Sun Life Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results

TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2020 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) today announced its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020. Second quarter reported net income was $519 million and underlying net income⁽¹⁾ was $739 million.

"These are unprecedented and challenging times, and our thoughts go out to the many people whose lives have been impacted by the pandemic. Sun Life employees and advisors around the world have the honour of serving Clients at a time when they need us the most," said Dean Connor, President and CEO, Sun Life.

"While the pandemic increased death claims in the second quarter, and resulted in elevated credit charges, our underlying growth and well-balanced business mix delivered underlying net income level with prior year. The declines in our reported net income reflect lower interest rates and credit spreads. We saw declines in our insurance sales compared to the second quarter of 2019 reflecting pandemic lockdowns. Wealth and asset management sales grew significantly over the prior year. Sun Life's capital position remained strong and cash flows, liquidity and leverage are healthy."

"Our prior digital investments have served us well in the early stages of the pandemic, making it easy for Clients and advisors to virtually access advice and solutions. We will continue to accelerate our digital investments to drive greater ease of doing business for Clients and to build on our business momentum," added Connor.

Financial and Operational Highlights - Quarterly Comparison (Q2 2020 vs. Q2 2019)

Our strategy is focused on four key pillars of growth, where we aim to be a leader in the markets in which we operate, with our continued progress detailed below.

Reported net income was $519 million in the second quarter of 2020, a decrease of $76 million or 13% compared to the same period in 2019, reflecting unfavourable market-related impacts and impacts from fair value adjustments on MFS's⁽¹⁾ share-based payments, partially offset by assumption changes and management actions ("ACMA"). Unfavourable market-related impacts reflected interest rate impacts and changes in the fair value of investment properties, partially offset by equity market impacts. Underlying net income was in line with the same period in 2019, with positive impacts from business growth, investing activity, morbidity experience and higher net investment returns on surplus, largely offset by unfavourable tax impacts, credit experience and expense experience. Refer to the Non-IFRS Financial Measures section in this document for a reconciliation between reported net income and underlying net income.

Our reported ROE was 9.4% in the second quarter of 2020. Underlying ROE was 13.4%, compared to 13.7% in the second quarter of 2019, reflecting the increase in common shareholders' equity. Common shareholders' equity increased, driven by shareholders' net income and the impacts of foreign exchange, partially offset by dividend distributions, the impact on equity from the BGO acquisition⁽²⁾ and the repurchase of common shares.

SLF Inc. and its wholly-owned holding companies ended the quarter with $3.5 billion in cash and other liquid assets. Our cash and other liquid assets balance provides us with the flexibility and opportunities for capital deployment. Subsequent to June 30, 2020, we completed our acquisition of a majority stake in InfraRed Capital Partners ("InfraRed") for approximately $510 million. Subject to regulatory approval, we anticipate redeeming, in full, the $500 million principal amount of Series 2015-1 Subordinated Unsecured 2.60% Fixed/Floating Debentures, callable on September 25, 2020, in accordance with the redemption terms attached to the debentures. These events will not impact Sun Life Assurance, however, will reduce the SLF Inc. LICAT ratio by approximately 5 percentage points and are expected to be funded from our $3.5 billion in cash and other liquid assets.

A leader in insurance and wealth solutions in our Canadian Home Market

Canada's reported net income was $117 million, a decrease of $31 million or 21% in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, reflecting unfavourable market-related impacts, partially offset by improved ACMA impacts. Unfavourable market-related impacts predominantly reflected interest rate impacts and changes in the fair value of investment properties, partially offset by the rise in equity markets. Underlying net income was $281 million, an increase of $38 million or 16% compared to the same period in 2019, driven by higher investing activity of $62 million, partially offset by credit experience of $22 million. In addition, underlying net income includes the favourable impact of business growth, partially offset by unfavourable results in GB. Unfavourable results in GB reflected disability experience and impacts of ASO⁽³⁾ expense experience, partially offset by lower dental and paramedical claims.

Canada insurance sales were $151 million in the second quarter of 2020, a decrease of $43 million or 22% compared to the same period in 2019, reflecting lower large case sales in GB, and lower sales in Individual Insurance as a result of the impact of COVID-19. Wealth sales were $2.6 billion, a decrease of $640 million or 20%, reflecting the timing of large case sales in Group Retirement Services ("GRS") and lower sales in Individual Wealth.

We continue to shape the Canadian market with innovative new offerings delivering on our Purpose to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. We have taken a leadership position in executing on our sustainability commitment by launching our proprietary Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") evaluation framework for every major asset category on our core GRS investment platform. This enables us to empower Clients and plan sponsors in making informed decisions on sustainable investment options. In addition, we continue to maximize the value we provide our Clients by transforming the way we do business, with over 61,000 virtual Advisor-Client meetings in the second quarter and doubling the use of electronic signature options to complete retail wealth transactions.

A leader in U.S. group benefits

U.S.'s reported net income was $118 million in the second quarter of 2020, an increase of $24 million or 26% compared to the same period in 2019, driven by improved market-related impacts and lower integration costs. Underlying net income was $123 million, an increase of $13 million or 12%, driven by business growth, favourable morbidity experience and a gain arising from the conclusion of a legal matter, partially offset by unfavourable mortality experience and credit experience. Favourable morbidity experience was driven by dental and short-term disability experience, partially offset by less favourable long-term disability claims. The after-tax profit margin for Group Benefits⁽¹⁾ was 7.5% as of the second quarter of 2020 compared to 7.3% as of the second quarter of 2019.

U.S. insurance sales were US$165 million in the second quarter of 2020, in line with the same period in 2019, reflecting resilient performance across all businesses in a challenging environment.

Our strength in the employee benefits marketplace was fueled by several flexible solutions that respond to Client needs during the pandemic which provide a seamless, virtual benefits experience and coverage for out-of-pocket health costs to close financial coverage gaps. We temporarily waived the platform fee for employers on our advanced Maxwell Health digital benefits platform and launched several updates, including enhanced mobile enrollment, text messaging and live chat features, and additional integration for employee payroll deductions. Furthermore, we added other virtual options to enroll members for Sun Life benefits, including one-on-one or group enrollment meetings to help ensure they can easily choose their benefits any time on any device. We have also announced the addition of a new Sun Life hospital indemnity product to our supplemental health portfolio, which pays members cash benefits during hospital stays.

A leader in Global Asset Management

Asset Management's reported net income was $223 million in the second quarter of 2020, a decrease of $6 million or 3% compared to the same period in 2019, reflecting unfavourable fair value adjustments on MFS's share-based payment awards and costs related to the acquisition of BGO. Underlying net income was $259 million, an increase of $14 million or 6%, driven by the increase in SLC Management's performance fees and the net income from the BGO acquisition that closed in July 2019, partially offset by higher sales expenses in MFS. The pre-tax net operating profit margin ratio for MFS⁽¹⁾ was 36% in the second quarter of 2020, compared to 37% in the same period last year.

Asset Management ended the second quarter with $779.1 billion in assets under management, consisting of $690.2 billion (US$508.5 billion) in MFS and $88.9 billion in SLC Management. MFS reported net inflows of $7.4 billion (US$5.4 billion), including positive flows from U.S. retail products for the sixth consecutive quarter. SLC Management reported net outflows of $0.2 billion.

In the second quarter of 2020, 86%, 88% and 80% of MFS's U.S. retail mutual fund assets ranked in the top half of their Lipper categories based on ten-, five- and three-year performance, respectively.

On July 1, 2020, we completed the acquisition of the majority stake in InfraRed, a global infrastructure and real estate investment manager. As a leader in global infrastructure investing including renewable energy, InfraRed will broaden SLC Management's suite of alternative investment solutions while also creating the opportunity for InfraRed to access North American investors through our distribution networks. The transaction includes the ability to acquire the remaining 20% interest of InfraRed in the future.

A leader in Asia through distribution excellence in higher growth markets

Asia's reported net income was $126 million in the second quarter of 2020, a decrease of $8 million or 6% compared to the same period in 2019, due to unfavourable market-related impacts, predominantly due to interest rate impacts, partially offset by favourable ACMA impacts. Underlying net income was $144 million, a decrease of $3 million or 2%, due to unfavourable credit experience and lower available-for-sale asset ("AFS") gains, largely offset by a gain from a mortgage investment prepayment and favourable morbidity experience.

Asia insurance sales were $240 million in the second quarter of 2020, in line with the second quarter of 2019, as increases in International Hubs, China and Vietnam were offset by a decrease in sales in other insurance markets as a result of the impact of COVID-19. Asia wealth sales were $2.5 billion, an increase of $656 million or 36%, driven by fixed income sales in India and money market sales in the Philippines.

We have accelerated digital development across Asia to ensure our advisors have the appropriate capabilities to provide Clients with much-needed protection solutions during this time. New virtual sales experiences have been rolled out in Hong Kong, Indonesia, India and the Philippines, with Vietnam and Malaysia set to launch virtual engagement capabilities in the coming months. Clients and advisors in these markets are now able to transact comfortably and securely, from application submission to digital signing, providing Clients with a quick and seamless experience, all without using paper or meeting face-to-face. For example, in the Philippines, during the COVID-19 restrictions, the majority of our applications were processed using our new digital solutions. Our wealth offerings continue to outperform; for example, in Hong Kong mandatory provident funds ("MPF"), we are now ranked #3 in AUM, and #2 in net inflows⁽²⁾.

Corporate

Corporate's reported net loss was $65 million in the second quarter of 2020, an increased loss of $55 million compared to the same period in 2019, due predominantly to the impacts on underlying net income. Underlying net loss was $68 million, an increased loss of $62 million, primarily due to an unfavourable adjustment relating to the prior year's Canadian tax filings and lower tax-exempt investment income, and credit experience in the UK, partially offset by higher net investment returns on surplus of $23 million, predominantly from seed investment gains, and mortality experience in the UK.

COVID-19 Pandemic Update⁽¹⁾

COVID-19 has affected all areas of our business and we are working to continue to be there for our Clients, advisors, employees, communities and shareholders. We continue to adjust our operations across each of our businesses as government restrictions and measures evolve around the globe. Our business continuity processes have been successful in ensuring that key business functions and normal operations continue during this unprecedented disruption. We have processes in place to monitor and maintain ongoing systems availability, stability, and security. We thank our employees and advisors for being there for our Clients through these difficult times.

Our working from home strategy continues to operate effectively and return to offices has been gradual and measured to ensure the health and safety of our employees and our communities.

We continue to support Clients facing financial hardships. This includes the extension of grace periods for premium payments for individual insurance and Group Benefits Clients, and rebates and credits to Group Benefits Clients.

Digital enhancements in Canada and the U.S. have provided Clients with alternative ways to interact with service providers, while new virtual sales experiences were rolled out in various markets in Asia, allowing Clients to transact digitally, from application submission to digital signing. We have also provided tools to support our advisors, such as a centralized resource hub, to enable them to connect with Clients seamlessly.

For the second quarter, the Sun Life Assurance LICAT ratio ended at 126%, a decrease from year-end, which was primarily driven by a scenario switch⁽²⁾ in the LICAT calculation, and the subsequent change in credit spread sensitivities. In the past, we have communicated that the impact of the discontinuity caused by the scenario switch can be up to four LICAT ratio percentage points. As a result of OSFI's⁽³⁾ updated guidance released in April of this year, the discontinuity impact has reduced to less than one LICAT percentage point in the quarter, with the remaining three percentage points decline coming through over the next five quarters if we remain on the current scenario. Subsequent to the scenario switch, our LICAT sensitivity to credit spreads has changed direction such that increases in credit spreads are favourable and decreases in credit spreads are unfavourable. As such, in addition to the one percentage point decline we saw in the second quarter, the remaining drop in the ratio at the end of the second quarter was mainly driven by narrowing credit spreads during the quarter, given the change in the credit spread sensitivities. The LICAT ratio in SLF Inc. experienced similar impacts but increased from year-end, due to the $1 billion subordinated debt issuance in May. Our strong capital and cash position at SLF Inc. continue to provide flexibility and opportunities for capital deployment.

In the second quarter, sales were mixed with insurance sales decreasing 6% and wealth sales increasing 53%, in comparison to the prior year. We saw some markets benefiting from digital tools, pre-existing sales pipelines, re-pricing and return to office opportunities in some markets. In other markets, we experienced significant sales declines resulting from strict quarantine protocols impacting face-to-face sales transactions. Strong wealth sales were driven by MFS, SLC Management, India and money market funds in the Philippines. In the month of July, individual sales across our products and businesses were mixed, with total individual insurance and wealth sales at approximately 95% and 110%, respectively, of the prior year. As a result of the mixed experience, the absence of clear return to office time frames and challenged economic conditions, our sales levels for the third quarter of 2020 remain uncertain at this time.

To support our Clients who may be facing financial hardships, we have extended grace periods for premium payment for individual insurance and Group Benefits Clients of up to 90 days. The impact to premium receivables has not been significant. Should we experience a prolonged period of non-payment, we may see a change in lapses and other policyholder behaviour. Up to June 30, 2020, the pandemic has had an immaterial impact on lapse and other policyholder behaviour.

Our Group Benefit and Group Pension businesses cover employees in the worksite. To the extent their employment is terminated and not replaced, premiums and business in-force would decline over time, all other things being equal. July premiums and business in force results were relatively unchanged from the end of the second quarter.

As of June 30, 2020, information from public health authorities indicates that COVID-19 related deaths in the U.S. and Canada were approximately 130,000 and 8,600, respectively. Based on the limited cause of death information provided to us, we estimate that most of the unfavourable mortality experience of $12 million in the second quarter was COVID-19 related, which is comprised of the net impact of life insurance claim losses, partially offset by annuity gains.

Favourable morbidity experience of $27 million for the second quarter of 2020, included gains from lower benefit utilization of dental, extended health care, vision, and hospital and surgical coverages that were partially offset by Group Benefit premium credits. Our overall morbidity result for the quarter also includes a continuation of heightened long-term disability claims in Canada Group Benefits. As a result of lower benefits utilization during COVID-19 lockdowns, we also saw lower fee income in our Canadian Group Benefits ASO business, which correlated to the number of claims processed. The impact of lower fee income during the second quarter is included in expense experience as this drove lower expense recoveries.

In July, our mortality and morbidity claims experience from COVID-19 has been small amounting to less than 5% of our monthly average for mortality and disability claims paid. With Canada and the U.S. gradually reopening businesses and services, health and dental benefits claims have increased compared to the monthly average of the second quarter, however were still below historical levels.

While there remains uncertainty in our COVID-19-related mortality and morbidity claims experience, we benefited from our product and geographic diversification, and differences in outcomes between the general and our insured population.

For the first six months of 2020, operating expenses are up 4% from the same period last year, or 3% when excluding the impact of foreign exchange translation, primarily from a restructuring provision established in the first quarter, new run rate costs associated with the BGO acquisition, and additional expenditures in response to COVID-19. These increases were partially offset by management actions focused on reducing discretionary spend. The reduction in discretionary spend will allow us to accelerate our investments in digital tools and capabilities to drive greater ease of doing business for Clients.

For our borrowers and real estate tenants, we have granted interest, principal and rent payment deferrals, on a case by case basis, with the majority of the deferrals being up to 3 months. As at June 30, 2020, we collected approximately 99% of our expected investment-related cash inflows. Outstanding deferrals as at the end of July were just less than $40 million with additional requests currently under assessment.

The month of July saw MFS AUM grow 5% to US$532 billion reflecting market growth, fund performance and flows.

The overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still uncertain and dependent on the progression of the virus, potential treatments and therapies, the availability of a vaccine and on actions taken by governments, businesses and individuals, which could vary by country and result in differing outcomes. Given the extent of the circumstances, it is difficult to reliably measure or predict the potential impact of this uncertainty on our future financial results. For additional information, please refer to section H - Risk Management in our Q2 2020 MD&A.

Earnings Conference Call

The Company's second quarter 2020 financial results will be reviewed at a conference call on Friday, August 7, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. ET. To listen to the call via live audio webcast and to view the presentation slides, as well as related information, please visit www.sunlife.com and click on the link to Quarterly reports under Investors - Financial results & reports 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. Individuals participating in the call in a listen-only mode are encouraged to connect via our webcast. Following the call, the webcast and presentation will be archived and made available on the Company's website, www.sunlife.com, until the Q2 2022 period end. The conference call can also be accessed by phone by dialing 602-563-8756 (International) or 1-877-658-9101 (toll-free within North America) using Conference ID: 4019034. A replay of the conference call will be available from Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. ET until 11:00 a.m. ET on Friday, August 21, 2020 by calling 404-537-3406 or 1-855-859-2056 (toll-free within North America) using Conference ID: 4019034.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sun-life-reports-second-quarter-2020-results-301108068.html

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.