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Hannover Rueck SE

Quarterly Report Nov 10, 2016

197_10-q_2016-11-10_d28e5dd0-60af-4e76-91b5-3e555b249947.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Quarterly Statement as at 30 September 2016

Key figures

in EUR million 2016 2015
1.1. –
30.6.
1.7. –
30.9.
+/ –
previous
year
1.1. –
30.9.
+/ –
previous
year
1.7. –
30.9.
1.1. –
30.9.
31.12.
Results
Gross written premium 8,283.8 4,170.2 -4.3% 12,454.0 -3.8% 4,359.4 12,945.9
Net premium earned 7,166.7 3,599.9 -5.5% 10,766.6 -0.6% 3,810.7 10,830.1
Net underwriting result (2.7) 47.2 44.5 (32.9) (72.8)
Net investment income 744.8 401.6 -5.7% 1,146.4 -6.4% 426.0 1,224.7
Operating profit (EBIT) 745.2 443.9 +10.7% 1,189.1 -0.1% 400.9 1,190.3
Group net income 486.1 303.9 +19.6% 790.0 +0.5% 254.1 786.0
Balance sheet
Policyholders´ surplus 10,627.0 11,004.3 +7.2% 10,267.3
Equity attributable to shareholders
of Hannover Rück SE
8,421.3 8,781.2 +8.8% 8,068.3
Non-controlling interests 715.1 732.2 +3.3% 709.1
Hybrid capital 1,490.6 1,490.8 +0.1% 1,489.9
Investments (excl. funds withheld
by ceding companies)
39,754.0 40,669.5 +3.4% 39,346.9
Total assets 62,317.7 62,822.9 -0.6% 63,214.9
Share
Earnings per share
(basic and diluted) in EUR
4.03 2.52 +19.6% 6.55 +0.5% 2.11 6.52
Book value per share in EUR 69.83 72.81 +8.8% 64.15 66.90
Share price at the end of the
period in EUR
93.81 95.34 -9.8% 91.54 105.65
Market capitalisation at the
end of the period
11,313.2 11,497.7 -9.8% 11,039.5 12,741.1
Ratios
Combined ratio (property and
casualty reinsurance) 1
95.4% 94.4% 95.0% 95.8% 95.5%
Large losses as percentage of net
premium earned
(property and casualty reinsurance) 2
9.2% 1.9% 6.6% 11.5% 7.3%
Retention 89.8% 89.4% 89.6% 87.3% 87.9%
Return on investment (excl. funds
withheld by ceding companies) 3 2.9% 3.2% 3.0% 3.7% 3.5%
EBIT margin4 10.4% 12.3% 11.0% 10.5% 11.0%
Return on equity (after tax) 11.8% 14.1% 12.5% 13.2% 13.7%

1 Including funds withheld

2 Hannover Re Group´s net share for natural catastrophes and other major losses in excess of EUR 10 million gross as a percentage of net premium earned

3 Excluding effects from ModCo derivatives

4 Operating result (EBIT)/net premium earned

Contents

Quarterly Statement
Business development
2
2
Results of operations, financial position and net assets
Property and casualty reinsurance
Life and health reinsurance
Investments
3
3
4
5
Outlook 8
Consolidated balance sheet as at 30 September 2016 10
Consolidated statement of income as at 30 September 2016 12
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income as at 30 September 2016 13
Group segment report 14
Consolidated cash flow statement as at 30 September 2016 16
Other information 17
Contact information 18

The present document is a quarterly statement pursuant to Section 51a of the Exchange Rules for the Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse. For further information please see the section "Other information" on page 17 of this document.

Quarterly Statement as at 30 September 2016

Business development

  • Group net income as at 30 September 2016 constitutes good basis for achieving full-year targets
  • Very positive business development in the third quarter
  • Currency-adjusted gross premium growth as planned
  • Both business groups deliver highly satisfactory profit contributions
  • Pleasing investment income despite challenging conditions

We are thoroughly satisfied with the development of our business as at 30 September 2016: we have put in place a good platform for achieving our year-end target, which envisages Group net income of at least EUR 950 million. Despite the continued highly competitive climate, the results delivered by both our business groups, namely Property&Casualty and Life&Health reinsurance, lived up to expectations. Profitability in property and casualty reinsurance, which posted a significantly improved underwriting result, was very pleasing.

Gross written premium in total business contracted by 3.8% to EUR 12.5 billion (EUR 12.9 billion) as at 30 September 2016. In the comparable period significant growth had been recorded, driven in part by a strong US dollar. At constant exchange rates the decrease would have been 1.7%. This puts us on a very good track to achieve our expectations for the full financial year. The level of retained premium rose to 89.6% (87.9%). Net premium earned fell marginally by 0.6% to EUR 10.8 billion (EUR 10.8 billion). At constant exchange rates an increase of 1.7% would have been booked.

In a continued difficult climate our investments performed slightly better than our expectations. After the already sharp increase in 2015, the portfolio of assets under own management recorded further growth to reach EUR 40.7 billion (31 December 2015: EUR 39.3 billion). Ordinary investment income retreated to EUR 852.0 million (EUR 912.5 million). This reflects in part the challenging interest rate environment, but also above all the elimination of a positive special effect of EUR 39 million recognised in life and health reinsurance in the previous year. Interest on funds withheld and contract deposits decreased to EUR 249.9 million (EUR 292.9 million). Net realised gains climbed to EUR 153.6 million (EUR 124.2 million). Our financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss gave rise to net gains of EUR 29.2 million (loss of EUR 9.2 million) in the period under review. Impairments of EUR 61.0 million (EUR 24.1 million) were taken in the period under review. They consisted largely of scheduled depreciation on real estate and write-downs on equities caused by a temporary fall in the value of some stocks as a consequence of "Brexit". Income from investments under own management totalled EUR 896.5 million (EUR 931.8 million) as at 30 September 2016.

The operating profit (EBIT) for the Hannover Re Group in an amount of EUR 1,189.1 million as at 30 September 2016 was almost exactly on the level of the previous year (EUR 1,190.3 million). This is highly gratifying in view of the fact that 2015 had been favourably influenced by the aforementioned special effect. Owing to lower interest on our hybrid capital, Group net income increased by 0.5% to EUR 790.0 million (EUR 786.0 million). Earnings per share amounted to EUR 6.55 (EUR 6.52).

Against the backdrop of higher valuation reserves and despite the dividend payment of EUR 572.8 million, the shareholders' equity of Hannover Re grew substantially to EUR 8.8 billion as at 30 September 2016 (31 December 2015: EUR 8.1 billion). The book value per share stood at EUR 72.81 (31 December 2015: EUR 66.90). Reflecting the further increase in shareholders' equity, the annualised return on equity fell to 12.5% as at 30 September 2016 (31 December 2015: 14.7%).

Hannover Re's capital adequacy ratio (Solvency II ratio) continues to be comfortably in excess of requirements. Particularly due to the higher valuation reserves, it increased further to 231% as at 30 June 2016. It had stood at 221% as at 31 December 2015.

Results of operations, financial position and net assets

Property and casualty reinsurance

  • Property and casualty reinsurance remains fiercely competitive
  • Combined ratio improves to 95%
  • Very pleasing operating profit

In worldwide property and casualty reinsurance the market continues to be intensely competitive, with reinsurance capacity comfortably outstripping demand. Additional capacities originating from the ILS market are also putting prices and conditions under sustained pressure. While profitability for primary insurers and reinsurers is generally good despite the prevailing low interest rates, it has been supported by the fact that losses from natural catastrophes in recent years have been below the longer-term average. The difficult business conditions have therefore only impacted underwriting profits to a lesser degree so far, although they have also been reflected to some extent in the results posted by reinsurers.

In this challenging environment it is especially important for Hannover Re to continue systematically with its margin-oriented underwriting. This approach similarly shaped our strategy in the treaty renewals as at 1 July 2016, the outcome of which was broadly positive for our company. In North America the trend observed in preceding renewals was confirmed. The absence of large losses from natural disasters and individual risks continued to make itself felt in rate decreases. Nevertheless, the rate reductions were smaller than anticipated in some cases and there were further indications of a bottoming out in prices, both in the property and casualty lines. Even though most casualty lines are still fiercely competitive, we were able to act on new business opportunities – including for example in the coverage of cyber risks. In US property catastrophe business the pressure on prices eased in comparison with the previous year's renewals. We rigorously maintained our pricing discipline and focused on target customers. Hannover Re further underweighted its share of US catastrophe business. On the whole, the treaty renewals in Latin America and the Caribbean as at 1 July 2016 typically saw price reductions. The losses from the earthquake in Ecuador brought about rate improvements, albeit only in the impacted region. We responded to the rate erosion in agricultural risks by scaling back our share of the business.

Gross written premium for our total portfolio contracted by 2.7% as at 30 September 2016 to EUR 7.1 billion (EUR 7.3 billion). At constant exchange rates the decrease would have been 1.5%. The level of retained premium was slightly lower than in the previous year's period at 88.3% (88.8%). Net premium earned fell by a modest 0.7% to EUR 5.9 billion (EUR 6.0 billion); adjusted for exchange rate effects, it would have grown by 0.9%.

Following the heavier-than-anticipated burden of large losses incurred in the second quarter of 2016, the situation in the third quarter was thoroughly moderate. Expenditure on major losses came in at EUR 40.5 million, well under our budget of EUR 265 million for the third quarter. In keeping with our prudent reserving policy, we allocated the bulk of the unused large loss budget to the loss reserves. Aside from the usual positive run-off, no other reserves were written back in the third quarter. Total net expenditure on large losses for the first three quarters amounted to EUR 393.2 million (EUR 436.4 million). The underwriting result for total property and casualty reinsurance increased sharply by 9.6% to EUR 275.5 million (EUR 251.4 million). The combined ratio remains positive at 95.0% (95.5%) and is in line with our goal of staying below 96% for the full year. Looking at the third quarter in isolation, it was even as low as 94.4%.

The investment income booked for property and casualty reinsurance from assets under own management retreated slightly as expected to EUR 623.8 million (EUR 656.5 million).

The operating profit (EBIT) for the Property&Casualty reinsurance business group totalled EUR 893.0 million as at 30 September 2016; this figure is 4.6% lower than in the comparable period (EUR 936.3 million). The EBIT margin of 15.1% (15.7%) was again comfortably in excess of our minimum target of 10%. Group net income in property and casualty reinsurance contracted by 5.8% to EUR 613.5 million (EUR 651.0 million). Earnings per share amounted to EUR 5.09 (EUR 5.40).

Key figures for property and casualty reinsurance

in EUR million 2016 2015
1.1. –30.6. 1.7. –30.9. +/ –
previous
year
1.1. –30.9. +/ –
previous
year
1.7. –30.9. 1.1. –30.9.
Gross written premium 4,627.4 2,493.1 +6.2% 7,120.5 -2.7% 2,347.1 7,319.4
Net premium earned 3,838.4 2,086.8 +0.8% 5,925.3 -0.7% 2,071.2 5,965.4
Underwriting result 166.4 109.1 +35.6% 275.5 +9.6% 80.5 251.4
Net investment income 416.1 226.4 -8.6% 642.5 -4.5% 247.7 672.8
Operating result (EBIT) 560.9 332.0 -5.8% 893.0 -4.6% 352.6 936.3
Group net income 376.2 237.3 +2.0% 613.5 -5.8% 232.6 651.0
Earnings per share in EUR 3.12 1.97 +2.0% 5.09 -5.8% 1.93 5.40
EBIT margin1 14.6% 15.9% 15.1% 17.0% 15.7%
Combined ratio 2 95.4% 94.4% 95.0% 95.8% 95.5%
Retention 88.2% 88.5% 88.3% 87.3% 88.8%

1 Operating result (EBIT)/net premium earned

2 Including funds withheld

Life and health reinsurance

  • General business developments in line with expectations
  • Substantially increased contribution to Group net income

In the period under review our worldwide business in life and health reinsurance developed in line with expectations and generated an increased contribution to Group net income.

In large parts of Europe life and health reinsurance developed as expected, while in Germany it even performed somewhat better. Eastern European markets continued to offer promising business opportunities, driven inter alia by increasing regulatory requirements. The effects on traditional endowment life insurance products are likely to be particularly marked.

Following the implementation of Solvency II at the beginning of the year it has been evident that primary insurers in many European countries are heavily preoccupied with the challenges posed by the high capital requirements resulting from longevity business. Particularly in the United Kingdom, demand for corresponding longevity protection is exceptionally strong. Along with the challenges of Solvency II, it is evident that in the United Kingdom the initial uncertainty among policyholders has abated: after the annuity requirement was almost entirely abolished by the reform of the UK Pensions Act in April 2015 and the volume of new immediate annuities more than halved, there are now indications that demand is picking up again. All in all, these developments played a positive part in the overall performance of life and health reinsurance.

In US mortality business the measures that we have implemented in some areas of our existing portfolio are starting to bear fruit. In addition, the development of new mortality business has been pleasing. As we had anticipated, the profit contribution generated in the area of financial solutions as well as in the health and special risk portfolio was once again very positive.

Gross premium for life and health reinsurance amounted to EUR 5.3 billion (EUR 5.6 billion) as at 30 September 2016, equivalent to a decline of 5.2%. The decrease would have been 2.0% adjusted for exchange rate effects. The level of retained premium rose from 86.8% to 91.5%, as a consequence of which net premium fell only slightly by 0.5%. At constant exchange rates, growth of 2.8% would have been booked.

Investment income including income from securities deposited with ceding companies totalled EUR 494.7 million (EUR 542.9 million) in the period under review. The performance of the securities held for our account by US cedants stood at -EUR 0.3 million, a reduction compared to the same period of the previous year. Provided they develop as planned until maturity, however, the performance of the so-called ModCo derivatives will have no effect on income.

The operating profit (EBIT) in life and health reinsurance climbed by a very pleasing 17.9% as at 30 September 2016 to EUR 290.4 million (EUR 246.3 million). The EBIT margins for the reporting categories at the end of the period under review were as follows: financial solutions business emphatically beat the 2% target with a gratifying 19.7%. The EBIT margin in longevity solutions similarly surpassed the target margin of 2% to reach 2.4%. Mortality and morbidity fell short of the targeted 6% at 4.3%. Group net income grew by a pleasing 17.5% to EUR 208.9 million (EUR 177.8 million). Earnings per share amounted to EUR 1.73 (EUR 1.47).

Key figures for life and health reinsurance

in EUR million 2016 2015
1.1. –30.6. 1.7. –30.9. +/ –
previous
year
1.1. –30.9. +/ –
previous
year
1.7. –30.9. 1.1. –30.9.
Gross written premium 3,656.4 1,677.1 -16.6% 5,333.5 -5.2% 2,012.1 5,626.6
Net premium earned 3,328.1 1,513.0 -13.0% 4,841.1 -0.5% 1,739.3 4,864.1
Investment income 322.2 172.5 -2.1% 494.7 -8.9% 176.3 542.9
Operating result (EBIT) 179.1 111.3 +140.6% 290.4 +17.9% 46.2 246.3
Net income after tax 130.6 78.3 +143.5% 208.9 +17.5% 32.1 177.8
Earnings per share in EUR 1.08 0.65 +143.5% 1.73 +17.5% 0.27 1.47
Retention 91.8% 90.8% 91.5% 87.2% 86.8%
EBIT margin1 5.4% 7.4% 6.0% 2.7% 5.1%

1 Operating result (EBIT)/net premium earned

Investments

  • High-quality diversified investment portfolio maintained
  • Ordinary investment income lower owing to special effect in the previous year and difficult interest rate environment
  • Return on investment at 3.0% slightly higher than expected level of 2.9%

The investment climate was once again challenging in the period under review and notable for considerable uncertainty, which was further exacerbated by the decision of the British people to leave the European Union ("Brexit"). Following the referendum at the end of June the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of this vote gave way to political and legal doubts over how exactly the process of leaving the EU will take place. On the whole, this situation led to sustained volatility and a generally low level of interest rates in most Western nations, and particularly in the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States. In the United Kingdom further very sharp declines in yields were observed across all durations as a consequence of support buying by the Bank of England. Significant yield drops were, however, also recorded on German and US government bonds during the reporting period. German government bonds are at times being sold at clearly negative returns right through to the ten-year maturity segment.

Credit spreads on European and US corporate bonds also narrowed in most rating classes and remained on a low level overall relative to the historical mean. In total, the unrealised gains on our fixed-income securities increased sharply to EUR 2,048.6 million (EUR 1,046.7 million). After the already significant growth recorded in 2015, our portfolio of assets under own management increased again to EUR 40.7 billion (31 December 2015: EUR 39.3 billion). We adjusted the allocation of our assets to the individual classes of securities in the period under review such that we further expanded our holding of fixed-income instruments rated BBB or lower while at the same time enlarging the proportion of government bonds in our portfolio. In this way we are able to increase the liquidity of our portfolio while maintaining the overall risk level of our fixed-income holdings virtually unchanged and continuing to generate comparatively stable returns. In addition, we had already streamlined our private equity portfolio in the first quarter by selling older investments. The modified duration of our portfolio of fixed-income securities is guided by the duration of the insurance portfolio and increased slightly to 4.8 (4.4).

Our ordinary investment income developed in line with our expectations and decreased to EUR 852.0 million (EUR 912.5 million). While the difficult interest rate environment was a factor here too, this reflects in particular the elimination of the positive special effect recognised in the previous year from life and health reinsurance. We were nevertheless able to partially offset the diminished return potentials associated with the protracted low level of interest rates through 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 altogether EUR 61.0 million (EUR 24.1 million) were taken. This includes an amount of EUR 27.6 million (EUR 1.0 million) attributable to equities – principally as a consequence of lower spot prices following the Brexit decision. Impairments of EUR 9.7 million (EUR 3.0 million) were taken on alternative investments. The impairments on fixed-income securities amounted to just EUR 0.7 million (EUR 2.4 million). Scheduled depreciation on directly held real estate increased to EUR 21.2 million (EUR 16.8 million), a reflection of our growing involvement in this area.

The net balance of gains realised on disposals stood at EUR 153.6 million (EUR 124.2 million) and was in large measure attributable to regrouping activities as part of regular portfolio maintenance, the streamlining of our private equity portfolio through the sale of older investments and internal capitalisation and financing measures within the Group.

We recognise a derivative for the credit risk associated with special life reinsurance treaties (ModCo) under which securities deposits are held by cedants for our account; the performance of this derivative in the period under review gave rise to fair value changes of -EUR 0.3 million (-EUR 18.9 million) recognised in investment income. In economic terms we assume a neutral development for this item over time, and hence the volatility that can occur in specific quarters is of minimal relevance. Altogether, the positive fair value changes in our assets recognised at fair value through profit or loss amounted to EUR 29.2 million. This contrasted with negative fair value changes of EUR 9.2 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. The increase can be attributed principally to fair value changes in a derivative contract component of a reinsurance treaty recognised separately under investments. This development occurred principally as a consequence of repercussions of the Brexit vote on pound sterling interest rates.

Our investment income of EUR 1,146.4 million came in below the comparable period (EUR 1,224.7 million). In view of the low level of interest rates and the elimination of positive effects recorded in the previous year, the result is nevertheless pleasing and consistent with our expectations. Income from assets under own management accounted for an amount of EUR 896.5 million (EUR 931.8 million), producing an annualised average return of 3.0%; this is slightly higher than our target of 2.9%.

Net investment income

in EUR million 2016 2015
1.1. –30.6. 1.7. –30.9. +/ –
previous
year
1.1. –30.9. +/ –
previous
year
1.7. –30.9. 1.1. –30.9.
Ordinary investment income 1 568.0 284.0 -9.5% 852.0 -6.6% 313.8 912.5
Result from participations in
associated companies
1.7 0.9 -78.1% 2.6 -70.9% 4.2 8.8
Realised gains /losses 79.5 74.1 +28.7% 153.6 +23.7% 57.5 124.2
Depreciation2 48.1 12.9 +37.4% 61.0 +153.0% 9.4 24.1
Change in fair value of
financial instruments 3
20.5 8.7 29.2 (7.6) (9.2)
Investment expenses 52.5 27.4 -2.5% 79.9 -0.6% 28.1 80.4
Net investment income from
assets under own management
569.2 327.3 -1.0% 896.5 -3.8% 330.5 931.8
Net investment income from
funds withheld
175.6 74.3 -22.2% 249.9 -14.7% 95.5 292.9
Total investment income 744.8 401.6 -5.7% 1,146.4 -6.4% 426.0 1,224.7

1 Excluding expenses on funds withheld and contract deposits

2 Including depreciation/impairments on real estate

3 Portfolio at fair value through profit or loss and trading

Rating structure of our fixed-income securities 1

Rating classes Government bonds Securities issued by
Corporate bonds
semi-governmental
entities 2
Covered bonds / asset
backed securities
in % in EUR million in % in EUR million in % in EUR million in % in EUR million
AAA 76.1 8,501.5 65.2 4,597.7 1.2 147.1 67.2 2,435.1
AA 11.6 1,295.4 28.2 1,988.7 13.6 1,701.0 15.1 548.4
A 6.6 733.0 2.5 173.1 37.2 4,674.6 5.3 190.8
BBB 4.4 486.2 1.2 84.5 40.0 5,022.3 8.7 317.0
< BBB 1.3 148.6 2.9 204.1 8.0 999.4 3.7 132.4
Total 100.0 11,164.7 100.0 7,048.1 100.0 12,544.3 100.0 3,623.7

1 Securities held through investment funds are recognised pro rata with their corresponding individual ratings.

2 Including government-guaranteed corporate bonds

Outlook

  • Stable or slightly reduced premium volume expected in total business
  • Targeted return on investment for assets under own management remains at 2.9%
  • Group net income still forecast to reach at least EUR 950 million

Despite the challenging business conditions in the international (re)insurance industry and on capital markets, we expect to continue operating with sustained success going forward. Based on constant exchange rates, we anticipate stable or slightly reduced gross premium volume for our total business in the current financial year.

In property and casualty reinsurance we expect to book slightly lower premium income – adjusted for exchange rate effects – in 2016. This assumption is based on our selective underwriting policy, under which we only write business that meets our margin requirements. In view of our financial strength and our very good positioning, we are able to tap into further attractive business opportunities.

For the full 2016 financial year we anticipate a good underwriting result in property and casualty reinsurance that should be roughly on a par with 2015. This is conditional on major loss expenditure remaining within the budgeted level of EUR 825 million. We are aiming for a combined ratio of less than 96%. The targeted EBIT margin for property and casualty reinsurance is at least 10%.

After a hurricane season in North America and the Caribbean that was below average by multi-year standards, Hurricane Matthew caused extensive damage and numerous fatalities – especially in Haiti – at the beginning of October. Expert estimates available to date put the total insured market loss in a range of USD 5 to 10 billion. Given the uncertainties still surrounding the extent of the losses, it is too early to put a reliable figure on the net strain for our account. Bearing in mind that we still have a large loss budget of around EUR 430 million available for the fourth quarter, Hurricane Matthew does not currently pose any threat to our profit targets for 2016.

Looking ahead to the treaty renewals as at 1 January 2017, we anticipate greater stability overall when it comes to prices and conditions – not only due to the increasing pressure on returns but also owing to significantly higher attritional losses. We see scope here for rate increases – for example in Canada and Germany, following in some cases heavy losses incurred from natural catastrophe events. The progressive trend towards digitisation is opening up new opportunities for the insurance industry. In view of the increasing exposure potential, demand for products designed to protect against cyber risks is likely to keep on growing. We also anticipate opportunities in property and casualty business in the United States, in the area of credit and surety and in connection with the implementation of risk-based solvency systems. All in all, Hannover Re will maintain its focus on high-quality existing business, complemented by opportunities that present themselves in niche and speciality segments.

Turning to life and health reinsurance, we continue to take a confident view of international business developments for the remainder of 2016. Even though it must be borne in mind that some large-volume treaties are discontinued as planned over the course of the year, we expect to book a stable premium volume on the basis of positive new business. The value of new business will likely be at least EUR 220 million. The EBIT margin for financial solutions and longevity business should remain above the minimum target of 2%. The target margin for mortality and morbidity business remains unchanged at a minimum 6%.

With regard to our IVC targets – which we use internally to map economic value creation –, we are aiming for returns that exceed the cost of capital both in property and casualty reinsurance and in life and health reinsurance.

The expected positive cash flow that we generate from the technical account and our investments should – subject to stable exchange rates and yield levels – lead to further growth in our asset portfolios. The historically low reinvestment returns in the fixed-income portfolio as a consequence of the Brexit vote have resulted in an even more complex situation than at the beginning of 2016. Despite this, we are still targeting a return on investment of 2.9% for 2016.

Assuming that the burden of major losses does not significantly exceed the expected level and that there are no unforeseen distortions on capital markets, Hannover Re continues to anticipate Group net income of at least EUR 950 million for the current financial year.

Hannover Re envisages a payout ratio for the dividend in the range of 35% to 40% of its IFRS Group net income. If the company's comfortable level of capitalisation remains unchanged, this figure will increase in light of capital management considerations – as in the previous year – through payment of another special dividend.

Forecast for 2017

For the 2017 financial year Hannover Re anticipates stable or slightly lower gross premium based on constant exchange rates. The return on investment is expected to be around 2.7%. The company assumes Group net income will be in excess of EUR 950 million. As usual, 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.

Consolidated balance sheet as at 30 September 2016

Assets
in EUR thousand
30.9.2016 31.12.2015
Fixed-income securities – held to maturity 529,670 1,007,665
Fixed-income securities – loans and receivables 2,514,939 2,869,865
Fixed-income securities – available for sale 31,163,097 29,616,448
Fixed-income securities – at fair value through profit or loss 173,112 108,982
Equity securities – available for sale 826,809 452,108
Other financial assets – at fair value through profit or loss 44,751 39,602
Real estate and real estate funds 1,692,190 1,673,958
Investments in associated companies 115,917 128,008
Other invested assets 1,564,667 1,544,533
Short-term investments 1,117,195 1,113,130
Cash and cash equivalents 927,109 792,604
Total investments and cash under own management 40,669,456 39,346,903
Funds withheld 12,413,055 13,801,845
Contract deposits 185,353 188,604
Total investments 53,267,864 53,337,352
Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid claims 1,450,166 1,395,281
Reinsurance recoverables on benefit reserve 1,017,854 1,367,173
Prepaid reinsurance premium 210,721 164,023
Reinsurance recoverables on other technical reserves 4,600 8,687
Deferred acquisition costs 2,076,099 2,094,671
Accounts receivable 3,684,903 3,665,937
Goodwill 63,657 60,244
Deferred tax assets 355,021 433,500
Other assets 667,916 680,543
Accrued interest and rent 9,056 7,527
Assets held for sale 15,086
Total assets 62,822,943 63,214,938
Liabilities
in EUR thousand
30.9.2016 31.12.2015
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve 26,981,037 26,556,388
Benefit reserve 10,999,454 12,206,699
Unearned premium reserve 3,538,511 3,159,363
Other technical provisions 335,265 325,528
Funds withheld 838,227 1,265,035
Contract deposits 4,280,470 4,682,484
Reinsurance payable 1,288,791 1,390,006
Provisions for pensions 190,685 150,299
Taxes 252,267 271,674
Deferred tax liabilities 2,161,582 1,932,722
Other liabilities 650,121 698,933
Long-term debt and subordinated capital 1,793,050 1,798,337
Total liabilities 53,309,460 54,437,468
Shareholders' equity
Common shares 120,597 120,597
Nominal value: 120,597
Conditional capital: 60,299
Additional paid-in capital 724,562 724,562
Common shares and additional paid-in capital 845,159 845,159
Cumulative other comprehensive income
Unrealised gains and losses on investments 1,409,981 712,001
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment 344,349 509,189
Changes from hedging instruments (6,162) (1,217)
Other changes in cumulative other comprehensive income (59,345) (36,571)
Total other comprehensive income 1,688,823 1,183,402
Retained earnings 6,247,253 6,039,783
Equity attributable to shareholders of Hannover Rück SE 8,781,235 8,068,344
Non-controlling interests 732,248 709,126
Total shareholders' equity 9,513,483 8,777,470
Total liabilities 62,822,943 63,214,938

Consolidated statement of income as at 30 September 2016

in EUR thousand 1.7. –30.9.2016 1.1. –30.9.2016 1.7. –30.9.2015 1.1. –30.9.2015
Gross written premium 4,170,231 12,454,022 4,359,352 12,945,888
Ceded written premium 441,542 1,290,122 555,711 1,560,007
Change in gross unearned premium (133,879) (450,830) (3,587) (621,768)
Change in ceded unearned premium 5,080 53,482 10,693 65,990
Net premium earned 3,599,890 10,766,552 3,810,747 10,830,103
Ordinary investment income 283,952 851,978 313,810 912,488
Profit/loss from investments in
associated companies
922 2,574 4,219 8,838
Realised gains and losses on investments 74,057 153,585 57,537 124,181
Change in fair value of financial instruments 8,699 29,238 (7,582) (9,207)
Total depreciation, impairments and
appreciation of investments
12,911 60,991 9,399 24,111
Other investment expenses 27,398 79,878 28,086 80,351
Net income from investments under
own management
327,321 896,506 330,499 931,838
Income / expense on funds withheld
and contract deposits
74,281 249,888 95,465 292,892
Net investment income 401,602 1,146,394 425,964 1,224,730
Other technical income 465 691 1,020 2,045
Total revenues 4,001,957 11,913,637 4,237,731 12,056,878
Claims and claims expenses 2,809,884 8,127,236 2,859,004 8,282,390
Change in benefit reserves (79,716) 75,803 134,299 133,489
Commission and brokerage, change in
deferred acquisition costs
714,269 2,198,386 749,194 2,172,004
Other acquisition costs 8,959 16,007 2,097 4,317
Other technical expenses 378 1,166 2,463 4,688
Administrative expenses 99,426 304,191 97,623 308,061
Total technical expenses 3,553,200 10,722,789 3,844,680 10,904,949
Other income and expenses (4,839) (1,725) 7,837 38,346
Operating profit (EBIT) 443,918 1,189,123 400,888 1,190,275
Interest on hybrid capital 17,953 53,858 17,991 66,444
Net income before taxes 425,965 1,135,265 382,897 1,123,831
Taxes 111,947 306,802 113,576 297,738
Net income 314,018 828,463 269,321 826,093
thereof
Non-controlling interest in profit and loss 10,122 38,495 15,226 40,095
Group net income 303,896 789,968 254,095 785,998
Earnings per share (in EUR)
Basic earnings per share 2.52 6.55 2.11 6.52
Diluted earnings per share 2.52 6.55 2.11 6.52

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income as at 30 September 2016

in EUR thousand 1.7. –
30.9.2016
1.1. –
30.9.2016
1.7. –
30.9.2015
1.1. –
30.9.2015
Net income 314,018 828,463 269,321 826,093
Not reclassifiable to the consolidated statement of income
Actuarial gains and losses
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity (1,937) (37,221) 7,988 27,501
Tax income (expense) 629 12,141 (2,576) (8,851)
(1,308) (25,080) 5,412 18,650
Income and expense recognised directly in equity that
cannot be reclassified
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity (1,937) (37,221) 7,988 27,501
Tax income (expense) 629 12,141 (2,576) (8,851)
(1,308) (25,080) 5,412 18,650
Reclassifiable to the consolidated statement of income
Unrealised gains and losses on investments
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity 220,085 1,108,633 (29,538) (295,858)
Transferred to the consolidated statement of income (71,583) (119,695) (64,137) (147,461)
Tax income (expense) (41,220) (260,830) 31,428 127,809
107,282 728,108 (62,247) (315,510)
Currency translation
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity (47,982) (174,423) (164,298) 198,354
Tax income (expense) 5,292 8,041 27,344 (399)
(42,690) (166,382) (136,954) 197,955
Changes from the measurement of associated companies
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity 6 8 (13) 375
Transferred to the consolidated statement of income (1,251) (424)
6 (1,243) (13) (49)
Changes from hedging instruments
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity 221 (5,681) 4,544 6,744
Tax income (expense) (72) 689 (241) (1,125)
149 (4,992) 4,303 5,619
Reclassifiable income and expense recognised directly in equity
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity 172,330 928,537 (189,305) (90,385)
Transferred to the consolidated statement of income (71,583) (120,946) (64,137) (147,885)
Tax income (expense) (36,000) (252,100) 58,531 126,285
64,747 555,491 (194,911) (111,985)
Total income and expense recognised directly in equity
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity 170,393 891,316 (181,317) (62,884)
Transferred to the consolidated statement of income (71,583) (120,946) (64,137) (147,885)
Tax income (expense) (35,371) (239,959) 55,955 117,434
63,439 530,411 (189,499) (93,335)
Total recognised income and expense 377,457 1,358,874 79,822 732,758
thereof
Attributable to non-controlling interests 17,520 63,594 15,136 33,684
Attributable to shareholders of Hannover Rück SE 359,937 1,295,280 64,686 699,074

Group segment report

Segment statement of income Property and casualty reinsurance Life and health reinsurance Consolidation Total

1.1. –30.9.2016
1.1. –30.9.2015
in EUR thousand
Gross written premium
7,120,505
7,319,357
thereof
From insurance business with other segments

From insurance business with external third parties
7,120,505
7,319,357
Net premium earned
5,925,274
5,965,363
Net investment income
642,494
672,844
thereof
Change in fair value of financial instruments
493
(623)
Total depreciation, impairments and appreciation of investments
60,968
21,700
Income / expense on funds withheld and contract deposits
18,646
16,297
Claims and claims expenses
4,013,783
4,187,298
Change in benefit reserve

Commission and brokerage, change in deferred acquisition costs
and other technical income / expenses
1,481,301
1,367,854
Administrative expenses
154,647
158,839
Other income and expenses
(25,073)
12,094
Operating profit/loss (EBIT)
892,964
936,310
Interest on hybrid capital

Net income before taxes
892,964
936,310
Taxes
244,267
247,392
Net income
648,697
688,918
thereof
Non-controlling interest in profit or loss
35,217
37,889
Group net income
613,480
651,029
1.1. –30.9.2016
1.1. –30.9.2016
1.1. –30.9.2015
1.1. –30.9.2015
1.1. –30.9.2016
5,333,465
5,626,585
52
(54)
12,454,022
(52)
54
52
(54)

5,333,517
5,626,531


12,454,022
4,841,137
4,864,069
141
671
10,766,552
494,689
542,941
9,211
8,945
1,146,394
28,817
(8,584)
(72)

(29,238)
23
46

2,365
60,991
231,242
276,595


249,888
4,113,086
4,095,092
367

8,127,236
75,783
133,474
20
15
75,803
733,565
811,106
2
4
2,214,868
149,427
148,955
117
267
304,191
26,428
27,900
(3,080)
(1,648)
(1,725)
290,393
246,283
5,766
7,682
1,189,123


53,858
66,444
53,858
290,393
246,283
(48,092)
(58,762)
1,135,265
Total
1.1. –30.9.2015
12,945,888
12,945,888
10,830,103
1,224,730
(9,207)
24,111
292,892
8,282,390
133,489
2,178,964
308,061
38,346
1,190,275
66,444
1,123,831
78,258
66,324
(15,723)
(15,978)
306,802
297,738
212,135
179,959
(32,369)
(42,784)
828,463
826,093
3,278
2,206


38,495
40,095
208,857
177,753
(32,369)
(42,784)
789,968
785,998

Consolidated cash flow statement as at 30 September 2016

in EUR thousand 1.1. –30.9.2016 1.1. –30.9.2015
I.
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income 828,463 826,093
Appreciation/depreciation 82,382 48,739
Net realised gains and losses on investments (153,585) (124,181)
Change in fair value of financial instruments (through profit or loss) (29,238) 9,207
Realised gains and losses on deconsolidation (1,921) (424)
Income from the recognition of negative goodwill (8,576)
Amortisation of investments 62,300 74,279
Changes in funds withheld 232,154 364,136
Net changes in contract deposits (301,652) (450,191)
Changes in prepaid reinsurance premium (net) 393,446 555,301
Changes in tax assets /provisions for taxes 110,369 76,122
Changes in benefit reserve (net) (40,306) 154,363
Changes in claims reserves (net) 778,888 1,065,118
Changes in deferred acquisition costs (30,169) (119,417)
Changes in other technical provisions 12,072 (11,775)
Changes in clearing balances (189,450) (639,551)
Changes in other assets and liabilities (net) (88,567) (27,716)
Cash flow from operating activities 1,656,610 1,800,103
II.
Cash flow from investing activities
(898,072) (355,159)
III. Cash flow from financing activities (623,457) (1,057,816)
IV. Exchange rate differences on cash (576) (6,959)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 792,604 772,882
Change in cash and cash equivalents (I.+II.+III.+IV.) 134,505 380,169
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 927,109 1,153,051
Supplementary information on the cash flow statement 1
Income taxes paid (on balance) (200,442) (201,276)
Dividend receipts 2 103,892 92,473
Interest received 1,124,989 1,154,514
Interest paid (160,353) (157,252)

1 The income taxes paid, dividend receipts as well as interest received and paid are included entirely in the cash flow from operating activities.

2 Including dividend-like profit participations from investment funds

Other information

In the context of incorporation in German law of the amending Directive 2013/50/EU, the previous legal basis for quarterly reporting ceased to apply. The Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse (Frankfurt Stock Exchange) consequently amended its Exchange Rules; the revised version of the Exchange Rules as amended on 30 November 2015 requires companies listed in Prime Standard to draw up quarterly statements for the first and third quarters of each financial year. The half-yearly financial reporting remains unaffected.

The present document is a quarterly statement pursuant to Section 51a of the Exchange Rules for the Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse (BörsO FWB) as amended on 30 November 2015. The consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of income, consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated cash flow statement were drawn up according to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) that are to be used within the European Union in conformity with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" and released for publication by a resolution of the Executive Board on 26 October 2016. The accounting policies were the same as those applied in the preceding consolidated annual financial statement. Changes that were necessary in specific justified cases are reported separately.

The present interim financial statement was drawn up in euros (EUR), the amounts shown have been rounded to EUR thousands and in our notes – provided this does not detract from transparency – to EUR millions. Figures indicated in brackets refer to the previous year.

Key exchange rates

1 EUR corresponds to: 30.9.2016 31.12.2015 1.1. –30.9.2016 1.1. –30.9.2015
Mean rate of exchange
on the balance sheet date
Average rate of exchange
AUD 1.4652 1.4981 1.4989 1.4774
BHD 0.4206 0.4122 0.4191 0.4230
CAD 1.4688 1.5158 1.4710 1.4132
CNY 7.4514 7.0970 7.3160 7.0092
GBP 0.8615 0.7381 0.8003 0.7315
HKD 8.6562 8.4692 8.6321 8.6952
KRW 1,228.4100 1,281.5964 1,286.2335 1,259.4500
MYR 4.6170 4.6929 4.5435 4.2430
SEK 9.6233 9.1938 9.3689 9.3709
USD 1.1163 1.0927 1.1120 1.1216
ZAR 15.4686 16.8447 16.6280 13.8054

Contact information

Corporate Communications

Karl Steinle Tel. +49 511 5604-1500 Fax +49 511 5604-1648 [email protected]

Media Relations

Gabriele Handrick

Tel. +49 511 5604-1502 Fax +49 511 5604-1648

[email protected]

Investor Relations

Julia Hartmann

Tel. +49 511 5604-1529 Fax +49 511 5604-1648

[email protected]

Published by

Hannover Rück SE

Karl-Wiechert-Allee 50 30625 Hannover, Germany Tel. +49 511 5604-0 Fax +49 511 5604-1188

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Silvester Group GmbH&Co. KG, Hamburg

www.silvestergroup.com

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LD Medien und Druckgesellschaft mbH, Hamburg

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