Quarterly Report • Aug 13, 2009
Quarterly Report
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Interim Group Report for the first half year and the second quarter 2009
| All figures in € million | 2nd quarter 2009 2nd quarter 20081 | 1st half year 2009 1st half year 20081 | Change | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing operations | |||||
| Total revenues | 105.9 | 126.4 | 231.4 | 282.2 | –18.0% |
| Revenues | 100.0 | 111.9 | 220.8 | 260.6 | –15.3% |
| Other revenues | 5.9 | 14.4 | 10.6 | 21.6 | –50.9% |
| Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) | 2.4 | 10.7 | 5.9 | 35.8 | –83.5% |
| EBIT margin (in %) | 2.3% | 8.5% | 2.5% | 12.7% | – |
| Earnings from continuing operations | –0.4 | 8.8 | –0.1 | 17.4 | >–100.0% |
| Earnings per share (diluted) in € | 0.00 | 0.09 | 0.00 | 0.18 | –100.0% |
| MLP Group | |||||
| Net profit (total) | –5.0 | 7.6 | –6.2 | 14.3 | >-100.0% |
| Earnings per share (diluted) in € | –0.05 | 0.07 | –0.06 | 0.14 | >-100.0% |
| Capital expenditure | 1.5 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 6.4 | –53.1% |
| Shareholders' equity | – | – | 391.8 | 2 429.1 |
–8.7% |
| Equity ratio | – | – | 27.6% | 2 28.0% |
– |
| Balance sheet total | – | – | 1,417.9 | 2 1,534.4 |
–7.6% |
| Clients3 | – | – | 777,000 | 2 728,000 |
6.7% |
| Consultants3 | – | – | 2,405 | 2 2,413 |
–0.3% |
| Branch offices3 | – | – | 247 | 2 241 |
2.5% |
| Employees3 | – | – | 1,991 | 2,000 | –0.5% |
| 3 Arranged new business |
|||||
| Old-age provisions (premium sum in € billion) | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 3.0 | –36.7% |
| Health insurances (annual premium) | 10.5 | 9.6 | 23.8 | 21.3 | 11.7% |
| Loans and mortgages | 335 | 251 | 571 | 521 | 9.6% |
| Funds under management in € billion | – | – | 11.7 | 2 11.4 |
2.6% |
1 Adjustment of previous year's figures, see note 3
2 As at December 31, 2008
3 Continuing operations
| Interim Management Report for the first half year and the second quarter 2009 | 5 |
|---|---|
| Macroeconomic environment | 5 |
| Situation within the industry and the competitive environment | 6 |
| Company situation | 8 |
| Results of operations | 8 |
| Net assets | 12 |
| Financial position | 14 |
| Personnel | 15 |
| Communication and advertising activities | 16 |
| Legal corporate structure and executive bodies | 16 |
| Segment report | 17 |
| Risk report | 19 |
| Related party disclosures | 19 |
| Outlook for the current financial year/forecast | 20 |
| Events subsequent to the reporting date | 23 |
| Investor relations | 23 |
| Consolidated income statement and statement of comprehensive income | 25 |
| Consolidated balance sheet | 27 |
| Consolidated cashflow statement | 28 |
| Changes in consolidated shareholders' equity | 29 |
| Notes to the consolidated financial statements | 30 |
| General information | 34 |
| Review report | 45 |
| Assurance by the legal representatives | 46 |
| Executive bodies at MLP AG | 46 |
| Financial calendar | 47 |
MLP is the leading independent financial and investment adviser for academics and other discerning clients. The company integrates a multitude of products and services of various banks, insurance and investment companies to offer a financial concept that is tailored to the requirements of each individual client. MLP clients benefit from a holistic advisory approach covering all economic aspects that is guided by their particular requirements at their respective stages in life.
MLP has around 25o branches in Germany, where around 2,4oo consultants support and advise 78o,ooo clients.
MLP holds a full banking licence and together with the MLP Group company Feri Finance AG, manages assets of around € 12 billion – making the company the leading independent asset-gatherer in Germany. The training provided at the MLP Corporate University is regarded as the benchmark in the financial consultancy industry. This is demonstrated by the fact that the MLP Corporate University holds the coveted seal of approval granted by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and thus belongs to a small circle of twelve renowned corporate universities which can claim this status accolade.
Following the sharp decline in economic development in Germany – where MLP generates over 98% of its total revenues - during the first quarter of 2oo9, the second quarter was characterized by significantly lessening momentum in the economic downturn. In the first quarter, the gross domestic product (GDP) as compared to the preceding quarter almost collapsed, falling by 7.8%. For the second quarter of 2oo9 the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) is now forecasting a decline of just o.8 % compared to the first quarter.
The situation on the financial markets eased and the downward momentum of the global economy stabilized to some extent. In the second quarter the huge worldwide stimulatory monetary and fiscal policies also had an increasing effect on the German economy. During the course of the first half year private consumption became a pillar of support for the German economy. In Germany, disposable incomes increased thanks to economic stimulus package measures and a stable price environment. Even the worsening labor market did not, as yet, negatively affect the level of private consumption. Although the unemployment rate rose from 7.5% at the end of June 2oo8 to 8.1% at the end of June 2oo9, many companies are currently still managing to bridge the weak order book situation by implementing short-time working practices. However, during the further course of the year the anticipated worsening of the employment situation is likely to increasingly affect private consumption levels.
During the period under review, the difficult macroeconomic environment negatively affected MLP's business development. The continuing recession and the uncertainty about the future state of the labor market led to significant restraint on the part of our clients with respect to long-term investment decisions. This negatively affected our core business areas of old-age pension provision and wealth management.
Sources: Federal Statistical Office, Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW)
In the first half year of 2oo9 the development in the market for old-age pension provision was negative. Following the positive effect experienced in the comparative period of the previous year due to the final stage of the state-subsidized premiums for "Riester" pensions ("Riester step"), this development did not really come as a surprise. Yet according to information released by the German Insurance Association (GDV) there was still a decline of around 9% in new business even after taking the Riester step into account. The level of demand for Riester pension contracts also clearly illustrates the sluggish development in the market for private old-age pension provision products. Whereas 312,ooo new Riester contracts were concluded in the first quarter of 2oo8, the number of new contracts during the first quarter 2oo9 only amounted to 275,ooo.
In contrast to the market for old-age pension provision, the financial and economic crisis did not negatively impact the health insurance market in the first half year of 2oo9. The rising number of care and treatment restrictions in the state insurance schemes and the higher premiums incurred by many state-scheme insurees as a result of the health reform led to increased demand for private comprehensive or supplementary health insurance. Generally, there is a heightened level of awareness on the part of consumers of the requirement for greater private healthcare provision in the future. This is also illustrated by the MLP Health Report 2oo9. Around 46% of state-insured insurees have considered taking out supplementary health insurance.
Percentage of people who have considered taking out further supplementary health insurance:
Base: Federal Republic of Germany, state healthcare system insurees Source: MLP Health Report 2009
The financial and economic crisis also very negatively impacted the market for wealth management. The investment fund industry recorded an inflow of funds into retail funds in the first half year of 2oo9 amounting to € 1.5 billion. However, compared to the cash inflows during the same period of the previous year this figure represents a fall of 93%.
Although equity-based investment funds and open-end property funds recorded significant inflows, investors withdrew over € 11 billion from money market funds. This too clearly demonstrates that investors continue to be very hesitant with respect to longer-term investment decisions.
Inflow into / outflow from different types of funds in Germany in H1 2009 (in € billion)
Source: German Federal Association of Investment and Asset Management e. V.
Triggered by the numerous regulatory changes of the past two years (EU insurance Mediation Directive, Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), Geman Insurance Contract Law), the German financial services market is now in a consolidation phase. The new legal framework conditions necessitated high levels of investment and defined new requirements with respect to training and further training within the industry. Small and medium-sized financial brokers are increasingly faced with the challenge of implementing the new requirements within a sensible economic framework. The financial and economic crisis, which has led to significant restraint on the part of clients with respect to the conclusion of long-term provision contracts or the purchase of other financial products, has led to an acceleration of this consolidation within the industry since the start of the year. Competition for securing the services of well-trained and qualified financial consultants also remained high during the period under review.
MLP is playing an active role in this market consolidation. At the beginning of this year we further strengthened our sales capabilities in our core market Germany through the acquisition of the independent financial broker ZSH.
MLP has demonstrated robust revenue development under the continuingly difficult market environment. In the first half year of 2oo9, total revenues only fell to € 231.4 million (€ 282.2 million), following on from the same period in the previous year in which the final increase in subsidised premiums for the Riester pensions scheme ("Riester step") accounted for around € 40 million.
In addition to numerous regulatory changes, the framework conditions are presently characterised, above all, by private and institutional clients deferring their investment decisions in view of the economic and financial crisis. We have provided extensive consultation services to our clients and have stood up well in comparison to the competition.
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell from € 35.8 million to € 5.9 million. This figure includes exceptional and one-off expenses for capital market-relevant consulting services amounting to € 3.4 million as a consequence of Swiss Life's stake in MLP. In addition, there was a one-off charge in the second quarter amounting to around € 1.1 million on account of restructuring measures at the subsidiaries Feri and TPC. Due to a tax back-payment, MLP recorded a loss from its continuing operations of € –o.1 million (€ 17.4 million).
Numerous clients are currently concentrating on liquidity-oriented investments such as call deposits or on increasing their level of risk protection. This is illustrated, for instance, in the non-life insurance business – following a rise between April and June, revenues for the half year stood at € 18.7 million (€ 18.8 million) thus almost equalling the level achieved in the previous year. The health insurance business also remained stable with revenues amounting to € 22.8 million (€ 22.8 million). Disability insurance, which is accounted under old-age pension provision revenues, also played a significantly more dominant role.
However, clients in the areas closely connected to the capital market are hesitant, particularly with respect to medium and longer-term investments. Against this backdrop, revenues in wealth management fell by 2o% to € 33.1 million (€ 41.5 million). This reflects – in addition to subdued demand on the part of private and institutional clients at both the subsidiary Feri as well as at MLP – lower performance-linked remuneration and a greater aversion to risk of clients. Old-age pension provision stood at € 123.o million compared to € 15o.6 million in 2oo8. Revenues from commissions and fees across all the consulting areas amounted to € 2o3.5 million (€ 241.2 million). Interest income fell by 11% from € 19.4 million to € 17.3 million due to lower interest rates.
In the first half year annual premiums in private health insurance rose from € 21.3 million to € 23.8 million due a heightened level of interest following the introduction of the central health fund ("Gesundheitsfonds"). New business in old-age pension provision fell to a premium sum of € 1.9 billion (€ 3.o billion) – the same period in the previous year having been significantly influenced by the "Riester Step". The occupational pension business area accounted for a larger portion of this figure, contributing 1o% (full year 2oo8: 8%). MLP also achieved gains in Assets under Management that form an important foundation for future development in wealth management. They rose by 4% to € 11.7 billion (March 31, 2oo9: € 11.2 billion).
Between April and June MLP gained a total of 8,500 clients, taking the total number of clients to 777,ooo. The number of consultants stood at 2,4o5 (March 31, 2oo9: 2,435).
In the first half of the current financial year the commission expenses, which are largely variable, fell by 18.9% to € 72.7 million.
We improved our interest result from € 9.1 million to € 9.8 million. In this respect, interest income decreased from € 19.4 million to € 17.3 million. The interest expenses fell overproportionally. During the period under review they amounted to only € 7.5 million versus € 1o.3 million for the comparative period in the previous year.
In the first half year we were able to slightly reduce the fixed costs which fell by 1%. In total they amounted to € 145.4 million. Personnel expenses rose by 6.9% to € 57.o million due to acquisitions, general salary increases and one-off restructuring expenses (€ 1.1 million). Scheduled depreciation and amortisation fell significantly from € 1o.3 to € 8.8 million. Other operating expenses decreased considerably, falling by 4.2% to € 79.7 million. In the second quarter we already began to see the positive effects of our cost reduction program that was initiated in February 2oo9. After adjustments for the one-off restructuring expenses at the subsidiaries Feri and TPC amounting to € 1.1 million as well as for cost increase due to an acquisition, MLP reduced fixed costs for the period from April to June by 14.4% to € 65.8 million (€ 76.9 million). MLP had announced it would reduce its fixed costs by the end of 2o1o by a total of € 34 million, of which € 24 million are planned for 2oo9, followed by a further € 1o million next year. Areas where cost savings were achieved included consulting costs, expenses for training and seminars as well as advertising measures.
We significantly improved our financial result in the first half year of 2oo9. Following a figure of € –8.9 million in the same period last year, the financial result in the period under review came in at € –2.1 million. This improvement was mainly due to a dividend payment to the minority shareholders of Feri Finance AG that was lower than in the previous year. In the first quarter of 2oo9 this only amounted to € 2.4 million (€ 7.8 million).
Taxes on earnings in the period under review amounted to € 3.9 million and were thus higher than the earnings before taxes. The unusually high tax expenses are mainly due to two special effects. The dividend payment to the minority shareholders of Feri Finance AG in the first quarter is not valued as a tax-recognized expense. In addition, in the second quarter we booked provisions for tax payments amounting to € 1.4 million following the completion of a tax audit for the years 2oo2 to 2oo6.
Overall we thus recorded earnings from continuing operations of € –o.1 million (€ 17.4 million).
| All figures in € million | 1st half year 2009 | 1st half year 2008 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total revenues | 231.4 | 282.2 | –18.0% |
| EBIT | 5.9 | 35.8 | –83.5% |
| EBIT margin | 2.5% | 12.7% | – |
| Finance cost | –2.1 | –8.9 | 76.4% |
| EBT | 3.8 | 26.9 | –85.9% |
| EBT margin | 1.6% | 9.5% | – |
| Income taxes | –3.9 | –9.5 | –58.9% |
| Net profit (continuing operations) | –0.1 | 17.4 | –100.6% |
| Net margin | –0.04% | 6.2% | – |
In the first half year earnings from discontinued operations amounted to € –6.o million (€ –3.1 million).
In the second quarter of 2oo9, the loss after taxes in the discontinued operations amounted to € –4.6 million (€ –1.2 million); at a Group level this results in a deficit of € –5.o million (€ 7.6 million). The figure for the discontinued operations includes sale and closure costs of € 1.3 million as well as an operative loss of € 1.7 million. The figure is further burdened by tax expenses for the previously discontinued foreign activity in Switzerland amounting to € 1.5 million and resulting from the non-recognition of loss carryforwards from the financial years 2oo2 to 2oo6.
Overall we had to report a Group loss of € –6.2 million (€ 14.3 million) for the period under review. The basic earnings per share thus amounted to € –o.o6 (€ o.15). The diluted earnings per share amouted to € –o.o6 (€ o.14).
At the reporting date on June 3o, 2oo9 the total assets of the MLP Group amounted to € 1.42 billion, representing a fall of 7.6% compared to December 31, 2oo8.
On the asset side of the balance sheet the intangible assets rose by 6.7% from € 162.4 million to € 173.3 million due to additionally capitalized company assets from an acquisition.
During the period under review the financial investments and cash and cash equivalents further increased. Together they amounted to € 242.2 million (€ 218.o million). The change arose mainly through the profit transfer by our subsidiary MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG which also caused a decrease in receivables from banks from the banking business.
Due to usual seasonal fluctuations other receivables and assets fell from € 147.1 million to € 95.1 million. This mainly contains receivables from insurance companies for whom we brokered insurance contracts. Due to the usual seasonal year-end business these rise considerably at the end of the year and then reduce during the course of the first half year.
| All figures in € million | June 30, 2009 | Dec 31, 2008 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intangible assets | 173.3 | 162.4 | 6.7% |
| Property, plant and equipment | 82.3 | 80.4 | 2.4% |
| Investment property | 11.6 | 11.7 | –0.9% |
| Shares accounted for using | |||
| the equity method | 1.8 | 2.3 | –21.7% |
| Deferred tax assets | 2.0 | 1.3 | 53.8% |
| Receivables from clients | |||
| from the banking business | 297.5 | 275.4 | 8.0% |
| Receivables from banks | |||
| from the banking business | 467.1 | 605.6 | –22.9% |
| Financial investments | 194.8 | 179.9 | 8.3% |
| Tax refund claims | 41.6 | 26.9 | 54.6% |
| Other receivables and | |||
| other assets | 95.1 | 147.1 | –35.4% |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 47.4 | 38.1 | 24.4% |
| Non-current assets held | |||
| for sale and disposal groups | 3.4 | 3.3 | 3.0% |
| Total | 1,417.9 | 1,534.4 | –7.6% |
The equity capital of the Group decreased by 8.7% from € 429.1 million to € 391.8 million. This was mainly due to the dividend distribution amounting to € 3o.2 million and to the Group loss in the first half year of 2oo9 totalling € 6.2 million. The equity ratio fell slightly from 28.o% to 27.6%. The equity capital situation of the Group remains very good.
The other liabilities fell in accordance with usual seasonal fluctuations from € 236.4 million to € 181.o million.
The changes to our deposit business are shown in the liabilities towards clients and banks from the banking business. In total, these fell by 4.5% to € 768.o million. Whilst the deposits from banks rose by € 3.o million, client deposits fell by € 38.8 million to € 74o.o million, mainly in the short-term domain due to lower rates of interest.
The investment of client deposits is shown on the asset side of the balance sheet under the items receivables from clients and banks from the banking business. These also reduced, falling by 13.2% to € 764.6 million. Whereas receivables from clients rose from € 275.4 million to € 297.5 million, the funds invested at banks fell from € 6o5.6 million to € 467.1 million.
Within the framework of the tax audit for the financial years 2oo2 to 2oo6 findings were made that could potentially lead to earnings tax back-payments. MLP has made accruals for this event amounting to € 3.0 million. MLP assumes with a high degree of probability that payments for items amounting to € 8.5 million will not have to be made and will take legal steps in this respect if necessary.
| All figures in € million | June 30, 2009 | Dec 31, 2008 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholders' equity | 391.8 | 429.1 | –8.7% |
| Provisions | 52.1 | 52.9 | –1.5% |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 9.9 | 9.6 | 3.1% |
| Liabilities towards clients | |||
| from the banking business | 740.0 | 778.8 | -5.0% |
| Liabilities towards banks | |||
| from the banking business | 28.0 | 25.0 | 12.0% |
| Tax liabilities | 11.7 | – | 100.0% |
| Other liabilities | 181.0 | 236.4 | –23.4% |
| Liabilities in connection with | |||
| non-current assets held | |||
| for sale and disposal groups | 3.3 | 2.6 | 26.9% |
| Total | 1 ,417.9 | 1,534.4 | –7.6% |
In the period under review cash flows from operating activities in the continuing operations fell from € 83.o million to € 65.5 million. This was primarily due to significantly lower net profit from the continuing operations. Cash flows from investment activities significantly improved in the first half year from € –21.o million to € 6o.7 million. Here, fixed term deposits matured. In the first half year the main influencing factor on the cash flow from the financing activities was the distribution of the dividend amounting to € 3o.2 million in June 2oo9. In the same period last year the dividend payment amounted to € 49.o million. In addition, in the first half year of 2oo8 MLP purchased its own shares to the value of € 11.5 million. Overall, cash flow from financing activities improved from € –6o.4 million to € –3o.2 million.
At the end of the first half year the Group's total liquid funds stood at € 188.3 million. The liquidity situation therefore remains very good. The Group has adequate liquidity available. In addition to the liquid funds, MLP also has access to free credit lines.
| All figures in € million | 1st half year 2009 | 1st half year 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash flows from operating activities | 65.5 | 83.0 |
| Cash flows from investing activities | 60.7 | –21.0 |
| Cash flows from financing activities | –30.2 | –60.4 |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents | 96.0 | 1.6 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period | 38.0 | 36.6 |
| Inflows/outflows due to divestments | 0 | –7.7 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period | 134.0 | 30.5 |
No significant capital measures were undertaken during the period under review. Through the exercising of convertible debentures, the number of shares increased slightly by 863 units and the equity capital rose by € 5 thsd.
After having invested € 6.4 million – allocated mainly to the financial services segment – during the first half year of 2oo8, the investment sum during the period under review was significantly lower and amounted to € 3.o million. Around 81% of the investment was again allocated to the financial services segment. Here we continue to invest primarily in the improvement of IT support for client consulting activities and all relevant client care processes. However, our IT systems have now reached a level of performance that is regarded as exemplary in our industry, which is why the investment volume in this year is significantly lower. All investments were financed from current cash flows.
At the end of the first half year of 2oo9 the MLP Group had a total of 1,991 employees, constituting a fall of 9 people compared to the first half year of 2oo8. This was mainly due to a fall in the number of marginal part-time employees. Due, in part, to the acquisition of the independent broker ZSH at the start of 2oo9, the number of employees in the financial services segment (without marginal part-time employees) rose by 12o. Further information concerning the development of personnel expenses and the employee structure are contained in the section "Profit situation" and in the notes.
In May 2oo9 MLP was awarded the "Quality through Training" certificate by the Rhine-Neckar regional Chamber of Commerce. For many years MLP has been offering 3o to 4o young people an in-depth and well-paid training schedule and is thus investing in the future. By providing this training MLP lays the foundation for nurturing its own junior staff. We regard the Chamber of Commerce certificate as visible recognition of our services as well as clearly demonstrating the social responsibility assumed by MLP. Whereas many other companies are taking the decision to curtail or totally cease training activities during the current economic and financial crisis, MLP continues to offer and provide training. There are currently 125 trainees and students at MLP from the Cooperative State University.
| June 30, 2009 | June 30, 2008 | |
|---|---|---|
| Financial services | 1,713 | 1,732 |
| Feri | 267 | 256 |
| Holding | 11 | 12 |
| Total | 1,991 | 2,000 |
During the second quarter MLP fared well in several tests. In an old-age pension consulting survey conducted by the newspaper "Wirtschaftswoche" and the management consultancy firm "S.W.I. Finance", MLP achieved the highest overall score of all the 35 providers. In the "Best Mortgage Lender" survey, carried out on behalf of the magazine "Euro", MLP was placed in third position. Furthermore, the MLP subsidiary Feri Family Trust once again won an award. Within the scope of the search for the best foundation manager, Feri was awarded an "unreservedly commendable" rating by the economic information service "Fuchsbriefe".
During the period under review MLP also co-hosted for the first time the "University & Education" conference together with the German weekly magazine DIE ZEIT. Focusing on the conference's main theme of "Can Germany become an education republic?", around 22o participants were able to follow the speeches and listen to the panels of high-class speakers from universities and the world of politics. The event provided MLP with ideal framework conditions to strengthen its dialogue with important university representatives.
Whereas many companies, including numerous financial services companies, have scaled back their advertising in view of the prevailing economic conditions, MLP opted to continue its successful image campaign "The Strategy of Life".
In sponsoring too, the MLP brand enjoys a constant presence. Through the MLP Marathon in May and the start of the nationwide MLP Golf Journal Trophy, MLP is focusing on sustainable accents in its sponsoring activities for its target group. In addition, the first events have already taken place within the framework of the German University Championships, at which MLP is the title sponsor.
During the period under review MLP successfully completed the acquisition of the independent financial broker ZSH and fully consolidated the company in February. This step enables MLP to targetedly strengthen its position among the medic client group. ZSH was founded in 1973 and provides services to wealthy private clients as well as to medical doctors and dentists and covers all aspects of provision and financial planning.
With effect from March 1, 2oo9 the Executive Board of MLP AG was enlarged to include the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). On February 16, 2oo9 the Supervisory Board appointed Ralf Schmid as the new member of the Executive Board with a contract until December 31, 2o12.
The MLP Group structures its business into the following operative segments:
A detailed description of the individual segments is contained in the Annual Report 2oo8.
Total revenues in the financial services segment fell by 15.9% from € 254.6 million to € 214.o million. It should be noted however that the first quarter of 2oo8 included the increase in the subsidized premiums for the Riester pension (the so-called "Riester step"). The total costs in the segment also decreased, falling by 9.8% to € 199.8 million. We were thus able to achieve earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of € 14.4 million (€ 33.3 million). The rise in personnel expenses was mainly due to the acquisition of the independent financial broker ZSH as well as to general salary increases. The figure also includes € o.4 million of one-off restructuring expenses. On the other hand, we were able to significantly reduce the scheduled depreciation and amortisation as well as the other operating expenses by 18.2% and 5.9% respectively. Together with the financial result amounting to € –1.6 million (€ –o.7 million) we achieved earnings before taxes (EBT) in the period under review of € 12.8 million (€ 32.7 million).
The business development in the financial services segment in the second quarter of 2oo9 did not significantly deviate from the development in the overall first half year. In the second quarter we achieved total revenues of € 97.o million (€ 11o.o million). Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to € 5.4 million (€ 7.1 million). Earnings before taxes (EBT) totaled € 4.2 million (€ 7.o million), with the financial result coming in at € –1.2 million (€ –o.1 million).
Total revenues in the Feri segment amounted to € 17.7 million (€ 23.2 million). Here, the development in the first quarter continued during the second quarter. In view of the financial and economic crisis, investors continued to exercise restraint with respect to the investment of new monies. During the course of the second quarter the international capital markets rallied, leading to an increase in managed assets. However, the rise was not sufficient to prevent a fall in recurring fees. We were able to reduce total expenses in the segment by 4.o% to € 19.9 million. However, it should be noted that this includes a one-off restructuring expense amounting to € o.7 million. We consequently achieved earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of € –2.2 million (€ 2.4 million). Together with the financial result of € –o.1 million (€ o.2 million) we recorded earnings before taxes (EBT) amounting to € –2.2 million (€ 2.7 million).
In the Feri segment we generated total revenues of € 8.9 million (12.5 million) in the second quarter. As the total expenses only reduced slightly from €1o.2 million to € 1o.1 million, we achieved earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of € –1.2 million (€ 2.3 million). With an almost unchanged financial result of € –o.o5 million (€ –o.o3 million), earnings before taxes (EBT) came in at € –1.2 million (€ 2.3 million).
Total revenues and EBIT Feri segment (in € million)
Total revenues in the Holding segment fell from € 12.o million to € 6.8 million. The total revenues figure in the previous year included a subsequent profit component from the sale of MLP Lebensversicherung AG in 2oo5 amounting to € 4.0 million. Although personnel expenses and scheduled depreciation and amortisation decreased significantly, the other operative costs rose from € 7.9 million to € 9.8 million, mainly due to one-off expenses for capital market-relevant consulting services amounting to € 3.4 million in consequence of Swiss Life's stake in MLP. This led to earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of € –6.3 million (€ –o.o1 million). The financial result in the period under review improved significantly and totaled € 2.6 million (€ 1.8 million). Overall, earnings before taxes (EBT) amounted to € –3.7 million (€ 1.8 million).
In the second quarter total revenues fell from € 7.9 million to € 3.6 million. Here too, the previous year included a subsequent profit component from the sale of MLP Lebensversicherung AG in 2oo5 amounting to € 3.7 million. We significantly reduced total expenses in the segment by € 1.3 million to € 5.3 million. This led to earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of € –1.7 million (€ 1.2 million) and earnings before taxes (EBT) including the financial result of € o.6 million (€ –o.6 million) of € –1.1 million (€ o.6 million).
There were no significant changes in the risk situation of the Group during the period under review. Despite the continuing financial and economic crisis there were no exceptional burdens within the framework of our default, market, liquidity, operational and other risks. The Group continues to have adequate liquid funds. At the reporting date of June 3o, 2oo9 our core capital ratio of 21.8% far exceeded the required 8% prescribed by the supervisory body.
At the present time no existence-threatening risks to the MLP Group have been identified.
A detailed presentation of the corporate risks as well as a detailed description of our risk management is contained in our risk and disclosure report within the framework of the Annual Report 2oo8.
Related party disclosures are contained in the notes.
Following significantly lessening downward momentum in the economic downturn in Germany – MLP's core market – during the second quarter of 2oo9, experts are now anticipating a stabilization in economic development during the second half of the year. There has been a global improvement in important sentiment indicators. With respect to the German economy, the ifo business climate index, tracking the expectations for economic development during the next 6 months, recovered from its lowest point of 77.o points in December 2oo8 and rose to 9o.4 points at the end of June 2oo9. However, this does not alter the macroeconomic development perspectives for the overall year and the federal government continues to expect a 6% decline in German economic output. Expectations for 2o1o also remain unchanged at an anticipated low growth rate of o.5%.
Sources: International Monetary Fund (IWF), German Federal Government
The income-supporting measures of the economic stimulus packages – such as income tax reductions and additional social welfare expenditure – will increase levels of disposable income in Germany and provide further stimulus to private consumption in the coming months. The German government continues to anticipate stable consumer prices. During the first half of the year prices for, above all, energy and food products were less expensive than in the previous year.
However, the worsening situation within the labor market will gradually be felt and significantly affect consumption. Despite the so-far comparatively moderate effect on the employment situation, the basic trend towards rising unemployment and a fall in employment prospects in view of the weak economy remains unbroken. In this respect, the OECD is forecasting a rise in the rate of unemployment in Germany to almost 12% by the end of 2o1o.
For MLP the macroeconomic situation remains difficult. On the one hand price development and the measures contained in the economic stimulus packages should increase clients' disposable income. However, it remains to be seen whether these positive factors are, in fact, counteracted after the German parliamentary elections in September through rises in taxes or deductions to finance the budget deficit. In addition, concerns about job security and the level of income are unsettling clients and leading to continued restraint with respect to their long-term provision and wealth management decisions.
In the short and medium term the financial and economic crisis will remain the determining factor for the further development of the old-age pension provision and wealth management markets. Due to the effects of the recession, the entire financial brokerage industry is suffering from reluctance on the part of clients to invest long-term in old-age pension provision or wealth management concepts. We do not expect this situation to change until there is a sustainable economic recovery.
In view of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Germany at the end of September 2oo9, we do not foresee any further regulatory changes affecting our core markets of oldage pension provision, health insurance and wealth management. However, we do anticipate that, very soon after the parliamentary elections, further changes to the healthcare system will be proposed. Additional reforms in this area are urgently required since the demographic development and advances in medical technology will further increase costs, which, in turn, will lead to a situation in which the financial viability of the current system is no longer assured. The outcome of the election will determine the specific path that is adopted, as the solutions proposed by the various political parties are very different.
Base: Federal Republic of Germany, population over 16 years of age Source: MLP Health Report 2009
The current discussion regarding the quality of financial consulting in Germany that was triggered by the financial crisis is set to remain on the political agenda after the parliamentary elections and will, in our view, lead to further regulatory changes. For many years MLP has been supporting the introduction of a higher and universal qualification in the German financial consulting market. We pursue an independent and holistic consulting approach that focuses on clients' individual requirements. Many of the improvement proposals currently being put forward within the framework of the discussion are already practiced by MLP. We are therefore fundamentally favourably disposed towards a further initiative aimed at an improvement in client consulting in the overall market. However, it remains to be seen which specific measures the new government intends to implement in order to achieve better client consulting in financial matters.
During the course of the remainder of the year and beyond we expect a further increase in concentration within the German financial brokerage market. The tightening of the legal framework conditions during recent years and the effects of the recession make it increasingly difficult for small and medium-sized market participants to operate profitably.
For the foreseeable future the effects of the financial and economic crisis will remain the determining factors for our business development. Although the economic situation stabilized during the course of the second quarter following the rapid decline in the first quarter, an economic recovery is not yet in sight. Experts continue to anticipate that economic output in Germany will decline by 6% in the current financial year. As a fall of such magnitude is without precedent in the last 8o years, it is currently still not possible, even after the end of the second quarter, to issue a respectable prediction of the effects of the crisis on the demand and investment behavior of clients. We therefore continue to refrain from giving a specific revenue and earnings forecast for the current financial year. We have initiated a cost reduction program in order to protect the profitability of the company. In doing so, we have introduced measures designed to reduce our fixed cost base by € 34 million (without acquisition-related cost increases) by the end of 2o1o. The cost base should fall by € 12 million in the financial year 2oo9; additional savings of € 1o million are planned for the financial year 2o1o. Furthermore, previous one-off expenses amounting to € 12 million will not be incurred in 2oo9. In the second quarter of 2oo9 we already managed to reduce the fixed costs by 14% to € 65.8 million. Accordingly, our cost reduction program is very well on schedule.
A decisive factor concerning our ability to emerge from the continuing economic crisis in a stronger position is our financial strength. Both our excellent equity capital situation as well as our very good liquidity strengthen our competitive position.
During the coming months there will be great consulting and information requirements on the part of clients, above all due to the introduction of the Citizen Relief Act, which, from January 2o1o, will significantly increase the liquidity of individuals with private or state-scheme health insurance. We anticipate a gradual improvement in business development during the course of the year. As is usual with our business model, we expect to see a significant pick-up in our business development, particularly in the fourth quarter, coupled with a further reduction in costs.
Overall the framework conditions remain very difficult on account of the economic and financial crisis. In this environment MLP seeks to continue to develop better than the market.
MLP has agreed in principle the sale of its business unit in Austria to Aragon AG. The transaction is expected to be concluded this autumn and is still subject to approval by the cartel authorities as well as by the financial market supervisory body in Austria. Furthermore, MLP will discontinue business operations in the Netherlands as per September 30, 2009 where the company only runs one branch office. The business units in Austria and the Netherlands are already shown as discontinued operations and jointly contributed less than 2% to the total MLP Group revenues last year.
Beyond that there were no notable events after the balance sheet reference date that affected the MLP Group's net assets, financial position or profit situation.
The development in the stock market during the first six months of the current financial year unfolded in two parts. Influenced by the financial and economic crisis, all the leading indices showed negative development in the first quarter. However, at the beginning of the second quarter signs began to emerge that the bottom of the crisis had been reached and that the global economy could possibly return to a pattern of growth – a development to which the stock exchanges reacted positively. By the end of the second quarter the losses of the first quarter have almost been eradicated. On June 3o, 2oo9 the Dow Jones Industrial Average stood at 7% lower than its level at the start of the year, the DAX 3% lower and the MDAX, on which the MLP share is listed, recovered to its level of the beginning of the year. The financial stocks performed better than the overall market. At the end of the first half year of 2oo9 the DAXsector Financial Services stood 2% higher than at the end of last year.
Source: Deutsche Börse
As an independent financial services and wealth management consulting company, MLP is not directly affected by the crisis on the financial markets. However, the MLP share was unable to escape the negative market trend at the beginning of the year. After starting the year at € 9.91, the MLP share price fell as low as € 5.25 by the beginning of the second quarter. The share price then recovered during the course of the second quarter and stood at € 8.65 at the end of the half year.
The MLP Annual General Meeting took place on June 16, 2oo9 at the Rosengarten Congress Center in Mannheim, Germany. Around 9oo shareholders attended the meeting and represented 76% of the share capital. In addition to discharging the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board, our shareholders approved all of the agenda items by a large majority.
The proposal by the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board regarding the payment of a dividend of 28 cents per share was passed by the shareholders with a majority of almost 1oo%. In total, MLP distributed € 3o.2 million to its shareholders. The distribution ratio thus amounts to almost 1oo% of the net profit of continuing operations in the financial year 2oo8. As in the previous year, MLP AG shareholders can receive the dividend distribution tax-free. This results from the changed tax treatment of the incorporation of MLP AG subsidiaries into MLP AG and their subsequent sale and applies subject to final confirmation from the tax authorities.
Further information concerning the Annual General Meeting can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of the MLP AG website (www.mlp-ag.de).
| All figures in €'000 | Note 2nd quarter 2009 2nd quarter 2008 1st half year 2009 1st half year 2008 | * | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | (6) | 100,000 | 111,935 | 220,798 | 260,623 |
| Other revenues | 5,895 | 14,442 | 10,595 | 21,626 | |
| Total revenues | 105,895 | 126,377 | 231,394 | 282,249 | |
| Commission expenses | –31,209 | –33,923 | –72,725 | –89,642 | |
| Interest expenses | –2,934 | –5,104 | –7,525 | –10,279 | |
| Personnel expenses | (7) | –28,038 | –27,105 | –56,985 | –53,313 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | –4,368 | –5,306 | –8,758 | –10,298 | |
| Other operating expenses | (8) | –37,048 | –44,476 | –79,702 | –83,205 |
| Earnings from shares accounted for using the equity method | 128 | 228 | 156 | 307 | |
| Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) | 2,426 | 10,690 | 5,855 | 35,820 | |
| Other interest and similar income | 2,303 | 972 | 4,588 | 2,337 | |
| Other interest and similar expenses | (9) | –2,935 | –1,728 | –6,678 | –11,220 |
| Finance cost | –632 | –756 | –2,090 | –8,883 | |
| Earnings before taxes (EBT) | 1,794 | 9,934 | 3,764 | 26,937 | |
| Income taxes | –2,193 | –1,166 | –3,908 | –9,510 | |
| Earnings from continuing operations after taxes | –399 | 8,767 | –144 | 17,427 | |
| Earnings from discontinued operations after taxes | –4,571 | –1,176 | –6,020 | –3,123 | |
| Net profit | –4,971 | 7,591 | –6,164 | 14,303 | |
| Net profit attributable to | |||||
| owners of the parent company | –4,971 | 7,591 | –6,164 | 14,303 | |
| Earnings per share in€ | |||||
| From continuing operations | |||||
| basic | 0.00 | 0.09 | 0.00 | 0.18 | |
| diluted** | 0.00 | 0.09 | 0.00 | 0.18 | |
| From continuing and discontinued operations | |||||
| basic | –0.05 | 0.08 | –0.06 | 0.15 | |
| diluted** | –0.05 | 0.07 | –0.06 | 0.14 |
* Previous year's value adjusted. The adjustments are disclosed under note 3
** The ordinary shares resulting from the conversion of convertible debentures are treated as shares already issued
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd quarter 2009 2nd quarter 2008 1st half year 2009 1st half year 2008 * | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net profit | –4,971 | 7,591 | –6,164 | 14,303 |
| Other comprehensive income | ||||
| Securities marked to market | –1,227 | –57 | –974 | –891 |
| Income tax relating to components of other | ||||
| comprehensive income | –22 | –155 | –42 | 65 |
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax | –1,250 | –212 | –1,016 | –826 |
| Total comprehensive income for the year | –6,220 | 7,380 | –7,180 | 13,478 |
| Total comprehensive income attributable to | ||||
| owners of the parent company | –6,220 | 7,380 | –7,180 | 13,478 |
* Previous year's value adjusted. The adjustments are disclosed under note 3
| Note All figures in €'000 |
June 30, 2009 December 31, 2008 | |
|---|---|---|
| Intangible assets | 173,347 | 162,422 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 82,261 | 80,409 |
| Investment property | 11,566 | 11,700 |
| Shares accounted for using the equity method | 1,801 | 2,319 |
| Deferred tax assets | 2,005 | 1,326 |
| Receivables from clients from the banking business | 297,515 | 275,433 |
| Receivables from banks from the banking business (10) |
467,064 | 605,580 |
| Financial investments (11) |
194,824 | 179,941 |
| Tax refund claims | 41,623 | 26,870 |
| Other receivables and other assets (12) |
95,125 | 147,051 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 47,356 | 38,088 |
| Non-current assets held for sale and disposal groups (13) |
3,373 | 3,281 |
| Total | 1,417,860 | 1,534,418 |
| Note All figures in €'000 |
June 30, 2009 December 31, 2008 | |
|---|---|---|
| Equity (14) |
391,750 | 429,125 |
| Provisions | 52,136 | 52,896 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 9,946 | 9,597 |
| Liabilities towards clients from the banking business | 740,023 | 778,835 |
| Liabilities towards banks from the banking business | 28,022 | 25,024 |
| Tax liabilities | 11,715 | – |
| Other liabilities | 180,963 | 236,361 |
| Liabilities in connection with non-current assets held for sale | ||
| and disposal groups | 3,305 | 2,581 |
| Total | 1,417,860 | 1,534,418 |
| All figures in €'000 | 1st half year 2009 | 1st half year 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Cashflow from operating activities | 65,900 | 83,833 |
| Cashflow from investing activities | 60,610 | –28,913 |
| Cashflow from financing activities | –30,228 | –60,448 |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents | 96,282 | –5,528 |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate movements | – | – |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 134,729 | 31,648 |
| Thereof discontinued operations All figures in €'000 |
1st half year 2009 | * 1st half year 2008 |
| Cashflow from operating activities | 380 | 792 |
| Cashflow from investing activities | –61 | –7,873 |
| Cashflow from financing activities | – | – |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents | 319 | –7,081 |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate movements | – | – |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 730 | 1,121 |
* Previous year's value adjusted. The adjustments are disclosed under note 3
| All figures in €'000 | Equity attributable to MLP AG shareholders |
Non control |
Total share |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share capital |
Capital reserves |
Securities marked to market |
Other compre hensive income |
Treasury stock |
Total | ling interests |
holders' equity |
|
| As at January 1, 2008 | 108,812 | 16,056 | –151 | 370,749 | –155,805 | 339,660 | 63 | 339,723 |
| Dividend | – | – | – | –48,996 | – | –48,996 | – | –48,996 |
| Exertion of conversion rights | 6 | 456 | – | – | – | 462 | – | 462 |
| Acquisition of treasury stock | – | – | – | – | –11,455 | –11,455 | – | –11,455 |
| Reduction of capital – | ||||||||
| § 237 AktG | –10,821 | 10,821 | – | –167,260 | 167,260 | 0 | – | 0 |
| Acquisiton of remaining shares | ||||||||
| of BERAG | – | – | – | – | – | – | –63 | –63 |
| Transactions with owners | –10,814 | 11,276 | – | –216,256 | 155,805 | –59,989 | –63 | –60,052 |
| Total comprehensive income | – | – | –826 | 14,303 | – | 13,478 | – | 13,478 |
| As at June 30, 2008 | 97,998 | 27,332 | –976 | 168,796 | 0 | 293,150 | 0 | 293,150 |
| As at January 1, 2009 | 107,861 | 142,084 | –97 | 179,278 | – | 429,125 | – | 429,125 |
| Dividend | – | – | – | –30,201 | – | –30,201 | – | –30,201 |
| Exertion of conversion rights | 1 | 5 | – | – | – | 6 | – | 6 |
| Transactions with owners | 1 | 5 | – | –30,201 | – | –30,195 | – | –30,195 |
| Total comprehensive income | – | – | –1,016 | –6,164 | – | –7,180 | – | –7,180 |
| As at June 30, 2009 | 107,862 | 142,089 | –1,113 | 142,912 | – | 391,750 | – | 391,750 |
| All figures in €'000 | Financial services | |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd quarter 2009 2nd quarter 2008* | ||
| Revenues | 92,843 | 103,637 |
| of which with other segments | 26 | 20 |
| Other revenues | 4,120 | 6,346 |
| of which with other segments | 629 | 624 |
| Total revenues | 96,963 | 109,983 |
| Commission expenses | –30,777 | –33,590 |
| Interest expenses | –2,934 | –5,104 |
| Personnel expenses | –20,420 | –19,888 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | –2,938 | –3,746 |
| Other operating expenses | –34,664 | –40,815 |
| Earnings from shares accounted for using the equity method | 128 | 228 |
| Segment earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) | 5,358 | 7,068 |
| Other interest and similar income | 444 | 140 |
| Other interest and similar expenses | –1,615 | –219 |
| Finance cost | –1,172 | –79 |
| Earnings before taxes (EBT) | 4,186 | 6,988 |
| Income taxes | – | – |
| Earnings from continuing operations after taxes | – | – |
| Earnings from discontinued operations after taxes | –5,390 | –2,243 |
| Net profit | – | – |
* Previous year's value adjusted. The adjustments are disclosed under note 3
| Feri | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,673 | – | – | –126 | –375 | 100,000 | 111,935 |
| 355 | – | – | –126 | –375 | – | – |
| 3,802 | 3,598 | 7,878 | –3,465 | –3,584 | 5,895 | 14,442 |
| 33 | 2,836 | 2,927 | –3,465 | –3,584 | – | – |
| 12,474 | 3,598 | 7,878 | –3,591 | –3,959 | 105,895 | 126,377 |
| –333 | – | – | 38 | – | –31,209 | –33,923 |
| – | – | – | 1 | – | –2,934 | –5,104 |
| –5,975 | –812 | –1,242 | – | – | –28,038 | –27,105 |
| –686 | –816 | –875 | – | – | –4,368 | –5,306 |
| –3,194 | –3,675 | –4,515 | 3,500 | 4,047 | –37,048 | –44,476 |
| – | – | – | – | – | 128 | 228 |
| 2,287 | –1,706 | 1,247 | –52 | 88 | 2,426 | 10,690 |
| 34 | 1,855 | 818 | –4 | –19 | 2,303 | 972 |
| –66 | –1,261 | –1,462 | 4 | 19 | –2,935 | –1,728 |
| –33 | 594 | –644 | –1 | 0 | –632 | –756 |
| 2,254 | –1,111 | 603 | –53 | 88 | 1,794 | 9,934 |
| – | – | – | – | – | –2,193 | –1,166 |
| – | – | – | – | – | –399 | 8,767 |
| – | – | – | 819 | 1,067 | –4,571 | –1,176 |
| – | – | – | – | – | –4,971 | 7,591 |
| 7,283 100 1,643 – 8,926 –470 – –6,806 –615 –2,209 – –1,174 9 –62 –54 –1,228 – – – – |
2nd quarter 2009 2nd quarter 2008 | Holding | Consolidation/Other 2nd quarter 2009 2nd quarter 2008 2nd quarter 2009 2nd quarter 2008* |
2nd quarter 2009 2nd quarter 2008* |
| All figures in €'000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | ---------------------- | -- | -- |
| All figures in €'000 | Financial services | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st half year 2009 1st half year 2008* | |||
| Revenues | 206,197 | 242,804 | |
| of which with other segments | 82 | 20 | |
| Other revenues | 7,807 | 11,771 | |
| of which with other segments | 1,243 | 1,232 | |
| Total revenues | 214,004 | 254,575 | |
| Commission expenses | –72,100 | –88,847 | |
| Interest expenses | –7,527 | –10,279 | |
| Personnel expenses | –42,232 | –38,627 | |
| Depreciation and amortisation | –5,898 | –7,208 | |
| Other operating expenses | –72,024 | –76,572 | |
| Earnings from shares accounted for using the equity method | 156 | 307 | |
| Segment earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) | 14,379 | 33,348 | |
| Other interest and similar income | 677 | 178 | |
| Other interest and similar expenses | –2,243 | –837 | |
| Finance cost | –1,566 | –659 | |
| Earnings before taxes (EBT) | 12,813 | 32,689 | |
| Income taxes | – | – | |
| Earnings from continuing operations after taxes | – | – | |
| Earnings from discontinued operations after taxes | –7,244 | –4,152 | |
| Net profit | – | – |
| June 30, 2009 | Dec 31, 2008 | |
|---|---|---|
| Segment assets | 1,027,566 | 1,157,796 |
* Previous year's value adjusted. The adjustments are disclosed under note 3
| Feri | Holding | Consolidation/Other | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st half year 2009 1st half year 2008 | 1st half year 2009 1st half year 2008 1st half year 2009 1st half year 2008 1st half year 2009 1st half year 2008 | ||||||
| 14,805 | 18,194 | – | – | –204 | –375 | 220,798 | 260,623 |
| 122 | 355 | – | – | –204 | –375 | – | – |
| 2,942 | 5,013 | 6,810 | 11,986 | –6,964 | –7,144 | 10,595 | 21,626 |
| – | 83 | 5,721 | 5,829 | –6,964 | –7,144 | – | – |
| 17,747 | 23,207 | 6,810 | 11,986 | –7,167 | –7,519 | 231,394 | 282,249 |
| –710 | –794 | – | – | 85 | – | –72,725 | –89,642 |
| – | – | – | – | 2 | – | –7,525 | –10,279 |
| –13,091 | –12,343 | –1,662 | –2,343 | – | – | –56,985 | –53,313 |
| –1,229 | –1,360 | –1,632 | –1,730 | – | – | –8,758 | –10,298 |
| –4,900 | –6,264 | –9,811 | –7,926 | 7,033 | 7,558 | –79,702 | –83,205 |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | 156 | 307 |
| –2,182 | 2,446 | –6,295 | –13 | –48 | 38 | 5,855 | 35,820 |
| 18 | 270 | 7,317 | 12,592 | –3,424 | –10,703 | 4,588 | 2,337 |
| –79 | –67 | –4,691 | –10,814 | 335 | 497 | –6,678 | –11,220 |
| –61 | 204 | 2,626 | 1,778 | –3,089 | –10,206 | –2,090 | –8,883 |
| –2,243 | 2,650 | –3,669 | 1,765 | –3,137 | –10,168 | 3,764 | 26,937 |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | –3,908 | –9,510 |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | –144 | 17,427 |
| – | – | – | – | 1,224 | 1,029 | –6,020 | –3,123 |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | –6,164 | 14,303 |
| Dec 31, 2008 | June 30, 2009 | Dec 31, 2008 | June 30, 2009 | Dec 31, 2008 | June 30, 2009 | Dec 31, 2008 | June 30, 2009 | Dec 31, 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,157,796 | 104,559 | 110,920 | 492,931 | 517,416 | –207,196 | –251,714 | 1,417,860 | 1,534,418 |
The consolidated financial statements were prepared by MLP AG, Wiesloch, Germany, the parent company of the MLP Group. MLP AG is listed in the Mannheim Commercial Register under the number HRB 332697 at the address Alte Heerstraße 4o, 69168 Wiesloch, Germany.
Since it was founded in 1971, MLP has been operating as a broker and adviser for academics and other discerning clients in the fields of old-age provision including corporate pension business, healthcare, financing, wealth management and banking services.
The interim financial report has been prepared in line with the regulations set out in IAS 34 "Interim financial reporting". It is based on the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as well as the interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee (IFRIC), as applicable within the European Union (EU). In accordance with the provisions of IAS 34, the scope of the report has been reduced compared to the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2oo8. The interim accounts were subject to an independent auditor's review.
Apart from the exception detailed in note 3, the same consolidation principles and accounting policies as for the consolidated financial statements of the financial year 2oo8 have been applied to this interim financial report. These are presented in the Group notes of the annual report 2oo8 that can be downloaded from the company's website (www.mlp-ag.de).
The interim financial report has been drawn up in euros (€), the functional currency of MLP AG. Unless the notes state otherwise, all amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand euros (€'ooo). Both single and cumulative figures are values with the smallest rounding difference. As a result, differences to reported total amounts may arise when the individual values are added up.
The accounting policies applied are the same as those used in the financial year 2oo8, with the following exceptions:
In view of further concentration on its core market Germany, in the fourth quarter of the financial year 2oo8 the management devised and began to actively implement a plan to sell MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG, Vienna, Austria. Furthermore, in the second quarter 2009 the decision was made that the branch of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG in the Netherlands would be closed.
For this reason the revenues and expenses of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG, Vienna, Austria, and the MLP branch of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG in the Netherlands were reclassified to the earnings from discontinued operations. The previous year's figures were adjusted accordingly. The reporting changes have no effect on net profit or earnings per share.
The table below illustrates the effects of the changes in the accounting policies on the previous year's figures:
| All figures in €'000 | 1st half year 2008 adjusted |
1st half year 2008 as reported |
IFRS 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | 260,623 | 265,582 | –4,959 |
| Other revenues | 21,626 | 21,745 | –119 |
| Total revenues | 282,249 | 287,327 | –5,078 |
| Commission expenses | –89,642 | –91,716 | 2,074 |
| Interest expenses | –10,279 | –10,279 | – |
| Personnel expenses | –53,313 | –57,652 | 4,339 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | –10,298 | –10,406 | 108 |
| Other operating expenses | –83,205 | –84,886 | 1,681 |
| Earnings from shares accounted for using the equity method | 307 | 307 | – |
| Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) | 35,820 | 32,696 | 3,124 |
| Other interest and similar income | 2,337 | 2,346 | –8 |
| Other interest and similar expenses | –11,220 | –11,221 | – |
| Finance cost | –8,883 | –8,875 | –8 |
| Earnings before taxes (EBT) | 26,937 | 23,821 | 3,116 |
| Income taxes | –9,510 | –9,512 | 2 |
| Earnings from continuing operations | 17,427 | 14,309 | 3,118 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations | –3,123 | –5 | –3,118 |
| Net profit | 14,303 | 14,303 | – |
| Earnings per share in€ | |||
| from continuing operations | |||
| basic | 0.18 | 0.15 | |
| diluted | 0.18 | 0.14 | |
| from continuing and discontinued operations | |||
| basic | 0.15 | 0.15 | |
| diluted | 0.14 | 0.14 |
In the financial year 2oo9, the revised IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements" is to be used for the first time. IAS 1 (revised) extends the profit and loss account to include a transition of profit/loss to the overall net earnings with reporting of the components of the other earnings (statement of comprehensive income). This also changes the presentation of the statement of changes in equity. In the statement of changes in equity, transactions with owners are shown separately. Profit/Loss and other earnings are apportioned to the individual equity capital components. The previous year's figures were adjusted accordingly. Neither net profit nor earnings per share have changed as a result of this changed presentation.
Furthermore, in the financial year 2oo9 the following new or revised standards are to be used for the first time:
The first-time use of these standards was not relevant for MLP at June 3o, 2oo9.
In order to strengthen its market position among medics, MLP purchased all company shares in ZSH Vermittlung von Versicherungen und Vermögensanlagen Verwaltungs GmbH, Heidelberg, and all limited partner's shares in ZSH Vermittlung von Versicherungen und Vermögensanlagen GmbH & Co KG, Heidelberg ("ZSH-Group") on February 4, 2oo9.
The object of ZSH-Group is the administration and brokerage of all types of insurance policies and investments, real estate and loans as well as the provision of other services economically related to the aforementioned objects.
The provisional purchase price for the acquisition amounts to € 11,723 thsd and will be paid from liquid assets. At the time of preparation of the interim consolidated financial statements the purchase price allocation from this acquisition had not been concluded. The provisional differential amount which results from the difference between the anticipated purchase costs of the company acquisition and the provisional fair value of assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities identified so far amounts to € 14,oo4 thsd. It is shown as goodwill. See below for the calculation of the provisional goodwill.
| All figures in €'000 | Carrying amount before purchase |
Adjustment | Fair value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intangible assets | 475 | – | 475 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 4,809 | – | 4,809 |
| Financial investments | 123 | – | 123 |
| Other receivables and | |||
| other assets | 3,391 | – | 3,391 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,738 | – | 1,738 |
| Provisions | –1,499 | – | –1,499 |
| Liabilities | –9,895 | – | –9,895 |
| Net assets | –859 | – | –859 |
| Pro rata net assets | 100% | –859 | |
| Goodwill | 14,004 | ||
| Purchase price | 11,723 | ||
| Incidential acquisition expenses | 1,422 | ||
| Acquisition costs | 13,145 | ||
| Cash outflow to date due to the acquisition | 11,381 |
The ZSH-Group contributed € –606 thsd to the first half year result. If the business merger had taken place at the beginning of the year, the net profit would have been € –6,o18 thsd and the revenues from continuing operations for the first half year of 2oo9 would have totalled € 222,258 thsd.
The financial crisis and the associated fears of recession remain the determining negative factors for client demand for professional financial consulting services. Due to seasonal influences on its business operations, the Group nevertheless anticipates a higher level of net profit from continuing operations for the remainder of the financial year than was achieved in the first half year.
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd quarter 2009 | 2nd quarter 2008 1st half year 2009 | 1st half year 2008 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old-age provision | 60,067 | 63,179 | 122,953 | 150,630 |
| Wealth management | 15,904 | 21,006 | 33,069 | 41,481 |
| Health insurance | 9,109 | 11,434 | 22,787 | 22,811 |
| Non-life insurance | 3,442 | 3,216 | 18,672 | 18,796 |
| Loans and mortgages | 2,545 | 2,712 | 4,496 | 5,757 |
| Other commissions and fees | 824 | 960 | 1,497 | 1,737 |
| Comission and fees | 91,892 | 102,506 | 203,474 | 241,213 |
| Interest income | 8,108 | 9,429 | 17,324 | 19,410 |
| Total | 100,000 | 111,935 | 220,798 | 260,623 |
Personnel expenses increased from € 53,313 thsd to € 56,985 thsd. The increase is primarily due to the acquisitions of ZSH-Group and the TPC-Group, general salary increases and to one-off restructuring expenses amounting to € 1,o58 thsd.
At June 3o, 2oo9, the operating segments had the following number of employees in the strategic fields of business:
| June 30, 2009 | of which part-time employees |
June 30, 2008 | of which part-time employees |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial services | 1,713 | 327 | 1,732 | 466 |
| Feri | 267 | 67 | 256 | 59 |
| Holding | 11 | 1 | 12 | 1 |
| Total | 1,991 | 395 | 2,000 | 526 |
The number of employees in the financial services segment includes 64 employees of ZSH-Group.
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd quarter 2009 2nd quarter 2008 1st half year 2009 1st half year 2008 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT costs | 11,338 | 11,296 | 22,646 | 21,328 |
| Cost of premises | 5,598 | 5,556 | 11,389 | 10,826 |
| Audit and consultancy costs | 2,017 | 3,717 | 7,474 | 7,026 |
| Training and seminars | 1,793 | 3,320 | 5,191 | 6,326 |
| Banking-related expenses | 2,289 | 1,868 | 4,170 | 3,982 |
| Communication requirements | 1,972 | 2,441 | 4,063 | 4,582 |
| Advertising expenses | 1,966 | 3,498 | 3,605 | 5,230 |
| Allowances for bad debts | 1,378 | 1,573 | 3,251 | 3,675 |
| Representation and entertainment expenses | 1,278 | 1,807 | 2,716 | 3,182 |
| Rental and leasing | 1,385 | 1,186 | 2,715 | 2,479 |
| Expenses for consultants and branch office managers | 1,055 | 2,236 | 1,689 | 2,865 |
| Insurances | 811 | 585 | 1,420 | 1,446 |
| Office supplies | 482 | 863 | 1,013 | 1,548 |
| Travel expenses | 464 | 830 | 928 | 1,268 |
| Premiums and fees | 449 | 336 | 908 | 755 |
| Vehicle costs | 356 | 400 | 764 | 621 |
| Other personnel costs | 272 | 629 | 645 | 1,050 |
| Expenses for corporate communications | 88 | 404 | 495 | 791 |
| Losses on the disposal of intangible assets and | ||||
| property, plant and equipment | 31 | 16 | 259 | 76 |
| Currency translation expenses | 22 | 43 | 51 | 195 |
| Share-based payment (convertible debentures) | – | 196 | – | 402 |
| Sundry other operating expenses | 2,004 | 1,677 | 4,307 | 3,551 |
| Total | 37,048 | 44,476 | 79,702 | 83,205 |
The increase in IT costs is primarily due to higher computer centre and consulting expenses in connection with the provision of an expanded spectrum of services as well as the optimization of applications. The audit and consultancy costs include one-off expenses in connection with the stake held by Swiss Life amounting to € 3.4 million. The fall in advertising expenditure is due to activities with sales partners that are only conducted every two years – as was the case in 2oo8. The sundry other operational expenses mainly comprise external services, repairs and maintenance costs, donations, gestures of goodwill as well as other taxes.
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd quarter 2009 | 2nd quarter 2008 | 1st half year 2009 | 1st half year 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other interest and similar income | 2,303 | 972 | 4,588 | 2,337 |
| Interest from financial instruments | –2,740 | –1,549 | –6,336 | –10,882 |
| Accrued interest on pension provisions | –146 | –144 | –293 | –288 |
| Losses on the disposal of financial investments | –49 | –36 | –49 | –51 |
| Other interest and similar expenses | –2,935 | –1,728 | –6,678 | –11,220 |
| Finance cost | –632 | –756 | –2,090 | –8,883 |
The increase in other interest and similar income results from the interest on the higher volume of cash funds and from interest on tax credits due to the tax audit for the years 2oo2 to 2oo6. The fall in other interest and similar expenses is attributable to dividend distribution payments to the other shareholders of Feri Finance AG which amounted to € 2,368 thsd (previous year: € 7,83o thsd).
The reduction in receivables from banks which fell from € 6o5,58o thsd to € 467,o64 thsd is mainly attributable to the profit transfer payment by MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG to MLP AG which is now shown as cash and cash equivalents and financial investments and to the fall in investments due to lower client deposits.
| All figures in €'000 | June 30, 2009 | Dec 31, 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Available for sale | ||
| Debt securities and holdings in investment funds | 50,421 | 47,885 |
| Investments | 4,249 | 4,227 |
| Held-to-maturity securities | 30,038 | 22,828 |
| Loans and receivables | 110,116 | 105,002 |
| Total | 194,824 | 179,941 |
The rise in financial investments mainly results from the addition of new securities.
Due to the seasonally stronger year-end business, high receivables from insurance companies as well as high liabilities towards commercial agents at December 31, 2oo8 had to be shown which were then balanced out in the first quarter of 2oo9. A lower amount of receivables and liabilities were built up in the second quarter of 2oo9.
This balance sheet item includes certain fund holdings held for sale as well as the discontinued operations MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG, Vienna, Austria and the branch of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG in the Netherlands.
The share capital consists of 1o7,862,oo4 (December 31, 2oo8: 1o7,861,141) no-par-value shares in MLP AG. In the first half year 2oo9, 863 new shares were issued through the exercising of rights conversion. In total, so far 242,931 new shares have been issued through issued convertible debentures.
In accordance with the resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting on June 16, 2oo9, a dividend of € o.28 per share was to be paid for the financial year 2oo8. For the financial year 2oo7 MLP AG distributed a dividend amounting to € o.5o per share in the second quarter of 2oo8.
In view of further concentration on its core market Germany, in the fourth quarter of the financial year 2oo8 the management devised and began to actively implement a plan to sell MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG, Vienna, Austria. For the same reason, since the first quarter 2oo9 MLP had been seeking a new ownership structure for the branch of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG in the Netherlands. In the second quarter 2oo9 the decision was taken to close the dependent branch in the Netherlands.
The revenues and expenses from these and earlier discontinued operations are illustrated below:
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd quarter 2009 | 2nd quarter2008 1st half year 2009 1st half year 2008 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | 1,463 | 2,617 | 3,311 | 4,959 |
| Other revenues | 95 | 84 | 126 | 119 |
| Total revenues | 1,558 | 2,701 | 3,438 | 5,078 |
| Commission expenses | –684 | –1,221 | –1,527 | –2,074 |
| Personnel expenses | –1,559 | –1,821 | –2,918 | –4,339 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | – | –57 | –3 | –108 |
| Other operating expenses | –1,135 | –842 | –2,335 | –1,681 |
| Earnings before interest | ||||
| and taxes (EBIT) | –1,821 | –1,240 | –3,345 | –3,124 |
| Other interest and similar income | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Other interest and similar expenses | – | – | –1 | 0 |
| Finance cost | 3 | 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Earnings before taxes | ||||
| (EBT) | –1,817 | –1,235 | –3,340 | –3,116 |
| Income taxes | 89 | –1 | 84 | –2 |
| Operating result | –1,728 | –1,235 | –3,256 | –3,118 |
| Earnings from the sale/closure before taxes | –1,318 | –29 | –1,321 | –108 |
| Income taxes | –1,525 | 88 | –1,443 | 103 |
| Earnings from the sale/closure after taxes | –2,843 | 59 | –2,764 | –5 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations after taxes | –4,571 | –1,176 | –6,020 | –3,123 |
| Earnings per share in € | ||||
| from discontinued operations | ||||
| basic | –0.05 | –0.01 | –0.06 | –0.03 |
| diluted | –0.05 | –0.01 | –0.06 | –0.03 |
The operating results in 2oo8 and 2oo9 contain solely the expenses and revenues of the foreign subsidiary in Austria and the branch in the Netherlands. Earnings from sale /closure before taxes in the first half year 2oo9 include not only a figure of € –2,573 thsd in connection with the sale or closure of the subsidiary in Austria and the branch in the Netherlands, but also subsequent expenses and income from previous discontinued operations amounting to € 1,252 thsd.
Within the framework of the tax audit for the years 2oo2 to 2oo6, findings were made. Due to these findings amounts of € 1,455 thsd were shown as liability. These amounts are associated with the discontinued foreign activities.
Cash and cash equivalents with a term to maturity of not more than three months are recorded under cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are short-term financial investments which can be converted into cash at any time and which are only subject to minor value fluctuation risks.
| All figures in €'000 | June 30, 2009 | June 30, 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | 47,356 | 34,425 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, contained in | ||
| non-current assets held for sale and disposal groups | 730 | – |
| Restraints | – | –17 |
| Other investments < 3 months | 90,000 | 144 |
| Liabilities to banks due on demand | –3,357 | –2,904 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 134,729 | 31,648 |
The receivables from financial institutions of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG are not included in cash and cash equivalents as they are to be attributed to the current business activities of the banking business segment (formerly: MLP Bank AG).
The cash flow from operating activities is primarily influenced by the payment of the profit transfer by MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG to MLP AG amounting to € 46,750 thsd (previous year € 87,481).
In the current financial year the cash flow from investing activities is primarily influenced by maturing fixed-term money deposits that were invested with a remaining term of over 3 months.
In the financial year 2oo9 the operating segment financial services was expanded due to the addition of ZSH-Group which was acquired on February 4, 2oo9. In addition, the expenses and revenues associated with the branch of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG in the Netherlands were reclassified to discontinued operations.
The change in segment assets is influenced by the acquisition of ZSH-Group and the profit transfer from MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG.
Beyond this there were no significant changes compared to December 31, 2oo8.
Within the framework of the tax audit for the years 2oo2 to 2oo6, findings were made that could potentially lead to income tax back-payments. MLP has made accruals for this event amounting to € 3.o million. MLP assumes with a high degree of probability that payments for items amounting to € 8.5 million will not have to be made and will take legal steps in this respect if necessary.
Beyond this there were no significant changes compared to December 31, 2oo8.
Compared to December 31, 2oo8 there were no significant changes in the relationships and no significant business with related companies and persons.
MLP has agreed in principle the sale of its business unit in Austria to Aragon AG. The transaction is expected to be concluded this autumn and is still subject to approval by the cartel authorities as well as by the financial market supervisory body in Austria. Furthermore, MLP will discontinue business operations in the Netherlands as per September 3o, 2oo9 where the company only runs one branch office.
Beyond that there were no notable events after the balance sheet date which may affect the MLP Group's net assets, financial position or results of operations.
We have reviewed the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, comprising the balance sheet, the statement of comprehensive income, the condensed cash flow statement, the statement of changes in equity and selected explanatory notes, and the interim group management report of MLP AG, Wiesloch, for the period from January 1, 2oo9 to June 3o, 2oo9, which are part of the six-monthly financial report pursuant to Sec. 37w WpHG ("Wertpapierhandelsgesetz": German Securities Trading Act). The preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRSs on interim financial reporting as adopted by the EU and of the group management report in accordance with the requirements of the WpHG ("Wertpapierhandelsgesetz": German Securities Trading Act) applicable to interim group management reports is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to issue a report on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the interim group management report based on our review.
We conducted our review of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the interim group management report in accordance with German generally accepted standards for the review of financial statements promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer (Institute of Public Auditors in Germany, IDW). Those standards require that we plan and perform the review to obtain a certain level of assurance in our critical appraisal to preclude that the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IFRSs on interim financial reporting as adopted by the EU and that the interim group management report has not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the WpHG. A review is limited primarily to making inquiries of company personnel and applying analytical procedures and thus does not provide the assurance that we would obtain from an audit of financial statements. In accordance with our engagement, we have not performed an audit and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Based on our review nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IFRSs on interim financial reporting as adopted by the EU and that the interim group management report has not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the provisions of the WpHG applicable to interim group management reports.
Stuttgart, August 11, 2oo9 Ernst & Young GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Müller-Tronnier Frey German Public Auditor German Public Auditor
To the best of our knowledge, and in accordance with the applicable reporting principles for interim financial reporting, the interim consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group, and the interim management report of the group includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the group, together with a description of the principal opportunities and risks associated with the expected development of the group for the remaining months of the financial year.
Wiesloch, August 11, 2oo9 MLP AG
Executive Board
Dr. Uwe Schroeder-Wildberg Gerhard Frieg Muhyddin Suleiman Ralf Schmid
Dr. Uwe Schroeder-Wildberg (Chairman, appointed until December 31, 2o12)
Gerhard Frieg (Product management and Purchasing, appointed until May 18, 2o12)
Ralf Schmid (Chief Operating Officer, Member of the Executive Board of MLP AG since March 1, 2oo9, appointed until December 31, 2o12)
Muhyddin Suleiman (Sales and Marketing, appointed until September 3, 2o12)
Dr. Peter Lütke-Bornefeld (Chairman)
Dr. h. c. Manfred Lautenschläger (Vice Chairman)
Dr. Claus-Michael Dill
Johannes Maret
Maria Bähr (Employee representative)
Norbert Kohler (Employee representative)
| 2009 | ||
|---|---|---|
| August, 12 | Results for the 1st half year and the 2nd quarter 2009 | |
| August, 19–20 | Roadshow, Europe | |
| September, 15 | Roadshow, USA | |
| September, 16–17 | UBS Corporate Conference, New York, USA | |
| September, 24 | HVB UniCredit German Conference, Munich, Germany | |
| October, 19 – November, 11 | Quiet period* | |
| November, 11 | Results for the 3rd quarter 2009 | |
| November, 18–19 | Roadshow, Europe | |
| December, 02–03 | Roadshow, Europe | |
| 2010 | ||
| January, 11–13 | DrKW German Investment Seminar, New York, USA | |
| January, 18–20 | Cheuvreux German Corporate Conference, Frankfurt/Main, Germany |
* During this period - immediately prior to the results -
MLP limits its communication with the capital market
Tel +49 (o) 6222 • 3o8 • 832o Fax +49 (o) 6222 • 3o8 • 1131 [email protected]
Tel +49 (o) 6222 • 3o8 • 831o Fax +49 (o) 6222 • 3o8 • 1131 [email protected]
This documentation includes certain prognoses and information on future developments founded on the conviction of MLP AG's Executive Board and on assumptions and information currently available to MLP AG. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "assume," "intend," "plan," "should," "could," "project" and other similar terms used in reference to the company describe prognoses based on certain factors subject to uncertainty.
Many factors can contribute to the actual results of the MLP Group differing significantly from the prognoses made in such statements.
MLP AG accepts no liability to the public for updating or correcting prognoses. All prognoses and predictions are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which can lead to the actual results differing from expectations. The prognoses reflect the points of view at the time when they were made.
MLP AG Alte Heerstrasse 40 69168 Wiesloch, Germany Tel +49 (0) 6222 • 308 • 0 Fax +49 (0) 6222 • 308 • 9000 www.mlp-ag.de
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