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Hannover Rueck SE

Quarterly Report Nov 19, 2010

197_10-q_2010-11-19_ab5b4632-0e45-4abe-8b59-3cde2181239c.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Interim Report 3/2010

Key figures

Figures in EUR million 2010 20091
1.1.–
30.6.1
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 5,682.3 2,872.3 +18.6% 8,554.6 +11.5% 2,420.9 7,671.5
Net premium earned 4,819.7 2,651.5 +17.3% 7,471.2 +11.1% 2,260.4 6,726.4
Net underwriting result (120.1) (32.9) +269.9% (153.0) +82.2% (8.9) (84.0)
Net investment income 551.4 320.8 +14.0% 872.2 +2.6% 281.3 850.5
Operating result (EBIT) 490.7 371.3 +49.5% 862.0 +1.2% 248.4 851.7
Group net income 310.6 271.4 +66.4% 582.0 –2.4% 163.1 596.6
Balance sheet
(as at the end of the period)
Policyholders' surplus 6,167.8 6,926.1 +23.2% 5,621.6
Total shareholders' equity 4,239.4 4,456.8 +20.0% 3,714.4
Minority interests 561.4 601.4 +10.9% 542.1
Hybrid capital 1,367.0 1,867.9 +36.8% 1,365.1
Investments (excl. funds withheld
by ceding companies)
25,360.1 25,499.1 +13.3% 22,507.0
Total assets 46,718.8 45,834.2 +12.2% 40,837.6
Share
Earnings per share in EUR 2.58 2.25 +66.4% 4.83 –2.4% 1.35 4.95
Book value per share in EUR 35.15 36.96 +20.0% 29.47 30.80
Share price at the end of the period in EUR 35.30 33.74 +3.1% 31.33 32.71
Market capitalisation
at the end of the period
4,257.1 4,068.9 +3.1% 3,778.3 3,944.7
Ratios
Combined ratio (non-life reinsurance)2 99.5% 98.2% 99.0% 96.3% 96.8%
Major losses as percentage of net premium
earned (non-life reinsurance)3
15.4% 10.2% 13.6% 2.7% 5.3%
Retention 90.3% 92.3% 91.0% 90.7% 92.3%
Return on investment (excl. funds withheld
by ceding companies)
3.3% 3.9% 3.6% 4.4% 4.2%
EBIT margin4 10.2% 14.0% 11.5% 11.0% 12.7%
Return on equity 15.6% 25.0% 19.0% 19.4% 24.9%

1 Figures adjusted

2 Including funds withheld

3 Natural catastrophes and other major losses in excess of EUR 5 million gross for the Hannover Re Group's share as percent of net premium earned

4 Operating profit (EBIT)/net premium earned

Ulrich Wallin Chairman of the Executive Board

Dear Shareholders, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Having already been able to report to you mid-year that the development of your company's business had been broadly favourable, this was continued in the third quarter. Of the very good net income as at 30 September 2010 totalling EUR 582 million, the third quarter contributed EUR 271 million. The exceptionally strong earnings in the third quarter were in part assisted by a special effect on which we reported in an ad hoc notification released on 20 October. This stemmed from a final decision handed down by the German Federal Fiscal Court on a question of additional taxation, which is relevant to our company with respect to income generated by our Irish subsidiaries from the years 1993 to 2004. Given that additional taxation is not applicable in this regard according to the decision, we were able to release corresponding provisions that we had constituted on a precautionary basis. This development improved the net income after tax by some EUR 100 million, leaving earnings of EUR 173 million that we generated in the third quarter from our ordinary business activities. This, too, is in itself a gratifying amount since it surpassed our expectations.

If business in the fourth quarter develops in line with our expectations and disregarding any possible exceptional influencing factors, we should be able to generate a profit for the full financial year of more than EUR 700 million based on the results achieved in the first nine months.

Just as crucial to this good performance is the very pleasing development of our life and health reinsurance in the third quarter and our continued good investment income. Non-life reinsurance fulfilled our expectations, although it

should be noted that the third quarter of 2010 was again overshadowed by a considerable major loss incidence.

Also remarkable is the fact that our premium income in the first nine months again showed double-digit growth relative to the corresponding period of the previous year. It should, however, be borne in mind that exchange rate effects were a factor here.

I would especially like to mention that at the beginning of September we made the most of the relatively favourable interest rate level to raise additional hybrid capital of EUR 500 million. The issue will serve to further optimise our capital structure and support growth going forward. The bond, which was oversubscribed several times over, has a maturity of 30 years.

Another significant development was the move by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation to allow our subsidiary Hannover Re (Bermuda) Ltd. to qualify as a so-called "Eligible Reinsurer". It was only in February of this year that the regulator granted this status to Hannover Re – as the first foreign reinsurer in the world. This reduces the collateral requirements for business that we write from ceding companies domiciled in Florida from 100 percent to 20 percent of the ceded premiums and loss reserves and hence makes business from Florida more attractive for our company.

Furthermore, we decided to join an initiative for the modelling of global earthquake risks. Given that – as a reinsurer – we are particularly involved in the coverage of natural catastrophe risks, we attach special importance to the reliable assessment of such risks. By joining the "Global Earthquake Model Foundation" we are playing our part in helping to ensure that the perils associated with earthquakes can be better evaluated. At the same time, we expect to gain valuable insights for our own risk assessment.

Permit me, if I may, to turn now to our business groups – namely non-life reinsurance and life/health reinsurance: the demand situation is enabling us to continue generating moderate growth at conditions commensurate with the risks. Of special significance here in relation to our European portfolio are the preparations being made by our clients – primary insurers – for the future regulatory framework under Solvency II.

In non-life reinsurance we are now seeing – having pushed through further improvements in conditions in just the past year – a resurgent trend towards gradual softening on the markets. In order to remain successful going forward, we therefore set great store by continuing our selective underwriting policy based on detailed risk analyses. Yet this softening is not equally evident across all lines. In loss-affected sectors the markets are still able to obtain the necessary improvements in conditions.

Although the hurricane season did not cause any sizeable losses in the third quarter, we nevertheless incurred – as in the first half-year, too – appreciable strains from natural disasters. Along with a number of mid-sized catastrophe losses, special mention should be made of the earthquake in New Zealand – which cost our company almost EUR 90 million. After nine months, then, the total burden of major losses is still significantly higher than our expected level. Thanks not least to the favourable trend in basic losses, in which low inflation was also a contributory factor, and due also to the special effect mentioned at the outset, we were still able to generate exceptionally healthy net income after tax of EUR 438 million as at 30 September.

The development of our life and health reinsurance has been exceptionally gratifying. We continued to post double-digit premium growth in this business group. The increasing part played by Asian business in this growth is particularly noteworthy. In the quarter just-ended, for example, we significantly enlarged our business in China by closing the first financing transaction in the market with a domestic life insurer and we anticipate further such transactions in the coming quarters. The development of the ING portfolio assumed last year also continues to progress entirely in line with the expectations that we had placed in this business upon acquisition. Our post-tax net income of EUR 170 million for total life and health reinsurance as at 30 September actually beat our expectations.

Investment income continues to be shaped by a very low interest rate level. While this puts a brake on the interest income that can be attained, it has also enabled us to generate gains from the sale of government bonds, in particular. When it comes to new investments of funds from our continued highly positive operating cash flow as well as reinvestments, we have increasingly preferred corporate bonds. While always safeguarding the high credit rating of debtors as well as broad risk diversification, we have thus sharply boosted the proportion of our total portfolio attributable to corporate bonds. What is more, in the third quarter we began to invest again in listed equities, although for reasons of prudence we are targeting an equity allocation of only 2.8 percent by year-end.

The development of our shareholders' equity excluding minority interests was again pleasing, rising further in the third quarter to roughly EUR 4.5 billion. This is equivalent to an increase of 20 percent since the beginning of the year.

Driven not least by the higher book value per share reflected therein, our share price has continued to rise in 2010 after the rapid surge of 2009.

I would like to thank you – also on behalf of my colleagues on the Executive Board – most sincerely for your trust in Hannover Re. Going forward, as in the past, our paramount concern will be to lead your company responsibly and securely into a profitable future.

Yours sincerely,

Ulrich Wallin Chairman of the Executive Board

Boards and officers

Supervisory Board (Aufsichtsrat)

Herbert K. Haas 1, 2, 3 Chairman Burgwedel

Dr. Klaus Sturany1 Deputy Chairman Dortmund

Wolf-Dieter Baumgartl 1, 2, 3 Berg

Uwe Kramp 4 Hannover

Karl Heinz Midunsky3 Gauting

Ass. jur. Otto Müller4 Hannover

Dr. Immo Querner Ehlershausen

Dr. Erhard Schipporeit2 Hannover

Gert Waechtler4 Burgwedel

Executive Board (Vorstand)

Ulrich Wallin Chairman Hannover

André Arrago Hannover

Dr. Wolf Becke Hannover

Jürgen Gräber Völksen

Dr. Klaus Miller (from 1 September 2010) Munich

Dr. Michael Pickel Isernhagen

Roland Vogel Deputy Member Wennigsen

1 Member of the Standing Committee

  • 2 Member of the Finance and Audit Committee
  • 3 Member of the Nomination Committee

4 Staff representative

Business development

We are thoroughly satisfied with the development of business in the third quarter, even though the burden of major losses in non-life reinsurance was again rather high in this period.

Market conditions for a reinsurer of good financial strength – such as Hannover Re – nevertheless remain good. Prices in non-life reinsurance were broadly commensurate with the risks and we therefore maintained our business on a stable level. Life and health reinsurance continues to offer sufficient potential – especially in light of the demographic shift in developed countries –, hence enabling us to achieve our growth targets.

In September Hannover Re used the relatively low interest rate level to place a subordinated hybrid bond issue of EUR 500 million on the European capital market. The bond, which has a maturity of 30 years, will serve to further optimise the capital structure and support future growth with appropriate capital resources.

Gross written premium in total business increased by a further 11.5% to EUR 8.6 billion (EUR 7.7 billion) as at 30 September 2010. At constant exchange rates, especially relative to the US dollar, growth would have come in at 7.7%. The level of retained premium retreated to 91.0% (92.3%). Net premium climbed by 11.1% to EUR 7.5 billion (EUR 6.7 billion).

Particularly bearing in mind our risk-averse asset allocation and the prevailing low interest rate level, we are highly satisfied with the development of our investments as at 30 September. Due to the inflow of cash from the technical account and thanks to the favourable development of their fair values owing to interest rate and currency effects, the volume of assets under own management grew to EUR 25.5 billion (EUR 22.5 billion). Despite lower interest rates, ordinary income excluding interest on deposits thus also surpassed the corresponding period of the previous year to reach EUR 655.1 million (EUR 603.8 million). Interest on deposits climbed to EUR 223.7 million (EUR 189.2 million).

The unrealised losses on our asset holdings recognised at fair value through profit or loss totalled EUR 93.6 million. The bulk of this amount – specifically EUR 89.4 million – derived from the fair value development of inflation swaps taken out to hedge inflation risks associated with our loss reserves in the technical account. Our net investment income as at 30 September 2010 grew by 2.6% to EUR 872.2 million (EUR 850.5 million).

A decision of relevance to our company handed down by the Federal Fiscal Court (BFH) on additional taxation gave rise to a positive special effect on our result in the third quarter. After the BFH confirmed in its decision of 20 October 2010 the impermissibility of additional taxation of investment income generated by Irish subsidiaries in the case before the court, which is also determinative for the taxation of income booked by our Irish subsidiaries, we were able to release the provisions that we had set aside on a precautionary basis. This served to boost the result by EUR 98.0 million after tax. The core of the legal dispute had revolved around the question of whether the investment income generated by a reinsurance subsidiary domiciled in Ireland is also subject to additional taxation at the parent company in Germany if the material activities of the subsidiary are performed by personnel of a Group-owned Irish service company. The BFH has now confirmed the decision in the first instance handed down by the Lower Saxony Fiscal Court in Hannover. For further details please see the ad hoc notification released on 20 October 2010.

The operating profit (EBIT) climbed by 1.2 % to EUR 862.0 million (EUR 851.7 million) as at 30 September 2010. The comparable period of the previous year had been influenced by positive special effects in life and health reinsurance. These derived from the acquisition of the ING life reinsurance portfolio and the reversal of unrealised losses on deposits held by US clients on behalf of Hannover Re (ModCo derivatives). Group net income as at 30 September 2010 came in at EUR 582.0 million (EUR 596.6 million). Earnings per share of EUR 4.83 (EUR 4.95) were generated, while the annualised return on equity stood at 19.0% (24.9%).

Driven by Group net income, positive movements in exchange rates and unrealised gains on investments, shareholders' equity excluding minority interests improved on the level of 31 December 2009 by EUR 742.3 million to reach EUR 4.5 billion. The book value per share consequently also increased to EUR 36.96 (EUR 30.80). The policyholders' surplus, comprised of shareholders' equity, minority interests and hybrid capital, amounted to EUR 6.9 billion (EUR 5.6 billion).

Non-life reinsurance

Business developed largely to our satisfaction in non-life reinsurance. Overall, the situation on international reinsurance markets is favourable. While a trend towards gradual market softening can be discerned, prices remain broadly commensurate with the risks and good business opportunities are still available in special segments. In keeping with our policy of active cycle management, we enlarge our portfolio in markets and segments that promise a return in line with our margin requirements. In areas where premiums do not reflect the assumed risks, on the other hand, we reduce our involvement.

Treaties for some of our North American business as well as for the portfolio in Australia and New Zealand came up for renewal on 1 July 2010. With sufficient capacities available in the American market, rate increases were for the most part recorded only in loss-impacted programmes. In casualty business, including for example workers' compensation insurance, prices held stable. Property catastrophe business, on the other hand, was notable mainly for premium erosion – prompting us to refrain from increasing our participations.

In Australia the inflow of new reinsurance capacities put prices for non-proportional catastrophe covers with smaller and mid-sized insurance groups under pressure. Despite two hail events in the first quarter rates under the affected programmes fell short of our expectations, and we therefore reduced our involvement. All in all, we scaled back our portfolio of business from Australia and New Zealand.

Attractive opportunities are available to us in facultative reinsurance, i.e. the underwriting of individual risks, as well as in the areas of agricultural covers and – as in the past – credit and surety reinsurance.

Gross premium in total non-life reinsurance increased by 9.5% as at 30 September 2010 relative to the corresponding period of the previous year to reach EUR 4.8 billion (EUR 4.4 billion). At constant exchange rates, especially against the US dollar, growth would have come in at 6.5%. The level of retained premium fell to 90.5% (93.4%). Net premium earned climbed by 8.0% to EUR 4.1 billion (EUR 3.8 billion).

Although this year's hurricane season in North and Central America passed off very modestly in the third quarter and we did not incur any strains, the level of major losses – as in the preceding quarters – was again exceptionally high. The largest single loss event for our company in the third quarter was the earthquake in New Zealand, which caused severe destruction in Christchurch and the surrounding area. We set aside reserves of EUR 88.5 million for this loss. Altogether, the net burden of major losses for Hannover Re as at 30 September 2010 totalled EUR 554.1 million; this contrasted with just EUR 198.2 million in the comparable period of the previous year. The combined ratio stood at 99.0% (96.8%). The net underwriting result declined from EUR 98.1 million in the corresponding period of the previous year to EUR 32.4 million owing to the major loss expenditure.

Key figures for non-life reinsurance
figures in EUR million
2010 2009
1.1.–30.6. 1.7.–30.9. +/– pre
vious year
1.1.–30.9. +/– pre
vious year
1.7.–30.9. 1.1.–30.9.
Gross written premium 3,271.7 1,553.2 +17.3% 4,824.9 +9.5% 1,323.7 4,405.2
Net premium earned 2,638.2 1,428.6 +11.3% 4,066.8 +8.0% 1,283.5 3,765.4
Underwriting result 7.2 25.2 –38.2% 32.4 –67.0% 40.8 98.1
Net investment income 308.7 168.7 +19.3% 477.4 +25.9% 141.4 379.3
Operating result (EBIT) 333.8 299.6 +87.3% 633.4 +32.8% 159.9 477.0
Group net income 215.1 222.5 +105.9% 437.7 +32.1% 108.1 331.3
Earnings per share in EUR 1.78 1.85 +105.9% 3.63 +32.1% 0.90 2.75
Combined ratio1 99.5% 98.2% 99.0% 96.3% 96.8%
Retention 90.1% 91.4% 90.5% 91.8% 93.4%

1 Including expenses on funds withheld and contract deposits

The decision of the Federal Fiscal Court on a matter of additional taxation positively affected the Group net income in non-life reinsurance as at 30 September 2010 by an amount of EUR 98.0 million.

The operating profit (EBIT) in non-life reinsurance increased by 32.8% as at 30 September 2010 to EUR 633.4 million (EUR 477.0 million). Group net income climbed by 32.1% to EUR 437.7 million (EUR 331.3 million), producing earnings per share of EUR 3.63 (EUR 2.75).

Life and health reinsurance

The general business environment in international life and health reinsurance remains favourable: the increasing ageing of the population in developed countries such as the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany is generating heightened awareness of the need for provision. This is of particular benefit to providers of annuity and health insurance products. Urbanisation in leading emerging markets such as China, India or Brazil, which is fostering growing demand for insurance solutions designed to protect surviving dependants and afford individual retirement provision, has similarly positive implications for growth prospects.

Hannover Re, which in life and health reinsurance operates under the Hannover Life Re brand, booked significant double-digit organic growth across a broad front. Breaking the premium development down across the various subsegments, growth was especially striking in longevity business.

As to regional markets, the most appreciable growth stimuli derived from the United Kingdom, East Asia, Australia and South Africa. China delivered the strongest increase in percentage terms. The very low insurance density that is still the hallmark of this market contrasts with a sharply expanding middle class. Hannover Re has substantially enlarged its business here over the past three years and anticipates growth in excess of 50% for 2010.

Our subsidiary Hannover Life Re America was also able to boost its premium volume by 7.0%. In the United Kingdom – our second-largest market – annuity and pension business continues to offer considerable growth potential. Working together here with specialist providers, we cover the biometric risk of longevity but do not assume any interest rate guarantees.

In September the prestigious UK trade journal "The Review" honoured Hannover Life Re for its special expertise with the title of "Life Reinsurance Company of the Year". Particular mention was made of the exceptionally successful 2009 financial year and the acquisition of the US ING life reinsurance portfolio. Hannover Life Re's strong position in the UK in the field of enhanced annuities as well as its know-how in the area of reinsurance solutions for longevity risks were also singled out for praise.

Gross written premium in life and health reinsurance rose sharply by 14.2% to EUR 3.7 billion (EUR 3.3 billion) as at 30 September 2010. At constant exchange rates growth would have come in at 9.3%. The level of retained premium nudged higher to 91.5% (90.8%). Net premium earned increased by 15.0% to EUR 3.4 billion (EUR 3.0 billion).

Key figures for life and health reinsurance
figures in EUR million
2010 20091
1.1.–30.6. 1.7.–30.9. +/– pre
vious year
1.1.–30.9. +/– pre
vious year
1.7.–30.9. 1.1.–30.9.
Gross written premium 2,411.1 1,319.3 +20.2% 3,730.4 +14.2% 1,097.2 3,266.3
Net premium earned 2,181.5 1,223.4 +25.2% 3,404.9 +15.0% 976.9 2,961.0
Net investment income 228.4 141.4 +18.4% 369.7 –14.7% 119.5 433.5
Operating result (EBIT) 145.5 68.2 –1.2% 213.6 –36.9% 69.0 338.3
Group net income 113.8 56.4 +6.7% 170.2 –39.2% 52.9 279.9
Earnings per share in EUR 0.94 0.47 +6.7% 1.41 –39.2% 0.44 2.32
Retention 90.6% 93.3% 91.5% 89.4% 90.8%
EBIT margin2 6.7% 5.6% 6.3% 7.1% 11.4%

1 Figures adjusted

2 Operating result (EBIT)/net premium earned

Profitability as at 30 September 2010 was similarly gratifying: the operating profit (EBIT) amounted to EUR 213.6 million (EUR 338.3 million). The result for the comparable period of the previous year had been influenced by positive special effects of around EUR 187 million in connection with the acquisition of the US ING life reinsurance business as well as the reversal of unrealised losses on deposits held by US clients on behalf of Hannover Re. If these effects are factored out, we would have booked EBIT growth of 41%. The EBIT margin stood at 6.3%, a figure comfortably within the target corridor of 6% to 7%. Group net income came in at EUR 170.2 million (EUR 279.9 million). Excluding the special effects of around EUR 169 million in the corresponding period of the previous year, Group net income would have improved by roughly 53%. Earnings per share stood at EUR 1.41 (EUR 2.32).

Investments

Particularly in the area of European corporate bonds credit spreads had widened markedly in the first half of 2010, but in the course of the third quarter they moved back towards levels seen at the beginning of the year. US treasury securities and European government bonds experienced yield declines across virtually all duration ranges as the year progressed. The unrealised gains on our fixed-income securities consequently climbed to EUR 936.0 million (EUR 431.3 million). Combined with the positive operating cash flow and movements in exchange rates, this caused our portfolio of assets under own management to grow to EUR 25.5 billion (EUR 22.5 billion). Despite the low level of interest rates, ordinary income from assets under own management improved on the corresponding period of the previous year to reach EUR 655.1 million (EUR 603.8 million). Interest on deposits increased from EUR 189.2 million to EUR 223.7 million.

Impairments of altogether EUR 20.0 million (EUR 110.3 million) were taken. Of this amount, EUR 5.2 million was attributable to alternative investments and EUR 7.7 million to fixed-income securities. Scheduled depreciation on directly held real estate rose to EUR 5.2 million (EUR 0.5 million), a reflection of our increased involvement in this area. The total volume of write-downs contrasted with write-ups of EUR 14.4 million, of which EUR 11.4 million was attributable to fixed-income securities and EUR 3.0 million to alternative investments.

We recognise a derivative (ModCo) for the credit risk associated with special life reinsurance treaties under which securities deposits are held by cedants for our account; the performance of this derivative during the reporting period gave rise to unrealised gains of EUR 4.8 million (EUR 153.5 million) which were recognised in income. The changes in the fair values of inflation swaps taken out in the second quarter are recognised in income as a derivative pursuant to IAS 39. Since inflationary expectations have receded somewhat since the inflation swaps were purchased, they show a change in fair value of EUR 89.4 million. Given that they serve to hedge inflation exposures in the technical account, this position is opposed by anticipated positive effects in connection with the development of the loss reserves.

Thanks to the further rise in ordinary income and the reduced volume of write-downs, our net investment income came in slightly higher than the previous year's level despite the unrealised losses; it amounted to EUR 872.2 million (EUR 850.5 million) as at 30 September 2010.

Net investment income figures in EUR million
2010 2009
1.1.–30.6. 1.7.–30.9. +/– pre
vious year
1.1.– 30.9. +/– pre
vious year
1.7.–30.9. 1.1.–30.9.
Ordinary investment income1 441.2 213.9 +4.3% 655.1 +8.5% 205.0 603.8
Results from participation in
associated companies
2.4 1.1 –34.0% 3.5 1.7 0.1
Appreciation 11.8 2.6 14.4
Realised gains/losses 77.3 57.9 +366.1% 135.2 +99.2% 12.4 67.9
Impairments2 16.7 3.3 –80.7% 20.0 –81.9% 16.9 110.3
Unrealised gains/losses3 (86.2) (7.5) –115.5% (93.6) –169.1% 48.2 135.4
Investment expenses 29.7 16.4 +22.6% 46.1 +28.9% 13.4 35.8
Net investment income from
assets under own management
400.2 248.3 +4.8% 648.5 –1.9% 237.0 661.2
Net investment income from
funds withheld
151.2 72.5 +63.5% 223.7 +18.2% 44.3 189.2
Net investment income 551.4 320.8 +14.0% 872.2 +2.6% 281.3 850.5

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

Risk report

As an internationally operating reinsurer we are confronted with a broad diversity of risks that are indivisibly bound up with our entrepreneurial activities and which manifest themselves differently in the individual business groups and geographical regions.

The overriding goal of our risk management is to adhere to our strategically defined risk positions and to ensure that our capital resources are adequate at all times. We attach central importance to the following elements of our risk management system:

  • Management and monitoring of individual risks so that the total risk remains within the permissible tolerances
  • Separation of functions between divisions that enter into and manage risks, on the one hand, and those that monitor risks, on the other
  • Process-independent monitoring by Internal Auditing
  • Regular review of the efficiency of systems and, as appropriate, adjustment to the business environment and/or the changed risk situation within the scope of our internal risk management and control system
  • Systematic and comprehensive monitoring of all conceivable risks from the current perspective that could jeopardise the company's profitability or continued

existence with the aid of efficient and practice-oriented management and control systems

  • Appropriate reporting to the decision-making bodies that covers all the various types of risks
  • Ad hoc reports as necessary
  • Documentation of the material elements of the system in mandatory instructions
  • Good financial strength and risk management ratings from the rating agencies of greatest relevance to our company

Another key element of the overall system is the Framework Guideline on the Internal Control System (ICS). The purpose of this set of rules is to ensure systematic execution of our company strategy with a special eye to capital protection. The Framework Guideline puts in place a consistent appreciation of controls as well as a uniform procedure and standards for implementation of the ICS across all organisational units of Hannover Re. The ICS consists of systematically structured organisational and technical measures/controls within the enterprise. They include, among other things:

  • Documentation of the controls within processes, especially in accounting
  • Principle of dual control
  • Separation of functions
  • Technical plausibility checks and access privileges within the systems

In the area of Group accounting, processes with integrated controls ensure the completeness and accuracy of the consolidated financial statement.

Material risks

The risk situation of Hannover Re is essentially defined by comprehensive analysis of the following risk categories:

  • Technical risks in non-life reinsurance
  • Technical risks in life and health reinsurance
  • Market risks
  • Credit risks
  • Operational risks
  • Other risks

Particularly in non-life reinsurance, the reserving risk – which results from the under-reserving of losses – constitutes a material technical risk. The loss reserves are calculated using actuarial methods, primarily on the basis of information provided by our ceding companies, and supplemented where necessary by additional reserves based on our own loss estimations. We also establish the so-called IBNR (incurred but not reported) reserve for losses that have already occurred but have not yet been reported to us. Annual audits conducted by external actuaries and auditors play an important part in the quality assurance of our own calculations regarding the adequacy of the reserves.

The risk of losses exceeding premiums derives from the fact that the initially calculated premiums may not suffice to pay compensation and long-term benefit commitments in the required amount. The combined ratio (loss ratio, expense ratio and major loss ratio) in non-life reinsurance is tracked over time and shown in the table below with an eye to the risk of losses exceeding premiums.

Catastrophe risks from natural hazards (earthquakes, windstorms) are also material for our company. Licensed scientific simulation models, supplemented by the expertise of our own specialist departments, are used to assess these risks. Furthermore, we establish the risk to our portfolio with the aid of various scenarios (e.g. US/hurricane, Europe/windstorm, US/earthquake) in the form of probability distributions. For the purposes of risk limitation, maximum underwriting limits (capacities) are stipulated for various extreme loss scenarios and return periods in light of profitability criteria. Adherence to these limits is monitored within the scope of risk management activities.

All risks directly connected with the life of an insured person are referred to as biometric risks (miscalculation of mortality, life expectancy, morbidity and occupational disability); they constitute material risks for our company in the area of life and health reinsurance.

The Market Consistent Embedded Value (MCEV) is a ratio used to evaluate life insurance and reinsurance business; it is calculated as the present value of the future shareholders' earnings from the worldwide life and health reinsurance portfolio plus the allocated capital. The calculation makes appropriate allowance for all risks underlying the covered business. For further explanation we would refer to the MCEV for the 2009 financial year.

Risks in the investment sector consist primarily of market, credit default and liquidity risks. The most significant market price risks are share price, interest rate and currency risks. The overriding principle guiding our investment strategy is capital preservation while giving adequate consideration to the security, liquidity, mix and spread of the assets. Potential market price risks are reduced with the aid of a broad range of risk-steering measures.

The value at risk (VaR) is a vital tool used for monitoring and managing market price risks. Stress tests are conducted in order to be able to map extreme scenarios as well as normal market scenarios for the purpose of calculating the value at risk. In this context, the loss potentials for fair values and shareholders' equity (before tax) are simulated on the basis of already occurred or notional extreme events.

Combined and catastrophe ratio
Figures in % Q3
2010
2009 2008 2007 2006 20051 20041 20031, 2 20021, 2 20011, 2 20001, 2
Combined ratio
(non-life reinsurance)
99.0 96.6 95.4 99.7 100.8 112.8 97.2 96.0 96.3 116.5 107.8
thereof major losses3 13.6 4.6 10.7 6.3 2.3 26.3 8.3 1.5 5.2 23.0 3.7

1 Incl. financial reinsurance and specialty insurance

2 Based on figures reported in accordance with US GAAP

3 Natural catastrophes and other major losses in excess of EUR 5 million gross for the Hannover ReGroup's share as percent of net premium earned

Scenarios for changes in the fair value of our securities figures in EUR million
Scenario Portfolio change
based on fair value
Change in
shareholder equity
before tax
Equity securities Share prices –10% (17.2) (17.2)
Share prices –20% (34.3) (34.3)
Share prices +10% +17.2 +17.2
Share prices +20% +34.3 +34.3
Fixed-income securities Yield increase +50 basis points (437.0) (333.0)
Yield increase +100 basis points (859.8) (654.8)
Yield decrease –50 basis points +448.0 +342.4
Yield decrease –100 basis points +910.1 +696.0
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Rating structure of our fixed-income securities1
Rating classes Government bonds Securities issued by
semi-governmental
entities
Corporate bonds Covered bonds/
asset-backed
securities
in % in EUR
million
in % in EUR
million
in % in EUR
million
in % in EUR
million
AAA 84,0 4.947,9 61,1 3.423,4 4,3 263,1 75,2 2.973,1
AA 5,4 317,8 34,5 1.932,1 20,4 1.261,3 15,4 609,2
A 6,4 379,8 3,9 217,9 56,5 3.497,5 1,4 55,0
BBB 3,6 209,6 0,3 16,4 15,6 962,9 2,3 91,8
<bbb< td="">0,636,10,29,33,1195,65,7225,7 0,6 36,1 0,2 9,3 3,1 195,6 5,7 225,7
Total 100,0 5.891,2 100,0 5.599,1 100,0 6.180,4 100,0 3.954,8

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

Further information on the risk concentrations of our investments can be obtained from the tables on the changes in the fair values of our securities as well as on the rating structure of the fixed-income securities.

The credit risk consists primarily of the complete or partial failure of the counterparty and the associated default on payment. Since the business that we accept is not always fully retained, but instead portions are retroceded as necessary, the credit risk is also material for our company – especially in non-life reinsurance. Our retrocession partners are carefully selected in light of credit considerations in order to keep this risk as small as possible. In terms of the Hannover Re Group's major companies, EUR 254.7 million (8.2%) of our accounts receivable from reinsurance business totalling EUR 3,111.2 million were older than 90 days as at the balance sheet date. The average default rate over the past three years was 0.11%.

In our understanding, operational risks encompass the risk of losses occurring because of the inadequacy or failure of internal processes or as a result of events triggered by employee-related, system-induced or external factors. The operational risk also extends to legal risks. Of material importance to our company in the category of other risks are primarily emerging risks, strategic risks, reputational risks and liquidity risks. Given the broad spectrum of operational and other risks, there is a wide range of different management and monitoring measures tailored to individual types of risk.

Assessment of the risk situation

The above remarks describe the material risks to which we, as an internationally operating reinsurance group, are exposed as well as the steps taken to manage and monitor them. The specified risks can potentially have a significant impact on our assets, financial position and net income. Yet consideration solely of the risk aspect does not fit our holistic conception of risk, since risks always go hand-in-hand with opportunities.

Based on our currently available insights arrived at from a holistic analysis of the risk situation, the Executive Board of Hannover Re cannot at present discern any risks that could jeopardise the continued existence of our company in the short or medium term or have a material and lasting effect on our assets, financial position or net income.

Additional information on the risk situation is provided in the Group annual report 2009.

Outlook

In light of developments to date on the international reinsurance markets, we see good prospects of achieving our growth and profit targets for 2010 from our ordinary business activities. As already mentioned, provisions that had been constituted as a precautionary move were released in light of the decision handed down by the Federal Fiscal Court on 20 October 2010, thereby further boosting the result. We are well positioned in both non-life and life/health reinsurance and will benefit accordingly from the available market opportunities thanks to our excellent rating.

In addition to the business prospects already described, we see further opportunities with respect to the upcoming new supervisory regulations under Solvency II. Given the increasingly exacting capital requirements facing insurers, reinsurance will continue to gain in importance as a risk optimisation tool for our clients. Against this backdrop, we are looking to additional growth stimuli.

At constant exchange rates, the net premium volume for 2010 is now expected to grow by around 8%.

By and large, markets in non-life reinsurance are still offering adequate prices. There is, however, no mistaking the fact that the substantial capacity made available by reinsurers relative to the demand for their products is leading to more intense competitive pressure. Consequently, rate increases can now only be obtained in loss-impacted sectors of the business. The oil platform disaster in the Gulf of Mexico will prompt hardening of the offshore insurance market; on the reinsurance side, too, we anticipate substantial price increases.

Given the high frequency of severe natural disasters in the current financial year we expect to see price increases in catastrophe-exposed business. Premium growth should also be possible in the area of agricultural risks as well as in emerging markets.

A study conducted by the renowned US Flaspöhler Research Group again chose Hannover Re – for the fourth time in succession – as the best overall reinsurer in North America. This achievement is especially significant given that the bulk of our US non-life reinsurance business is placed through brokers.

In total non-life reinsurance we continue to anticipate net premium growth of around 6% in the original currencies as well as a healthy profit contribution for 2010. This is dependent upon the burden of major losses remaining within the bounds of our expectations in the fourth quarter.

The general climate in international life and health reinsurance continues to be very positive. A particularly significant factor here is the demographic trend in established insurance markets such as the United States, Japan, United Kingdom and Germany. The increasing ageing of the population is especially beneficial to annuity and health insurance.

In the area of longevity risks we anticipate particularly brisk demand in the coming years, which is even likely to exceed the capacity of the international life reinsurance market and will therefore result in additional capital market transactions involving longevity risks. We shall continue to participate in this business.

In the United Kingdom it is our assumption that business involving the biometric risk of longevity – both in the form of enhanced annuities with a reduced payment period and through the assumption of risks associated with existing pension funds – will continue to enjoy strong growth.

Financially oriented reinsurance solutions, i.e. models designed to strengthen the solvency base of primary insurers, are enjoying sustained demand. In life and health reinsurance we now plan to grow net premium by roughly 12% in the current year. The EBIT margin should come in within the target range of 6% to 7%.

The expected positive cash flow that we generate from the technical account and our investments should – subject to stable exchange rates – lead to further growth in our asset portfolio. In the area of fixed-income securities we continue to stress the high quality and diversification of our portfolio. We are targeting a return on investment of 3.5% for 2010.

The positive special effect associated with the aforementioned decision of the Federal Fiscal Court on additional taxation should also favourably influence the net income of around EUR 600 million that had previously been anticipated at year-end. Consequently, we now expect net income in excess of EUR 700 million. This is subject to the premise that the major loss burden in the fourth quarter does not exceed the expected level and also assumes that there are no adverse movements on capital markets. As for the dividend, we continue to aim for a payout ratio in the range of 35% to 40% of Group net income.

Quarterly financial report of the Hannover Re Group

Consolidated balance sheet

Assets in EUR thousand 30.9.2010 31.12.20091
Fixed-income securities – held to maturity 2,985,632 2,953,489
Fixed-income securities – loans and receivables 2,506,400 2,701,831
Fixed-income securities – available for sale 15,912,888 13,805,048
Fixed-income securities – at fair value through profit or loss 220,629 235,149
Equity securities – available for sale 171,688 19,357
Other financial assets – at fair value through profit or loss 47,517 58,273
Real estate and real estate funds 356,265 216,801
Investments in associated companies 129,798 128,316
Other invested assets 787,416 578,861
Short-term investments 1,908,832 1,352,475
Cash 472,014 457,412
Total investments and cash under own management 25,499,079 22,507,012
Funds withheld 11,476,241 10,160,380
Contract deposits 710,185 625,481
Total investments 37,685,505 33,292,873
Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid claims 1,790,477 1,747,991
Reinsurance recoverables on benefit reserve 342,311 104,868
Prepaid reinsurance premium 125,844 47,651
Reinsurance recoverables on other technical reserves 3,027 400
Deferred acquisition costs 1,848,410 1,838,450
Accounts receivable 3,111,199 2,869,874
Goodwill 45,034 44,393
Deferred tax assets 484,141 515,867
Other assets 389,122 372,012
Accrued interest and rent 9,110 3,189
Total assets 45,834,180 40,837,568

1 Adjusted on the basis of IAS 8 and IFRS 3. For details please see Section 2, subsection "Changes in accounting policies".

Liabilities in EUR thousand 30.9.2010 31.12.20091
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve 18,944,547 17,425,293
Benefit reserves 8,629,861 7,952,640
Unearned premium reserve 1,964,985 1,512,840
Other technical provisions 206,908 148,827
Funds withheld 1,252,928 857,440
Contract deposits 4,685,518 4,038,420
Reinsurance payable 793,435 1,021,364
Provisions for pensions 81,165 77,497
Taxes 239,868 266,747
Provision for deferred taxes 1,546,696 1,485,157
Other liabilities 395,812 313,450
Long-term debt and subordinated capital 2,034,246 1,481,336
Total liabilities 40,775,969 36,581,011
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 563,280 241,569
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (118,303) (224,084)
Other changes in cumulative other comprehensive income (17,953) (4,728)
Total other comprehensive income 427,024 12,757
Retained earnings 3,184,611 2,856,529
Shareholders' equity before minorities 4,456,794 3,714,445
Minority interests 601,417 542,112
Total shareholders' equity 5,058,211 4,256,557
Total liabilities 45,834,180 40,837,568

Consolidated statement of income

Figures in EUR thousand 1.7.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.2010 1.7.–30.9.20091 1.1.–30.9.20091
Gross written premium 2,872,261 8,554,587 2,420,928 7,671,457
Ceded written premium 222,033 772,383 225,010 591,559
Change in gross unearned premium (6,015) (384,161) 27,449 (412,702)
Change in ceded unearned premium 7,309 73,148 37,051 59,162
Net premium earned 2,651,522 7,471,191 2,260,418 6,726,358
Ordinary investment income 213,884 655,085 205,007 603,829
Profit/loss from investments in associated companies 1,100 3,470 1,666 131
Realised gains and losses on investments 57,905 135,224 12,423 67,885
Unrealised gains and losses on investments (7,462) (93,647) 48,203 135,441
Total depreciation, impairments and appreciation of
investments
662 5,535 16,927 110,311
Other investment expenses 16,443 46,108 13,411 35,770
Net income from investments under own
management
248,322 648,489 236,961 661,205
Income/expense on funds withheld and contract
deposits
72,451 223,662 44,315 189,246
Net investment income 320,773 872,151 281,276 850,451
Other technical income 1,547 9,523 6,430 8,193
Total revenues 2,973,842 8,352,865 2,548,124 7,585,002
Claims and claims expenses 1,863,661 5,311,537 1,561,388 4,715,603
Change in benefit reserves 142,588 429,662 164,003 493,405
Commission and brokerage, change in deferred
acquisition costs
602,353 1,646,987 481,935 1,395,916
Other acquisition costs 2,754 9,456 3,693 10,676
Other technical expenses 10,164 32,269 7,813 25,650
Administrative expenses 64,452 203,791 56,911 177,267
Total technical expenses 2,685,972 7,633,702 2,275,743 6,818,517
Other income and expenses 83,433 142,801 (23,938) 85,247
Operating profit/loss (EBIT) 371,303 861,964 248,443 851,732
Interest on hybrid capital 20,608 58,672 19,346 57,516
Net income before taxes 350,695 803,292 229,097 794,216
Taxes 32,582 148,911 51,303 164,355
Net income 318,113 654,381 177,794 629,861
thereof
Minority interest in profit and loss 46,739 72,374 14,715 33,278
Group net income 271,374 582,007 163,079 596,583
Earnings per share
Earnings per share in EUR 2.25 4.83 1.35 4.95

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income as at 30 September 2010

Figures in EUR thousand 1.7.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.2010 1.7.–30.9.20091 1.1.–30.9.20091
Net income 318,113 654,381 177,794 629,861
Unrealised gains and losses on investments
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity 176,482 557,366 350,187 130,117
Transferred to the consolidated statement of income (64,796) (137,163) 7,736 48,711
Tax income (expense) (19,270) (90,377) (83,769) (37,933)
92,416 329,826 274,154 140,895
Currency translation
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity (160,635) 114,001 (50,231) (12,727)
Transferred to the consolidated statement of income (4,764) 2,616 (6,635) (6,467)
Tax income (expense) 15,446 (6,969) (382) 2,780
(149,953) 109,648 (57,248) (16,414)
Changes from the measurement of associated
companies
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity (4,640) (2,258)
(4,640) (2,258)
Other changes
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity (2,379) (20,867) (2,319) 7,513
Tax income (expense) 885 7,641 765 (2,811)
(1,494) (13,226) (1,554) 4,702
Total income and expense recognised directly in equity
Gains (losses) recognised directly in equity 13,468 650,500 292,997 122,645
Transferred to the consolidated statement of income (69,560) (134,547) 1,101 42,244
Tax income (expense) (2,939) (89,705) (83,386) (37,964)
(59,031) 426,248 210,712 126,925
Changes in the consolidated group (16) (16) (5)
Total recognised income and expense 259,066 1,080,613 388,501 756,786
thereof:
Attributable to minority interests 41,661 84,139 20,810 33,434
Attributable to the Group 217,405 996,474 367,691 723,352

Consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity 2010

Figures
in EUR thousand
Common
shares
Additional
paid-in
capital
(cumulative other comprehensive Other reserves
income)
Retained
earnings
Minority
interests
Share
holders'
equity
Currency
translation
Unrealised
gains/
losses
Other
Balance as at 1.1.2009 120,597 724,562 (247,565) 113,864 (4,577) 2,123,178 501,434 3,331,493
Capital increases/
additions
157 157
Capital repayments (7) (7)
Total income and
expense recognised
after tax1
(14,627) 136,681 4,715 596,583 33,434 756,786
Dividends paid (13,470) (13,470)
Balance as at 30.9.20091 120,597 724,562 (262,192) 250,545 138 2,719,761 521,548 4,074,959
Balance as at 1.1.20101 120,597 724,562 (224,084) 241,569 (4,728) 2,856,529 542,112 4,256,557
Changes in ownership
interest with no change
of control status
35 (235) (378) 7,300 6,722
Capital increases/
additions
58 58
Capital repayments (1,543) (1,543)
Acquisition/disposal
of treasury shares
(293) (293)
Total income and
expense recognised
after tax
105,746 321,946 (13,225) 582,007 84,139 1,080,613
Dividends paid (253,254) (30,649) (283,903)
Balance as at 30.9.2010 120,597 724,562 (118,303) 563,280 (17,953) 3,184,611 601,417 5,058,211

Consolidated cash flow statement as at 30 September 2010

Figures in EUR thousand 1.1.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.20091
I. Cash flow from operating activities
Net income 654,381 629,861
Appreciation/depreciation (37,440) 100,600
Net realised gains and losses on investments (135,224) (67,885)
Income from the recognition of negative goodwill (92,653)
Amortisation of investments 5,172 12,812
Changes in funds withheld (548,948) (777,485)
Net changes in contract deposits 405,943 252,299
Changes in prepaid reinsurance premium (net) 308,981 353,733
Changes in tax assets/provisions for taxes (24,510) 101,733
Changes in benefit reserve (net) 170,220 505,902
Changes in claims reserves (net) 887,672 948,978
Changes in deferred acquisition costs 70,735 (31,575)
Changes in other technical provisions 46,678 (19,127)
Changes in clearing balances (338,867) (508,262)
Changes in other assets and liabilities (net) (50,741) (174,837)
Cash flow from operating activities 1,414,052 1,234,094
Figures in EUR thousand 1.1.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.20091
II.
Cash flow from investing activities
Fixed-income securities – held to maturity
Maturities 21,870 42,833
Purchases (43,415)
Fixed-income securities – loans and receivables
Maturities, sales 677,036 98,655
Purchases (497,891) (724,134)
Fixed-income securities – available for sale
Maturities, sales 6,615,742 8,172,054
Purchases (7,725,676) (8,734,214)
Fixed-income securities – at fair value through profit or loss
Maturities, sales 42,963 67,293
Purchases (8,444) (9,450)
Equity securities – available for sale
Sales 976 20,931
Purchases (158,383) (22,267)
Other financial assets – at fair value through profit or loss
Sales 1,737 1,073
Purchases (123)
Other invested assets
Sales 45,235 3,866
Purchases (96,360) (37,560)
Affiliated companies and participating interests
Sales 76 3,995
Purchases (4,837) (1,266)
Acquisition of ING life reinsurance portfolio
Acquisition of cash in hand 117,170
Purchase price paid for other assets acquired (12,878)
Real estate and real estate funds
Sales 2,868 126
Purchases (139,200) (46,378)
Short-term investments
Changes (473,463) (73,702)
Other changes (net) (7,653) (11,111)
Cash flow from investing activities (1,703,404) (1,188,502)
Figures in EUR thousand 1.1.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.20091
III. Cash flow from financing activities
Contribution from capital measures 97 (1,577)
Structural change without loss of control 7,005
Dividends paid (283,903) (13,470)
Proceeds from long-term debts 548,612 24
Repayment of long-term debts (4,196) (15,220)
Acquisition/disposal of treasury shares (293)
Cash flow from financing activities 267,322 (30,243)
IV. Exchange rate differences on cash 36,632 (7,101)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 457,412 430,225
Change in cash and cash equivalents (I.+II.+III.+IV.) 14,602 8,248
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 472,014 438,473
Income taxes (104,173) (72,329)
Interest paid (99,976) (95,106)

Segmental report

Segmentation of assets in EUR thousand Non-life reinsurance
30.9.2010 31.12.2009
Assets
Held to maturity 2,683,789 2,651,188
Loans and receivables 2,450,089 2,624,702
Available for sale 11,613,308 9,820,513
At fair value through profit or loss 137,269 154,707
Other invested assets 1,239,492 894,289
Short-term investments 1,544,651 1,031,880
Cash 296,488 253,797
Total investments and cash under own management 19,965,086 17,431,076
Funds withheld by ceding companies 681,222 625,753
Contract deposits
Total investments 20,646,308 18,056,829
Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid claims 1,618,629 1,589,438
Reinsurance recoverables on benefit reserve
Prepaid reinsurance premium 122,579 44,607
Reinsurance recoverables on other reserves 936 305
Deferred acquisition costs 376,764 331,091
Accounts receivable 1,904,356 1,896,362
Other assets in the segment 1,316,260 1,429,320
Total assets 25,985,832 23,347,952
Segmentation of technical and other liabilities in EUR thousand
Liabilities
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve 16,476,131 15,393,548
Benefit reserve
Unearned premium reserve 1,873,174 1,437,490
Provisions for contingent commissions 144,437 106,313
Funds withheld 264,199 209,925
Contract deposits 99,920 123,927
Reinsurance payable 560,719 701,103
Long-term liabilities 166,323 116,286
Other liabilities in the segment 1,559,882 1,461,588
Total liabilities 21,144,785 19,550,180
Life/health reinsurance Consolidation Total
30.9.2010 31.12.20091 30.9.2010 31.12.2009 30.9.2010 31.12.20091
3,305 4,039 298,538 298,262 2,985,632 2,953,489
46,079 45,064 10,232 32,065 2,506,400 2,701,831
4,193,690 3,653,073 277,578 350,819 16,084,576 13,824,405
100,689 94,244 30,188 44,471 268,146 293,422
33,987 29,689 1,273,479 923,978
353,856 266,657 10,325 53,938 1,908,832 1,352,475
174,621 201,211 905 2,404 472,014 457,412
4,906,227 4,293,977 627,766 781,959 25,499,079 22,507,012
10,795,069 9,536,934 (50) (2,307) 11,476,241 10,160,380
710,185 625,481 710,185 625,481
16,411,481 14,456,392 627,716 779,652 37,685,505 33,292,873
171,994 158,576 (146) (23) 1,790,477 1,747,991
342,311 104,868 342,311 104,868
4,802 4,089 (1,537) (1,045) 125,844 47,651
2,091 95 3,027 400
1,471,646 1,507,359 1,848,410 1,838,450
1,208,468 974,751 (1,625) (1,239) 3,111,199 2,869,874
390,894 378,059 (779,747) (871,918) 927,407 935,461
20,003,687 17,584,189 (155,339) (94,573) 45,834,180 40,837,568
2,468,560 2,031,768 (144) (23) 18,944,547 17,425,293
8,631,398 7,953,685 (1,537) (1,045) 8,629,861 7,952,640
91,811 75,350 1,964,985 1,512,840
62,471 42,514 206,908 148,827
988,803 649,841 (74) (2,326) 1,252,928 857,440
4,585,598 3,914,493 4,685,518 4,038,420
234,867 321,869 (2,151) (1,608) 793,435 1,021,364
1,867,923 1,365,050 2,034,246 1,481,336
1,456,737 1,507,029 (753,078) (825,766) 2,263,541 2,142,851
18,520,245 16,496,549 1,110,939 534,282 40,775,969 36,581,011

Segmental report

Segmental statement of income in EUR thousand Non-life reinsurance
1.1.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.2009
Gross written premium 4,824,900 4,405,195
thereof
From insurance business with other segments
From insurance business with external third parties 4,824,900 4,405,195
Net premium earned 4,066,773 3,765,404
Net investment income 477,420 379,309
thereof
Deposit interest and expenses 7,136 21,750
Claims and claims expenses 2,999,167 2,766,040
Change in benefit reserve
Commission and brokerage, change in deferred acquisition costs and other
technical income/expenses
916,677 787,387
Administrative expenses 118,528 113,839
Other income and expenses 123,576 (433)
Operating profit (EBIT) 633,397 477,014
Interest on hybrid capital
Net income before taxes 633,397 477,014
Taxes 127,103 117,566
Net income 506,294 359,448
thereof
Minority interest in profit or loss 68,639 28,142
Group net income 437,655 331,306
Life/health reinsurance Consolidation Total
1.1.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.20091 1.1.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.2009 1.1.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.20091
3,730,367 3,266,262 (680) 8,554,587 7,671,457
680 (680)
3,729,687 3,266,262 8,554,587 7,671,457
3,404,896 2,960,954 (478) 7,471,191 6,726,358
369,743 433,503 24,988 37,639 872,151 850,451
216,526 167,494 2 223,662 189,246
2,312,881 1,950,066 (511) (503) 5,311,537 4,715,603
430,154 493,405 (492) 429,662 493,405
767,178 641,097 (4,666) (4,435) 1,679,189 1,424,049
86,931 66,235 (1,668) (2,807) 203,791 177,267
36,113 94,682 (16,888) (9,002) 142,801 85,247
213,608 338,336 14,959 36,382 861,964 851,732
58,672 57,516 58,672 57,516
213,608 338,336 (43,713) (21,134) 803,292 794,216
39,659 53,336 (17,851) (6,547) 148,911 164,355
173,949 285,000 (25,862) (14,587) 654,381 629,861
3,735 5,136 72,374 33,278
170,214 279,864 (25,862) (14,587) 582,007 596,583

1. General reporting principles

The parent company Hannover Rückversicherung AG ("Hannover Re") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Hannover Re Group") are 50.22% owned by Talanx AG and included in its consolidated financial statement. Talanx AG is wholly owned by HDI Haftpflichtverband der Deutschen Industrie V.a.G. (HDI). Hannover Re is obliged to prepare a consolidated financial statement and group management report in accordance with § 290 German Commercial Code (HGB). Furthermore, HDI is required by §§ 341 i et seq. German Commercial Code (HGB) to prepare consolidated annual accounts that include the annual financial statements of Hannover Re and its subsidiaries.

The consolidated financial statement of Hannover Re was drawn up in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) that are to be used within the European Union. This also applies to all figures provided in this report for previous periods. Since 2002 the standards adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) have been referred to as IFRS; the standards dating from earlier years still bear the name "International Accounting Standards (IAS)". Standards are cited in our Notes accordingly; unless the Notes make explicit reference to a particular standard, both terms are used synonymously.

The consolidated quarterly financial report has been compiled in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting". As provided for by IAS 34.41, in our preparation of the consolidated quarterly financial statement, consisting of the consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of income, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated cash flow statement, consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity and selected explanatory notes, we draw on estimates and assumptions to a greater extent than is the case with the annual financial reporting. This can have implications for items in the balance sheet and the statement of income as well as for other financial obligations. Although the estimates are always based on realistic premises, they are of course subject to uncertainties that may be reflected accordingly in the result. Losses from natural disasters and other catastrophic losses impact the result of the reporting period in which they occur. Furthermore, belatedly reported claims for major loss events can also lead to substantial fluctuations in individual quarterly results. Gains and losses on the disposal of investments are accounted for in the quarter in which the investments are sold.

The present consolidated quarterly financial statement was prepared by the Executive Board at its meeting on 25 October 2010 and released for publication.

2. Accounting principles including major accounting policies

The quarterly accounts of the consolidated companies included in the consolidated financial statement were drawn up as at 30 September 2010.

All standards adopted by the IASB as at 30 September 2010 with binding effect for the reporting period have been observed in the consolidated financial statement.

New accounting standards or accounting standards applied for the first time

In June 2009 the IASB published amendments to IFRS 2 "Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment Transactions". The amendments do not have any significant implications for Hannover Re.

Standards or changes in standards that have not yet entered into force or are not yet applicable

In November 2009 the IASB published the revised IAS 24 "Related Party Disclosures". A major new feature of IAS 24 (rev. 2009) is the requirement for disclosures of "commitments", for example guarantees, undertakings and other commitments, which are dependent upon whether (or not) a particular event occurs in the future. The definition of a related entity or a related person is also clarified. The standard, the implications of which for Hannover Re are currently under review, was ratified by the European Union effective 20 July 2010 and must be applied from 1 January 2011 onwards.

In November 2009 the IASB also issued IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. IFRS 9 is the first step in a three-phase project intended to replace IAS 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement" with a new standard. IFRS 9 introduces new requirements for classifying and measuring financial assets. This standard has not yet been ratified by the European Union.

Changes in accounting policies

Hannover Re has corrected the balance sheet recognition of certain life reinsurance contracts. In accordance with applicable US GAAP (FASB ASC 340-30), technical assets and liabilities relating to these contracts are to be offset in the balance sheet. This offsetting was partially omitted in previous reporting periods.

In accordance with IAS 8 we have therefore adjusted the comparative figures in the present quarterly financial statement. The adjustments have no implications for the Group net income or shareholders' equity in any of the preceding reporting periods. Contrary to the figures originally shown, the balance sheet items "funds withheld" (assets side) and "contract deposits" (liabilities side) are each reduced by EUR 1,429.2 million as at 31 December 2009. The decrease in these balance sheet items in the opening balance sheet as at 1 January 2009 amounts to EUR 1,852.1 million in each case.

In the previous year Hannover Re completed the acquisition of the US ING life reinsurance portfolio and initially included the acquired business in the consolidated quarterly financial statement on a provisional basis. In the context of this provisional recognition pursuant to IFRS 3 the provisional carrying amounts were adjusted in the quarterly financial statement as at 30 September 2009. At the same time, the translation of intangible assets held in foreign currencies also had to be adjusted pursuant to IAS 8 in the quarterly financial statement as at 30 September 2009 and in the financial statement as at 31 December 2009.

The effects of the aforementioned adjustments on items of the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of income were as follows:

Adjustments pursuant to IFRS 3 and IAS 8
Figures in EUR thousand 1.1.2009 30.9.2009 31.12.2009
Funds withheld (1,852,064) (1,520,864) (1,429,178)
Reinsurance recoverables on benefit reserve (26,711)
Deferred tax assets (8,281)
Other assets +19,970 +2,527
Total change in assets (1,852,064) (1,535,886) (1,426,651)
Benefit reserves (29,944)
Contract deposits (1,852,064) (1,520,864) (1,429,178)
Reinsurance payable +3,232
Provision for deferred taxes +1,775
Other liabilities (8,281)
Retained earnings +18,195 +2,527
Total change in liabilities (1,852,064) (1,535,886) (1,426,651)
1.1.–30.9.2009 1.1.–31.12.2009
Other income and expenses +6,939 +2,527
Taxes (11,256)
Total change in items of the statement of income +18,195 +2,527
Change in earnings per share (in EUR) +0.15 +0.02

Segmentation

Hannover Re's segmental report is based on IFRS 8 "Operating Segments" and on the principles set out in German Accounting Standard No. 3 "Segment Reporting" (GAS 3) of the German Accounting Standards Board as well as the requirements of GAS 3–20 "Segment Reporting of Insurance Enterprises".

We would also refer to the relevant information in the consolidated financial statement as at 31 December 2009.

3. Consolidated companies and consolidation principles

Consolidated companies

Effective 8 March 2010 Hannover Rück Beteiligung Verwaltungs-GmbH (HRBV), which is wholly owned by Hannover Re, reached agreement with a third party outside the Group on the sale of 0.5% of its stake in E+S Rück – by way of a share reduction without a change of control status. Upon closing of the transaction HRBV held an interest of 63.69% in E+S Rück.

Effective 26 April 2010 the share capital of E+S Rück was increased out of retained earnings without the issue of new shares by an amount of EUR 2.8 million from EUR 42.6 million to EUR 45.5 million. The nominal value per share now stands at EUR 600. This did not give rise to a change of control status.

With effect from the second quarter Inter Hannover (No. 1) Limited, London, was included in the consolidated financial statement for the first time. All shares in the company are held by International Insurance Company of Hannover Ltd., Bracknell. The object of the company, which is a corporate member of Lloyd's of London with limited liability, is to participate in the business of one or more Lloyd's syndicates.

The Hannover Re- and E+S Rück-owned company Penates A, Ltd., Tortola, British Virgin Islands, was liquidated effective 22 September 2010.

Capital consolidation

The capital consolidation complies with the requirements of IAS 27 "Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements". Subsidiaries are consolidated as soon as Hannover Re acquires a majority voting interest or de facto controlling influence. The capital consolidation is based on the revaluation method. In the context of the "acquisition method" the acquisition costs of the parent company are netted with the proportionate shareholders' equity of the subsidiary at the time when it is first included in the consolidated financial statement after the revaluation of all assets and liabilities. After recognition of all acquired intangible assets that in accordance with IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" are to be accounted for separately from goodwill, the difference between the revalued shareholders' equity of the subsidiary and the purchase price is recognised as goodwill. As at the balance sheet date Hannover Re had not exercised the option available under IFRS 3 to recognise on a transaction-by-transaction basis the entire goodwill instead of merely the portion of total goodwill corresponding to the proportionate interest acquired. Under IFRS 3 scheduled amortisation is not taken on goodwill. Instead, unscheduled amortisation is taken where necessary on the basis of annual impairment tests. Immaterial and negative goodwill are recognised in the statement of income in the year of their occurrence.

Companies over which Hannover Re is able to exercise a significant influence ("associated companies") are normally consolidated "at equity" with the proportion of the shareholders' equity attributable to the Group. A significant influence is presumed to exist if a company belonging to the Hannover Re Group directly or indirectly holds at least 20% – but no more than 50% – of the voting rights. Income from investments in associated companies is recognised separately in the consolidated statement of income.

Minority interests in shareholders' equity are reported separately within Group shareholders' equity in accordance with IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements". The minority interest in profit or loss, which forms part of net income and is shown separately after net income as a "thereof" note, amounted to EUR 72.4 million (EUR 33.3 million) as at 30 September 2010.

Debt consolidation

Receivables and liabilities between the companies included in the consolidated financial statement were offset against each other.

Consolidation of expenses and profit

The effects of business transactions within the Group were eliminated.

Consolidation of special purpose entities

Securitisation of reinsurance risks

The securitisation of reinsurance risks is largely structured through the use of special purpose entities. The existence of a consolidation requirement in respect of such entities is to be examined in accordance with SIC-12 "Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities". In cases where IFRS do not currently contain any specific standards, Hannover Re's analysis – in application of IAS 8.12 – also falls back on the relevant standards of US GAAP.

With the aim of transferring to the capital market peak natural catastrophe exposures deriving from European windstorm events, Hannover Re issued a catastrophe ("CAT") bond that can be traded on a secondary market for the second time in July 2009. The CAT bond, which has a volume of EUR 150.0 million, was placed with institutional investors from Europe and North America by Eurus II Ltd., a special purpose entity domiciled in the Cayman Islands. Hannover Re does not exercise a controlling influence over the special purpose entity. Under IFRS this transaction is to be recognised as a financial instrument.

In September 2009, in a transaction referred to as "FacPool Re", Hannover Re for the first time transferred a portfolio of facultative reinsurance risks to the capital market as part of its extended Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS) activities. The contracts, which cover worldwide individual risks, are mediated by an external reinsurance intermediary, written by Hannover Re and placed on the capital market in conjunction with a service provider. The "FacPool Re" transaction consists of a quota share reinsurance arrangement and two non-proportional cessions. The total amount of capital provided stands at USD 60 million (equivalent to EUR 44.0 million), with Hannover Re keeping a share of approximately USD 5 million (equivalent to EUR 3.7 million) and additionally assuming losses that exceed the capacity of "FacPool Re". A number of special purpose entities participate in the reinsurance cessions within "FacPool Re"; Hannover Re does not hold any shares in these special purpose entities and does not bear the majority of the economic benefits or risks arising out of their activities through any of its business relations.

With effect from 1 January 2009 Hannover Re again used the capital market to obtain underwriting capacity for catastrophe risks. The "K5" transaction, which ended on 31 December 2008, was replaced by the successor transaction "K6". The volume of "K6", which was equivalent to EUR 120.3 million as at 31 December 2009, was increased to USD 329.4 million on 1 January 2010 and is now equivalent to EUR 241.4 million. This securitisation, which was again placed with institutional investors in North America, Europe and Asia, involves a quota share cession on worldwide natural catastrophe business as well as aviation and marine risks. As with the "K3" and "K5" transactions, Kaith Re Ltd., a special purpose entity domiciled in Bermuda, is being used for the securitisation. The planned term of the transaction runs until 31 December 2011, or 31 December 2012 in the case of the additional interests placed on 1 January 2010. In addition, Hannover Re uses the special purpose entity Kaith Re Ltd. for various retrocessions of its traditional covers to institutional investors. In accordance with SIC–12 Kaith Re Ltd. is included in the consolidated financial statement.

In 2007 the Hannover Re Group transferred risks from reinsurance recoverables to the capital market. The securitisation had a term of five years; the securities serving as collateral were issued through the special purpose entity Merlin CDO I B.V. In March 2010 Hannover Re made use of its right of early cancellation and terminated the credit default swap underlying the "Merlin" transaction effective 26 April 2010. The derivative established by the "Merlin" transaction was therefore derecognised in the second quarter, causing a decrease in net income.

Investments

Within the scope of its asset management activities Hannover Re has participated since 1988 in numerous special purpose entities – predominantly funds –, which for their part transact certain types of equity and debt capital investments. On the basis of our analysis of our relations with these entities we concluded that the Group does not exercise a controlling influence in any of these transactions and a consolidation requirement therefore does not exist.

Hannover Re participates – primarily through the companies Secquaero ILS Fund Ltd., Hannover Insurance-Linked Securities GmbH & Co. KG and Hannover Re (Bermuda) Ltd. – in a number of special purpose entities for the securitisation of catastrophe risks by taking up certain capital market securities known as "disaster bonds" (or "CAT bonds"). Since Hannover Re does not exercise a controlling influence in any of these transactions either there is no consolidation requirement.

4. Notes on the individual items of the balance sheet

4.1 Investments under own management

Investments are classified and measured in accordance with IAS 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement". Hannover Re classifies investments according to the following categories: held to maturity, loans and receivables, available for sale, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and held for trading. The allocation and measurement of investments are determined by the investment intent.

Fixed-income securities classified as held to maturity as well as loans and receivables originated by the entity that are not listed on an active market or sold at short notice are measured at purchase cost – i.e. fair value as at purchase date including directly allocable transaction costs – plus amortised cost. The amortised cost derives from the difference between the nominal value and purchase cost and is spread over the time to maturity of the fixed-income securities.

Fixed-income securities classified as available for sale are measured at fair value. The difference between the fair value and amortised cost is recognised outside the statement of income until realisation. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and securities held for trading are measured at fair value. The difference between the fair value and amortised cost is recognised in the statement of income.

The investments under own management also encompass investments in associated companies, real estate and real estate funds (also includes: investment property), other invested assets, shortterm investments and cash. The other investments primarily consist of shares in private equity limited partnerships. For further details we would refer to the relevant information in the consolidated financial statement as at 31 December 2009.

The following table shows the regional origin of the investments under own management.

Investments in EUR thousand 30.9.2010 31.12.2009
Germany 6,812,310 6,560,026
United Kingdom 1,753,343 1,363,938
France 1,860,231 1,865,540
Other 4,713,951 3,928,606
Europe 15,139,835 13,718,110
USA 6,765,926 6,007,409
Other 791,798 840,207
North America 7,557,724 6,847,616
Asia 666,176 530,497
Australia 1,409,071 941,664
Australasia 2,075,247 1,472,161
Africa 418,285 416,139
Other 307,988 52,986
Total 25,499,079 22,507,012
Maturities of the fixed-income and variable-yield securities
in EUR thousand 30.9.  2010 31.12.2009
Cost or
amortised cost1
Fair value Cost or
amortised cost1
Fair value
Held to maturity
due in one year 335,617 352,879 106,788 117,125
due after one through two years 379,044 392,402 280,725 290,471
due after two through three years 632,973 670,805 469,248 490,878
due after three through four years 221,291 234,832 521,196 542,714
due after four through five years 770,919 844,956 298,115 315,856
due after five through ten years 627,042 693,930 1,259,917 1,319,098
due after ten years 18,746 18,159 17,500 15,852
Total 2,985,632 3,207,963 2,953,489 3,091,994
Loans and receivables
due in one year 141,249 142,109 220,814 221,111
due after one through two years 95,821 95,722 80,127 82,095
due after two through three years 114,224 116,725 41,048 41,219
due after three through four years 638,453 660,707 332,716 339,025
due after four through five years 519,223 547,194 485,554 490,978
due after five through ten years 925,908 997,187 1,294,842 1,323,459
due after ten years 71,522 67,925 246,730 244,384
Total 2,506,400 2,627,569 2,701,831 2,742,271
Available for sale
due in one year2 4,436,396 4,476,480 3,890,651 3,926,328
due after one through two years 2,175,576 2,201,891 1,686,180 1,725,646
due after two through three years 1,842,830 1,882,488 1,656,235 1,698,765
due after three through four years 1,948,931 2,055,238 1,718,907 1,782,188
due after four through five years 2,202,599 2,240,255 1,875,448 1,907,847
due after five through ten years 3,413,782 3,611,890 3,151,562 3,196,970
due after ten years 1,681,216 1,825,492 1,383,350 1,377,191
Total 17,701,330 18,293,734 15,362,333 15,614,935
Financial assets at fair value through
profit or loss
due in one year 63,553 63,553 22,145 22,145
due after one through two years 25,845 25,845 70,245 70,245
due after two through three years 54,610 54,610 18,358 18,358
due after three through four years 10,251 10,251 39,155 39,155
due after four through five years 1,507 1,507 4,541 4,541
due after five through ten years 1,362 1,362 11,239 11,239
due after ten years 63,501 63,501 69,466 69,466
Total 220,629 220,629 235,149 235,149

1 Including accrued interest

2 Including short-term investments and cash

The stated maturities may in individual cases diverge from the contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalty. Variable-rate bonds (so-called "floaters") are shown under the maturities due in one year and constitute our interest-related, within-the-year reinvestment risk.

Amortised cost, unrealised gains and losses and accrued interest on the portfolio of investments classified as held to maturity as well as their fair value

Figures in EUR thousand 30.9.2010
Cost or
amortised cost
Unrealised
gains
Unrealised
losses
Accrued
interest
Fair value
Investments held to maturity
Fixed-income securities
Government debt securities
of EU member states
324,844 20,067 5,261 350,172
US treasury notes 371,211 52,455 4,705 428,371
Other foreign government debt securities 10,776 897 106 11,779
Debt securities issued by semi
governmental entities
695,945 49,311 587 10,375 755,044
Corporate securities 560,160 35,123 909 8,533 602,907
Covered bonds/asset-backed securities 974,621 66,080 106 19,095 1,059,690
Total 2,937,557 223,933 1,602 48,075 3,207,963
Figures in EUR thousand 31.12.2009
Cost or
amortised cost
Unrealised
gains
Unrealised
losses
Accrued
interest
Fair value
Investments held to maturity
Fixed-income securities
Government debt securities
of EU member states
323,510 3,065 946 6,854 332,483
US treasury notes 351,776 36,182 825 2,808 389,941
Other foreign government debt securities 13,445 664 25 14,134
Debt securities issued by semi
governmental entities
685,126 30,212 2,052 12,932 726,218
Corporate securities 559,900 27,107 1,121 12,334 598,220
Covered bonds/asset-backed securities 964,236 46,223 4 20,543 1,030,998
Total 2,897,993 143,453 4,948 55,496 3,091,994

Amortised cost, unrealised gains and losses and accrued interest on loans and receivables as well as their fair value

Figures in EUR thousand 30.9.2010
Cost or
amortised cost
Unrealised
gains
Unrealised
losses
Accrued
interest
Fair value
Loans and receivables
Government debt securities
of EU member states
50,000 1,437 465 51,902
Debt securities issued by semi
governmental entities
1,112,863 54,007 70 16,554 1,183,354
Corporate securities 466,080 25,546 1,184 9,350 499,792
Covered bonds/asset-backed securities 838,087 44,254 2,821 13,001 892,521
Other
Total 2,467,030 125,244 4,075 39,370 2,627,569
Figures in EUR thousand 31.12.2009
Cost or
amortised cost
Unrealised
gains
Unrealised
losses
Accrued
interest
Fair value
Loans and receivables
Government debt securities
of EU member states
79,498 1,713 415 739 81,535
Debt securities issued by semi
governmental entities
1,148,549 8,579 2,597 11,531 1,166,062
Corporate securities 543,718 16,508 1,163 9,470 568,533
Covered bonds/asset-backed securities 639,446 20,322 2,507 9,279 666,540
Other 200,036 59,565 259,601
Total 2,611,247 47,122 6,682 90,584 2,742,271

Amortised cost, unrealised gains and losses and accrued interest on the portfolio of investments classified as available for sale as well as their fair value

Figures in EUR thousand 30.9.2010
Cost or
amortised cost
Unrealised
gains
Unrealised
losses
Accrued
interest
Fair value
Available for sale
Fixed-income securities
Government debt securities
of EU member states
2,283,806 63,581 11,729 29,548 2,365,206
US treasury notes 1,957,222 115,176 14 10,895 2,083,279
Other foreign government debt securities 635,921 16,730 435 3,934 656,150
Debt securities issued by semi
governmental entities
3,555,615 148,943 3,521 55,606 3,756,643
Corporate securities 4,684,882 197,401 5,814 76,768 4,953,237
Covered bonds/asset-backed securities 1,919,010 102,251 35,847 24,638 2,010,052
Investment funds 82,576 8,520 2,775 88,321
15,119,032 652,602 60,135 201,389 15,912,888
Equity securities
Shares 156,248 3,617 5,277 154,588
Investment funds 16,709 636 245 17,100
172,957 4,253 5,522 171,688
Short-term investments 1,908,195 717 780 700 1,908,832
Total 17,200,184 657,572 66,437 202,089 17,993,408
Figures in EUR thousand 31.12.2009
Cost or
amortised cost
Unrealised
gains
Unrealised
losses
Accrued
interest
Fair value
Available for sale
Fixed-income securities
Government debt securities
of EU member states
2,179,903 39,399 4,675 28,867 2,243,494
US treasury notes 1,986,505 27,876 13,049 14,483 2,015,815
Other foreign government debt securities 568,788 5,798 3,135 3,044 574,495
Debt securities issued by semi
governmental entities
3,755,392 94,194 6,731 53,603 3,896,458
Corporate securities 3,151,323 96,853 27,921 54,645 3,274,900
Covered bonds/asset-backed securities 1,573,093 85,303 50,824 20,937 1,628,509
Investment funds 162,156 27,466 18,245 171,377
13,377,160 376,889 124,580 175,579 13,805,048
Equity securities
Shares 14,086 3,100 189 16,997
Investment funds 1,959 479 78 2,360
16,045 3,579 267 19,357
Short-term investments 1,351,309 354 61 873 1,352,475
Total 14,744,514 380,822 124,908 176,452 15,176,880
Fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss before and after accrued interest
as well as accrued interest on such financial assets
Figures in EUR thousand 30.9.2010 31.12.2009 30.9.2010 31.12.2009 30.9.2010 31.12.2009
Fair value before
Accrued interest
accrued interest
Fair value
Financial assets at fair
value through profit or
loss
Fixed-income securities
Debt securities of
semi-governmental
entities 6,695 7,066 56 162 6,751 7,228
Corporate securities 113,577 121,589 632 5,208 114,209 126,797
Covered bonds/
asset-backed securities
99,109 100,775 560 349 99,669 101,124
219,381 229,430 1,248 5,719 220,629 235,149
Other financial assets
Derivatives 47,517 58,273 47,517 58,273
47,517 58,273 47,517 58,273
Total 266,898 287,703 1,248 5,719 268,146 293,422

4.2 Debt and subordinated capital

In September 2010 Hannover Re placed a new subordinated bond on the European capital market through its subsidiary Hannover Finance (Luxembourg) S.A. This subordinated debt of nominally EUR 500.0 million has a maturity of 30 years with a first scheduled call option after ten years. The bond carries a fixed coupon of 5.75% p.a. (yield to first call 5.75%) in the first ten years, after which the interest basis changes to a floating rate of 3-month EURIBOR +423.5 basis points. As at the balance sheet date altogether four subordinated debts are now carried at a cost or amortised cost of EUR 1,867.9 million. For further details we would refer the reader to the relevant information in the consolidated financial statement as at 31 December 2009.

4.3 Shareholders' equity, minority interests and treasury shares

Shareholders' equity is shown as a separate component of the financial statement in accordance with IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements" and subject to IAS 32 "Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation" in conjunction with IAS 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement". The change in shareholders' equity comprises not only the net income deriving from the statement of income but also the changes in the value of asset and liability items not recognised in the statement of income.

The common shares (share capital of the parent company) amount to EUR 120,597,134.00. They are divided into 120,597,134 voting and dividend-bearing registered no-par shares. The shares are paid in in full. Each share carries an equal voting right and an equal dividend entitlement.

Minority interests are established in accordance with the shares held by companies outside the Group in the shareholders' equity of the subsidiaries.

Authorised capital of up to EUR 60,299 thousand is available with a time limit of 3 May 2015. New, no-par-value registered shares may be issued on one or more occasions for contributions in cash or kind. Of the total amount, up to EUR 1,000 thousand may be used to issue employee shares.

In addition, conditional capital of up to EUR 60,299 thousand is available. It can be used to grant shares to holders of convertible bonds and bonds with warrants as well as to holders of participating bonds with conversion rights and warrants and has a time limit of 11 May 2011.

IAS 1 requires separate disclosure of treasury shares in shareholders' equity. As part of this year's employee share purchase scheme Hannover Re acquired altogether 23,163 treasury shares during the second quarter of 2010 and delivered them to eligible employees at preferential conditions. These shares are blocked until 31 May 2014. This transaction reduced retained earnings by an amount of EUR 0.3 million. The company was no longer in possession of treasury shares as at the balance sheet date.

5. Notes on the individual items of the statement of income

5.1 Gross written premium

Gross written premium in EUR thousand 1.1.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.2009
Regional origin
Germany 974,642 1,058,290
United Kingdom 1,703,163 1,326,878
France 390,570 389,365
Other 1,029,247 924,273
Europe 4,097,622 3,698,806
USA 2,227,119 2,147,849
Other 304,185 291,438
North America 2,531,304 2,439,287
Asia 707,432 601,087
Australia 365,327 287,779
Australasia 1,072,759 888,866
Africa 326,456 254,064
Other 526,446 390,434
Total 8,554,587 7,671,457
5.2 Investment income
-----------------------
Investment income in EUR thousand 30.9.2010 30.9.2009
Income from real estate 22,064 1,606
Dividends 2,369 2,592
Interest income 612,800 594,403
Other income 17,852 5,228
Ordinary investment income 655,085 603,829
Profit or loss on shares in associated companies 3,470 131
Appreciation 14,447
Realised gains on investments 204,816 123,454
Realised losses on investments 69,592 55,569
Unrealised gains and losses on investments (93,647) 135,441
Impairments/depreciation on real estate 6,515 994
Impairments on equity securities 569 3,327
Impairments on fixed-income securities 7,723 35,171
Impairments on participating interests and other financial assets 5,175 70,819
Other investment expenses 46,108 35,770
Net income from assets under own management 648,489 661,205
Interest income on funds withheld and contract deposits 286,048 312,339
Interest expense on funds withheld and contract deposits 62,386 123,093
Total investment income 872,151 850,451

Of the impairments totalling EUR 14.7 million, an amount of EUR 5.2 million was attributable to alternative investments. The impairments on fixed-income securities of EUR 7.7 million were taken predominantly on structured assets. An impairment loss of EUR 0.6 million was recognised on equities whose fair value had fallen significantly – i.e. by at least 20% – or for a prolonged period – i.e. for at least nine months – below acquisition cost. The portfolio did not contain any overdue, unadjusted assets as at the balance sheet date since overdue securities are written down immediately.

Of the write-ups totalling EUR 14.4 million, an amount of EUR 11.4 million was attributable to fixedincome securities and an amount of EUR 3.0 million to alternative assets.

Interest income on investments in EUR thousand 30.9.2010 30.9.2009
Fixed-income securities – held to maturity 93,819 110,770
Fixed-income securities – loans and receivables 79,436 48,714
Fixed-income securities – available for sale 417,864 396,306
Financial assets – at fair value through profit or loss 9,396 12,053
Other 12,285 26,560
Total 612,800 594,403

6. Other notes

6.1 Derivative financial instruments

Hannover Re's portfolio contained derivative financial instruments as at the balance sheet date in the form of forward exchange contracts that were taken out chiefly to hedge cash flows from reinsurance contracts. These transactions gave rise to recognition of other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss in an amount of EUR 0.2 million (31 December 2009: EUR 0.3 million) and other liabilities in an amount of EUR 28.5 million (31 December 2009: EUR 17.8 million). The net changes in the fair value of these instruments produced a charge to investment income of EUR 10.8 million in the period under review (30 September 2009: EUR 15.4 million).

In the second quarter of 2010 Hannover Re acquired derivative financial instruments to hedge inflation risks within the loss reserves. These transactions gave rise to recognition of other liabilities in an amount of EUR 89.4 million. The changes in the fair values of these instruments produced a charge to investment income of EUR 89.4 million in the period under review.

Certain reinsurance treaties meet criteria which require application of the prescriptions in IFRS 4.7 to 4.9 governing embedded derivatives. These accounting regulations require that derivatives embedded in reinsurance contracts be separated from the underlying insurance contract ("host contract") according to the conditions specified in IFRS 4 and IAS 39 and recognised separately at fair value in accordance with IAS 39. Fluctuations in the fair value of the derivative components are to be recognised in income in subsequent periods.

On this basis Hannover Re reported as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss technical derivatives in an amount of EUR 47.4 million as at 30 September 2010 (31 December 2009: EUR 58.0 million) that were separated from the underlying transaction and measured at fair value.

In addition, liabilities from derivatives in connection with the technical account totalling EUR 6.4 million (31 December 2009: EUR 3.3 million) were recognised under other liabilities.

Within the scope of the accounting of modified coinsurance and coinsurance funds withheld (ModCo) reinsurance treaties, under which securities deposits are held by the ceding companies and payments rendered on the basis of the income from certain securities of the ceding company, the interest-rate risk elements are clearly and closely related to the underlying reinsurance arrangements. Embedded derivatives consequently result solely from the credit risk of the underlying securities portfolio. Hannover Re calculates the fair value of the embedded derivatives in ModCo treaties using the market information available on the valuation date on the basis of a credit spread method. Under this method the derivative is valued at zero on the date when the contract commences and its value then fluctuates over time according to changes in the credit spreads of the securities.

Of the derivatives carried on the assets side fair values of EUR 38.1 million (31 December 2009: EUR 31.9 million) were attributable as at the balance sheet date to derivatives embedded in ModCo reinsurance treaties.

Principally due to a narrowing of credit spreads in the securities portfolios, investment income from the ModCo derivatives improved by EUR 4.8 million as at 30 September 2010 (30 September 2009: EUR 153.5 million).

6.2 Related party disclosures

IAS 24 defines related parties as group companies of a common parent company, associated companies, legal entities under the influence of management and the management of the company itself. In the reporting period the following significant business relations existed with related parties.

HDI Haftpflichtverband der Deutschen Industrie V.a.G. (HDI) holds an unchanged majority interest of 50.22% in Hannover Re through Talanx AG.

With effect from the 1997 financial year onwards all new business and renewals written on the German market have been the responsibility of E+S Rück, while Hannover Re has handled foreign markets. Internal retrocession arrangements ensure that the percentage breakdown of the business applicable to the previously existing underwriting partnership is largely preserved between these companies.

Within the contractually agreed framework AmpegaGerling Asset Management GmbH performs investment and asset management services for Hannover Re and some of its subsidiaries. Assets in special funds are managed by AmpegaGerling Investment GmbH. AmpegaGerling Immobilien Management GmbH performs services for Hannover Re under a management contract.

Companies belonging to the Talanx Group granted the Hannover Re Group insurance protection inter alia in the areas of public liability, fire, group accident and business travel collision insurance. In addition, Talanx AG billed Hannover Re and E+S Rück pro rata for the directors' and officers' (D&O) insurance of the Talanx Group. Divisions of Talanx AG also performed services for us in the areas of taxes and general administration. All transactions were effected at usual market conditions.

The Hannover Re Group provides reinsurance protection for the HDI Group. To this extent, numerous underwriting business relations exist with related parties in Germany and abroad which are not included in Hannover Re's consolidation. This includes business both assumed and ceded at usual market conditions.

Protection Reinsurance Intermediaries AG grants Hannover Re and E+S Rück a preferential position as reinsurers of cedants within the Talanx Group. In addition, Hannover Re and E+S Rück are able to participate in the protection covers on the retention of Group cedants and share in the protection afforded by them.

The major reinsurance relationships with related parties in the period under review are listed in the following table.

Business assumed and ceded in Germany and abroad
Figures in EUR thousand 30.9.2010 30.9.2009
Premium Underwriting
result
Premium Underwriting
result
Business assumed
Non-life reinsurance 278,280 51,619 265,754 34,063
Life and health reinsurance 216,089 11,986 249,138 56,338
494,369 63,605 514,892 90,401
Business ceded
Non-life reinsurance (2,084) (1,069) 298 (5,281)
Life and health reinsurance (7,366) (3,553)
(9,450) (4,622) 298 (5,281)
Total 484,919 58,983 515,190 85,120

6.3 Staff

The average number of staff employed at the companies included in the consolidated financial statement of the Hannover Re Group was 2,115 during the reporting period (2009 financial year: 1,984).

As at the balance sheet date altogether 2,159 (2,053) staff were employed by the Hannover Re Group, with 1,074 (1,023) employed in Germany and 1,085 (1,030) working for the consolidated Group companies abroad.

6.4 Earnings per share

Calculation of the earnings per share 1.7.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.2010 1.7.–30.9.2009 1.1.–30.9.2009
Group net income in EUR thousand 271,374 582,007 163,079 596,583
Weighted average of issued shares 120,597,134 120,596,791 120,586,082 120,593,450
Earnings per share in EUR 2.25 4.83 1.35 4.95

Neither in the period under review nor in the previous reporting period were there any dilutive effects.

On the basis of this year's employee share purchase scheme Hannover Re acquired treasury shares in the course of the second quarter of 2010 and sold them to the eligible employees. The weighted average number of shares does not include 23,163 treasury shares pro rata temporis for the period from 7 to 10 May 2010. For further details please see our comments in Section 4.3 "Shareholders' equity, minority interests and treasury shares".

There were no other extraordinary components of income which should have been recognised or disclosed separately in the calculation of the earnings per share.

The earnings per share could potentially be diluted in future through the issue of shares or subscription rights from the conditional capital.

6.5 Contingent liabilities and commitments

Hannover Re has placed four subordinated debts on the European capital markets through its subsidiary Hannover Finance (Luxembourg) S.A. Hannover Re has secured by subordinated guarantee the debt issued in 2001, the volume of which now stands at EUR 138.1 million, the debt from the 2004 financial year in an amount of EUR 750.0 million and the debts from 2005 and 2010 in amounts of EUR 500.0 million respectively. For further details we would refer to Section 4.2 of this report and the relevant information in the consolidated financial statement as at 31 December 2009.

The guarantees given by Hannover Re for the subordinated debts attach if the issuer in question fails to render payments due under the bonds. The guarantees cover the relevant bond volumes as well as interest due until the repayment dates. Given the fact that interest on the bonds is partly dependent on the capital market rates applicable at the interest payment dates (floating rates), the maximum undiscounted amounts that can be called cannot be estimated with sufficient accuracy. Hannover Re does not have any rights of recourse outside the Group with respect to the guarantee payments.

As security for technical liabilities to our US clients, we have established two trust accounts (master trust and supplemental trust) in the United States. As at the balance sheet date they amounted to EUR 2,568.8 million (31 December 2009: EUR 2,341.3 million) and EUR 7.9 million (31 December 2009: none) respectively. In addition, we extended further collateral to our cedants in an amount of EUR 354.0 million (31 December 2009: EUR 309.6 million) through so-called "single trust funds".

As part of our business activities we hold collateral available outside the United States in various blocked custody accounts and trust accounts, the total amount of which in relation to the Group's major companies was EUR 1,888.4 million (31 December 2009: EUR 1,587.8 million) as at the balance sheet date. The securities held in the blocked custody accounts and trust accounts are recognised predominantly as available-for-sale investments.

As security for our technical liabilities, various financial institutions have furnished guarantees for our company in the form of letters of credit. The total amount as at the balance sheet date was EUR 2,587.3 million (31 December 2009: EUR 2,552.2 million).

For liabilities in connection with participating interests in real estate companies and real estate transactions Hannover Re Real Estate Holdings has furnished the usual collateral under such transactions to various banks, the amount of which totalled EUR 258.4 million as at the balance sheet date (31 December 2009: EUR 174.4 million).

Outstanding capital commitments with respect to alternative investments exist on the part of the Group in the amount of EUR 272.5 million (31 December 2009: EUR 328.8 million). These primarily involve as yet unfulfilled payment obligations from participations entered into in private equity funds and venture capital firms.

6.6 Currency translation

The individual companies' statements of income prepared in the national currencies are converted into euro at the average rates of exchange and transferred to the consolidated financial statement. The conversion of foreign currency items in the balance sheets of the individual companies and the transfer of these items to the consolidated financial statement are effected at the mean rates of exchange on the balance sheet date.

Mean rate of exchange on the balance
Key exchange rates
sheet date
Average rate of exchange
1 EUR corresponds to: 30.9.2010 31.12.2009 1.1.–30.9.2010 1.1.–30.9.2009
AUD 1.4086 1.6048 1.4776 1.8318
BHD 0.5145 0.5404 0.4999 0.5181
CAD 1.4079 1.5048 1.3815 1.6001
CNY 9.1328 9.7847 9.0193 9.3879
GBP 0.8583 0.9042 0.8603 0.8944
HKD 10.5917 11.1172 10.3031 10.6504
KRW 1,556.2018 1,669.5842 1,547.0884 1,786.5350
MYR 4.2132 4.9113 4.3269 4.8731
SEK 9.1514 10.2986 9.6719 10.6936
USD 1.3648 1.4336 1.3261 1.3740
ZAR 9.5159 10.6121 9.8600 11.7964

6.7 Events after the end of the quarter

On 20 October 2010 the German Federal Fiscal Court (BFH) confirmed a decision in the first instance of the Lower Saxony Fiscal Court, according to which additional taxation of the investment income of Irish subsidiaries is not permissible. This decision is of relevance to the Group with respect to income generated by Irish subsidiaries from the years 1993 to 2004. In accordance with IAS 10 we have recognised this development in the quarterly financial statement as at 30 September 2010 and released corresponding provisions that had been set aside on a precautionary basis. The net income after tax consequently improved by EUR 98.0 million.

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

Klaus Paesler Tel. +49 511 5604-1736 Fax +49 511 5604-1648 [email protected]

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Hannover Rückversicherung AG Karl-Wiechert-Allee 50 30625 Hannover, Germany Tel. +49 511 5604-0 Fax +49 511 5604-1188 [email protected] www.hannover-re.com

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