10.11.2016
Hannover Rück SE DE0008402215
DGAP-News: Hannover Re posts strong nine-month result for 2016
DGAP-News: Hannover Rück SE / Key word(s): 9-month figures
Hannover Re posts strong nine-month result for 2016
10.11.2016 / 07:30
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Press Release
Hannover Re posts strong nine-month result for 2016
- Group net income rises to EUR 790.0 million(EUR 786.0 million)
- Book value per share: EUR 72.81 (EUR 66.90)
- Income from assets under own management: EUR 896.5 million
(EUR 931.8 million)
- Return on equity: 12.5%
- Combined ratio in property and casualty reinsurance: 95.0% (95.5%)
- Currency-adjusted gross premium virtually unchanged at -1.7%
- Net major loss expenditure moderate at EUR 393.2 million
(EUR 436.4 million)
- Outlook for 2016: Group net income guidance of at least EUR 950
million confirmed
Hannover, 10 November 2016: Hannover Re is highly satisfied with the
development of its business as at 30 September 2016. Group net income came
in slightly above the previous year's level at EUR 790.0 million (EUR 786.0
million). "Despite all the challenges both business groups, namely Property
& Casualty and Life & Health reinsurance, lived up to our expectations",
Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Wallin affirmed. "We are very well on track
to achieve our profit target of at least EUR 950 million for the full 2016
financial year."
Gross premium lower as expected
Gross written premium for the Hannover Re Group contracted by
3.8% to EUR 12.5 billion (EUR 12.9 billion). The decrease would have been
1.7% at constant exchange rates. This puts the company very much in line
with its expectations for the full year. The retention rose to 89.6%
(87.9%), as a consequence of which net premium earned fell only marginally
by 0.6% to EUR 10.8 billion (EUR 10.8 billion). Adjusted for exchange rate
effects, an increase of 1.7% would have been recorded.
Group net income on the previous year's good level
Driven by good business results in reinsurance and solid investment income,
the operating profit (EBIT) as at 30 September 2016 closed virtually on a
par with the previous year at EUR 1,189.1 million (EUR 1,190.3 million).
This is especially gratifying given that the previous year had benefited
from a positive special effect of EUR 39 million. Group net income improved
by a modest 0.5% on the very good level of the previous year's period to
reach EUR 790.0 million (EUR 786.0 million). Earnings per share amounted to
EUR 6.55 (EUR 6.52).
Good result in property and casualty reinsurance
The supply of reinsurance coverage continues to exceed demand, leaving
prices and conditions under sustained pressure. This was again evident in
the treaty negotiations as at 1 July 2016, the date on which parts of the
North American portfolio, most agricultural risks and business from Latin
America and Australia came up for renewal. Hannover Re was consistent here
in pursuing its margin-oriented underwriting approach.
The gross written premium booked by Hannover Re in property and casualty
reinsurance contracted by 2.7% as at 30 September 2016. At constant
exchange rates it would have decreased by just 1.5%. The retention
retreated slightly to 88.3% (88.8%). Net premium earned totalled EUR 5.9
billion (EUR 6.0 billion); adjusted for exchange rate effects, a gain of
0.9% would have been recorded.
After the heavy burden of losses incurred in the second quarter, the third
quarter came in well below the loss expectancy. In accordance with its
prudent reserving policy, the company keeps the unused parts of the large
loss budget available for the remainder of the year. Aside from positive
run-offs on the usual level, no additional reserve releases were made. The
company's total net loss expenditure as at 30 September 2016 stood at EUR
393.2 million (EUR 436.4 million). This leaves Hannover Re with a large
loss budget of around EUR 430 million at its disposal for the rest of the
year. The combined ratio of 95.0% (95.5%) is very well within the target
zone of below 96%. The underwriting result climbed 9.6% to EUR 275.5
million (EUR 251.4 million). The operating profit (EBIT) as at 30 September
2016 totalled EUR 893.0 million after EUR 936.3 million in the previous
year's period. Group net income closed at EUR 613.5 million (EUR 651.0
million). Earnings per share amounted to EUR 5.09 (EUR 5.40).
Good earnings contribution from life and health reinsurance
Life and health reinsurance delivered a pleasing development and generated
a good contribution to Group net income. Although gross written premium was
down 5.2% to EUR 5.3 billion (EUR 5.6 billion), positive impetus can still
be anticipated from the implementation of Solvency II and associated demand
for reinsurance solutions, including for example in the area of longevity
business. Adjusted for exchange rate effects, gross premium income would
have declined by 2.0%. The retention rose from 86.8% to 91.5%; net premium
earned consequently fell by just 0.5% to EUR 4.8 billion (EUR 4.9 billion).
At constant exchange rates an increase of 2.8% would have been recorded.
Boosted by the very good development of the third quarter, the operating
result (EBIT) in life and health reinsurance as at 30 September 2016 soared
by 17.9% to EUR 290.4 million (EUR 246.3 million). Group net income
improved by 17.5% to EUR 208.9 million (EUR 177.8 million). Earnings per
share stood at EUR 1.73 (EUR 1.47).
Very satisfactory investment income
The portfolio of assets under own management grew on the basis of a
continued positive cash flow to EUR 40.7 billion as at 30 September 2016
(31 December 2015: EUR 39.3 billion). Despite ongoing volatility and a low
interest rate environment, ordinary investment income excluding interest on
funds withheld and contract deposits reached a good EUR 852.0 million (EUR
912.5 million). The decrease can be attributed primarily to the elimination
of a positive special effect in the previous year's period. Furthermore,
the lower yields were to some extent offset by stronger income from
dividends and real estate. Interest on funds withheld and contract deposits
fell to EUR 249.9 million (EUR 292.9 million). Impairments of EUR 61.0
million (EUR 24.1 million) were taken. The bulk of this amount was
attributable to scheduled depreciation on directly held real estate and
write-downs on listed equities, given that individual stock prices moved
sharply lower at times in connection with the Brexit decision. The net
balance of realised gains on disposals stood at EUR 153.6 million (EUR
124.2 million) as at 30 September 2016. Income from assets under own
management totalled EUR 896.5 million (EUR 931.8 million) after nine
months. The resulting annualised average return on investment reached 3.0%
and thus exceeded the full-year target of 2.9%. Net investment income
including interest on funds withheld and contract deposits amounted to EUR
1,146.4 million (EUR 1,224.7 million).
Robust equity base
Hannover Re's shareholders' equity remained robust as at 30 September 2016
on the back of net income and higher valuation reserves: it climbed to EUR
8.8 billion (31 December 2015: EUR 8.1 billion). Reflecting this continued
increase, the annualised return on equity fell to 12.5% (31 December 2015:
14.7%). The book value per share reached EUR 72.81 (31 December 2015: EUR
66.90).
The company's capital adequacy ratio (Solvency II ratio) as at
30 June 2016 was again comfortably in excess of requirements at 231%; it
had amounted to 221% as at 31 December 2015.
Outlook for 2016
In view of its results for the first nine months Hannover Re is well on
track to achieve its full-year targets for 2016. Based on constant exchange
rates, the company anticipates stable or slightly reduced gross premium
volume. The targeted figure of at least EUR 950 million for Group net
income remains unchanged. This is conditional on major loss expenditure not
significantly exceeding the budgeted level of EUR 825 million and assumes
that there are no unforeseen distortions on capital markets.
Looking ahead to the upcoming treaty renewals in property and casualty
reinsurance as at 1 January 2017, Hannover Re generally expects to see
greater stability in prices and conditions than a year ago, even though the
supply of reinsurance still clearly outstrips demand. The company
nevertheless anticipates further scope to write attractive business. The
progressive trend towards digitisation, for example, is opening up new
opportunities for the insurance industry. Furthermore, in view of the
increasing exposure potential, products designed to protect against cyber
risks are likely to grow in importance - also in markets outside the United
States. Hannover Re additionally sees growth possibilities in the area of
credit and surety and in US property and casualty business. All in all, the
company will maintain its focus on its existing business. Life and health
reinsurance will likely show a stable development relative to the previous
year, both in terms of premium and results. The reporting category of
financial solutions, in particular, is expected to generate further
sustained, profitable business.
Hannover Re's targeted return on investment for the full 2016 financial
year remains unchanged at 2.9%. The company still envisages a payout ratio
for the dividend in the range of 35% to 40% of its IFRS Group net income.
This figure will increase in light of capital management considerations -
as in the previous year - through payment of a special dividend if the
company's comfortable level of capitalisation remains unchanged.
Outlook for 2017
For the 2017 financial year Hannover Re again anticipates stable or
slightly lower gross premium based on constant exchange rates. The return
on investment is expected to be 2.7%, with Group net income in excess of
EUR 950 million. All statements are subject to the proviso that major loss
expenditure remains with the budgeted level of EUR 825 million and that
there are no unforeseen distortions on capital markets.
Hannover Re, with gross premium of around EUR 17 billion, is the third-
largest reinsurer in the world. It transacts all lines of property &
casualty and life & health reinsurance and is present on all continents
with around 2,500 staff. Established in 1966, the Hannover Re Group today
has a network of more than 100 subsidiaries, branches and representative
offices worldwide. The Group's German business is written by the subsidiary
E+S Rück. The rating agencies most relevant to the insurance industry have
awarded both Hannover Re and E+S Rück very strong insurer financial
strength ratings: Standard & Poor's AA- "Very Strong" and A.M. Best A+
"Superior". In 2016 Hannover Re celebrates its fiftieth anniversary.
Please note the disclaimer:
https://www.hannover-re.com/535917
Key figures of the Hannover Re Group (IFRS basis)
in EUR million Q1-3/2016 +/- previous Q1-3/2015 2015 year Hannover Re Group Gross written 12,454.0 -3.8% 12,945.9 premium Net premium earned 10,766.6 -0.6% 10,830.1 Net underwriting 44.5 (72.8) result Net investment 1,146.4 -6.4% 1,224.7 income Operating profit 1,189.1 -0.1% 1,190.3 (EBIT) Group net income 790.0 +0.5% 786.0 Earnings per share 6.55 +0.5% 6.52 in EUR Retention 89.6% 87.9% Tax ratio 27.0% 26.5% EBIT margin1) 11.0% 11.0% Return on equity 12.5% 13.7% in EUR million Q1-3/2016 +/- previous Q1-3/2015 2015 year Policyholders' 11,004.3 +7.2% 10,267.3 surplus Investments (excl. 40,669.5 +3.4% 39,346.9 funds held by ceding companies) Total assets 62,822.9 -0.6% 63,214.9 Book value per share 72.81 +8.8% 66.90 in EUR Property & Casualty reinsurance in EUR million Q1-3/2016 +/- previous Q1-3/2015 2015 year Gross written 7,120.5 -2.7% 7,319.4 premium Net premium earned 5,925.3 -0.7% 5,965.4 Net underwriting 275.5 +9.6% 251.4 result Operating profit 893.0 -4.6% 936.3 (EBIT) Group net income 613.5 -5.8% 651.0 Retention 88.3% 88.8% Combined Ratio2) 95.0% 95.5% EBIT margin1) 15.1% 15.7% Life & Health reinsurance in EUR million Q1-3/2016 +/- previous Q1-3/2015 2015 year Gross written 5,333.5 -5.2% 5,626.6 premium Net premium earned 4,841.1 -0.5% 4,864.1 Operating profit 290.4 +17.9% 246.3 (EBIT) Group net income 208.9 +17.5% 177.8 Retention 91.5% 86.8% EBIT margin1) 6.0% 5.1% 1) Operating result (EBIT)/net premium earned 2) Including funds withheldKey figures of the Hannover Re Group (IFRS basis) in EUR million Q3/2016 +/- previous Q3/2015 year Hannover Re Group Gross written 4,170.2 -4.3% 4,359.4 premium Net premium earned 3,599.9 -5.5% 3,810.7 Net underwriting 47.2 (32.9) result Net investment 401.6 -5.7% 426.0 income Operating profit 443.9 +10.7% 400.9 (EBIT) Group net income 303.9 +19.6% 254.1 Earnings per share 2.52 +19.6% 2.11 in EUR Retention 89.4% 87.3% Tax ratio 26.3% 29.7% EBIT margin1) 12.3% 10.5% Return on equity 14.1% 13.2% Property & Casualty reinsurance in EUR million Q3/2016 +/- previous Q3/2015 year Gross written 2,493.1 +6.2% 2,347.1 premium Net premium earned 2,086.8 +0.8% 2,071.2 Net underwriting 109.1 +35.6% 80.5 result Operating profit 332.0 -5.8% 352.6 (EBIT) Group net income 237.3 +2.0% 232.6 Retention 88.5% 87.3% Combined Ratio2) 94.4% 95.8% EBIT margin1) 15.9% 17.0% Life & Health reinsurance in EUR million Q3/2016 +/- previous Q3/2015 year Gross written 1,677.1 -16.6% 2,012.1 premium Net premium earned 1,513.0 -13.0% 1,739.3 Operating profit 111.3 +140.6% 46.2 (EBIT) Group net income 78.3 +143.5% 32.1 Retention 90.8% 87.2% EBIT margin1) 7.4% 2.7% 1) Operating result (EBIT)/net premium earned 2) Including funds withheld--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10.11.2016 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: Hannover Rück SE Karl-Wiechert-Allee 50 30625 Hannover Germany Phone: +49-(0)511-5604-1500 Fax: +49-(0)511-5604-1648 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.hannover-re.com ISIN: DE0008402215 WKN: 840 221 Indices: MDAX Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Hanover; Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange; Luxemburg End of News DGAP News Service --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 518973 10.11.2016
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