THE HAGUE, the Netherlands, May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
- Solid underlying earnings; net income impacted by equity hedging
- Underlying earnings of EUR 445 million; effects of business growth and favorable equity markets offset by exits from partnerships in Spain and higher sales and employee performance related expenses
- Decline in net income to EUR 204 million mainly due to losses on equity hedging programs established to protect the capital position
- Return on equity decreases to 6.3%, or 7.0% excluding run-off businesses, as high net income in previous periods resulted in higher average shareholders' equity
- Continued sales momentum in accumulation and at-retirement products
- New life sales increase 12% to EUR 499 million; particularly strong pension sales in the UK and NL
- Accident & health and general insurance sales increase 14% to EUR 239 million
- Deposits 9% lower at EUR 10 billion; substantial increase in variable annuity and retail mutual fund deposits offset by lower asset management and pension deposits
- Market consistent value of new business increases significantly to EUR 232 million, due to higher sales and improved margins as a result of product repricing and redesign
- Strong capital position and cash flows
- IGD[a)] solvency ratio stable at 224%; US RBC ratio of ~485%
- Excess capital of EUR 1.8 billion at holding level
- Operational free cash flow of EUR 553 million, including exceptional items of EUR 233 million
Statement of Alex Wynaendts, CEO
"Our solid results, in terms of underlying earnings, sales and our capital position confirm that our strategic priorities are the right ones. In the first quarter, the sharp rise in equity markets resulted in a loss on our equity hedging programs which impacted net income. These hedging programs have been put in place to protect our capital position, in line with our strategy to reduce Aegon's exposure to financial market risk.
The gradual improvement of financial markets resulted in impairments reaching their lowest level since the start of the financial crisis in 2008.
"The recent conclusion of our partnership with Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo at favorable terms, along with our new long-term exclusive distribution agreement with Banco Santander, marks the successful restructuring of our business in Spain. In the UK, our focus on reducing expenses, while also making the necessary investments in new platform capabilities, has positioned Aegon to capture the significant growth opportunities in the new environment. Overall, this was a solid quarter for Aegon and it is clear our strategy is delivering the intended benefits for our customers, shareholders, employees and business partners."
Key performance indicators
Q1 Q4 Q1
amounts in EUR millions [b)] Notes 2013 2012 % 2012 %
Underlying earnings before tax 1 445 461 (3) 439 1
Net income 2 204 431 (53) 525 (61)
Sales 3 1,738 1,813 (4) 1,758 (1)
Market consistent value of new business 4 232 204 14 125 86
Return on equity 5 6.3% 7.4% (15) 7.1% (11)
STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS
- Restructuring of Spanish business completed with exit from CAM partnership
- Aegon receives 'Leading Innovation' and 'Best Workplace Savings Platform' awards in the UK
- New online tools launched, including social network insurer Kroodle
- Company-wide employee survey confirms increased employee engagement
Aegon's ambition
Aegon's aim to be a leader in all of its chosen markets by 2015 is supported by four strategic objectives: Optimize portfolio, Enhance customer loyalty, Deliver operational excellence and Empower employees. These key objectives have been embedded in all Aegon businesses. They provide the strategic framework for the company's ambition to become the most-recommended
life insurance and pension provider by customers and business partners, as well as the most-preferred employer in the sector.
In recent years, Aegon has implemented a broad restructuring program to sharpen its focus on its core lines of business, significantly reduce its overall cost base, and create greater efficiencies across the organization. A further demonstration of Aegon's more disciplined focus has been a better balance between spread-based and fee-generating business, a substantially improved risk-return profile and an improved capital position.
Continued economic uncertainty has increased the opportunities for Aegon in pursuing its purpose of helping people take responsibility for their financial future. To capture these opportunities, Aegon is accelerating the development of new business models by investing in innovative, technology-driven distribution channels, to connect better and more frequently with customers, improve service levels and increase retention rates. Aegon's accelerated investments in technology will also better support intermediaries to adapt to the changing distribution environment.
Optimize portfolio
Aegon has reached an agreement with Banco Sabadell to sell its 50% stake in its life insurance partnership originally established with Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo (CAM) for a consideration
of EUR 449.5 million. This amount, combined with the proceeds from its two previously announced joint venture exits (Banca Cívica and Unnim Banc), brings the total realized by Aegon to EUR 1 billion. This transaction with Banco Sabadell completes Aegon's restructuring of its business in Spain after announcing plans last year to exit certain partnerships as a result of the ongoing consolidation within the bank sector.
Aegon maintains a long-term commitment to Spain and has recently reinforced its market position with an exclusive 25-year strategic partnership with Banco Santander to distribute life and general insurance products through its extensive network of over 4,600 bank branches. This long-term alliance with Spain's largest financial group provides access to a potential client base of twelve million individuals across the country. Aegon will also continue to distribute its life insurance and protection products through its network of agents, as well as through the branch networks of Liberbank and Caja Badajoz, the company's other two joint venture partners.
Deliver operational excellence
Aegon recently received two awards for its Aegon Retirement Choices (ARC) platform in the United Kingdom within the categories 'Leading Innovation' and 'Best Workplace Savings Platform'. The awards were given at the annual Platform Awards in London, hosted by The Platforum. The platform is recognized for the innovative seamless link it makes between Workplace Savings and At-Retirement. ARC offers a simple, online interface where both customers and advisors can flexibly manage their savings and retirement income, creating a smooth transition from retirement planning to retirement living.
Enhance customer loyalty
Putting the customer first is central to Aegon's strategy and long-term ambitions. Management within all business units are fully aligned and incentivized to create a customer centered culture and to measure customer satisfaction on a consistent basis. A key element of Aegon's strategy is to get closer to its customers by an increased use of technology and a greater focus on the needs of the customers at every level within the organization.
Increasingly, individuals are exploring financial services and insurance-related products online and desire greater knowledge about how certain products and services will address their needs. New online tools were recently launched in the Dutch and the US market. In the Netherlands, Aegon launched Kroodle, one of the world's first Facebook insurance products. Kroodle offers innovative, online products allowing customers in the Netherlands to purchase insurance and manage their accounts through their Facebook profile. In the United States, the improved Transamerica Direct website makes it easy for customers to learn more about their insurance needs and make purchase decisions. It offers videos, a downloadable guide and a new Plan Builder tool to help educate customers on the different types of insurance products available to them. These are just two examples of the many investments Aegon is making that are expected to yield results in the longer-term and that support the company's strategy and ambitions.
Empower employees
Aegon realizes that continued success is only possible with the commitment and dedication of its employees and recently completed its second annual employee engagement survey. The survey's participation rate increased from 78% to 89% this year. The results, expressed in 'Engagement'
and 'Enablement', were up from 63 points to 67 points and from 64 points to 67 points respectively. This provides clear evidence that the initiatives pursued in each business unit are working to help employees better understand Aegon's goals and how they individually contribute to the company's success.
Financial overview c)
EUR millions Notes Q1 2013 Q4 2012 % Q1 2012 %
Underlying earnings before tax
Americas 312 352 (11) 303 3
The Netherlands 85 85 - 81 5
United Kingdom 24 27 (11) 30 (20)
New markets 62 52 19 88 (30)
Holding and other (38) (55) 31 (63) 40
Underlying earnings before tax 445 461 (3) 439 1
Fair value items (286) (77) - 148 -
Realized gains / (losses) on investments 113 149 (24) 45 151
Impairment charges (17) (58) 71 (41) 59
Other income / (charges) (4) 106 - (17) 76
Run-off businesses (14) (15) 7 (2) -
Income before tax 237 566 (58) 572 (59)
Income tax (33) (135) 76 (47) 30
Net income 204 431 (53) 525 (61)
Net underlying earnings 323 357 (10) 338 (4)
Commissions and expenses 1,417 1,465 (3) 1,384 2
of which operating expenses 11 804 835 (4) 766 5
New life sales
Life single premiums 1,491 2,058 (28) 1,160 29
Life recurring premiums annualized 350 471 (26) 329 6
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 499 677 (26) 445 12
New life sales
Americas 12 110 148 (26) 120 (8)
The Netherlands 40 166 (76) 32 25
United Kingdom 286 306 (7) 213 34
New markets 12 63 57 11 80 (21)
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 499 677 (26) 445 12
New premium production accident and health insurance 225 196 15 195 15
New premium production general insurance 14 16 (13) 14 -
Gross deposits (on and off balance)
Americas 12 6,988 6,615 6 7,392 (5)
The Netherlands 404 282 43 560 (28)
United Kingdom 49 15 - 8 -
New markets 12 2,563 2,334 10 3,083 (17)
Total gross deposits 10,004 9,246 8 11,043 (9)
Net deposits (on and off balance)
Americas 12 1,613 788 105 1,061 52
The Netherlands (134) (248) 46 (185) 28
United Kingdom 40 5 - (1) -
New markets 12 145 446 (67) 1,364 (89)
Total net deposits excluding run-off businesses 1,664 991 68 2,239 (26)
Run-off businesses (1,073) (601) (79) (1,160) 8
Total net deposits 591 390 52 1,079 (45)
Revenue-generating investments
Mar. Dec.
31, 31,
2013 2012 %
Revenue-generating investments (total) 476,236 459,077 4
Investments general account 145,718 145,021 -
Investments for account of policyholders 159,563 152,968 4
Off balance sheet investments third parties 170,955 161,088 6
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Underlying earnings before tax
Aegon's underlying earnings before tax increased 1% compared to the first quarter of 2012 to
EUR 445 million in the first quarter of 2013. Business growth and the positive effects of favorable
equity markets were offset by the loss of earnings due to the sale of the company's interests in partnerships in Spain (EUR 14 million) and higher sales and employee performance related expenses
(EUR 13 million).
Underlying earnings from the Americas increased to EUR 312 million. The 3% increase compared to
the first quarter of 2012 is mainly the result of growth in Pensions and Life & Protection partly offset by lower fixed annuity earnings due to lower account balances and decreased spreads, as well as higher sales and employee performance related expenses.
In the Netherlands, underlying earnings increased 5% to EUR 85 million as higher earnings in
Life & Savings and Non-life were partly offset by lower Pension earnings due to lower investment income as a result of the persisting low interest rate environment.
Underlying earnings from Aegon's operations in the United Kingdom of EUR 24 million were 20% lower compared to the first quarter of 2012. Earnings were negatively impacted by adverse persistency (EUR 8 million) following the implementation of the Retail Distribution Review. It is expected that the effects of adverse persistency will continue at least into the second quarter of 2013. These effects were partly offset by favorable equity market movements.
Underlying earnings from New Markets decreased 30% to EUR 62 million. Higher earnings from Asia were more than offset by lower underlying earnings from Aegon Asset Management, Central & Eastern Europe and Spain. Results in Spain were impacted by EUR 14 million as a result of the divestments of the joint venture with Banca Cívica and the partnership with CAM, while earnings from CEE included a charge of EUR 3 million related to the recently introduced insurance tax.
Total holding costs decreased 40% to EUR 38 million, mainly the result of lower net interest expenses following debt redemption.
Net income
Net income decreased to EUR 204 million as higher underlying earnings, realized gains on investments and lower impairments were more than offset by losses from fair value items.
Fair value items
The results from fair value items amounted to a loss of EUR 286 million. The loss was mainly due to macro equity hedging programs in the Americas which were unfavorably impacted by strong increases in equity markets during the first quarter. Aegon increased the macro hedge program during the fourth quarter of 2012 to also include the economic impact from future fee revenue related to variable annuity account balances. As the macro hedges are being carried at fair value versus the fee revenue emerging over time, the strong equity performance in the first quarter created an unusually large loss that will be offset over time as the fees emerge into underlying earnings. The hedging programs have been designed to mitigate the effect of substantial movements in equity markets on Aegon's capital position.
Realized gains on investments
In the first quarter, realized gains on investments amounted to EUR 113 million and were the result of normal trading activity in the investment portfolio and asset liability management.
Impairment charges
Impairments improved significantly compared to last year and amounted to EUR 17 million. They were largely related to residential mortgage loans in the Netherlands and Hungary as a result of an increase in arrears. In the Americas, there were net recoveries as impairments primarily linked to mortgage loans and mortgage related securities were fully offset by recoveries.
Other charges
Other charges amounted to EUR 4 million and related mostly to a charge of EUR 81 million related to increased accruals in connection with the company's use of the U.S. Social Security Administration's death master-file, offset by a gain of EUR 85 million related to the recapture of certain reinsurance contracts in the United States.
Run-off businesses
The results of run-off businesses amounted to a loss of EUR 14 million, which was primarily due to the reinsurance business. Aegon divested its life reinsurance business during 2011 through a reinsurance transaction and carries an intangible asset as a result. The buyer of the divested life reinsurance business transferred client contracts onto its own book faster than originally anticipated resulting in an acceleration of the amortization of the intangible asset during the quarter (EUR 19 million).
Income tax
Income tax amounted to EUR 33 million in the first quarter. The effective tax rate on underlying earnings for the first quarter of 2013 was 27%. The effective tax rate on total income was 14% driven by the combined effects of negative fair value items taxed at nominal rates, tax credits and tax exempt items.
Return on equity
Return on equity decreased to 6.3% for the first quarter of 2013 as high net income in previous periods resulted in higher average shareholders' equity excluding revaluation reserves and defined benefit plan remeasurements. Return on equity for Aegon's ongoing businesses, excluding the run-off businesses, amounted to 7.0% over the same period.
Operating expenses
In the first quarter, operating expenses increased 5% to EUR 804 million mainly as a result of higher sales and employee performance related expenses as well as favorable timing of expenses in the comparable quarter last year.
Sales
Compared to the first quarter of 2012, Aegon's total sales decreased 1% to EUR 1.7 billion. New life sales grew strongly, driven mainly by higher pension production as a result of strong market propositions in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. In the Americas, new life sales declined primarily driven by lower universal life sales due to product withdrawals and product redesign, resulting from the focus on value creation. Gross deposits remained strong, with particular success in both the variable annuity and retail mutual fund businesses in the United States. Net deposits, excluding run-off businesses, amounted to EUR 1.7 billion and were primarily driven by variable annuity and retirement deposits in the United States.
Market consistent value of new business
The market consistent value of new business increased strongly to EUR 232 million mainly as a result of product repricing and redesign in the United States and a higher contribution from mortgage and pension production in the Netherlands.
Revenue-generating investments
Revenue-generating investments increased 4% compared to year-end 2012 to EUR 476 billion at March 31, 2013, as a result of continued net inflows and favorable equity market movements.
Capital management
Shareholders' equity decreased EUR 1.1 billion from year-end 2012 to EUR 23.6 billion at March 31, 2013, mainly as a result of accounting changes (IAS 19). The revaluation reserves decreased slightly during the first quarter to EUR 5.7 billion, mainly a reflection of slightly higher interest rates. Aegon's core capital, excluding revaluation reserves and defined benefit plan remeasurements, amounted to EUR 18.9 billion, equivalent to 76.3%[6] of the company's total capital base at March 31, 2013. This is a slight decline from year-end 2012, mainly as a result of a decline in holding excess capital. In the first quarter, excess capital in the holding decreased to EUR 1.8 billion primarily the result of interest payments and operating expenses.
Shareholders' equity per common share, excluding preference capital, revaluation reserves and defined benefit plan remeasurements, amounted to EUR 8.10 at March 31, 2013.
At March 31, 2013, Aegon's Insurance Group Directive (IGD) ratio remained relatively stable at 224%, including a 13% negative impact from IAS 19. Measured on a local solvency basis, the Risk Based Capital (RBC) ratio in the United States decreased to ~485% as net income for the quarter was
offset by higher capital requirements. The IGD ratio in the Netherlands increased to ~265%, as capital benefits were partly offset by the impact of IAS 19 and changes in the revaluation reserves. The Pillar I ratio in the United Kingdom was ~120% at the end of the first quarter of 2013.
Cash flows
Operational free cash flows of EUR 553 million were particularly strong during the quarter. Excluding exceptional items of EUR 233 million and market impacts, operational free cash flows amounted to EUR 327 million. The exceptional items were primarily related to the effects of model refinements and methodology changes in the Netherlands and lower cash flow testing reserves in the United States. The impact of market movements was negligible during the first quarter. Operational free cash flows represent the distributable earnings generated by the business units.
Mandatory changes in accounting policies
On January 1, 2013, the following new, mandatory accounting policies became effective:
- IFRS 10 changes the definition of control and IFRS 11 changes the definition with respect to investments and jointly-controlled entities. As a result, Aegon has consolidated one mortgage securitization vehicle, revisited consolidation of several investment funds and uses the equity method instead of using proportionate consolidation for its joint ventures.
- IAS 19 changes the accounting for assets and liabilities relating to employee benefits. Upon transition to the revised IAS 19, Aegon recognizes all actuarial gains and losses as they occur and therefore no longer applies the corridor approach. Furthermore, past service costs are recognized if the benefits have vested following the introduction of, or changes to, a pension plan.
- IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance under IFRS for all fair value measurements. It does not change when an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provides guidance on how to measure fair value under IFRS. The application of IFRS 13 has not impacted Aegon's fair value measurements.
Aegon has applied these new standards retrospectively (except for IFRS 13) and therefore restated its 2012 financial position. Shareholders' equity was negatively impacted by EUR 1.1 billion and underlying earnings before tax were positively impacted by EUR 64 million. More details on these changes and a summary of their effects on the financial position of the company are described in Aegon's condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the first quarter of 2013.
APPENDIX I - Americas - The Netherlands - United Kingdom - New Markets
Financial overview, Q1 2013 geographically [c)]
Holding,
other
The United New activities &
EUR millions Americas Netherlands Kingdom Markets eliminations Total
Underlying earnings before tax by line of business
Life 125 67 20 28 - 240
Individual savings
and retirement products 124 - - (4) - 120
Pensions 62 13 6 1 - 82
Non-life - (1) - 9 - 8
Distribution - 6 (2) - - 4
Asset Management - - - 23 - 23
Other - - - - (38) (38)
Share in underlying earnings
before tax of associates 1 - - 5 - 6
Underlying earnings before tax 312 85 24 62 (38) 445
Fair value items (232) (73) (3) (3) 25 (286)
Realized gains / (losses)
on investments 47 63 1 2 - 113
Impairment charges 1 (8) - (10) - (17)
Other income / (charges) (5) - 5 (4) - (4)
Run-off businesses (14) - - - - (14)
Income before tax 109 67 27 47 (13) 237
Income tax - (8) (9) (17) 1 (33)
Net income 109 59 18 30 (12) 204
Net underlying earnings 223 65 21 39 (25) 323
Employee numbers
Mar. 31, Dec. 31,
2013 2012
Employees excluding agents, joint ventures and associates 20,889 20,902
Agents 2,903 2,748
Total number of employees excluding joint ventures & associates 23,792 23,650
Aegon's share of employees (including agents) in joint ventures 766 757
Aegon's share of employees (including agents) in associates 2,051 2,443
Total 26,609 26,850
Currencies
Income statement items: average rate 1 EUR = USD 1.3195 (2012: USD 1.3101).
Income statement items: average rate 1 EUR = GBP 0.8506 (2012: GBP 0.8335).
Balance sheet items: closing rate 1 EUR = USD 1.2841 (2012: USD 1.3317; year-end 2012: USD 1.3184).
Balance sheet items: closing rate 1 EUR = GBP 0.8456 (2012: GBP 0.8335; year-end 2012: GBP 0.8111).
AMERICAS
- Underlying earnings before tax increase 4% to USD 413 million
- Net income declines to USD 145 million, due to lower results from fair value items
- Sales of life insurance down 8% to USD 145 million, driven by lower universal life sales as a result of the focus on profitability
- Gross deposits of USD 9.2 billion reflect strong growth in VA and mutual funds
Underlying earnings before tax
Underlying earnings from the Americas in the first quarter 2013 amounted to USD 413 million. Growth in both the Pension and Life & Protection businesses was partly offset by lower fixed annuity earnings due to lower account balances and decreased spreads, as well as USD 17 million higher sales and employee performance related expenses.
- Life & Protection earnings increased by 7% to USD 160 million, resulting from growth of the business, despite adverse underwriting experience of USD 20 million in the quarter.
- Earnings from Individual Savings & Retirement amounted to USD 163 million, down 2% compared to the first quarter of 2012. Variable annuities earnings increased to USD 102 million primarily as a result of higher fee income from higher account balances. Fixed annuity earnings declined to USD 56 million, driven by the reduction of the portfolio as the business has been de-emphasized and lower spreads. Earnings from retail mutual funds were level at USD 5 million, as the positive impact of higher account balances was offset by increased sales related expenses on strong sales in the quarter.
- Employer Solutions & Pensions earnings increased 14% to USD 82 million, resulting from the positive effect of higher average account balances, partly offset by higher hedging costs for stable value solutions.
- Earnings from Canada declined to USD 6 million, driven by a one-time charge on intangibles of USD 4 million.
Net income
Net income from Aegon's businesses in the Americas declined to USD 145 million in the first quarter. Higher underlying earnings and realized gains as well as lower impairments were more than offset by a sharp decline in the results from fair value items.
Results from fair value items amounted to USD (307) million for the quarter. The loss was mainly due to the equity hedging program which was unfavorably impacted by strong increases in equity markets during the first quarter. Aegon increased the macro hedge program during the fourth quarter of 2012 to also include the economic impact from future fee revenue directly related to variable annuity account balances. Due to the macro hedges being carried at fair value versus the fee revenue emerging over time, the strong equity performance in the first quarter created an unusually large loss that will be offset over time as the fees emerge into underlying earnings. The hedging programs have been designed to mitigate the effect of substantial movement in equity markets on Aegon's capital position.
Alternative asset performance was USD 30 million above the expected return, driven by a significant change in the valuation of a fund containing mineral rights.
Gains on investments of USD 62 million were realized as a result of normal trading activity. Impairments remained low and were more than offset by recoveries, resulting in net recoveries of USD 1 million for the quarter. Other charges were USD 6 million and included a charge of USD 104 million related to increased accruals in connection with the company's use of the U.S. Social Security Administration's death master-file, offset by a gain of USD 112 million related to the recapture of certain reinsurance contracts.
The results of run-off businesses amounted to a loss of USD 18 million driven by the acceleration of the amortization of the pre-paid cost of the reinsurance asset, as the buyer of the divested life reinsurance assets transferred client contracts onto its own book faster than originally anticipated.
Return on capital
In the first quarter 2013, the return on average capital, excluding revaluation reserves and defined benefit plan remeasurements, invested in Aegon's business in the Americas amounted to 6.1%. Excluding the capital allocated to the run-off businesses, the return on capital would amount to 7.1%. Return on capital of Aegon's businesses excludes the benefit of leverage at the holding.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased 6% to USD 491 million, mainly due to USD 17 million of higher sales and employee performance related expenses.
Sales
New life sales declined 8% to USD 145 million, primarily driven by lower universal life sales due to product withdrawals and product redesign, resulting from the focus on value creation. New premium production for accident & health insurance increased 14% to USD 264 million, driven by strong sales of the MediCare part D prescription plan product, which was introduced in 2012.
Gross deposits amounted to USD 9.2 billion. Gross deposits in variable annuities and retail mutual funds were up significantly compared to the first quarter of 2012. Variable annuities gross deposits increased 34% mainly due to continued focus on key distribution partners. New variable annuity distribution arrangements through alternative channels continue to be added, including a recent private label product launch with ING U.S. Retirement plan deposits were slightly lower than in the comparable quarter of 2012, but continued to benefit from the focus on retirement readiness by increasing participation and contributions through the use of auto enrollment and auto escalation. Gross deposits in stable value solutions were down sharply as stable value assets are targeted to be maintained at current levels.
Net deposits, excluding run-off businesses, grew strongly to USD 1.7 billion in the first quarter. Aegon's core growth areas of variable annuities and pensions recorded net inflows of USD 0.7 billion and USD 1.4 billion, respectively. Retail mutual fund net flows improved to USD 0.2 billion driven by strong sales growth and lower outflow from equity funds. Net deposits in stable value solutions remained negative as stable value assets are targeted to be maintained at current levels. Aegon is de-emphasizing sales of fixed annuities as part of a strategic repositioning and therefore incurred
net outflows of USD 0.6 billion in the first quarter.
Market consistent value of new business
The market consistent value of new business doubled to USD 125 million in the first quarter 2013, driven by improvements in variable annuities and Life & Protection. Variable annuity market consistent value of new business was driven by increased sales and higher interest rates during
the first quarter. The improvement in life insurance is the result of actively repricing and withdrawing certain products and slowing down sales of unprofitable business in order to meet the return targets. The introduction of a real-time pricing feature on universal life policies reflects a unique capability in the US life insurance market. The feature allows for pricing to be adjusted on a weekly basis in line with interest rate movements and therefore to deliver profitable new business.
Revenue-generating investments
Revenue-generating investments amounted to USD 343 billion at the end of the first quarter, up 3% compared with the end of 2012. Investments for account of policyholders and off balance sheet investments for third parties were up strongly by 6% and 5%, respectively, driven by net inflows and higher equity markets. This was partly offset by a decrease in general account assets as a result of outflows from the run-off businesses and fixed annuities.
Americas [c)]
USD millions Notes Q1 2013 Q4 2012 % Q1 2012 %
Underlying earnings before tax by line of business
Life and protection 160 188 (15) 149 7
Fixed annuities 56 63 (11) 63 (11)
Variable annuities 102 112 (9) 98 4
Retail mutual funds 5 8 (38) 5 -
Individual savings and retirement products 163 183 (11) 166 (2)
Employer solutions & pensions 82 73 12 72 14
Canada 6 9 (33) 7 (14)
Latin America 2 4 (50) 3 (33)
Underlying earnings before tax 413 457 (10) 397 4
Fair value items (307) (22) - 83 -
Realized gains / (losses) on investments 62 57 9 12 -
Impairment charges 1 (40) - (39) -
Other income / (charges) (6) (34) 82 (1) -
Run- off businesses (18) (17) (6) (3) -
Income before tax 145 401 (64) 449 (68)
Income tax - (83) - (74) -
Net income 145 318 (54) 375 (61)
Net underlying earnings 295 343 (14) 282 5
Commissions and expenses 1,062 1,090 (3) 1,041 2
of which operating expenses 491 489 - 464 6
New life sales 12
Life single premiums 44 93 (53) 65 (32)
Life recurring premiums annualized 141 181 (22) 150 (6)
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 145 191 (24) 157 (8)
Life & protection 119 163 (27) 133 (11)
Canada 16 16 - 14 14
Latin America 10 12 (17) 10 -
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 145 191 (24) 157 (8)
New premium production accident and health insurance 264 230 15 231 14
Gross deposits (on and off balance)
by line of business 12
Life & protection 2 4 (50) 3 (33)
Fixed annuities 189 145 30 91 108
Variable annuities 1,622 1,441 13 1,214 34
Retail mutual funds 1,187 998 19 754 57
Individual savings & retirement products 2,998 2,584 16 2,059 46
Employer solutions & pensions 6,168 5,948 4 7,544 (18)
Canada 47 37 27 74 (36)
Latin America 6 6 - 4 50
Total gross deposits 9,221 8,579 7 9,684 (5)
Net deposits (on and off balance)
by line of business 12
Life & protection (10) (9)(11) (10) -
Fixed annuities (553) (732) 24 (628) 12
Variable annuities 699 444 57 363 93
Retail mutual funds 243 112 117 (31) -
Individual savings & retirement products 389 (176) - (296) -
Employer solutions & pensions 1,841 1,317 40 1,797 2
Canada (94) (114) 18 (105) 10
Latin America 3 5 (40) 4 (25)
Total net deposits excluding run-off businesses 2,129 1,023 108 1,390 53
Run-off businesses (1,416) (780)(82) (1,519) 7
Total net deposits 713 243 193 (129) -
Revenue-generating investments
Mar. Dec.
31, 31,
2013 2012 %
Revenue-generating investments (total) 343,022 333,759 3
Investments general account 111,478 113,988 (2)
Investments for account of policyholders 91,886 86,975 6
Off balance sheet investments third parties 139,658 132,796 5
THE NETHERLANDS
- Underlying earnings before tax up 5% to EUR 85 million driven by improvements in
Life & Savings and Non-life - Decline in net income to EUR 59 million, due to lower contribution from fair value items
- New life sales increase 25% to EUR 40 million due to strong pension sales
Underlying earnings before tax
Underlying earnings from Aegon's operations in the Netherlands increased to EUR 85 million as higher earnings in Life & Savings and Non-life more than offset lower earnings in Pensions.
- Earnings from Aegon's Life & Savings operations in the Netherlands increased to EUR 67 million, up 18% compared to the first quarter of 2012. The positive effect of lower funding costs was partly offset by a EUR 7 million impact of reduced policy charges on unit-linked products as part of the acceleration of product improvements to unit-linked insurance policies.
- Earnings from the Pension business declined to EUR 13 million, mainly due to lower investment income as a result of the persistent low interest rate environment.
- Non-life recorded a loss of EUR 1 million, an improvement compared to the first quarter of 2012. The profitability of disability products declined slightly driven by an increase in new claims, resulting from the weak economic environment. This was more than offset by improvements in profitability of general insurance products, as a result of better claims experience.
- The distribution businesses recorded a profit of EUR 6 million, a decline of 14% compared to the first quarter of 2012. Realized cost savings were more than offset by pressure on fee income.
Net income
Net income from Aegon's businesses in the Netherlands declined to EUR 59 million. Realized gains on investments totaled EUR 63 million and were the result of trading activity and asset liability management in the portfolio. Results on fair value items amounted to a loss of EUR 73 million, mainly driven by the effects of movements in interest rates, yield curves and credit spreads on fair value guarantees. Impairments of EUR 8 million were driven by increased arrears in the residential mortgage portfolio.
Return on capital
The return on average capital, excluding revaluation reserves and defined benefit plan remeasurements, invested in Aegon's businesses in the Netherlands increased to 6.7%. Return on capital of Aegon's businesses excludes the benefit of leverage at the holding.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses declined 3% to EUR 179 million. This was mainly driven by realized cost savings, partly offset by investments in new distribution capabilities.
Sales
New life sales increased 25% in the first quarter to EUR 40 million. Pension sales increased strongly to EUR 26 million, as a result of a strong market proposition. Individual life sales declined to EUR 14 million, primarily driven by a shrinking Dutch life insurance market as a result of the market wide switch to bank savings.
Production of mortgages in the first quarter of 2013 amounted to EUR 749 million, above the level achieved in the first quarter of 2012, due to increased customer activity ahead of the announced fiscal regulation changes effective April 1, 2013.
Premium production for accident & health amounted to EUR 13 million, up 44% compared to the
first quarter of 2012. General insurance production amounted to EUR 8 million, down 11% compared to the first quarter of 2012.
Gross deposits decreased to EUR 404 million, as a result of the highly competitive environment in
the Dutch savings market.
Market consistent value of new business
The market consistent value of new business in the Netherlands strongly improved compared to
the first quarter of 2012 and amounted to EUR 95 million. The increase was driven by higher contributions from mortgages as funding costs declined and higher pension sales.
Revenue-generating investments
Revenue-generating investments amounted to EUR 70 billion, slightly higher compared with the previous quarter.
The Netherlands
EUR millions Notes Q1 2013 Q4 2012 % Q1 2012 %
Underlying earnings before tax by line of business
Life and Savings 67 79 (15) 57 18
Pensions 13 5 160 21 (38)
Non-life (1) (4) 75 (4) 75
Distribution 6 5 20 7 (14)
Underlying earnings before tax 85 85 - 81 5
Fair value items (73) 8 - 34 -
Realized gains / (losses) on investments 63 70 (10) 34 85
Impairment charges (8) (10) 20 (3) (167)
Other income / (charges) - (7) - (3) -
Income before tax 67 146 (54) 143 (53)
Income tax (8) (28) 71 (6) (33)
Net income 59 118 (50) 137 (57)
Net underlying earnings 65 69 (6) 64 2
Commissions and expenses 252 255 (1) 267 (6)
of which operating expenses 179 194 (8) 184 (3)
New life sales
Life single premiums 346 1,024 (66) 245 41
Life recurring premiums annualized 5 64 (92) 7 (29)
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 40 166 (76) 32 25
Life and Savings 14 9 56 18 (22)
Pensions 26 157 (83) 14 86
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 40 166 (76) 32 25
New premium production accident and health insurance 13 6 117 9 44
New premium production general insurance 8 7 14 9 (11)
Gross deposits (on and off balance) by line of business
Life and Savings 404 282 43 560 (28)
Total gross deposits 404 282 43 560 (28)
Net deposits (on and off balance) by line of business
Life and Savings (134) (248) 46 (185) 28
Total net deposits (134) (248) 46 (185) 28
Revenue-generating investments
Mar. Dec.
31, 31,
2013 2012 %
Revenue-generating investments (total) 69,962 69,205 1
Investments general account 43,839 43,059 2
Investments for account of policyholders 25,092 25,094 -
Off balance sheet investments third parties 1,031 1,052 (2)
UNITED KINGDOM
- Underlying earnings before tax decline to GBP 20 million due to adverse persistency
- Net income declines to GBP 15 million due to non-recurrence of tax benefits
- New life sales up 37% to GBP 244 million, driven by strong platform, auto enrollment and group pensions sales
- Distribution deal to provide pension element of Barclay's Workplace Savings offering
- Over 500 advisors are now using the Aegon Retirement Choices platform
Underlying earnings before tax
Underlying earnings before tax from Aegon's operations in the United Kingdom declined to GBP 20 million in the first quarter, driven by adverse persistency in pensions and a favorable timing of expenses in the first quarter of 2012.
- Earnings from Life increased to GBP 17 million, driven by improved claims experience in individual protection.
- Earnings from Pensions declined to GBP 5 million. The negative effect from adverse persistency, which the UK insurance industry is experiencing as a result of the implementation of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR), amounted to GBP 7 million in the first quarter. This adverse effect is expected to continue at least into the second quarter of 2013. This was partly offset by the favorable impact from higher equity markets.
Net income
Net income declined 62% to GBP 15 million driven by lower underlying earnings and the absence of
a non-recurring tax benefit as the result of a reduction of the corporate tax rate in the first quarter
of 2012. Results on fair value items amounted to a loss of GBP 2 million, mainly driven by a loss on hedges as a result of increased equity markets. There were no impairments during the quarter.
Return on capital
The return on average capital, excluding revaluation reserves and defined benefit plan remeasurements, invested in Aegon's businesses in the United Kingdom decreased to 2.8% in
the first quarter of 2013, primarily driven by lower net underlying earnings, which resulted from
the absence of a non-recurring tax benefit in the first quarter of 2012.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2013 increased 13% to GBP 69 million, as the first quarter of 2012 benefited from an exceptionally low level of expenses.
Sales
New life sales were up 37% to GBP 244 million compared to the first quarter of 2012, reflecting the launch of income drawdown products on the platform, the benefit of auto enrollment and strong sales in group pensions. Aegon Retirement Choices was awarded the "most innovative platform" and "best corporate platform" by Platforum, an independent expert. Platform sales accelerated during the first quarter of 2013, as more advisors were added to the platform.
Gross deposits, mainly driven by savings on the platform, continued to grow as the platform proposition gained momentum in the market and amounted to GBP 42 million. During the first quarter, Aegon also broadened its distribution network for Workplace Savings by signing a corporate distribution deal with Barclays. Distribution partnerships such as this will prove to be key in this rapidly expanding market. Aegon also launched its auto enrollment investment proposition offering employees straightforward solutions and a single fund right through to retirement.
Market consistent value of new business
The market consistent value of new business in the UK amounted to GBP 18 million, as lower pension margins more than offset higher sales volumes.
Revenue-generating investments
Revenue-generating investments increased to GBP 58 billion, up 6% compared with the end of 2012, primarily the result of higher equity markets.
United Kingdom
GBP millions Notes Q1 2013 Q4 2012 % Q1 2012 %
Underlying earnings before tax by line of business
Life 17 17 - 15 13
Pensions 5 5 - 11 (55)
Distribution (2) - - (1) (100)
Underlying earnings before tax 20 22 (9) 25 (20)
Fair value items (2) (9) 78 (2) -
Realized gains / (losses) on investments 1 28 (96) - -
Other income / (charges) 7 4 1 - 5 (20)
Income before tax 23 42 (45) 28 (18)
Income tax attributable to policyholder return (6) (5) (20) (5) (20)
Income before income tax on shareholders return 17 37 (54) 23 (26)
Income tax on shareholders return (2) (6) 67 16 -
Net income 15 31 (52) 39 (62)
Net underlying earnings 18 20 (10) 40 (55)
Commissions and expenses 151 158 (4) 141 7
of which operating expenses 69 68 1 61 13
New life sales 8
Life single premiums 820 694 18 600 37
Life recurring premiums annualized 162 178 (9) 118 37
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 244 247 (1) 178 37
Life 15 19 (21) 17 (12)
Pensions 229 228 - 161 42
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 244 247 (1) 178 37
Gross deposits (on and off balance) by line of business
Variable annuities 2 4 (50) 7 (71)
Pensions 40 8 - - -
Total gross deposits 42 12 - 7 -
Net deposits (on and off balance) by line of business
Variable annuities (5) (5) - (1) -
Pensions 39 8 - - -
Total net deposits 34 3 - (1) -
Revenue-generating investments
Mar. Dec.
31, 31,
2013 2012 %
Revenue-generating investments (total) 57,543 54,533 6
Investments general account 9,303 9,196 1
Investments for account of policyholders 48,186 45,329 6
Off balance sheet investments third parties 54 8 -
NEW MARKETS
- Underlying earnings before tax decline 30% to EUR 62 million mainly driven by divestments in Spain
- Net income down to EUR 30 million
- New life sales amount to EUR 63 million as growth in CEE and Asia was more than
offset by the effect of divestments in Spain
Underlying earnings before tax
In New Markets, Aegon's underlying earnings before tax declined 30% to EUR 62 million, mainly due to the divestments in Spain. In addition, higher earnings from Asia were more than offset by lower earnings from Central & Eastern Europe and Aegon Asset Management.
- Earnings from Central & Eastern Europe declined 30% to EUR 16 million, driven by lower investment income, the introduction of insurance tax in Hungary for EUR 3 million and a one-time provision of EUR 2 million in Poland.
- Results from Aegon's operations in Asia increased to EUR 11 million as a result of cost savings, favorable claim experience and growth of the business.
- Earnings from Spain & France decreased 56% to EUR 11 million due to the divestment of the joint ventures with Cívica and CAM. The comparable quarter of 2012 included underlying earnings of EUR 9 million from CAM, while the joint venture with Cívica contributed EUR 4 million. The earnings contribution from partner La Mondiale in France remained stable compared to the same quarter last year and amounted to EUR 5 million.
- Results from Variable Annuities Europe amounted to EUR 1 million, which included the result of project spend to position the company for future growth.
- Earnings from Aegon Asset Management declined 21% to EUR 23 million, as the positive impact of higher asset balances was more than offset by the loss of earnings from the sale of Prisma and investments in third party product offering.
Net income
Net income from Aegon's operations in New Markets declined to EUR 30 million, driven by lower underlying earnings. Impairment charges increased to EUR 10 million due to higher mortgage related impairments in Hungary.
Return on capital
The return on average capital, excluding revaluation reserves, invested in Aegon's businesses in
New Markets declined to 5.7%, mainly the result of lower net underlying earnings. Return on capital of Aegon's businesses excludes the benefit of leverage at the holding.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased 10% to EUR 157 million in the first quarter. This was the result of higher costs in Asia and Variable Annuities Europe driven by investments to support future growth and the introduction of insurance tax in Hungary.
Sales
New life sales declined 21% to EUR 63 million.
- In Central & Eastern Europe, new life sales increased 4% to EUR 28 million. Sales growth in Turkey and Slovakia due to improved distribution and in the Czech Republic due to product innovation was partly offset by lower sales in Poland due to product redesign.
- In Asia, new life sales increased 20% to EUR 18 million. This was mainly driven by the launch of
a new universal life product in the first quarter. - New life sales in Spain & France declined to EUR 17 million driven by the divestment of partnerships in Spain.
New premium production from Aegon's accident & health insurance business in Central & Eastern Europe and Asia improved significantly to EUR 12 million, mainly driven by Aegon's direct marketing unit in Asia. New premium production from Aegon's general insurance business in Central & Eastern Europe amounted to EUR 6 million.
Gross deposits in New Markets amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, down 17% compared to the first quarter of 2012. Gross deposits in Aegon Asset Management declined to EUR 2.3 billion. Retail sales in the United Kingdom remained strong, but institutional sales in the United States and the Netherlands were lower than in the very strong first quarter of 2012. In Central & Eastern Europe gross deposits declined following pension legislation changes in Slovakia and Poland.
Market consistent value of new business
The market consistent value of new business in New Markets declined 13% to EUR 21 million. Asia showed a strong improvement compared to the first quarter of 2012, driven by higher margins and increased sales. This was more than offset by lower production in Poland and the divestments of Cívica, CAM and Unnim in Spain.
Revenue-generating investments
Revenue-generating investments increased 2% compared with the end of 2012 to EUR 70 billion, mainly driven by positive market effects.
New Markets [c)]
EUR millions Notes Q1 2013 Q4 2012 % Q1 2012 %
Underlying earnings before tax
Central Eastern Europe 16 25 (36) 23 (30)
Asia 11 (8) - 9 22
Spain & France 11 11 - 25 (56)
Variable Annuities Europe 1 - - 2 (50)
Aegon Asset Management 23 24 (4) 29 (21)
Underlying earnings before tax 62 52 19 88 (30)
Fair value items (3) 5 - 7 -
Realized gains / (losses) on investments 2 - - 2 -
Impairment charges (10) (17) 41 (4) (150)
Other income / (charges) (4) 139 - (18) 78
Income before tax 47 179 (74) 75 (37)
Income tax (17) (53) 68 (27) 37
Net income 30 126 (76) 48 (38)
Net underlying earnings 39 36 8 59 (34)
Commissions and expenses 228 216 6 208 10
of which operating expenses 157 153 3 143 10
New life sales 12
Life single premiums 147 103 43 146 1
Life recurring premiums annualized 48 47 2 66 (27)
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 63 57 11 80 (21)
Life 62 57 9 75 (17)
Associates 1 - - 5 (80)
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 63 57 11 80 (21)
Central Eastern Europe 28 32 (13) 27 4
Asia 18 11 64 15 20
Spain & France 17 14 21 38 (55)
Total recurring plus 1/10 single 63 57 11 80 (21)
New premium production accident and health insurance 12 12 - 10 20
New premium production general insurance 6 9 (33) 5 20
Gross deposits (on and off balance) 12
Central Eastern Europe 57 64 (11) 116 (51)
Asia 95 43 121 34 179
Spain & France 7 14 (50) 10 (30)
Variable Annuities Europe 122 118 3 120 2
Aegon Asset Management 2,282 2,095 9 2,803 (19)
Total gross deposits 2,563 2,334 10 3,083 (17)
Net deposits (on and off balance) 12
Central Eastern Europe (35) 15 - 42 -
Asia 70 41 71 31 126
Spain & France (3) 2 - (26) 88
Variable Annuities Europe (14) 2 - 28 -
Aegon Asset Management 127 386 (67) 1,289 (90)
Total net deposits 145 446 (67) 1,364 (89)
Revenue-generating investments
Mar. Dec.
31, 31,
2013 2012 %
Revenue-generating investments (total) 70,345 68,733 2
Investments general account 3,308 3,408 (3)
Investments for account of policyholders 5,936 6,024 (1)
Off balance sheet investments third parties 61,101 59,301 3
Market consistent value of new business
MCVNB
EUR millions, after tax Q1 2013 Q4 2012 % Q1 2012 %
Americas 95 63 51 47 102
The Netherlands 95 86 10 27 -
United Kingdom 21 28 (25) 27 (22)
New Markets 21 27 (22) 24 (13)
Total 232 204 14 125 86
Modeled new business, APE and deposits
Premium business
APE
EUR millions Notes Q1 2013 Q4 2012 % Q1 2012 %
9
Americas 305 307 (1) 279 9
The Netherlands 88 253 (65) 70 26
United Kingdom 286 256 12 216 32
New Markets 108 113 (4) 129 (16)
Total 787 929 (15) 694 13
Deposit business
Deposits
EUR millions Notes Q1 2013 Q4 2012 % Q1 2012 %
9
Americas 4,518 4,328 4 4,935 (8)
United Kingdom 2 4 (50) 8 (75)
New Markets 211 132 60 180 17
Total 4,731 4,464 6 5,123 (8)
MCVNB/PVNBP summary
Premium business
MCVNB
/ MCVNB /
MCVNB PVNBP PVNBP APE
EUR millions Notes Q1 2013 % %
10
Americas 53 1,290 4.1 17.5
The Netherlands 95 1,319 7.2 108.2
United Kingdom 21 1,682 1.3 7.4
New Markets 22 885 2.4 20.1
Total 191 5,176 3.7 24.2
Deposit business
MCVNB
/ MCVNB /
MCVNB PVNBP PVNBP Deposits
EUR millions Notes Q1 2013 % %
10
Americas 42 6,629 0.6 0.9
United Kingdom - 2 - -
New Markets (1) 270 (0.3) (0.4)
Total 41 6,901 0.6 0.9
Notes:
[1] For segment reporting purposes underlying earnings before tax,
net underlying earnings, commissions and expenses, operating
expenses, income tax (including joint ventures (jv's) and
associated companies), income before tax (including jv's and
associated companies) and market consistent value of new business
are calculated by consolidating on a proportionate basis the
revenues and expenses of jv's and Aegon's associated companies in
Spain, India, Brazil and Mexico. Aegon believes that its non-IFRS
measures provide meaningful information about the underlying
operating results of its business including insight into the
financial measures that Aegon's senior management uses in
managing its business. Among other things, Aegon's senior
management is compensated based in part on Aegon's results
against targets using the non-IFRS measures presented here. While
other insurers in Aegon's peer group present substantially
similar non-IFRS measures, the non-IFRS measures presented in
this document may nevertheless differ from the non-IFRS measures
presented by other insurers. There is no standardized meaning to
these measures under IFRS or any other recognized set of
accounting standards and readers are cautioned to consider
carefully the different ways in which Aegon and its peers present
similar information before comparing them.
Aegon believes the non-IFRS measures shown herein, when read
together with Aegon's reported IFRS financial statements, provide
meaningful supplemental information for the investing public to
evaluate Aegon's business after eliminating the impact of current
IFRS accounting policies for financial instruments and insurance
contracts, which embed a number of accounting policy alternatives
that companies may select in presenting their results (i.e.
companies can use different local GAAPs) and that can make the
comparability from period to period difficult.
For a definition of underlying earnings and the reconciliation
from underlying earnings before tax to income before tax, being
the most comparable IFRS measure, reference is made to Note 3
"Segment information" of Aegon's condensed consolidated interim
financial statements.
[2] This note is not being used.
[3] Sales is defined as new recurring premiums plus 1/10 of single
premiums plus 1/10 of gross deposits plus new premium production
accident and health plus new premium production general
insurance.
[4] The present value, at point of sale, of all cashflows for new
business written during the reporting period, calculated using
approximate point of sale economics assumptions. Market
consistent value of new business is calculated using a risk
neutral approach, ignoring the investment returns expected to be
earned in the future in excess of risk free rates (swap curves),
with the exeption of an allowance for liquidity premium. The
market consistent value of new business is calculated on a post
tax basis, after allowing for the time value financial options
and guarentees, a market value margin for non-hedgeable financial
and non-financial risks and the costs of non-hedgeable stranded
capital.
[5] Return on equity is calculated by dividing the net underlying
earnings after cost of leverage by the average shareholders'
equity excluding the preferred shares, the revaluation reserve
and the reserves related to defined benefit plans.
[6] Capital securities that are denominated in foreign currencies
are, for purposes of calculating the capital base ratio, revalued
to the period-end exchange rate. The capital base ratio excludes
Aegon's revaluation reserve and defined benefit plan
remeasurements.
[7] Included in other income/(charges) are charges made to
policyholders with respect to income tax in the United Kingdom.
[8] Includes production on investment contracts without a
discretionary participation feature of which the proceeds are not
recognized as revenues but are directly added to Aegon's
investment contract liabilities.
[9] APE = recurring premium + 1/10 single premium.
[10] PVNBP: Present value of new business premiums (PVNBP) is the
premiums for the new business sold during the reporting period,
projected using assumptions and projection periods that are
consistent with those used to calculate the market consistent
value of new business, discounted back to point of sale using the
swap curve (plus liquidity premium where applicable).
[11] Reconciliation of operating expenses, used for segment reporting,
to Aegon's IFRS based operating expenses.
Q1
2013
Employee expenses 512
Administrative expenses 263
Operating expenses for IFRS reporting 775
Operating expenses related to jv's and associates 29
Operating expenses in earnings release 804
[12] New life sales, gross deposits and net deposits data include
results of jv's and Aegon's associated companies in Spain, India,
Brazil and Mexico which are consolidated on a proportionate
basis.
[13] Operational free cash flow reflect the sum of the return on free
surplus, earnings on in-force business, release of required
surplus on in-force business reduced by new business first year
strain and required surplus on new business.
[a] The calculation of the IGD (Insurance Group Directive) capital
surplus and ratio are based on Solvency I capital requirements on
IFRS for entities within the EU (Pillar 1 for Aegon UK), and
local regulatory solvency measurements for non-EU entities.
Specifically, required capital for the life insurance companies
in the US is calculated as two times the upper end of the Company
Action Level range (200%) as applied by the National Association
of Insurance Commissioners in the US. The calculation of the IGD
ratio excludes the available and required capital of the UK
With-Profit funds. In the UK solvency surplus calculation the
local regulator only allows the available capital number of the
With-Profit funds included in overall local available capital to
be equal to the amount of With-Profit funds' required capital.
[b] The results in this release are unaudited.
[c] 2012 comparative figures have been restated to reflect changes in
accounting policies driven by IFRS 10 and 11 as well as IAS 19.
Refer for more details to the Q1 2013 condensed consolidated
interim financial statements.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Hague - May 8, 2013
Media conference call
8:00 a.m. CET
Podcast available after the call on aegon.com
Analyst & investor conference call
10:30 a.m. CET
Audio webcast on aegon.com
Dial-in numbers
United States: +1 480 629 9673
United Kingdom: +44 207 153 2027
The Netherlands: +31 45 631 6902
Two hours after the conference call, a replay will be available on aegon.com.
Presentations
Presentations will be available on aegon.com at 7:35 a.m. CET
Supplements
Aegon's Q1 2013 Financial Supplement and Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements are available on aegon.com.
DISCLAIMERS
Cautionary note regarding non-IFRS measures
This document includes the non-IFRS financial measures: underlying earnings before tax, income tax, income before tax and market consistent value of new business. These non-IFRS measures are calculated by consolidating on a proportionate basis Aegon's joint ventures and associated companies. The reconciliation of these measures, except for market consistent value of new business, to the most comparable IFRS measure is provided in note 3 "Segment information" of Aegon's condensed consolidated interim financial statements. Market consistent value of new business is not based on IFRS, which are used to report Aegon's primary financial statements and should not be viewed as a substitute for IFRS financial measures. Aegon may define and calculate market consistent value of new business differently than other companies. Aegon believes that its non-IFRS measures, together with the IFRS information, provide meaningful information about the underlying operating results of Aegon's business including insight into the financial measures that senior management uses in managing the business.
Local currencies and constant currency exchange rates
This document contains certain information about Aegon's results, financial condition and revenue generating investments presented in USD for the Americas and GBP for the United Kingdom, because those businesses operate and are managed primarily in those currencies. Certain comparative information presented on a constant currency basis eliminates the effects of changes in currency exchange rates. None of this information is a substitute for or superior to financial information about Aegon presented in EUR, which is the currency of Aegon's primary financial statements.
Forward-looking statements
The statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following are words that identify such forward-looking statements: aim, believe, estimate, target, intend, may, expect, anticipate, predict, project, counting on, plan, continue, want, forecast, goal, should, would, is confident, will, and similar expressions as they relate to Aegon. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Aegon undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which merely reflect company expectations at the time of writing. Actual results may differ materially from expectations conveyed in forward-looking statements due to changes caused by various risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the following:
- Changes in general economic conditions, particularly in the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom;
- Changes in the performance of financial markets, including emerging markets, such as with regard to:
- The frequency and severity of defaults by issuers in Aegon's fixed income investment portfolios;
- The effects of corporate bankruptcies and/or accounting restatements on the financial markets and the resulting decline in the value of equity and debt securities Aegon holds; and
- The effects of declining creditworthiness of certain private sector securities and the resulting decline in the value of sovereign exposure that Aegon holds;
- Changes in the performance of Aegon's investment portfolio and decline in ratings of Aegon's counterparties;
- Consequences of a potential (partial) break-up of the euro;
- The frequency and severity of insured loss events;
- Changes affecting mortality, morbidity, persistence and other factors that may impact the profitability of Aegon's insurance products;
- Reinsurers to whom Aegon has ceded significant underwriting risks may fail to meet their obligations;
- Changes affecting interest rate levels and continuing low or rapidly changing interest rate levels;
- Changes affecting currency exchange rates, in particular the EUR/USD and EUR/GBP exchange rates;
- Changes in the availability of, and costs associated with, liquidity sources such as bank and capital markets funding, as well as conditions in the credit markets in general such as changes in borrower and counterparty creditworthiness;
- Increasing levels of competition in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and emerging markets;
- Changes in laws and regulations, particularly those affecting Aegon's operations, ability to hire and retain key personnel, the products Aegon sells, and the attractiveness of certain products to its consumers;
- Regulatory changes relating to the insurance industry in the jurisdictions in which Aegon operates;
- Changes in customer behavior and public opinion in general related to, among other things, the type of products also Aegon sells, including legal, regulatory or commercial necessity to meet changing customer expectations;
- Acts of God, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics;
- Changes in the policies of central banks and/or governments;
- Lowering of one or more of Aegon's debt ratings issued by recognized rating organizations and the adverse impact such action may have on Aegon's ability to raise capital and on its liquidity and financial condition;
- Lowering of one or more of insurer financial strength ratings of Aegon's insurance subsidiaries and the adverse impact such action may have on the premium writings, policy retention, profitability and liquidity of its insurance subsidiaries;
- The effect of the European Union's Solvency II requirements and other regulations in other jurisdictions affecting the capital Aegon is required to maintain;
- Litigation or regulatory action that could require Aegon to pay significant damages or change the way Aegon does business;
- As Aegon's operations support complex transactions and are highly dependent on the proper functioning of information technology, a computer system failure or security breach may disrupt Aegon's business, damage its reputation and adversely affect its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows;
- Customer responsiveness to both new products and distribution channels;
- Competitive, legal, regulatory, or tax changes that affect profitability, the distribution cost of or demand for Aegon's products;
- Changes in accounting regulations and policies may affect Aegon's reported results and shareholders' equity;
- The impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items, including Aegon's ability to integrate acquisitions and to obtain the anticipated results and synergies from acquisitions;
- Catastrophic events, either manmade or by nature, could result in material losses and significantly interrupt Aegon's business; and
- Aegon's failure to achieve anticipated levels of earnings or operational efficiencies as well as other cost saving initiatives.
Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting Aegon are described in its filings with the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, Aegon expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Aegon's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
About Aegon
As an international insurance, pensions and asset management company based in The Hague, Aegon has businesses in over twenty markets in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Aegon companies employ approximately 24,000 people and have millions of customers across the globe. Further information: aegon.com.
Media relations
Greg Tucker
+31(0)70-344-8956
gcc@aegon.com
Investor relations
Willem van den Berg
+31(0)70-344-8305
ir@aegon.com
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