities are subject to regular review. To facilitate the review, securities with significant declines in value, or where other objective criterion evidencing credit deterioration have been met, are included on a watch list. Among the criteria for securities to be included on a watch list are credit deterioration which has led to a significant decline in value of the security, a significant covenant related to the security has been breached, an issuer has filed or indicated a possibility of filing for bankruptcy, has missed or announced it intends to miss a scheduled interest or principal payment, or has experienced a specific material adverse change that may impair its credit worthiness.

        In performing reviews, the group considers the relevant facts and circumstances relating to each investment and must exercise considerable judgement in determining whether a security is other than temporarily impaired. Among the factors considered is whether the decline in fair value results from a change in the quality of the security itself, or from a downward movement in the market as a whole, and the likelihood of recovering the carrying value based on the current and short term prospects of the issuer. Unrealized losses that are considered to be primarily the result of market conditions, such as increasing interest rates, unusual market volatility or industry-related events, and where the group also believes there exists a reasonable expectation for recovery and, furthermore, it has the intent and ability to hold the investment until maturity or the market recovery, are usually determined to be temporary.

        The group applies the provisions of EITF 99-20, "Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets" when evaluating whether impairments on its structured securities, including asset-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations, are other than temporary. The group regularly reviews future cash flow assumptions and in accordance with EITF 99-20 if there has been an adverse change in estimated cash flows to be received from a security, an impairment is recognized in net income. For privately placed structured securities, impairment amounts are based on discounted cash flows.

        The risks inherent in reviewing the impairment of any investment include the risk that market results may differ from expectations; facts and circumstances may change in the future and differ from estimates and assumptions; or the Group may later decide to sell the security as a result of changed circumstances.

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        For 2004, other than temporary impairment losses recognized amounted to £43 million. Approximately 58% of the impairment losses were recorded on structured asset-backed securities, primarily due to reduced cash flow expectations on such securities that are collateralized by diversified pools of primarily below investment grade securities. Approximately 30% of these losses related to the impairments of fixed maturities of five individual corporate issuers, including one operating in the telecommunications industry and four industrial and manufacturing issuers. The telecommunications company had filed for bankruptcy in 2002 which resulted in the Group's decision to further write down the investment due to reduced expectations for a full recovery of the book value. The market value of the industrial and manufacturing issuers were written down to reflect the continuing weakness in their trading performance.

        For 2003, other than temporary impairment losses recognized amounted to £148 million. Approximately 27% of the impairment losses were recorded on structured asset-backed securities, primarily due to reduced cash flow expectations on such securities that are collateralized by diversified pools of primarily below investment grade securities. Approximately 21% of these losses related to the impairments of fixed maturities of nine individual corporate issuers, including five engineering and constructions issuers, two telecommunications issuers, a retailing group, and a diversified industrial issuer. The market value of telecommunication companies remained depressed during 2003, as companies went through or filed for bankruptcy, resulting in the Group's decision to write down affected investments to their anticipated recovery value. Also, during 2003, 13% of the losses were recorded in PCA Japan, which related to the impairment of fixed maturities issued by the Japanese Government that were affected by interest rate volatility.

        For 2002, other than temporary impairment losses recognized amounted to £360 million. Approximately 48% of these losses related to the impairments of fixed maturities of four individual corporate issuers, operating in the telecommunications industry, and one electric utility issuer. Throughout 2002, the market values of telecommunication companies declined precipitously, causing the bankruptcy of several large companies, and resulting in the Group's decision to write down affected investments. Also, during 2002, approximately 14% of the impairment losses were recorded on structured asset-backed securities, primarily due to reduced cash flow expectations on securities that are collateralized by diversified pools of primarily below investment grade securities.

        To the extent factors contributing to the impairment losses recognized in 2004, 2003 and 2002 affected other investments, such investments were reviewed for other than temporary impairment and losses were recorded if appropriate.

        There are inherent uncertainties in assessing the fair values assigned to Prudential's investments and in determining whether a decline in market value is other than temporary. Prudential's review of fair value involves several criteria including economic conditions, credit loss experience, other issuer-specific developments and future cash flows. These assessments are based on the best available information at the time. Factors such as market liquidity, the widening of bid/ask spreads and a change in the cash flow assertions can contribute to future price volatility. If actual experience differs negatively from the assumptions and other considerations used in the consolidated financial statements, unrealized losses currently in accumulated other comprehensive income may be recognized in the statement of operations in future periods.

        In 2004, the group realized gross losses on sales of available-for-sale securities of £87 million. Approximately 58% of these losses related to the disposal of fixed maturities of twelve individual issuers, which were disposed of as a result of changed circumstances. These included a restatement announcement materially impacting the holding results, an exporting holding negatively impacted by changes in currency value, and the deteriorating credit fundamental faced by other industry holdings which resulted in an uncertainty regarding the future value of their securities. Significant losses were realized on three energy and utilities holdings (£22 million), a mining entity (£9 million), investments in

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a UK Government bond (£4 million), a telecommunications holding (£3 million), and 5 other industry holdings (£12 million).

        In 2003, the Group realized gross losses on sales of available-for-sale securities of £140 million. Approximately 56% of these losses related to the disposal of fixed maturities of fifteen individual issuers, which were disposed of as a result of changed circumstances, including a fraud and restatement announcement, continuing investigations into questionable accounting practices employed by two holdings and the deteriorating credit fundamentals faced by other industry holdings, resulting in the uncertainty of the future value of their securities. Significant losses were realized on investments in a UK Government bond (£12 million), a retailing group (£27 million), a telecommunications holding (£4 million), an automobiles manufacturer (£4 million), four drugs and healthcare companies (£11 million), and seven other industry holdings (£20 million).

        In 2002, the Group realized gross losses on sales of available-for-sale securities of £260 million. Approximately 58% of these losses related to the disposal of fixed maturities of nine individual issuers, whose deteriorating credit fundamentals, exacerbated by continued weakness in general economic conditions, led to rating agency downgrades of their securities and more uncertainty regarding the future value of their securities. Significant losses were realized on investments in three electric utilities involved in energy trading and generation (£74 million), an airline cargo business (£20 million), a mining entity (£11 million) and four telecommunications companies (£49 million).

        The Group currently intends to hold available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses not considered other than temporary until they mature, or recover in value. However, if the specific facts and circumstances surrounding a security or the outlook for its industry sector change, the group may sell the security and realize a loss. Of the gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities during 2004, 30% arose from securities that had been in an unrealized loss position for less than six months, 6% for six months to one year and 64% for more than one year. Of the gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities during 2003, 50% arose from securities that had been in an unrealized loss position for less than six months, 25% for six months to one year and 25% for more than one year. Of the gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities during 2002, 28% arose from securities that had been in an unrealized loss position for less than six months, 55% for six months to one year and 17% for more than one year.

US GAAP Restructuring Analysis

        In 2001, Prudential announced the restructuring of the direct sales force and customer service channels of its UK and Europe Insurance Operations. These changes also included a simplification of the organizational structure and plans for a significant reduction in operating costs. During 2004, £2 million of termination and redundancy costs were expensed. In 2003, Prudential expensed £37 million in relation to this provision, comprising £4 million termination and redundancy costs, £3 million property costs and £30 million other transition and system related costs. In 2002, £46 million was expensed comprising £15 million of termination and redundancy costs, £17 million property costs, and £14 million other transition and system related costs.

        In 2002, Prudential announced plans to establish an off-shore service center in India to improve customer contact service levels for its UK Insurance Operations customers and to achieve further cost savings to those announced in 2001. During 2004 an unused provision for termination and redundancy costs of £9 million was released to the statement of income, and an additional provision of £1 million was expensed for other transition and system related costs. In 2003, Prudential expensed £5 million, comprising £2 million of termination and redundancy costs, and £3 million to other system and property charges. In 2002, £10 million was expensed, comprising £9 million of termination and redundancy costs and £1 million of property costs

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        In July 2004 Egg announced its withdrawal from the French market. For US GAAP purposes, £100 million was expensed during the year, of which £25 million related to termination and redundancy costs and £75 million to other associated costs.

        For a detailed discussion of these UK restructurings, see "—Analysis by Geographic Region—UK and Europe Insurance Operations—UK Restructurings".

New US Accounting Pronouncements

        Several new US accounting standards were issued during 2004 and 2003 that are pertinent to Prudential's US GAAP consolidated financial statements. These are discussed in detail in Note 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Prudential operates a central treasury function, which has overall responsibility for managing the Group's capital funding as well as its cash and liquidity positions. Prudential arranges the financing of each of its subsidiaries, except Egg, primarily by raising external finance either at the Prudential parent company level (including through finance subsidiaries whose obligations the parent company guarantees) or at the operating company level. Egg has its own treasury function to manage its cash and liquidity positions.

Group Cash Flow

        The parent company's principal cash requirements are the payment of dividends to shareholders, the servicing of debt, the payment of group activity expenses and the acquisition of and investment in businesses.

        Prudential received £521 million in cash remittances from business units in 2004, compared with £586 million in 2003 and £536 million in 2002. These remittances comprise the shareholders' statutory transfer from the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund relating to earlier bonus declarations, together with dividends, loans and interest received from subsidiaries.

        After dividends and interest paid, there was a net inflow of £54 million in 2004 compared to a net inflow of £12 million in 2003 and a net outflow of £97 million in 2002. In 2004, Prudential invested £31 million in corporate activities compared to receipts of £58 million in 2003. Receipts of £543 million in 2002 included cash proceeds arising from the sale of the UK personal lines property and casualty insurance operation and exceptional tax receipts. Including the proceeds of UK equity issuances and tax relief, total net surplus in 2004 was £176 million, compared to £177 million in 2003 and £545 million in 2002.

        In 2004, Prudential invested £347 million into its businesses, comprising £158 million relating to Prudential's Asian operations and £189 million relating to its UK operations. In September 2002, Prudential provided Jackson National Life with £321 million of capital to support high volumes of fixed annuity writings, additional guaranteed minimum death benefit reserves and to replace capital consumed by bond losses and impairments. Also during 2002, Prudential invested £354 million, primarily in its shareholder-backed business in the United Kingdom and in Asia, this compares to a total of £173 million invested in 2003, £145 million of which related to Asia.

        Together with the proceeds from the rights offering of £1,021 million, in aggregate this gave rise to a surplus of £850 million in 2004 compared to £4 million in 2003 and a financing requirement of £130 million in 2002 which was satisfied through an increase in core debt.

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Liquidity Requirements

Dividend Payments

        Total dividends proposed paid by Prudential were £323 million, £447 million and £509 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively. The final dividend in respect of the year ended December 31, 2004 of £253 million was paid on May 25, 2005.

Debt Service Costs

        Debt service costs in respect of core borrowings paid by Prudential in 2004 were £154 million compared to £143 million for 2003 and £130 million in 2002. The increase in 2004 primarily reflects increased borrowing during the year. Of total consolidated borrowings of £4,673 million at December 31, 2004, the parent company and finance subsidiaries had core borrowings of £2,509 million outstanding, including $250 million of bonds due to mature in 2005, £150 million of bonds due in 2007, and £250 million of bonds in due 2009. The remaining outstanding core borrowings are due to mature in more than five years.

Investment in Businesses

        In 2004, Prudential invested £158 million into its Asian business. Prudential expects to invest approximately the same amount in 2005. In 2006, Prudential expects Prudential Corporation Asia to be a net capital provider to the Group based on current business plans. In 2004, Prudential also invested £189 million into its UK business. This amount is expected to increase to approximately £250 million in 2005. See item 4—"Business of Prudential—Strategy-Growing the Business"

        In 2003, Prudential invested £173 million into its businesses, the majority of which was invested in Asia.

        In 2002, Prudential invested £675 million into its businesses, including £13 million relating to the acquisition of Good Morning ITMC in Korea which was subsequently renamed PCA Investment Trust Management Company. Of this £675 million, £321 million related to Jackson National Life. This capital was invested to support high volumes of fixed annuity writings and to replace capital consumed by bond losses and impairments. Also in 2002, Prudential invested £354 million, primarily in shareholder backed business in the United Kingdom and in Asia, including the development of the Japanese business.

Acquisition of Businesses

        In 2004, Jackson National Life entered into an agreement to buy Life Insurance Company of Georgia from ING Group NV for £142 million. The purchase was completed in May 2005.

        In 2002, Prudential acquired 100% of Good Morning ITMC in Korea for £13 million excluding deferred consideration. The goodwill on acquisition was £8 million. Good Morning ITMC was subsequently renamed PCA Investment Trust Management Company. In addition, during the first half of 2002, Prudential Asia acquired ING's life insurance operation in The Philippines using internal funds. The net assets acquired as at March 31, 2002 were £1.5 million.

        In 2002, Prudential's banking subsidiary, Egg, acquired Zebank, a French direct financial services company, for £23 million in cash using internal funds. The fair value of Zebank's net assets was £20 million.

Other Capital Expenditures

        Prudential spent £2 million, £4 million and £2 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, to refurbish several of its office buildings.

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Liquidity Sources

        The parent company and finance subsidiaries held cash and short-term investments of £1,561 million, £432 million and £226 million at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively. The principal source of cash in 2004 was the rights offering, with net proceeds of £1,021 million. Other sources of cash include dividends, loans and interest received from operating subsidiaries, proceeds from borrowings and the sale of businesses.

        Prudential received £521 million in cash remittances from business units in 2004, compared with £586 million received in 2003 and £917 million received in 2002. These remittances comprise the shareholders' statutory transfer from the Prudential Assurance long-term with-profits fund relating to earlier bonus declarations, together with dividends, loans and interest from subsidiaries.

Shareholders' Statutory Transfer

        In 2004, Prudential declared total bonus of £2 billion from Prudential Assurance's primary with-profits fund, of which £1.8 billion was added to with-profits policies and £198 million was distributed to shareholders. In 2003, Prudential declared total bonuses of £2.1 billion from Prudential Assurance's long-term with-profits fund, of which £1.9 billion was added to with-profits policies and £209 million was distributed to shareholders. In 2002, Prudential declared total bonuses of £2.7 billion from Prudential Assurance's long-term with-profits fund, of which £2.45 billion was added to with-profits policies and £273 million was distributed to shareholders. The bonus rates for the Prudence Bond and personal pensions remained constant with 2003.

Dividends, Loans and Interest Received from Subsidiaries

        Under UK company law, dividends can only be paid if a company has distributable reserves sufficient to cover the dividend. In Prudential Assurance, Prudential's largest operating subsidiary, distributable reserves are created mainly by the statutory long-term business profit transfer to shareholders that occurs upon the declaration of bonuses to policyholders of with-profit products, see "—Shareholders' Statutory Transfer" in this section. Prudential's insurance, banking and fund management subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends and loans to the parent company is restricted by various laws and regulations. Jackson National Life is subject to state laws that limit the dividends payable to its parent company. Dividends in excess of these limitations generally require approval of the state insurance commissioner.

        The table below shows the dividends, loans and other amounts received by the parent company from the principal operating subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2004.

 
  Dividends, loans and
interest received in

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

UK and Europe Insurance Operations (mainly Prudential Assurance)   308   406   710
M&G   84   84   138
US Operations   62   48   42
Asian Operations   67   48   27
   
 
 
Total   521   586   917
   
 
 

        With the exception of Egg, each of Prudential's main operations generate profits sufficient to pay dividends, loans or other amounts to the parent. The amount of dividends paid by the operations is determined after considering the development, growth and investment requirements of the operating businesses. Prudential does not believe that the legal and regulatory restrictions constitute a material limitation on the ability of businesses to meet their obligations or pay dividends to the parent company.

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        The parent company received total dividends, loans and other amounts from its main operations of £521 million in 2004 compared with £586 million in 2003 and £917 million in 2002. Amounts received from UK and Europe Insurance Operations in 2004 included £208 million relating to the PAC shareholder's statutory life fund transfer and £100 million of additional dividends from the PAC shareholders' funds. In 2003, amounts received were £286 million relating to the PAC shareholder's statutory life fund transfer, £100 million of additional dividends from the PAC shareholders' funds and £20 million from other operations. Amounts received in 2002 included £324 million relating to the shareholder's statutory life fund transfer and £386 million arising from the sale of the UK personal lines and property casualty insurance operations.

        In Asia, Prudential's more established operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia remit surplus capital to the Group.

Sale of Businesses

        In October 2004, Jackson National Life sold Jackson Federal Bank for £166 million. See Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—US Business—Jackson Federal Bank"

        In August 2004, Prudential sold its interest in Life Assurance Holding Corporation Limited for £41 million.

        In December 2003, Prudential agreed to sell its Dublin based management services company, Prudential Europe Management Services Ltd to Capita Life and Pensions Services Ireland Limited for £16 million. See Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—European Business—Sale of Prudential Europe Management Services".

        In January 2003, Prudential sold its German life business to Canada Life for £82 million. See Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—European Business—Sale of German Business to Canada Life".

Shareholders' Borrowings and Financial Flexibility

        As a result of the holding company's net funds inflow of £850 million and exchange translation gains of £49 million, net core borrowings at December 31, 2004 were £1,236 million, compared to £2,135 million at December 31, 2003.

        After adjusting for holding company cash and short-term investments of £1,561 million, core structural borrowings of shareholder financed operations at the end of 2004 totaled £2,797 million, compared with £2,567 million at the end of 2003. This increase reflected the issue of US$250 million Perpetual Subordinated Capital Securities exchangeable at the issuer's option into preference shares and additional short-term borrowings of £150 million, partly offset by exchange translation gains of £57 million. Core long-term loans at the end of 2004 included £1,762 million at fixed rates of interest with maturity dates ranging from 2005 to perpetuity. Of the core borrowings, £898 million were denominated in US dollars, to hedge partially the currency exposure arising from the Group's investment in Jackson National Life.

        Prudential has had in place an unlimited global commercial paper program since November 2001. At December 31, 2004, Prudential had amounts outstanding under this program amounting to £517 million, US$761 million and €445 million with an average sterling interest rate of 4.85% per annum.

        In 2001, Prudential established a £5,000 million European Medium Term Note program ("MTN"). At December 31, 2004 subordinated debt outstanding under this program was £435 million and €520 million, and senior debt outstanding was US$18 million.

        In addition the holding company has access to £1,400 million committed revolving credit facilities, provided by 14 major international banks. The facility matures on December 17, 2009. There have been

157



no draw-downs under this facility since inception and hence there was no amount outstanding at December 31, 2004. Prudential also maintains uncommitted credit facilities totaling £346 million. There was no amount outstanding under these facilities at December 31, 2004. Prudential also has access to a committed securities lending liquidity facility of £500 million. Prudential has not drawn down under this facility.

        The Group is funded centrally, except for Egg, which is responsible for its own financing. The Group's core debt is managed to be within a target level consistent with its current debt ratings.

        Prudential plc enjoys strong debt ratings from Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch Ratings. Prudential long-term senior debt is rated AA- (negative outlook), A2 (stable outlook) and AA- (stable outlook) from Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch Ratings respectively, while short-term ratings are A1+, P-1 and F1+.

        During 2004 Prudential issued US$250 million Perpetual Subordinated Capital Securities exchangeable at the issuer's option into preference shares. The coupon on the securities was 6.75% and the proceeds have been used to pre-finance the US$250 million debt maturing in 2005.

        During 2003 Prudential issued US$1 billion Perpetual Subordinated Capital Securities with a coupon of 6.5% to optimize its balance sheet structure and financial flexibility. Subsequently Prudential entered into an interest rate swap and is paying 3-month US$ LIBOR plus 80 basis points. The proceeds of the issue were used to refinance existing senior debt, primarily commercial paper.

        During 2003, the €500 million fixed rate notes issued in 2001 were swapped into floating rate pounds sterling borrowings of £333 million.

        During 2003 and 2002, Jackson National Life entered into reverse repurchase and dollar roll repurchase agreements, whereby it agreed to sell and repurchase securities. These activities have been accounted for as financing transactions, with the assets and associated liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the liabilities were £nil.

        Short-term borrowings under such agreements averaged £6 million and £913 million during 2004 and 2003, respectively. Interest paid totaled zero and £6 million in 2004 and 2003 respectively. The highest level of short-term borrowings at any month end was £251 million in 2004 and £1,517 million in 2003.

        Jackson National Life has entered into securities lending arrangements with an agent bank whereby blocks of securities are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, obligations under these arrangements were £446 million and £515 million, respectively. The agreement requires a minimum of 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities to be held as collateral, calculated on a daily basis. To further minimize the credit risks related to this program, the financial condition of counter-parties is monitored on a regular basis.

        Jackson National Life has entered into a program of funding arrangements (European and Global Medium Term Notes—EMTNs and GMTNs) under contracts which, in substance, are almost identical to Guaranteed Investment Contracts. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the liabilities under these funding arrangements were £2,862 million and £3,247 million, respectively.

        The commercial paper program, the medium term note program, the committed revolving credit facility, the uncommitted facilities and the committed secured lending facility are available for general corporate purposes and to support the liquidity needs of Prudential. Prudential anticipates that these programs and facilities are sufficient to meet foreseeable requirements to support shareholders' existing operations. However, to meet all of its strategic objectives, such as the funding of potential future acquisitions, Prudential may need to raise further financing, which may include recourse to the debt or equity markets.

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        As at December 31, 2004, Prudential had a surplus of £845 million based on FSA requirements for purposes of the Insurance Groups Directive. The Insurance Groups Directive is discussed in greater detail in Item 4, "Information on the Company—UK Supervision and Regulation".

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        During the normal course of business Prudential enters into various off-balance sheet arrangements in order to increase liquidity and decrease certain risks.

        At December 31, 2004, Egg had two credit default swaps in place, comprising residential mortgages of £1.6 billion and asset backed securities of £785 million. Their effect is to remove from Egg's balance sheet the risk of default on the underlying assets and reduce the regulatory capital that must be held by Egg in relation to these assets.

        Any potential credit risk relates to the swap counter-party, namely its ability to pay in the event of default on the underlying assets. If such a double failure occurred, Egg could be required to increase regulatory capital held against the underlying assets. All swap counter-parties are highly rated financial institutions.

        Egg has also entered into interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk on lending to customers. The total notional value of these swaps is £4.2 billion.

        At December 31, 2004, Egg had entered into a series of off-balance sheet transactions to hedge against foreign currency exposures with nominal value of £1.3 billion.

        At December 31, 2004, M&G had entered into a series of off-balance sheet transactions relating to interest rate swaps and caps, cross currency swaps, credit default swaps and similar instruments. These derivatives were entered into in the normal course of business and solely for the purpose of matching or eliminating risks arising from potential movements in interest and exchange rates inherent in M&G's assets and liabilities. These derivatives are reviewed regularly for their effectiveness as hedges.

        Jackson National Life has commitments for future payments related to equity index call options totaling £8 million as at December 31, 2004, which are accounted for on a deferred basis and therefore were off-balance sheet. These commitments were entered into in the normal course of business to hedge obligations associated with the issuance of fixed index immediate and deferred annuities. The commitments are due over the next three years.

        Jackson National Life has unfunded commitments related to its investments in limited partnerships totaling £157 million at December 31, 2004. These reflect on demand contractual commitments to fund further investments by the limited partnerships. For further discussion of derivatives and hedging instruments, please see Note 24.

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Contractual Obligations

        Contractual obligations with specified payment dates at December 31, 2004 were as follows:

 
  Principal payments due by period
 
  Less
than
1 Year

  1-2 Years
  2-3 Years
  3-4 Years
  4-5 Years
  After
5 Years

  Total
 
  (In £ Millions)

Borrowings(1)   1,433   8   150     250   2,832   4,673
Other contractual obligations                            
  UK Banking(2)   797   792   561   6   2,003     4,159
  Jackson National Life funding arrangements   527   668   562   143   366   596   2,862
  Equity indexed call options     4   4         8
  Guaranteed Investment Contracts   617   254   30   39   46   2   988
  Annuities without life contingencies   62   50   45   58   25   71   311
  Leases on land and buildings   30   30   29   28   27   1,785   1,929
  Borrowings of associates             1,106   1,106
  Pension and other post retirement contributions(3)   31             31
Purchase obligations(4)   157             157
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total(5)   3,654   1,806   1,381   274   2,717   6,392   16,224
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
See Note 28 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements. The payments for each of the periods presented do not consider the Group's interest rate swap agreements.

(2)
Included in UK Banking is £2,230 million of medium-term note funding raised in a credit card receivables securitization transaction. For further details of this transaction see Note 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements. In addition to the amounts included above, Egg has commitments to issue loans and advances to customers of £7,642 million. These represent agreements to lend to customers in accordance with contractual provisions which are either for a specified period, or as in the case of credit cards, represent a revolving credit facility which can be drawn down at any time providing the agreement has not been terminated. The total amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements, in that commitments are often not drawn upon.

(3)
This amount represents the Group's best estimate regarding expected employer pension plan contributions in 2004. See Note 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements. No amounts subsequent to 2004 have been included as they are not readily determinable at this time.

(4)
As at December 31, 2004, Jackson National Life had unfunded commitments related to its investments in limited partnerships of £157 million. These commitments have been included in payments due in less than one year since the timing of funding for those obligations cannot be estimated.

(5)
Other than annuities without life contingencies and Guaranteed Investment Contracts that both contain contractually scheduled maturities, cashflows relating to the Group's insurance liabilities of £129 billion have been excluded from the table above. This is due to the uncertainty with respect to the timing and amount of those cashflows, which depend on the incidence of mortality, morbidity and policyholder withdrawal behaviour, and on future interest rates and market performance.


One example of contracts with uncertain cashflows is Prudential UK's unitized with-profits Investment Bonds, which are written as whole of life products without a fixed maturity date. Regular bonuses are credited daily, based on investment returns less charges. A possible final bonus is added on surrender, subject to a possible market value adjustment, or on death. The timing and amount of payment thus depends on market performance, company bonus crediting policy and policyholder withdrawal behaviour.

Operating Businesses

UK Life Insurance

        The liquidity sources for Prudential's UK life insurance businesses comprise premiums, deposits and charges on policies, investment income, proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments, external

160



borrowings and capital contributions from the parent company. The liquidity requirements comprise benefits and claims, operating expenses, interest on debt, purchases of investments and dividends to the parent company.

        The liquidity requirements of Prudential's UK life insurance businesses are regularly monitored to match anticipated cash inflows with cash requirements. Cash needs are forecast and projected sources and uses of funds, as well as the asset, liability, investment and cash flow assumptions underlying these projections are reviewed periodically. Adjustments are made periodically to the investment policies with respect to, among other things, the maturity and risk characteristics of the investment assets to reflect changes in the business' cash needs and also to reflect the changing competitive and economic environment.

        The primary source of short-term liquidity to support operations is a pool of highly liquid, high quality short-term instruments to provide liquidity in excess of the expected cash requirements. At December 31, 2004, the investment assets included £35,834 million of equity securities, £41,769 million of debt securities and £5,772 million of deposits.

        The liquidity of Prudential's UK insurance operations is affected by the payment of guaranteed benefits and terminal bonuses on maturing and surrendering policies by the UK insurance operations. In addition, the non-cash bonus declaration to policyholders results in a cash transfer to shareholders' funds. A large proportion of Prudential's liabilities contains discretionary surrender values or surrender charges. In addition, pensions annuity policies cannot be surrendered by the policyholder.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, Prudential Assurance's long-term fund assets in excess of its capital requirements on a like-for-like basis were £7,751million and £5,017 million respectively. The principal reason for the increase at December 31, 2004 was the rise in global equity markets during the year. The Integrated Prudential Sourcebook, which came into effect on December 31, 2004, introduced an additional capital requirement, the "with-profits insurance capital component", which at December 31, 2004, amounted to £3,675 million.

M&G

        The principal liquidity source for M&G is fee income for managing retail, institutional and the internal investment funds of Prudential's UK operations. The principal liquidity requirement is operating expenses. Amounts are distributed to the parent company after considering capital requirements. Capital requirements are driven by the regulatory stipulations based on fixed operating expenses and other operating considerations. At December 31, 2004, M&G met the relevant regulatory requirements.

Egg

        Egg has a balance of funding between deposits from customers (approximately 60%) and wholesale liabilities and subordinated debt (approximately 40%). This funding supports the retail asset book and treasury assets. The majority of treasury assets are held for liquidity purposes.

        Regulatory liquidity requirements seek to ensure that banks have access at all times to sufficient sources of liquidity to enable them to pay both expected and unexpected demands. These regulations provide that a minimum level of liquid assets needs to be held. The calculation of these liquid assets depends on the nature of customer deposits and the time over which they can be withdrawn. Capital requirements are driven by the FSA capital regulations stipulated under the Basel Accord.

        In 2002, Egg issued £75 million additional loan capital with a coupon of 6.875% for a 19 year term (2021). This was issued at premium of £3.1 million. There is an early repayment option in 2016 for both loan capital issues. In 2003 Egg issued £250 million of loan capital with a coupon of 7.5% and is perpetual with a callable date of 2013. This was issued at a £0.9 million discount. There were no subordinated loan capital issues in 2004.

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        Egg currently meets all regulatory requirements including the target risk asset ratio set by the FSA.

US Life Insurance

        The liquidity sources for Jackson National Life are its cash, short-term investments and publicly traded bonds, premium income, deposits received on certain annuity and institutional products, investment income and capital contributions from the parent company.

        Liquidity requirements are principally for purchases of new investments and businesses, repayment of principal and interest on intercompany debt, payments of interest on surplus notes, funding of insurance product liabilities, including payments for policy benefits, surrenders, maturities and new policy loans and funding of expenses, including payment of commissions, operating expenses and taxes. At December 31, 2004, Jackson National Life's outstanding notes and bank debt included:

        Significant increases in interest rates and disintermediation can create sudden increases in surrender and withdrawal requests by policyholders and contractholders. Other factors that are not directly related to interest rates can also give rise to disintermediation risk, including but not limited to changes in ratings from rating agencies, general policyholder concerns relating to the life insurance industry (e.g., the unexpected default of a large, unrelated life insurer) and competition from other products, including non-insurance products such as mutual funds, certificates of deposit and newly developed investment products. Most of the life insurance, annuity and institutional products Jackson National Life offers permit the policyholder or contractholder to withdraw or borrow funds or surrender cash values, although some include policy restrictions such as surrender charges and market value adjustments to discourage early withdrawal of policy and contract funds. At December 31, 2004, approximately $10.2 billion of policy and contract funds had no surrender charge or market value adjustment restrictions.

        Jackson National Life uses a variety of asset-liability management techniques to provide for the orderly provision of cash flow from investments and other sources as policies and contracts mature in accordance with their normal terms. Jackson National Life's principal sources of liquidity to meet unexpected cash outflows associated with sudden and severe increases in surrenders and withdrawals are its portfolio of liquid assets and its net operating cash flows. At December 31, 2004, the portfolio of cash, short-term investments and publicly traded bonds and equities amounted to $31.6 billion. Operating net cash inflows for 2004 were $2.1 billion. Prudential believes that these liquidity sources are sufficient to satisfy the company's liquidity needs.

        At December 31, 2004, the statutory capital and surplus of Jackson National Life was $3,141 million, which was significantly in excess of the requirements set out under Michigan insurance law. As described in Item 4, "Information on the Company—Supervision and Regulation of Prudential—US Supervision and Regulation", Jackson National Life is also subject to risk-based capital guidelines that provide a method to measure the adjusted capital that a life insurance company should have for regulatory purposes, taking into account the risk characteristics of the company's investments and products. At December 31, 2004, Jackson National Life's total risk based capital ratio under the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' definition substantially exceeded model act standards.

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Asia Life Insurance

        The liquidity sources for Prudential's Asia life insurance businesses comprise premiums, deposits and charges on policies, investment income, proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments, external borrowings and capital contributions from the parent company. The liquidity requirements comprise benefits and claims, operating expenses, interest on debt, purchases of investments and dividends to the parent company.

        The liquidity requirements of Prudential's Asia life insurance businesses are regularly monitored to match anticipated cash inflows with cash requirements. Cash needs are forecast and projected sources and uses of funds, as well as the asset, liability, investment and cash flow assumptions underlying these projections are reviewed periodically. Adjustments are made periodically to the investment policies with respect to, among other things, the maturity and risk characteristics of the investment assets to reflect changes in the business cash needs and also to reflect the changing competitive and economic environment.

        The primary source of short-term liquidity in Asia is a pool of highly liquid, high quality short-term instruments to provide liquidity in excess of the expected cash requirements. This is supplemented by capital contributions from the parent company. At December 31, 2004, the investment assets included £3,800 million of debt and other fixed income securities and £2,000 million of equity securities.

Consolidated Cash Flows

        The consolidated statement of cash flows prepared under UK GAAP and included in Prudential's financial statements includes only the cash flows in respect of Prudential's property and casualty insurance business and other shareholders' businesses. Cash flows resulting from activity within the with-profits fund are excluded because UK GAAP requires that insurance companies include cash flows in respect of long-term business only to the extent that cash is transferred to shareholders and is available to meet the obligations of Prudential as a whole. In the case of UK long-term business this amount represents the profit after tax allocated to shareholders.

        The discussion that follows is based on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows prepared under US GAAP presented in Note 37 of the notes to Prudential's consolidated financial statements, which includes all of the cash flows of Prudential including those of the with-profits fund.

        Net cash provided by operating activities was £7,243 million in 2004 compared with £5,230 million in 2003 and £4,189 million in 2002. Net cash used for investing activities in 2004 was £7,534 million compared with £4,142 million in 2003 and £8,522 million in 2002. Cash used to purchase investments exceeded proceeds from sales and maturities by £7,374 million in 2004 compared with £3,553 million in 2003 and £8,506 million in 2002. Net cash provided (used) by financing activities was £907 million in 2004 compared with £(1,014) million in 2003 and £4,127 million in 2002. Policyholders' deposits exceeded withdrawals by £164 million in 2004. In 2003, policyholders' withdrawals exceeded deposits by £751 million while deposits exceeded withdrawals by £2,207 million in 2002. Repayment of long-term borrowings were £255 million, £125 million and £199 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively, while proceeds from long-term borrowings were £126 million in 2004, £847 million in 2003 and £97 million in 2002.

        The Group had cash balances of £2,037 million, £1,140 million and £1,086 million at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

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Introduction of the Euro

        The euro was introduced on January 1, 1999 and the former currencies withdrawn in early 2002 in 12 member states of the European Union (excluding the United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark) in accordance with the treaty on European Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU"). If the euro is introduced in the United Kingdom, Prudential will need to make changes in its information technology and other systems in order to accommodate the use of the euro in its products, systems and operations. Prudential's UK business units' assessment and planning for the possibility that the United Kingdom will join EMU and introduce the euro is presently dealt with as a "business as usual" task and it is therefore difficult to separate discrete euro expenditure from the Group's general systems enhancements and development spend. In June 2001, the UK Government announced that a detailed economic assessment would be made to determine whether the economic conditions were right for the United Kingdom to join EMU. The Government announced in June 2003 that the economic conditions did not support entry at such time and that a decision on whether to undertake a further detailed economic assessment in 2004 would be taken by spring 2004. In March 2004, and again in March 2005, the UK Government announced that no further assessment would be initiated at that time.

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Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

        The Prudential Board of Directors currently consists of 14 directors. Since January 2004, the following Board changes have occurred: Mark Norbom, James Ross, Michael Garrett and Keki Dadiseth were appointed as directors on January 1, 2004, May 6, 2004, September 1, 2004 and April 1, 2005, respectively. Sandy Stewart, Bart Becht and Jonathan Bloomer resigned as directors on May 6, 2004, August 31, 2004 and May 5, 2005, respectively.

        Set forth below are the names, ages, positions, business experience and principal business activities performed outside of Prudential of the current Board members, as well as the dates of their initial appointment as directors. Ages given are as at April 30, 2005.

Sir David Clementi MA FCA MBA (Age 56)

        Sir David Clementi has been Chairman of Prudential since December 1, 2002. In July 2003 he was appointed by the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs to carry out a review of the regulation of legal services in England and Wales, which was completed in December 2004. In February 2003 he joined the Financial Reporting Council. He is also a non-executive director of Rio Tinto plc, which he joined on 28 January 2003. From September 1997 to August 2002 he was Deputy Governor of the Bank of England. During this time he served as a member of the Monetary Policy Committee and as a non-executive director of the Financial Services Authority. From 1975 to August 1997 he worked for the Kleinwort Benson Group, latterly as Chief Executive.

Mark Tucker FCA (Age 47)

        Mark Tucker has been re-appointed as an executive director on May 6, 2005, on which date he also became Group Chief Executive. From May 2004 to March 2005 he was Group Finance Director, HBOS plc and director of Halifax plc. Previously he was an executive director of Prudential from 1999 to 2003, and from 1993 to 2003 he was Chief Executive of Prudential Corporation Asia, and also held senior positions in Prudential's businesses in the UK and US. He first joined Prudential in 1986, having previously been a tax consultant.

Philip Broadley FCA (Age 44)

        Philip Broadley has been an executive director of Prudential and Group Finance Director since May 2000. In May 2005 he was appointed as a non-executive director of Egg plc. He is currently Deputy Chairman of the 100 Group of Finance Directors and a member of the Insurance Advisory Group of the International Accounting Standards Board. He is also President of the Przezornosc Charitable Foundation, which has been established in Poland in recognition of former policyholders with whom the Company lost contact. Previously, he was with the UK firm of Arthur Andersen, where he became a partner in 1993. He specialized in providing services to clients in the financial services industry, including regulators and government agencies in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Clark Manning FSA MAAA (Age 46)

        Clark Manning has been an executive director of Prudential since January 2002. He is also President and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson National Life. He was previously Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary of Jackson National Life, which he joined in 1995. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary for SunAmerica Inc, and prior to that Consulting Actuary at Milliman & Robertson Inc. He has more than 20 years' experience in the life insurance industry, and holds both a bachelor's degree in actuarial science and an MBA from the University of Texas. He also holds professional designations of Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

165



Michael McLintock (Age 44)

        Michael McLintock has been an executive director of Prudential since September 2000. He is also Chief Executive of M&G, a position he held at the time of M&G's acquisition by Prudential in March 1999. He joined M&G in October 1992. He is also a non-executive director of Close Brothers Group plc.

Mark Norbom (Age 47)

        Mark Norbom has been an executive director of Prudential and Chief Executive, Prudential Corporation Asia since January 2004. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of General Electric Japan, and a company officer of General Electric Company. He has spent the last 10 years with General Electric in Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan. Prior to that, his career was with General Electric in various posts in the United States.

Mark Wood FCA MSI (Age 51)

        Mark Wood has been an executive director of Prudential and Chief Executive of Prudential Assurance, UK and Europe since June 2001. In May 2002 he became a member of the Life Insurance Committee of the Association of British Insurers. He is a chartered accountant who qualified with Price Waterhouse in London, and has held a number of senior positions in the insurance industry. He was Deputy Chairman of the ABI, Chief Executive of Axa UK plc (formerly Sun Life & Provincial Holdings plc) and Axa Equity and Law plc, and Managing Director of AA Insurance. He is also Deputy Chairman of the NSPCC.

Keki Dadiseth FCA (Age 59)

        Keki Dadiseth has been an independent non-executive director of Prudential since April 2005. He is a member of the International Advisory Board of Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc., and from 1 April 2005 also a member of ACTIS LLP. He was Director, Home and Personal Care, responsible for the HPC business of Unilever worldwide, and was a main board director of Unilever PLC and Unilever N.V. from 2000 to 2005. He joined Hindustan Lever Ltd in India in 1973, became Vice President of the Hindustan Lever Management Committee in 1987, progressing to Chairman in 1996. He is a Trustee of the Ratan Tata Trust, a director of The Indian Hotels Company Limited, "The Taj Group", a member of the International Advisory Board of DaimlerChrysler Group and a director of the Indian School of Business (a venture between industry and the Business Schools at Wharton, Kellogg and LBS).

Michael Garrett (Age 62)

        Michael Garrett has been an independent non-executive director of Prudential since September 2004. He was an Executive Vice President of Nestlé S.A., and member of the Executive Board from 1992 until 30 April 2005. He has worked for Nestlé since 1961, becoming Head of Japan in 1990 and director with responsibility for the Far East in 1993. He was a member of the Advisory Committee for an APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Food System. He remains a director of Nestlé companies in India, Japan and Malaysia. He has been additionally elected as a Board member of Bobst Group Switzerland on May 11, 2005.

Bridget Macaskill (Age 56)

        Bridget Macaskill has been an independent non-executive director of Prudential since September 2003. She rejoined the Board of Prudential having previously resigned due to a potential conflict of interest in March 2001. She is a non-executive director of J Sainsbury Plc. She was previously Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OppenheimerFunds Inc, a major New York based investment management company.

166



Roberto Mendoza (Age 59)

        Roberto Mendoza has been an independent non-executive director of Prudential since May 2000. He was appointed as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee in July 2002. He is also the non-executive Chairman of Egg plc and Chairman of Integrated Finance Limited. Previously, he was Vice Chairman and director of JP Morgan & Co, Inc., a non-executive director of Reuters Group PLC and The BOC Group plc, and a managing director of Goldman Sachs.

Kathleen O'Donovan (Age 47)

        Kathleen O'Donovan has been an independent non-executive director of Prudential since May 2003. She is a non-executive director of the Court of the Bank of England, EMI Group plc and Great Portland Estates PLC. She is also Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Bank of England and of the Audit Committee of the EMI Group plc, and Chairman of the Invensys Pension Fund. Previously, she was Finance Director at BTR and Invensys. Prior to that she was a partner at Ernst & Young.

James Ross (Age 66)

        James Ross has been an independent non-executive director since May 2004. He holds non-executive directorships with McGraw Hill and Datacard in the United States and Schneider Electric in France. He is also Chairman of the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education. He was previously Deputy Chairman of National Grid Transco plc, and prior to that Chairman of National Grid Group plc and Littlewoods plc. He was also Chief Executive of Cable and Wireless plc and Chairman and Chief Executive of BP America Inc., and a Managing Director of the British Petroleum Company plc.

Rob Rowley FCMA (Age 55)

        Rob Rowley has been an independent non-executive director of Prudential since July 1999. He was appointed as Chairman of the Audit Committee in June 2000 and as Senior Independent Director of Prudential in December 2003. He is also executive Deputy Chairman of Cable and Wireless plc, a non-executive director of Taylor Nelson Sofres plc and a non-executive director of Liberty International plc. He retired as a director of Reuters Group PLC in December 2001, where he was Finance Director from 1990 to 2000.

Other Executive Officers

        With the exception of Paul Gratton, Chief Executive of Egg, the heads of Prudential's current business units (UK and Europe Insurance Operations, M&G, Jackson National Life and Prudential Corporation Asia) are also directors of Prudential, as set forth above.

Chairman's letter of appointment

        The Chairman is paid annual fees and the contractual notice periods are 12 months from either party. The Chairman participates in a medical insurance scheme, has life assurance cover and has the use of a car and driver. He is entitled to a supplement to his fees, intended for pension purposes. He is not a member of any Group pension scheme providing retirement benefits.

Service Contracts

        Executive directors have contracts that terminate on their normal retirement date, which is the date of their 60th birthday. The normal notice of termination that the Company is required to give executive directors is 12 months, although for newly appointed directors there may be an initial contractual period of up to two years before the 12 months' notice period applies. The service contracts for all current executive directors contain a 12 months' notice period from the Company. When considering termination

167



of service contracts, the Remuneration Committee will have regard to the specific circumstances of each case, including a director's obligation to mitigate his loss.

        The contract for Clark Manning is a renewable one-year fixed-term contract. The contract is renewable automatically upon the same terms and conditions unless the Company or Clark Manning gives at least 90 days' notice prior to the end of the relevant term. In the case of the former, Clark Manning is entitled to continued payment of salary and benefits for the period of one year from the day such notice is delivered to him. The contract can also be terminated by the Company or Clark Manning by giving 12 months' notice. Payments of Clark Manning's salary during the period following the termination of employment will be reduced by the amount of any compensation earned by him from any subsequent employer or from any person for whom he performs services. Benefits to be provided during such period will also be cancelled to the extent that comparable benefits are available to him from these alternative sources.

        Non-executive directors do not have service contracts but are appointed pursuant to letters of appointment with notice periods of six months without liability for compensation.

Benefits and protections

        Executive directors receive certain benefits, principally participation in medical insurance schemes, the provision of a cash allowance for a car (except for Clark Manning and Mark Norbom), and, in some cases the use of a car and driver and security arrangements. Mark Norbom also receives expatriate allowances. No benefits are pensionable. The executive directors' pension arrangements and life assurance provisions are set out in the Pensions and Life Assurance section.

        Except for Clark Manning, the executive directors are eligible to participate in either the Company's UK or International Savings-Related Share Option Scheme. Options granted under these schemes are not subject to performance conditions because the UK plan is an all-employee share scheme governed by specific tax legislation and the international scheme mirrors it.

        In addition, the Company provides certain protections for directors and senior managers against personal financial exposure that they may incur in their capacity as such.

Policy on External Appointments

        Subject to the Board's approval, executive directors are able to accept external appointments as non-executive directors of other organizations.


Compensation

        In 2004, the aggregate compensation that Prudential paid or accrued to all Prudential directors and other executive officers as a group (17 persons) was £11,231,680 including performance related bonuses paid to executive directors and executive officers and an aggregate pension contribution of £1,617,246 and provision for future benefits.

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Remuneration

 
  Year Ended December 31, 2004
 
  Salary/Fees
  Bonus
  Other
Payments

  Benefits
  Total
Emoluments

 
  (In £ Thousands)

Chairman                    
Sir David Clementi   435       25   460
   
 
 
 
 

Executive directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Jonathan Bloomer   800   275     45   1,120
Philip Broadley(1)   500   250     38   788
Clark Manning(2)   464   1,003     19   1,486
Michael McLintock(3)   320   1,396     58   1,774
Mark Norbom(4,5 & 6) (from January 1, 2004)   475   395   233   239   1,342
Mark Wood(7)   500   419     47   966
   
 
 
 
 
  Total executive directors   3,059   3,738   233   446   7,476
   
 
 
 
 

Non-executive directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Bart Becht (until August 31, 2004)   33         33
Michael Garret (from September 1, 2004)   17         17
Bridget Macaskill (from September 1, 2003)   50         50
Roberto Mendoza   135         135
Kathleen O'Donovan (from May 8, 2003)   55         55
James Ross (from May 6, 2004)   36         36
Rob Rowley   90         90
Sandy Stewart (until May 6, 2004)   49         49
   
 
 
 
 
  Total non-executive directors   465         465
   
 
 
 
 
Other executive officers as a group(8)   724   470     21   1,215
   
 
 
 
 
Overall total   4,683   4,208   233   492   9,616
   
 
 
 
 

(1)
Benefits include cash allowances for cars.

(2)
Clark Manning's bonus figure excludes a contribution of £6,712 from a profit sharing plan that has been made into a 401k retirement plan which is included in the table on pension contributions on page 177.

(3)
A deferred share award valued at £435,547 from his 2004 annual bonus has been made to Michael McLintock. This is included in the 2004 bonus figure.

(4)
A deferred share award valued at £157,795 from his 2004 annual bonus has been made to Mark Norbom. This is included in the 2004 bonus figure.

(5)
In 2004 Mark Norbom was also paid £80,358 in dividend equivalents from the awards detailed in the section on Other Share Awards on page 176. In addition he was compensated for the loss of a portion of his 2003 bonus award and his 2003 long-term incentive award from his previous employer with a total cash sum of £152,410. These amounts are included in the column headed Other Payments.

(6)
Mark Norbom's benefits include those that reflect his expatriate status, which include costs of £149,085 related to housing. He was also paid £29,513 in respect of relocation expenses, not included in the benefits figure.

(7)
A deferred share award valued at £168,550 from his 2004 annual bonus has been made to Mark Wood. This is included in the 2004 bonus figure.

(8)
Consists of Paul Gratton and Michael Harris.

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Senior Executives' Long-term Incentive Plans

2004 Restricted Share Plan ("RSP")

        The Group's primary long-term incentive plan for a number of years has been the Restricted Share Plan (RSP) which was designed to provide rewards linked to the returns to shareholders.

        This important performance-related element of the total reward package for executive directors rewards the achievement of total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to other companies that were in the FTSE 100 at the beginning of each three-year performance period. The performance measure was chosen when the RSP was introduced as it reflected a combination of market practice, an assessment of Prudential's main competitors and the focus of UK investors at that time.

        For any awards under the RSP to vest, the Remuneration Committee must also be satisfied with the Company's underlying financial performance over the performance period. At the end of each performance period, depending on the Company's performance, executive directors may be granted a right to receive shares at no cost to the individual.

        No award is made if the Company's TSR performance is ranked below 50th percentile. For performance at 50th percentile, an award of 25% of the maximum award is made. The maximum grant will be made only if the TSR ranking of the Company is 20th percentile or above. Between these points, the size of the grant made will be calculated on a straight line sliding scale. In normal circumstances, directors may take up their right to receive shares at any time during the following seven years.

        In 2004, for Jonathan Bloomer the conditional and maximum RSP award was equivalent to 200% of his basic salary at the time the award was granted. For Philip Broadley, Clark Manning, Mark Norbom and Mark Wood, these awards were equivalent to 160% of basic salary and for Michael McLintock this award was equivalent to 80% of basic salary.

        In 2005 the same award levels as in 2004 have been made to Jonathan Bloomer, Philip Broadley, Clark Manning, Michael McLintock, Mark Norbom and Mark Wood.

Business specific long-term incentive plans

        In all cases, the performance period under the long-term incentive plans is three years.

Clark Manning

        To reflect his role as Chief Executive of Jackson National Life, Clark Manning participates in a cash-based long-term plan that rewards the growth in appraisal value of Jackson National Life. The award payout equals an initial award value multiplied by a factor equaling the Prudential plc share price at the end of the performance period divided by the price at the beginning. In order for any award to be made under the 2004 plan the appraisal value growth of Jackson National Life over the performance period must be 8% per annum compound or greater. At this level of performance the initial award value is US$864,240. If the on-target performance level of 11.5% per annum compound is achieved the initial award value is doubled. If the annual growth rate is at least 17.5% the initial award increases to a maximum of three times the initial award. For performance between these points payouts are on a straight line sliding scale.

Michael McLintock

        To reflect his role as Chief Executive of M&G, Michael McLintock participates in the M&G Chief Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan that provides a cash reward through phantom M&G share awards and options, whose value depends on the profit and fund performance of M&G over the performance period. The change in the phantom share price equals the change in M&G profit, modified up or down

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by the investment performance of M&G, over the performance period. For 2004 the face value of the share award was £225,000. Provided the phantom share options have value, they may be exercised in part or in full during annual exercise periods after three to seven years from the start of the performance period. For 2004 the phantom option award had a face value of £367,800.

Mark Norbom

        To reflect his role as Chief Executive of Asia, Mark Norbom participates in the Asian Long-Term Incentive Plan which is a cash-based plan that rewards the growth in value of our Asian businesses. Under the 2005 award the plan will only pay out if the growth of the Asian business, as measured under the plan, is greater than 15% per annum compound over the performance period. At this level of performance a payment of 50% of basic salary is made. The on-target payout is 100% of salary, for which an annual growth rate of 35% is required. If an annual growth rate of 50% or more is achieved, the maximum of 150% of basic salary is paid. For performance between these points payouts are on a straight line sliding scale.

Mark Wood

        To reflect his role as Chief Executive of UK & Europe, Mark Wood participates in a cash-based long-term plan that rewards the growth in appraisal value of Prudential UK & Europe over the performance period. This plan will only pay out if the growth in appraisal value of the UK & Europe business is greater than 8% per annum compound over the performance period. At this level of performance a payment of 50% of basic salary is made. The on-target payout is 75% of basic salary for which a growth rate of 11.5% is required. If a growth rate of 17.5% or more is achieved the maximum of 100% of basic salary is paid. For performance between these points payouts are on a straight line sliding scale.

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Senior Executive Outstanding Long-term Incentive Awards

        The section below sets out the outstanding awards under the Restricted Share Plan and the additional long-term plans for the executive directors who run specific businesses.

Restricted Share Plan

        The table below shows conditional awards up to and including 2004 under the Restricted Share Plan. These shares are held in trust and represent the conditional awards out of which rights may be granted, at the end of the relevant performance period, dependent on the performance conditions. See "—Senior Executives' Long-term Incentive Plans—2004 Restricted Share Plan".

 
  Conditional
share
awards
outstanding
at
January 1, 2004

  Conditional
award
in
2004

  Rights
(options)
granted upon
vesting in
2004

  Market
value of
rights
granted
in 2004
(In £
Thousands)

  Adjustment for
rights offering at
November 11,
2004

  Conditional
share
awards
outstanding
at
December 31,
2004

  Date of end of
performance
period
(December 31)

Jonathan Bloomer   135,301
177,110
266,527
 


401,708
     

 
 
8,693
13,083
19,718
 
185,803
279,610
421,426
(1)
(2)

2003
2004
2005
2006
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  Subtotal   578,938   401,708   Nil   Nil   41,494   886,839    
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
Philip Broadley   57,401
85,990
127,653
 


200,854
     

 
 
4,220
6,266
9,859
 
90,210
133,919
210,713
(1)
(2)

2003
2004
2005
2006
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  Subtotal   271,044   200,854   Nil   Nil   20,345   434,842    
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
Clark Manning   107,086
141,874
 

186,995
     
 
  5,256
6,964
9,179
  112,342
148,838
196,174
(2)

2004
2005
2006
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  Subtotal   248,960   186,995   Nil   Nil   21,399   457,354    
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
Michael McLintock   25,420
30,292
43,486
 


64,274
     

 
 
1,486
2,134
3,155
 
31,778
45,620
67,429
(1)
(2)

2003
2004
2005
2006
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  Subtotal   99,198   64,274   Nil   Nil   6,775   144,827    
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
Mark Norbom       190,811           9,366   200,177   2006
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  Subtotal     190,811   Nil   Nil   9,366   200,177    
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
Mark Wood   87,944
131,861
 

200,854
     
 
  4,316
6,472
9,859
  92,260
138,333
210,713
(2)

2004
2005
2006
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  Subtotal   219,805   200,854   Nil   Nil   20,647   441,306    
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
Other executive officers as a group(3)                  
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  Subtotal       Nil   Nil          
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
TOTAL   1,417,945   1,245,496   Nil   Nil   120,026   2,565,345    
   
 
 
 
 
 
   

Notes

(1)
In respect of awards made in 2001 under the Restricted Share Plan, the Company's TSR was ranked at 69th percentile at the end of the three year performance period on December 31, 2003 and as a result the 2001 awards lapsed.

(2)
In respect of awards made in 2002 under the Restricted Share Plan, the Company's TSR was ranked at 89th percentile at the end of the three-year performance period on December 31, 2004. As Prudential's position was lower than 60thpercentile, the 2002 awards lapsed and no rights were granted over any of the shares conditionally awarded to executive directors.

(3)
Consists of Paul Gratton and Michael Harris.

172


        The 2004 and 2005 awards are described in detail on pages 170 and 171. For RSP awards prior to 2004, no rights are granted if the Company's TSR performance as ranked against the comparator group is at the 60th percentile or below. The maximum grant is made only if the TSR ranking of the Company is 20th percentile or above. Between these points, the size of the grant made is calculated on a straight line sliding scale. In normal circumstances, directors may take up their right to receive shares at any time during the following seven years.

        The awards made in respect of 2003 and 2004 under the Restricted Share Plan run to December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006 respectively. As at December 31, 2004, TSR performance under these plans was ranked respectively at percentile positions 82nd and 79th on the basis of TSR performance.

        In determining the 2004 conditional awards the shares were valued at their average share price during the preceding calendar year, and the price used to determine the number of shares was 398.3 pence (2003—570.3 pence).

        Rights granted under the RSP upon vesting prior to December 31, 2003 and not yet exercised are shown in the following table:

 
  RSP rights
outstanding
at
January 1,
2004

  Adjustment for
rights offering
at
November 11,
2004

  RSP rights
outstanding at
December 31,
2004

  Exercise
price
(pence)

  Price paid
for award

  Market
price at
December 31,
2004 (pence)

  Earliest
exercise
date

  Latest
exercise
date

Jonathan Bloomer   56,859
38,581
8,170
  2,791
1,893
401
  59,650
40,474
8,571
 

 

  453
453
453
  March 17, 2000
April 2, 2001
March 15, 2002
  March 17, 2007
April 2, 2008
March 15, 2009
   
 
 
                   
    103,610   5,085   108,695                    
   
 
 
                   

173


Other Long-term Incentive Plans

        Details of cash awards under other long-term incentive plans are set out below. Except where stated, the performance period for all awards was three years.

Name

  Face value of
conditional
awards
outstanding at
January 1,
2004

  Conditionally
awarded
in 2004

  Payments
made in
2004

  Face value of
conditional
awards
outstanding at
December 31,
2004

  Date of
end of
performance
period
(December 31)

 
  (In £ Thousands)

Clark Manning(1)                    
  Phantom JNL options   437       Nil     2003
  Phantom JNL shares   218       96     2003
  Phantom JNL options   655           655   2004
  Phantom JNL shares   327           327   2004
  Business cash LTIP   1,415           1,415   2004
  Business cash LTIP   1,415           1,415   2005
  Business cash LTIP       1,415       1,415   2006
Michael McLintock                    
  Phantom M&G options   184           184   2002
  Phantom M&G options   368           368   2003
  Phantom M&G shares   225       270     2003
  Phantom M&G options   368           368   2004
  Phantom M&G shares   225           225   2004
  Phantom M&G options   368           368   2005
  Phantom M&G shares   225           225   2005
  Phantom M&G options       368       368   2006
  Phantom M&G shares       225       225   2006
Mark Norbom                    
  Business cash LTIP       713       713   2006
Mark Tucker                    
  Business cash LTIP   600       363     2003
Mark Wood                    
  Business cash LTIP   450       Nil     2003
  Business cash LTIP   450           450   2004
  Business cash LTIP   470           470   2005
  Business cash LTIP       500       500   2006
           
       
Total cash payments made in 2004           729        
           
       

174


Clark Manning

        Clark Manning's 2000 and 2001 cash long-term incentive plans had four-year performance periods respectively with payouts in both cases depending on Jackson National Life's US GAAP net income in the final year. For the 2000 award the results led to a payment only from the phantom share award of $176,000 while the 2001 award led to a payment of $675,900 for the share element and $151,800 for the option element. The face values of the awards for Clark Manning are converted at the average exchange rate for 2004 which was $1.8326 = £1 (2003: $1.6351= £1). Upon joining the Board, Clark Manning also participated in the 2002 JNL Chief Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan which has a performance period of three years. The performance conditions are the same as described in the "Business specific long-term incentive plans" section on page 170. The compound growth rate of the JNL appraisal value was below the threshold for a payment to be made in respect of the award.

Michael McLintock

        Michael McLintock's 2001 and 2002 cash long-term incentive plans had the same performance conditions described for his cash plan under the "Business specific long-term incentive plans" section on page 170. For both awards, the phantom share price at the beginning of the performance period was £1. For the 2001 award the phantom share price at the end was £1.20. This resulted in a payment from the phantom share award of £270,000 and a phantom option award of 367,800 units. He did not exercise any of these options. For the 2002 award, the phantom share price at the end was £2.33. This resulted in a payment from the phantom share award of £524,250.

Mark Norbom

        Mark Norbom's first award under the Asia Long-Term Incentive Plan was made in 2004 as described on page 171.

Mark Tucker

        Mark Tucker, who left in 2003, had an outstanding award under his 2001 cash long-term incentive plan that had the same performance conditions as described for Mark Norbom's cash long-term plan on page 171. The compound growth rate of the Asia operations at the end of 2003 was 37.7% per annum. The award was prorated for Mark Tucker's service to June 30, 2003 during the performance period and a payment of £363,267 was made in July 2004.

Mark Wood

        Mark Wood's 2001 and 2002 cash long-term incentive plans had the same performance conditions as described for his cash plan in the "Business specific long-term incentive plans" section on page 171. For the 2001 and 2002 awards the compound growth rate of the UK appraisal value was below the threshold for a payment to be made in respect of the award.

Other Share Awards

        Under the Company's previous short term deferred bonus plan, known as the Share Participation Plan ("SPP") there are deferred share awards held in trust for five years, which are shown in the table below.

        The table also includes the share awards that have been deferred from annual incentive plan payouts. The values of the deferred share awards are included in the bonus and total figures in the Directors' Remuneration table on page 169. The number of shares is calculated using the average share price over the three business days commencing on the day of the announcement of the Group's annual

175



financial results for the relevant year. For the 2003 awards, which were paid in 2004, the average share price was 492 pence.

 
  Shares awarded
  Shares released in 2003
 
  Conditional
share
awards
outstanding
at
January 1,
2004

  Conditionally
awarded
in
2004

  Scrip
dividends
accumulated

  Adjustment
for Rights
Issue
at
November 11,
2004

  Shares
released
in 2004

  Conditional
share awards
outstanding
at
December 31,
2004

  Date of end of
restricted
period

  Shares
released
in 2004

  Date of
release

  Market
price
at
original
date of
award
(pence)

  Market
price at
date of
vesting
(pence)

Jonathan Bloomer                                            
  SPP awards   6,409               6,409     May 4, 2004   6,409   May 4, 2004   871.04   449.50
Philip Broadley                                            
  Deferred 2003 annual incentive award     5,549   203   281     6,033   December 31, 2006                
Michael McLintock                                            
  Deferred 2003 annual incentive award     49,593   1,822   2,523     53,938   December 31, 2006                
Mark Norbom                                            
  Awards under appointment terms(2)   14,622
14,622
85,173
30,118
14,622
395,417
          717
717
4,180
1,478
717
19,409
      15,339
15,339
89,353
31,596
15,339
414,826
  January 1, 2005
January 1, 2006
January 1, 2007
January 1, 2008
January 1, 2009
February 20, 2013
               
Mark Tucker                                            
  Deferred 2001 annual incentive award   20,153     481           20,634   June 30, 2004(1)   20,634   June 30, 2004   699.50   474.50
  Deferred 2002 annual incentive award   61,039     1,456         62,495   June 30, 2004(1)   62,495   June 30, 2004   330.00   474.50
Mark Wood                                            
  Deferred 2001 annual incentive award   6,670       245   338   7,253       December 31, 2004   7,253   December 31, 2004   699.50   453.00

(1)
Mark Tucker left in 2003. Non-competition and non-solicitation conditions having been satisfied, his deferred awards under the 2001 and 2002 annual incentive plans were released to him in July 2004.

(2)
In order to secure the appointment of Mark Norbom, he has been awarded rights to Prudential plc shares, which vest as set out in the table. These awards will normally vest dependent on continuing employment at the date of vesting except for the element compensating for the loss of supplemental pension rights which vests on his leaving Prudential providing this is after February 20, 2013. If there is a change of control of Prudential or a sale of all or part of the Asian business he may become entitled to retain any unvested awards in accordance with the vesting schedules above. The equivalent of dividend distributions will be made from these awards during the restricted period and the cash dividend equivalents paid in 2004 from these awards are included in the 2004 Directors' Remuneration table on page 169.

Senior Executives' pensions

        It is the Company's policy to offer executive directors the facility to save for retirement through efficient pension vehicles and UK executive directors are offered a combination of Inland Revenue approved pension schemes and supplementary provision.

        Changes to UK pensions regulations take effect from April 2006. The Company is actively considering whether or not any changes to its policy are necessary.

UK Inland Revenue approved pension schemes

        Executive directors employed in the UK are eligible to participate in Inland Revenue approved pension schemes on the same basis as other employees who joined at that time, providing benefits based on basic salary up to the Inland Revenue earnings cap.

        The schemes are defined benefit arrangements. Philip Broadley and Mark Wood participate in a non-contributory scheme that provides a pension of 1/60th of Final Pensionable Earnings for each year of service on retirement at age 60. Michael McLintock participates in a contributory scheme that

176



provides a target pension of 2/3rds of Final Pensionable Earnings on retirement at age 60 for an employee with 30 years or more potential service, for which his contribution is 4% of basic salary. Jonathan Bloomer only received a lump sum death benefit of four times basic salary up to the earnings cap from the pension scheme.

        On death in service a total sum from all these schemes of four times pensionable salary plus spouse's and children's pensions are payable. No employees with employment offers after 30 June 2003 were eligible for membership of the defined benefit schemes.

Other Supplementary Arrangements

        Sir David Clementi is provided with a salary supplement, part of which is a contribution to a personal pension, and life assurance of four times his annual fees.

        Philip Broadley, Michael McLintock and Mark Wood are entitled to supplements based on the portion of their basic salary not covered for pension benefits under a UK Inland Revenue approved scheme, as was Jonathan Bloomer. These supplements are paid directly to them or to a Funded Unapproved Retirement Benefit Scheme (FURBS) established in their name. They are provided with life assurance cover related to salary over the Inland Revenue earnings cap. The cover is broadly equivalent to the death in service benefits provided under the relevant UK Inland Revenue approved pension scheme.

        Clark Manning participates in a US tax-qualified defined contribution plan (a 401k plan). He is also provided with life assurance cover of two times basic salary.

        Mark Norbom is provided with a salary supplement for pension purposes, and life assurance provision of four times his basic salary.

        Details of directors' pension entitlements under Inland Revenue approved defined benefit schemes and the pre-tax amount of any salary supplements and contributions to FURBS or other pension arrangements paid by the Company are set out below:

 
   
   
   
  Additional pension earned
during year ended
December 31, 2004

  Transfer value of
accrued
benefit at
December 31,(3)

   
   
 
  Age at
December 31,
2004

  Years of
pensionable
service at
December 31,
2004

  Accrued
benefit
At
December 31,
2004

  Ignoring
inflation
on pension
earned to
Dec 31,
2003(1)

  Allowing
for
inflation on
pension
earned to
Dec 31,
2003(2)

  2004
B

  2003
A

  Amount of
(B-A) less
contributions
made by
directors
during 2004

  Pre-tax salary
supplements and
contributions
to FURBS or
other pension
arrangements(4)

 
  (In £ Thousands)

Sir David Clementi   55                 121
Jonathan Bloomer   50                 282
Philip Broadley   43   4   8   2   2   61   45   16   122
Clark Manning   46                 15
Michael McLintock   43   12   28   3   2   265   163   89   74
Mark Norbom   46                 146
Mark Wood   51   3   6   2   2   65   43   22   170

Notes

(1)
As required by London Stock Exchange Listing rules.

(2)
As required by the Companies Act remuneration regulations.

(3)
The transfer value equivalent has been calculated in accordance with Actuarial Guidance Note GN11.

(4)
As described under Other Supplementary Arrangements.

177


        No enhancements to the retirement benefits paid to or receivable by directors or former directors other than the discretionary pension increases awarded to all pensioners have been made during the year.

        Total contributions to directors' pension arrangements were £1,124,000 (2003: £905,000) of which £353,000 (2003: £320,000) related to money purchase schemes.

        Other executive officers are members of appropriate local pension arrangements, contributions to which have been included in "—Compensation" above.


Share Ownership

Directors' Shareholdings

        All executive and non-executive directors are required to have beneficial ownership of 2,500 ordinary shares in Prudential. This interest in shares must be acquired within two months of appointment to the Board if the director does not have such an interest in at least that number upon appointment. Non-executive directors have also agreed to use a proportion of their fees to purchase additional ordinary shares in Prudential on a quarterly basis. Both the qualification shares and shares acquired by the non-executive directors on a quarterly basis must be held while the directors remain in office.

        The interests of directors in ordinary shares of Prudential are shown below. These interests include shares awarded under the deferred annual incentive awards detailed on page 172, and Mark Norbom's interests in the shares awarded on appointment that are detailed on page 176. See "—Other Share Awards" above. In addition, interests include rights granted to Jonathan Bloomer under the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Restricted Share Plan where he has yet to exercise his right to receive shares, detailed in the table on the Restricted Share Plan on page 173. He has the right to exercise those options before November 4, 2005. Awards that remain conditional under the Restricted Share Plan are excluded. The interests of directors in office at April 30, 2005 in ordinary shares of the Company are shown below. All interests are beneficial.

Name(1)

  Holding as of
April 30, 2005

  Approximate
Percentage of
Ordinary Shares

Jonathan Bloomer(2)   828,079   0.0349
Philip Broadley   29,554   0.0012
Sir David Clementi   16,615   0.0007
Keki Dadiseth   2,500   0.0001
Michael Garrett   13,486   0.0006
Bridget Macaskill   10,435   0.0004
Clark Manning   24,163   0.0010
Michael McLintock   109,625   0.0046
Roberto Mendoza   134,355   0.0057
Mark Norbom(3)   584,323   0.0246
Kathleen O'Donovan   8,159   0.0003
James Ross   5,965   0.0003
Rob Rowley   41,654   0.0018
Mark Wood   114,235   0.0048

(1)
Information has not been provided on Sandy Stewart and Bart Becht because they were not directors of Prudential at April 30, 2005 and Prudential does not maintain any information on their shareholdings. No information has been provided on Mark Tucker as he was not a director of Prudential at April 30, 2005.

(2)
Jonathan Bloomer's interest in shares includes 100 ADRs (representing 200 shares).

(3)
Mark Norbom's interest in shares includes 1,265.5 ADRs (representing 2,531 shares).

        Prudential is not owned or controlled directly or indirectly by another corporation or by any government or by any other natural or legal person severally or jointly and Prudential does not know of any arrangements that might result in a change in Prudential's control.

178


        In addition, Prudential's directors and other executive officers held, as at April 30, 2005, options to purchase 14,200 shares, all of which were issued pursuant to Prudential's Savings-Related Share Option Scheme. These options and plans are described in more detail below under "—Options to Purchase Securities from Prudential" in this section. Neither Paul Gratton nor Michael Harris holds more than 1% of Prudential shares.

Outstanding Options of Directors and Other Executive Officers

        The Restricted Share Plan replaced the Executive Share Option Scheme in 1995 as Prudential's primary long-term incentive plan. Outstanding options under the Savings-Related Share Option Scheme (referred to as SAYE) are set out below. The Savings-Related Share Option Scheme is open to all UK and certain overseas employees and options up to the Inland Revenue limits are granted at a 20% discount and cannot normally be exercised until a minimum of three years has elapsed. No payment has been made for the grant of any such options. The price to be paid for exercise of these options is shown in the table below. No variations to any outstanding options have been made.

Name(1)

  Options outstanding
at April 30, 2005

  Exercise price
(pence)(2)

  Earliest
exercise date

  Latest
exercise date

Jonathan Bloomer   2,357   715   June 1, 2005   November 30, 2005
Philip Broadley   2,716   346   June 1, 2007   November 30, 2007
Michael McLintock   6,153   266   June 1, 2008   November 30, 2008
Mark Wood   2,974   617   December 1, 2008   May 31, 2009
Other executive officers as a group(3)              
   
           
TOTAL   14,200            
   
           

(1)
None of Sir David Clementi, Keki Dadiseth, Michael Garrett, Bridget Macaskill, Clark Manning, Roberto Mendoza, Mark Norbom, Kathleen O'Donovan, James Ross or Rob Rowley holds options to purchase Prudential shares.

(2)
The market price of shares at April 29, 2005 was 470.0 pence. The highest and lowest share prices during 2004 were 512 pence and 386 pence respectively. These prices are adjusted for the 2004 rights offering.

(3)
Consists of Paul Gratton and Michael Harris.

        Prudential's register of directors' interests, which is open to inspection, contains full details of the directors' shareholdings and options to subscribe for shares.

Options to Purchase Securities from Prudential

        As of April 30, 2005, 13,592,277 options were outstanding, which Prudential issued under the Executive Share Option Scheme and the Savings-Related Share Option Schemes. As of April 30, 2005 directors and other executive officers held 14,200 of such outstanding options. Except as described above in "—Outstanding Options of Directors and Other Executive Officers," each option represents the right of the bearer to subscribe for one share at a particular pre-determined exercise price at a pre-set exercise date.

        As of April 30, 2005, 153,951 options were outstanding under the Restricted Share Plan. Such outstanding options held by directors or other executive officers are included in the shares set forth under "—Senior Executives' Long-term Incentive Plans" in this section above.

        As of April 30, 2005, 1,484,542 shares were outstanding under the Prudential Jackson National Life US Performance Share Plan, none of which was held by directors or other executive officers.

        As of April 30, 2005, 1,458,973 shares were outstanding under other awards.

        The aggregate proceeds that would arise if all outstanding options under the Executive Share Option Scheme and the Savings-Related Share Option Schemes were exercised is £41 million. The latest

179



expiration dates for exercise or release of the securities underlying the options or awards and the number of options or shares are set out in the table below.

Year of Expiration

  Shares
Outstanding
under the
Prudential
Jackson
National Life
US
Performance
Share Plan

  Options
Outstanding
Under
Restricted
Share Plan

  Options
Outstanding
Under Executive
Share Option
Scheme and
Savings-Related
Share Option
Scheme

  Shares
Outstanding
Under Other
Awards

  Total
 
  (In Millions)

2005   0.321     1.485   0.029   1.835
2006   0.588     5.294   0.111   5.993
2007   0.575   0.076   1.618   0.112   2.381
2008     0.063   3.693   0.032   3.788
2009     0.015   0.498   0.015   0.528
2010       0.863     0.863
2011       0.095     0.095
2012       0.046   0.745   0.791
2013         0.415   0.415
   
 
 
 
 
Total   1.484   0.154   13.592   1.459   16.689
   
 
 
 
 


Board Practices

        Non-executive directors of Prudential are appointed initially for a three-year term. Upon appointment, all directors embark upon a wide-ranging induction programme covering, amongst other things, the principal bases of accounting for the Group's results, the role of the Audit Committee and the ambit of the Internal Audit function. In addition, they receive detailed briefings on the Group's principal businesses, its product range, the market in which it operates and the overall competitive environment. The appointment is then reviewed towards the end of this period against performance and the requirements of the Company's business. All directors are required to submit themselves for re-election at regular intervals and at least every three years, and at each Annual General Meeting following their attaining the age of 70.

        The Board has established a number of standing committees of directors. The terms of reference for these committees are reviewed regularly.

Audit Committee

        Rob Rowley is Chairman of, and Kathleen O'Donovan, James Ross and Keki Dadiseth are members of the Audit Committee. Keki Dadiseth was appointed to the Audit Committee on May 5, 2005. All members of the Audit Committee are independent non-executive directors.

        For the purposes of compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Board has determined that Rob Rowley qualifies as an "Audit Committee Financial Expert" within the meaning of Item 16A of Form-20F. See Item 16A "—Audit Committee Financial Expert".

        The Audit Committee is a key element of the Group's governance framework.

Role of the Committee

        The Audit Committee's principal oversight responsibilities cover:

180


        The Committee has formal terms of reference set by the Board, which are reviewed regularly.

        The Committee received detailed presentations during the year from senior management designed to keep members up to date and aware of the impacts on the business of changes to accounting standards and practices including International Financial Reporting Standards and European Embedded Value.

Meetings

        The Audit Committee met nine times during the year. Additionally, by invitation, the Chairman of the Board, Group Chief Executive, Group Finance Director, heads of Group Internal Audit, Group Risk and Group Compliance, as well as the external auditor attended the meetings. The Committee also meets solely with both external and internal auditors at least once a year.

        The Chairman holds preparatory meetings with the Group Chief Internal Auditor, the external auditor and the Group Finance Director before each Committee meeting. A detailed forward agenda has been developed which ensures all matters that the Committee is responsible for are addressed at the appropriate time of the year. The principal business of the Committee's meetings includes:

        During the year, the Committee's standing agenda items also included reports from Group Internal Audit, Group Compliance and Group Security, as well as reports on progress of the Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 project from management and the external auditor. The Committee also received presentations from some of the business unit chief executives.

        The Audit Committee Chairman reported to the Board on matters of particular significance after each Committee meeting. The minutes of Committee meetings were circulated to all Board members.

        The Committee recognizes the need to meet without the presence of executive management. Such sessions were held twice, in March and July 2004, with the external and internal auditors.

181



Internal Control and Risk Management

        The Audit Committee reviewed the Group's statement on internal control systems prior to its endorsement by the Board. It also reviewed the policies and processes for identifying, assessing and managing business risks. The Committee also received the minutes of the Disclosure Committee and the Group Operational Risk Committee and noted their activities.

        From the 2006 year end, the Group will need to undertake an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In common with other companies which have to comply with this legislation, this has required the Group to undertake a significant project to document and test its internal controls over financial reporting. The Committee has overseen the progress of this project through regular status reports submitted by management. In 2004 the Committee commissioned an independent review of progress towards compliance with Section 404 to be undertaken by the Group's external auditor, KPMG Audit Plc, and the results will be reported to the Committee during the first half of 2005.

Internal Audit

        The Audit Committee regards its relationship with internal audit as a particularly important one. Group Internal Audit plays an important role in supporting the Committee to fulfil its responsibilities under the Combined Code and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Each of the Group's business units has its own internal audit function whose resources, plans and work are overseen by Group Internal Audit. The Group Chief Internal Auditor reports functionally to the Committee and administratively to the Group Finance Director.

        During the year, the Committee reviewed and approved internal audit's plans, resources and the results of its work. Across the Group, total internal audit headcount stands at 110. Reporting to the Committee by Group Internal Audit is achieved through the submission and discussion of formal reports four times during the year, as well as regular private meetings between the Chairman of the Committee and the Group Chief Internal Auditor. Additionally, all members of the Committee attended the Group's internal audit conference in July 2004.

        The effectiveness of internal audit was assessed through a review, carried out by external advisers, and through regular dialogue with the Group Chief Internal Auditor. An internal review of the role of internal audit was also undertaken, to ensure that its activities and resources are most effectively organized to support the Committee's oversight responsibilities.

External Audit

        The Audit Committee has a key oversight role in relation to the external auditor, KPMG Audit Plc, whose primary relationship is with the Committee. The Group's Auditor Independence Policy, which was amended in January 2005, ensures that the independence and objectivity of the external auditor is not impaired, and that the Group maintains a sufficient choice of appropriately qualified audit firms. The policy sets out four key principles which underpin the provision of non-audit services by the external auditor, namely that the auditor should not:

        The Committee reviewed the policy in December 2004, and a revised policy was approved.

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        The Group has a policy that at least once every five years, the Audit Committee undertakes a formal review to assess whether the external audit should be re-tendered. The external audit was last put out to competitive tender in 1999 when the present auditor was appointed. In February 2004, the Committee formally considered the need to re-tender the audit and concluded that, in view of the satisfactory performance of the external auditor and the cost of undertaking a tender exercise, it was inappropriate to do so, and the external auditor's reappointment was approved by the Committee.

        During the year, the Audit Committee assessed the qualification, expertise and resources, effectiveness and independence of the external auditor. In addition to the questioning of the external auditor and the Group Finance Director that is a regular feature of meetings, the review of the effectiveness of the external audit process was conducted through a questionnaire-based exercise administered by Group Internal Audit, supplemented by interviews with senior finance staff and Audit Committee members.

        For the year ended December 2004, fees for audit services of £5.6 million for 2004 were approved. All non-audit services were approved by the Committee in accordance with the Group's Auditor Independence Policy prior to work commencing and, at regular intervals in 2004, the Audit Committee reviewed the non-audit services being provided to the Group by its external auditor. During the year, fees for non-audit services of £4.1 million were put forward to the Audit Committee for approval. Fees for non-audit services amounted to 42% of total fees paid to KPMG Audit Plc. These primarily related to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 assistance, the rights offering due diligence work, and International Financial Reporting Standards and other regulatory changes.

Financial Reporting

        The Audit Committee reviewed the interim and annual financial statements before their submission to the Board, paying particular attention to critical accounting policies and practices and any changes in them; decisions requiring a major element of judgement; unusual transactions; clarity of disclosures; significant audit adjustments; the going concern assumption; compliance with accounting standards; and compliance with obligations under the Code and other applicable laws and regulations.

        The Committee is regularly briefed on the development of accounting standards, and during the year continued to review the progress of the Group project to implement International Financial Reporting Standards.

Confidential Reporting

        At each meeting, the Committee received and reviewed a report on calls to the confidential reporting lines and other confidential communications received and investigated since the preceding meeting, and actions taken in response to these calls. The Committee also considered whether any internal control implications arose from communications received. No internal control implications were raised from calls to the confidential reporting lines.

Audit Committee Effectiveness

        During the year, the Audit Committee undertook a formal review of its own effectiveness and engaged independent external advisers to review the Committee's compliance with the requirements of the Code and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Further to these reviews, some minor improvements to the documentation of the Committee's work and its terms of reference have been implemented.

        The Committee is satisfied, based on the findings of these reviews and the improvements made in response to them, that it had been operating as an effective Audit Committee, meeting all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Further reviews of the effectiveness of the Audit Committee will be undertaken annually.

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Remuneration Committee

        Roberto Mendoza is Chairman of, and Kathleen O'Donovan, Bridget Macaskill, Rob Rowley and James Ross are members of the Remuneration Committee. In addition, Michael Garrett and Keki Dadiseth joined the Remuneration Committee on September 1, 2004 and April 1, 2005, respectively.

        The Remuneration Committee comprises exclusively of independent non-executive directors of the Company. While the Chairman and Group Chief Executive are not members, they attend meetings unless they have a conflict of interest.

        The Remuneration Committee normally has scheduled meetings at least three times a year and a number of ad hoc meetings, as required, to review remuneration policy and to determine the remuneration packages of the Chairman and the Executive Directors. During 2004 a total of six meetings were held. Except in relation to the remuneration of the Group Chief Executive, when only the Chairman is consulted, the Remuneration Committee consults the Chairman and the Group Chief Executive about its proposals relating to the remuneration of all Executive Directors. The Committee has access to professional advice inside and outside Prudential.

Nomination Committee

        Sir David Clementi is Chairman of, and Rob Rowley, Jonathan Bloomer, Bridget Macaskill and Kathleen O'Donovan are members of the Nomination Committee. Jonathan Bloomer, Bridget Macaskill and Kathleen O'Donovan joined the Nomination Committee on November 6, 2003, March 18, 2004 and May 6, 2004 respectively. Jonathan Bloomer resigned from Prudential and as a member of the Nomination Committee with effect from May 5, 2005 (at the conclusion of the AGM).

        The Nomination Committee, which is comprised of a majority of independent non-executive directors, meets as required to consider candidates for appointment to the Board and to make recommendations to the Board in respect of those candidates. The Nomination Committee, in consultation with the Board, evaluates the balance of skills, knowledge and experience on the Board and makes recommendations regarding appointments based on merit and against objective criteria and the requirements of the Company's business. In appropriate cases, search consultants are used to identify suitable candidates.

        During the year the Nomination Committee initiated the search for additional non-executive directors. The Nomination Committee employed professional search consultants who oversaw the initial process. Candidates were interviewed initially by the Chairman and the Senior Independent Director and subsequently by other directors.

        During 2004 the Committee held five meetings resulting in the appointment by the Board of three new independent non-executive directors. James Ross was appointed with effect from the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting on May 6, 2004, Michael Garrett was appointed to the Board on September 1, 2004 and Keki Dadiseth was appointed to the Board with effect from April 1, 2005.

NYSE Corporate Governance Rules compared to Prudential plc's Corporate Governance Practice

        Pursuant to NYSE rule 303A Prudential has disclosed the differences between the NYSE Corporate Governance Rules and its Corporate Governance Practice on its web site at http://www.prudential.co.uk

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Employees

        The average numbers of staff employed by the Prudential group for the following periods were:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
UK operations and Europe   10,849   11,473   12,687
US operations   2,589   2,742   2,661
Prudential Asia   8,277   6,797   5,741
   
 
 
Total   21,715   21,012   21,089
   
 
 

        As at December 31, 2004, Prudential employed 21,500 persons. Of the 21,500 employees, approximately 50% were located in the United Kingdom and Europe, 38% in Asia, 11% in the United States. In the United Kingdom as at December 31, 2004, Prudential had 1,160 employees paying union subscriptions through the payroll. As at December 31, 2004, Prudential had 710 temporary employees in the United Kingdom. Prudential did not have a significant number of temporary employees in the United States or Asia.

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Item 7.    Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

Major Shareholders and significant changes in ownership

        The Companies Act 1985 provides that a person or corporate entity that acquires an interest of 3% or more in Prudential ordinary shares is required to notify Prudential of that interest. Any subsequent increase or decrease of 1% or more must also be notified. Similarly, a notification is required once the interest falls below 3%. As at April 30, 2005 Prudential had received the following notifications:

Significant Changes in Ownership

        In March 2002, Barclays PLC notified Prudential that it was interested in 66,887,628 of its ordinary shares, or 3.35% of its ordinary share capital, and subsequently in April 2002 that it ceased having a notifiable interest in Prudential's ordinary share capital. In June 2002, Fidelity International Limited and FMR Corp notified Prudential that they together were interested in 61,663,357 of its ordinary shares, or 3.09% of its ordinary share capital. In June 2002, The Capital Group Companies, Inc informed Prudential that it was interested in 80,105,462 of its ordinary shares, or 4% of its ordinary share capital. In September 2002, Fidelity International Limited and FMR Corp informed Prudential that they together were interested in 80,155,271 of its ordinary shares, or 4.01% of its ordinary share capital.

        In March 2003, Fidelity International Limited and FMR Corp informed Prudential that they together were interested in 79,303,947 of its ordinary shares, or 3.96% of its ordinary share capital and, also in March 2003, a further notification was received that they together were interested in 81,877,937 of its ordinary shares or 4.09% of its ordinary share capital. In March 2003, BNP Paribas informed Prudential that it was interested in 61,494,082 of its ordinary shares, or 3.07% of its ordinary share capital, and subsequently also in March 2003, that it had ceased having a notifiable interest. In March 2003, Barclays PLC informed Prudential that it was interested in 60,147,768 of its ordinary shares, or 3% of its ordinary share capital.

        In January 2004, Fidelity International Limited and FMR Corp informed Prudential that they together were interested in 80,630,788 of its ordinary shares, or 4.01% of its ordinary share capital. In March 2004, Cater Allen International Limited informed Prudential it was interested in 68,165,921 of its ordinary shares, or 3.39% of its ordinary share capital. Further notifications were received from Cater Allen International Limited in March 2004 informing Prudential that it was interested in 90,343,121 of its ordinary shares, or 4.50% of its ordinary share capital, and subsequently that its holding had increased to 92,263,121 ordinary shares, or 4.59% of Prudential's ordinary share capital, and later in March 2004 that it had ceased to have a notifiable interest. In March 2004 Lehman Brothers International (Europe) informed Prudential that it was interested in 102,420,602 of its ordinary shares, or 5.10% of its ordinary share capital. Further notifications were received from Lehman Brothers International (Europe) in March 2004 informing the Company that it was interested in 83,760,737 of Prudential's ordinary shares, or 4.17% of its ordinary share capital and subsequently that its interest had decreased to 66,066,824 of Prudential's ordinary shares, or 3.29% of its ordinary share capital. Subsequently in March 2004 Lehman Brothers International (Europe) informed Prudential that it had ceased to have a notifiable interest in Prudential's ordinary share capital. In April 2004, Aviva plc informed Prudential that it was interested in 60,323,328 of its ordinary shares, or 3.0023% of Prudential's ordinary share capital. Also in April 2004, Morley Fund Management Limited informed Prudential that it was interested in 60,506,819 of its ordinary shares, or 3.01% of Prudential's ordinary share capital. Subsequently in June 2004, both Aviva plc and Morley Fund Management Limited informed Prudential that they had ceased to have a notifiable interest in Prudential's share capital. In July 2004, Prudential received notifications from Legal and General Investment Management Limited that it was interested in 81,326,380 ordinary shares of Prudential, and from Fidelity International Limited and FMR Corp that they together were interested in 77,255,787 ordinary shares of Prudential, or 4.02% and 3.82% respectively of Prudential's ordinary share capital. In August 2004 Prudential received two notifications from Barclays PLC, the first informing it of

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an interest in 61,406,677 ordinary shares, or 3.035% of Prudential's ordinary share capital, the second informing Prudential that it had ceased to have a notifiable interest in Prudential's ordinary share capital. Also in August 2004, Lehman Brothers International (Europe) informed Prudential that it had a notifiable interest in 108,413,123 ordinary shares, or 5.36% of Prudential's ordinary share capital, and subsequently in September 2004, notifications were received that that interest had decreased to 74,042,089 ordinary shares or 3.66%, and eventually ceased to be a notifiable interest. In October 2004, Prudential received two notifications from Fidelity International Limited and FMR Corp, initially of a combined notfiable interest in 82,567,578 ordinary shares, or 4.08% of Prudential's ordinary share capital, and later of a decrease of that interest to 78,275,627 ordinary shares, or 3.87%. Subsequently in November 2004, Fidelity International Limited and FMR Corp informed Prudential that they together had ceased to have a notifiable interest in the ordinary share capital of Prudential plc.

        In February 2005, Barclays PLC notified Prudential that it had a notifiable interest in 79,033,599 ordinary shares, or 3.33% of Prudential's ordinary share capital, and subsequently, also in February 2005, that its interest had ceased to be notifiable. In March 2005, Prudential received a notification from Cater Allen International Limited that it had a notifiable interest in 88,640,496 ordinary shares, or 3.73% of Prudential's ordinary share capital, and subsequently, also in March 2005, it notified Prudential that its interest had ceased to be notifiable. Also in March 2005, Prudential received notifications from Lehman Brothers International (Europe) that it had a notifiable interest in 99,067,148 ordinary shares, or 4.17%, and subsequently that that interest had decreased to 75,591,074 ordinary shares, or 3.18% of the ordinary share capital, and finally, also in March 2005, that its interest had ceased to be notifiable. In April 2005, Barclays PLC notified Prudential that it had an interest in 94,041,936 ordinary shares, or 3.96% of the ordinary share capital, and later in April 2005 that its interest had ceased to be notifiable.

        Major shareholders of Prudential have the same voting rights per share as other shareholders. See Item 10, "Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Voting Rights".

        As of April 30, 2005, there were 127 shareholders holding Prudential ordinary shares in the United States. These shares represented approximately 0.01% of Prudential's issued ordinary share capital. As of April 30, 2005 there were 32 registered Prudential ADR holders. These shares represented by the ADRs held amounted to approximately 0.00038% of Prudential's issued ordinary share capital.

        Prudential does not know of any arrangements which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of Prudential.


Related Party Transactions

        During the last three years Prudential has not been and is not now, a party to any material related party transaction.

        Various executive officers and directors of Prudential may from time to time, however, purchase insurance, investment management or annuity products, or, be granted mortgages or, credit card facilities marketed by Prudential group companies in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and without more than the normal risk of collectability or other unfavorable features.

        All intercompany transactions are eliminated on consolidation except for investment management fees of £253 million, £217 million and £208 million charged by M&G and the Group's US and Asia fund management operations to long-term business funds for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

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Item 8.    Financial Information

        See Item 18, "Financial Statements".

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Item 9.    The Offer and Listing

Comparative Market Price Data

        The tables below set forth for the periods indicated the highest and lowest closing middle-market quotations for Prudential ordinary shares, as derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange, and the actual ADS high and low closing sale prices on the New York Stock Exchange after that date.

 
  Prudential
Ordinary
Shares

  Prudential ADS
Actual

Year

  High
  Low
  High
  Low
 
  (pence)

  (US Dollars)

2000*   1,186   880   32.25   24.69
2001   1,095   568   32.69   17.05
2002   824   333   24.11   10.38
2003   487   281   17.05   9.46
2004   512   386   20.29   14.65

*
Prudential's American Depository Shares commenced trading on June 28, 2000 and, as a result, ADS price data for 2000 reflects the period from June 28 through December 31, 2000.

 
  Prudential
Ordinary
Shares

  Prudential ADS
Actual

Quarter

  High
  Low
  High
  Low
 
  (pence)

  (US Dollars)

2003                
  First quarter   461   281   14.84   9.46
  Second quarter   403   316   13.46   10.14
  Third quarter   480   358   15.35   12.14
  Fourth quarter   487   425   17.05   14.45
2004                
  First quarter   533   437   20.29   16.12
  Second quarter   459   406   17.43   15.03
  Third quarter   453   399   17.23   15.34
  Fourth quarter   467   386   17.60   14.65
2005                
  First quarter   507   445   19.60   16.52
 
  Prudential
Ordinary
Shares

  Prudential ADS
Actual

Month

  High
  Low
  High
  Low
 
  (pence)

  (US Dollars)

December 2004   455   423   17.60   16.46
January 2005   469   445   17.61   16.52
February 2005   480   458   18.33   17.44
March 2005   506   476   19.60   17.98
April 2005   518   470   19.75   18.06
May 2005   496   470   18.60   17.58


Market Data

        Prudential ordinary shares are listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol "PRU". Prudential ADSs have been listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange since June 28, 2000 under the symbol "PUK".

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Item 10.    Additional Information

Memorandum and Articles of Association

        Prudential plc is incorporated and registered in England and Wales, under registered number 1397169. Prudential's corporate objects are extensive, as more fully set out in clause 4 of Prudential's Memorandum of Association.

        The following is a summary of both the rights of Prudential shareholders and certain provisions of Prudential's memorandum and articles of association. Rights of Prudential shareholders are set out in Prudential's memorandum and articles of association or are provided for by applicable English law. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all the information that is included in Prudential's memorandum and articles of association. Directions on how to obtain a complete copy of Prudential's memorandum and articles of association are provided under "—Documents on Display" below.

Dividends

        Under English law, Prudential may pay dividends only if distributable profits are available for that purpose. Distributable profits are accumulated, realized profits not previously distributed or capitalized, less accumulated, realized losses not previously written off. Even if distributable profits are available, Prudential may only pay dividends if the amount of its net assets is not less than the aggregate of its called-up share capital and undistributable reserves, including, for example, the share premium account and the payment of the dividend does not reduce the amount of the net assets to less than that aggregate. Subject to these restrictions, Prudential's directors may recommend to shareholders that a final dividend be declared and recommend the amount of any such dividend and whether to pay a distribution by way of an interim dividend and the amount of any such interim dividend out of the profits of the Company, but must take into account Prudential's financial position.

        Prudential's directors also determine the date on which Prudential pays dividends. Prudential pays dividends to the shareholders on the register on the record date that the directors determine, in proportion to the number of shares that those shareholders hold. There are no fixed dates on which entitlements to dividends arise. Interest is not payable on dividends or other amounts payable in respect of shares.

        Prudential's directors have the discretion to offer shareholders the right to elect to receive additional shares (credited as fully paid) instead of all or any part of any cash dividend. The aggregate value of additional shares that a shareholder may receive under such an election is as nearly as possible equal to (but not greater than) the cash amount the shareholder would have received. Prudential does not issue fractions of shares and Prudential's directors may make such provision as they think appropriate to deal with any fractional entitlements. Prudential's directors may exclude shareholders from the right to receive shares instead of cash dividends if Prudential's directors believe that extending the election to such shareholders would violate the laws of any territory or for any other reason the directors consider in their absolute discretion appropriate.

        If a shareholder does not claim a dividend within 12 years of such dividend becoming due for payment, such shareholder forfeits it. Such unclaimed amounts may be invested or otherwise used for Prudential's benefit.

Shareholder Meetings

        English company law provides for shareholders to exercise their power to decide on corporate matters at general meetings. Prudential's articles of association, in accordance with the Companies Act, require annual general meetings, at intervals of not longer than 15 months. At the annual general meetings, shareholders receive and consider the statutory accounts and the reports by the auditors and the directors, elect and re-elect directors, approve payment of final dividends, approve the appointment,

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and fix, or determine the manner of fixing, the remuneration of Prudential's auditors and transact any other business which ought to be transacted under the articles of association. Extraordinary general meetings to consider specific matters may be held at the discretion of Prudential's directors and must be convened, in accordance with the Companies Act, following the written request of shareholders representing at least one-tenth of all the issued shares. The quorum required under Prudential's articles of association for a general meeting is two shareholders present in person or by proxy.

Voting Rights

        Voting at any meeting of shareholders is by show of hands unless a poll (meaning a vote by the number of shares held rather than by a show of hands) is demanded as described below. On a show of hands every shareholder who is present in person or in the case of a corporation, its duly authorized corporate representative has one vote. Proxies are not allowed to vote on a show of hands. On a poll every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy and every duly authorized corporate representative has one vote for every share held. Only the holders of fully paid shares are allowed to attend and be counted in the quorum at meetings or to vote. If more than one joint shareholder votes, only the vote of the shareholder whose name appears first in the register is counted. A shareholder whose shareholding is registered in the name of a nominee may not attend and vote at a general meeting and may only vote through his or her nominee.

        Resolutions of Prudential's shareholders generally require the approval of a majority of the shareholders to be passed. Such resolutions, referred to as ordinary resolutions, require:

        Some resolutions, referred to as special resolutions, however, such as a resolution to amend the memorandum and articles of association, require a 75% majority. Such special resolutions require:

        In the case of an equality of votes, the chairman of the general meeting has a tie-breaking vote both on a show of hands and on a poll. Any shareholder whom is entitled to attend and vote at a general meeting may appoint one or more proxies to attend and vote at the meeting on his or her behalf.

        The following persons may demand a poll:

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Transfer of Shares

        Transfers of shares may be made by an instrument of transfer. An instrument of transfer must be signed by or on behalf of the transferor and, unless the share is fully paid, by or on behalf of the transferee. The transferor remains the holder of the relevant shares until the name of the transferee is entered in the share register. Transfers of shares may also be made by a computer-based system (currently the CREST system) and transferred without a written instrument in accordance with English company law. The directors may in certain circumstances refuse to register transfers of shares, but only if such refusal does not prevent dealings in the shares from taking place on an open and proper basis. If the directors refuse to register a transfer they must send the transferee notice of the refusal within two months.

Changes in Share Capital

        Increases in share capital may only take place after approval by shareholders by ordinary resolution. The class and other rights attaching to such new shares may be determined by resolution of the shareholders or may be delegated by the shareholders to the directors. Prudential's directors may issue and allot such new shares if authorized to do so by the shareholders. In addition to any increase, the following changes in share capital may only take place after approval by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders:

        Reductions in Prudential's issued share capital and share premium account must be approved by a special resolution of the shareholders and must be confirmed by an order of the court. Purchases of Prudential's own shares also require authority to be granted by a special resolution passed by shareholders.

Variation of Rights

        If the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights of any class of shares may be changed or taken away only if such measure is approved by an extraordinary resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of that class. Two persons holding or representing by proxy at least one-third in nominal amount of the issued shares of the class must be present at such a meeting in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum. The issued share capital of Prudential is not currently divided into different classes of shares, however a resolution was passed at the Annual General Meeting on May 6, 2004 to increase the authorized share capital by the creation of a new class of 2,000,000,000 Sterling Preference Shares of £0.01 each, a new class of 2,000,000,000 Dollar Preference Shares of $0.01 each, and a new class of 2,000,000,000 Euro Preference Shares of €0.01 each in addition to the 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of £0.05 each.

        The Board of Directors shall determine whether the preference shares are to be redeemable, the dividend rights, the rights to a return of capital or to share in the assets of the Company on a winding up or liquidation and the rights to attend and vote at general meetings of the Company prior to the date on which the preference shares are allotted. If the Board of Directors determines prior to any allotment date that the shares are to be redeemable, on redemption, the holder of a preference share shall be paid the aggregate of the nominal amount of such preference share, any premium paid by the shareholder on allotment and, if the directors so decide prior to any allotment date, a redemption premium which shall be calculated in accordance with a formula chosen by the Board of Directors from a selection set out in Prudential's articles of association. No dividend will be payable after the date of redemption of any preference share but dividends accrued at such date will be payable.

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        The Board is restricted from capitalizing any amounts available for distribution in respect of any series or class of preference shares without the written consent of the holders of at least three-quarters in nominal value, or an extraordinary resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the class or series of preference shares if to do so would mean that the aggregate of the amounts so capitalized would be less than the multiple, if any, determined by the Board of the aggregate amount of the dividends payable in the twelve month period following the capitalization on the series or class of preference shares and on any other preference shares in issue which rank pari passu in relation to participation in profits.

        The Board may not authorize, create or increase the amount of, any shares of any class or any security convertible into shares of any class or any security which is convertible into shares of any class ranking, in relation to the right to participate in the profits or assets in the Company, in priority to a series or class of preference shares without the consent in writing of at least three-quarters in nominal value of, or the sanction of an extraordinary resolution of the holders of such series or class of preference shares.

Lien

        Prudential may not have a lien on fully paid shares.

Shareholders Resident Abroad

        Accidental omission to send notices to shareholders shall not invalidate the proceedings of the ensuing meeting. Unless otherwise required by law or Prudential's articles of association, certain notices may also be given by advertisement published once in at least one leading UK daily newspaper. There are no limitations on non-resident or foreign shareholders' rights to own Prudential securities or exercise voting rights where such rights are given under English company law.

Winding-up

        Prudential is subject to the general insolvency law applicable to UK companies, which is described in Item 4, "Information on the Company—Supervision and Regulation of Prudential—UK Supervision and Regulation—Application of 2000 Act Regulatory Regime to Prudential—Regulation of Insurance Business—Winding-up Rules".

Board of Directors

        Prudential's board of directors manages Prudential's business. However, Prudential's shareholders must approve certain matters, such as changes to the share capital and the election and re-election of directors. Directors are appointed subject to Prudential's articles of association. Prudential's board of directors may fill vacancies and appoint additional directors who hold office until the next annual general meeting. The articles of association require that each director must have beneficial ownership of a given number of ordinary shares. The number of shares is determined by ordinary resolution at a general meeting and is currently 2,500. The minimum number of directors is eight and the maximum number is twenty. Prudential may vary these limits by ordinary resolution. There are currently fourteen members of Prudential's board of directors.

        At every annual general meeting, directors who have been in office for three years and have not sought re-election during that time are required to retire by rotation and are eligible for re-election. Shareholders may remove any director before the end of his or her term of office by ordinary resolution and may appoint another person in his or her place by ordinary resolution.

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        In addition, the executive directors enter into service agreements with Prudential governing their employment relationship. The normal termination notice period under such service agreements for executive directors is twelve months. For newly appointed executive directors, there may be an initial contractual period of up to two years before the twelve-month notice period applies. Non-executive directors do not have service agreements and are not eligible for the annual bonus, nor for membership in Prudential's Restricted Share Plan or pensions.

        The directors may exercise all the powers of Prudential to borrow money and to mortgage or charge any of its assets provided that the total amount borrowed does not, when aggregated with the total borrowing (which excludes, amongst other things, intra-group borrowings and amounts secured by policies, guarantees, bonds or contracts issued or given by Prudential or its subsidiaries in the course of its business) of all of Prudential's subsidiaries, exceed the aggregate of the share capital and consolidated reserves and of one-tenth of the insurance funds of Prudential and each of its subsidiaries as shown in the most recent audited consolidated balance sheet of the Group prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985.

        There is no age restriction applicable to directors in Prudential's articles of association. English company law, however, requires that if Prudential appoints or retains a director over the age of 70, special notice stating the director's age must be given for a resolution appointing or re-appointing the director. "Special notice" requires that notice of the intention to move the resolution is given to the company at least 28 days before the meeting at which the resolution is moved.

Disclosure of Interests

        Section 198 of the Companies Act 1985 provides that a person (including a company and other legal entities) that acquires an interest of 3% or more in any class of shares constituting an English public company's relevant share capital (e.g., Prudential-issued share capital carrying the right to vote in all circumstances at a general meeting of Prudential) is required to notify Prudential of its interest within two business days following the day on which it acquires that interest. After the 3% level is exceeded, similar notifications must be made in respect of increases or decreases of 1% or more. In addition a notification is required once the interest falls below 3%.

        For the purposes of the notification obligation, the interest of a person in shares means any kind of interest in shares including interests in any shares:

        Some interests (e.g., those held by certain investment fund managers) may be disregarded for the purposes of calculating the 3% threshold, but the obligations of disclosure will still apply where those interests exceed 10% of any class of the company's relevant share capital and to increases or decreases of 1% or more thereafter.

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        Section 212 of the Companies Act 1985 provides that a public company may send a written notice to a person whom the company knows or has reasonable cause to believe to be, or to have been at any time during the three years immediately preceding the date on which the notice is issued, interested in shares constituting the company's "relevant share capital". The notice may require that person to state whether he has an interest in the shares, and in case that person holds or has held an interest in those shares, to give additional information relating to that interest and any other interest in the shares of which that person is aware.

        Where a company serves notice under the provisions described above on a person who is or was interested in shares of the company and that person fails to give the company any information required by the notice within the time specified in the notice, the company may apply to an English court for an order directing that the shares in question be subject to restrictions prohibiting, among other things, any transfer of those shares, the taking up of rights in respect of those shares and, other than in liquidation, payments in respect of those shares.

        In addition, under Prudential's articles of association, a shareholder may lose the right to vote his shares if he or any other person appearing to be interested in those shares fails to comply within a prescribed period of time with such a request to give the required information with respect to past or present ownership or interests in those shares, or makes a statement in response to such a request which is in the opinion of the directors false or misleading in any material manner. In the case of holders of 0.25% or more of the issued share capital of Prudential (or any class of the share capital), in addition to disenfranchisement, the sanctions that may be applied by Prudential under its articles of association include withholding the right to receive payment of dividends on the relevant shares, and restrictions on transfers of these relevant shares. In the case of holders of less than 0.25% of the issued share capital of Prudential, the sanction is disenfranchisement alone.

        A person who fails to fulfill the obligations imposed by Sections 198 and 212 of the Companies Act 1985 described above is subject to criminal penalties.

Permitted Operations

        Under clause 4 of Prudential's Memorandum of Association, Prudential's principal object is to carry on the business of an investment company and, for that purpose to acquire and hold (for itself or as trustee or nominee) securities in any part of the world. Further objects include providing financial, administrative and investment services for the companies in which Prudential is interested. In addition, the Memorandum of Association provides that each of the paragraphs setting out its objects is not limited by reference to or inference from the terms of any other paragraph but may be construed in its widest sense.

Directors' Interests

        A director may not vote, and is not to be counted in the quorum present at a meeting of the board of directors, in respect of any contract or arrangement in which he has an interest that is (together with any interest of any person connected with him), to his knowledge, a material interest, other than an interest in shares or debentures of Prudential. This prohibition does not apply to resolutions concerning the following matters:

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        These prohibitions may at any time be suspended or relaxed (generally or in respect of any particular contract, arrangement or transaction) by shareholders in a general meeting.

Change of Control

        There is no specific provision in Prudential's articles of association that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Prudential and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving Prudential, or any of its subsidiaries.


Material Contracts

        Prudential operates its primary long-term incentive plan, the Restricted Share Plan, to provide rewards to executive directors and most other executive officers contingent upon the achievement of pre-determined returns to shareholders. See Item 6, "Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation—Senior Executives' Long-term Incentive Plans".

        Prudential has also entered into service contracts with executive directors relating to their employment in such capacity. See Item 6, "Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Service Contracts".


Exchange Controls

        Other than the requirement to obtain the consent of HM Treasury to certain corporate actions, there are currently no UK laws, decrees or regulations that restrict the export or import of capital, including, but not limited to, foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends or other payments to non-UK residents or to US holders of Prudential's securities, except as otherwise set forth under "—Taxation" in this section.


Taxation

        The following is a summary, under current law, of the principal UK tax and US federal income tax considerations relating to an investment by a US taxpayer in Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs. This summary applies to you only if:

        This summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to any particular investor, and does not address the tax treatment of investors that

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are subject to special rules. Prudential has assumed that you are familiar with the tax rules applicable to investments in securities generally and with any special rules to which you may be subject. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of the ownership of Prudential ordinary shares in the context of your own particular circumstances.

        The discussion is based on laws, treaties, judicial decisions, and regulatory interpretations in effect on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change. On March 31, 2003, representatives of the United Kingdom and United States exchanged instruments of notification for a new income tax convention (the "New Treaty"). The New Treaty has the force and effect of law in respect of withholding taxes on dividends from May 1, 2003. You will no longer be entitled to claim a special foreign tax credit in respect of dividends that was available under the terms of the Prior Treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom from December 31, 1975 ("the Prior Treaty"), except for a limited period of time to May 1, 2004 during which you may have elected to apply the entirety of the Prior Treaty in preference to the New Treaty. This would not have been relevant for dividend payments during 2004 as none were paid prior to May 1.

        Beneficial owners of ADSs will be treated as owners of the underlying shares for US federal income tax purposes and for purposes of the Prior Treaty. Deposits and withdrawals of shares in exchange for ADSs will not result in the realization of gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes.

UK Taxation of Dividends

        Under current UK tax law, no tax is required to be withheld in the United Kingdom at source from cash dividends paid to US resident holders.

UK Taxation of Capital Gains

        Subject to the comments in the following paragraph, a holder of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs who, for UK tax purposes, is not resident in the United Kingdom (and in the case of an individual also not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom) will not be liable for UK taxation on capital gains realized on the disposal of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs unless at the time of the disposal:

        A holder of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs who (1) is an individual who has ceased to be resident or ordinarily resident for UK tax purposes in the United Kingdom on or after March 17, 1998, (2) continues not to be resident or ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for a period of less than five tax years and (3) disposes of their Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs during that period may also be liable, upon returning to the United Kingdom, for UK tax on capital gains, subject to any available exemption or relief, even though he or she was not resident or ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom at the time of the disposal.

UK Inheritance Tax

        Prudential ordinary shares are assets situated in the United Kingdom for the purposes of UK inheritance tax (the equivalent of US estate and gift tax). Prudential ADSs are likely to be treated in the same manner. Subject to the discussion of the UK-US estate tax treaty in the next paragraph, UK inheritance tax may apply if an individual who holds Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs gifts them or dies even if he or she is neither domiciled in the United Kingdom nor deemed to be domiciled there under UK law. For inheritance tax purposes, a transfer of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs at less than

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full market value may be treated as a gift for these purposes. Special inheritance tax rules apply (1) to gifts if the donor retains some benefit, (2) to close companies and (3) to trustees of settlements.

        However, as a result of the UK-US estate tax treaty, Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs held by an individual who is domiciled in the United States for the purposes of the UK-US estate tax treaty and who is not a UK national will not be subject to UK inheritance tax on that individual's death or on a gift of the Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs unless the ordinary shares or ADSs:

        The UK-US estate tax treaty provides a credit mechanism if the Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs are subject to both UK inheritance tax and to US estate and gift tax.

UK Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax

        UK stamp duty is payable on the transfer of Prudential ordinary shares to, and UK stamp duty reserve tax is payable upon the transfer or issue of Prudential ordinary shares to, the depositary of Prudential ordinary shares, or a nominee of the depositary, in exchange for Prudential ADRs representing ADSs. For this purpose, the current rate of stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax is 1.5% (rounded up, in the case of stamp duty, to the nearest £5). The rate is applied, in each case, to the amount or value of the consideration given for the Prudential ordinary shares or, in some circumstances, to the value of the Prudential ordinary shares at the time of transfer or issue. To the extent that such stamp duty is paid on any such transfer of Prudential ordinary shares, no stamp duty reserve tax should be payable on that transfer.

        Provided that the instrument of transfer is not executed in the United Kingdom and remains at all subsequent times outside the United Kingdom, no UK stamp duty will be required to be paid on any transfer of Prudential ADRs representing ADSs. An agreement to transfer Prudential ADRs will not give rise to a liability to stamp duty reserve tax.

        The transfer for value of Prudential ordinary shares, as opposed to Prudential ADRs, will generally give rise to a charge to UK stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax at the rate of 0.5% (rounded up, in the case of stamp duty, to the nearest £5). The rate is applied to the price payable for the relevant Prudential ordinary shares. A transfer of ordinary shares from a nominee to its beneficial owner, including the transfer of underlying Prudential ordinary shares from the depositary to an ADS holder, is subject to stamp duty at the fixed rate of £5 per transfer.

        UK stamp duty is usually paid by the purchaser. Although stamp duty reserve tax is generally the liability of the purchaser, any such tax payable on the transfer or issue of Prudential ordinary shares to the depositary or its nominee will be payable by the depositary. In accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the depositary will recover an amount in respect of such tax from the initial holders of the ADSs.

US Federal Income Tax Treatment of Distributions on Prudential Ordinary Shares or ADSs

        If Prudential pays dividends, you must include those dividends in your income when you receive them. The dividends will be treated as foreign source income. You should determine the amount of your dividend income by converting pounds sterling into US dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the date of your (or the depositary's, in the case of ADSs) receipt of the dividend. Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the US dollar amount of dividends received by an individual before January 1, 2009 will be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15% if the dividends are "qualified dividends." Dividends received with respect to the ordinary shares or ADSs will be qualified dividends if

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Prudential was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC"). Based on Prudential's audited financial statements and relevant market, Prudential believes that it was not treated as a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes with respect to its 2004 or 2005 taxable year. In addition, based on Prudential's audited financial statements and its current expectations regarding the value and nature of its assets, the sources and nature of its income, and relevant market, Prudential does not anticipate becoming a PFIC for its 2006 taxable year.

Capital Gains

        If you sell your Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs, you will recognize a capital gain or loss. A gain on the sale of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs held for more than one year will be treated as a long-term capital gain. The net long-term capital gain recognized before 2009 generally is subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15%. Your ability to offset capital losses against ordinary income is subject to limitations.

US Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

        Under the US tax code, a US resident holder of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs, may be subject, under certain circumstances, to information reporting and possibly backup withholding with respect to dividends and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs, unless the US resident holder provides proof of an applicable exemption or correct taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules is not additional tax and may be refunded or credited against the US resident holder's federal income tax liability, so long as the required information is furnished to the IRS.


Documents on Display

        Prudential is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and files information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy this information at the following location:

Public Reference Room
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Room 1024
Washington, D.C. 20549

        Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Copies of these materials can also be obtained by mail at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549. Prudential ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and consequently, the periodic reports and other information filed by Prudential with the Commission can be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. The primary market for Prudential ordinary shares is the London Stock Exchange. Any filings made electronically in the United States are available to the public over the internet at the Commission's web site at http://www.sec.gov.

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Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

RISK MANAGEMENT OF PRUDENTIAL

Overview

        A significant part of the Group's business involves the acceptance and management of risk. The Group's risk management model requires the primary responsibility for risk management at an operational level to rest with business unit chief executives. The second line of defense of risk comprises oversight functions reporting to the Group Chief Executive together with business unit risk functions and risk management committees. The third line of defense comprises independent assurance from Internal Audit reporting to business unit and Group audit committees.

        The Group Risk Framework, adopted in 1999, requires that all of the Group's businesses and functions establish processes for identifying, evaluating and managing the key risks faced by the Group. The Group risk categorization model breaks risk down into risk classes, risk categories and risk components. The seven risk classes cover business environment risk, strategic risk, credit risk, regulatory compliance risk, investment risk, underwriting risk and operational risk, and are intended to encompass all risks faced by the Group. They are used by the business units and Group during risk identification, analysis, aggregation and reporting of risk.

        At the beginning of 2003 a Group Operational Risk Committee was established. The Group Operational Risk Committee is chaired by the Group Finance Director and its membership includes representatives of the business unit and Group functions who have input into the operation of the Group Risk Framework. The Group Operational Risk Committee is the senior management forum responsible for oversight of the Group Risk Framework across the business unit and Group functions, including monitoring operational risk and related policies and processes as they are applied throughout the Group. The Group Operational Risk Committee reports to the Group Chief Executive, who has overall responsibility for the risks faced by the Group. The Group Operational Risk Committee is supported in this role by the Group Risk Function and the Risk Committees and Risk Functions in each business unit. Quarterly risk reports from the business units and Group are reported to the Group Operational Risk Committee covering all risks of Group significance. Regular reports are also made to the Group and business unit Audit Committees by management, internal audit, compliance and legal functions.

        Also in 2003, a Group Asset Liability Committee ("ALCO") was established, and is chaired by the Group Finance Director. Its membership includes business unit and Group management involved in the operation of the asset liability, credit and insurance risks framework. The Group Asset Liability Committee considers asset-liability mismatch, solvency, market, credit and insurance risks at Group level. The ALCO is responsible for ensuring solvency risks are well managed and controlled across the Group, through establishing risk policies and guidelines, ensuring asset-liability and other solvency risks are highlighted through regular reporting and are effectively measured and managed, and communicating the aggregate risk and capital adequacy position. The ALCO reports to the Group Chief Executive.

        As a provider of financial services, including insurance, the Group's business is the managed acceptance of risk. The system of internal control is an essential and integral part of the risk management process. As part of the annual preparation of its business plan, all of the Group's businesses and functions are required to carry out a review of risks. This involves an assessment of the impact and likelihood of key risks and of the effectiveness of the controls in place to manage them. The assessment is reviewed regularly throughout the year. In addition, business units review opportunities and risks to business objectives regularly with the Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director.

        Businesses are required to confirm annually that they have undertaken risk management during the year as required by the Group Risk Framework and that they have reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal control. The results of this review were reported to and reviewed by the Audit

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Committee, and confirmed that the processes described above and required by the Group Risk Framework were in place throughout the period covered by this report, and complied with Internal Control: Guidance on the Combined Code (the Turnbull guidance). Internal Audit executes a comprehensive risk based audit plan throughout the Group, from which all significant issues are reported to the Audit Committee.

        The Group's internal control framework includes detailed procedures laid down in financial and actuarial procedure manuals. The Group prepares an annual business plan with three-year projections. Executive management and the Board receive monthly reports on the Group's actual performance against plan, together with updated forecasts.

        The Group operates a comprehensive planning process. The Board receives regular reports on the performance of the Group against plan with frequent financial projections.

        The insurance operations of the Group all prepare a financial condition report which is reported on to the Board who receive regular reports from the Group Finance Director on the financial position of the Group.


Major Risks

        Specific business environmental and operational risks are discussed under Item 3, "Key Information—Risk Factors", and Item 5 "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Factors Affecting Results of Operations". Risks discussed under Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential" include "Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—Compliance" and "Business of Prudential—Legal Proceedings".

Financial Risks

Foreign Exchange Risk

        Prudential faces foreign exchange risk, primarily because its reporting currency is pounds sterling, whereas approximately 56% of Prudential's operating profit from continuing operations before amortization of goodwill and tax for the year ended December 31, 2004 came from Prudential's US and Asian operations. The exposure relating to the translation of reported earnings is not separately managed although its impact is reduced by interest payments on foreign currency borrowings and by the adoption of average exchange rates for the translation of foreign currency revenues.

Liquidity Risk

        Liquidity risk is the risk that Prudential may be unable to meet payment of obligations in a timely manner at a reasonable cost or the risk of unexpected increases in the cost of funding the portfolio at appropriate maturities or rates. Liquidity management in each business seeks to ensure that, even under adverse conditions, Prudential has access to the funds necessary to cover surrenders, withdrawals and maturing liabilities.

        In practice, most of Prudential's invested assets are marketable securities. This, combined with the fact that a large proportion of the liabilities contain discretionary surrender values or surrender charges, reduces the liquidity risk. The group maintains committed borrowing and securities lending facilities as described in Item 5 "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Shareholders' Borrowings and Financial Flexibility".

Credit Risk

        Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty or an issuer of securities, which Prudential holds in its asset portfolio, defaults or another party fails to perform according to the terms of the contract. Some of

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Prudential's businesses, in particular Jackson National Life, Egg, Prudential Assurance's long-term fund and Prudential's UK pension annuity business, hold large amounts of interest rate sensitive investments that contain credit risk on which a certain level of defaults is expected. These expected losses are considered when Prudential determines the crediting rates, deposit rates and premium rates for the products that will be supported by these assets. Certain over-the-counter derivatives contain a credit risk element that is controlled through evaluation of collateral agreements and master netting agreements on interest rate and currency swaps. Prudential is also exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties.

        Prudential provides further analysis of the credit risks in the portfolios backing its insurance business under Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—Investments".

Operational, Compliance and Fiscal Risk

        Operational risk can result from a variety of factors, including failure to obtain proper internal authorizations or maintain internal controls, failure to document transactions properly, failure of operational and information security procedures or other procedural failures, computer system or software failures, other equipment failures, fraud, inadequate training or errors by employees. Compliance with internal rules and procedures designed to manage these risks is monitored by Prudential's local management boards.

        Adherence to local regulatory requirements is monitored by internal compliance managers who report to the local management boards. The head of Prudential's group compliance function reports directly to the group legal director who submits regular reports to the board of directors.

        Compliance risk includes the possibility that transactions may not be enforceable under applicable law or regulation as well as the cost of rectification and fines, and also the possibility that changes in law or regulation could adversely affect Prudential's position. Prudential seeks to minimize compliance risk by seeking to ensure that transactions are properly authorized and by submitting new or unusual transactions to legal advisers for review.

        Prudential is exposed to certain fiscal risks arising from changes in tax laws and enforcement policies and in reviews by taxing authorities of tax positions Prudential has taken in recent years. Prudential manages this risk and risks associated with changes in other legislation and regulation through ongoing review by relevant departments of proposed changes to legislation and by membership of relevant trade and professional committees involved in commenting on draft proposals in these areas.

Market Risk

        Market risk is the risk that future changes in market prices may make a financial instrument less valuable. The primary market risks Prudential faces are equity risk and interest rate risk because most of its assets are investments that are either equity type investments and subject to equity price risk, or bonds, mortgages or cash deposits, the values of which are subject to interest rate risk. The amount of risk borne by Prudential's shareholders depends on the extent to which its customers share the investment risk through the structure of Prudential's products.

        The split of Prudential's investments between equity investments and interest-sensitive instruments depends principally on the type of liabilities supported by those investments and the amount of capital Prudential has available. This mix of liabilities allows Prudential to invest a substantial portion of its investment funds in equity and real estate investments that Prudential believes produce greater returns over the long term. On the other hand Prudential has some liabilities that contain guaranteed returns and allow instant access (for example, interest-sensitive fixed annuities, immediate annuities and fixed rate customer bank deposits), which generally will be supported by fixed income investments.

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        To reduce investment, interest rate and foreign exchange exposures, and to facilitate efficient investment management, Prudential uses derivative instruments. Prudential's policy is that amounts at risk through derivative contracts are covered by cash or corresponding assets.


Asset/Liability Management

        Prudential manages it assets and liabilities locally, in accordance with local regulatory requirements and reflecting the differing types of liabilities Prudential has in each business. As a result of the diversity of products offered by Prudential and the different regulatory environments in which it operates, Prudential employs different methods of asset/liability management, on both an in-force and new business basis. Stochastic modeling of assets and liabilities is undertaken in JNL, UK and Asia to assess economic capital requirements for different confidence intervals and time horizons. In addition, reserve adequacy testing under a range of scenarios and dynamic solvency analysis is carried out, including under certain scenarios mandated by the US, UK and Asian regulators.

        A stochastic approach models the inter-relationship between asset and liability movements, taking into account asset correlation and policyholder behavior, under a large number of possible scenarios. These scenarios are projected forward over a period of time, typically 25 years or longer, and the liabilities and solvency position of the fund are calculated in each scenario in each future year. This allows the identification of which extreme scenarios will have the most adverse effects and what the best estimate outcome may be. The fund's policy on management actions, including bonus and investment policy are then set in order that they are consistent with the available capital and the targeted risk of default. This differs from a deterministic model, which would only consider the results from one carefully selected scenario.

        For businesses that are most sensitive to interest rate changes, such as immediate annuity business, Prudential uses cash flow analysis to create a portfolio of fixed income securities whose value changes in line with the value of liabilities when interest rates change. This type of analysis helps protect profits from changing interest rates. In the United Kingdom, the cash flow analysis is used in Prudential's annuity and banking business while, in the United States, it is used for its interest-sensitive and equity-indexed fixed annuities and stable value products. Perfect matching is not possible for interest-sensitive and equity-indexed fixed annuities because of the nature of the liabilities (which include guaranteed surrender values) and options for pre-payment contained in the assets. The US supervisory authorities require Jackson National Life to calculate projections to test Jackson National Life's ability to run off its liabilities with assets equal to statutory reserves in a number of specified future economic scenarios. If Jackson National Life is unable to satisfy all of these tests, which are carried out at least annually, then it may be required to establish additional statutory reserves.

        For businesses that are most sensitive to equity price changes, Prudential uses stochastic modeling and scenario testing to look at the expected future returns on its investments under different scenarios that best reflect the large diversity in returns that equities can produce. This allows Prudential to devise an investment and with-profits policyholder bonus strategy that, on the model assumptions, allows it to optimize returns to its policyholders and shareholders over time while maintaining appropriate financial strength. Prudential uses this method extensively in connection with its UK with-profits business.

        When presenting regulatory returns to the UK supervisory authorities, the calculation of the statutory liabilities for solvency purposes is required to incorporate a "resilience" reserve that is sufficient to ensure that assets equal to the statutory reserves (including the resilience reserve) remain equal to statutory reserves in the event of certain prescribed changes in equity and real estate prices combined with prescribed rises and falls in interest yields. See Item 4 "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—UK and Europe Business—Financial Strength of Prudential Assurance's Long-term Fund".

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        All of Prudential's investments are held either for risk management or investment purposes. This is because almost all of the investments support policyholder or customer liabilities of one form or another. Any assets that Prudential holds centrally that are not supporting customer liabilities are predominantly invested in short-term fixed income and fixed maturity securities.


Use of Derivatives

        In the United Kingdom and Asia, Prudential uses derivatives to reduce equity risk, interest rate and currency exposures, and to facilitate efficient investment management. In the United States, Prudential uses derivatives to reduce interest rate risk, to facilitate efficient portfolio management and to match liabilities under equity-indexed policies.

        The most widely used derivatives by Prudential are exchange traded equity and bond futures in the United Kingdom, and exchange traded and over-the-counter interest rate swaps, options to enter into interest rate swaps (referred to as "swaptions") and equity options in the United States. Prudential uses futures and credit derivatives to undertake asset allocation transactions and uses interest rate swaps and interest rate swaptions to manage interest rate risk. Over-the-counter equity options and futures are used to match liabilities under equity-indexed policies.

        It is Prudential's policy that amounts at risk through derivative transactions are covered by cash or corresponding assets. Derivative financial instruments used to facilitate efficient portfolio management and for investment purposes are carried at fair value with changes in fair value included in long-term investment returns.


World-Wide Operations

UK Business

        For risk management purposes, the UK asset portfolio is divided into assets that support life and pensions business, annuity business and banking business. These assets are shown in the tables that appear under Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—Investments—Prudential's Total Investments" and Item 4, "Information on the Company—Business of Prudential—Investments—Investments Relating to UK Insurance Business".

Life and Pensions Business

        Prudential's UK life and pensions business comprises both savings and protection business. The investments supporting the protection business are small in value and tend to be fixed maturities reflecting the guaranteed nature of the liabilities.

        Prudential's UK insurance investments at December 31, 2004 were £112 billion, of which £96 billion related to non-linked life and pensions business and £16 billion to linked business. Of the £96 billion, £62 billion was for the with-profits business, £14 billion related to the segregated SAIF with-profits fund, £18 billion represented pension annuity business and £2 billion was other. The absence of guaranteed surrender values and the flexibility given by the operation of the bonus system means that the majority of the investments backing the with-profits business are in equities and real estate with the balance in debt and other fixed income security deposits and loans.

Pensions Annuity Business

        Prudential's UK pensions annuity business employs fixed income investments (including UK retail price index-linked assets) because the liabilities consist of guaranteed payments for as long as each annuitant is alive. Retail price index-linked assets are used to back pensions annuities where the payments are linked to the retail price index.

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        At December 31, 2004, £18 billion of non-linked UK investments and £3 billion of linked UK investments relates to the pension annuity business. These investments are in fixed income securities (including retail price index-linked bonds to match retail price index-linked annuities), loans and deposits and are duration matched with the estimated duration of the liabilities they support.

Banking Business

        The assets of Prudential's UK banking business consist of retail mortgages, credit card receivables and personal loans, while the liabilities comprise mostly customer deposits. To the extent that customer deposits exceed loans, mortgages and credit card receivables, the banking business purchases money market assets.

        At December 31, 2004, Egg's business had £11,995 million of banking assets and £11,217 million of banking liabilities. The £11,995 million of assets consisted of £3,120 million in fixed maturity investments and £8,875 million of loans and other assets. Of the £8,875 million, £8,258 million was in respect of loans, of which £5,475 million were floating rate and £2,783 million were fixed rate. Of the liabilities, £6,607 million comprised floating rate retail deposits.

US Business

        Jackson National Life's main exposure to market risk is through its exposure to interest rate risk because approximately 16% of its general account investments support institutional business and 84% support interest-sensitive and fixed-indexed annuities, life business and surplus. All of these types of business contain considerable interest rate guarantee features and, consequently, require that the assets that support them are primarily fixed income or fixed maturity.

        Prudential is exposed primarily to the following risks in the United States arising from fluctuations in interest rates:

        For risk management purposes, the US general account portfolio is divided substantially into assets that support the interest-sensitive life and fixed annuity business, the institutional business and the fixed-indexed business. Prudential hedges the equity return risk on fixed-indexed products by purchasing futures and options on the relevant index.

Asian Business

        In Asia, Prudential sells with-profits and unit-linked policies and, although the with-profits business generally has a lower terminal bonus element than in the United Kingdom, the investment portfolios still contain a proportion of equities and, to a lesser extent, real estate. Non-participating business is largely backed by fixed income securities or deposits. Prudential does not consider the market risks inherent in its Asian business to be material because the investments of the Asian operation are only 5% of the Group total.


Currency of Investments

        Prudential's investments are generally held in the same currency as its liabilities and, accordingly, pound sterling liabilities will generally be supported by pound sterling assets and US dollar liabilities will

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generally be supported by US dollar assets. However, where Prudential believes it is appropriate, it holds some non-domestic equities in the equity portfolios in the belief that this diversifies the overall portfolio risk. As at December 31, 2004, £11 billion of Prudential's total equity securities supporting sterling liabilities, excluding those that support unit-linked business, were invested in non-sterling denominated equity investments.


Currency of Core Borrowings

        Prudential is subject to certain interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk on its core borrowings. At December 31, 2004, there was £1,899 million of pounds sterling central company debt and £898 million, or $1,724 million, of US dollar debt. £1,762 million of the central company debt was at fixed rates of interest and £1,035 million at floating rates of interest.

        The impact of gains or losses on currency translation is recorded as a component of shareholders' funds within the consolidated statement of total recognized gains and losses. This primarily arises upon translation into pounds sterling of the investment in Prudential's US and Asian operations, but is after offset of exchange gains of £49 million on the carrying value of the US dollar denominated borrowings for movements in the US dollar to pounds sterling exchange rate during 2004.


Sensitivity Analysis

        During 2004, total equity securities increased by £3,549 million and total debt and other fixed income securities increased by £2,159 million. The increase in equities and debt securities mainly reflects changes in the relative valuation of the securities over the year.

Non-trading Activities

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

        Prudential's primary foreign exchange risk relates to the translation of Jackson National Life's profits into pounds sterling. The potential exposure to a 10% adverse fluctuation (appreciation of pounds sterling) in the average US dollar/pounds sterling exchange rates for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 would have been a reduction in operating profit of £18 million and £15 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Prudential believes this to be a reasonably possible near-term market change.

206


Trading Activities

Interest Rate Risk—Investments

        The following table quantifies the estimated reduction in fair value of investments at December 31, 2004 and 2003, resulting from a 100 basis point increase in interest rates at each date. Prudential believes this to be a reasonably possible near-term market change for both UK and US interest rates. Amounts in this table do not include investments backing unit-linked business.

 
  December 31, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
  Fair Value
  Estimated
Reduction in
Fair Value

  Fair Value
  Estimated
Reduction in
Fair Value

 
  (In £ Millions)

United Kingdom—long-term insurance                
  With-profits fund (including Prudential Annuities Limited)                
    Debt and other fixed income securities   35,092   3,098   33,175   2,820
    Loans and other   5,012   23   3,371   22
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total   40,104   3,121   36,546   2,842
   
 
 
 
  SAIF with-profits fund                
    Debt and other fixed income securities   5,446   403   5,833   439
    Loans and other   750   7   492   8
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total   6,196   410   6,325   447
   
 
 
 
United Kingdom—other insurance                
  Debt and other fixed income securities   1,231   113   978   83
    Loans and other   475     447  
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total   1,706   113   1,425   83
   
 
 
 
United Kingdom—banking                
    Debt and other fixed income securities   3,118   15   4,157  
    Loans and other   8,577     7,048  
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total   11,695   15   11,205  
   
 
 
 
United States—insurance                
    Debt and other fixed income securities   20,593   979   21,460   1,087
    Loans and other   3,785   93   4,380   107
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total   24,378   1,072   25,840   1,194
   
 
 
 
United States—banking                
    Debt and other fixed income securities       272   7
    Loans and other       683   10
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total       955   17
   
 
 
 
        Total   84,079   4,731   82,296   4,583
   
 
 
 

        A 100 basis point increase in interest rates would have reduced the fair value of the total investments by £4,731 million and £4,583 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The change in estimated reduction in fair value relates primarily to the increase in interest sensitive assets held. The profit impact would be as follows:

207


208


Interest Rate Risk—Long-term Debt

        The table below quantifies the estimated increase in fair value of long-term borrowings at December 31, 2004 and 2003, resulting from a 100 basis point reduction in interest rates at that date. The carrying value of short-term borrowings, which approximates their fair value, would not be materially increased by a 100 basis point reduction in interest rates. Prudential believes this to be a reasonably possible near-term market change for interest rates.

 
  December 31, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
  Carrying
Value

  Fair
Value

  Estimated
Increase in
Fair Value

  Carrying
Value

  Fair
Value

  Estimated
Increase in
Fair Value

 
  (In £ Millions)

Long-term borrowings                        
  Central companies                        
    Bonds, US$250 million aggregate principal amount, 7.125% due 2005   130   133   1   140   151   2
    Guaranteed bonds, £150 million aggregate principal amount, 9.375% due 2007   150   165   4   150   170   5
    Bonds, £250 million aggregate principal amount, 5.5% due 2009   250   254   10   250   253   12
    Bonds, £250 million aggregate principal amount, 7.5% due 2013   249   271   42   249   269   40
    Bonds, £200 million aggregate principal amount, 6.875% due 2021   202   218   22   202   215   22
    Bonds, €500 million aggregate principal amount, 5.75% due 2021(1)   351   390   44   349   367   42
    Bonds, £300 million aggregate principal amount, 6.875% due 2023   300   350   38   300   351   39
    Bonds, £250 million aggregate principal amount, 5.875% due 2029   250   268   35   250   268   36
    Bonds, £435 million aggregate principal amount, 6.125%, due 2031   426   458   62   426   453   62
    Capital securities, US$1,000 million 6.5% perpetual(2)   512   513   75   547   524   74
    Capital securities, US$250 million 6.75% perpetual   126   131   5      
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total central companies   2,946   3,151   338   2,863   3,021   334
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Long-term business                        
    Guaranteed bonds, £100 million, principal amount, 8.5% undated subordinated   100   128   19   100   126   18
    Surplus notes, US$250 million principal amount, 8.15% due 2027   130   162   19   140   166   20
   
 
 
 
 
 
      Total long-term business   230   290   38   240   292   38
   
 
 
 
 
 
      Total   3,176   3,441   376   3,103   3,313   372
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
At December 31, 2004 the €500 million 5.75% borrowings had effectively been swapped into borrowings of £333 million with interest payable at 6 month pounds sterling Libor plus 0.962%.

(2)
At December 31, 2004 interest on the US$1,000 million 6.5% borrowings had been swapped into floating rate payments at 3 month US dollar Libor plus 0.8%.

(3)
Prudential has issued €20 million medium term subordinated notes, due 2023, at 20-year Euro Constant Maturity Swap (capped at 6.5%). These have been swapped into borrowings of £14 million with interest payable at 3 month pounds sterling Libor plus 1.2%. These have been excluded from the table above as they are a private placement and are not traded.

209


        There is no impact on profit at December 31, 2004 and 2003 as a result of these reductions in interest rates because the liabilities are recognized in the financial statements at carrying value.

Equity Market Risk

        The following table quantifies the estimated reduction in fair value of investments at December 31, 2004 and 2003, resulting from a 10% decline in the value of equity and real estate values at each date. Prudential believes this to be a reasonably possible near-term market change for both UK and US equities and for both UK and US real estate. Amounts in this table do not include investments backing unit-linked business. Prudential does not hold equity investments in its UK banking portfolio.

 
  December 31, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
  Fair
Value

  Estimated
Reduction
in Fair Value

  Fair
Value

  Estimated
Reduction
in Fair Value

 
  (In £ Millions)

United Kingdom—long-term insurance                
  With-profits fund (including PAL)                
    Equity securities   30,224   3,022   27,755   2,776
    Real estate   10,495   1,050   9,340   934
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total   40,719   4,072   37,095   3,710
   
 
 
 
  SAIF with-profits fund                
    Equity securities   5,596   560   5,223   522
    Real estate   1,719   172   1,495   150
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total   7,315   732   6,718   672
   
 
 
 
  Other                
    Equity securities   14   1    
    Real estate        
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total   14   1    
   
 
 
 
United Kingdom—banking                
    Real estate   15   2   9   1
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total   15   2   9   1
   
 
 
 
United States—insurance                
    Equity securities   130   13   135   14
    Real estate   75   8   45   5
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total   205   21   180   19
   
 
 
 
United States—banking                
    Equity securities       13   1
    Real estate       3  
   
 
 
 
      Sub-total       16   1
   
 
 
 
      Total   48,268   4,828   44,018   4,403
   
 
 
 

        The profit impact at December 31, 2004 and 2003 would be similar to that described under "—Interest Rate Risk—Investments" in this section above, except that for United States—insurance the decrease in the fair value of equities would reduce profits by the same amount because those investments are held in Prudential's financial statements at market value. The change in estimated reduction in fair value relates primarily to the decrease in equity securities held.

210


Derivative Contracts

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the net market value exposure of derivatives was a gain of £565 million and £624 million, respectively. The tables below show the sensitivity of those derivatives, measured in terms of fair value, to equity and real estate market increases and decreases of 10% and to interest rate increases and decreases of 100 basis points. Prudential believes these increases and decreases to be reasonably possible near-term market changes. These exposures will change as a result of ongoing portfolio and risk management activities.

 
  December 31, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
 
  10% Equity & Real
Estate Increase
Increase/(decrease)
in Fair Value

  Fair
Value

  10% Equity & Real
Estate Decrease
Increase/(decrease)
in Fair Value

  10% Equity & Real
Estate Increase
Increase/(decrease)
in Fair Value

  Fair
Value

  10% Equity & Real
Estate Decrease
Increase/(decrease)
in Fair Value

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
United Kingdom—long-term insurance                          
  With-profits fund (including PAL)   51   415   (53 ) 70   485   (27 )
  SAIF with-profits fund   (1 ) 95   1     137    
United Kingdom—other     (63 ) 1     (31 )  
United Kingdom—Banking     5       (18 )  
United States—insurance   50   113   (39 ) 40   51   (29 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total   100   565   (90 ) 110   624   (56 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  December 31, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
 
  100 bp Interest
Rate Increase
Increase/(decrease)
in Fair Value

  Fair
Value

  100 bp Interest
Rate Decrease
Increase/(decrease)
in Fair Value

  100 bp Interest
Rate Increase
Increase/(decrease)
in Fair Value

  Fair
Value

  100 bp Interest
Rate Decrease
Increase/(decrease)
in Fair Value

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
United Kingdom—long-term insurance                          
  With-profits fund (including PAL)   (116 ) 415   151   (79 ) 485   120  
  SAIF with-profits fund   62   95   (35 ) (32 ) 137   53  
United Kingdom—other   (13 ) (63 ) (13 ) (17 ) (31 ) 1  
United Kingdom—Banking   14   5   (15 ) 26   (18 ) (27 )
United States—insurance   71   113   (39 ) 148   51   (99 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total   18   565   49   46   624   48  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Long-term Insurance Contracts

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the aggregate carrying value of technical provisions net of reinsurers' share for long-term insurance contracts, including the technical provisions for linked liabilities, and the fund for future appropriations was £144,042 million and £132,366 million, respectively, and the fair value was estimated to be £139,727 million and £128,601 million, respectively. The fair value of the technical provisions and fund for future appropriations is sensitive to changes in the fair value of investments in the with-profits fund because increases in the fair value of such investments would result in increases in future bonuses for the with-profits contracts. A 10% increase in the fair value of total investments would result in an increase in the fair value of the technical provisions and the fund for future appropriations of £13,973 million and £12,860 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Prudential believes this to be a reasonably possible near-term market change for the fair value of investments.

211



Limitations

        The above analyses do not consider that assets and liabilities are actively managed and may vary at the time any actual market movement occurs. There are strategies in place to minimize the exposure to market fluctuations. For example, as market indices fluctuate, Prudential would take certain actions including selling investments, changing investment portfolio allocation, and adjusting bonuses credited to policyholders. In addition, these analyses do not consider the effect of market changes on new business generated in the future.

        Other limitations on the sensitivity analyses include: the use of hypothetical market movements to demonstrate potential risk that only represent Prudential's view of reasonably possible near-term market changes and that cannot be predicted with any certainty; the assumption that interest rates in all countries move identically; the assumption that all global currencies move in tandem with the US dollar against pounds sterling; and the lack of consideration of the inter-relation of interest rates, equity markets and foreign currency exchange rates.

212



Item 13.    Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

        None.

213



Item 14.    Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders

        None.

214



Item 15. Controls and Procedures

        As of December 31, 2004 Prudential carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of Prudential's management, including the Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Prudential's disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon and as of the date of Prudential's evaluation, the Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports Prudential files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.

        There has been no change in Prudential's internal control over financial reporting during Prudential's 2004 fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Prudential's internal control over financial reporting.


Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

        The Board has determined that Rob Rowley, Chairman of the Audit Committee qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" within the meaning of Item 16A of Form 20-F.


Item 16B. Code of Ethics

        Prudential has a code of ethics, as defined in Item 16B of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act, (which Prudential calls its Code of Business Conduct) which applies to the Group Chief Executive, the Group Finance Director, the Director, Group Finance and Risk (Prudential's principal accounting officer) and persons performing similar functions as well as to all other employees. Prudential's Code of Business Conduct is available on its website at www.prudential.co.uk. If Prudential amends the provisions of the Code of Business Conduct, as it applies to the Group Chief Executive, Group Finance Director and the Director, Group Finance and Risk or if Prudential grants any waiver of such provisions, the Company will disclose such amendment or waiver on the Prudential website. There were no amendments to, or waivers from, the Code of Business Conduct in 2004.


Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

        The Audit Committee has a key oversight role in relation to the external auditor, KPMG Audit plc, and has developed a formal Auditor Independence Policy to ensure that the independence and objectivity of the external auditor is not impaired and that the Group maintains a sufficient choice of appropriately qualified audit firms.

        The policy sets out four key principles which underpin the provision of non-audit services by the external auditor namely that the auditor should not: audit its own firm's work, make management decisions for the Group, have a mutuality of financial interest with the Group, and be put in the role of advocate for the Group.

        Work which could potentially be undertaken by the external auditors during 2004 was identified, categorized, budgeted and approved by the Audit Committee in November 2003. Work within these categories and pre-approved limits could then be committed to in line with the Group's delegated authority process but any engagement which was expected to result in fees in excess of £250,000 had to be confirmed and approved by a member of the Audit Committee prior to commencement of the work. In addition, all such commitments had to be notified to Group Head Office prior to commencement to ensure that the aggregate pre-approved limits were not breached.

215



        Work that did not fall within either the pre-approved categories or the pre-approved limits had to be approved by a member of the Audit Committee prior to commencement. Approval by the full Audit Committee was required if the fees were expected to be over £250,000.

        At the end of each annual audit cycle, the Audit Committee assesses the qualification, expertise and resources, effectiveness and independence of the external auditors. Depending on the outcome of these assessments, and at least once every five years, the Audit Committee undertakes a formal review to assess whether the external audit should be re-tendered. The external audit was last put out to competitive tender in 1999 when the present auditors were appointed. In February 2004, the Committee formally considered the need to re-tender the audit and concluded that, in view of the satisfactory performance of the external auditor and the cost of undertaking a tender exercise, it was inappropriate to do so, and the external auditor's reappointment was approved by the Committee.

        Total fees payable to KPMG for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 are set out below:

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
 
  (in £ Millions)

Audit fees   5.6   4.9
Audit-related fees    
Tax fees   0.2   0.3
Other fees   3.9   1.6
   
 
Total   9.7   6.8
   
 

        In 2004 audit fees of £5.6 million comprised UK statutory audit fees of £3.8 million, US GAAP audit fees of £0.8 million, UK regulatory reporting audit fees of £0.9 million and UK supplementary achieved profits basis reporting audit fees of £0.1 million.

        Tax fees of £0.2 million related to tax compliance work in respect of federal and state tax returns for the Group's US operations.

        Other fees of £3.9m comprised reviewing the processes that the Group is implementing in order to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of £1.8 million, reviewing prospectuses for the Group's equity and debt issues of £0.5 million, reviewing the Group's proposals with regard to implementing new regulatory requirements of £0.4 million, provision of comfort letters mainly relating to Jackson National Life's funding programs of £0.2 million, and review work in connection with the Group's acquisitions and disposals of £0.5 million and other general financial work across the Group of £0.5 million.

        In 2003 audit fees of £4.9 million comprised UK statutory audit fees of £3.6 million, US GAAP audit fees of £0.7 million, UK regulatory reporting audit fees of £0.5 million and UK supplementary achieved profits basis reporting audit fees of £0.1 million.

        Tax fees of £0.3m comprised tax compliance work in respect of federal and state tax returns for the Group's US operations of £0.1 million and general tax work for the US operations of £0.2 million.

        Other fees of £1.6 million comprised costs related to reviewing the processes that the Group is implementing in order to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of £0.2 million, provision of comfort letters mainly relating to Jackson National Life's funding programs of £0.1 million,

216



reviewing Jackson National Life's asset securitization program of £0.1 million, general corporate financial work of £0.7 million, review of UK investment management mandate profitability of £0.1 million and other general financial work across the Group of £0.4 million.


Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by Prudential plc and Affiliated Purchasers.

        The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Prudential or any "affiliated purchasers" (as that term is defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of Prudential's ordinary shares or American depositary shares for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Period

  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)(2)

  Average Price
Paid Per
Share (£)

  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

  Maximum Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under Plans
or Programs

January 1 - January 31       N/A   N/A
February 1 - February 28            
March 1 - March 31            
April 1 - April 30            
May 1 - May 31   2,096 (3) 4.484        
June 1 - June 30            
July 1 - July 31            
August 1 - August 31   3,533   4.255        
September 1 - September 30            
October 1 - October 31   318,200 (4) 4.59116        
November 1 - November 30   649,633 (5) 3.08        
December 1 - December 31   814,983   4.50005        

(1)
The shares listed in this column were acquired by employee benefit trusts during the year to satisfy future obligations to deliver shares under the Company's employee incentive plans, the savings-related share option scheme and the share participation plan.

(2)
This table excludes Prudential plc shares purchased by investment funds managed by M&G in accordance with investment strategies that are established by M&G acting independently of Prudential plc.

(3)
2,096 shares were acquired by employee benefit trusts in lieu of receiving dividends as part of Prudential's scrip dividend alternative program in May 2004.

(4)
86 shares were acquired by employee benefit trusts in lieu of receiving dividends as part of Prudential's scrip dividend alternative program in October 2004.

(5)
649,633 shares were acquired by employee benefit trusts in connection with Prudential's 2004 rights offering (pursuant to which holders received a right to 1 ordinary share for every 6 ordinary shares held at a price of 308 pence per share).

217



Item 18.    Financial Statements


INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-2

Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

F-3

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

F-8

Consolidated Statement of Total Recognized Gains and Losses for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

F-10

Reconciliation of Movements in Consolidated Shareholders' Capital and Reserves for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

F-10

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows from General Business and Shareholders' Funds for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

F-11

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-12

F-1



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Members of Prudential plc

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Prudential plc and its subsidiaries (the "Group") as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the related consolidated profit and loss accounts, consolidated statement of total recognized gains and losses, reconciliation of movements in consolidated shareholders' capital and reserves, and consolidated statement of cash flows from general business and shareholders' funds for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Group's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Prudential plc and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United Kingdom.

        Accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Notes 36 and 37 to the consolidated financial statements.


June 24, 2005

 

By:

 

/s/  
KPMG AUDIT PLC        
KPMG Audit Plc
London, England

F-2



Prudential plc and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts

Years ended December 31

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions, Except
Per Share Amounts)

 
Gross premiums:              
  Continuing operations   16,355   13,781   16,669  
  Discontinued UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business       329  
Reinsurance premiums ceded   (256 ) (290 ) (545 )
   
 
 
 
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance   16,099   13,491   16,453  
   
 
 
 
Claims incurred, net of reinsurance   (13,117 ) (11,739 ) (13,689 )
   
 
 
 
Change in long-term business provision, net of reinsurance   (5,134 ) (3,950 ) (4,045 )
Change in technical provisions for linked liabilities, net of reinsurance   (4,322 ) (4,728 ) 1,346  
   
 
 
 
Total change in long-term technical provisions, net of reinsurance   (9,456 ) (8,678 ) (2,699 )
Investment returns:              
  Continuing operations   14,665   15,617   (3,664 )
  Discontinued operations   17   22   22  
Investment expenses and charges   (748 ) (715 ) (733 )
Net operating expenses   (2,069 ) (1,914 ) (1,870 )
Shareholder and policyholder tax attributable to long-term business   (896 ) (824 ) 662  
Add back: Shareholder tax attributable to long-term business   195   150   171  
Transfer (to) from the fund for future appropriations   (4,025 ) (5,021 ) 5,520  
Result of UK fund management operation   136   83   71  
Result of US broker-dealer and fund management operation   (14 ) (3 ) 14  
Result of Asia fund management operation   19   13   6  
Result of UK banking operation:              
  Continuing operations   43   55   27  
  Discontinued operations   (37 ) (89 ) (47 )
Amortization of goodwill   (97 ) (98 ) (98 )
Profit or loss on the sale or termination of discontinued operations:              
  Profit on business disposals   48     355  
  Egg France closure cost   (113 )    
   
 
 
 
Profit on ordinary activities before shareholder tax   650   350   501  
Shareholder tax on profit on ordinary activities   (232 ) (144 ) (42 )
   
 
 
 
Profit for the financial year before minority interests   418   206   459  
Minority interests   10   2   9  
   
 
 
 
Profit for the financial year   428   208   468  
   
 
 
 
Dividends:              
  Interim at 5.19p, 5.09p and 8.56p per share, respectively^   (109 ) (106 ) (178 )
  Final at 10.65p, 10.29p and 16.44p per share, respectively^   (253 ) (214 ) (341 )
   
 
 
 
Total dividends at 15.84p, 15.38p and 25.00p per share, respectively^   (362 ) (320 ) (519 )
   
 
 
 
Retained profit (loss) for the financial year   66   (112 ) (51 )
   
 
 
 
 
  2004
  Restated
2003

  Restated
2002

 
Earnings per share:              
  Basic (based on 2,129 million, 2,076 million and 2,068 million shares, respectively)*   20.1 p 10.0 p 22.6 p
  Diluted (based on 2,132 million, 2,078 million and 2,071 million shares, respectively)*   20.1 p 10.0 p 22.6 p

^ Dividend amounts per share have been restated where relevant to take account of the rights offering in 2004.

* The 2003 and 2002 figures for these lines have been restated to take account of the rights offering in 2004.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

F-3


 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions, Except
Per Share Amounts)

 
Reconciliation of profit on ordinary activities before shareholder tax to operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and exceptional items after tax and related minority interests              

Profit on ordinary activities before shareholder tax

 

650

 

350

 

501

 
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns   (229 ) (91 ) 205  
Egg France closure cost   113      
Profit on sale of discontinued operations   (48 )   (355 )
Amortization of goodwill   97   98   98  
   
 
 
 

Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and exceptional items and before tax

 

583

 

357

 

449

 
   
 
 
 
Analysed as:              
Continuing operations   603   424   474  
Discontinued operations   (20 ) (67 ) (25 )
   
 
 
 
Tax on operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and exceptional items   (177 ) (106 ) (120 )
Related minority interests   2   6   4  
   
 
 
 

Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and exceptional items after tax and related minority interests

 

408

 

257

 

333

 
   
 
 
 
 
  2004
  Restated
2003

  Restated
2002

 
Earnings per share:              

Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and exceptional items and before tax (based on 2,129 million, 2,076 million and 2,068 million shares, respectively)*

 

27.4

p

17.2

p

21.7

p

Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and exceptional items after tax and related minority interests (based on 2,129 million, 2,076 million and 2,068 million shares, respectively)*

 

19.2

p

12.4

p

16.1

p

* The 2003 and 2002 figures for these lines have been restated to take account of the rights offering in 2004.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

F-4



Prudential plc and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts

Year ended December 31, 2004

 
  General
Business
Technical
Account

  Long-Term
Business
Technical
Account

  Non-Technical
Account

  Total
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Gross premiums:                  
  Continuing operations       16,355       16,355  
Reinsurance premiums ceded       (256 )     (256 )
       
     
 
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance       16,099       16,099  
       
     
 
Claims incurred, net of reinsurance   (5 ) (13,112 )     (13,117 )
   
 
     
 
Change in long-term business provision, net of reinsurance       (5,134 )     (5,134 )
Change in technical provisions for linked liabilities, net of reinsurance       (4,322 )     (4,322 )
       
     
 
Total change in long-term technical provisions, net of reinsurance       (9,456 )     (9,456 )
Investment returns:                  
  Continuing operations       14,529   136   14,665  
  Discontinued operations       17       17  
Allocated investment returns   6   (215 ) 209      
Investment expenses and charges       (522 ) (226 ) (748 )
Net operating expenses   (1 ) (1,985 ) (83 ) (2,069 )
Shareholder and policyholder tax attributable to long-term business       (896 )     (896 )
Transfer to the fund for future appropriations       (4,025 )     (4,025 )
   
 
         
Balance on the technical accounts     434          
Add back: Shareholder tax attributable to long-term business       195       195  
   
 
         
Technical accounts subtotal     629          
Profit on insurance activities transferred to the non-technical account     (629 ) 629      
   
 
         
Result of UK fund management operation           136   136  
Result of US broker-dealer and fund management operation           (14 ) (14 )
Result of Asia fund management operation           19   19  
Result of UK banking operation:                  
  Continuing operations           43   43  
  Discontinued operations           (37 ) (37 )
Amortization of goodwill           (97 ) (97 )
Other income (charges):                  
  Profit on sale of discontinued operations           48   48  
  Egg France closure cost           (113 ) (113 )
           
 
 
Profit on ordinary activities before shareholder tax           650   650  
Shareholder tax on profit on ordinary activities           (232 ) (232 )
           
 
 
Profit for the financial year before minority interests           418   418  
Minority interests           10   10  
           
 
 
Profit for the financial year           428   428  
           
 
 
Balance on the technical accounts analyzed between:                  
  Continuing operations     417          
  Discontinued operations     17          
   
 
         
Balance on the technical accounts     434          
   
 
         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

F-5



Prudential plc and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts

Year ended December 31, 2003

 
  General
Business
Technical
Account

  Long-Term
Business
Technical
Account

  Non-Technical
Account

  Total
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Gross premiums:                  
  Continuing operations       13,781       13,781  
Reinsurance premiums ceded       (290 )     (290 )
       
     
 
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance       13,491       13,491  
       
     
 
Claims incurred, net of reinsurance   (4 ) (11,735 )     (11,739 )
   
 
     
 
Change in long-term business provision, net of reinsurance       (3,950 )     (3,950 )
Change in technical provisions for linked liabilities, net of reinsurance       (4,728 )     (4,728 )
       
     
 
Total change in long-term technical provisions, net of reinsurance       (8,678 )     (8,678 )
Investment returns:                  
  Continuing operations       15,476   141   15,617  
  Discontinued operations       22       22  
Allocated investment returns   7   (77 ) 70      
Investment expenses and charges       (481 ) (234 ) (715 )
Net operating expenses   (3 ) (1,844 ) (67 ) (1,914 )
Shareholder and policyholder tax attributable to long-term business       (824 )     (824 )
Transfer to the fund for future appropriations       (5,021 )     (5,021 )
   
 
         
Balance on the technical accounts     329          
Add back: Shareholder tax attributable to long-term business       150       150  
   
 
         
Technical accounts subtotal     479          
Profit on insurance activities transferred to the non-technical account     (479 ) 479      
   
 
         
Result of UK fund management operation           83   83  
Result of US broker-dealer and fund management operation           (3 ) (3 )
Result of Asia fund management operation           13   13  
Result of UK banking operation:                  
  Continuing operations           55   55  
  Discontinued operations           (89 ) (89 )
Amortization of goodwill           (98 ) (98 )
           
 
 
Profit on ordinary activities before shareholder tax           350   350  
Shareholder tax on profit on ordinary activities           (144 ) (144 )
           
 
 
Profit for the financial year before minority interests           206   206  
Minority interests           2   2  
           
 
 
Profit for the financial year           208   208  
           
 
 
Balance on the technical accounts analyzed between:                  
  Continuing operations     307          
  Discontinued operations     22          
   
 
         
Balance on the technical accounts     329          
   
 
         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

F-6



Prudential plc and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts

Year ended December 31, 2002

 
  General
Business
Technical
Account

  Long-Term
Business
Technical
Account

  Non-Technical
Account

  Total
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Gross premiums:                  
  Continuing operations       16,669       16,669  
  Discontinued UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business   329           329  
Reinsurance premiums ceded   (329 ) (216 )     (545 )
   
 
     
 
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance     16,453       16,453  
   
 
     
 
Claims incurred, net of reinsurance   (5 ) (13,684 )     (13,689 )
   
 
     
 
Change in long-term business provision, net of reinsurance       (4,045 )     (4,045 )
Change in technical provisions for linked liabilities, net of reinsurance       1,346       1,346  
       
     
 
Total change in long-term technical provisions, net of reinsurance       (2,699 )     (2,699 )
Investment returns                  
  Continuing operations       (3,773 ) 109   (3,664 )
  Discontinued operations       22       22  
Allocated investment returns   8   199   (207 )    
Investment expenses and charges       (499 ) (234 ) (733 )
Net operating expenses   (3 ) (1,805 ) (62 ) (1,870 )
Shareholder and policyholder tax attributable to long-term business       662       662  
Transfer from the fund for future appropriations       5,520       5,520  
   
 
         
Balance on the technical accounts     396          
Add back: Shareholder tax attributable to long-term business       171       171  
   
 
         
Technical accounts subtotal     567          
Profit on insurance activities transferred to the non-technical account     (567 ) 567      
   
 
         
Result of UK fund management operation           71   71  
Result of US broker-dealer and fund management operation           14   14  
Result of Asia fund management operation           6   6  
Result of UK banking operation                  
  Continuing operations           27   27  
  Discontinued operations           (47 ) (47 )
Amortization of goodwill           (98 ) (98 )
Profit on sale of UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business           355   355  
           
 
 
Profit on ordinary activities before shareholder tax           501   501  
Shareholder tax on profit on ordinary activities           (42 ) (42 )
           
 
 
Profit for the financial year before minority interests           459   459  
Minority interests           9   9  
           
 
 
Profit for the financial year           468   468  
           
 
 

Balance on the technical accounts analyzed between:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Continuing operations     374          
  Discontinued operations     22          
   
 
         
Balance on the technical accounts     396          
   
 
         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

F-7



Prudential plc and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31

Assets

  2004
  Restated
2003

 
  (In £ Millions)

Goodwill   1,367   1,504

Investments

 

 

 

 
Land and buildings   12,367   10,965
Investments in participating interests   26   56
Other financial investments   117,262   109,219
   
 
Total investments   129,655   120,240
   
 
Assets held to cover linked liabilities   23,830   19,921
   
 
Reinsurers' share of technical provisions        
Long-term business provision   612   499
Claims outstanding   99   151
Technical provisions for linked liabilities   307   274
   
 
Total reinsurers' share of technical provisions   1,018   924
   
 
Debtors        
Debtors arising out of direct insurance operations   114   129
Debtors arising out of reinsurance operations   20   19
Tax recoverable   159   158
Other debtors*   373   451
   
 
Total debtors*   666   757
   
 
Other assets        
Banking business assets:        
  UK operation (Egg)   11,995   11,654
  US operation     975
Tangible assets   155   184
Cash at bank and in hand   1,415   1,221
Present value of acquired in-force long-term business   86   108
   
 
Total other assets*   13,651   14,142
   
 
Prepayments and accrued income        
Accrued interest and rent   1,195   1,131
Deferred acquisition costs   2,908   2,952
Other prepayments and accrued income   250   138
   
 
Total prepayments and accrued income   4,353   4,221
   
 
Total assets*   174,540   161,709
   
 

* The 2003 figures for these lines have been restated (see note 4).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

F-8



Prudential plc and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31

Shareholders' funds and liabilities

  2004
  Restated
2003

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Shareholders' funds          
Ordinary share capital, 5p par value per share, 3,000 million and 3,000 million shares authorized; 2,375 million and 2,009 million shares issued and outstanding, respectively   119   100  
Sterling preference share capital, 1p par value per share, 2,000 million and nil shares authorized, nil and nil shares issued and outstanding respectively      
US dollar preference share capital, 1 cent par value per share, 2,000 million and nil shares authorized, nil and nil shares issued and outstanding respectively      
Euro preference share capital, 1 cent par value per share, 2,000 million and nil shares authorized, nil and nil shares issued and outstanding respectively      
Share premium   1,558   553  
Retained profit and loss reserve   2,646   2,625  
Cost of shares held in trusts for employee incentive plans*   (42 ) (38 )
   
 
 
Total shareholders' funds*   4,281   3,240  
   
 
 
Minority interests   71   107  
Subordinated liabilities   1,429   1,336  

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

Fund for future appropriations*

 

16,686

 

12,657

 

Technical provisions

 

 

 

 

 
Long-term business provision   104,138   100,287  
Claims outstanding   826   891  
   
 
 
Total technical provisions   104,964   101,178  
   
 
 
Technical provisions for linked liabilities   24,137   20,195  

Provisions for other risks and charges

 

 

 

 

 
Deferred tax   1,522   1,154  
Deposits received from reinsurers   51   48  

Creditors

 

 

 

 

 
Creditors arising out of direct insurance operations   340   382  
Creditors arising out of reinsurance operations   10   12  
Debenture loans   1,761   1,781  
Amounts owed to credit institutions   191   192  
Other borrowings   1,292   1,136  
Jackson National Life funding arrangements   3,308   3,762  
Banking business liabilities:          
  UK operation (Egg)   11,217   10,787  
  US operation     894  
Tax payable   1,017   851  
Shareholders' dividends accrued   253   214  
Other creditors*   1,367   1,133  
   
 
 
Total creditors*   20,756   21,144  
   
 
 
Accruals and deferred income   643   650  
   
 
 
Total shareholders' funds and liabilities*   174,540   161,709  
   
 
 

* The 2003 figures for these lines have been restated (see note 4).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

F-9



Prudential plc and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Total Recognized Gains and Losses

Years ended December 31

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Profit for the financial year   428   208   468  
Foreign currency exchange movements, net of related tax of £12 million (£18 million)   (161 ) (253 ) (252 )
   
 
 
 
Total recognized gains (losses) relating to the financial year   267   (45 ) 216  
   
 
 
 


Reconciliation of Movements in Consolidated Shareholders' Capital and Reserves

 
  Number of
Ordinary
Shares

  Ordinary
Share
Capital

  Share
Premium

  Restated
Retained
Profit
and Loss
Reserve

  Restated
Total

 
 
  (In Millions)

  (In £ Millions)

 
January 1, 2002, as previously reported   1,994   100   533   3,243   3,876  
Prior year adjustment         (41 ) (41 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2002, as restated*   1,994   100   533   3,202   3,835  
Total recognized gains relating to 2002         216   216  
Dividends         (519 ) (519 )
New share capital subscribed   8     40     40  
Transfer for shares issued in lieu of cash dividends       (23 ) 23    
Movement in cost of own shares*         5   5  
   
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2003, as previously reported   2,002   100   550   2,963   3,613  
Prior year adjustment         (36 ) (36 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2003, as restated*   2,002   100   550   2,927   3,577  
Total recognized gains relating to 2003         (45 ) (45 )
Dividends         (320 ) (320 )
New share capital subscribed   7     30     30  
Transfer for shares issued in lieu of cash dividends       (27 ) 27    
Consideration paid for own shares*         (3 ) (3 )
Movement in cost of own shares*         1   1  
   
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2004, as originally reported   2,009   100   553   2,625   3,278  
Prior year adjustment         (38 ) (38 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2004, as restated*   2,009   100   553   2,587   3,240  
Total recognized gains relating to 2004         267   267  
Dividends         (362 ) (362 )
Proceeds from rights offering, net of expenses   339   17   1,004     1,021  
Other new share capital subscribed   27   2   117     119  
Transfer for shares issued in lieu of cash dividends       (116 ) 116    
Consideration paid for own shares*         (4 ) (4 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2004   2,375   119   1,558   2,604   4,281  
   
 
 
 
 
 

* The figures for these lines have been restated (see note 4).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

F-10



Prudential plc and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows from General Business and Shareholders' Funds

Years ended December 31

 
  2004

  2003

  2002

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Net cash inflow from operating activities before interest and tax   93   88   31  
   
 
 
 
Servicing of finance              
Interest paid   (207 ) (172 ) (180 )
   
 
 
 
Taxes recovered   72   128   299  
   
 
 
 
Acquisitions and disposals              
Cash consideration paid including acquisition costs       (12 )
Proceeds received on sale of European businesses, net of reinsurance payments     27    
Proceeds received on sale of UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business       353  
   
 
 
 
      27   341  
   
 
 
 
Equity dividends paid   (323 ) (447 ) (509 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash outflow before financing   (365 ) (376 ) (18 )
   
 
 
 
Financing              
Issue of borrowings   111   829   86  
Reduction in credit facility utilized by investment subsidiaries managed by PPM America   (31 ) (151 ) (165 )
Issues of ordinary share capital net of expenses of £23 million (£nil and £nil)   1,140   30   40  
   
 
 
 
Net cash inflow (outflow) from financing   1,220   708   (39 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash inflow (outflow) for the year   855   332   (57 )
   
 
 
 
The net cash inflow (outflow) was invested (financed) as follows:              
Purchases of portfolio investments:              
  Equity securities   36   1   39  
  Debt and other fixed income securities   2,204   962   3,209  
   
 
 
 
Total purchases of portfolio investments   2,240   963   3,248  
   
 
 
 
Sales of portfolio investments:              
  Equity securities   (24 ) (2 ) (294 )
  Debt and other fixed income securities   (1,373 ) (1,110 ) (3,037 )
   
 
 
 
Total sales of portfolio investments   (1,397 ) (1,112 ) (3,331 )
   
 
 
 
Net purchases (sales) of portfolio investments   843   (149 ) (83 )
Increase in cash and short-term deposits   12   481   26  
   
 
 
 
Net cash inflow (outflow)   855   332   (57 )
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

F-11



Prudential plc and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2004

1 Nature of Operations

        Prudential plc (the "Company") together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Group" or "Prudential") is an international financial services group with its principal operations in the United Kingdom ("UK"), the United States ("US") and Asia. The Group operates in the UK through its subsidiaries, primarily The Prudential Assurance Company Limited ("PAC"), Prudential Annuities Limited ("PAL"), Prudential Retirement Income Limited ("PRIL"), M&G Group plc ("M&G"), and Egg plc ("Egg"). In the US, the Group's principal subsidiary is Jackson National Life Insurance Company ("Jackson National Life"). In Asia, the Group's main operations are in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Prudential offers a wide range of retail financial products and services and fund management services throughout these territories. The retail financial products and services principally include life insurance, pensions and annuities as well as collective investments and deposit and mortgage banking services.

        Long-term business products written in the UK and Asia are principally with-profits deposit administration, other conventional and unitized with-profits policies and non-participating pension annuities in the course of payment. Long-term business also includes linked business written in the UK and Asia. The principal products written by Jackson National Life are interest sensitive deferred annuities and whole-life policies, variable annuities, guaranteed investment contracts, equity linked indexed deferred annuities and term life insurance.

        The Group has previously written property and casualty insurance business in the UK.

2 Basis of Preparation

        The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice ("UK GAAP"), including Financial Reporting Standards ("FRS") and Statements of Standard Accounting Practice ("SSAP") and also in accordance with the revised Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting for Insurance Business", issued in November 2003 by the Association of British Insurers ("the revised SORP"). The results of US operations and certain Asian operations are prepared on the basis of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("US GAAP"), with non-insurance balances adjusted where necessary to comply with UK GAAP.

        FRS 17, "Retirement benefits" was issued in November 2000. This standard specifies how costs of providing retirement benefits, in particular for defined benefit schemes, should be recognized and disclosed in the financial statements. Under FRS 17 none of the requirements need to be recognized in the primary financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. However, disclosure is required in respect of the impact of FRS 17 on the opening and closing balance sheet positions, profit and loss account, and statement of total recognized gains and losses to illustrate the effect if the standard had been recognized in these primary financial statements. The Group has adopted the standard in this respect and details are disclosed in Note 32.

        The consolidated financial statements of the Group include the assets, liabilities and results of the Company and subsidiary undertakings in which Prudential has a controlling interest, using accounts drawn up to December 31, 2004. The results of subsidiaries are included in the financial statements from the date acquired up to the effective date of disposal. All intercompany transactions are eliminated on consolidation except for investment management fees of £253 million, £217 million and £208 million

F-12



charged by M&G and the Group's US and Asia fund management operations to long-term business funds for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

        The consolidated profit and loss accounts comprise a general business technical account (property and casualty insurance business); a long-term business technical account (life insurance, pension, disability and sickness insurance and annuity business); and a non-technical account. The insurance operations are presented by category of income and expenditure in each respective technical account. The balances (profits on insurance activities for the year) from the general and long-term business technical accounts are then included in the non-technical account and combined with the Group's other non-insurance businesses (principally banking and fund management) to determine the consolidated profit for the financial year. In accordance with FRS 1, "Cash flow statements", the statement of cash flows reflects only the cash flows of the Group's non-insurance businesses included in the non-technical account and amounts transferred to shareholders' funds from the Group's long-term businesses.

        The consolidated financial statements do not represent Prudential's statutory accounts for the purposes of the UK Companies Act 1985. Schedule 9A to the UK Companies Act 1985 prescribes formats for the preparation of the statutory accounts of insurance companies and groups. These financial statements are based on the prescribed formats. Certain minor reclassifications and presentational changes have been made to the amounts presented for prior periods to conform these periods to the current presentation. The Group's external auditors have reported on the 2004, 2003 and 2002 statutory accounts and the accounts have been delivered to the UK Registrar of Companies. The auditors' reports were unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 237 (2) (inadequate accounting records or returns not agreeing with records and returns) or Section 237 (3) (failure to obtain necessary information and explanations) of the UK Companies Act 1985.

        The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK GAAP and include additional disclosures required under US GAAP. Information related to the nature and effect of differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP affecting Prudential's consolidated profits and shareholders' funds have been summarized in Note 36, "Summary of Material Differences between UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles". Condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements are presented in Note 37.

        The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        The years "2004", "2003" and "2002" refer to the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

3 Significant Accounting Policies

        There have been no changes in the Group's accounting policies from those used in the 2003 statutory accounts with the exception of the implementation of UITF38 as described in note 4.

F-13



Long-term Business

        The results are prepared in accordance with the modified statutory basis of reporting as set out in the revised Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of British Insurers in November 2003.

Premiums and claims

        Premium and annuity considerations for conventional with-profits policies and other protection-type life insurance policies are recognized when due. Premium and annuity considerations for linked policies, unitized with-profits policies and other investment-type policies are recognized when received or, in the case of unitized or unit linked policies, when units are issued. Premiums exclude any taxes or duties assessed based on premiums.

        Policy fees are charged to the linked, unitized with-profits and other investment-type policyholders' account balances for mortality, asset management and policy administration. These fees are recognized as revenue when charged against the policyholders' account balances.

        Claims paid include maturities, annuities, surrenders and deaths. Maturity claims are recorded on the policy maturity date. Annuity claims are recorded when the annuity becomes due for payment. Surrenders are recorded when paid, and death claims are recorded when notified.

Deferred acquisition costs

        Costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions, marketing and advertising costs and certain other costs associated with policy issuance and underwriting that are not reimbursed by policy charges are specifically identified and capitalized as deferred acquisition costs ("DAC"), which are included as an asset in the balance sheet. The DAC asset is amortized against margins in future revenues on the related insurance policies, to the extent that the amounts are recoverable out of the margins. Recoverability of the unamortized DAC asset is assessed at the time of policy issue, and reviewed if profit margins have declined.

        For with-profits business, the amortization of the DAC asset is taken into account in determining the transfer to or from the fund for future appropriations. Movements on the DAC asset and amortization for with-profits business have no direct impact on the profit attributable to shareholders.

        For the business of Jackson National Life, the determination of the expected emergence of margins, against which the amortization profile of the DAC asset is established, is dependent on certain key assumptions. For single premium deferred annuity business, the key assumption is the expected long-term spread between the earned rate and the rate credited to policyholders. For variable annuity business, the key assumption is the expected long-term level of equity market returns which, for 2004, 2003 and 2002, was 8.4% per annum implemented using a mean reversion methodology. These returns affect the level of future expected profits through their effects on fee income and the required level of provision for guaranteed minimum death benefit claims.

Long-term business provision

UK Insurance operations

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        Prudential's long-term business written in the UK comprises predominantly life insurance policies under which the policyholders are entitled to participate in the profits of the long-term business supporting these policies. This business is also written in parts of Asia. Such policies are called "with-profits" policies. Prudential maintains with-profits funds within the Group's long-term business funds, which segregate the assets and liabilities and accumulate the profit and loss activity related to that with-profits business. The amounts accumulated in these with-profits funds are available to provide for future policyholder benefit provisions and for bonuses to be distributed to with-profits policyholders. The bonuses, both annual and final, reflect the right of the with-profits policyholders to participate in the financial performance of the with-profits funds. Shareholders' profits with respect to bonuses declared on with-profits business correspond to the shareholders' share of the cost of bonuses as declared by the board of directors. The shareholders' share currently represents one-ninth of the cost of bonuses declared for with-profits policies.

        Annual bonuses are declared and credited each year to all with-profits policies. The annual bonuses increase policy benefits and, once credited, become guaranteed. Annual bonuses are charged to the profit and loss account as a change in the long-term business provision in the year declared. Final bonuses are declared each year and accrued for all policies scheduled to mature and death benefits expected to be paid during the next financial year. Final bonuses are not guaranteed and are only paid on policies that result from claims through the death of the policyholder or maturity of the policy within the period of declaration or by concession on surrender. No policyholder benefit provisions are recorded for future annual or final bonus declarations.

        The overwhelming majority of the liabilities for business in-force of UK insurance operations are held by The Prudential Assurance Company Limited (PAC) and its subsidiaries Prudential Annuities Limited (PAL) and Prudential Retirement Income Limited (PRIL). The key features of the liabilities of these companies are as follows:

Conventional with-profits and other protection-type policies

        The future policyholder benefit provisions on conventional with-profits and other protection-type policies are calculated using the net premium method. The net premium is calculated such that it would be sufficient at the outset of the policy to provide only for the discounted value of the original guaranteed death and maturity benefits on the chosen valuation assumptions. The provision is then calculated by subtracting the present value of future net premiums from the present value of future benefits (including vested bonuses) using a prudent discount rate. Under the net premium valuation method, vested bonuses are included in the cash flows assessed but future allocations of bonuses are not included explicitly, although they are implicitly taken into account in the discount rate used, which is based on the return available on suitable investments. The detailed methodology for UK companies is included in regulations contained in the FSA rules. In particular, the returns available from equity and property assets are based on expected income and/or earnings and no allowance is made for potential future capital growth. The assumptions to which the estimation of the long-term business provision for these contracts is particularly sensitive are the interest rate used to discount the provision and the assumed future mortality experience of policyholders. The net premium reserves are calculated using assumptions for interest, mortality, morbidity and expense, but without assumptions for withdrawals. These assumptions are determined as prudent best estimates at the date of valuation. Interest rates used

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in establishing policyholder benefit provisions for conventional with-profits policies in the consolidated financial statements range from 3.0% to 5.0% for 2004, 2003 and 2002. There have been no significant changes to other key assumptions.

Pension annuities

        The interest rates used in establishing policyholder benefit provisions for pension annuities in the course of payment are adjusted each year and ranged from 1.5% to 5.0% for 2004, 2.0% to 5.1% for 2003 and 2.4% to 5.4% for 2002. Mortality rates used in establishing policyholder benefit provisions are based on published mortality tables adjusted to reflect actual experience. An additional change to assumptions in 2004 was with respect to mortality, where the shape of the set of assumptions was changed as part of the regular monitoring of mortality developments.

Accumulating with-profits business

        For accumulating with-profits business, the calculation of the long-term business provision is based on a gross premium bonus reserve valuation. In general terms, a gross premium valuation basis is one in which the premiums brought into account are the full amounts receivable under the contract. The method includes explicit estimates of premiums, expected claims, future regular bonuses, costs of maintaining contracts and future renewal expenses. Cash flows are discounted at the valuation rate of interest. The methodology for UK companies is included in the FSA rules. The discount rate is based on the expected return on the assets deemed to back the liabilities as prescribed by the FSA rules.

        For PAC business the calculation is based on a valuation under which future reversionary bonuses are added to the guaranteed liabilities existing at the valuation date. The provision is then calculated as the present value of future policyholder benefits plus the present value of future expenses, without assumption for withdrawals.

        An addition is made in respect of future premiums if this produces a higher provision. The assumptions to which the estimation of the long-term business provision is particularly sensitive are the assumed future reversionary bonuses, the interest rate used to discount the provision, the assumed future per policy expenses and the assumed future mortality experience of policyholders.

        For PAC business, the provision has been taken as the lower of:

or, if greater, the value of the guaranteed liabilities excluding final bonus calculated on a gross premium bonus reserve method.

        For the purpose of calculating the liability using the bonus reserve method, the assumed interest rates range from 2.5% to 5.0% for 2004 and 3.0% to 5.0% for 2003 and 2002 while future reversionary bonuses are assumed to fall immediately from current levels to zero. There have been no significant changes of assumption for accumulating with-profits business.

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Jackson National Life

        The future policyholder benefit provisions for Jackson National Life's conventional protection-type policies are determined using the net level premium method under US GAAP principles and assumptions as of the issue date as to mortality, interest, policy lapsation and expenses plus provisions for adverse deviations. Rates of interest used in establishing the policyholder benefit provisions range from 4.0% to 8.0%. Mortality assumptions range from 50% to 90% of the 1975-1980 Basic Select and Ultimate tables, depending on underwriting classification and policy duration. For investment-type products sold by Jackson National Life, the policyholder benefit provision included within technical provisions in the consolidated balance sheets is the policyholder account balance.

Asian Operations

        The future policyholder benefit provisions for Asian businesses are determined in accordance with methods prescribed by local GAAP adjusted to comply, where necessary, with UK GAAP. For the Hong Kong business, which is a branch of the Prudential Assurance Company, and the Singapore and Malaysian operations the valuation principles and sensitivities to changes of assumptions of conventional with-profits and other protection-type policies are similar to those described above for equivalent products written by the UK Insurance operations. For Hong Kong business the interest rate has reduced to 3.4% at December 31, 2004 from 3.6% at December 31, 2003, and from 3.75% at December 31, 2002 for traditional business and to between 2.5% and 2.9% at December 31, 2004 from 3.25% at December 31, 2003, and from 3.75% at December 31, 2002 for accumulating with-profits assurances. For Singapore and Malaysia there have been no significant changes of assumption. Interest rates of 3.5% to 4.0% in Singapore and 4.0% in Malaysia have been used in accordance with local regulations.

        For Asian operations in countries where local GAAP is not well established and in which the business written is primarily non-participating and linked business, US GAAP is used as the most appropriate proxy to local GAAP. The future policyholder benefit provisions for non-linked business are determined using the net level premium method, with an allowance for surrenders, maintenance and claim expenses. Rates of interest used in establishing the policyholder benefit provisions vary by operation depending on the circumstances attaching to each block of business. As with the other Asian operations mentioned above, the assumptions to which the future policyholder benefit provisions are most sensitive are the interest rate used to discount the liabilities and the future mortality and morbidity experience of policyholders. In Taiwan, interest rates ranged from 1.4% to 7.0% at December 31, 2004 and from 1.5% to 6.5% at December 31, 2003. In Japan, they ranged from 0.9% to 1.3% at December 31, 2004 and from 0.9% to 1.6% at December 31, 2003.

        Although the basis of valuation of Prudential's overseas operations is in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 1985 and ABI SORP, the valuation of policyholder benefit provisions for these businesses may differ from that determined on a UK modified statutory basis for UK operations with the same features.

Linked business

        For all insurance operations, segregated accounts are established for policyholder business for which policyholder benefits are wholly or partly determined by reference to specific investments or to

F-17



an investment-related index. The assets and liabilities of this linked business are reported as summary totals in the consolidated balance sheets.

Fund for future appropriations

        The fund for future appropriations ("FFA") represents the excess of assets over policyholder liabilities for the Group's with-profits funds. The annual excess (shortfall) of income over expenditure of the with-profits funds, after declaration and attribution of the cost of bonuses to policyholders and shareholders, is transferred to (from) the FFA each year through a charge (credit) to the profit and loss account. The balance retained in the FFA represents cumulative retained earnings arising on the with-profits business that has not been allocated to policyholders or shareholders. The balance retained in the FFA is determined after full provision for deferred tax on unrealized appreciation on investments. The FFA in respect of the Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund is wholly attributable, but not yet allocated, to policyholders of that fund. A segmental analysis of the FFA is provided in Note 6.

Overseas subsidiaries

        Results of overseas subsidiaries are determined initially using local GAAP bases of accounting with subsequent adjustments where necessary to comply with the Group's accounting policies.

        In the case of Jackson National Life, US GAAP results are adjusted to comply with UK GAAP, in respect of the valuation basis for fixed income securities and certain financial derivative instruments. Under UK GAAP, Jackson National Life's fixed income securities are included in the balance sheet at amortized cost (subject to writedown for other than temporary impairments), whereas under US GAAP, Jackson National Life holds these investments as available-for-sale at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the equity section of the balance sheet.

        In addition, certain presentational adjustments are made which have no impact on profit after tax. For the purposes of UK reporting, deposits into interest-sensitive products are recorded as premiums, withdrawals and surrenders are included in benefits and claims and the resulting net movement is recorded under other reserve movements within benefits and claims. Benefits and claims also include interest credited to policyholders in respect of deposit products and fees charged on these policies.

General Insurance

Revenue recognition

        Premiums are recognized when risks are assumed. The proportion of premiums written relating to periods of risk beyond any year end is recorded as an unearned premium provision and subsequently recognized in earnings proportional to the period of the risk. Premiums are presented gross of commission and exclude any taxes or duties assessed based on premium.

Claims

        Claims incurred include settlement and handling costs of paid and outstanding claims arising from events occurring in the year and adjustments to prior years' claims provisions. Outstanding claims

F-18



include claims incurred up to, but not paid at, the end of the accounting period, whether or not reported.

Investment Returns

        Investment returns comprise investment income, realized gains and losses and changes in unrealized gains and losses, except for changes in unrealized gains and losses on debt securities held by Jackson National Life. For debt and other fixed income securities held by Jackson National Life, purchase premiums and discounts are amortized based on the underlying investments' call or maturity dates and this amortization is included in investment returns. Realized gains and losses, including writedowns on permanent diminutions, are recognized in income on the date of sale as determined on a specific identification basis for Jackson National Life and on an average cost basis elsewhere.

        Investment returns in respect of long-term business, including those on assets matching solvency capital, are included in the long-term business technical account. Other investment returns are included in the non-technical account.

        Investment returns on assets supporting the general (property and casualty insurance) business liabilities are allocated from the non-technical account to the general business technical account. Investment returns are also allocated between the long-term business technical account and the non-technical account for the difference between the actual investment rate of return of the long-term business technical account and the long-term rate of return on the assets backing shareholder financed long-term business (primarily Jackson National Life and certain Asian operations). Further details are provided in Note 5.

        Rental income is charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. Lease incentives granted on leases to tenants in investment property (such as rent-free periods) are recognised as a reduction in rental income and are allocated over the period from lease commencement up to the first rent review.

Reinsurance

        In the normal course of business, the Group seeks to reduce loss exposure arising primarily from catastrophes or other significant adverse events by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with other insurance companies or reinsurers. An asset or liability is recorded in the consolidated balance sheets representing premiums due to or payments due from reinsurers, and the share of losses recoverable from reinsurers.

Tax

        The Group's UK subsidiaries each file separate tax returns. Jackson National Life and other foreign subsidiaries, where permitted, file consolidated income tax returns. In accordance with UK tax legislation, where one domestic UK company is a 75% owned subsidiary of another UK company, or both are 75% owned subsidiaries of a common parent, the companies are considered to be within the same UK tax group. For companies within the same tax group, trading profits and losses arising in the same accounting period may be offset for purposes of determining current and deferred taxes.

F-19



        Current tax expense is charged or credited to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations for the current year. To the extent that losses of an individual UK company are not offset in any one year, they can be carried back for one year or carried forward indefinitely to be offset against profits arising from the same company.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in accordance with the provisions of FRS 19, "Deferred tax". The Company has chosen not to apply the option available under FRS 19 of recognizing such assets and liabilities on a discounted basis to reflect the time value of money. Except as set out in FRS 19, deferred tax is recognized in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date.

        Deferred tax on changes in fair value of investments is recognized in the profit and loss account. The deferred tax liability in respect of revaluation of investments is recognized in shareholders' funds and the fund for future appropriations. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered.

        The tax charge for long-term business included in the long-term business technical account includes tax expense on with-profits funds attributable to both the policyholders and the shareholders. Different tax rules apply under UK law depending upon whether the business is life insurance or pension business. Tax on the life insurance business is based on investment returns less expenses attributable to that business. Tax on the pension business is based on the shareholders' profits or losses attributable to that business. The shareholders' portion of the long-term business is taxed at the shareholders' rate with the remaining portion taxed at rates applicable to the policyholders.

        The balance of the long-term business technical account is net of the total tax attributable to the long-term business. In order to present the profit on long-term insurance activities in the non-technical account on a pre-tax basis, a tax credit attributable to the shareholders' portion of the tax provision for long-term business, calculated at the effective tax rate (where appropriate on a long-term basis) of the underlying business, is added. This shareholder tax add-back is then included in the tax expense on the profit on ordinary activities within the non-technical account. Further details are provided in Note 14.

Stock-based Compensation

        The Group offers share award and option plans for certain key employees and a Save As You Earn ("SAYE") plan for all UK and certain overseas employees. The arrangements for distribution to employees of shares held in trust relating to share award plans and for entitlement to dividends depend upon the particular terms of each plan. Shares held in trust relating to these plans are conditionally gifted to employees. Compensation costs for non-SAYE plans are recorded over the periods during which share awards or options are earned. Compensation costs are based on the quoted market prices of the shares at the grant date less any amounts paid or payable by employees in respect of the awards. In addition, shares are issued to a qualifying share ownership trust with the excess of the market price subscribed at the date of transfer by the trust over nominal value recorded by the Company in its share premium account.

        In December 2003, Urgent Issues Task Force Abstract 38 "Accounting for Employee Share Ownership Trusts" (UITF 38) was issued. The main effect of UITF 38 is that the Company must present the cost of acquiring the shares held in such trusts as a deduction in determining shareholders' funds.

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The Company has adopted the provisions of UITF 38 in its 2004 results. Further details are provided in Note 4.

Pension Costs

        These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of SSAP 24, "Pension costs". Disclosures of the movements in the financial position of the Company's defined benefit schemes, applying the methodology prescribed by FRS 17, are shown in Note 32. Contributions to the Group's defined benefit plans are calculated and expensed on a basis that spreads the costs over the service lives of participants. Contributions in respect of defined contribution plans are accrued by the Group when incurred.

Leases

        Leases, where a significant portion of the risk and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor, are classified as operating leases. Payments made as lessee under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. No individual lease arrangement is considered material to the overall results or position of the Group.

Land and Buildings

        Investments in tenant and Group occupied leasehold and freehold (directly owned) properties are carried at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value included in investment returns. Properties are valued annually either by the Group's qualified surveyors or professional external valuers using The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors ("RICS") guidelines. The RICS guidelines apply separate assumptions to the value of the land, buildings, and tenancy associated with each property. Each property is externally valued at least once every three years. The cost of additions and renovations is capitalized and considered when estimating fair value.

        In accordance with SSAP 19, "Investment properties", no depreciation is provided on investment properties (other than Group occupied) as the directors consider that these properties are held for investment purposes.

Investments in Participating Interests

        A participating interest is a beneficial equity investment where the Group exercises influence over the investee's operating and financial policies. A participating interest where the Group exercises significant influence over the investee, generally through ownership of 20% or more of the entity's voting rights, is considered to be an investment in associate. The Group's investments in associates are recorded at the Group's share of net assets. The carrying value of investments in associates is adjusted each year for the Group's share of the entities' profit or loss.

        The Group's investments in joint ventures are also recorded at the Group's share of net assets. Other participating interests, where significant influence is not exercised, are carried as investments on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value.

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Other Financial Investments

        Other financial investments include equity securities, debt and other fixed income securities, mortgages and other loans, loans to policyholders (excluding unpaid interest) and deposits with credit institutions.

Equity securities and debt and other fixed income securities

        Equity securities are carried at fair value. Debt and other fixed income securities are carried at fair value, except for those held by Jackson National Life, which, subject to provision for permanent diminution in value, are carried at amortized cost. Fair value is based on quoted market prices for listed securities, and on quotations provided by external fund managers, brokers, independent pricing services or values as determined by the directors for unlisted securities. Securities held by the Group's life fund venture capital holdings, which are often unquoted, are valued in accordance with the British Venture Capital Association guidance. Development stage investments are valued utilizing a discounted price/earnings multiple. The discount rate applied reflects the relative illiquidity and risk of unquoted investments and the approximate nature of valuations based upon earnings. Changes in fair value are recognized in investment returns during the year of the change. Debt and other fixed income securities held by Jackson National Life are carried at amortized cost as permitted by paragraph 24 of Schedule 9A to the UK Companies Act 1985. The amortized cost basis of valuation is appropriate under the provisions of the ABI SORP for Jackson National Life's redeemable fixed income securities as they are held as part of a portfolio of such securities intended to be held to maturity. Debt and other fixed income securities held by Jackson National Life are reduced to net realizable value for declines in fair value considered to be other than temporary.

Mortgages and other loans

        Loans collateralized by mortgages and other unsecured loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized discounts and premiums and an allowance for loan losses, except for loans held by the UK Insurance Operations, which are carried at fair value. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to absorb losses inherent in the mortgage loan portfolio.

Loans to policyholders

        Loans to policyholders are carried at unpaid principal balances and are fully collateralized by the cash value of policies.

Deposits with credit institutions

        Deposits with credit institutions comprise items, the withdrawal of which are subject to time constraints, and are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value are included in investment returns for the year.

Derivatives

        Derivative financial instruments are used to reduce or manage investment, interest rate and currency exposures, to facilitate efficient portfolio management and for investment purposes. The

F-22



Group's policy is that amounts at risk through derivative transactions are covered by cash or by corresponding assets. Derivative financial instruments are used to facilitate efficient portfolio management and for investment purposes. With the exception of derivatives held by Jackson National Life, these instruments are carried at fair value with changes in fair value included in investment returns. For other derivative instruments, various methods of hedge accounting are used under UK GAAP, and are more fully described in Note 24.

        As part of the efficient portfolio management of the Life Fund of The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, the Fund may, from time to time, invest in cash settled forward contracts over Prudential plc shares. This is in order to avoid a mismatch of the Life Fund's investment portfolio with the investment benchmarks set for its equity-based investment funds. The contracts will form part of the long-term investments of the Life Fund. These contracts are subject to a number of limitations for legal and regulatory reasons.

Securities Lending

        The Group is party to various securities lending agreements under which securities are loaned to third parties on a short-term basis. The loaned securities are not removed from the Group's consolidated balance sheets; rather, they are retained within the appropriate investment classification. The Group's policy is that collateral in excess of 100% of the fair value of securities loaned is required from all securities borrowers and reverse repurchase agreements and typically consists of cash, debt securities, equity securities or letters of credit.

        In cases where the Group takes possession of the collateral under its securities lending program, the collateral is included in other financial investments in the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding liability being recorded to recognize the obligation to return such collateral. To further minimize credit risk, the financial condition of counterparties is monitored on a regular basis.

Linked Business Funds

        Certain long-term business policies are linked to specific portfolios of assets or to an investment-related index. Such policies provide benefits to policyholders which are wholly or partly determined, by reference to the value of or income from specific investments or by reference to fluctuations in the value of an index of investments. The assets supporting the linked policies are maintained in segregated accounts in conformity with applicable laws and regulations. The segregated assets are reported at fair value within assets held to cover linked liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The technical provisions for linked liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets are determined based on the fair value of the underlying assets supporting the policies.

Tangible Assets

        Tangible assets, principally computer equipment, software development expenditure, and furniture and fixtures, are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, generally three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the lease. Assets held under finance leases are capitalized at their fair value.

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Banking Business Assets and Liabilities

        Banking business assets consist primarily of certificates of deposit and short-term deposits with credit institutions carried at fair value and mortgage loans carried at recoverable amount, being outstanding principal balances, net of allowances for loan losses. Loan loss provisions are recorded for the overall loan portfolio to cover bad debts which have not been separately identified but which are known from experience to be present in the portfolio. For loans in default, specific loan loss provisions are recorded. General provisions are raised in respect of losses, which although not specifically identified, are known from experience to be present in any such portfolios. The level of general provision is determined by the application of a number of basis points to the aspects of the portfolio which are not currently identified as delinquent but which experience suggests contains lending which will ultimately lead to losses. The number of basis points applied to the portfolios are regularly assessed against recent experience and adjusted if appropriate.Changes in loan loss provisions during the year are included in the consolidated profit and loss accounts.

        Liabilities relating to the Group's banking business consist primarily of customer short-term or demand deposits, including interest accrued on the deposits.

        Further details of UK banking business assets and liabilities are disclosed in Note 31.

Business Acquisitions and Disposals

        Business acquisitions are accounted for by applying the purchase method of accounting, which adjusts the net assets of the acquired company to fair value at the date of purchase. The difference between the fair value of the net assets of the acquired company and the fair value of the consideration given represents goodwill. Revenues and expenses of acquired entities are included in the consolidated profit and loss accounts from the date of acquisition in the year acquired. Revenues and expenses of entities sold during the period are included in the consolidated profit and loss account up to the date of disposal. The profit or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between sale proceeds net of expenses less net assets of the entity at the date of disposal. Gross premiums of acquired or sold insurance entities are separately presented in the consolidated profit and loss accounts.

        Effective January 1, 1998, goodwill arising from acquisitions is reflected as an asset on the consolidated balance sheets and is amortized through the consolidated profit and loss accounts on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, not exceeding 20 years. Prior to January 1, 1998, goodwill relating to acquisitions was charged directly to shareholders' funds. As permitted under the transitional arrangements of FRS 10, "Goodwill and intangible assets", amounts previously charged to shareholders' funds have not been reinstated as assets. Upon disposal of a business acquired prior to January 1, 1998, to which goodwill relates, the original goodwill balance is charged to the consolidated profit and loss accounts in determining the gain or loss on the sale.

        For life insurance company acquisitions, the adjusted net assets include an identifiable intangible asset recorded for the present value of in-force business, which represents the profits that are expected to emerge from the acquired insurance business. The present value of in-force business is calculated using best estimate actuarial assumptions for interest, mortality, persistency and expenses and is amortized over the anticipated lives of the related contracts in the portfolio.

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Shareholders' Dividends

        Shareholders' dividends are accrued in the period to which they relate regardless of when they are declared. Where scrip dividends are issued, the value of such shares, measured as the amount of the cash dividend alternative, is credited to reserves and then the amount in excess of the nominal value of the shares issued is transferred from the share premium account to the retained profit and loss reserve.

Share Premium

        The difference between the proceeds received on issue of shares, net of issue costs, and the nominal value of the shares issued is credited to the share premium account.

Foreign Currency Translation

        The profit and loss accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated to pounds sterling at average exchange rates for the year. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at year end exchange rates. Foreign currency borrowings that have been used to finance or provide a hedge against Group equity investments in overseas subsidiaries are translated at year end exchange rates. The impact of these currency translations is recorded as a component of shareholders' funds within the consolidated statement of total recognized gains and losses.

        Other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are also converted at year end exchange rates with the related foreign currency exchange gains or losses reflected in the consolidated profit and loss accounts for the year.

4 Implementation of UITF Abstract 38 "Accounting for ESOP Trusts"

        The Company has implemented UITF Abstract 38 "Accounting for ESOP Trusts" in preparing its 2004 results which requires the Company to present the cost of acquiring shares held in trusts for employee incentive plans as a deduction in determining shareholders' funds. The effect of the change in policy is to reduce the Group's shareholders' funds at January 1, 2004 from the previously published December 31, 2003 level by £38 million. Comparative balance sheet amounts have been restated accordingly. The impact on the profit and loss account is immaterial.

5 Supplemental Earnings Information

        The Group uses operating profit based on long-term investment returns before amortization of goodwill as a supplemental measure of its results. For the purposes of measuring operating profit, investment returns on shareholder financed businesses are based on the expected long-term rates of return. The expected long-term rates of return are intended to reflect historical real rates of return and, where appropriate, current inflation expectations adjusted for consensus economic and investment forecasts. The significant operations that require adjustment for the difference between actual and long-term investment returns are Jackson National Life and certain businesses in Asia.

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        For the Group's continuing operations with investment portfolios that are both attributable to shareholders and subject to short-term volatility, and the UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business that was sold in January 2002, a comparison of actual and long-term gains is as follows:

 
  1993 to
2004

  2004
  1993 to
2003

  2003

  1993 to
2002

  2002

  1993 to
2001

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Actual gains attributable to shareholders:                              
  Jackson National Life   (429 ) 88   (517 ) 6   (523 ) (342 ) (181 )
  Other operations   486   46   440   15   425   66   359  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    57   134   (77 ) 21   (98 ) (276 ) 178  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term gains credited to operating results:                              
  Jackson National Life   (46 ) (71 ) 25   (87 ) 112   (84 ) 196  
  Other operations   274   (15 ) 289   21   268   8   260  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    228   (86 ) 314   (66 ) 380   (76 ) 456  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Shortfall) excess of actual gains over long-term gains   (171 ) 220   (391 ) 87   (478 ) (200 ) (278 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

        The table shown above compares actual and long-term investment gains from 1993 to 2004. 1993 is the earliest practicable year for preparing this information, which was implemented in 1998 on the publication of the previous ABI SORP.

        For the purposes of determining the long-term investment returns of Jackson National Life, from 2001 realized gains and losses arising on debt securities (including losses arising on the recognition of permanent diminutions in value) have been averaged over five years for inclusion in operating profit. For equity-related investments of Jackson National Life, a long-term rate of return of 8.0% has been assumed and this rate has been applied to the monthly average carrying value of such investments after excluding the estimated effect of short-term market movements.

        In years prior to 2001 long-term investment returns for Jackson National Life included within UK basis operating profit were estimated as the aggregate of investment income and averaged realized gains and losses for both debt securities and other types of security. Comparatives for the aggregate long-term gains credited to operating results for the years 1993 to 2000 in the table shown above have not been restated for refinement in policy, as the effect is not material.

        From 2002, the other principal component of actual gains attributable to shareholders has been the revaluation gains of fixed income securities of certain Asian operations. For 2001 and earlier years the principal other component that required calculation of the expected long-term rate of return was UK equity securities that were held as portfolio investments backing UK general business liabilities and related solvency capital. This business was disposed of in January 2002. For these investments the long-term rate of return applied in 2001 was 7.5%. The long-term dividend yield was assumed to be 2.6%.

        The overwhelming majority of long-term gains and losses, and the difference between actual and long-term gains, arises from the accounting treatment of averaging realized gains and losses of Jackson

F-26



National Life's fixed income securities over a five-year period within operating results. The only significant part of the investment portfolio for shareholder backed business where an assumed rate has been applied in the calculation of long-term gains to be included in operating profits is the aforementioned 8.0% for equity-related investments of Jackson National Life. For this part of the portfolio, a 1% change would alter operating results by approximately £4 million.

        In addition to the adjustments made for investment returns, as described above, operating profit excludes amortization of goodwill and gains on business disposals and similar items.

        In accordance with FRS 3, "Reporting Financial Performance", the presentation of additional supplemental earnings per share information is permitted provided the earnings basis used is applied consistently over time and is reconciled to consolidated profit for the financial year. In determining operating profit, the Group has used the expected long-term investment return and excluded amortization of goodwill and exceptional items as the directors believe that such presentation better reflects the Group's underlying financial performance, on a statutory basis of measurement.

F-27


        The Group's supplemental measure of its results and reconciliation of operating profit based on long-term investment returns before amortization of goodwill and exceptional items to profit on ordinary activities, including the related basic earnings per share amounts, are as follows:

 
  Before
Tax

  Tax
  Minority
Interests

  Net
  Basic
Earnings
Per Share

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

  (In Pence)

 
2004                      
Operating profit based on long-term investment returns before amortization of goodwill   583   (177 ) 2   408   19.2   p
Amortization of goodwill   (97 )         (97 ) (4.6 )p
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns                      
  Jackson National Life   159   (56 )     103   4.8   p
  Other(1)   70   (12 ) (9 ) 49   2.3   p
Profit or loss on the sale or termination of discontinued operations:                      
  Profit on business disposals   48   (19 )     29   1.4   p
  Egg France closure cost   (113 ) 32   17   (64 ) (3.0 )p
   
 
 
 
 
 
Profit on ordinary activities   650   (232 ) 10   428   20.1   p
   
 
 
 
 
 
2003 (restated)*                      
Operating profit based on long-term investment returns before amortization of goodwill   357   (106 ) 6   257   12.4  p
Amortization of goodwill   (98 )         (98 ) (4.7 )p
Short term fluctuations in investment returns                      
  Jackson National Life   93   (32 )     61   2.9  p
  Other(1)   (2 ) (6 ) (4 ) (12 ) (0.6 )p
   
 
 
 
 
 
Profit on ordinary activities   350   (144 ) 2   208   10.0  p
   
 
 
 
 
 
2002 (restated)*                      
Operating profit based on long-term investment returns before amortization of goodwill   449   (120 ) 4   333   16.1  p
Amortization of goodwill   (98 )         (98 ) (4.7 )p
Short term fluctuations in investment returns                      
  Jackson National Life   (258 ) 100       (158 ) (7.6 )p
  Other (principally Asia)(1)   53   (9 ) 5   49   2.3  p
Profit on sale of UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business   355   (13 )     342   16.5  p
   
 
 
 
 
 
Profit on ordinary activities   501   (42 ) 9   468   22.6  p
   
 
 
 
 
 

*
The 2003 and 2002 figures for earnings per share have been restated to take account of the rights offering in 2004.

(1)
The adjustment from post-tax long-term investment returns to post-tax actual investment returns includes investment returns that are attributable to external equity investors in two investment funds managed by PPM America. These two funds are consolidated as quasi-subsidiaries but, except to the extent of Prudential Group participation in the funds, they have no net impact on pre-tax or post-tax operating profit. Total profit, before and after tax, incorporating the adjustment from long-term to actual investment returns, includes gains of £9 million, £4 million and loss of £5 million in the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively, attributable to the minority interests in these funds.

F-28


        A reconciliation of the weighted average number of ordinary shares used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share is set out below. The numbers for 2003 and 2002 have been restated to take account of the rights offering in 2004.

 
  December 31

 
Number of shares

  2004

  2003

  2002

 
 
  (In Millions)

 
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share   2,129   2,076   2,068  
Shares under option at end of year   13   16   14  
Assumed treasury share purchases at average fair value from proceeds of assumed option exercise   (10 ) (14 ) (11 )
   
 
 
 
Weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share   2,132   2,078   2,071  
   
 
 
 

6 Segment Analysis

      The Group's reportable business segments are based on the organizational structure used by the directors for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. The Group has five business segments: UK and Europe Insurance Operations, M&G and Egg, which are all located in the UK (collectively, "UK and Europe Operations"), US Operations and Asian Operations. The business segments are determined by the territories in which the Group conducts business, which are the United Kingdom and Europe, the United States and Asia. UK and Europe Operations include long-term life insurance business, banking and fund management activities. The US and Asian operations mainly include life insurance business and fund management activities.

        The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those used in the Group's consolidated accounts described in Note 3, applied on a consistent basis for all periods presented, except that revenue reported by reportable segments includes deposits to unit trusts and other similar products, and also revenue from banking, broker-dealer and fund management activities, which are excluded from earned premiums in the consolidated profit and loss accounts.

        The performance measure of reportable segments utilized by the directors is operating profit (based on long-term investment returns on investments attributable to shareholders) before amortization of goodwill and before tax.

F-29


Analysis of Operating Profit before amortization of goodwill and before tax

        The following table presents operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and before tax by segment:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
UK and Europe Insurance Operations   305   256   372  
M&G   136   83   71  
Egg   43   55   27  
   
 
 
 
Total UK and Europe Operations   484   394   470  
   
 
 
 
US Operations              
Jackson National Life   196   143   117  
Broker-dealer and fund management   (14 ) (3 ) 14  
   
 
 
 
Total US Operations   182   140   131  
   
 
 
 
Asian Operations              
Long-term business   126   85   82  
Fund management   19   13   6  
Development expenses   (15 ) (27 ) (26 )
   
 
 
 
Total Asian Operations   130   71   62  
   
 
 
 
Operating profit of reportable segments   796   605   663  
Group activities   (193 ) (181 ) (189 )
   
 
 
 
Total continuing operations   603   424   474  
Discontinued operations:              
  Egg France   (37 ) (89 ) (47 )
  Jackson Federal Bank   17   22   22  
   
 
 
 
Total discontinued operations   (20 ) (67 ) (25 )
   
 
 
 
Operating profit (based on long-term investment returns) before amortization of goodwill and before tax   583   357   449  
   
 
 
 

F-30


Analysis of Revenue and Investment Inflows

        The following table presents revenue and investment inflows by segment:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
UK and Europe Insurance Operations              
Long-term business gross premiums   9,186   7,264   8,675  
Reinsurance premiums ceded   (91 ) (150 ) (76 )
Investment returns   12,468   13,437   (5,198 )
M&G              
Investment products gross inflows   5,845   3,797   3,731  
Revenue from fund management operations   295   222   210  
Egg              
Revenue from continuing banking operations   496   417   319  
   
 
 
 
Total UK and Europe Operations   28,199   24,987   7,661  
   
 
 
 
US Operations              
Long-term business gross premiums   4,717   4,369   6,098  
Reinsurance premiums ceded   (70 ) (75 ) (81 )
Investment returns   1,429   1,429   1,303  
Investment products gross inflows   418   159    
Revenue from broker-dealer and fund management operations   237   220   200  
   
 
 
 
Total US Operations   6,731   6,102   7,520  
   
 
 
 
Asian Operations              
Long-term business gross premiums   2,452   2,148   1,896  
Reinsurance premiums ceded   (95 ) (65 ) (59 )
Investment returns   691   696   200  
Investment products gross inflows   18,845   18,157   13,661  
Revenue from fund management operations   41   29   23  
   
 
 
 
Total Asian Operations   21,934   20,965   15,721  
   
 
 
 
Total revenue for reportable segments   56,864   52,054   30,902  
   
 
 
 
Discontinued Operations              
Gross premiums       329  
Reinsurance premiums ceded       (329 )
Revenue from banking operations—Egg France   7   5   2  
                                                           —US Operations   23   27   27  
Investment returns—US Operations   17   22   22  
   
 
 
 
Total Discontinued Operations   47   54   51  
   
 
 
 
Other Operations              
Investment returns   77   55   31  
   
 
 
 
Total Revenue and Investment Inflows   56,988   52,163   30,984  
   
 
 
 
Represented by:              
  Earned premiums   16,099   13,491   16,453  
  Investment returns   14,682   15,639   (3,642 )
  Investment products gross inflows   25,108   22,113   17,392  
  Revenue from banking, broker-dealer and fund management operations   1,099   920   781  
   
 
 
 
Total Revenue and Investment Inflows   56,988   52,163   30,984  
   
 
 
 

F-31


Certain minor reclassifications and presentational changes have been made to the amounts presented for prior periods to conform these periods to the current presentation.

Other Segment Information

        Selected other information is provided below by segment:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Claims incurred, net of reinsurance              
UK and Europe Insurance Operations   9,480   8,480   8,701  
US Operations   2,964   2,698   4,483  
Asian Operations   673   561   505  
   
 
 
 
Total claims incurred, net of reinsurance   13,117   11,739   13,689  
   
 
 
 
Change in long-term technical provision, net of reinsurance              
UK and Europe Insurance Operations   5,475   4,741   (784 )
US Operations   2,375   2,454   2,567  
Asian Operations   1,606   1,483   916  
   
 
 
 
Total change in long-term technical provisions, net of reinsurance   9,456   8,678   2,699  
   
 
 
 
Investment expenses and charges and net operating expenses              
UK and Europe Operations:              
  UK and Europe Insurance Operations   1,635   1,491   1,472  
  Egg   46   71   54  
US Operations   372   330   416  
Asian Operations   513   522   443  
Corporate expenditure not allocated to segments   83   67   62  
Shareholders' interest payable not allocated to segments   168   148   156  
   
 
 
 
Total investment expenses and charges and net operating
expenses
  2,817   2,629   2,603  
   
 
 
 

F-32


        

Assets

        An analysis of assets by geographical region is presented below. Except for banking business assets, the assets of the UK and Europe Operations are managed and analyzed as a whole.

 
  UK and Europe
  US
  Asia
  Total
 
  (In £ Millions)

December 31, 2004                
Insurance and investment operations:                
  Investments   98,275   23,968   7,412   129,655
  Deferred acquisition costs   847   1,528   533   2,908
  Linked assets   16,725   5,392   1,713   23,830
  Other   4,777   932   443   6,152
   
 
 
 
    120,624   31,820   10,101   162,545
Banking business assets   11,995       11,995
   
 
 
 
Total assets   132,619   31,820   10,101   174,540
   
 
 
 

December 31, 2003 (restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Insurance and investment operations:                
  Investments   89,857   24,781   5,602   120,240
  Deferred acquisition costs   973   1,543   436   2,952
  Linked assets   14,688   3,937   1,296   19,921
  Other*   4,631   943   393   5,967
   
 
 
 
    110,149   31,204   7,727   149,080
Banking business assets   11,654   975     12,629
   
 
 
 
Total assets*   121,803   32,179   7,727   161,709
   
 
 
 

*
The figures for these lines have been restated (see note 4).

F-33


Fund for Future Appropriations ("FFA") and Net Technical Provisions

        A segment analysis of the FFA and technical provisions (net of reinsurers' share) is set out below:

 
  December 31
 
  2004
  Restated
2003

 
  (In £ Millions)

Fund for future appropriations:        
  Group Companies, excluding Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF)(1)*   14,850   11,253
  SAIF(2)   1,836   1,404
   
 
    16,686   12,657
Technical provisions (net of reinsurers' share)   128,083   120,449
   
 
    144,769   133,106
   
 
Comprising:        
  UK and Europe Operations*   111,846   102,565
  US Operations   24,682   23,854
  Asian Operations   8,241   6,687
   
 
Total*   144,769   133,106
   
 

*
The 2003 figures for these lines have been restated (see note 4).

(1)
Balance relates mainly to the with-profits fund of The Prudential Assurance Company Limited.

(2)
SAIF is closed to new business and the balance is wholly attributable, but not allocated, to SAIF policyholders.

Shareholders' Funds

        An analysis of shareholders' funds by segment is set out below:

 
  December 31
 
 
  2004
  Restated
2003

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
UK and Europe Insurance Operations   889   612  
M&G   312   336  
Egg   269   348  
US Operations (principally Jackson National Life)   2,362   2,329  
Asian Operations   819   627  
Other Operations*(1)   (370 ) (1,012 )
   
 
 
Total shareholders' funds*   4,281   3,240  
   
 
 

*
The 2003 figures for these lines have been restated (see note 4).

(1)
Other Operations represent operations managed centrally and not allocated to a business segment.

F-34


7 Discontinued Operations and Operations in Run Off

Discontinued Operations

        In July 2004, Egg announced that it intended to take the necessary steps to withdraw from the French market at an expected cost of £113 million. In October 2004, Jackson National Life sold Jackson Federal Bank and realized a profit on sale of £41 million before tax. Egg France and Jackson Federal Bank have been treated as discontinued operations in the financial statements. The results of these operations are set out below:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Egg France   (37 ) (89 ) (47 )
Jackson Federal Bank   17   22   22  
   
 
 
 
Total discontinued operations   (20 ) (67 ) (25 )
   
 
 
 

Operations in Run Off

        The Group sold its UK home and motor insurance business in 2002 and, as part of the sale arrangements the insurance liabilities of this business at the end of 2001 were fully reinsured. This business, as well as the UK commercial lines property and casualty insurance business which has been closed to new business since 1993, have been classified as operations in run off in the financial statements. The results of these operations are set out below:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Underwriting result   (6 ) (7 ) (8 )
Investment return   6   7   8  
   
 
 
 
Operating profit        
   
 
 
 

        The general business reserves for claims outstanding and changes thereto and a reconciliation to the consolidated balance sheets is set out below:

 
  December 31
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
General business technical provision for claims outstanding at beginning of year   263   342  
Less: Reinsurers' share of claims outstanding   (125 ) (194 )
   
 
 
Net provisions at beginning of year   138   148  
Effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates   (3 ) (6 )
Change in the provision for claims, net of reinsurance   (3 ) 1  
Payments, net of reinsurance   (28 ) (5 )
   
 
 
Net provisions at end of year   104   138  
Reinsurers' share of claims outstanding   73   125  
   
 
 
General business technical provision for claims outstanding at end of year   177   263  
Claims outstanding on long-term business   649   628  
   
 
 
Total claims outstanding at end of year   826   891  
   
 
 

F-35


8 Long-Term Business Provisions, Premiums and Policyholders' Bonuses

(a)   Long-Term Business Provision and Technical Provisions for Linked Liabilities

        The following table provides an analysis of technical provisions between with-profits and non-participating business:

 
  December 31
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
SAIF(1)   9 % 10 %
Financed by with-profits funds:          
  With-profits business   39 % 41 %
  Non-participating(2)   9 % 9 %
Shareholder financed business:          
  Non-participating   24 % 23 %
  Linked business   19 % 17 %
   
 
 
Total   100 % 100 %
   
 
 

(b)   Gross Premiums

        The following table provides an analysis of gross premiums between with-profits and non-participating business:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
SAIF(1)   1 % 2 % 2 %
Financed by with-profits funds:              
  With-profits business   19 % 25 % 30 %
  Non-participating(2)   1 % 1 % 1 %
Shareholder financed business:              
  Non-participating   60 % 54 % 56 %
  Linked business   19 % 18 % 11 %
   
 
 
 
Total   100 % 100 % 100 %
   
 
 
 

(1)
SAIF is the Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund, a separate sub-fund established within The Prudential Assurance Company Limited (PAC) long-term business fund. This sub-fund contains all the with-profits business and all other pension businesses that were transferred to PAC from the Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society in 1997. No new business is written in the sub-fund.

(2)
Annuity business written by Prudential Annuities Limited a subsidiary of the PAC with-profits fund, and by a separate sub-fund of the PAC with-profits fund, which comprises non-participating and linked business purchased from the Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society.

(c)   Policyholders' Bonuses

        Bonuses declared for the year in respect of the Group's with-profits business are included in the change in long-term business provision or, where the policy is no longer in force, in claims incurred. The total cost of policyholders' bonuses was £2,233 million, £2,325 million and £3,009 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

F-36


9 Investment Returns

        The sources of investment returns are as follows:

 
  Long-Term Business
  Non-Technical Account
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Investment income from:                          
Equity securities   1,329   1,050   1,049       4  
Debt and other fixed income securities   3,885   3,983   4,041   53   126   85  
Land and buildings   799   867   789        
Mortgage and other loans   237   284   321        
Linked assets   395   479   409        
Other   959   695   620   76   20   39  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investment income   7,604   7,358   7,229   129   146   128  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains (losses) from:                          
Equity securities   1,271   154   324       196  
Debt and other fixed income securities   (8 ) 370   (533 ) (1 ) 5   2  
Land and buildings   269   235   200        
Linked assets   158   (113 ) (207 )      
Other   32   5   (3 )      
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total realized gains (losses)   1,722   651   (219 ) (1 ) 5   198  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) from:                          
Equity securities   2,518   5,566   (9,690 ) 8     (217 )
Debt and other fixed income securities   786   54   651     (10 )  
Land and buildings   1,009   321   21        
Linked assets   782   1,511   (1,823 )      
Other   125   37   80        
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total net unrealized gains (losses)   5,220   7,489   (10,761 ) 8   (10 ) (217 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investment returns   14,546   15,498   (3,751 ) 136   141   109  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

10 Net Operating Expenses

        A summary of net operating expenses is shown below:

 
  Long-Term Business
  General Business
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Policy acquisition costs for the year   1,508   1,188   1,315      
Change in deferred acquisition costs   (78 ) (3 ) (225 )    
Administrative expenses   530   633   688   1   3   3
Amortization of present value of acquired in-force business   25   26   27      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   1,985   1,844   1,805   1   3   3
   
 
 
 
 
 

F-37


        Net operating expenses in the consolidated profit and loss accounts also include corporate expenditure in the non-technical account of £83 million, £67 million and £62 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

11 Fees Payable to Auditors

        Prudential paid fees to KPMG Audit Plc and its associates as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Audit services:            
  Statutory audit fees   3.8   3.6   3.3
  US GAAP reporting   0.8   0.7   0.6
  Regulatory audit   0.9   0.5   0.7
  Achieved profits basis audits   0.1   0.1   0.1
   
 
 
Total audit services   5.6   4.9   4.7

Further assurance services associated with:

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Regulatory reviews       1.3
  Implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements   1.8   0.2  
  Prospectus for equity and debt issues   0.5    
  Implementation of regulatory requirements   0.4    
  Tax compliance   0.2   0.3   0.2
  Comfort and attestation letters   0.2   0.2  
Other services:            
  Acquisitions and disposals due diligence   0.5     0.4
  Other services   0.5   1.2   2.6
   
 
 
Total   9.7   6.8   9.2
   
 
 

        Statutory audit fees include £0.1 million for each of 2004, 2003 and 2002 in respect of the parent company. Fees excluding statutory audit fees payable to KPMG Audit Plc and its associates include £4.6 million, £3.0 million and £4.9 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively, for work performed in the UK.

        The Audit Committee regularly monitors the non-audit services provided to the Group by its auditors and has developed a formal Auditor Independence Policy which sets out the types of services that the auditor may provide, consistent with both UK guidance and the provisions of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Audit Committee annually reviews the auditors' objectivity and independence.

F-38



12 Investment Expenses and Charges

        A summary of investment expenses and charges is shown below:

 
  Long-Term Business
  Non-Technical Account
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Interest payable on core structural borrowings         154   143   130
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts   47   40   35      
Interest on other borrowings   91   92   112   72   91   103
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest expense   138   132   147   226   234   233
Investment management expenses   384   349   352       1
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   522   481   499   226   234   234
   
 
 
 
 
 

        Long-term business interest expense includes £78 million, £81 million and £96 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, in respect of products in the nature of funding arrangements entered into by Jackson National Life. Long-term business investment management expenses include management fees charged by M&G and the Group's US and Asia fund management operations and fees paid to external property managers. Interest expense in the non-technical account includes £1 million, £2 million, and £9 million in respect of non-recourse borrowings of investment funds managed by PPM America for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, which are consolidated as if they were subsidiaries as a result of the Group's effective control of the funds; £46 million, £71 million and £54 million in respect of Egg debenture loans and other borrowings and £25 million, £18 million, and £40 million in respect of commercial paper borrowings that support a short-term fixed income securities reinvestment program.

13 Goodwill

 
  December 31
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Balance at beginning of year   1,504   1,604   1,687  
Additions:              
  Good Morning ITMC, Korea(1)     (2 ) 8  
  Zebank France and Investment Funds Direct Holdings Limited       7  
Charge to profit and loss account:              
  Amortization   (97 ) (98 ) (98 )
  Write down in respect of Funds Direct   (2 )    
  Write down in respect of Zebank   (3 )    
  Goodwill of Jackson Federal Bank taken into account on profit on sale   (35 )    
   
 
 
 
Balance at end of year   1,367   1,504   1,604  
   
 
 
 

(1)
The reduction in 2003 relates to deferred consideration included in 2002 that is no longer payable.

        The balance at the beginning of 2004 comprises cost of £1,933 million less accumulated amortization of £429 million. The cumulative goodwill charged against the Group's reserves arising on

F-39



acquisitions of subsidiary undertakings prior to 1998 that are still owned by the Group amounted to £589 million at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

14 Tax

        The tax expense for certain long-term business operations is attributable to shareholders and to policyholders. The shareholders' portion of tax is determined using the long-term effective tax rate of the underlying business applied to the profits transferred to the non-technical account.

        A summary of the tax expense attributable to shareholders' profits and to long-term funds in the consolidated profit and loss accounts is shown below:

 
  Attributable to
Shareholders' Profits

  Attributable to
Long-Term Funds

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Current tax expense (benefit):                          
UK   55   49   103   464   279   320  
Foreign   199   126   (17 ) 76   102   247  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    254   175   86   540   381   567  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax expense (benefit):                          
UK   (29 ) (27 ) (34 ) 262   436   (1,081 )
Foreign   7   (4 ) (10 ) 94   7   (148 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    (22 ) (31 ) (44 ) 356   443   (1,229 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total   232   144   42   896   824   (662 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

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        An analysis of the tax expense (benefit) by the nature of the expense (benefit) attributable to shareholders' profits and to long-term funds is as follows:

 
  Attributable to
Shareholders' Profits

  Attributable to
Long-Term Funds

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
UK corporation tax   (43 ) (38 ) 44   447   318   334  
Double tax relief     (3 ) (4 ) (18 ) (15 ) (18 )
Overseas tax   87   61   (89 ) 75   102   247  
Adjustments in respect of prior years—UK   1   (13 ) (3 ) 35   (24 ) 4  
                                                                 —Overseas         1      
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    45   7   (52 ) 540   381   567  
Deferred tax   (8 ) (13 ) (77 ) 356   443   (1,229 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    37   (6 ) (129 ) 896   824   (662 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder tax attributable to balance on the long-term business technical account                          
Current   209   168   138              
Deferred tax   (14 ) (18 ) 33              
   
 
 
             
    195   150   171              
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' tax expense (benefit)   232   144   42   896   824   (662 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

        An analysis of shareholders' tax expense allocated to the various sources of profit giving rise to the taxes is as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Long-term business:              
  UK and Europe Insurance Operations   85   78   105  
  Jackson National Life   72   58   48  
  Asian Operations   38   14   18  
   
 
 
 
Total long-term business   195   150   171  
Other operations   (18 ) (44 ) (51 )
   
 
 
 
Total tax on operating profit   177   106   120  
Tax on short-term fluctuations in investment returns   68   38   (91 )
Tax on profit on business disposals   19     13  
Tax on Egg France closure cost   (32 )    
   
 
 
 
Total   232   144   42  
   
 
 
 

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        The following table reconciles the Group's statutory and the effective tax rates:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions, Except Percentages)

 
Profit on ordinary activities before shareholder tax              
  UK   228   41   490  
  Foreign   422   309   11  
   
 
 
 
    650   350   501  
   
 
 
 
UK statutory tax rate   30 % 30 % 30 %
   
 
 
 
Tax expense at statutory rate   195   105   150  
Utilization of capital losses against profit on sale of UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business       (97 )
Other differences in basis between taxable gains and book gains   (8 ) 3   (15 )
Different tax rates on overseas earnings   6   13   (15 )
Deferred tax not recognized on tax losses carried forward   19   21   28  
Different tax basis of long-term insurance   (9 ) (30 ) (5 )
Taxable foreign exchange losses not recognized in accounts       (12 )
Non-taxable amortization of goodwill   29   30   29  
Adjustments in relation to prior years   (30 ) (17 ) (3 )
Other   30   19   (18 )
   
 
 
 
Tax expense   232   144   42  
   
 
 
 
Effective tax rate   35.7 % 41.1 % 8.4 %
   
 
 
 

        The low effective tax rate on total profit for 2002 arose principally due to tax payable on the profit on sale of UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business being relieved against capital losses available to the Group.

        The possible tax benefit of approximately £430 million, which may arise from capital losses valued at approximately £1.7 billion, is sufficiently uncertain that it has not been recognized. The circumstances in which the amount would be recoverable are a combination of the following: the agreement of the value of the losses with the UK Inland Revenue, the availability of future capital profits that are within the charge to capital gains tax and the agreement of the UK Inland Revenue to the utilization of the losses against certain capital gains arising in the UK long-term business operations.

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Deferred income tax

        The components of the net deferred income tax liability by category at December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively are as follows. The balances have not been discounted.

 
  Liability Provided
(Asset Recognized)

 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Unrealized gains on investments   1,489   1,205  
Deferred acquisition costs   403   408  
Short-term timing differences   (560 ) (626 )
Long-term business technical provisions and other insurance items   213   204  
Capital allowances   (23 ) (37 )
   
 
 
Total   1,522   1,154  
   
 
 

        The components of the net deferred income tax liability by fund are as follows:

 
  Liability Provided
(Asset Recognized)

 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund   125   87  
PAC with-profits funds(1)   1,448   1,225  
Jackson National Life   (85 ) (172 )
Other long-term business operations   88   50  
Other operations   (54 ) (36 )
   
 
 
Total   1,522   1,154  
   
 
 

(1)
Includes deferred tax charges in respect of non-participating annuity business written by a subsidiary, Prudential Annuities Limited, financed by the PAC with-profits fund.

        A potential deferred tax asset of £114 million and £115 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively, which may arise from trading losses of approximately £408 million and £378 million, is sufficiently uncertain that it has not been recognized. With regard to £100 million and £104 million of the asset at December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively, the trading losses would be recoverable only if there were sufficient trading profits in the jurisdictions where the losses have arisen. The balance is dependent upon the outcome of a case before the European Court of Justice regarding Group relief claims in connection with European subsidiaries.

        A reconciliation of the movement in the net deferred income tax liability is set out below:

 
  2004
  2003
 
  (In £ Millions)

Deferred tax liability at beginning of year   1,154   696
Exchange movements   20   28
Deferred tax charged in profit and loss account for the year   348   430
   
 
Deferred tax liability at the end of year   1,522   1,154
   
 

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15 Rights offering

        In October 2004, Prudential announced a one for six rights offering at 308 pence per new share. The rights offering raised £1,044 million and issue expenses were £23 million.

16 Acquisitions and Disposals

Acquisitions in 2004

        In November 2004, Jackson National Life entered into an agreement to buy Life Insurance Company of Georgia from ING Groep NV for £142 million. This deal was completed in May 2005.

Acquisitions in 2003

        There were no acquisitions during 2003.

Acquisitions in 2002

        In October 2002, Prudential acquired 100% of Good Morning Investment Trust Management Company, a Korean fund management company for a consideration, including deferred consideration and expenses, of £16 million.

        In January 2002, Egg acquired 100% of Zebank SA in France and 100% of Investment Funds Direct Holdings Limited (Fundsdirect) in the UK for £25 million and £3 million respectively, including expenses.

        The effect of the above transactions, which have been accounted for as acquisitions, was:

 
  Korea
  Zebank and
Fundsdirect

  Total
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
  Investments   6     6  
  Banking business assets     178   178  
  Banking business liabilities     (157 ) (157 )
  Other net assets   2     2  
   
 
 
 
Net assets acquired   8   21   29  
   
 
 
 
Total fair value of consideration including costs of acquisition   16   28   44  
   
 
 
 
Goodwill recognized as an asset on the consolidated balance sheets   8   7   15  
   
 
 
 

        The goodwill arising on the Korean acquisition was reduced by £2 million in 2003 relating to deferred consideration included in 2002 that was no longer payable. The remaining goodwill is being amortized over 20 years.

        The goodwill relating to the Egg acquisitions was being amortised over 10 years. However, as a result of the closure of both the businesses, the remaining goodwill has been written off in 2004.

Pro forma information

        Consolidated revenue from banking, broker-dealer and investment management operations, profit for the financial year and related earnings per share are shown on a pro forma basis for all the acquisitions referred to above for the period of acquisition. These pro forma amounts have been derived

F-44



by adding pre-acquisition revenue and other components of net profit to these items included in the Group's consolidated profit and loss accounts post-acquisition.

 
  Pro Forma
 
 
  2004
  2003
  Restated
2002

 
 
  (In £ Millions, Except
Per Share Amounts)

 
Revenue from banking, broker-dealer and fund management operations       781  
Consolidated net profit       456  
Earnings per share*       22.1 p

*
The 2002 figure for this line has been restated to take account of the rights offering in 2004.

        No pro forma amounts have been reported in 2004, as the acquisition of Life Insurance Company of Georgia was not completed until 2005. No pro forma amounts have been reported in 2003 as no acquisitions were made during the year. The presentation for 2002 includes the acquisition of Zebank SA in France as if it had been acquired as of January 1, 2002. The effect of this acquisition is not material to the revenue from banking operations. The pro forma effects of the other 2002 acquisitions are not material to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Disposals in 2004

        In July 2004 Egg announced that it intended to take the necessary steps to withdraw from the French market. This business which is discontinued, incurred losses of £37 million, £89 million and £47 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

        In August 2004, the Company sold its interest in Life Assurance Holding Corporation Limited for £41 million. After taking into account the carrying value of the investment of £34 million at the date of disposal, the profit on sale was £7 million before tax.

        In October 2004, Jackson National Life sold Jackson Federal Bank for £166 million. After taking into account net assets and good will totaling £125 million at the date of disposal, the profit on sale was £41 million before tax. The results of this business has been treated as discontinued operations in these financial statements with operating profits of £17 million up to the date of disposal in 2004. In both of the reporting periods ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, Jackson Federal Bank reported operating profits of £22 million.

Disposals in 2003

        The Group sold its German life business and its Dublin based management services company for a total consideration of £98 million. After allowing for the write off of deferred acquisition costs of £63 million, taking account of net assets at the time of sale of £14 million, and the costs of sale and other related items, the profit on sale was not material.

F-45



Disposals in 2002

        The Group sold its UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business operations in January 2002, for a consideration of £353 million. After allowing for the costs of sale and other related items, the profit on sale was £355 million before tax.

17 Present Value of Acquired In-Force Long-Term Business

        The balance of the present value of future profits of acquired in-force long-term business is recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31 of each year. Changes in the balance for each year are as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Balance at beginning of year   108   133   161  
Exchange adjustment   (5 ) (7 ) (10 )
Interest accrued at rates ranging from 6.5% to 10.25% (net of tax)   10   12   14  
Amortization   (27 ) (30 ) (32 )
   
 
 
 
Balance at end of year   86   108   133  
   
 
 
 

        The present value of future profits relates primarily to the acquisition of M&G in 1999, the additional investment in the Malaysian operations in 1998, and the acquisitions of Scottish Amicable in 1997 and of Jackson National Life in 1986. The discount rate used for recording the present value of future profits for M&G was 8.25%, the additional investment in the Malaysian operations was 10.25%, Scottish Amicable was 9.25% and Jackson National Life was between 6.5% and 9.5%.

        The percentage of the present value of future profits as of December 31, 2004, net of tax, that is expected to be amortized in 2005 and each of the subsequent four years is 21.2%, 21.9%, 12.8%, 12.8% and 4.4% respectively.

18 Reinsurance

        The Group cedes certain business to other insurance companies. Although the ceding of reinsurance does not relieve the Group of liability to its policyholders, the Group participates in such agreements for the purpose of limiting its loss exposure. The Group evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure from reinsurer insolvencies. The effects of reinsurance ceded on claims paid, change in the provision for claims incurred and change in the long-

F-46



term business provision, as presented in the long-term business technical account and the general business technical account, are summarized as follows:

 
  Long-Term Business
  General Business
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Claims paid:                          
  Gross amount   (13,273 ) (11,843 ) (13,816 ) (70 ) (151 ) (221 )
  Reinsurers' share   186   140   124   42   146   214  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims paid, net of reinsurance   (13,087 ) (11,703 ) (13,692 ) (28 ) (5 ) (7 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in the provision for claims:                          
  Gross amount   (27 ) (29 ) (4 ) 74   68   10  
  Reinsurers' share   2   (3 ) 12   (51 ) (67 ) (8 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in the provision for claims, net of reinsurance   (25 ) (32 ) 8   23   1   2  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total claims incurred, net of reinsurance   (13,112 ) (11,735 ) (13,684 ) (5 ) (4 ) (5 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in long-term business provision:                          
  Gross amount   (5,267 ) (3,935 ) (4,104 )            
  Reinsurers' share   133   (15 ) 59              
   
 
 
             
Change in long-term business provision, net of reinsurance   (5,134 ) (3,950 ) (4,045 )            
   
 
 
             

        The Group has reinsurance agreements with Swiss Re Group, which account for approximately 45% and 53% of the reinsurers' share of technical provisions and debtors arising out of reinsurance operations at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In addition, as a result of the sale of the UK personal lines general (property and casualty) insurance business, the Group has reinsurance agreements with Winterthur which account for approximately 6% and 12% of the reinsurers' share of technical provisions and debtors arising out of reinsurance operations at December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively. No other reinsurer accounts for more than 10% at either year end.

19 Land and Buildings

        The carrying value of land and buildings is made up as follows:

 
  December 31
 
  2004
  2003
 
  (In £ Millions)

Fair value:        
  Freehold   7,650   6,624
  Leasehold with a term of 50 years or over   4,497   4,153
  Leasehold with a term of less than 50 years   220   188
   
 
Total   12,367   10,965
   
 

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        The cost of land and buildings was £7,919 million and £7,490 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The fair value of land and buildings occupied by the Group was £186 million and £181 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

        The practice in the UK for long-term leases is to pay a substantial portion of the lease obligation upon initiation of the lease with insignificant annual rental payments thereafter. As such, there are no material annual future minimum lease commitments for long-term leases.

        Minimum future rentals to be received on non-cancelable operating leases and subleases for land and buildings for the year ended December 31, 2005 and the succeeding four years are £622 million, £609 million, £592 million, £575 million and £554 million respectively, and £6,975 million thereafter.

        At December 31, 2004, the carrying value of properties that were non-income producing for the last twelve months preceding the consolidated balance sheet date was £173 million, primarily representing properties under development.

20 Investments in Participating Interests

        The Group's investments in participating interests are as follows:

 
  December 31
 
 
  Cost
  Carrying Value
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Investments in associates   18   23   4   9  
Share of joint ventures:                  
  Gross assets           110   67  
  Gross liabilities           (88 ) (44 )
Interests in joint ventures   46   40   22   23  
Other participating interest     24     24  
   
 
 
 
 
Total   64   87   26   56  
   
 
 
 
 

        Investments in which the Group holds a participating interest and exercises significant influence are recorded as investments in associates.

        The only associate undertaking at the end of the year is IfOnline plc, a company whose principal activity is mortgage intermediation. Egg plc has a 39% share in the share capital of IfOnline plc. In September 2004, the Group sold its other associate undertaking, a 25% share in the share capital of Hazell Carr Pensions Consulting plc, for £5 million. The profit on sale before tax of £2 million is included in investment income in the long-term business technical account. The amount of operating profit (loss) attributable to these undertakings was £nil, (£2 million), (£2 million) in 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

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        The changes in investments in associates for 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 
  Share of
Capital

  Share of
Reserves

  Goodwill
  Total Share
of Investment

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Balance at January 1, 2003   6   (5 ) 11   12  
Loss for the year after tax     (2 )   (2 )
Amortization of goodwill       (1 ) (1 )
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2003   6   (7 ) 10   9  
Disposal   (2 ) 1   (2 ) (3 )
Amortization of goodwill       (2 ) (2 )
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2004   4   (6 ) 6   4  
   
 
 
 
 

        Interests in joint ventures are valued on a net equity basis and mainly reflect ventures with the Bank of China in Hong Kong and the Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) in India. The amount of operating losses attributable to these undertakings was £6 million, £5 million and £6 million for 2004, 2003, 2002 respectively.

        In August 2004, the Group sold its 15% interest in Life Assurance Holding Corporation Limited and realised a profit on sale of £7 million before tax.

        In addition to the participating interests shown in the table above, the Group, through its life fund property and venture capital activities, has investments that are accounted for as portfolio investments under FRS 9, "Associates and joint ventures". The Group has provided loans to a number of these investments, which amounted to £399 million and £283 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These amounts are shown as other loans on the consolidated balance sheets.

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21 Other Financial Investments

 
  December 31
 
  Carrying Value
  Cost
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
  (In £ Millions)

Equity securities carried at fair value:                
  UK corporate:                
    Utilities, industrial and other   6,442   5,643   2,895   2,568
    Financial services   7,652   6,879   3,693   3,582
    Consumer goods and services   10,156   10,235   6,198   6,740
    Other UK corporate   434   121   405   117
  Overseas corporate   13,742   11,999   11,826   10,980
   
 
 
 
    38,426   34,877   25,017   23,987
   
 
 
 
Debt and other fixed income securities—carried at fair value:                
    UK government   3,422   3,915   3,325   3,912
    US government   293   117   291   121
    Local UK and foreign governments   4,283   5,008   4,219   5,000
    Corporate   38,122   34,640   36,161   33,045
    Mortgage backed securities   241   275   301   319
    Other debt securities   958   631   1,076   772
   
 
 
 
    47,319   44,586   45,373   43,169
   
 
 
 
Debt and other fixed income securities—carried at amortized cost:                
    US government   4   4   4   4
    Corporate   15,090   14,870   15,154   14,996
    Mortgage backed securities   3,175   3,768   3,194   3,772
    Other debt securities   1,162   1,363   1,177   1,321
   
 
 
 
    19,431   20,005   19,529   20,093
   
 
 
 

Mortgage and other loans

 

2,885

 

2,915

 

2,809

 

2,867
Loans to policyholders   707   716   707   716
Deposits with credit institutions   6,125   4,088   6,125   4,088
Other investments   2,369   2,032   2,174   1,935
   
 
 
 
Total   117,262   109,219   101,734   96,855
   
 
 
 

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        The fair value of debt and other fixed income securities carried at amortized cost is analyzed as follows:

 
  December 31
 
  2004
  2003
 
  (In £ Millions)

Debt and other fixed income securities:        
  US government   4   4
  Corporate   16,012   15,978
  Mortgage backed securities   3,245   3,850
  Other debt securities   1,165   1,370
   
 
Total   20,426   21,202
   
 

        Gross unrealized gains on debt and other fixed income securities carried at amortized cost were £1,075 million and £1,303 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Gross unrealized losses on these securities were £80 million and £106 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

        All debt securities valued at amortized cost are held by long-term business operations.

        Other financial investments include investments traded on recognized investment exchanges as follows:

 
  December 31
 
  Carrying Value
 
  2004
  2003
 
  (In £ Millions)

Equity securities—carried at fair value   37,429   33,584
Debt and other fixed income securities—carried at fair value   39,046   37,351
Debt and other fixed income securities—carried at amortized cost   15,022   17,322
   
 
Total   91,497   88,257
   
 

        The directors' determination of fair value for unlisted securities without a readily ascertainable market value is generally based on quoted market prices for similar securities. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, equity securities and debt and other fixed income securities without a readily ascertainable market value and having a cost of £9,230 million and £8,176 million, respectively, had an estimated fair value of £9,599 million and £8,493 million, respectively.

        For those debt and other fixed income securities valued at amortized cost where the maturity value exceeded purchase price, the unamortized difference was £134 million and £199 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. For securities valued at amortized cost where the purchase price exceeded maturity value, the unamortized difference was £388 million and £360 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

        The cost and fair values of debt and other fixed income securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2004, are shown below. Fixed maturities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the table in the final year of maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual

F-51



maturities because some borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 
  Cost
  Fair Value
 
  (In £ Millions)

Due in one year or less   1,906   1,862
Due after one year through five years   9,509   9,573
Due after five years through ten years   19,161   19,959
Due after ten years   28,876   30,924
Mortgage-backed securities   3,751   3,779
Other   1,699   1,648
   
 
Total debt and other fixed income securities   64,902   67,745
   
 

        Approximately 49% of the carrying value of corporate debt securities are due from UK borrowers and 40% are due from US borrowers; mortgage-backed securities are due primarily from borrowers in the US.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the carrying value of debt and other fixed income securities and mortgage loans which were non-income producing for the twelve months preceding the consolidated balance sheet date was not significant.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, mortgage loans on property with scheduled payments 60 days or more past their due date, comprised less than 1% of the total carrying value and cost of mortgage loans.

        The payment terms of mortgage loans on property may from time to time be restructured or modified. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, investments in restructured loans represented less than 1% of the carrying value of mortgage loans. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, mortgage loans which the Group believes are impaired on an individual basis represented less than 1% of the carrying value of mortgage loans. Residential mortgage loans are evaluated for impairment on a collective basis. Valuation allowances on mortgage loans represented 2% and 1% of the carrying value of mortgage loans at December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively. Approximately 86% of the Group's mortgage loans are collateralized by properties located in the US and Canada, with the remainder being collateralized by properties located in the UK and Asia.

        In the table of Other Financial Investments, "Other investments" primarily consist of investments in limited partnerships held by Jackson National Life that invest in securities. Limited partnership income recognized by the Group was profits of £57 million and £9 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively and a loss of £43 million for 2002. At December 31, 2004, the Group had unfunded commitments related to investments in limited partnerships totaling £157 million.

22 Assets Held to Cover Linked Liabilities

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the fair value of assets held to cover linked liabilities was £23,830 million and £19,921 million, respectively. The fair value of managed funds included in such assets was £5,218 million and £4,537 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The cost of assets held to cover the linked liabilities was £20,524 million and £18,621 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

F-52



23 Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The Group determines fair value as the quoted market prices for those financial instruments that are actively traded in financial markets. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using quotations from independent third parties or by using present value or other valuation techniques.

        The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based upon available market information and judgments about the financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of counterparties. Such estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Group's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In many cases the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the financial instrument.

        Fair value for mortgage loans on land and buildings are estimated by discounting future contractual cash flows using interest rates at which loans with similar characteristics and credit quality would be made.

        The estimated fair value of derivative financial instruments reflects the estimated amount the Group would receive or pay if the derivative instruments were terminated. Derivative financial instruments held where the estimated fair value differs from carrying value include interest rate swaps, currency swaps, index swaps and put-swaptions. See Note 24 for further discussion of derivative financial instruments.

        Fair values for long-term insurance contracts are estimated as the discounted cash flows expected to arise in the future. For UK and US contracts, discount rates of 7.2% and 7.4% are used at December 31, 2004 while at December 31, 2003 the discount rate used was 7.4%. In determining these estimates, best estimate forecasts of future investment returns have been incorporated and account has been taken of recent economic conditions together with inherent uncertainty.

        Fair values for long-term borrowings are determined using published market values, where available, or contractual cash flows discounted at market rates. The carrying value of short-term borrowings approximates their fair market value.

        The difference between the carrying value and fair value of banking business assets and liabilities is not material at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

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        The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments for which the carrying value differs from the estimated fair value and of all derivative financial instruments:

 
  December 31
 
  2004
  Restated
2003

 
  Carrying
Value

  Fair
Value

  Carrying
Value

  Fair
Value

 
  (In £ Millions)

Financial assets:                
Debt and other fixed income securities carried at amortized cost   19,431   20,426   20,005   21,202
Mortgage loans carried at unpaid principal balances   2,413   2,567   2,416   2,603
Derivative financial instruments   10,921   11,175   12,354   12,650

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Long-term insurance contracts*   144,961   140,646   133,139   129,374
Long-term borrowings   3,176   3,441   3,103   3,313
Derivative financial instruments   10,269   10,610   11,547   12,026

*
The 2003 figures for this line have been restated (see note 4).

        The carrying value of other financial investments for which the carrying value approximates fair value is presented in Note 21.

24 Derivatives

        The Group enters into a variety of exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivative financial instruments, including futures contracts; index and equity options; interest rate and currency swaps; bond and equity index swaps; and options to enter into interest rate swaps known as swaptions. These derivatives are used for efficient portfolio management to obtain cost effective and efficient exposure to various markets in accordance with the Group's investment strategies and to manage exposure to interest rate, currency, credit and other business risks. The Group segregates cash or securities to fund or match 100% of open derivative positions, including notional amounts plus daily changes in market value. Hedge accounting practices are supported by cashflow matching, duration matching, scenario testing and designation criteria.

        Interest rate risk arises from exposures to interest rate movements occurring when there is a mismatch between interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities. Fluctuations in prevailing interest rates, including changes in the difference between the levels of prevailing short-term and long-term rates can affect spread-based businesses where the majority of assets are invested in fixed income securities. The Group uses various interest rate derivative instruments, such as swap, option and forward rate agreements to reduce exposure to interest rate volatility. Some of the Group's products, especially those sold in the US and Asia have certain guarantee features linked to equity indexes. A mismatch between product liabilities and the performance of the underlying assets backing them exposes the Group to equity-index return risk. In order to mitigate this risk, the Group purchases over-the-counter equity options and futures to match asset performance with liabilities under equity-indexed products.

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        Due to the geographical diversity of the Group's business, it is subject to exchange rate fluctuation risk. The Group's operations in the US and Asia represent a significant proportion of total Group income and expenses. These operations generally write policies and invest in the same local currency, which tends to limit the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on local operating results, but can lead to fluctuations on Group results upon translation into pounds sterling. Local operations may have certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In these cases, the Group uses various currency derivatives in order to limit volatility due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

        Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty or an issuer of securities or borrower of funds, which the Group holds in its asset portfolio, defaults or another party fails to perform according to the terms of the contract. Some of Prudential's businesses, in particular Jackson National Life, Egg, and certain UK Insurance Operations, hold large amounts of interest rate sensitive investments that contain credit risk on which a certain level of defaults is expected. These expected losses are considered when the Group determines the crediting rates, deposit rates and premium rates for the products that will be supported by these assets. The Group has purchased some credit derivatives in order to manage the default risk on certain underlying assets and hence reduce the amount of regulatory capital held to support the assets.

        Depending on their nature, their intended purpose and the underlying assets and liabilities to which they relate, derivative instruments are accounted for under three methodologies as described below.

Derivatives Accounted for at Fair Value

        UK Insurance Operations use equity index futures contracts and options, equity options, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps, equity index swaps and other derivatives for efficient portfolio management. These derivatives are carried at fair value with changes in fair value included in investment returns.

Equity index futures contracts

        Deposit margins for equity index futures contracts are included in the consolidated balance sheet as deposits with credit institutions. Subsequent changes in fair value of the contracts are reported in investment returns.

Equity index and equity options

        Premiums paid or received for equity index options and equity options are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as other financial investments. Changes in fair value are recorded in investment returns. Upon exercise of purchased equity options, the premium paid is added to the cost basis of equities purchased, or deducted from the proceeds of equities sold; and the premium received in respect of written options is offset against the cost of underlying equity instruments. When options expire, the premium revenue or expense is recorded in investment returns.

Currency and interest rate swap agreements

        Currency swap agreements involve the exchange of payments in different currencies over the life of the agreement based on a fixed or variable interest rate. Interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange of fixed and floating payments over the life of the agreement without an exchange of the

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underlying principal amount. These swaps are carried at fair value and any change in value is included in investment returns.

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts

        Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are recorded on a net basis within cash in hand in the balance sheet with changes in market value recorded in investment returns. The contracts involve the exchange of two currencies at a specified future date and exchange ratio.

Index swap agreements

        The US Insurance Operations held high yield bond index swaps and equity index swaps for investment purposes in 2004 and 2003. These derivatives are held for investment purposes and are carried at fair value with changes in fair value included in investment returns.

Derivatives Accounted for on an Accrual Basis, Hedging Assets or Liabilities Carried at Cost

Currency and interest rate swap agreements

        Currency and interest rate swap agreements used for hedging purposes are accounted for on an accrual basis, consistent with the assets and liabilities hedged. Amounts paid or received on interest rate swap agreements are included in investment returns. Accrued amounts payable to or receivable from counterparties are included in other liabilities or other assets. Realized gains and losses from the settlement or termination of the interest rate swaps are deferred and amortized over the life of the specific hedged assets as an adjustment of the yield. Where a swap no longer represents a hedge, because the underlying asset has been sold or the liability repaid, the swap is carried at fair value and any change in value is included in investment returns.

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts

        Foreign currency exchange forward contracts used for hedging purposes are accounted for on an accrual basis consistent with the underlying assets and liabilities hedged. Accrued amounts payable or receivable from counterparties are included in other liabilities or other assets. The contracts involve the exchange of two currencies at a specified future date and exchange ratio.

Put-swaptions

        Put-swaptions are purchased to provide the US Insurance Operations with the right, but not the obligation, to require the counterparties to pay Jackson National Life the present value of a long duration interest rate swap at future exercise dates. Put-swaptions are purchased to hedge debt security investments.

        Premiums paid for put-swaptions are included in other invested assets and are amortized to investment income over the remaining terms of the contracts with maturities up to 10 years. Realized gains and losses from the settlement or termination of the swaptions are deferred and amortized over the life of the specific hedged assets as an adjustment of the yield. Where a swaption no longer represents a hedge because the underlying asset has been sold, the swap is carried at fair value and any change in value is included in investment returns.

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Credit derivatives

        Credit derivatives are purchased to provide the UK banking operations with protection against default risk associated with banking business assets. The fees paid to the counterparties are included in other assets and amortized to operating expense over the term of the contract. Amounts received from the counterparties as settlement of the hedge are included in the specific hedged assets as an adjustment of the yield.

Derivatives Accounted for on a Deferral Basis

(a)    Hedging Anticipated Transactions

Index swap agreements

        Index swap agreements generally involve the exchange of payments based on a short-term interest rate index for payments based on the total return of a bond or equity index over the life of the agreement without an exchange in the underlying principal amount. Index swap agreements hedge the anticipated purchase of investment grade bonds that will be carried at amortized cost by the US Insurance Operations. Amounts paid or received on the swaps are deferred and adjust the basis of bonds acquired upon expiration of the swaps.

(b)    Hedging Equity Indexed Liabilities

        Equity index futures contracts and equity index call options are purchased to hedge the risk related to equity index linked immediate and deferred annuities offered by the US Insurance Operations. The variation margin on futures contracts is deferred and recorded as an asset or liability and, upon closing of the contracts, adjusts the cost basis of index call option contracts purchased. The time premium of equity index call options acquired is amortized to investment returns over the option term. The change in intrinsic value, including amounts received on exercising the option, is deferred until the associated hedged index linked annuity liability is recognized.

        Realized gains from derivative contracts hedging index linked annuities that have been deferred at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were not material. There were no material realized gains or losses deferred from derivative contracts hedging anticipated purchases of investment grade bonds at December 31, 2004 or 2003.

Credit Risk

Exchange-traded futures

        Exchange-traded futures comprise a significant part of the UK Insurance Operation's financial derivatives activity. All margin accounts are guaranteed against default by the clearing facility on each applicable exchange, which enforces a system of margining to ensure that all market traders are fully capable of meeting their obligations on a daily basis. The directors feel that these exchange level controls substantially mitigate counterparty credit risk related to their investment in futures contracts.

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Over-the-counter derivatives

        Over-the-counter derivative positions, primarily interest rate swaps and put-swaptions, are only held with approved counterparties who are subject to careful evaluation of credit standing, and which must possess high short-term deposit ratings with a major rating agency. The Group assigns exposure limits to all counterparties according to the size of their capital base and credit rating. All exposure limits are subject to regular credit monitoring procedures. The Group also manages the potential credit exposure through evaluation of collateral agreements and master netting agreements on interest rate and currency swaps. The Group is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties, however, the Group does not anticipate non-performance.

25 Securities Lending

        The Group has entered into securities lending agreements whereby blocks of securities are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms. The agreements require that amounts between 102% and 105% of the fair value of the loaned securities be held as collateral, depending on the quality of the collateral, calculated on a daily basis.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the estimated fair value of loaned equity and debt securities was £9,927 million and £13,075 million and are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet. Cash collateral received of £640 million and £557 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, was invested in a pooled fund, and is included in the consolidated balance sheet. A related payable for the return of the cash collateral received is included in liabilities. Pledged collateral in respect of securities loaned was £9,627 million and £13,072 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Such pledged collateral, consisting principally of cash, securities and letters of credit, is not recorded in the consolidated balance sheet of the Group.

26 Investments in Subsidiaries

        The principal subsidiaries of the Group at December 31, 2004, all wholly owned except Egg Banking plc and PCA Life Assurance Company Limited, were:

 
  Main Activity
  Country of
Incorporation

Egg Banking plc(1)   Banking   England and Wales
Jackson National Life Insurance Company(1)   Insurance   United States of America
M&G Investment Management Limited(1)   Investment management   England and Wales
Prudential Annuities Limited(1)   Insurance   England and Wales
The Prudential Assurance Company Limited   Insurance   England and Wales
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Limited(1)   Insurance   Singapore
Prudential Retirement Income Limited(1)   Insurance   Scotland
PCA Life Assurance Company Limited(1)   Insurance   Taiwan

(1)
Owned by a subsidiary of the parent company.

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        Each subsidiary has only one class of ordinary shares and operates mainly in its country of incorporation, except for Prudential Retirement Income Limited, which operates mainly in England and Wales.

        Egg Banking plc is a subsidiary of Egg plc, a subsidiary of the Company that is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The ordinary shares of Egg plc, of which there is only one class, are 78% owned by the Company, 1% owned by other companies within the Prudential Group and 21% owned by shareholders external to the Prudential Group.

        At 31 December 2004, the ordinary shares of PCA Life Assurance Company Limited were 97% owned by the Company. In February 2005 this increased to 99%.

27 Tangible Assets

        Tangible assets are principally computer equipment, software development expenditure and furniture and fixtures.

 
  December 31

 
 
  2004

  2003

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Cost:          
Balance at beginning of year   450   460  
Exchange movement   (12 ) (17 )
Additions   49   65  
Disposals   (17 ) (58 )
   
 
 
Balance at end of year   470   450  
   
 
 
Depreciation:          
Balance at beginning of year   (266 ) (264 )
Exchange movement   6   11  
Provided during year   (65 ) (64 )
Disposals   10   51  
   
 
 
Balance at end of year   (315 ) (266 )
   
 
 
Net book value at beginning of year   184   196  
   
 
 
Net book value at end of year   155   184  
   
 
 

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28 Borrowings

      Borrowings of the Group were as follows:

 
  December 31

 
  2004
  2003
 
  (In £ Millions)

Parent company subordinated liabilities:        
  Subordinated Notes, €500 million principal amount, 5.75%, due 2021(1)(2)   351   349
  Medium Term Subordinated Notes, €20 million principal amount, due 2023   14   14
  Subordinated Notes, £435 million principal amount, 6.125%, due 2031(1)(2)   426   426
  Perpetual Subordinated Capital Securities, US$1,000 million principal amount, 6.5%(1)(2)   512   547
  Perpetual Subordinated Capital Securities, US$250 million principal amount, 6.75%(1)(2)   126  
   
 
Total subordinated liabilities   1,429   1,336
   
 
Parent company and finance subsidiaries:        
  Bonds, US$250 million principal amount, 7.125%, due 2005(1)   130   140
  Guaranteed Bonds, £150 million principal amount, 9.375%, due 2007   150   150
  Bonds, £250 million principal amount, 5.5%, due 2009(1)   250   250
  Bonds, £300 million principal amount, 6.875%, due 2023(1)   300   300
  Bonds, £250 million principal amount, 5.875%, due 2029(1)   250   250
Long-term business operations:        
  Subordinated Surplus Notes, US$250 million principal amount, 8.15%, due 2027   130   140
  Subordinated Guaranteed Bonds, £100 million principal amount, 8.5%, undated   100   100
Borrowings of UK Banking operation:        
  Subordinated Notes, £250 million principal amount, 7.5%, due 2013   249   249
  Subordinated Notes, £200 million principal amount, 6.875%, due 2021   202   202
   
 
Total debenture loans   1,761   1,781
   
 
Total long-term loans   3,190   3,117
Parent company and finance subsidiaries:        
  Floating Rate Guaranteed Unsecured Loan Notes 2004     21
  Short-term commercial paper   1,228   1,041
  Medium Term Notes   9   10
  Currency translation net liability on swap transactions     3
Non-recourse borrowings issued by investment subsidiaries managed by PPM America   183   214
Obligations under finance leases   2   3
Bank loans and overdrafts repayable on demand:        
  Shareholders' funds   17   16
  Long-term business operations   44   20
   
 
Total borrowings   4,673   4,445
   
 
Borrowings are repayable as follows:        
  Within one year or on demand   1,433   1,141
  Between one year and two years   8   157
  Between two years and three years   150  
  Between three and four years     150
  Between four years and five years   250  
  After five years   2,832   2,997
   
 
Total borrowings   4,673   4,445
   
 

(1)
Debenture loans issued by the parent company. The interests of the holders of the parent company subordinated liabilities are subordinate to the entitlements of the other creditors of the parent company.

(2)
Net of issue costs.

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        As well as "subordinated liabilities" and "debenture loans", borrowings are classified in the consolidated balance sheets as "amounts owed to credit institutions" or as "other borrowings" depending on the nature of the borrowing. Other borrowings mainly comprise commercial paper. Amounts owed to credit institutions were as follows:

 
  December 31

 
  2004

  2003

 
  (In £ Millions)

Bank loans and overdrafts repayable on demand   61   36
Other senior and subordinated debt   128   153
Obligations under finance leases   2   3
   
 
Total   191   192
   
 

Repurchase Agreements

        During 2004 and 2003, Jackson National Life entered into reverse repurchase and dollar-roll repurchase agreements whereby it agreed to sell and repurchase securities. These activities have been accounted for as financing transactions, with the assets sold remaining in the consolidated balance sheets and liabilities recorded for the sales proceeds. Short-term liabilities under such agreements averaged £6 million and £913 million during 2004 and 2003, at weighted average interest rates of 1.80% and 0.67%, respectively. Interest expense on such agreements was £nil, £6 million and £4 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The highest level of short-term liabilities at any month end was £251 million in 2004 and £1,517 million in 2003. There were no agreements outstanding at December 31, 2004 or 2003.

Short-term Borrowings

        Prudential has had in place an unlimited global commercial paper program since November 2001. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, Prudential had amounts outstanding under the program amounting to £1,228 million and £1,041 million respectively with average interest rates of 4.85% and 3.7% per annum respectively. The commercial paper borrowings are issued by the parent company and include £1,057 million and £1,041 million that support a short-term fixed income securities reinvestment program at December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively.

        Jackson National Life has entered into stocklending arrangements. The obligations under these arrangements totaled £446 million and £515 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The amounts under these arrangements are combined with amounts under Jackson National Life's funding arrangements and shown separately in the consolidated balance sheets.

        Other short-term borrowings are primarily bank loans and overdrafts repayable on demand. Under the terms of the Group's banking arrangements with its main UK banker, the bank has a right of offset between credit balances (other than those of long-term funds) and all overdrawn balances of those Group undertakings with similar arrangements.

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Long-term Borrowings

        During 2001, Prudential introduced a £5,000 million European Medium Term Note program. At December 31, 2004 subordinated debts outstanding under this programme were £435 million and €520 million and senior debt outstandings were US$18 million. €500m of the Euro-denominated notes has been swapped into borrowings of £329 million (net of £4 million issue costs) with interest payable at 6 month £ Libor plus 0.962%. The remaining €20 million of the Euro-denominated notes has been swapped into borrowings of £14 million with interest payable at 3 month £ Libor plus 1.2%.

        During 2003 Prudential issued US$1,000 million of perpetual subordinated capital securities with a coupon of 6.5% to optimize its balance sheet structure and financial flexibility. Subsequently Prudential entered into an interest rate swap and is currently paying 3 month US$ Libor plus 0.80%. The proceeds of the issue were mainly used to refinance existing senior debt, primarily commercial paper.

        During 2004 Prudential issued US$250 million of perpetual subordinated capital securities, exchangeable into preference shares. The coupon on the securities was 6.75%, and the proceeds have been used to pre-finance the US$250 million debt maturing in 2005. Conversion of these securities into preference shares is at Prudential's option.

        The surplus notes in the principal amount of US$250 million (£130 million), have been issued by Jackson National Life and are subordinate to all present and future indebtedness, policy claims and other creditor claims. Payments of interest or principal may be made only with prior regulatory approval, and only out of surplus earnings that the regulators determine to be available for payment. The surplus notes may not be redeemed at the option of Jackson National Life or any holder prior to maturity.

        The £100 million principal amount undated guaranteed subordinated bonds have been issued by Scottish Amicable Finance plc, a subsidiary of the Scottish Amicable Insurance fund ("SAIF"), and bear a fixed interest rate of 8.5% until June 2018 at which time the notes can either be redeemed or extended for five year periods, each time at a rate of interest based on the market rate at the applicable date. The interests of the holders of these bonds are subordinate to the entitlements of the policyholders of SAIF. PAC has guaranteed this obligation.

        The interests of the holders of the £450 million principal amount subordinated notes issued by Egg plc are subordinate to the entitlements of other creditors of that operation. Egg had also issued unsubordinated debt securities totaling £1,807 million and £1,423 million and sold securities under agreements to repurchase totaling £131 million and £829 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

        Non-recourse borrowings issued by investment subsidiaries managed by PPM America, the US fund management operation, include secured senior and in 2003 subordinated debt. The senior debt represents debt which is collateralized by the investments held by the relevant investment subsidiaries. Interest rates on the senior debt are variable based on a market interest rate and range from 1.57% to 2.38% and 1.57% to 2.16% at December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively. The interests of the holders of the subordinated debt issued by these subsidiaries were subordinate to the entitlements of the holders of the senior debt. Interest rates on the subordinated debt were fixed and ranged from 7.80% to 8.36% at December 31, 2003. In addition to the debt of these subsidiaries, PPM America manages investment companies with liabilities of £753 million and £943 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, pertaining to debt instruments issued to external parties. In all instances the holders of the debt

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instruments issued by these subsidiaries and other companies do not have recourse beyond the assets of those subsidiaries.

        Jackson National Life has entered into a program of funding arrangements (European Medium Term Notes—EMTN's and Global Medium Term Notes—GMTN's) under contracts which, in substance, are almost identical to Guaranteed Investment Contracts. The liabilities under these arrangements were £2,862 million and £3,247 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Credit facilities

        Prudential has access to a £1,400 million committed revolving credit facility provided by 14 major international banks. The facility matures on December 17, 2009. It also has access to a committed securities lending liquidity facility of £500 million which is annually renewable, next on December 15, 2005. There have been no draw-downs under either facility since inception and hence there were no amounts outstanding at December 31, 2004.

        Prudential also maintains uncommitted credit facilities totaling £346 million. There was no amount outstanding under these facilities at December 31, 2004.

        In January 2004, letters of credit for a total of US$350 million were issued on behalf of Prudential Atlantic Reinsurance Company, Dublin, Ireland, in favor of Jackson National Life. The letters of credit cover Prudential Atlantic's obligations under a reinsurance agreement pursuant to which Jackson National Life ceded to it the guaranteed minimum death benefit coverage associated with variable annuities. The likelihood of drawing down on this facility is remote.

        The commercial paper and Medium Term Note programs mentioned earlier, and the committed revolving credit facility, committed securities lending liquidity facility and uncommitted credit facilities mentioned above are available for general corporate purposes and to support the liquidity needs of Prudential.

29 Dividend Restrictions and Minimum Capital Requirements

        At December 31, 2004, the parent company had £848 million of retained profit that is wholly available for distribution to shareholders.

        Certain Group subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on the amount of funds they may transfer in the form of cash dividends or otherwise to the parent company. UK insurance companies are required to maintain solvency margins which must be supported by capital reserves and other resources, including unrealized gains on investments. Jackson National Life can pay dividends on its capital stock only out of earned surplus. Dividends which exceed the greater of 10% of Jackson National Life's statutory surplus or statutory net gain from operations for the prior year require prior regulatory approval. At December 31, 2004, the maximum amount of dividends that could be paid by Jackson National Life without prior regulatory approval was approximately US$221 million (£115 million). The Group's Asian subsidiaries, mainly the Singapore and Malaysia businesses, may remit dividends to the Group, in general, provided the statutory insurance fund meets the capital adequacy standard required under local statutory regulations. At December 31, 2004, the directors believe that the Group's subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable solvency and capital adequacy requirements.

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        The Prudential Assurance Company Limited ("PAC") and Jackson National Life ("JNL") are the two principal insurance subsidiaries of the Group, which together comprise approximately 78% of total Group assets. At December 31, 2004, the PAC long-term fund's excess of available capital reserves to cover long-term insurance business was £4,665 million and the statutory capital and surplus of Jackson National Life was US$3,141 million (£1,636 million).

30 Contingencies and Related Obligations

        Consistent with FRS 12, "Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets", appropriate provision has been made in the financial statements where the Group has an obligation arising from the events or activities described below, where a realistic estimate of the obligation can be made, but not for contingent liabilities.

Litigation

        Jackson National Life has been named in civil proceedings, which appear to be substantially similar to other class action litigation brought against many life insurers in the US, alleging misconduct in the sale of insurance products. At this time, it is not possible to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss, if any, that could result from an unfavorable outcome in such actions. In addition, Jackson National Life is a defendant in individual actions that involve similar issues.

        The Group is involved in other litigation and regulatory issues arising in the ordinary course of business. While an adverse ruling in any individual case may not in itself be material to Prudential, if applied across all similar cases, the potential liabilities may be more significant. Although the outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the directors believe that the ultimate outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Group's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Pension Mis-selling Review

        In 1988, the UK government introduced new pensions legislation intended to encourage more individuals to make their own arrangements for their pensions. During the period from April 1988 to June 1994, many individuals were advised by insurance companies, Independent Financial Advisers and other intermediaries to not join, to transfer from or to opt out of their occupational pension schemes in favor of private pension products introduced under the UK Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. The UK insurance regulator (previously the Personal Investment Authority, now the Financial Services Authority, "FSA") subsequently determined that many individuals were incorrectly advised and would have been better off not purchasing the private pension product sold to them. Industry participants are responsible for compensating the persons to whom private pensions were mis-sold. As a result, the FSA required that all UK life insurance companies review their potential cases of pension mis-selling and pay compensation to policyholders where necessary and, as a consequence, record a provision for the estimated costs. The Group met the requirement of the FSA to issue offers to all cases by June 30, 2002.

        Provisions in respect of the costs associated with the review have been included in the change in long-term business provision in the Group's profit and loss account and the transfer to or from the fund

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for future appropriations has been determined accordingly. The following is a summary of the changes in the pension mis-selling provision, for each year ended December 31:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Balance at beginning of year   530   730   1,065  
Changes to actuarial assumptions and method of calculation   (32 ) (131 ) (50 )
Discount unwind   22   21   53  
Redress to policyholders   (26 ) (56 ) (292 )
Payments of administrative costs   (7 ) (34 ) (46 )
   
 
 
 
Balance at end of year   487   530   730  
   
 
 
 

        Every year the FSA updates the actuarial assumptions to be used in calculating the provision, including interest rates and mortality assumptions. The pension mis-selling provision represents the discounted value of future expected payments, including benefit payments and all internal and external legal and administrative costs of adjudicating, processing and settling those claims. To the extent that amounts have not been paid, the provision increases each year reflecting the shorter period of discount.

        The directors believe that, based on current information, the provision, together with future investment return on the assets backing the provision, will be adequate to cover the costs of pension mis-selling as well as the costs and expenses of the Group's pension review unit established to identify and settle such cases. Such provision represents the best estimate of probable costs and expenses. However, there can be no assurance that the current provision level will not need to be increased.

        The costs associated with the mis-selling review have been met from the inherited estate. Accordingly, these costs have not been charged to the asset shares used in the determination of policyholder bonus rates. Hence policyholders' pay-out values have been unaffected by pension mis-selling.

        In 1998, Prudential stated that deducting mis-selling costs from the inherited estate would not impact its bonus or investment policy and it gave an assurance that if this unlikely event were to occur, it would make available support to the fund from shareholder resources for as long as the situation continued, so as to ensure that policyholders were not disadvantaged. The assurance was designed to protect both existing policyholders at the date it was announced, and policyholders who subsequently purchased policies while the pension mis-selling review was continuing.

        This review was completed on June 30, 2002. The assurance will continue to apply to any policy in force at December 31, 2003, both for premiums paid before January 1, 2004 and for subsequent regular premiums (including future fixed, retail price index or salary related increases and Department of Work and Pensions rebate business). The assurance has not applied to new business since January 1, 2004. New business in this context consists of new policies, new members to existing pension schemes plus regular and single premium top-ups, transfers and switches to existing arrangements. The maximum amount of capital support available under the terms of the assurance will reduce over time as claims are paid on the policies covered by it.

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        The bonus and investment policy for each type of with-profits policy is the same irrespective of whether or not the assurance applies. Hence removal of the assurance for new business has had no impact on policyholder returns and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Free Standing Additional Voluntary Contribution Business Review

        In February 2000, the FSA ordered a review of Free Standing Additional Voluntary Contribution business, which constitutes sales of personal pensions to members of company pension schemes. Individuals who purchased these pensions instead of the Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme connected to their company's pension scheme may have been in a better financial position investing their money, and any matching contributions from their employers, in their company's AVC scheme. The FSA's review was to ensure that any employees disadvantaged due to not being properly informed of the benefits foregone from not investing in their AVC scheme were compensated.

        The review required companies to identify relevant investors and to contact them with an offer to review their individual case. Prudential met the deadline set by the FSA to issue offers to all cases by December 31, 2002. As a result of the review, Prudential held a provision of £2 million as of December 31, 2004.

Mortgage Endowment Products Review

        In common with several other UK insurance companies, the Group used to sell low-cost endowment products related to repayment of residential mortgages. At sale, the initial sum assured is set at a level such that the projected benefits, including an estimate of the annual bonus receivable over the life of the policy, will equal or exceed the mortgage debt. Because of a decrease in expected future investment returns since these products were sold, the FSA is concerned that the maturity value of some of these products will be less than the mortgage debt. The FSA has worked with insurance companies to devise a programme whereby the companies write to customers indicating whether they may have a possible shortfall and outline the actions that the customers can take to prevent this possibility.

        The Group's main exposure to mortgage endowment products in respect of policies issued by Scottish Amicable Life plc (SAL) and policies issued by Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society (SALAS) and transferred into the Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF). The FSA issued a report in March 2001 raising concerns regarding the conduct of sales of these products by tied agents of SAL and in March 2003 it fined SAL £750,000 in respect of cases where advisers did not place appropriate emphasis on identifying whether a customer was prepared to take the risk that their mortgage might not be repaid at the end of the term. Provisions of £7 million in SAL and £47 million in SAIF were held at December 31, 2004 to cover potential compensation in respect of mortgage endowment product mis-selling claims. At the FSA's request, wording is also being included (for a period of one year) in the annual re-projection letters issued to policyholders of both SAL and SAIF, whose policy was sold to them by tied agents of SALAS, inviting them to respond if they feel that the policy was mis-sold. As SAIF is a separate sub-fund of the Prudential Assurance long-term business fund, this provision has no impact on shareholders. Scottish amicable withdrew from the mortgage endowment product market in April 2001 and disbanded its network of tied agents in October 2001. In addition, Prudential Assurance's main with-profits fund paid compensation of £16 million in respect of mortgage endowment products mis-selling claims and held a provision of £61 million at December 31, 2004 to cover further claims. This provision has no impact on the Group's profit before tax.

F-66



Guaranteed Annuities

        Prudential Assurance used to sell guaranteed annuity products in the UK and held a provision of £49 million at December 31, 2004, within the main with-profits fund to honor guarantees on these products. The Group's main exposure to guaranteed annuities in the UK is through SAIF and a provision of £648 million was held in SAIF at December 31, 2004, to honor the guarantees. As SAIF is a separate sub-fund of the Prudential Assurance long-term business fund, this provision has no impact on shareholders. For a more complete description of SAIF, see "Support of long-term business funds from shareholders' funds" in this Note 30.

Guarantees and Commitments

        Guarantee funds in both the UK and US provide for payments to be made to policyholders on behalf of insolvent life insurance companies. These guarantee funds are financed by payments assessed on solvent insurance companies based on location, volume and types of business. Prudential estimated its reserve for future guarantee fund assessments for Jackson National Life to be £10 million at December 31, 2004. Similar assessments for the UK businesses were not significant. The directors believe that the reserve is adequate for all anticipated payments for known insolvencies.

        Jackson National Life has commitments for future payments related to equity index call options totaling £8 million as at December 31, 2004. These commitments are accounted for on a deferred basis and therefore are off-balance sheet. The commitments were entered into in the normal course of business to hedge obligations associated with the issuance of equity index-linked immediate and deferred annuities and fall due for payment over the next three years.

        Jackson National Life has unfunded commitments related to its investments in limited partnerships totaling £157 million at December 31, 2004. These commitments were entered into in the normal course of business and the directors do not expect a material adverse impact on the operations to arise from them.

        The Group has provided, from time to time, certain guarantees and commitments to third parties including funding the purchase or development of land and buildings and other related matters. At December 31, 2004, the aggregate amount of commitments and guarantees in respect of land and buildings was approximately £42 million.

        The Group has provided, from time to time, other guarantees and commitments to third parties entered into in the normal course of business but the directors do not consider that the amounts involved are significant.

Other Matters

Prudential Assurance's inherited estate

        The assets of the main with-profits fund within the long-term fund of Prudential Assurance comprise the amounts that the company expects to pay out to meet its obligations to existing policyholders and an additional amount used as working capital. The amount payable over time to policyholders from the with-profits fund is equal to the policyholders' accumulated asset shares plus any additional payments that may be required by way of smoothing or to meet guarantees. The balance of the assets of the with-profits fund is called the "inherited estate" and has accumulated over many years from various sources.

F-67



        The inherited estate represents the major part of the working capital of Prudential Assurance's long-term fund which enables the company to support with-profits business by providing the benefits associated with smoothing and guarantees, by providing investment flexibility for the fund's assets, by meeting the regulatory capital requirements that demonstrate solvency and by absorbing the costs of significant events or fundamental changes in its long-term business without affecting the bonus and investment policies. The size of the inherited estate fluctuates from year to year depending on the investment return and the extent to which it has been required to meet smoothing costs, guarantees and other events.

        The Group believes that it would be beneficial if there were greater clarity as to the status of the inherited estate and therefore it has discussed with the Financial Services Authority the principles that would apply to any re-attribution of the inherited estate. No conclusions have been reached. Furthermore, the Group expects that the entire inherited estate will need to be retained within the long-term fund for the foreseeable future to provide working capital and so it has not considered any distribution of the inherited estate to policyholders and shareholders.

Support of long-term business funds from shareholders' funds

        As a proprietary insurance company, the Group is liable to meet its obligations to policyholders even if the assets of the long-term funds are insufficient to do so. The assets, represented by the Fund for Future Appropriations, in excess of amounts expected to be paid for future terminal bonuses and related shareholder transfers (the excess assets) in the long-term funds could be materially depleted over time, by, for example, a significant or sustained equity market downturn, costs of significant fundamental strategic change, or a material increase in the pension mis-selling provision. In the unlikely circumstance that the depletion of the excess assets within the long-term fund was such that the Group's ability to satisfy policyholders' reasonable expectations was adversely affected, it might become necessary to restrict the annual distribution to shareholders or to contribute shareholders' funds to the long-term funds to provide financial support.

        In 1997, the business of Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society, a mutual society, was transferred to Prudential Assurance. In effecting the transfer, a separate sub-fund, the Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF), was established within Prudential Assurance's long-term business fund. This sub-fund contains all the with-profits business and all other pension business that was transferred. No new business has been or will be written in the sub-fund and the sub-fund is managed to ensure that all the invested assets are distributed to SAIF policyholders over the lifetime of the SAIF policies. With the exception of certain amounts in respect of the unitized with-profits life business, all future earnings arising in SAIF are retained for SAIF policyholders. Any excess (deficiency) of revenue over expense within SAIF during a period is offset by a transfer to (from) the SAIF fund for future appropriations. Shareholders have no interest in the profits of SAIF but are entitled to the investment management fees paid on this business. With the exception of certain guaranteed annuity products mentioned earlier in this note, the majority of SAIF with-profits policies do not guarantee minimum rates of return to policyholders.

        Should the assets of SAIF be inadequate to meet the guaranteed benefit obligations to the policyholders of SAIF, the Prudential Assurance long-term fund would be liable to cover any such deficiency. At December 31, 2004, the excess of SAIF assets over guaranteed benefits was £1,836 million. Due to the quality and diversity of the assets in SAIF, the excess of assets stated above and the

F-68


ability of SAIF to revise guaranteed benefits in the event of an asset shortfall, the directors believe that the probability of either the Prudential Assurance long-term fund or the Group's shareholders' funds having to contribute to SAIF is remote.

31 Supplemental Information

Cash Flows

        The following supplemental cash flows information provides details of amounts in the consolidated statement of cash flows from general business and shareholders' funds and reconciles the cash amounts to the consolidated balance sheets:

Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operations

  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Operating profit before amortization of goodwill and exceptional items and before tax (based on long-term investment returns)   583   357   449  
Add back: interest charged to operating profit   226   234   233  
Adjustments for non-cash items:              
  Tax on long-term business profits   (195 ) (150 ) (171 )
  Amounts retained and invested in long-term business operations   (579 ) (242 ) (553 )
  Increase in net banking business assets   (24 ) (223 ) (72 )
  Other items   82   112   145  
   
 
 
 
Net cash inflow from operations as shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows from general business and shareholders' funds   93   88   31  
   
 
 
 

F-69


Changes in investments net of financing

  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Movements arising from cash flows:              
  Increase in cash and short-term deposits as shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows   12   481   26  
  Net purchases (sales) of portfolio investments   843   (149 ) (83 )
  Increase in loans   (111 ) (829 ) (86 )
  Reduction in credit facility utilized by investment subsidiaries managed by PPM America   31   151   165  
  Share capital issued   (1,140 ) (30 ) (40 )
   
 
 
 
Total movements arising from cash flows   (365 ) (376 ) (18 )
Investment appreciation   9   14   2  
Investments and cash acquired with purchase of businesses       1  
Foreign exchange translation and other   154   (122 ) (83 )
Transfer to retained profit in respect of shares issued in lieu of cash dividends   116   27   23  
Portfolio investments, net of financing, at beginning of year   (1,998 ) (1,541 ) (1,466 )
   
 
 
 
Portfolio investments, net of financing, at end of year   (2,084 ) (1,998 ) (1,541 )
   
 
 
 
Represented by:              
  Investments (including short-term deposits)   3,402   2,271   2,736  
  Cash at bank and in hand   431   410   332  
  Borrowings   (4,399 ) (4,185 ) (4,118 )
  Cumulative charge to Group profit and loss account reserve in respect of shares issued to qualifying employee share ownership trust   159   159   159  
  Share capital and share premium   (1,677 ) (653 ) (650 )
   
 
 
 
Portfolio investments, net of financing, at end of year   (2,084 ) (1,998 ) (1,541 )
   
 
 
 
Reconciliation of investments              
General business and shareholders (as above)   3,402   2,271   2,736  
Long-term business   126,227   117,913   112,329  
Investments in participating interests   26   56   73  
   
 
 
 
Total investments in the consolidated balance sheets   129,655   120,240   115,138  
   
 
 
 
Reconciliation of cash              
General business and shareholders (as above)   431   410   332  
Long-term business   984   811   783  
   
 
 
 
Total cash at bank and in hand in the consolidated balance sheets   1,415   1,221   1,115  
   
 
 
 
Reconciliation of borrowings              
General business and shareholders (as above)   4,399   4,185   4,118  
Long-term business   274   260   255  
   
 
 
 
Total borrowings   4,673   4,445   4,373  
   
 
 
 

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        The following table provides a summary of the items comprising the net cash flows relating to acquisitions and disposals:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Net assets (disposed of) acquired after expenses and tax:              
Goodwill on acquisitions       8  
Amounts retained in long-term business operations     (27 )  
Cash and short-term deposits       1  
Other net assets       (7 )
   
 
 
 
Total net assets (disposed of) acquired     (27 ) 2  
Cash consideration received     27   340  
   
 
 
 
Net impact on shareholders' funds       342  
   
 
 
 

Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF)

        The following supplemental information provides details relating to SAIF. SAIF is closed to new business and the assets and liabilities of the fund are wholly attributable to the policyholders of the fund.

        Assets and liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheets with respect to SAIF are as follows:

 
  December 31
 
  2004
  2003
 
  (In £ Millions)

Assets        
Investments:        
  Land and buildings   1,719   1,495
  Other financial investments   11,912   11,589
   
 
Total investments   13,631   13,084
Reinsurers' share of technical provisions for linked liabilities   1,789   1,671
Reinsurers' share of long-term business technical provision   5   5
Debtors   29   27
Cash at bank and in hand   115   108
Accrued interest and rent   89   93
Deferred acquisition costs   68   81
Other prepayments and accrued income   6   5
   
 
Total assets   15,732   15,074
   
 
Liabilities        
Fund for future appropriations(1)   1,836   1,404
Long-term business technical provision   11,737   11,710
Technical provisions for linked liabilities   1,789   1,671
Deferred tax   125   87
Intragroup loans   100   100
Other creditors   144   101
Accruals and deferred income   1   1
   
 
Total liabilities   15,732   15,074
   
 

(1)
Wholly attributable to, but not allocated to, policyholders.

F-71


        Revenues and expenses included in the consolidated long-term business technical accounts with respect to SAIF are as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Gross premiums   353   393   450  
Reinsurance premiums accepted (ceded)   36   41   (205 )
   
 
 
 
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance   389   434   245  
Claims incurred, net of reinsurance   (1,299 ) (1,288 ) (1,099 )
Change in long-term technical provisions, net of reinsurance   (18 ) 297   263  
Investment returns   1,374   1,591   (855 )
Net operating expenses   (77 ) (69 ) (136 )
Foreign exchange gains   158   138   117  
Tax attributable to long-term business   (94 ) (138 ) 88  
Transfer (to) from the SAIF fund for future appropriations   (433 ) (965 ) 1,377  
   
 
 
 
Balance on long-term technical accounts        
   
 
 
 

UK Banking Operations (Egg)

        The following supplemental information provides details relating to the net operating profit before tax included in the consolidated profit and loss accounts in respect of continuing UK banking operations:

 
   
  Restated
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Interest income:              
  Loans and advances to customers   553   461   376  
  Debt securities   180   177   189  
  Other   170   184   97  
   
 
 
 
    903   822   662  
   
 
 
 
Interest expense:              
  Customer accounts   (237 ) (236 ) (268 )
  Other   (379 ) (323 ) (171 )
   
 
 
 
    (616 ) (559 ) (439 )
   
 
 
 
Net interest income   287   263   223  
Other operating income   210   157   103  
   
 
 
 
Operating income   497   420   326  
Administrative expenses   (232 ) (214 ) (189 )
Provision for bad and doubtful debts   (182 ) (127 ) (84 )
Other expenses   (40 ) (24 ) (26 )
   
 
 
 
Net operating profit from continuing operations   43   55   27  
   
 
 
 

In July 2004, Egg announced that it intended to take the necessary steps to withdraw from the French market at an expected cost of £113 million. After taking into account tax relief of £32 million, the effect on minority interests was £17 million. This business, which is discontinued, incurred losses up to the date of the announcement of £37 million, £89 million and £47 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

F-72


        Assets, liabilities and shareholders' funds included in the consolidated balance sheets with respect to the UK banking operations are as follows:

 
  December 31
 
  2004
  2003
 
  (In £ Millions)

Assets:        
Loans and advances to banks   616   330
Loans and advances to customers   7,642   6,718
Debt securities   3,120   4,157
Other banking assets   617   449
   
 
Total banking assets   11,995   11,654
Other assets   33   41
   
 
Total   12,028   11,695
   
 
Liabilities:        
Customer accounts   6,607   6,452
Debt securities issued   1,807   1,423
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   131   829
Deposits by banks   2,352   1,610
Other banking liabilities   320   473
   
 
Total banking liabilities   11,217   10,787
Debenture loans   451   451
Other liabilities, including tax   22   23
   
 
    11,690   11,261
Shareholders' funds        
  Group share   269   348
  Minority interests   69   86
   
 
Total   12,028   11,695
   
 

32 Pension Plans and Information on Staff

        The following is an analysis of the Group's pension expense:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Defined benefit plans   31   32   34
Defined contribution plans   18   16   13
   
 
 
Total pension expense   49   48   47
   
 
 

        The Group has chosen not to fully implement FRS 17 "Retirement benefits" for the 2004 financial statements. Pension costs shown above have been determined applying the principles of SSAP 24 "Pension costs". These costs include £15 million, £12 million and £11 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively, relating to defined contribution plan expenses outside of the UK.

F-73



        The Group operates a number of pension schemes around the world. The specific features of these plans vary in accordance with the regulations of the country in which the employees are located, although they are, in general, funded wholly by the Group and based either on a cash balance formula or on years of service and salary earned in the last year or years of employment. The largest scheme is the UK defined benefit plan, Prudential Staff Pension Scheme (PSPS). On the FRS 17 basis of valuation described below, 90% of the liabilities of the Group defined benefit schemes are accounted for within PSPS.

        PSPS has assets held in separate trustee administered funds and was last subject to full triennial actuarial valuation as at April 5, 2002, by P N Thornton, a qualified actuary and a partner in the firm of Watson Wyatt Partners. The principal actuarial assumptions adopted were investment return 6.6% per annum, pensionable earnings growth 4.5% per annum, increases to pensions in payment 2.5% per annum and dividend growth 3.5% per annum.

        The market value of Scheme assets as at that date was £4,034 million and the actuarial value of the assets was sufficient to cover 110% of the benefits that had accrued to members, allowing for expected future increases in earnings. As a result of the actuarial valuation, the employers' contribution rate has continued at the minimum prescribed under the Scheme rules, which is 12.5% of salaries.

        The employers' contribution is required to be paid, as a minimum in future years irrespective of the excess of assets in the Scheme and, under the current Scheme rules, access to the surplus through refunds from the Scheme is not available. Accordingly the surplus is not recognized as an asset in the Group's financial statements and the pension cost charge has been determined on an accrued payable basis without regard to the spreading of the surplus in the fund that would normally be appropriate under the requirements of SSAP 24.

        The Group also operates two smaller defined benefit Schemes for UK employees in respect of Scottish Amicable and M&G activities whose aggregate pension costs on a SSAP 24 basis are materially the same as the funding costs. For all three schemes the projected unit method was used for the most recent full actuarial valuations.

FRS 17 Basis Disclosure

        Using external actuarial advice provided by Watson Wyatt Partners for the valuation of PSPS and by Aon Limited for the M&G scheme, and internal advice for the Scottish Amicable scheme, the most recent full valuations have been updated to December 31, 2004, applying the principles prescribed by FRS 17.

        The key assumptions adopted for the FRS 17 basis valuations were:

 
  December 31
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Price inflation   2.80 % 2.70 % 2.25 %
Rate of increase in salaries   4.80 % 4.70 % 4.25 %
Rate of increase in present and future pensions   2.80 % 2.70 % 2.25 %
Rate used to discount scheme liabilities   5.30 % 5.40 % 5.50 %

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        The assets in the schemes and the expected rates of return were:

 
  December 31, 2004
  December 31, 2003
  December 31, 2002
 
 
  Assets
  Long-term
expected
rate of return

  Assets
  Long-term
expected
rate of return

  Assets
  Long-term
expected
rate of return

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

   
  (In £ Millions)

   
  (In £ Millions)

   
 
Equities   2,568   7.50 % 2,671   7.75 % 2,501   8.00 %
Bonds   1,057   4.75 % 639   5.00 % 473   5.00 %
Properties   533   6.80 % 564   7.00 % 536   7.75 %
Other assets   62   4.80 % 116   4.00 % 60   4.00 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total value of assets   4,220   6.68 % 3,990   7.10 % 3,570   7.50 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

        The long-term expected rates of return have been determined after applying due consideration to the requirements of paragraph 54 of FRS 17, in particular, taking account of the values of the assets and equity market levels at the balance sheet dates.

        The present value of the liabilities of the three schemes at December 31, 2004, was £4,869 million (December 31, 2003 £4,592 million). The resulting scheme deficit arising from the excess of liabilities over assets at December 31, 2004, comprised £494 million attributable to the with-profits funds of The Prudential Assurance Company Limited (PAC) and £155 million attributable to shareholder operations. At December 31, 2003, the resulting scheme deficit comprised £457 million attributable to the PAC with-profits fund and £145 million attributable to shareholder operations.

        The movements in the difference between scheme assets and liabilities were:

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Current service cost   (66 ) (62 )
Contributions   31   32  
Other finance income   33   39  
Actuarial losses   (45 ) (64 )
   
 
 
Net reduction   (47 ) (55 )
   
 
 

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        Movements on the pension scheme liability attributable to shareholder operations that would have been recognized in the Group's primary statements, had FRS 17 been implemented, are as follows:

 
  Net pension liability
attributable to
shareholders
January 1, 2004

  Profit and loss
account charge
attributable to
shareholders
(note a)

  Actuarial losses
Attributable to
Shareholders
(note b)

  Contributions
paid by
shareholder
operations

  Net pension liability
attributable to
shareholders
December 31, 2004

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Gross of tax liability   (145 ) (14 ) (8 ) 12   (155 )
Related deferred tax   44   4   2   (4 ) 46  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net of tax liability   (101 ) (10 ) (6 ) 8   (109 )
   
 
 
 
 
 

(a)   Profit and loss charge attributable to shareholders

        This comprises:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Operating charge (all current service cost)   (66 ) (62 ) (65 )
Finance income (expense):              
  Interest on pension scheme liabilities   (243 ) (222 ) (212 )
  Expected return on pension scheme assets   276   261   300  
   
 
 
 
    33   39   88  
   
 
 
 
Total profit and loss account (charge) credit   (33 ) (23 ) 23  
Less: amount attributable to PAC with-profits fund(1)   19   11   (24 )
   
 
 
 
Profit and loss account charge attributable to shareholders   (14 ) (12 ) (1 )
   
 
 
 

(1)
Since shareholder profits in respect of the PAC with-profits fund are a function of the actuarially determined surplus for distribution, the overall profit and loss account result is not directly affected by the level of pension cost or other expenses.

F-76


(b)   Actuarial losses attributable to shareholders

        This comprises the losses charged to the statement of total recognized gains and losses, after adjustment for the amounts attributable to the PAC with-profit funds, as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Actual less expected return on pension scheme assets (3%, (8%) and ((26)%) of pension scheme assets)   115   311   (932 )
Experience losses on scheme liabilities (0%, (0%) and (1%) of the present value of scheme liabilities)   (18 ) (3 ) (38 )
Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of scheme liabilities   (142 ) (372 ) (219 )
   
 
 
 
Total actuarial loss (1%, (1%) and (29%) of the present value of scheme
liabilities)
  (45 ) (64 ) (1,189 )
Less: amounts attributable to the PAC with-profits fund   37   41   914  
   
 
 
 
Pre-tax impact on the statement of total recognized gains and losses attributable to shareholders   (8 ) (23 ) (275 )
Related deferred tax   2   7   82  
   
 
 
 
Net amount attributable to shareholders' funds   (6 ) (16 ) (193 )
   
 
 
 

        Movements on the pension scheme liability attributable to the PAC with-profits fund that would have been recognized in the Group's primary statements, had FRS 17 been implemented, are as follows:

 
  Net pension liability
attributable to PAC
with-profits fund
January 1, 2004

  Charge to long-
term technical
account
attributable to
PAC with-profits
fund

  Actuarial losses
attributable to
PAC with-
profits fund

  Contributions
paid by PAC
with-profits
fund

  Net pension liability
attributable to PAC
with-profits fund
December 31, 2004

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Gross of tax liability   (457 ) (19 ) (37 ) 19   (494 )
Related deferred tax   46   2   4   (2 ) 50  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net of tax liability   (411 ) (17 ) (33 ) 17   (444 )
   
 
 
 
 
 

        The apportionment of the deficit between the estimated amounts attributable to the PAC with-profits fund and shareholders' operations reflect the activities of the retired and active members of the schemes.

F-77



Comparison of FRS 17 basis results with results on SSAP 24 basis

Balance sheet

  December 31, 2004 SSAP 24 basis
As published

  December 31, 2004 FRS 17 basis Memorandum information
  December 31, 2003 SSAP 24 basis
As primary financial statements

  December 31, 2003 FRS 17 basis Memorandum information
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Pension scheme liability attributable to shareholders and PAC with-profits fund (net of related deferred tax)   Nil (1) (553 ) Nil (1) (512 )
Fund for future appropriations   16,686   16,242   12,657   12,246  
Shareholders' funds   4,281   4,172   3,240   3,139  

(1)
Surplus on actuarial basis of valuation not recognized due to minimum contribution requirement under Scheme rules.

Profit and loss account

  2004
SSAP 24 basis
As primary
financial statements

  2004
FRS 17 basis
Memorandum
information

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Pension costs charged to technical accounts and non-technical account for defined benefit and defined contribution schemes   (49 ) (51 )
Tax charge attributable to long-term business charged to the long-term technical account   (896 ) (896 )
Transfer to fund for future appropriations charged to the long-term technical account   (4,025 ) (4,025 )
Operating profit before amortization of goodwill   583   581  
   
 
 

Information on Staff

        The average number of staff employed by the Group during the year were:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
UK and Europe Operations   10,849   11,473   12,687
US Operations   2,589   2,742   2,661
Asian Operations   8,277   6,797   5,741
   
 
 
Group total   21,715   21,012   21,089
   
 
 

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        The costs of employment were:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Wages and salaries   762   710   678
Social security costs   62   54   51
Other pension costs   49   48   47
   
 
 
Group total   873   812   776
   
 
 

33 Directors' Transactions

        Directors' transactions are set out below:

 
  Number of
Persons

  £000
Mortgages and other borrowings from Egg plc at December 31, 2004   4   171
   
 

        These transactions are on normal commercial terms and in the ordinary course of business.

34 Stock-based Compensation

        The Group maintains eleven main stock award and stock option plans: the Restricted Share Plan; the Savings-Related Share Option Scheme; the Prudential International Savings-Related Share Option Scheme; the International Savings-Related Share Option Scheme for Non-Employees; the Prudential UK Share Incentive Plan; the Jackson National Life Long-term Incentive Plan; the Annual Incentive Plan; the Share Participation Plan; the Professional Reward Scheme; the Egg Restricted Share Plan and the Egg Employee Share Option Plan.

        The Restricted Share Plan is the Group's long-term incentive plan for executive directors and other senior executives. Each year participants are granted a conditional option to receive a number of shares. There is a deferment period, currently three years, at the end of which the award vests to an extent that depends on the performance of the Group's stock including notional reinvested dividends and on the Group's underlying financial performance. After vesting, the award in the form of nil cost options may then be exercised at any time, subject to close period rules, in the balance of a ten year period. Shares are purchased in the open market by a trust for the benefit of qualifying employees. The Restricted Share Plan replaced the Executive Share Option Scheme in 1995 although options remain outstanding under this prior plan for exercise no later than 2005.

        The Savings-Related Share Option Scheme is designed to foster share ownership among UK and certain non-UK employees. Permanent employees are eligible for this plan if they have been employed by the Group for the previous six months. At the outset participants choose an option period (three, five or seven years, or a combination of these periods) and the amount of monthly contributions to be made from their earnings during the option period, which determines the number of options granted. The option price is fixed at the start and is based on a discount of 20% to the average market price over three days. Participants may exercise their options within six months of the end of the option period. If

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options are not exercised, participants are entitled to receive a refund of their cash contributions plus interest.

        The Prudential International Savings-Related Share Option Scheme operates on a similar basis to the UK Savings-Related Share Option Scheme, for employees in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, India and Korea.

        The International Savings-Related Share Option Scheme for Non-Employees also operates on a similar basis to the UK Savings-Related Share Option Scheme, for agents in Hong Kong.

        No options may be granted under the three savings-related schemes described above, if such grant would cause the number of shares which have been issued, or which remain issuable pursuant to options granted in the preceding 10 years under the schemes and other share option schemes operated by the Company, or which have been issued under any other share incentive scheme of the Company, to exceed 10% of the Company's issued ordinary share capital at the proposed date of grant.

        The Prudential UK Share Incentive Plan is also designed to foster share ownership amongst staff in designated UK businesses. It enables employees to buy shares on a tax efficient basis. For every four Partnership shares bought, an additional Matching share is granted, purchased in the open market.

        Jackson National Life operates a performance related long-term plan under which, subject to the prior approval of the Jackson National Life Remuneration Committee, it may grant share awards to any eligible employee in the form of a contingent right to receive shares. These share awards are at nil cost to the employee. The vesting of the awards depends on the performance of Jackson National Life over a four year period. Shares are purchased in the open market by a trust for the benefit of qualifying employees.

        The Annual Incentive Plan is designed so that for non-US based board members a portion of any overall award may be made in the form of a deferred share award. A deferred share award is awarded to board members in respect of any overall annual incentive award above target, and represents the element of the bonus above target. The award is restricted for three years before it can be released, subject to close periods, to the participant who must normally still be in employment with Prudential. The shares which are purchased in the open market are held in a trust and shares equivalent to dividends otherwise payable will accumulate up to the release date.

        The Share Participation Plan was designed to encourage share ownership amongst senior executives and to provide rewards based upon various performance factors of the Group. Each year, participants were offered the choice of a cash award, a matching share award if cash or shares to the value of the cash award were lodged, or a combination of 50% of each. Share awards vested after five years for executive directors of Prudential plc and three years (formerly five years) for all other eligible employees and were transferred to the participants at no additional cost. Shares for share awards were purchased in the open market by a trust, which held them during the vesting period for the benefit of qualifying employees. No new awards under this plan were made after 1999. The last release under this plan was made in 2004.

        The Professional Reward Scheme was designed to reward certain high performing members of the salesforce with both share options and share awards. Based on specified sales level criteria, participants were granted both share options and share awards annually that vested after a three-year period. After vesting, participants received immediate title to share awards and were able to exercise their stock

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options at any time over the next seven years. Shares for share awards and grant of options were purchased in the open market by a trust, which held them during the vesting period for the benefit of qualifying employees. No new options or awards were granted under this Scheme after 2001 due to the closure of the salesforce.

        Egg maintains two stock-based compensation plans, the Egg Restricted Share Plan and the Egg Employee Share Option Plan. Both plans are based on shares in Egg plc, not Prudential plc. At December 31, 2004, 18.5 million shares relating to these plans were outstanding. Any compensation expense relating to these plans is included in the Egg result.

        At December 31, 2004, 10.6 million shares in Prudential plc, with a market value of £48 million, were held in various trusts established by the Group to facilitate the delivery of shares under the stock-based compensation plans. Of this total 5.4 million shares were held by trusts under employee incentive plans and are conditionally gifted to employees. The employees' entitlements to dividends and eventual distribution depend upon the particular terms of each incentive plan. The total cost of acquiring Prudential plc shares held in these trusts of £42 million has been shown as a deduction from shareholders' funds in accordance with UITF 38. In addition, at December 31, 2004, 5.2 million shares were held by a qualifying employee share ownership trust. These shares are expected to be fully distributed in the future on maturity of savings-related share option schemes at a weighted average exercise price of £2.77 per share.

        Share options outstanding under the Group's share-based compensation plans during 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  Number of
Options

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Number of
Options

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Number of
Options

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 
  (Millions)

  £

  (Millions)

  £

  (Millions)

  £

Options outstanding:                        
  Beginning of year   18.4   2.76   16.5   3.71   19.3   5.25
  Granted   4.1   1.37   12.5   2.49   12.1   3.62
  Adjustment in respect of rights offering   1.3   2.93        
  Exercised   (0.9 ) 3.19   (0.9 ) 3.09   (4.8 ) 4.67
  Forfeited/Expired   (4.5 ) 3.42   (9.7 ) 4.01   (10.1 ) 6.06
   
 
 
 
 
 
  End of year   18.4   2.21   18.4   2.76   16.5   3.71
   
 
 
 
 
 
Options immediately exercisable, end of year   0.5   3.19   0.9   3.21   2.0   4.05
   
 
 
 
 
 

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        Share awards outstanding under the Group's share-based compensation plans at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

 
  Number of Awards
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (Millions)

 
Share awards outstanding:              
  Beginning of year   1.4   0.7   0.4  
  Granted   1.2   0.7   0.4  
  Adjustment in respect of rights offering   0.1      
  Exercised   (0.1 )   (0.1 )
  Forfeited/Expired   (0.2 )    
   
 
 
 
  End of year   2.4   1.4   0.7  
   
 
 
 

        At December 31, 2004, the weighted average contractual life of outstanding awards was 2.8 years.

        The following table provides a summary of the range of exercise prices for options outstanding at December 31, 2004:

 
  Options Outstanding
   
   
 
  Options Exercisable
 
   
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

   
 
  Number
Outstanding

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Prices

  Number
Exercisable

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Prices

 
  (Millions)

  (Years)

  (£)

  (Millions)

  (£)

Range of exercise prices                    
Between £0 and £1   5.1   8.4   0.00   0.2   0.00
Between £1 and £2          
Between £2 and £3   8.5   2.3   2.66   0.0   3.00
Between £3 and £4   3.9   2.4   3.41    
Between £4 and £5   0.2   0.0   4.19   0.2   4.19
Between £5 and £6   0.5   1.3   5.51   0.0   5.87
Between £6 and £7   0.1   0.6   6.66   0.1   6.58
Between £7 and £8   0.1   0.9   7.23   0.0   7.68
Between £8 and £9          
Between £9 and £10   0.0   3.7   9.46   0.0   9.46
   
 
 
 
 
    18.4   4.0   2.21   0.5   3.19
   
 
 
 
 

        There were options outstanding under executive share option schemes and under savings-related share option schemes to subscribe for 13.3 million shares, at prices ranging from £2.66 to £7.23 at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2003, there were options to subscribe for 15.8 million shares at prices ranging from £2.66 to £7.23 as restated to take account of the 2004 rights offering. All share options outstanding at December 31, 2004 were exercisable no later than 2011.

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35 Restructuring Provision

        Restructuring costs are charged within operating expenses in the long-term business technical account, the general business technical account or the non-technical account, as appropriate.

UK and Europe Insurance Operations

        In September 2002, Prudential announced plans to establish an offshore service center in India to improve customer contact service levels for its UK and Europe Insurance Operations customers and to achieve further cost savings to those announced in November 2001. The new processing center opened in May 2003 and became fully operational during 2004. To December 31, 2003 £18 million had been charged to net operating expenses, £14 million of which related to termination and redundancy, £1 million related to property costs, and £3 million related to other transition and system costs. £13 million of these costs were borne by Prudential Assurance's long-term fund and £5 million being borne by shareholders funds.

        During 2004, out of the remaining provision of £15 million from 2003, £3 million of costs were paid, an unused provision for termination and redundancy costs of £12 million was released to the profit and loss account, and an additional provision of £1 million was made for other transition and system related costs. Out of the net movement of £11 million in the profit and loss account, £8 million of this release of provision was allocated to Prudential Assurance's long-term fund and £3 million to shareholders' funds. The total cost of the restructuring charged to net operating expenses up to December 31, 2004 is now £7 million. No more costs are expected, and £6 million has been paid. As part of these restructurings, Prudential now plans to make 300 permanent employees redundant, all of which have been notified. At December 31, 2004 282 redundancies had been completed.

        In February 2001, Prudential announced the restructuring of the direct salesforce and customer service channels of its UK and Europe Insurance Operations. In November 2001, Prudential announced further details of changes to the future structure of those operations, in particular the intention to pursue a single brand strategy for life and pensions business, including the integration of its Scottish Amicable operations under the Prudential brand. The changes also included a simplification of the organizational structure and plans for a significant reduction in operating costs. The total cost up to December 31, 2003 of this restructuring was £260 million, of which £192 million has been borne by the long-term fund and £68 million by shareholders' funds, and of which £195 million had been paid.

        There were no material expenses incurred with respect to this restructuring during 2004. £17 million costs were paid during the year, £7 million of which related to termination and redundancy, £6 million to property costs, and £4 million to other transition and system related costs. Of the remaining £48 million to be paid, £11 million relates to termination and redundancy costs, £35 million relates to branch closures and property related charges and £2 million was for other transition and system related costs. As part of these restructurings Prudential plan to make 4,000 jobs redundant, of which approximately 3,900 affected had been notified and 3,800 redundancies completed by December 31, 2004. The restructuring is expected to be completed by the end of 2005.

Egg France

        In July 2004 Egg announced the withdrawal from the French market, consistent with the intention to focus on its UK business. A provision was raised for £113 million in July 2004 to cover costs of the closure, of which £25 million related to a one-time termination and redundancy costs, and £88 million

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related to other associated costs up to the completion of the closure. During the year £96 million of the provision had been incurred. The remaining £17 million relates to other associated costs. Current expectations are that the restructuring will be completed in 2006.

36 Summary of Material Differences between UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

        The Group's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP. These accounting practices differ in certain material respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the US ("US GAAP"). Information related to the nature and effect of such differences is set forth in the following tables and narrative descriptions thereafter. The reconciliation tables present an analysis of the material differences affecting both the with-profits funds and other operations. See Note 37 for presentation of condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements.

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Reconciliation to US GAAP

        The approximate effects on consolidated profit and loss of the differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP, including a breakdown of the US GAAP adjustments between with-profits funds and other operations, are as follows:

 
  2004

  2003

  2002

 
 
  With-
Profits
Funds

  Other
Operations

  Total
  With-
Profits
Funds

  Other
Operations

  Total
  With-
Profits
Funds

  Other
Operations

  Total
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Consolidated profit for the financial year in accordance with UK GAAP           428           208           468  
           
         
         
 
US GAAP adjustments:                                      
Business acquisitions and investments in associates:                                      
  Investment results   (2 ) 98   96   (57 ) 96   39   (3 ) 95   92  
  Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (gross of tax) see page F-88   (14 )   (14 )            
Restructuring charges   (3 ) 11   8   (1 ) (1 ) (2 ) (11 ) (7 ) (18 )
Investments:                                      
  Real estate:                                      
    Investment results   (860 ) (203 ) (1,063 ) (438 ) (5 ) (443 ) (103 )   (103 )
    Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (gross of tax) see page F-90     (638 ) (638 )            
  Securities   (283 ) (78 ) (361 ) (71 ) (94 ) (165 ) (336 ) (45 ) (381 )
  Mortgage and other loans   (2 ) (4 ) (6 ) (8 )   (8 ) (10 ) (2 ) (12 )
  Derivative instruments   (8 ) 95   87   2   119   121   (32 ) (204 ) (236 )
Long-term business:                                      
  Revenue and expense recognition   (2 ) (378 ) (380 ) (229 ) (261 ) (490 ) (170 ) (221 ) (391 )
  Deferred acquisition costs   (12 ) 104   92   41   139   180   202   41   243  
  Policy liabilities   1,104   170   1,274   962   32   994   (3,287 ) 266   (3,021 )
  Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (gross of tax) see page F-96   (9 )   (9 )            
Reversal of transfer to (from) FFA   3,587     3,587   4,056     4,056   (4,143 )   (4,143 )
Provision for policyholders' share of earnings and losses on with-profits business in excess of cost of policyholder bonuses declared   (2,979 )   (2,979 ) (3,753 )   (3,753 ) 6,956     6,956  
Equalization provision                 (40 ) (40 )
Profit on disposals     (5 ) (5 )   38   38        
Pension plans   (77 ) (27 ) (104 ) (35 ) (16 ) (51 ) 73   14   87  
Stock-based compensation   1   1   2     1   1   1   3   4  
Accounting for income taxes                 (13 ) (13 )
Deferred tax effect:                                      
  Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles     117   117              
  Other adjustments above   (110 ) 69   (41 ) (52 ) (8 ) (60 ) 90   61   151  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total US GAAP adjustments   331   (668 ) (337 ) 417   40   457   (773 ) (52 ) (825 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated net income (loss) in accordance with US GAAP           91           665           (357 )
           
         
         
 

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        The approximate effects on consolidated shareholders' funds of the differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP, including a breakdown of the US GAAP adjustments between with-profits funds and other operations as of December 31 are as follows:

 
  2004

  2003

 
 
  With-
Profits
Funds

  Other
Operations

  Total
  With-
Profits
Funds

  Other
Operations

  Total
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Consolidated shareholders' funds in accordance with UK GAAP*           4,281           3,240  
           
         
 
US GAAP adjustments:                          
Business acquisitions and investments in associates   166   531   697   179   461   640  
Restructuring charges   2   18   20   5   3   8  
Investments:                          
  Real estate   (5,341 ) (845 ) (6,186 ) (4,482 ) (5 ) (4,487 )
  Securities     1,025   1,025     1,180   1,180  
  Mortgage and other loans   (49 ) 6   (43 ) (47 ) (2 ) (49 )
  Derivative instruments   (16 ) (235 ) (251 ) (8 ) (335 ) (343 )
Long-term business:                          
  Revenue and expense recognition   (1,142 ) (1,199 ) (2,341 ) (1,636 ) (848 ) (2,484 )
  Deferred acquisition costs   1,424   201   1,625   1,486   6   1,492  
  Policy liabilities   4,586   589   5,175   3,975   333   4,308  
Reversal of FFA   14,850     14,850   11,242     11,242  
Undistributed policyholder allocations   (12,457 )   (12,457 ) (9,272 )   (9,272 )
Profit on disposals           38   38  
Pension plans   687   221   908   764   248   1,012  
Recognition of pension scheme minimum liability   (1,109 ) (320 ) (1,429 ) (1,149 ) (333 ) (1,482 )
Stock-based compensation and treasury stock*   1   (8 ) (7 )   23   23  
Shareholder dividend liability     253   253     214   214  
Deferred tax effect of the above adjustments   (218 ) 25   (193 ) (27 ) (125 ) (152 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total US GAAP adjustments*   1,384   262   1,646   1,030   858   1,888  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated shareholders' equity in accordance with US GAAP           5,927           5,128  
           
         
 

*
The UK GAAP Full Year 2003 figures and corresponding US GAAP adjustments for stock-based compensation and treasury stock have been restated (see Note 4). US GAAP results have not been restated.

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        The following descriptions of differences between UK and US GAAP include tables summarizing the effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets and income statement lines of the US GAAP adjustments for each reconciling item. For adjustments in respect of with-profits funds, the net effect of a particular US GAAP adjustment on US GAAP consolidated net income or shareholders' equity would be the amounts shown in the table, net of related policyholders' share of the adjustment. The policyholders' share is included in the adjustment for undistributed policyholder allocations.

Business Acquisitions and Investments in Associates

        Business acquisitions are generally accounted for using the purchase method under both UK GAAP and US GAAP. Under UK GAAP, goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to January 1, 1998 was charged against shareholders' funds when acquired. Upon disposal of subsidiaries acquired prior to 1998, the entire goodwill recorded at acquisition is credited to shareholders' funds, and charged against the gain or loss on the sale. For acquisitions subsequent to December 31, 1997, goodwill is recorded as an asset and amortized in the consolidated profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, generally not exceeding 20 years. Upon disposal, any remaining unamortized goodwill is charged against the gain or loss on the sale.

        Under US GAAP, goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized. These assets are subjected to an impairment test at least annually. No impairment charges have been made during 2003 or 2004.

        Under UK GAAP, the Group's interests in associates, principally IfOnline, which was acquired in 2000, and Hazell Carr Pensions Consulting plc, which was acquired in 2002 and subsequently sold in September 2004, are carried at the Group's share of underlying net assets at the date of acquisition, adjusted each year for the Group's share of increases or decreases in shareholders' funds of the associate. Goodwill is recorded as an asset and amortized in the consolidated profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, generally not exceeding 20 years.

        Under US GAAP, interests in associates are recorded using the equity method of accounting. Equity method investments are recorded at the purchase price in the year of acquisition including related goodwill. The carrying values of investments in associates are adjusted each year for the Group's share of US GAAP profits or losses, with such adjustments being included in the income statement. Dividends received from associates are recorded as a decrease in the carrying value of the investment. Like UK GAAP, investments in unquoted securities other than joint ventures where the Group does not exercise significant influence are carried at fair value (as described in Note 3); changes in fair value for US GAAP purposes, however, are reported in other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes, rather than in the income statement.

        Under UK GAAP, consistent with their portfolio investment nature, life fund venture capital holdings are normally carried at fair value. Under US GAAP, venture capital holdings are either consolidated, or accounted for under the equity method, dependent upon whether the Group is deemed to have a controlling interest.

        Under US GAAP, following the adoption of FIN 46-R on January 1, 2004, the Group consolidates a number of collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) and authorized investment funds where it is the

F-87


primary beneficiary of these CDOs and funds. Prior to January 1, 2004, these CDOs and funds were carried at fair value.

        The US GAAP adjustments for business acquisitions and investments in associates had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Investment results   (41 ) 72   83  
  Other income   1,350      
  Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses   (1,260 ) (119 ) (73 )
  Other charges (amortization expense)   47   86   82  
   
 
 
 
    96   39   92  
  Change in accounting principle   (14 )    
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   82   39   92  
   
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:              
  Fixed maturities   462   (202 )    
  Equity securities   (250 ) (195 )    
  Other investments   130   135      
  Intangible assets   1,506   1,000      
  Other assets   1,219   601      
  Debt   (1,916 ) (370 )    
  Other liabilities   (454 ) (329 )    
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   697   640      
   
 
     

        The change in accounting principle of £14 million (gross of tax) is as a result of the adoption of FIN 46-R "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" by the Group in 2004. For further details on the adoption of FIN 46-R, please see the Changes in Accounting Principles note on pages F-131 and F-132.

Restructuring Charges

        Under UK GAAP, restructuring charges can be provided as a liability on the basis that the entity has a constructive obligation. A constructive obligation has arisen when the entity has a detailed formal plan and raised a valid expectation to those affected that it will carry out the restructuring by starting to implement the plan or by making a public commitment. The establishment of a restructuring liability is charged to the profit and loss account for both restructuring of existing and newly acquired operations.

        Under US GAAP, restructuring charges arising from business combinations and relating to involuntary termination/relocation of the acquired entity's employees or costs relating to exiting an activity of the acquired company are recognized as liabilities assumed in the business combination and included in the accounting for the acquisition. For restructurings initiated prior to January 1, 2003, restructuring charges related to involuntary employee terminations or other costs to exit existing activities were accrued with a charge to income when a formal plan was approved by management and

F-88


specific information regarding termination benefits was communicated to affected employees. Effective January 1, 2003, the Group adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities" (FAS 146). For restructurings initiated after January 1, 2003, a liability for costs associated with exit or disposal activities is recognized when the liability is incurred. The major restructuring in 2004 related to the withdrawal of Egg from the French market.

        The US GAAP adjustments for restructuring charges had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses   8   (2 ) (18 )
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   8   (2 ) (18 )
   
 
 
 
  Condensed consolidated balance sheets:              
Other liabilities   20   8      
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   20   8      
   
 
     

        Under US GAAP, restructuring provisions of £20 million and £8 million were excluded from the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively. Of these totals, £3 million in 2004 and £8 million in 2003 related to termination benefits payable to certain groups of affected employees that were yet to be informed at balance sheet date. In addition, £17 million in 2004 represented other costs that were not incurred at the balance sheet date arising from the closure of Egg France.

        At December 31, 2004 the total restructuring provision under US GAAP was £46 million and it related entirely to the direct sales force and customer services center for the UK and Europe Insurance Operations. This provision comprised £8 million of termination and redundancy costs, £35 million of property related charges and £3 million of other transition and systems related costs.

Investments

Real estate

        Under UK GAAP, investments in tenant and Group occupied freehold and leasehold properties are carried at fair value as defined by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors guidelines. The costs of additions and renovations are capitalized and considered when estimating fair value. Lease incentives granted on leases to tenants (such as rent-free periods) are recognized as a reduction in rental income and are allocated over the period from lease commencement up to the first rent review.

        Under US GAAP, investments in tenant and Group occupied freehold and leasehold properties are carried at depreciated cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the properties' estimated useful lives, generally 30 to 50 years. The costs of additions and renovations are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, generally 7 to 25 years, or the remaining useful life of the property if shorter. Property is considered to be impaired when its

F-89



carrying value exceeds the future undiscounted estimated cash flow of the property. Impaired property is written down to fair value, through a charge to the statement of income. Rental income and rental expense are recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Rental income and rental expense are recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives granted on leases to tenants (such as rent-free periods) are recognized on a straight line basis as a reduction in rental income over the lease term.

        Prior to the second half of 2004, the Group was amortizing rent-free periods provided to tenants in the Group's investment property portfolio on a straight-line basis over a period generally shorter than the lease term. In the second half of 2004, the Group changed its method of accounting for these rent-free periods to amortize these over the lease term on a straight-line basis consistent with US GAAP requirements. The cumulative effect of this correction resulted in the Group recording £68 million gross of tax (£48 million net of tax) of additional rental income in the second half of 2004, of which £60 million gross of tax (£42 million net of tax) related to SAIF. The impact of this change was included within investment results and increased income before taxes and net income in the Group's condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income and comprehensive income. The impact of this correction to the current period and prior periods was not material to the Group.

        The US GAAP adjustments for real estate had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Investment results   (1,060 ) (439 ) (97 )
  Other charges (depreciation on Group occupied properties)   (3 ) (4 ) (6 )
   
 
 
 
    (1,063 ) (443 ) (103 )
  Change in accounting principle   (638 )    
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (1,701 ) (443 ) (103 )
   
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:              
  Real estate   (6,152 ) (4,461 )    
  Other assets (Group occupied properties)   (34 ) (26 )    
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (6,186 ) (4,487 )    
   
 
     

        The change in accounting principle charge of £638 million (gross of tax) is as a result of the adoption of SOP 03-1 "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Non-traditional Long Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts", effective January 1, 2004. For further details on the adoption of SOP 03-1, please see the Changes in Accounting Principles note on pages F-126 to F-131.

Securities

        Under UK GAAP, equity securities and unit trusts are carried at fair value. Debt and other fixed income securities are carried at fair value, except for those held by Jackson National Life, which are carried at amortized cost, and those held by Egg, which are carried at cost less any provision for permanent diminution in value. Changes in fair value are recorded in the consolidated profit and loss account.

F-90


        

        Under US GAAP, investments in debt and equity securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value of securities classified as trading being recognized in the statement of income. Changes in fair value of securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity, net of related deferred acquisition cost amortization, change in policyholder benefit liabilities and deferred taxes. When impairment of available-for-sale securities is deemed to be other than temporary, the decrease in value is included in the statement of income as a realized loss and a new cost basis is established.

        The US GAAP adjustments for securities had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Investment results   (361 ) (165 ) (381 )
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (361 ) (165 ) (381 )
   
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:              
  Fixed maturities   1,025   1,180      
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   1,025   1,180      
   
 
     

Mortgage and other loans

        Under UK GAAP, loans collateralized by mortgages held by Egg and Jackson National Life are carried at outstanding principal balances less allowances for loan losses. Loans collateralized by mortgages and other unsecured loans held by UK and Europe Insurance Operations are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated profit and loss account.

        Under US GAAP, all loans are carried at their outstanding principal balances, less allowances for loan losses.

F-91



        The US GAAP adjustments for mortgage and other loans had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Investment results   6   (8 ) (12 )
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   6   (8 ) (12 )
   
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:              
  Mortgage loans   (33 ) (47 )    
  Other loans   (10 ) (2 )    
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (43 ) (49 )    
   
 
     

Derivative instruments

        Under UK GAAP, depending on their nature and purpose, derivative instruments are either accounted for at fair value or treated as a hedge and accounted for on an accrual or deferral basis.

        Under US GAAP all derivative financial instruments, including those embedded in other contracts and those carried off-balance sheet under UK GAAP, are carried at fair value. Changes in their fair value are recorded directly to current earnings unless specific hedging criteria are met. For US GAAP purposes, the Group only designates and accounts for one derivative financial instrument as a hedge (see "Fair Value and Net Investment in Foreign Operations Hedges' in Note 37). Derivative financial instruments include the synthetic GIC contracts written by Jackson National Life; derivative financial instruments embedded in other contracts are primarily comprised of written equity-index put options embedded in Jackson National Life's equity-indexed annuities.

        The US GAAP adjustments for derivative instruments had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Investment results   87   121   (236 )
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   87   121   (236 )
   
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:              
  Other investments   (83 ) (125 )    
  Other assets   (211 ) (269 )    
  Policyholder benefit liabilities   43   51      
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (251 ) (343 )    
   
 
     

F-92


Long-term Business

Revenue and expense recognition

        Under UK GAAP, for long-term insurance contracts, all premium and annuity considerations and related expenses, investment returns, and increases in policyholder accounts and other long-term business liabilities are, on recognition, recorded within the profit and loss account.

        Under US GAAP, premiums from conventional with-profits policies and other protection-type life insurance policies are recognized as revenue when due from the policyholder. Premiums from unitized with-profits life insurance policies and investment contracts, which have minimal mortality risk, are reported as increases in policyholder account balances when received. Revenues derived from these policies consist of mortality charges, policy administration charges, investment management fees and surrender charges that are deducted from policyholders' accounts.

        Under US GAAP, premiums and policy charges received that relate to future periods are recorded as a deferred income liability. For limited payment annuities, the excess of the gross premium over the US GAAP net benefit premium is deferred and amortized in relation to the expected future benefit payments. For investment contracts, policy charges that benefit future periods are deferred and amortized in relation to expected gross profits.

        Under US GAAP, investment results of separate account assets offset the increase (decrease) in separate account liabilities, if net investment results are positive (negative).

        Some long-term reinsurance contracts are structured to provide a form of financing as well as the transfer of risk. Under US GAAP, the financing element of reinsurance contracts is estimated and accounted for as a loan transaction. Following the Group's adoption in 2003 of the revised Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for accounting for insurance business, UK GAAP treatment has moved into line with US GAAP. Prior to adopting the SORP, however, where an amount received from a reinsurer was to be repaid in future accounting periods together with interest (or equivalent charge), the amount outstanding was included in the consolidated balance sheets as a liability. Where the repayment was contingent upon the emergence of margins, the present value of that part of the future margins which were expected to finance the repayment, was recognized as an asset in the consolidated balance sheets. Where appropriate, the carrying value of acquired in force business, to which reinsurance contracts of this nature were in place, was reduced.

        Under UK GAAP, foreign currency borrowings that have been used to finance or provide a hedge against Group equity investments in overseas subsidiaries are translated at year end exchange rates. The impact of these currency translations is recorded as a component of shareholders' equity. Under US GAAP, a derivative or non-derivative that may give rise to a foreign currency transaction gain or loss can be designated as hedging the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. The gain or loss on a hedging derivative or non-derivative instrument that is designated as, and is effective as an economic hedge, should be reported in the same manner as a translation adjustment.

F-93



        The US GAAP adjustments for differences in revenue and expense recognition had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Insurance policy revenues   (9,851 ) (8,781 ) (10,733 )
  Investment results   (334 ) (1,921 ) 1,578  
  Benefits and claims   9,812   10,223   8,783  
  Other charges   (7 ) (11 ) (19 )
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (380 ) (490 ) (391 )
   
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:              
  Other assets   (100 ) 4      
  Other liabilities   281   102      
  Policyholder benefit liabilities   (2,522 ) (2,590 )    
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (2,341 ) (2,484 )    
   
 
     

Deferred acquisition costs

        Under UK GAAP, costs of acquiring new insurance policies, principally commissions, marketing and advertising costs and certain other costs associated with policy issue and underwriting that are not reimbursed by specific policy charges are capitalized as an asset and amortized in relation to profit margins. Recoverability is assessed at the time of policy issue, and reviewed if profit margins decline.

        Under US GAAP, commissions, salesforce direct costs and costs associated with policy issue and underwriting that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new and renewal contracts are deferred. Deferred acquisition costs are regularly evaluated for recoverability and amounts determined not to be recoverable are charged to income. Deferred acquisition costs for conventional with-profits life insurance and other protection-type insurance policies are amortized in relation to premium income using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policyholder benefit provisions. Deferred acquisition costs for unitized with-profits life insurance and investment-type policies are amortized in relation to expected gross profits. Expected gross profits are evaluated regularly against actual experience and revised estimates of future gross profits and amortization are adjusted for the effect of any changes. Deferred acquisition costs associated with internally replaced policies are written off in the year replacement occurs and the incremental commissions and selling costs of the replacement contract are capitalized and amortized over the life of the replacement policy.

F-94



        The US GAAP adjustments for deferred acquisition costs had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:            
  Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses   92   180   243
   
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   92   180   243
   
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:            
  Deferred acquisition costs   1,625   1,492    
   
 
   
    Total US GAAP adjustments   1,625   1,492    
   
 
   

Policy liabilities

        Under UK GAAP, future policyholder benefit provisions are based on fund values for investment-type policies and are calculated using net premium methods for conventional with-profits insurance and other protection-type insurance policies. The net premium reserves are calculated using assumptions for interest, mortality, morbidity and expenses, but without assumptions for withdrawals. These assumptions are determined as prudent best estimates at the date of valuation. For unitized with-profits insurance policies, the provision has been taken as the lower of the fund value and the surrender value having regard to policyholders' reasonable expectations, or if greater, the value of the guaranteed liabilities calculated on a gross premium bonus reserve method.

        The negative investment returns in 2002 had the effect of producing UK GAAP unitized with-profits future policy benefit provisions that were lower than fund value but strong positive investment returns in 2004 and 2003 have dampened this impact. Terminal bonuses expected to be paid on with-profits policies within the declaration period for the next financial year are recorded as part of the technical provision; liabilities for future annual and terminal bonus declarations are not provided.

        Under US GAAP, for unitized with-profits life insurance and other investment-type policies, the liability is represented by the policyholders' account balances before any applicable surrender charges. Policyholder benefit liabilities for conventional with-profits life insurance and other protection-type insurance policies are developed using the net level premium method, with assumptions for interest, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals and expenses using best estimates at date of policy issue plus provisions for adverse deviation based on Group experience. Interest assumptions range from 0.935% to 12%. When the policyholder benefit liability plus the present value of expected future gross premiums are insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses, using current best estimate assumptions, deferred acquisition costs are written down and/or a deficiency liability is established by a charge to earnings.

F-95



        The US GAAP adjustments for policy liabilities had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Benefits and claims   1,274   994   (3,021 )
  Change in accounting principle   (9 )    
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   1,265   994   (3,021 )
   
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:              
  Policyholder benefit liabilities   5,175   4,308      
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   5,175   4,308      
   
 
     

        The change in accounting principle of £9 million (gross of tax) is as a result of the adoption of SOP 03-1 "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Non-traditional Long Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts" effective January 1, 2004. For further details on the adoption of SOP 03-1, please see the Change in Accounting Principles note on pages F-126 to F-131.

Other With-Profits Policyholders' Funds and the Fund for Future Appropriations (FFA)

        Under UK GAAP, the long-term business technical provisions include provision for declared annual and terminal bonuses. The charge for the cost of bonuses declared in the year is recognized in the movement in long-term business provision in the long-term business technical account. No technical provisions are made for bonuses beyond that covered in the current bonus declaration period. All amounts of the with-profits funds not yet allocated to policyholders or shareholders are recorded in the FFA. Changes in the FFA are charged or credited to the profit and loss account.

        For US GAAP purposes, the FFA recorded under UK GAAP is reversed and a liability is established for undistributed policyholder allocations. The liability for undistributed policyholder allocations is established in the balance sheets because under the Articles of Association of PAC and overseas operations having with-profits funds, the allocation and distribution of profits from the with-profits funds to shareholders is limited to up to one-ninth of the amount allocated to policyholders as bonuses. This is also the current basis of allocation and distribution. The liability for policyholder allocations represents an accumulation of 90% of the cumulative pre-bonus undistributed earnings of the with-profits business, measured on a US GAAP basis, less the cumulative cost of policyholders' benefits and claims. The provision for the policyholders' share of earnings on with-profits business charged to income represents 90% of the current year's pre-bonus earnings, before income taxes. Under US GAAP, the charge for the cost of bonuses recognized in the income statement for UK GAAP purposes is reversed and deducted from the balance of the undistributed policyholder allocations and included in policyholder benefit liabilities. The total US GAAP income adjustment represents the increase in the total allocation over the cost of policyholder bonuses declared.

F-96



        The US GAAP adjustments for undistributed policyholder allocations had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Benefits and claims (cost of bonuses declared)   1,750   1,831   2,368  
  Provision for policyholders' share of earnings and losses on with-profits business   (5,412 ) (6,116 ) 5,157  
  Income tax attributable to the policyholders' share of earnings on with-profits business   683   532   (569 )
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (2,979 ) (3,753 ) 6,956  
   
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:              
  Undistributed policyholder allocations   (12,457 ) (9,272 )    
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (12,457 ) (9,272 )    
   
 
     

        The UK GAAP FFA and related profit and loss account transfer have been reversed for US GAAP. The reduction in liabilities increased shareholders' equity in the condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets by £14,850 million and £11,242 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The reversal of the related UK GAAP profit and loss account transfer increased (decreased) net income in the condensed consolidated US GAAP income statement by £3,587 million, £4,056 million and £(4,143) million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        As set out in Note 30 to the consolidated financial statements Prudential has held discussions over the attribution of PAC's inherited estate with the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK insurance regulator. The amount and timing of any re-attribution of the inherited estate in the main with-profits fund to policyholders and shareholders and the impact on the undistributed policyholder allocations recorded for US GAAP purposes remains very uncertain.

Equalization Provision

        Under UK GAAP, an equalization provision is recorded to mitigate claims volatility in respect of property and casualty insurance business. The annual change in the equalization provision is recorded in the profit and loss accounts for the year. Following the disposal of the Group's UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business in 2002, the equalization provision was released.

        Under US GAAP, provisions for losses not yet incurred are not permitted; therefore, the equalization provision is eliminated. Accordingly, the release of the equalization provision in 2002 under UK GAAP is reversed.

F-97



        The US GAAP adjustments for the equalization provision had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Benefits and claims       (40 )
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments       (40 )
   
 
 
 

Profit on Disposals

        Under UK GAAP, cumulative foreign currency translation gains and losses on foreign operations charged to shareholders' funds are not reversed upon the sale of an operation. Under US GAAP, cumulative foreign currency translation gains and losses realized upon sale of an operation are reversed from shareholders' equity and included in net income as part of the gain or loss on the sale.

        In August 2004, the Company sold its interest in Life Assurance Holding Corporation Limited for £41 million. After taking into account the carrying value of the investment of £34 million at the date of disposal and tax on gain on sale of £3 million, the profit on sale was £4 million net of tax. There was no difference between UK GAAP and US GAAP on this profit on sale.

        In October 2004, Jackson National Life sold Jackson Federal Bank to Union BanCal Corporation for £166 million. After taking into account net assets, goodwill and related expenses totaling £130 million, the gain on sale net of tax of £16 million was £20 million. Profit on sale on a US GAAP basis is £5 million lower than on a UK basis as a result of different accumulated goodwill amortisation. The gain on disposal and results of the operations of Jackson Federal Bank for all periods presented are included in discontinued operations on the consolidated income statement.

        In 2003, the Group sold its German life business and its Dublin based management services company for a total consideration of £98 million. After allowing for the costs of sale and other related items of £22 million and for the write-off of deferred acquisition costs of £63 million, the profit on sale on a UK GAAP basis was £13 million. There was £4 million tax on the sale.

        Profit on sale on a US GAAP basis was £38 million higher than on a UK basis. The difference reflects different policy liability and deferred acquisition cost values of £7 million, and the deferral and matching of premiums and policy changes relating to future periods in relation to the future expected benefits of £31 million.

Pension Plans

        Under UK GAAP, employer contributions to defined benefit plans are calculated and expensed on a basis that spreads the costs over the service lives of participants.

        Under US GAAP, Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions" (FAS 87), an asset has been recognized in the condensed consolidated balance sheets reflecting the overfunded status of the Group's UK staff pension plans. A transition asset, as at January 1, 1989, the effective date of FAS 87, is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a 15 year period. This was fully amortized in 2003.

F-98


        

        The US GAAP adjustments for pension plans had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004

  2003

  2002

 
  (In £ Millions)

Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:            
  Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses   (104 ) (51 ) 87
   
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (104 ) (51 ) 87
   
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:            
  Other assets   908   1,012    
   
 
   
    Total US GAAP adjustments   908   1,012    
   
 
   

        Additionally, under US GAAP, if the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets and a prepaid pension cost has been recorded, then a minimum additional liability must be recognized. This reflects the under-funding of the pension plans on an accumulated benefit obligation basis and is charged to other comprehensive income.

        The US GAAP adjustments for the recognition of a pension scheme minimum liability had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US financial statements:

 
  2004

  2003

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:          
  Other assets   (908 ) (1,012 )
  Other liabilities   (521 ) (470 )
   
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (1,429 ) (1,482 )
   
 
 

Stock-based Compensation and Treasury Stock

        Under UK GAAP, compensation costs for stock compensation plans, other than the Savings Related Share Option Scheme, are recorded based on the quoted market price of the shares at the grant date less the amounts, if any, that employees are required to pay. For these plans, these costs are recognized in the profit and loss accounts over the period for which the share awards or options are earned. Prior to 1998, shares under the Savings Related Share Option Scheme were issued directly to qualifying employees. No compensation cost was recorded and the increase in share premium reflected the difference between proceeds received from qualifying employees and the nominal value of the shares being issued. Beginning in 1998, shares were issued to a qualifying share ownership trust and costs, representing the difference between the market price at the date of transfer to the trust and amounts payable by employees, were charged directly to retained profit and loss reserve. An equal and opposite amount is recorded as an increase in the share premium. The Group implemented UITF Abstract 38 "Accounting for ESOP Trusts" in preparing its 2004 results in which the Group presents the cost of

F-99



acquiring the shares held in trusts for employee incentive plans as a deduction in determining shareholders' funds.

        Under US GAAP, compensation costs for all stock-based compensation plans are determined based on the quoted market price of the stock at the measurement date less the amounts, if any, that employees are required to pay. These costs are recognized in net income over the plans' respective vesting periods. The measurement date is the date upon which are known both the number of shares or options the employee is entitled to and the employee's cost per share. Any Prudential shares held by trusts under employee incentive plans and purchased from the open market are reported at historical cost while those held by a qualifying employee share ownership trust are newly issued shares and reported at nominal value which represents historical cost. The total numbers of shares held by these trusts at December 31, 2004 and 2003, were 10.6 million and 9.5 million shares, respectively, and are classified as treasury stock in the consolidated balance sheet.

        Under US GAAP, following the adoption of FIN 46-R on January 1, 2004, the Group has consolidated a number of authorized investment funds where it is the primary beneficiary of these funds. Certain of these funds hold investments in Prudential shares. The total number of shares held by these funds at December 31, 2004 were 4.4 million and are classified as treasury stock in the consolidated balance sheet.

        The US GAAP adjustments for stock-based compensation had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004

  2003

  2002

 
  (In £ Millions)

Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:            
  Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses   2   1   4
   
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   2   1   4
   
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:            
  Other assets*     (6 )  
  Other liabilities   (7 ) 29    
   
 
   
    Total US GAAP adjustments*   (7 ) 23    
   
 
   


*
The 2003 US GAAP adjustments have been restated (see Note 4).

Deferred Income Tax and Accounting for Income Taxes

        Under UK GAAP, deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered. In addition, deferred taxes relating to investments in foreign subsidiaries are only provided for to the extent that dividends have been accrued as receivable or a binding agreement to distribute the past earnings has been entered into by the subsidiary. Under US GAAP, deferred tax assets are recognized subject to adjustment for valuation allowances when it is more likely than not that the underlying tax benefit will not be realized. In addition, deferred taxes are not provided on an excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of an investment in a

F-100



foreign subsidiary that is essentially permanent in duration, or with respect to undistributed earnings which can be distributed without incurring incremental tax expense.

        The accounting for income taxes adjustment arises because under UK GAAP, the increase in tax basis of assets, that does not result in a payment of current tax due to the use of an acquired capital loss carryforward, need not be considered a timing difference, and therefore, may not result in the recognition of a deferred tax asset. Under US GAAP, deferred tax assets are recognized, with limited exceptions, on the excess of the tax bases of assets over their respective financial statement carrying amounts, irrespective of how the difference arose.

        The US GAAP adjustments for deferred income tax had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004

  2003

  2002

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Income tax expense   76   (60 ) 138  
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   76   (60 ) 138  
   
 
 
 
Reconciliation line items for consolidated net income:              
  Accounting for income taxes       (13 )
  Deferred tax effect on cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles   117      
  Deferred tax effect of other US GAAP adjustments   (41 ) (60 ) 151  
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments   76   (60 ) 138  
   
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:              
  Net deferred income tax liability   (193 ) (152 )    
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (193 ) (152 )    
   
 
     
Reconciliation line items for consolidated shareholders' equity:              
  Deferred tax effect of other US GAAP adjustments   (193 ) (152 )    
   
 
     
    Total US GAAP adjustments   (193 ) (152 )    
   
 
     

Shareholder Dividend Liability

        Under UK GAAP, shareholders' dividends are accrued in the period to which they relate regardless of when they are declared. Under US GAAP, shareholders' dividends are accrued when declared.

        The US GAAP adjustments for the shareholders' dividends resulted in a decrease in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets of £253 million and £214 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. There were no effects of this item on US GAAP net income.

F-101



Earnings Per Share under US GAAP

        No adjustments were required from net income to net income available to common shareholders used in either the basic or diluted earnings per share calculation under US GAAP. The only dilutive potential shares outstanding affecting the diluted earnings per share calculation relate to employee stock options, which increased average weighted shares outstanding by 3 million shares, 2 million shares and 3 million shares in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

37 Condensed Consolidated US GAAP Financial Statements

        The following condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements reflect the material differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP on the consolidated profit and loss accounts and consolidated shareholders' funds described in Note 36. In addition to these material differences that have an effect on the consolidated profit and loss accounts and/or consolidated shareholders' funds, there are material differences in classification between specific line items in the UK GAAP and condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements as described in the following notes to the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements.

F-102


        

Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income and comprehensive income

  2004
  Restated*
2003

  Restated*
2002

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Insurance policy revenues   6,786   4,527   5,201  
Investment results   13,348   11,672   (1,832 )
Other income   2,106   677   688  
   
 
 
 
Total revenue   22,240   16,876   4,057  
Benefits and claims   (10,920 ) (6,553 ) (7,332 )
Provision for policyholders' share of earnings on with-profits business   (5,412 ) (6,116 ) 5,157  
Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses   (4,868 ) (3,137 ) (2,847 )
Other charges   (43 ) (47 ) (46 )
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss) before income taxes   997   1,023   (1,011 )
   
 
 
 
Income tax (expense) benefit   (996 ) (866 ) 928  
Income tax attributable to the policyholders' share of earnings on with-profits business   683   532   (569 )
   
 
 
 
Income tax attributable to shareholders   (313 ) (334 ) 359  
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss) before minority interests   684   689   (652 )
Minority interests   (6 ) 3   10  
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations after minority interests   678   692   (642 )
(Loss) income from discontinued operations including profit on disposals (net of applicable income tax of £(16) million, £4 million and £14 million respectively)   (69 ) (27 ) 285  
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (net of applicable income tax effects of £(114) million, £nil, and £nil respectively), see Note 37 on pages F-126 to F-132   (518 )    
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss)   91   665   (357 )
Other comprehensive loss   (73 ) (10 ) (270 )
   
 
 
 
Total comprehensive income (loss)   18   655   (627 )
   
 
 
 
Earnings per share under US GAAP (In Pence)              
Basic (based on 2,124 million, 2,076 million and 2,068 million shares, respectively):              
  Income (loss) from continuing operations after minority interests   31.9 p 33.3 p (31.1 )p
  (Loss) income from discontinued operations including profit on sale   (3.2 )p (1.3 )p 13.8 p
  Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles   (24.4 )p    
  Net income (loss)   4.3 p 32.0 p (17.3 )p
Diluted (based on 2,127 million, 2,078 million and 2,071 million shares, respectively):              
  Income (loss) from continuing operations after minority interests   31.9 p 33.3 p (31.0 )p
  (Loss) income from discontinued operations including profit on sale   (3.2 )p (1.3 )p 13.8 p
  Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles   (24.4 )p    
  Net income (loss)   4.3 p 32.0 p (17.2 )p

*
The 2003 and 2002 comparatives have been restated for the classification in 2004 of discontinued operations. The 2003 and 2002 Earnings per share figures have been restated to take account of the rights offering in 2004.

F-103


 
  December 31
 
Condensed Consolidated US GAAP balance sheets

  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Assets          
Investments:          
  Fixed maturities   75,974   65,081  
  Equity securities   48,417   29,944  
  Short-term investments   8,322   4,189  
  Real estate   6,914   4,888  
  Mortgage loans   4,395   5,412  
  Policy loans   707   694  
  Other loans   7,032   5,648  
  Other investments   2,518   2,281  
   
 
 
Total investments   154,279   118,137  
Cash   2,037   1,140  
Deferred acquisition costs   4,428   4,347  
Intangible assets   2,995   2,657  
Other assets   4,788   3,877  
Separate account assets   5,531   30,487  
   
 
 
Total assets   174,058   160,645  
   
 
 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 
Policyholder benefit liabilities   122,412   90,307  
Undistributed policyholder allocations   12,457   9,272  
Debt   13,933   12,326  
Net deferred income tax liability   1,758   1,265  
Other liabilities   11,714   11,753  
Separate account liabilities   5,531   30,487  
   
 
 
Total liabilities   167,805   155,410  
   
 
 
Minority interest   326   107  
   
 
 
Shareholders' equity          
Common stock   119   100  
Additional paid-in capital   1,760   639  
Less treasury stock   (63 ) (28 )
Retained earnings   4,339   4,572  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (228 ) (155 )
   
 
 
Total shareholders' equity   5,927   5,128  
   
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   174,058   160,645  
   
 
 

F-104


Condensed Consolidated US GAAP statement of cash flows


  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Cash flows from operating activities:              
Consolidated net income (loss)   91   665   (357 )
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:              
  Depreciation and amortization   241   367   335  
  Realized investment (gains) losses   (250 ) (91 ) 17  
  Interest credited to policyholders   3,368   2,387   3,360  
  Policy fees charged to policyholders   (435 ) (223 ) (183 )
  Bonuses paid to policyholders   (662 ) (756 ) (1,201 )
  Change in:              
    Investments held for trading purposes   (3,561 ) (4,605 ) 6,664  
    Deferred policy acquisition costs   3   120   (210 )
    Other assets   (1,641 ) 469   112  
    Policy benefit liabilities   3,619   2,149   2,033  
    Undistributed policyholder allocations   3,612   4,448   (5,817 )
    Other liabilities   2,848   309   (499 )
  Other, net   10   (9 ) (65 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities   7,243   5,230   4,189  
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:              
Proceeds from sale or maturity of:              
  Real estate   547   586   332  
  Available for sale securities sold   6,098   12,214   9,537  
  Available for sale securities matured   5,271   5,472   6,203  
  Mortgage and other loans   12,529   7,708   7,996  
Purchases of:              
  Real estate   (1,120 ) (598 ) (648 )
  Available for sale securities   (13,567 ) (20,704 ) (20,480 )
  Mortgage and other loans   (13,811 ) (9,828 ) (9,261 )
Change in short-term investments, net   (3,321 ) 1,597   (2,185 )
Net increases in other investments   (332 ) (626 ) (308 )
Acquisitions of subsidiaries       (13 )
Proceeds from disposals   207   98   353  
Purchase of property and equipment   (49 ) (65 ) (54 )
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment   14   4   6  
   
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities   (7,534 ) (4,142 ) (8,522 )
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:              
Policyholders' deposits   7,275   5,512   9,184  
Policyholders' withdrawals   (7,111 ) (6,263 ) (6,977 )
Net change in banking product liabilities   (492 ) (1,563 ) 2,175  
Proceeds from long-term borrowings   126   847   97  
Repayment of long-term borrowings   (255 ) (125 ) (199 )
Net change in short-term debt   547   995   316  
Dividends paid to shareholders   (323 ) (447 ) (509 )
Proceeds from issuance of stock   1,140   30   40  
   
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities   907   (1,014 ) 4,127  
   
 
 
 
Net impact of foreign exchange fluctuations   (9 ) (20 ) (21 )
   
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash   607   54   (227 )
Cash, beginning of year   1,140   1,086   1,313  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   290      
   
         
Restated beginning of year   1,430          
   
 
 
 
Cash, end of year   2,037   1,140   1,086  
   
 
 
 

F-105


Results of Operations

        Under UK GAAP, results of operations are presented in three separate consolidated profit and loss accounts, which segregate the results of operations of general, long-term and other shareholder business. Under US GAAP, all of the Group's activity is presented in one consolidated statement of income, and no distinction is made between general business, long-term business, or non-technical account financial results.

        The US GAAP condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities and profit and loss of subsidiaries in which Prudential has a majority voting interest. All intercompany transactions are eliminated on consolidation.

Cash Flows

        Under UK GAAP, the consolidated statement of cash flows presents only the cash flows of general business and shareholders' funds. Cash flows of the long-term business technical account, other than amounts transferred to the non-technical account, are not included in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Under US GAAP, the consolidated statement of cash flows consists of all cash flows of the Group in its entirety, including cash flows related to policyholders' funds in the long-term business technical account. Unrealized gains or losses on securities classified as available-for-sale and related amortization of DAC, loss recognition, and deferred income taxes, which have been included as direct increases or decreases in shareholders' equity, are non-cash items.

Revenue and Expenses

        Under US GAAP, premiums from unitized with-profits life insurance and other investment-type policies are not recorded as revenue within the consolidated profit and loss account as done under UK GAAP. Premium payments are directly credited to the liability for future benefits, with no resulting impact on the consolidated income statement. Revenues under these policies consist only of policy fees and charges, and investment earnings from assets backing policy account values. Expenses consist of amounts credited to policyholders, and any benefit payments in excess of related policy liabilities.

Income Taxes

        Under UK GAAP, the balance on the long-term business technical account is determined net of total income taxes and this amount is transferred to the non-technical account. In order to present the profit in long-term insurance activities in the non-technical account on a pre-tax basis, a tax credit attributable to the shareholders' portion of the tax provision for long-term business, calculated at the effective tax rate (where appropriated on a long-term basis) of the underlying business is added. The shareholder tax add-back is then included in the tax expense on the tax on profit on ordinary activities within the non-technical account.

        Under US GAAP, income before income taxes is determined after deducting the provision for policyholders' share of earnings on with-profits business before income taxes. Income tax expense includes income taxes that will be charged to undistributed policyholder allocations. The income tax attributable to the policyholders' share of earnings on with-profits business, calculated as 90% of the

F-106



total income tax on with-profits business, is deducted from income tax expense to arrive at income tax attributable to shareholders.

Separate Account Assets and Liabilities

        In the Group's UK financial statements, segregated accounts are established for policyholder business for which policyholder benefits are wholly or partly determined by reference to specific investments or to an investment-related index. The assets and liabilities of this linked business are reported as summary totals in the consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the assets and liabilities of the Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF), the fund acquired in 1997 that is closed to new business, are included in the consolidated balance sheets within the classifications to which they relate.

        Under US GAAP, following the Group's adoption of Statement of Position 03-1 "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Non-traditional Long Duration Contracts and Separate Accounts" (SOP 03-1), most of these segregated accounts, with the exception of Jackson National Life and Taiwan Life, failed to meet the criteria for classification as separate accounts. For further details on the impact of SOP 03-1 adoption on the Group's results, please see Change in Accounting Principles note on pages F-126 to F-131.

        Prior to 2004, under US GAAP, separate account balances also included SAIF but assets and liabilities relating to index-linked business for which the Group bears investment risk were not reported as separate account balances.

        The US GAAP reclassifications for separate account assets and liabilities relating to linked business had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements before the further US GAAP amortised cost adjustments to real estate and mortgage loans which are discussed in Note 36.

 
  December 31
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:          
  Fixed maturities   6,456   2,304  
  Equity securities   9,641    
  Short-term investment     426  
  Real estate   980    
  Mortgage loans   9    
  Other investments   1,018    
  Other assets   195   35  
  Separate account assets   (18,299 ) (2,765 )
  Policyholder benefit liabilities   (18,299 ) (2,765 )
  Separate account liabilities   18,299   2,765  
   
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments      
   
 
 

F-107


        The US GAAP reclassifications for separate account assets and liabilities relating to SAIF in the prior years had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements. There are no US GAAP reclassifications relating to SAIF in 2004 following the adoption of SOP 03-1.

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:          
  Insurance policy revenues   (296 ) (333 )
  Investment results   (1,733 ) 767  
  Other income   (11 ) (13 )
  Benefits and claims   1,007   873  
  Provision for policyholders' share of earnings on with-profits business   965   (1,377 )
  Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses   68   83  
   
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments      
   
 
 
 
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:      
  Fixed maturities   (5,833 )
  Equity securities   (5,222 )
  Short-term investments   (294 )
  Real estate   (1,495 )
  Mortgage loans   (52 )
  Policy loans   (22 )
  Other loans   (76 )
  Other investments   (48 )
  Cash   (108 )
  Deferred acquisition costs   (81 )
  Other assets   (1,843 )
  Separate account assets   14,993  
  Policyholder benefit liabilities   13,381  
  Undistributed policyholder allocations   1,404  
  Debt   100  
  Other liabilities   189  
  Separate account liabilities   (14,993 )
   
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments    
   
 

Banking Business

        In the Group's UK financial statements the financial position related to the banking business is predominantly recorded in single consolidated asset and liability line items. The net result of the banking activities is recorded in a separate line in the consolidated profit and loss accounts. Under US GAAP, the banking business assets and liabilities are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets within

F-108



the classifications to which they relate while the banking activities are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of income within corresponding revenue and expense items.

        The US GAAP reclassifications to present banking business within the classifications to which they relate had the following effects on the condensed consolidated US GAAP financial statements:

 
  2004
  Restated
2003

  Restated
2002

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Condensed consolidated US GAAP statement of income:              
  Investment results*   902   820   661  
  Other income*   215   102   73  
  Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses*   (1,117 ) (922 ) (734 )
   
 
 
 
    Total US GAAP adjustments        
   
 
 
 

*
The 2003 and 2002 figures on these lines have been restated to take account of discontinued operations.

Condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets:            
  Fixed maturities   2,295   4,207    
  Equity securities     13    
  Short-term investments   1,441   550    
  Mortgage loans   1,704   2,664    
  Other loans   5,949   4,725    
  Other investments   319      
  Other assets   (11,708 ) (12,159 )  
  Debt   (4,289 ) (4,123 )  
  Other liabilities   4,289   4,123    
   
 
   
    Total US GAAP adjustments        
   
 
   

Discontinued Operations

        Under UK GAAP, discontinued operations consist of all business disposals made during the year or within three months after the end of the financial year. Under US GAAP, discontinued operations consist only of the sale or disposal of a business whose activities comprise a distinct line of business, class of policyholder, or, from January 1, 2002, a component of an entity comprising operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the entity.

        In 2004, the Group sold its Egg France operations and Jackson Federal Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Jackson National Life. These disposals met the US GAAP criteria for presentation as discontinued operations.

        During 2003, the Group sold its German life business and its Dublin based management services company. These were previously presented as part of the UK and Europe Insurance Operations segment. The disposals meet the US GAAP criteria for presentation as a discontinued operation.

        During 2002, the Group sold its UK personal lines property and casualty insurance business to Winterthur Insurance. The disposal met the US GAAP criteria for presentation as a discontinued operation.

F-109


        

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

        An analysis of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Foreign currency translation adjustments:              
  Foreign currency translation adjustments arising during the year   (177 ) (226 ) (230 )
   
 
 
 
Unrealized investment gains on available-for-sale securities:              
  Unrealized holding gains arising during the year   274   618   1,153  
  Less reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income   (72 ) (31 ) (37 )
   
 
 
 
  Unrealized investment gains, net   202   587   1,116  
  Related amortization of deferred acquisition costs   85   (229 ) (288 )
  Related loss recognition   118   221   (249 )
  Policyholders' share of with-profits business   (195 ) (182 ) (68 )
  Related deferred taxes   (120 ) (190 ) (204 )
   
 
 
 
  Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities   90   207   307  
   
 
 
 
Recognition of pension scheme minimum liability:              
  Recognition of pension scheme minimum liability   53   46   (1,528 )
  Related deferred taxes   2   (28 ) 227  
  Policyholders' share of pension scheme minimum liability   (41 ) (9 ) 954  
   
 
 
 
Total pension scheme adjustments   14   9   (347 )
   
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss   (73 ) (10 ) (270 )
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, beginning of year   (155 ) (145 ) 125  
   
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of year   (228 ) (155 ) (145 )
   
 
 
 
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss:              
Foreign currency translation adjustments   (519 ) (342 ) (116 )
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:              
  Unrealized investment gains, net   2,885   2,683   2,096  
  Related amortization of deferred acquisition costs   (438 ) (523 ) (294 )
  Related loss recognition   (789 ) (907 ) (1,128 )
  Policyholders' share of with-profits business   (512 ) (317 ) (135 )
  Related deferred taxes   (531 ) (411 ) (221 )
   
 
 
 
  Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities   615   525   318  
   
 
 
 
Recognition of pension scheme minimum liability:              
  Recognition of pension scheme minimum liability   (1,429 ) (1,482 ) (1,528 )
  Related deferred taxes   201   199   227  
  Policyholders' share of pension scheme minimum liability   904   945   954  
   
 
 
 
Total pension scheme adjustments   (324 ) (338 ) (347 )
   
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of year   (228 ) (155 ) (145 )
   
 
 
 

F-110


        Securities supporting UK payout annuities written by Prudential Annuities Limited and Prudential Retirement Income Limited, and securities owned by Jackson National Life, Egg and PCA Life Japan are classified as available-for-sale securities. These securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized investment gains and losses, and changes therein, reflected as separate components of accumulated other comprehensive income and other comprehensive income, respectively. These unrealized investment gains and losses, and changes therein, are presented net of the following items to the extent that they would be reflected in net income had unrealized gains and losses been realized: (a) related deferred acquisition costs amortization for products that amortize deferred acquisition costs in relation to expected gross profits and are supported by available-for-sale securities; (b) loss recognition for limited payment contracts supported by available-for-sale securities if use of market yields in computing loss recognition would result in a premium deficiency; (c) with-profits policyholders' share of the increase in net equity of with-profits fund subsidiaries that hold available for sale securities; and (d) deferred income taxes on unrealized gains and losses, net of other items described above.

Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses

 
  2004
  Restated
2003

  Restated
2002

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Acquisition costs incurred   1,449   1,127   1,179  
Acquisition expenses deferred   (801 ) (794 ) (865 )
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs   747   585   397  
Operating costs*   3,473   2,219   2,136  
   
 
 
 
Total underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses   4,868   3,137   2,847  
   
 
 
 

*
The 2003 and 2002 figures for this line has been restated to exclude discontinued operations of Jackson Federal Bank and Egg France.

Investments

        For US GAAP purposes, the Group has classified certain debt, other fixed income and equity securities principally in relation to Jackson National Life and the UK annuity business as available-for-sale. Securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value and changes in unrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity. All securities not classified as available-for-sale, principally in relation to the Group's with-profits business (excluding UK annuity business), are classified as trading, including securities included in deposits with credit institutions. Trading securities are carried at fair value with the changes in unrealized gains and losses recorded in the statement of income for the period. Bank time deposits included in deposits with credit institutions have maturities of less than 90 days and are carried at fair value, which approximates cost.

F-111



        Deposits with credit institutions are included in short-term investments in the condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets.

 
  Amortized
Cost or Cost

  Gross
Unrealized
Gains

  Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)

  Estimated
Fair Value

 
  (In £ Millions)

December 31, 2004                
Fixed maturities—available-for-sale                
  UK Government   3,211   153   (4 ) 3,360
  US Government and other Governments   2,947   226   (3 ) 3,170
  Local government securities   716   31   (1 ) 746
  Corporate securities   28,721   2,435   (100 ) 31,056
  Mortgage-backed securities   3,291   97   (21 ) 3,367
  Other debt securities   1,397   9   (14 ) 1,392
   
 
 
 
Total fixed maturities—available-for-sale   40,283   2,951   (143 ) 43,091
   
 
 
   
Fixed maturities—trading               32,883
               
Total fixed maturities               75,974
               
Equity securities—available-for-sale   391   78   (1 ) 468
Equity securities—trading               47,949
               
Total equity securities               48,417
               
 
  Amortized
Cost or Cost

  Gross
Unrealized
Gains

  Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)

  Estimated
Fair Value

 
  (In £ Millions)

December 31, 2003                
Fixed maturities—available-for-sale                
  UK Government   3,337   77   (25 ) 3,389
  US Government and other Governments   667   57   (1 ) 723
  Local government securities   264   84     348
  Corporate securities   29,562   2,522   (154 ) 31,930
  Mortgage-backed securities   4,435   124   (40 ) 4,519
  Other debt securities   1,365   14   (9 ) 1,370
   
 
 
 
Total fixed maturities—available-for-sale   39,630   2,878   (229 ) 42,279
   
 
 
   
Fixed maturities—trading               22,802
               
Total fixed maturities               65,081
               
Equity securities—available-for-sale   472   47   (13 ) 506
Equity securities—trading               29,438
               
Total equity securities               29,944
               

F-112


        The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Group's investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other than temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2004.

 
  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Total

 
 
  Fair Value
  Unrealized
Losses

  Fair Value
  Unrealized
Losses

  Fair Value
  Unrealized
Losses

 
 
  (In £ Millions)

  (In £ Millions)

  (In £ Millions)

 
December 31, 2004                          
Fixed maturities—available-for-sale                          
  UK Government securities   621   (2 ) 222   (2 ) 843   (4 )
  US Government and other Governments   79   (1 ) 343   (2 ) 422   (3 )
  Local government securities         (1 )   (1 )
  Corporate securities   3,194   (28 ) 936   (72 ) 4,130   (100 )
  Mortgage-backed securities   127   (1 ) 855   (20 ) 982   (21 )
  Other debt securities   707   (10 ) 126   (4 ) 833   (14 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gross unrealized loss on fixed maturities—available-for-sale   4,728   (42 ) 2,482   (101 ) 7,210   (143 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gross unrealized loss on equity securities—available-for-sale   3   (1 )     3   (1 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

        The Group periodically reviews its fixed maturities and equity securities to determine if any decline in fair value below the carrying value is "other than temporary" on a case-by-case basis. If it is determined that a decline in value of an investment is temporary, the decline is recorded as an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity pursuant to the guidance of FASB Statement 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". If the decline is considered to be other than temporary, a realized loss is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

        In performing reviews, the Group considers the relevant facts and circumstances relating to each investment and must exercise considerable judgement in determining whether a security is other than temporarily impaired. Among the factors considered is whether the decline in fair value results from a change in the quality of a security itself, or from a downward movement in the market as a whole, and the likelihood of recovering the carrying value based on the current and short term prospects of the issuer. Unrealized losses that are considered to be primarily the result of market conditions, such as increasing interest rates, unusual market volatility or industry related events, and where the Group also believes there exists a reasonable expectation for recovery and, furthermore, has the intent and ability to hold the investment until maturity or market recovery, are usually determined to be temporary.

F-113



        The following table sets out certain additional information relating to sales of available-for-sale securities:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Sales proceeds   6,098   12,214   9,537  
   
 
 
 
Gross realized gains   334   348   338  
Gross realized losses   (87 ) (140 ) (260 )
   
 
 
 
Net realized gains   247   208   78  
   
 
 
 

        The change in net unrealized gains on trading securities included in income was an increase (decrease) of £3,408 million, £4,393 million and £(8,064) million in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.

Real Estate

        The following table sets out certain information concerning the Group's real estate holdings as of December 31:

 
  Group Occupied

  Held for Investment

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Cost   305   187   8,525   6,056  
Accumulated depreciation   (49 ) (32 ) (1,607 ) (1,138 )
Impairment charge       (4 ) (30 )
   
 
 
 
 
Depreciated cost   256   155   6,914   4,888  
   
 
 
 
 

        Real estate held for sale was £26 million and £88 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Depreciation expense for Group occupied real estate was £8 million, £7 million, and £9 million and for investment real estate was £199 million, £152 million, and £160 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Group occupied real estate is included within "Other assets" in the condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets.

        During 2003, a property that was previously occupied by the Group was transferred to the "held for investment' category. At the date of the transfer the cost was £102 million and accumulated amortization was £25 million. A market valuation indicated that the property might be impaired. An assessment was undertaken to determine whether any impairment had occurred. As a result of this, it was concluded that the carrying value of the property was significantly higher than its expected future cash flows, including future rental payments. Accordingly, an impairment charge of £30 million was included in 2003 investment income in the income statement. This property remains part of the UK and Europe Insurance Operations business segment.

        During 2004, following an impairment assessment, it was concluded that the carrying value of two properties which are held by SAIF, was higher than their expected future cash flows including future

F-114



rental payments. An impairment charge of £4 million was included in 2004 investment income in the income statement.

Policyholder Benefit Liabilities

        The following table shows the components of policyholder benefit liabilities:

 
  December 31

 
  2004
  2003
 
  (In £ Millions)

Future policy benefits and losses (policy reserves)   36,377   31,321
Policy account values   82,698   55,582
Unearned revenue reserve   2,522   2,590
Other policy claims and benefits payable   815   814
   
 
Policyholder benefit liabilities   122,412   90,307
   
 

Debt

        In addition to the borrowings described in Note 28, debt under US GAAP includes a program of funding arrangements entered into by Jackson National Life, the liabilities for which amounted to £3,065 million in 2004 and £3,499 million in 2003, and which are included within other creditors under UK GAAP.

        As at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, the UK banking operation had issued debt securities totaling £1,807 million and £1,423 million, and sold securities under agreements to repurchase totaling £131 million and £829 million. These are included in debt under US GAAP but in banking business liabilities under UK GAAP. Additionally, £2,352 million and £1,871 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, of banking operations' bank loans and overdrafts repayable on demand are included in debt under US GAAP.

        Debt under US GAAP also includes £1,107 million and £370 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively, which represents debt obligations of certain entities which are consolidated for US GAAP purposes but are carried as investments at market value under UK GAAP. The increase in obligations relating to these investments in 2004 is as a result of consolidating increasing numbers of these investments for US GAAP.

        As a result of the Group's adoption of FIN 46-R, a number of collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) were consolidated which included £809 million of debt tranches at December 31, 2004. These CDOs and the impact of the adoption of FIN 46-R is discussed further under Changes in Accounting Principles on pages F-131 and F-132.

        Prior to the adoption of SOP 03-1, in 2003 the £100 million principal amount 8.5% subordinated bonds issued by Scottish Amicable Finance plc, which is owned by SAIF, are included in separate account liabilities under US GAAP.

        The carrying value of the Group's US$1,000 million principal amount 6.5% perpetual subordinated capital securities is £11 million lower in 2004 and 2003 under US GAAP as a result of the impact of a

F-115



fair value hedge in 2003, as described below. No further adjustment was made to this carrying value under US GAAP after the Group ceased to apply hedge accounting in 2004.

Fair Value and Net Investment in Foreign Operations Hedges

        The Group has formally assessed and documented the effectiveness of the following hedges at their inception. For additional information on the Group's risk strategy and its use of derivatives, see Note 24.

        During 2003, Prudential issued US$1,000 million perpetual deeply subordinated capital securities in Asia. In order to manage the interest rate risk, Prudential entered into an interest rate swap to hedge the fair value of this debt. No gain or loss was recognized in investment results in the income statement during 2003 as there was no ineffective portion of the fair value hedge and the hedging instrument and its hedged item qualified for hedge accounting presentation. In 2004, hedge accounting for the interest rate swap was discontinued as Prudential assessed that the specific hedging criteria were not met during the year. A gain of £3 million was recognized within investment results in the income statement during 2004, attributable to the change in fair value of the interest rate swap.

        In 2004, Prudential entered into a US$500 million (£269 million) cross currency swap to hedge currency fluctuations in the net investment in Jackson National Life whose functional currency is US dollars. There was no ineffective portion of the foreign currency hedge. The gains or losses attributable to the change in the fair value of the swap are reported in other comprehensive income as part of the cumulative translation adjustment. The amount taken to cumulative translation adjustment in 2004 was a gain of £9 million.

Undistributed Policyholder Allocations

        A reconciliation of movements in the undistributed policyholder allocations included in the condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheets is as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Balance at January 1   9,272   5,389   13,292  
   
 
 
 
Provision for policyholders' share of earnings (losses) on with-profits business:              
Before income tax   5,412   6,116   (5,157 )
Income tax   (683 ) (532 ) 569  
   
 
 
 
Net of income tax   4,729   5,584   (4,588 )
Cost of policyholders' bonuses declared   (1,750 ) (1,831 ) (2,368 )
Policyholders' share of unrealized investment gains on available-for-sale securities   195   182   68  
Policyholders' share of pension scheme minimum liability   41   9   (954 )
Foreign exchange adjustment   (30 ) (61 ) (61 )
   
 
 
 
Balance at December 31   12,457   9,272   5,389  
   
 
 
 

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Taxes

        Components of the US GAAP net deferred income tax liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Asset:          
Short-term temporary differences   (716 ) (841 )
Deferred acquisition costs   (214 ) (216 )
Long-term business technical provisions and other insurance items   (475 ) (369 )
Capital allowances   (36 ) (51 )
Unrealized losses on investments   (494 ) (478 )
Tax losses carried forward   (114 ) (115 )
   
 
 
    (2,049 ) (2,070 )
Valuation allowance   114   115  
   
 
 
Total   (1,935 ) (1,955 )
   
 
 
Liability:          
Short-term temporary differences   51   170  
Deferred acquisition costs   676   619  
Long-term business technical provisions and other insurance items   937   742  
Capital allowances   13   6  
Unrealized gains on investments   2,016   1,683  
   
 
 
Total   3,693   3,220  
   
 
 
Net deferred income tax liability   1,758   1,265  
   
 
 

        As of December 31, 2004, the Group had operating loss carryforwards of £408 million of which £360 million expire between 2005 and 2014, and £48 million do not expire.

        The following table provides an analysis of the balance sheet categories on which deferred tax has been provided.

 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Investments   993   720  
Deferred acquisition costs   437   403  
Policyholder benefit liabilities   485   10  
Other liabilities   (531 ) (102 )
Other assets   26    
Undistributed policyholder allocations   348   234  
   
 
 
    1,758   1,265  
   
 
 

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Pension Plans

        Prudential's UK staff pension plan, Scottish Amicable's staff pension plan and M&G's staff pension plan are the three primary defined benefit plans that cover substantially all UK-based employees. These plans are non-contributory, with benefits based on employee retirement age, years of service and compensation near retirement. The plans' assets include UK and overseas equity and fixed income securities, index-linked gilts, unauthorized unit trusts, venture capital investments, property and cash.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, plan assets of £126 million and £nil respectively relating to M&G's defined benefit plan are represented by policies issued by one of the Group's life insurance subsidiaries. An equal amount is carried as a liability for future policy benefits.

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        The status of defined benefit plans under US GAAP at December 31 was as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Change in benefit obligation:          
Benefit obligation, beginning of year   4,624   4,153  
Service cost   67   65  
Interest cost   245   224  
Actuarial loss   162   369  
Benefit payments   (191 ) (187 )
   
 
 
Benefit obligation, end of year   4,907   4,624  
   
 
 
Change in plan assets:          
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year   3,990   3,570  
Actual return on plan assets   390   574  
Employer contributions   31   33  
Benefit payments   (191 ) (187 )
   
 
 
Fair value of plan assets, end of year   4,220   3,990  
   
 
 
Funded status end of year:          
Plan assets in deficit of benefit obligation   (687 ) (634 )
Unrecognized net actuarial losses   1,595   1,646  
   
 
 
Prepaid benefit cost   908   1,012  
   
 
 
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:          
Prepaid benefit costs   15   17  
Accrued benefit liability   (536 ) (487 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income   1,429   1,482  
   
 
 
Net amount recognized   908   1,012  
   
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligation for all plans   4,753   4,476  

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 
Projected benefit obligation   4,767   4,499  
Accumulated benefit obligation   4,630   4,364  
Fair value of plan assets   4,094   3,877  

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  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Components of net periodic pension cost:              
Service cost   67   65   66  
Interest cost   245   224   216  
Expected return on assets   (276 ) (262 ) (300 )
Recognized net actuarial losses   98   103   9  
Amortization of transition asset     (46 ) (46 )
   
 
 
 
Net periodic pension cost (included in underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses)   134   84   (55 )
   
 
 
 

        The Group's pension plans' accumulated benefit obligation was underfunded by £536 million at December 31, 2004 and £487 million at December 31, 2003. Credits to other comprehensive income of £53 million and £46 million and a charge of £1,528 million have been made in 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively. In 2004, the accumulated other comprehensive income balance of £1,429 million reflects the prepaid pension asset of £908 million, the excess of the accumulated benefit obligation over the market value of assets of £536 million, and prepaid benefit costs of £15 million. The balance in 2003 reflected the prepaid pension asset of £1,012 million, the excess of the accumulated benefit obligation over the market value of assets of £487 million, and prepaid benefit costs of £17 million.

        This balance has a related deferred tax credit of £201 million in 2004 and £199 million in 2003. Of the net balance of £1,228 million in 2004, £904 million is attributable to with-profits policyholder business with the remaining £324 million attributable to shareholders. Of the net balance of £1,283 million in 2003, £945 million is attributable to with-profits policyholder business and £338 million attributable to shareholders

        Assumed discount rates, guaranteed and discretionary rates of increase in future compensation levels and rates of pension increases used in calculating the projected benefit obligations together with long-term rates of return on plan assets are updated annually to reflect changing economic conditions in the UK where the pension plans are situated.

        The actuarial assumptions used in determining benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, were as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
 
  %

  %

Discount rate   5.30   5.40
Rate of increase in future compensation levels   4.80   4.70
Rate of increase in pension payments for inflation   2.80   2.70

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        The actuarial assumptions used in determining net periodic pension costs at December 31, were as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  %

  %

  %

Discount rate   5.40   5.50   5.75
Rate of increase in future compensation levels   4.70   4.25   4.50
Rate of increase in pension payments for inflation   2.70   2.25   2.50
Expected long-term return on plan assets   7.10   7.50   7.00

        The long-term expected rate of return has been taken to be the weighted average (by market value) of the long-term expected rates of return on each major asset class shown below. This is applied in calculating the net periodic pension cost in the following year.

 
  2004
  2003
 
  %

  %

Percentage of plan assets:        
Equity   61   67
Bonds   25   16
Real estate   13   14
Other   1   3
   
 
Total   100   100
   
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
  %

  %

Long-term expected rate of return:        
Equity   7.50   7.75
Bonds   5.00   5.00
Real estate   6.80   7.00
Other   4.75   4.00
   
 
Total   6.75   7.10
   
 

        The rules of the Company's largest pension arrangement, the defined benefit section of the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme, specify that, in exercising its investment powers, the Trustee's objective is to achieve the best overall investment return consistent with the security of the assets of the Scheme. In doing this, regard is had to the nature and duration of the Scheme's liabilities. The Trustee sets the benchmark for the asset mix, following analysis of the liabilities by the Scheme's Actuary and, having taken advice from the Investment Managers, then selects benchmark indices for each asset type in order to measure investment performance against a benchmark return.

        The Trustee reviews strategy, the asset mix benchmark and the Investment Managers' objectives every three years, to coincide with the Actuarial Valuation, or earlier if the Scheme Actuary recommends. Interim reviews are conducted annually based on changing economic circumstances and financial market levels.

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        The Trustee sets the general investment policy and specifies any restrictions on types of investment and the degrees of divergence permitted from the benchmark, but delegates the responsibility for selection and realization of specific investments to the Investment Managers. In carrying out this responsibility, the Investment Managers are required by the Pensions Act 1995 to have regard to the need for diversification and suitability of investments. Subject to a number of restrictions contained within the relevant investment management agreements, the Investment Managers are authorized to invest in any class of investment asset. However, the Investment Managers will not invest in any new class of investment asset without prior consultation with the Trustee.

        The Trustee consults the Principal Employer on these investment principles, but the ultimate responsibility for the investment of the assets of the Scheme lies with the Trustee.

        As a result of a recent review of the Scheme's asset allocation strategy, a revised benchmark has been established. The target allocation at December 31, 2004 is as follows:

Equities   55.0 %
Bonds   32.5 %
Property   12.5 %

        The investment policies and strategies for the other two defined benefit schemes, the M&G Group Pension Scheme and the Scottish Amicable Staff Pension Scheme follow similar principles, but have different target allocations, reflecting the particular requirements of the schemes.

        The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five fiscal years, and in the aggregate for the succeeding five fiscal years, are as follows:

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

 
  (In £ Millions)
2005   194.3
2006   195.7
2007   198.0
2008   202.6
2009   205.1
2010 - 2014   1,110.1

        The employer contribution in 2005 is anticipated to be £31 million.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

        Prudential initially applied Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" (FAS 142) on January 1, 2002. Upon adoption, the Group performed a review of its goodwill and a transitional impairment test. Goodwill for each reporting unit was not considered to be impaired. Since the adoption of FAS 142, the Group has performed its annual impairment testing, in conjunction with its planning process. To date there have been no impairment losses related to goodwill and other acquired intangible assets.

F-122



        The following table provides an analysis of goodwill under US GAAP. Goodwill is classified within "Intangible assets" on the consolidated balance sheets.

 
  UK
Operations

  US
Operations

  Asian
Operations

  UK Banking
Operations

  Total
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Goodwill, as of December 31, 2001   1,929   110   333     2,372  
Acquisitions during the year   11     8   7   26  
Disposal of subsidiary undertaking   (141 )       (141 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill, as of December 31, 2002   1,799   110   341   7   2,257  
Acquisitions during the year   122         122  
Disposal of subsidiary undertaking            
   
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill, as of December 31, 2003   1,921   110   341   7   2,379  
Acquisitions during the year   507         507  
Disposal of subsidiary undertaking   (78 ) (42 )   (7 ) (127 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill, as of December 31, 2004   2,350   68   341     2,759  
   
 
 
 
 
 

        Acquisitions and disposals, other than those reported in Note 16, relate to life fund venture capital holdings in which the Group is deemed to have a controlling interest.

        There were five such acquisitions during 2004; Pharmacia Diagnostics, a Swedish healthcare company, Sterigenics International, Inc, a US based healthcare company, Muller & Weygandt GmbH, a German healthcare company, TMF Group, a Dutch business administration company and Edotech, a UK business services company. Total goodwill generated was £507 million. The effect of these transactions, which have been accounted for as acquisitions, was:

 
  (In £ Millions)
Current assets   212
Non current assets   255
Goodwill   507
   
Total assets   974
   

Current liabilities

 

123
Long-term debt   715
   
Total liabilities   838
   

Net assets acquired

 

136
   

Fair value of consideration

 

136
   

        The acquisitions in 2003 and 2002 were not material individually or in aggregate.

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        The Group's other intangible assets represent the present value of in-force business and continue to be subject to amortization.

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Present value of in-force business:              
  Gross carrying amount   555   555   555  
  Accumulated amortization   (298 ) (262 ) (222 )
  Exchange adjustment   (21 ) (15 ) (8 )
   
 
 
 
Net carrying amount   236   278   325  
   
 
 
 

        The change in the net carrying amount of other intangible assets relates to amortization charges of £36 million and £40 million and adverse exchange movements of £6 million and £7 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

        The estimated aggregate other intangible assets amortization expense for the succeeding five years is as follows:

 
  (In £ Millions)
2005   33
2006   32
2007   19
2008   19
2009   19

Pension Mis-selling Provision

        The components of the pension mis-selling provision at December 31, 2004 (set out at Note 30 to the consolidated financial statements) relating to future benefit payments were discounted at 5.85% in accordance with guidelines issued by the UK Government Actuaries Department. The undiscounted amounts, including expected internal and external legal and administrative costs of adjudicating, processing and settling these claims, at December 31, 2004 expected to be paid in each of the years ending December 31 are as follows:

 
  (In £ Millions)
 
2005   194  
2006   37  
2007   32  
2008   20  
2009   17  
Thereafter   502  
   
 
Total undiscounted amount   802  
Aggregate discount   (315 )
   
 
Pension mis-selling provision   487  
   
 

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Stock-based Compensation

        Compensation expense for stock option plans is recorded if the market price of the underlying shares on the measurement date exceeds the option exercise price. In 2004, there was a compensation expense of £4 million recorded under US GAAP for stock option plans compared to compensation expense of £1 million and benefit of £4 million for 2003 and 2002 respectively.

        If the Group had determined compensation expense based on the fair value of the options at the grant date for its share options and awards granted after December 15, 1994 under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (FAS 123), the Group's pro forma earnings would have been as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions except per share amounts)

 
Net income (loss):              
As reported   91   665   (357 )
Add: Total stock-based employee compensation cost, net of related tax effects, included in reported net income   4   1   (4 )
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards granted since December 15, 1994, net of related tax effects   (7 ) (2 ) 1  
   
 
 
 
Pro forma   88   664   (360 )
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:              
As reported*   4.3 p 32.0 p (17.3 )p
Pro forma*   4.1 p 32.0 p (17.4 )p
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:              
As reported*   4.3 p 32.0 p (17.2 )p
Pro forma*   4.1 p 32.0 p (17.4 )p

*
The 2003 and 2002 earnings per share figures have been restated to take account of the rights offering in 2004.

        In accordance with FAS 123, the pro forma amounts include only the effects of share options and awards granted since December 15, 1994 and are not necessarily indicative of future pro forma net income.

        The weighted average exercise prices and fair values of options granted during 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  Weighted
Average
Fair Value
£

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
£

  Weighted
Average
Fair Value
£

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
£

  Weighted
Average
Fair Value
£

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
£

Stock options granted with exercise prices:                        
Greater than or equal to grant-date market value            
Less than grant-date market value   2.81   1.37   1.31   2.49   1.71   3.62

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        The fair value amounts above were determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing method using the following assumptions:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Dividend yield   3.82%   3.26%   2.84%
Expected volatility   44.64%   40.00%   40.00%
Risk free interest rate   4.70%   3.89%   4.47%
Expected life   3.31 years   3.82 years   3.84 years

Securitized Financial Assets

        In 2002, Egg started securitization transactions transferring £1.25 billion of its UK credit card receivables to a trust vehicle created for the purpose of asset-backed securitization. The noteholders in this securitization have a proportionate interest in each balance in the portfolio of securitized receivables. Under US GAAP, the securitization of these assets has been accounted for as a secured borrowing by Egg and the outstanding beneficial interests are included within Debt. The securitized credit card receivables are included within other loans in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Additional credit card receivables were transferred in 2004 and 2003 bringing the outstanding balance of assets to £2.59 billion and £2.26 billion respectively. During the periods ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, beneficial interests of £750 million, £1.25 billion and £500 million were sold respectively. Credit losses relating to this portfolio represented 3.27%, 2.76% and 2.28% at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

        Jackson National Life completed a securitization transaction in 2003, in which it transferred £648 million of its asset-backed securities to a trust vehicle (Piedmont CDO Trust) which issued several classes of debt to acquire these securities. The transaction was recorded as a sale and a loss of £0.1 million recorded. JNL retained beneficial interests in the contributed asset-backed securities of approximately 80% by acquiring certain securities issued by Piedmont. JNL's investment in securities issued by Piedmont at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were £478 million and £526 million respectively.

Changes in Accounting Principles

(i)
Adoption of SOP 03-1

        In July 2003, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee ("AcSEC") of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") issued Statement of Position 03-1, "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Non-traditional Long Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts" (SOP 03-1).

        SOP 03-1 tightens existing criteria that must be met before assets can be classified as separate account assets and carried at fair value on the balance sheet with an equivalent total being recorded for separate account liabilities. Once effective, neither seed money, nor assets failing to meet the specified criteria, can be accounted for as separate account assets. Instead, on a prospective basis, these assets must be accounted for as part of the general account. In addition, SOP 03-1 requires companies to recognize a liability for guaranteed minimum death benefits and guaranteed minimum income benefits and to capitalize and amortize sales inducements that meet specific criteria.

F-126



        Effective January 1 2004, the Group adopted the provisions of SOP 03-1. Upon adoption, a transitional charge of £517 million (net of taxes of £114 million) was recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The effect of adoption of SOP 03-1 comprised the following impacts:

Cumulative Effect of Adoption

 
  Net (loss) income
 
 
  (In £ millions)

 
Reduction of real estate carrying value from fair value to depreciated historic cost upon reclassification from separate account to general account:      
  SAIF non-qualifying separate accounts   (403 )
  Other non-qualifying separate accounts   (118 )
Other   4  
   
 
Total cumulative effect of adoption   (517 )
   
 

Separate Account Presentation

        Prior to January 1, 2004, the assets and liabilities of the Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF), a fund acquired in 1997 that is closed to new business, were included in separate accounts in order to reflect the ring fenced nature of the fund. Both UK and US GAAP recorded a nil post-tax result. For UK GAAP, a nil pre-tax result was also recorded, reflecting the sole interest of the policyholders in the performance of the fund. As SAIF was accounted for as separate accounts under US GAAP, however, it was necessary for a pre-tax shareholder result to be recorded. The amount of this result was equal and opposite to the amount of tax charge borne by SAIF.

        Following the adoption of SOP 03-1, SAIF was deemed to fail the legal insulation criteria introduced by the SOP. As a result all of SAIF's assets have been reclassified to the general account. As of January 1, 2004, approximately £13.3 billion of assets and liabilities were reclassified from the separate account to several invested asset captions and the policyholder benefit liabilities caption, respectively. The £13.3 billion of separate account assets were reclassified as follows: £6 billion to fixed maturities; £5 billion to equity securities; £1.5 billion to real estate; and £0.8 billion to various other asset captions. Except for real estate, these assets will continue to be recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Real estate has been reclassified to the general account at depreciated historic cost, resulting in a charge to net income of £403 million (net of taxes of £66 million). The liabilities of SAIF have been reclassified from separate account liabilities to policyholder benefit liabilities.

        While the presentation of the UK GAAP result for SAIF remains unchanged, under US GAAP this result will now reflect the change in valuation basis for real estate. The impact of this valuation change (and future depreciation charges) will be borne by shareholders, because policyholder benefit liabilities and undistributed policyholder allocations will continue to reflect the SAIF policyholders' 100% interest in the net appreciated fair value of real estate. Future realized gains (or losses) relating to the difference between fair value and depreciated cost on the sale of SAIF real estate will be credited (or charged) to shareholders when the sale occurs. As part of the equitable distribution of the SAIF sub-fund to

F-127



qualifying policyholders, all investments, including real estate, must be realized over the lifetime of the remaining in force SAIF policies.

        As of January 1, 2004, approximately £13.2 billion of assets and liabilities were reclassified from separate account assets and liabilities to the general account. This represents certain unit linked insurance products of the UK and Asian operations as these arrangements are not legally insulated from the general account liabilities of the Group and therefore do not meet the conditions for separate account reporting under the SOP. These assets and liabilities were reclassified to several invested asset captions and the policyholder benefit liabilities caption, respectively. The £13.2 billion of separate account assets were reclassified as follows: £4 billion to fixed maturities; £8 billion to equity securities; £0.6 billion to real estate; and £0.6 billion to various other asset captions. Except for real estate, all separate account assets were reclassified to the general account and will continue to be recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value being taken to net income.

        Real estate previously held in separate account assets at fair value has been reclassified to the general account at depreciated historic cost, resulting in a charge to net income of £118 million (net of taxes of £51 million).

        With the exception of the change in accounting for real estate and the related deferred tax, after tax net income will not be altered for these separate account asset reclassifications. The impact of the real estate valuation change (and future depreciation charges) will be borne by shareholders, because policyholder benefit liabilities will continue to reflect the policyholders' 100% interest in the net appreciated fair value of real estate. Future realized gains (or losses) relating to the difference between fair value and depreciated cost on the sale of these real estate assets will be credited (or charged) to shareholders.

        Following the adoption of SOP 03-1 the only contracts reported as separate account assets and liabilities are variable annuity contracts written predominantly, by the Group's US Operation, Jackson National Life. If a policyholder chooses a variable annuity, the rate of return will depend upon the performance of the underlying fund portfolio. The policyholder bears the investment risk except for fixed account options, where Jackson National Life guarantees a minimum fixed rate of return.

        Variable annuity contracts written by Jackson National Life may provide for guaranteed minimum death benefits ("GMDB"), guaranteed minimum income benefits ("GMIB") and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits ("GMWB"). The GMDB stipulates that the contract holder's beneficiary will receive a return of premium plus some minimum return (e.g., 2% per year), irrespective of the actual value of the investments under the contract at the time of death. The GMIB provides for a minimum floor level of benefits upon annuitization, regardless of the actual value of the investments under the contract at the time of annuitization. A waiting period (e.g., 7 to 10 years) is typically required before annuitization can be elected. The GMWB provides a guaranteed return of principal invested by allowing for periodic withdrawals of no more than a specified percentage (e.g., 7%) of the initial premium each year, regardless of the value of the investments under the contract. Reserves held for these minimum guarantees are general account liabilities of Jackson National Life. These reserves were computed prior

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to the adoption of SOP 03-1 in a manner consistent with the requirements of the SOP and therefore adoption of the SOP did not have any effect related to the liability for these guaranteed benefits. As at December 31, 2004, the amounts of separate account liability benefits subject to various guaranteed benefits were as follows: £4,325 million relating to GMDBs; £752 million relating to GMIBs; and, £997 million relating to GMWBs.

        Jackson National Life credits premiums on variable annuities to a separate account or to the fixed account, depending on the policyholders' elections. The policyholders determine how the premiums will be allocated by choosing to allocate all or a portion of their accounts either to a variety of variable sub-accounts, with a choice of investment managers, or to guaranteed fixed-rate options. The value of the portion of the separate account allocated to variable sub-accounts fluctuates with the underlying investment.

        Variable annuity products are backed by specific assets that are held in a separate account. The assets in this separate account are "segregated" pursuant to state insurance law and do not form part of the assets in the US general account, which backs the remainder of the insurance business in the United States. Amounts held in the separate account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business Jackson National Life may conduct. All of the income, gains or losses from these assets less specified management charges are credited to or against the policies and not any other policies that Jackson National Life may issue. The assets supporting these separate accounts are carried at fair value and reported as summary total separate account assets with an equivalent summary total reported for liabilities.

        The following table details the aggregate fair value of assets supporting separate accounts as at December 31, 2004:

 
  UK GAAP
Linked assets

  SOP 03-1
Adjustments

  US GAAP Separate
account assets

 
  (In £ Millions)

Fixed maturities   6,482   (6,456 ) 26
Equity securities   15,135   (9,641 ) 5,494
Real estate   980   (980 )
Mortgage loans   9   (9 )
Other investments   1,029   (1,018 ) 11
   
 
 
Total investments   23,635   (18,104 ) 5,531
Other assets   195   (195 )
   
 
 
Total Assets   23,830   (18,299 ) 5,531
   
 
 

Other changes as a result of SOP 03-1

        Jackson National Life has a closed block of two-tier annuities, for which one fund value (lower tier) is available upon maturity or surrender of the policy, and another fund value (higher tier) is available upon annuitization. Before implementation of SOP 03-1 the liability held on account of such policies was the higher tier fund. SOP 03-1 specifies that the liability for such contracts shall be based on the

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amount available in cash at maturity (lower tier), plus a liability related to future excess amounts paid to policyholders expected to annuitize. Since these costs in excess of the lower tier will be incurred in future years, and since not all contract holders are expected to annuitize, the annuitization liability established under the SOP is less than the difference between the lower and higher tier funds. This results in a reduction of reserves of £4 million (net of related taxes of £3 million) upon implementation of the SOP.

        In the US the Group sells variable annuity contracts that offer guaranteed death, income and withdrawal benefits (known respectively as GMDB, GMIB, and GMWB). Policyholders must elect the form of guarantee they want, for which they are charged accordingly. The liability and, if the benefit is reinsured, any associated reinsurance asset are derived by assessing the cost in a variety of scenarios that test and explore future experience including investment return, surrender patterns and mortality experience. The assumptions used are consistent with those used in determining estimated gross profits for purposes of amortizing deferred acquisition costs. The liabilities recorded in the Group's accounts for the aforementioned benefits as at December 31, 2004 are; £22 million relating to GMDBs; £3 million relating to GMWBs and an immaterial amount towards GMIBs. During the year ended 2004, total guarantee benefits incurred and paid in relation to GMDBs are £10 million and £14 million respectively. The amounts incurred and paid in relation to GMIBs and GMWBs were not material. The net amount at risk relating to contracts with GMDBs as at December 31, 2004 was £759 million.

        The vast majority of the Group's universal life contracts offer guaranteed death benefits that are charged for on the basis of attained age, thereby reflecting the expected death cost in the policy year and hence do not give rise to a pattern of profits in early years followed by losses in later years. On a small minority of its universal life products, the Group guarantees that a policy will not lapse even if the account value is reduced to zero, provided that the policyholder has paid all due premiums. Thus the cumulative impact on the Group's net income upon recording an associated liability for these two features is nil.

        The Group also offers Guaranteed Annuity Terms on some of its with-profits FAS 60 and FAS 97 business in the UK (no longer available to new policyholders). The vast majority of these liabilities arise in the closed SAIF sub-fund of the with-profits fund in which shareholders have no interest and therefore there is no impact to net income from these guarantees. For SAIF and the main PAC with-profits fund, the liability is determined by using stochastic techniques, which involve the projection of a large number of economic scenarios to determine the average liability cost. The liability recorded within SAIF at December 31, 2004 was £490 million with a further £49 million recorded in the PAC with-profits fund.

        During the year ended 2004, the total additional insurance benefits paid by virtue of the guaranteed annuity terms on certain SAIF products was £39 million. The amount paid in respect of PAC policies was approximately £2 million. The weighted average age in respect of contract holders with guaranteed annuity terms in SAIF was 55 years and in the PAC with-profits fund was 51 years as at December 31, 2004.

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        The Group periodically offers enhanced or bonus crediting rates to policyholders on certain products. Prior to the adoption of SOP 03-1, in the UK's Insurance Operations, the expense associated with offering these sales inducements was deferred and amortized over the contingent deferred sales charge period. Effective January 1, 2004, upon adoption of SOP 03-1, expenses associated with offering a sales inducement that meet certain criteria are deferred and amortized over the life of the related contract consistent with methodology used to amortize deferred acquisition costs. Effective January 1, 2004, amortization expenses associated with expenses previously deferred are recorded over the remaining life of the contract rather than over the contingent deferred sales charge period. The impact of this change was not material to the Group's results.

(ii)
Adoption of FIN 46-R

        In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, (FIN 46), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities", which clarified the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (ARB 51), "Consolidated Financial Statements". FIN 46 was subsequently reissued as FIN 46-R in December 2003, with FIN 46-R providing additional interpretation as to existing standards on consolidation. FIN 46-R clarifies the application of standards of consolidation to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties (variable interest entity or "VIE"). VIEs are required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary if they do not effectively disperse risks among all parties involved. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of its expected residual returns, or both, as a result of holding variable interests. As required under the original standard, on February 1, 2003, the Group adopted the standard for VIEs created after January 31, 2003. In 2004, the Group adopted FIN 46-R for all VIEs.

        The implementation of FIN 46-R has resulted in the Group consolidating a number of VIEs in 2004. These VIEs are all either collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) or authorized investment funds managed by the Group's fund management operations.

        The three CDOs that have been consolidated by the Group were all established and incorporated in the Netherlands and organized to take advantage of bond market arbitrage opportunities. The Group serves as an investment advisor to these CDOs which contain aggregate assets of £915 million at December 31, 2004. These assets are primarily invested in a variety of debt securities acquired from third parties. The CDOs, in turn, issued tranched collateralized debt securities to third parties as well as to the following Group subsidiaries: the PAC life fund and Egg. The total liabilities within the CDOs (before elimination of Group subsidiaries' balances of £114 million) at December 31, 2004 were £932 million, of which £892 million relates to debt tranches carried at unpaid principal balance, £27 million relates to fair value adjustment of derivative and £13 million relates to interest payable balances. The Group also assessed management fees on these three CDOs of £2.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2004. The collateralized debt obligations reside in bankruptcy remote special purpose entities, or SPEs, to which the Group provides neither recourse nor guarantees. The Group's financial exposure to these CDOs stems from the direct investments by the PAC life fund and Egg in certain debt and subordinated interests issued by these CDOs, which together amounted to a fair value of £96 million at December 31, 2004.

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        Prior to December 31, 2003, the Group had accounted for its interests in the CDOs at fair value with both realized and unrealized changes in fair value taken to the profit and loss account. As of January 1, 2004, the Group consolidated the CDOs under the transitional guidance of FIN 46-R and the ongoing guidance in ARB 51. FIN 46-R encourages but does not require restatement of previously issued financial statements. The Group has elected to not restate its prior year financial statements.

        The carrying amounts and classification of consolidated assets that are collateral for the three CDOs consolidated by the Group are cash of £49 million and fixed maturities of £866 million in the 2004 condensed consolidated US GAAP balance sheet. The impact of consolidating these three CDOs was a post-tax charge to US GAAP shareholders' net income of £1 million on transition to FIN 46-R. This non-cash charge to earnings primarily relates to realized and unrealized investment and derivative cash flow gains (losses) within the CDOs, the external holdings of which will ultimately be borne by third-party investors in the non-recourse collateralized obligations. Accordingly, these losses and any future gains or losses under this method of consolidation attributable to third party investors will ultimately reverse upon deconsolidation, maturity or other liquidation of the non-recourse collateralized obligations. To the extent the investments are held by the PAC life fund, 90% of the loss is absorbed by the undistributed policyholder allocations account.

        US GAAP requires consolidation of all of the assets and liabilities of these CDOs, which results in the recognition of realized and unrealized losses even though the Group has no legal obligation to fund such losses in the settlement of the collateralized obligations. The FASB continues to evaluate the various technical implementation issues related to consolidation accounting. The Group will continue to assess the impact of any new implementation guidance issued by the FASB as well as evolving interpretations among accounting professionals. Additional guidance and interpretations may affect the Group's application of consolidation accounting in future periods.

        In addition to the CDOs, the Group has consolidated a number of authorized investment funds where it is the primary beneficiary of those funds. The funds are managed by the Group's investment management operations. Prior to December 31, 2003, the Group had accounted for its interests in the authorized investment funds at fair value in the equity securities caption of the balance sheet. The Group's financial exposure to these authorized investment funds arises from the direct investment by the Group's insurance funds, which was £3.9 billion as at December 31, 2004. The carrying amounts and classification of consolidated assets relating to these authorized investment funds were equity securities of £3.8 billion and fixed maturities of £0.2 billion, and other assets of £0.1 billion in the consolidated US GAAP balance sheet. There was no impact on net income or shareholders' equity as a result of consolidating these funds, although total assets and total liabilities both increased by £0.2 billion after reflecting consolidated minority interests in these funds. The Group provides no recourse or guarantees to these minority interests. In addition, £0.3 billion was reclassified from equity securities to fixed maturities.

New Accounting Pronouncements

SFAS No. 123R

        In December 2004, the FASB issued "SFAS No. 123R", "Share-Based Payment" which replaces SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". SFAS No. 123R requires all companies to recognize compensation costs for share-based payments to

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employees, based on the grant-date fair value of the award for financial statements for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2005. This Statement applies to all awards granted after the effective date (June 15, 2005), and to awards modified, repurchased or cancelled after that date. The Group is required to apply this statement using a modified version of prospective adoption option.

        As at year ended December 31, 2004 the Group had recorded stock based compensation expense using APB 25 and provided prominent disclosures in both annual and interim statements about this method and its effect on reported results of accounting for stock based employee compensation. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 will no longer be an alternative to financial statement recognition.

Adoption of EITF 02-14

        In July 2004, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 02-14, "Whether an Investor Should Apply the Equity Method of Accounting to Investments Other Than Common Stock If the Investor Has the Ability to Exercise Significant Influence Over the Operating and Financial Policies of the Investee" (EITF 02-14). The EITF concluded that an investor should only apply the equity method of accounting when it has investments in either common stock or in-substance common stock of a corporation, provided that the investor has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The EITF defined in-substance common stock as an investment that has risk and reward characteristics that are substantially similar to common stock.

        EITF 02-14 is effective for reporting periods beginning after September 15, 2004. For investments that are in-substance common stock but that were not accounted for under the equity method prior to the consensus, the effect of adoption should be reported as a change in accounting principle. For investments that are not common stock or in-substance common stock but that were accounted for under the equity method of accounting prior to the consensus, the equity method of accounting should be discontinued prospectively from the date of adoption and the investor should evaluate whether the investment should be prospectively accounted for under SFAS No. 115 "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" or the cost method under APB Opinion No. 18, "The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock". The Group is currently assessing the impact of EITF 02-14 on its results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Adoption of EITF 03-16

        In March 2004, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies" (Issue 03-16). Issue 03-16 will require investors in limited liability corporations that have specific ownership accounts to follow the equity method for investments that are more than minor (e.g. greater than 3% ownership interest) as prescribed in SOP 78-9, "Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures", and EITF Topic No. D-46, "Accounting for Limited Partnership Investments".

        Investors that do not have specific ownership accounts or minor ownership interests should follow the significant influence model prescribed in APB Opinion No. 18 for corporate investments. Issue 03-16 excludes securities that are required to be accounted for as debt securities based on the guidance in paragraph 14 of SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities", and EITF 99-20. EITF 03-16 is effective for quarters beginning after

F-133



June 15, 2004 and should be applied as a change in accounting principle. The adoption of Issue 03-16 will not have a material impact on the Group's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Adoption of EITF 03-1

        In March 2004, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments" (EITF 03-1). The EITF consensus would have been effective for interim and annual reporting periods after June 15, 2004. In September 2004, the FASB staff issued FSP 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10 - 20 of EITF 03-1, The Meaning of Other Than Temporary Impairment", which delayed the effective date for the recognition and management guidance included in EITF 03-1. The EITF 03-1 disclosure requirements were not delayed and are included on page F-113.

Adoption of FAS 142

        Effective January 1, 2002, the Group adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" (FAS 142). FAS 142 requires, among other things, the discontinuance of amortization related to goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets. These assets will then be subject to an impairment test as least annually. In addition, the standard includes provisions upon adoption for the reclassification of certain existing recognized intangibles as goodwill, reassessment of the useful lives of existing recognized intangibles, and reclassification of certain intangibles out of previously reported goodwill.

        In accordance with the standard, the Group ceased goodwill amortization on January 1, 2002.

        The Group has completed the implementation of this standard. No impairment losses have been recognized and there has been no reclassification of intangible assets from goodwill.

Adoption of FAS 144

        Effective January 1, 2002, the Group adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 144, "Accounting for the impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" (FAS 144). FAS 144 establishes a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale. A long-lived asset classified as held for sale is to be measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell and to cease being depreciated. Therefore, discontinued operations are no longer to be measured on a net realizable value basis, and future operating losses are no longer recognized before they occur. For long-lived assets to be held and used, impairment is recognized only if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable from its undiscounted future cash flows and is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be abandoned, exchanged for a similar productive asset, or distributed to owners in a spin-off are considered held and used until disposed of. There has been no impact as of December 31, 2004 on the Group's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, other than the Financial Statement presentation of gain on disposals of operations, and the impairment of owner-occupied property.

Adoption of FIN 45

        In December 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, "Requirements for Guarantees Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others" (FIN 45). FIN 45 provides guidance regarding

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disclosures to be made by guarantors regarding obligations under certain guarantees. In addition, FIN 45 clarifies the requirement to recognize the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee at its inception.

        The initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. To date FIN 45 has not had a material impact on the Group's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. See Note 30 for a description of guarantees the Group has issued.

Adoption of FAS 146

        In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities" (FAS 146). Effective January 1, 2003, the Group adopted FAS 146, which requires that a liability for costs associated with exit or disposal activities be recognized when the liability is incurred. Prior generally accepted accounting principles provided for the recognition of such costs at the date of management's commitment to an exit plan. In addition, FAS 146 requires that the liability be measured at fair value and be adjusted for changes in estimated cash flows. The provisions of the new standard are effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the adoption of FAS 146 has had an impact on the restructuring costs provided for Egg France which was sold.

Adoption of FAS 147

        Effective October 1, 2002 the Group adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 147, "Acquisitions of Certain Financial Institutions" (FAS 147). FAS 147 removes acquisitions of financial institutions, except transactions between two or more mutual enterprises, from the scope of both FASB Statement No. 72, "Accounting for Certain Acquisitions of Banking and Thrift Institutions" and FASB Interpretation No. 9, "Applying APB Opinion Nos. 16 and 17 When a Savings and Loan Association or a Similar Institution is Acquired in a Business Combination Accounted for by the Purchase Method" and requires that those transactions be accounted for in accordance with FASB Statement No. 141, "Business Combinations" and FASB Statement No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". FAS 147 amends FAS 144 "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" to include within its scope long-term customer-relationship intangibles of financial institutions. FAS 147 is effective for acquisitions occurring on or after October 1, 2002, and for all other provisions on October 1, 2002 with earlier application permitted. There has been no impact as of December 31, 2004 on the Group's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Adoption of FAS 148

        In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123", (FAS 148). Effective December 15, 2002, the Group adopted the disclosure requirements of FAS 148 which requires prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. FAS 148 provides the alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation.

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For the year ended December 31, 2004, Prudential continued using the intrinsic value method which is its existing accounting policy for stock-based compensation.

Adoption of FAS 149

        In April 2003, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standard No. 149, "Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" (FAS 149). FAS 149 was issued to amend and clarify financial reporting for derivative instruments, including embedded derivative instruments and hedging activities. FAS 149 is effective prospectively for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The provisions of FAS 149 that relate to FAS 133 DIG issues should continue to be applied in accordance with their respective dates. The adoption of FAS 149 did not have a material impact on the Group's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Adoption of FAS 150

        In May 2003, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standard No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity" (FAS 150). FAS 150 improves the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance, issuers could account for as equity and requires that these instruments be classified as liabilities in statements of financial position. This statement is effective prospectively for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim reporting period starting after June 15, 2003. The adoption of FAS 150 did not have a material impact on the Group's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Adoption of DIG B36

        In April 2003, the FASB issued guidance in Statement No. 133 Implementation Issue No. B36, "Embedded Derivatives: Modified Coinsurance Arrangements and Debt Instruments That Incorporate Credit Risk Exposures That are Unrelated or Only Partially Related to the Creditworthiness of the Obligor under Those Instruments" (DIG B36). DIG B36 addresses the instances in which bifurcation of an instrument into a debt host contract and an embedded credit derivative is required. In particular DIG B36 clarifies where modified coinsurance arrangements in which funds are withheld by the ceding insurer contain an embedded derivative feature which contains economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the host contract. Bifurcation is also required for embedded features of a debt instrument and all other arrangements which incorporate credit risk exposures that are unrelated or only partially related to the creditworthiness of the issuer of that instrument. The implementation of DIG B36 did not have a material impact on the Group's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Adoption of FAS 132-R

        On December 23, 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 132 (revised 2003), "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits, an amendment of FASB Statements Nos. 87, 88 and 106, and a revision of FASB Statement No. 132" (FAS 132-R). FAS 132-R requires additional detailed disclosures regarding pension plan assets, benefit obligations, cash flows, benefit costs and related information. FAS 132-R does not change plan

F-136



measurement or recognition criteria. With the exception of certain disclosures including disclosures related to foreign plans, the new disclosures are effective for fiscal periods ending after December 15, 2003. Companies with foreign plans may defer certain disclosures until fiscal years ending after June 15, 2004. The disclosure requirements are included in Note 37 on pages F-118 to F-122.

SFAS No. 154

        In May 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 154, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB No. 20 and FAS No. 3" (FAS 154). FAS 154 provides guidance on the accounting for and reporting of accounting changes and error corrections. APB Opinion 20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting principle be recognized by including in net income of the period of the change the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle. FAS 154 establishes, unless impracticable, retrospective application as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle in the absence of explicit transition requirements specific to the newly adopted accounting principle. FAS 154 also redefines restatement as the revising of previously issued financial statements to reflect the correction of an error. FAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Group is currently assessing the impact of FAS 154 on its results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

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INDEX TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

 
  Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

S-2

Profit and Loss Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

S-3

Balance Sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

S-4

Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Capital and Reserves for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

S-5

Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

S-6

Notes to the Condensed Financial Statement Schedule

 

S-7

S-1



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

         To the Board of Directors and Members of Prudential plc

        Under date of June 24, 2005, we reported on the consolidated balance sheets of Prudential plc and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated profit and loss accounts, consolidated statement of total recognized gains and losses, reconciliation of movements in consolidated shareholders' capital and reserves, and consolidated statements of cash flows from general business and shareholders' funds for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, which are included herein. In connection with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related condensed financial statement schedule included herein and appearing on pages S-3 to S-8. This condensed financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Group's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this schedule based on our audits.

        In our opinion, such condensed financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

        Accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Notes 36 and 37 to the consolidated financial statements and Note 3 to the condensed financial statement schedule.


June 24, 2005

 

By:

 

/s/  
KPMG AUDIT PLC        
KPMG Audit Plc
London, England

S-2



SCHEDULE II

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PRUDENTIAL plc

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS

Years ended December 31

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Investment income   519   518   600  
Investment expenses and charges   (352 ) (270 ) (256 )
Other charges:              
  Corporate expenditure   (77 ) (75 ) (70 )
  Provision against loans   (33 ) (75 ) (19 )
Foreign currency exchange gains   33   58   5  
   
 
 
 
Operating profit and profit on ordinary activities before tax   90   156   260  
Tax on profit on ordinary activities   34   30   67  
   
 
 
 
Profit for the financial year   124   186   327  
   
 
 
 
Dividends:              
  Interim at 5.19p, 5.09p and 8.56p per share, respectively*   (109 ) (106 ) (178 )
  Final at 10.65p, 10.29p and 16.44p per share, respectively*   (252 ) (214 ) (341 )
   
 
 
 
Total dividends at 15.84p, 15.38p and 25.00p per share, respectively*   (361 ) (320 ) (519 )
   
 
 
 
Retained loss for the financial year   (237 ) (134 ) (192 )
   
 
 
 

*
Dividend amounts per share have been restated to take account of the rights offering in 2004.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed financial information

S-3



SCHEDULE II

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PRUDENTIAL plc

BALANCE SHEETS

December 31

 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Fixed assets          
Investments:          
  Shares in subsidiary undertakings   5,629   4,000  
  Loans to subsidiary undertakings   2,129   2,526  
   
 
 
    7,758   6,526  
   
 
 
Current assets          
Debtors:          
  Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings   1,085   1,072  
  Other debtors   38   32  
Cash at bank and in hand   325   156  
   
 
 
    1,448   1,260  
   
 
 
Less liabilities: amounts falling due within one year          
Debenture loans   (130 )  
Commercial paper   (1,228 ) (1,041 )
Other borrowings   (3 )  
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings   (621 ) (17 )
Tax payable   (170 ) (184 )
Final dividend payable   (252 ) (214 )
Sundry creditors   (36 ) (29 )
Accruals and deferred income   (44 ) (44 )
   
 
 
    (2,484 ) (1,529 )
   
 
 
Net current liabilities   (1,036 ) (269 )
   
 
 
Total assets less current liabilities   6,722   6,257  
Less liabilities: amounts falling due after more than one year          
Subordinated liabilities   (1,429 ) (1,336 )
Debenture loans   (800 ) (940 )
Other borrowings   (9 )  
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings   (1,959 ) (2,359 )
   
 
 
Total net assets   2,525   1,622  
   
 
 
Capital and reserves          
Share capital   119   100  
Share premium   1,558   553  
Profit and loss account   848   969  
   
 
 
Shareholders' funds   2,525   1,622  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed financial information

S-4



SCHEDULE II

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PRUDENTIAL plc

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' CAPITAL AND RESERVES

 
  Number of
Ordinary Shares

  Ordinary
Share Capital

  Share
Premium

  Retained
Profit and
Loss Reserve

  Total
 
 
  (In Millions)

  (In £ Millions)

 
January 1, 2002   1,994   100   533   1,245   1,878  
Profit for the financial year         327   327  
Dividends         (519 ) (519 )
New share capital subscribed   8     40     40  
Transfer for shares issued in lieu of cash dividends       (23 ) 23    
   
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2003   2,002   100   550   1,076   1,726  
Profit for the financial year         186   186  
Dividends         (320 ) (320 )
New share capital subscribed   7     30     30  
Transfer for shares issued in lieu of cash dividends       (27 ) 27    
   
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2004   2,009   100   553   969   1,622  
Profit for the financial year         124   124  
Dividends         (361 ) (361 )
Proceeds from rights offering, net of expenses   339   17   1,004     1,021  
Other new share capital subscribed   27   2   117     119  
Transfer for shares issued in lieu of cash dividends       (116 ) 116    
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2004   2,375   119   1,558   848   2,525  
   
 
 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed financial information

S-5



SCHEDULE II

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PRUDENTIAL plc

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended December 31

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Operations              
Net cash inflow from operating activities before interest and tax   441   457   516  
Interest paid   (357 ) (261 ) (158 )
Taxes recovered   20   88   200  
Acquisitions and disposals              
Investment in shares in subsidiary undertakings   (1,010 )   (321 )
Equity dividends paid   (323 ) (447 ) (509 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash outflow before financing   (1,229 ) (163 ) (272 )
   
 
 
 
Financing              
Issues of ordinary share capital   1,140   30   40  
Issue of borrowings   132   636    
Issue (repayment) issue of commercial paper to support a short-term fixed income securities reinvestment program   23   (200 ) (89 )
Movement in net amount owed to subsidiary undertakings   (67 ) 237   (2 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash inflow (outflow) from financing   1,228   703   (51 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash (outflow) inflow for the year   (1 ) 540   (323 )
   
 
 
 
Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operations              
Operating profit   90   156   260  
Add back: interest charged   352   270   256  
Exchange movements   (33 ) (50 ) (5 )
Provision against loans   33   75   19  
Increase in debtors   (17 ) (4 ) (3 )
Increase (decrease) in creditors   16   10   (11 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash inflow from operating activities   441   457   516  
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed financial information

S-6



SCHEDULE II

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PRUDENTIAL plc

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

December 31, 2004

1 Accounting Policies

        The UK GAAP accounting policies described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements have been used in the preparation of these parent company financial statements, as well as the accounting policy described below.

Investments in shares in subsidiary undertakings

        Shares in subsidiary undertakings in the balance sheet of the parent company are shown at the lower of cost and estimated realizable value. Dividend income arising from these subsidiary undertakings is included within investment income in the parent company profit and loss account.

2 Dividends from Subsidiary Undertakings

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (In £ Millions)

The Prudential Assurance Company Limited   309   373   380
Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited       160
M&G Group plc   95   108  
   
 
 
Total dividends   404   481   540
   
 
 

3 Reconciliation from UK GAAP to US GAAP

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In £ Millions)

 
Net Income              
Profit for the financial year in accordance with UK GAAP   124   186   327  
Share in profit of the Group   304   22   141  
US GAAP adjustments   (337 ) 457   (825 )
   
 
 
 
Net income in accordance with US GAAP   91   665   (357 )
   
 
 
 
Net Equity              
Shareholders' funds in accordance with UK GAAP   2,525   1,622      
Shareholder dividend liability   252   214      
Share in net equity of the Group*   1,756   1,618      
US GAAP adjustments (less dividends)*   1,394   1,674      
   
 
     
Shareholders' equity in accordance with US GAAP   5,927   5,128      
   
 
     

*
The 2003 figures for these lines have been restated (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements).

        The parent company financial statements are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP. The above table provides a reconciliation between UK GAAP and US GAAP. Note 36 to the consolidated financial statements describes the material differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP.

S-7



        "US GAAP adjustments" in the above table represent the total of material differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP as presented in Note 36 to the consolidated financial statements, except that the adjustment to shareholders' equity for the shareholder dividend liability is shown separately above.

        The share in profit and in net equity of the Group represents the parent company's equity in the earnings and net assets of its subsidiaries and associates. As stated in Note 1 to the condensed financial statement schedule, the parent company accounts for its investments in shares in subsidiary undertakings on a cost basis under UK GAAP, whilst under US GAAP these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

4 Guarantees Provided by the Parent Company

        The parent company provides a guarantee for the £150 million principal amount, 9.375% guaranteed bonds due 2007, as disclosed in Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements. These borrowings have been issued by one of its finance subsidiaries.

S-8



SIGNATURES

        The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

    PRUDENTIAL PLC

June 24, 2005

 

By:

 

/s/
MARK TUCKER
    Name:   Mark Tucker
    Title:   Group Chief Executive


Item 19.    Exhibits

        Documents filed as exhibits to this Form 20-F:

Exhibit Number
  Description

1.   Memorandum and Articles of Association of Prudential.

2.1*

 

Form of Deposit Agreement among Prudential, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as depositary, and holders and beneficial owners from time to time of ADRs issued thereunder, including the form of ADR.

2.2

 

The total amount of long-term debt securities of Prudential plc authorized under any instrument does not exceed 10 per cent of the total assets of the Company on a consolidated basis. Prudential plc hereby agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, a copy of any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of Prudential plc or of its subsidiaries for which consolidated or unconsolidated financial statements are required to be filed.

4.1

 

Restricted Share Plan.

4.2

 

Executive Directors' Service Contracts:
Mark Tucker
Philip Broadley**
Clark Manning**
Michael McLintock**
Mark Norbom***
Mark Wood**

4.3

 

Other benefits between the Prudential Group and Executive Directors:
Mark Tucker
Philip Broadley
Clark Manning
Michael McLintock
Mark Norbom
Mark Wood

4.4

 

Chairman's Letter of Appointment

4.5

 

Other benefits between Prudential and the Chairman

4.6

 

Non-executive Directors' Letters of Appointment
Keki Dadiseth
Michael Garrett
Bridget Macaskill
Roberto Mendoza
Kathleen O'Donovan
James Ross
Rob Rowley

4.7

 

Other benefits between Prudential and the non-executive Directors
Keki Dadiseth
Michael Garrett
Bridget Macaskill
Roberto Mendoza
Kathleen O'Donovan
James Ross
Rob Rowley
     


6.

 

Statement re computation of per share earnings (set forth in Note 5 and Note 37 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 20-F).

8.

 

Subsidiaries of Prudential (set forth in Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 20-F).

12.1

 

Certification of Prudential plc's Group Chief Executive pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

12.2

 

Certification of Prudential plc's Group Finance Director pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

13.1

 

Annual certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

14.1

 

Consent of KPMG Audit Plc.

15.1***

 

Prudential's Code of Business Conduct

*
As previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 22, 2000 as an exhibit to Prudential's Form F-6.

**
As previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 2003 as an exhibit to Prudential's Form 20-F.

***
As previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 18, 2004 as an exhibit to Prudential's Form 20-F.



QuickLinks

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PRUDENTIAL
RISK FACTORS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
BUSINESS OF PRUDENTIAL
Overview
Strategy
Company Address and Agent
Significant Subsidiaries
UK and Europe Business
US Business
Asian Business
Investments
Description of Property
Competition
Intellectual Property
Legal Proceedings
Sources
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION OF PRUDENTIAL
UK Supervision and Regulation
US Supervision and Regulation
Asian Supervision and Regulation
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
Introduction
Factors Affecting Results of Operations
International Financial Reporting Standards and Discretionary Changes
Overview of Consolidated Results
Analysis by Geographic Region
Geographic Analysis by Nature of Income and Expense
New UK Accounting Pronouncements
US GAAP Analysis
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Introduction of the Euro
RISK MANAGEMENT OF PRUDENTIAL
INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Prudential plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts Years ended December 31
Prudential plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts Year ended December 31, 2004
Prudential plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts Year ended December 31, 2003
Prudential plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts Year ended December 31, 2002
Prudential plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31
Prudential plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31
Prudential plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statement of Total Recognized Gains and Losses Years ended December 31
Reconciliation of Movements in Consolidated Shareholders' Capital and Reserves
Prudential plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows from General Business and Shareholders' Funds Years ended December 31
Prudential plc and Subsidiaries Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2004
INDEX TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PRUDENTIAL plc PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS Years ended December 31
SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PRUDENTIAL plc BALANCE SHEETS December 31
SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PRUDENTIAL plc RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' CAPITAL AND RESERVES
SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PRUDENTIAL plc STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Years ended December 31
SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PRUDENTIAL plc NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE December 31, 2004
SIGNATURES