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Poste Italiane

Earnings Release Nov 8, 2018

4431_10-q_2018-11-08_efa203b3-d109-4f36-997a-a1e75175ac5c.pdf

Earnings Release

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Informazione
Regolamentata n.
1130-47-2018
Data/Ora Ricezione
08 Novembre 2018
06:19:54
MTA
Societa' : POSTE ITALIANE
Identificativo
Informazione
Regolamentata
: 110379
Nome utilizzatore : POSTEN03 - Fabio Ciammaglichella
Tipologia : REGEM
Data/Ora Ricezione : 08 Novembre 2018 06:19:54
Data/Ora Inizio
Diffusione presunta
: 08 Novembre 2018 06:19:56
Oggetto : Poste Italiane - 3Q & 9M2018 Results
Testo del comunicato

Vedi allegato.

POSTE ITALIANE 3Q18 AND 9M18 RESULTS ON TRACK TO MEET FY18 DELIVER 2022 TARGETS

Key Financial Highlights

  • Group Revenues at €2,522m in 3Q18 (+5.3% y/y); €7,951m in 9M18 (+0.7% vs 9M17) with growth from all business segments and reduced reliance on capital gains
  • Total Operating Costs for 3Q18 stable at €2,066m (3Q17: €2,066m); 9M18 at €6,442m, down 4.1% - in line with FY18 targets; expected early retirement charges to be booked in 4Q18
  • EBIT increase to €456m in 3Q18 (+38.6% vs 3Q17) and €1.5bn in 9M18 (+28.3% vs 9M17) thanks to positive revenue contributions from all business segments - on track to meet FY18 Deliver 2022 financial targets
  • Net profit at €321m in 3Q18 (+50% vs 3Q17) and €1,056m in 9M18 (+45.9% vs 9M17) thanks to improved operating results
  • Total Financial Assets of €513bn in September 2018, up €7bn from December 2017 due to €6.8bn positive net inflows demonstrating resilient business model
  • Solvency II Ratio at 172% as of September before volatility adjustments, up to about 210% proforma fully loaded including proactive capital management actions
  • Group dividend for FY18 up by 5% y/y to €0.44, as committed to in Deliver 2022 supported by EPS at €0.81 in 9M18

Key Operational Highlights – Deliver 2022 generating low risk growth through operational improvement

  • Mail, Parcel & Distribution: Joint Mail and Parcel Delivery Model, streamlined operational structure and new agreements creating a more effective network
  • Payments, Mobile & Digital: creation of Postepay e-money institution and launch of PostePay Connect, the first integrated mobile and digital payments app
  • Financial Services: reduced reliance on capital gains, growth in third party distribution driven by new and improved agreements and expanded product range; improvement in postal savings driving significant increase in retail net inflows
  • Insurance Services: ongoing diversification of insurance offer with growing P&C and Private Pension Plan product range; increasing focus on innovation in insurance products

Rome, 8 November 2018, yesterday the Board of Directors of Poste Italiane S.p.A (or "the Group") approved 3Q/9M2018 financial results which reflect the positive progression towards Deliver 2022 objectives.

Commenting on the results, Matteo Del Fante, Poste Italiane's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director said:

"Poste Italiane continued its growth trajectory in the third quarter and is on track to deliver the 2018 targets set out within Deliver 2022, our five-year strategic plan built on strong fundamentals and evolving customer needs.

"In line with the strategic vision presented at our Capital Markets Day in February, all business segments are contributing to our improved operating performance, driven by low risk growth, reduced reliance on capital gains and greater cost discipline.

"In particular quarterly revenues in Parcels increased driven by strong growth in B2C, while our new Payments, Mobile and Digital segment is delivering visible returns in the fast-growing digital payments space with a newly established electronic money institution and an integrated digital payments app.

"In light of current Italian macroeconomic conditions we are taking capital management actions to strengthen our solvency ratio while our evolving business model is mitigating the impact of BTP spreads which also create opportunities for us, including higher net interest income.

"Deliver 2022 is a five-year journey made up of many small steps on strategy, costs and revenues aimed at driving shareholder value. We are pleased with the early progress and remain focussed on the execution of the plan."

FINANCIAL RESULTS SUMMARY

€m 3Q17 3Q18 3Q18/3Q17 % 9M17 9M18 9M18/9M17 %
GROUP
Revenues 2,395 2,522 +5.3% 7,893 7,951 +0.7%
EBIT 329 456 +38.6% 1,176 1,509 +28.3%
Net Profit 214 321 +50.0% 724 1,056 +45.9%
MAIL, PARCEL & DISTRIBUTION
Revenues 849 828 -2.5% 2,661 2,589 -2.7%
EBIT -81 -7 +91.4% -4 177 n.m.
Net Profit -75 -20 +73.3% -101 94 n.m.
PAYMENTS, MOBILE & DIGITAL
Revenues 144 163 +13.2% 422 470 +11.4%
EBIT 48 54 +12.5% 142 155 +9.2%
Net Profit 37 40 +8.1% 107 117 +9.3%
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Revenues 1,069 1,168 +9.3% 3,779 3,844 +1.7%
EBIT 188 178 -5.3% 513 586 +14.2%
Net Profit 138 135 -2.2% 371 428 +15.4%
INSURANCE SERVICES
Revenues 333 363 +9.0% 1,031 1,048 +1.6%
EBIT 174 230 +32.2% 525 591 +12.6%
Net Profit 114 165 +44.7% 347 417 +20.2%

In addition to the standard financial indicators required by IFRS, Poste Italiane also discloses alternative performance indicators to provide a better understanding of the business performance and financial position. These indicators are described in the annex, in line with the ESMA/2015/1415 Guidelines of 5 October 2015.

***

***

3Q18/9M18 FINANCIAL RESULTS – GROUP

ALL BUSINESS SEGMENTS CONTRIBUTING TO REVENUE ACCELERATION

All business segments contributed to growth in Group revenues which reached €2,522m in 3Q18 (+5.3% vs 3Q17) and €7,951 in 9M18 (+0.7% vs 9M17).

Mail, Parcel and Distribution revenues for 3Q18 decreased as expected, but were supported by positive quarterly revenues in mail, driven by re-pricing and an improved volume mix with more high value products. Parcel revenues were up 11% for the quarter and 5% for the 9 months y/y, supported by strong growth in the B2C category driven by the growth in e-commerce.

The Payments, Mobile & Digital segment continues to deliver tangible results with 13.2% y/y increase in 3Q18 revenues (9M18 +11.4% y/y), driven by a 25% y/y increase in card payments revenues.

Financial Services revenues were up 9.3% in 3Q18 and 1.7% for 9M18 with positive contributions from loan and mortgage distribution, asset management and postal savings as Poste Italiane continues to capitalize on its unique distribution network, expanded product range while delivering reduced reliance on capital gains.

Revenues for Insurance Services were up 9.0% y/y in 3Q18 and 1.6% in 9M18 mainly driven by increased contributions from P&C and Private Pension Plans, in line with Deliver 2022.

COST DISCIPLINE CONFIRMED, IN LINE WITH DELIVER 2022 TARGETS

Total Operating costs for 3Q18 were stable y/y at €2,066m including higher variable costs of goods and services to support revenue growth. Total Operating costs for 9M18 were down 4% y/y on an adjusted basis1 and are in line with Deliver 2022 targets for FY18. HR costs for 3Q18 were broadly stable, with lower FTEs offsetting higher costs per FTE. 9M18 HR costs are down 2.1% due to lower FTEs.

Poste Italiane expects to book early retirement incentives in 4Q18 as part of planned Deliver 2022 initiatives.

1 Excluding BdM-MCC (0.5 €/m in 3Q 2017 and 34 €/m in 9M 2017); real estate funds provisions (-4 €/m in 3Q 2017, 8 €/m in 3Q 2018, 61 €/m in 9M 2017 and 24 €/m in 9M 2018) and provision for the early repayment of financial products (4 €/m in 3Q 2017 and 16 €/m in 9M 2017).

OPERATING PROFITABILITY PROGRESSING IN LINE WITH STRATEGIC PLAN

Group EBIT for 3Q18 reached €456m, up 38.6% y/y. 9M18 EBIT reached €1.5bn in 9M18, up 28.3% y/y.

Mail, Parcel & Distribution delivered an EBIT approaching breakeven in 3Q18, up 91.4% y/y. This was driven by increasing quarterly mail revenues, growing parcel revenues and ongoing cost discipline. Mail, Parcel & Distribution EBIT for 9M18 was €177m, up from -€4m in 9M17.

The Payments, Mobile & Digital segment reported continued EBIT growth, up 12.5% in 3Q18 y/y and by 9.2% for 9M18.

Financial Services EBIT for the third quarter was down 5.3% due to one-off costs mainly related to real estate funds provisions. However, on a 9-month basis EBIT was up 14.2%, supported by recurring revenues.

Insurance Services EBIT was up 32.2% in the third quarter and 12.6% for the 9 months y/y, thanks to financial margin and P&C contribution, in line with Deliver 2022.

For each business segment, Poste Italiane confirms that it is on track to meet 2018 targets within the Deliver 2022 plan.

TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS INCREASE – DRIVEN BY POSITIVE NET INFLOWS

At 30 September 2018, Total Financial Assets reached €513bn, up €7bn from December 2017), driven by €6.8bn positive net inflows from life insurance, mutual funds and deposits.

Insurance Products represented €6.4bn of net inflows, of which €0.9bn were unit-linked and multi-asset Class III insurance products. Positive net inflows were partially offset by lower market value of assets.

Postal savings net inflows continued to improve, reaching -€4.8bn thanks to new commercial initiatives, boosted by €5.6bn of positive effect related to the accrual of interests on postal bonds.

Deposits were up by €4.8bn supported by Public Administration accounts and a resilient retail customer base. Mutual funds posted positive net inflows of €0.4bn thanks to new products offering resulting from our distribution agreements. In the first nine months of the year, retail net inflows amounted to €2.5bn, the best result in recent years.

GOVERNMENT BOND SPREADS

Poste Italiane has not experienced negative business effects from volatile macroeconomic conditions. The key areas of impact are as follows:

  • Capital gains and losses Unrealized capital gains turned into losses. However Financial Services capital gains for 2018 have been already booked and the majority of capital gains for 2019 have been secured. There is therefore no P&L impact from unrealized losses.
  • Higher net interest income Already earning and will earn higher net interest income from government bond portfolio versus plan as Poste Italiane's portfolio repositioning at higher yields.
  • Regulatory requirements there is no impact on BancoPosta CET1 ratio, while the impact on Solvency II is addressed with proactive capital management actions.

SOLVENCY II

At the end of September, the Group's Solvency II Ratio stood at 172% without any benefit from volatility adjustments. As a result of recent market conditions a number of proactive capital management actions have been activated to support the Solvency ratio, subject to approvals:

    1. PosteVita will support the Group dividend with a payout capped at 50% in 2018 leading to +3 p.p. increase in the Solvency II Ratio (in addition to +3 p.p. already booked in 3Q18). In the future, flexibility will be retained in Poste Vita's dividend policy, while confirming the Group's dividend policy as committed to in Deliver 2022
    1. €1.1bn ancillary own funds (out of the €1.75bn committed by Poste Italiane) accounted as Tier 2 capital, with an estimated benefit of 26 p.p. of the Solvency II ratio
    1. Deferred Tax Assets benefits currently under assessment leading to an estimated +8 to +10 p.p. benefit in the ratio

Including the above-mentioned actions, the proforma Solvency II ratio will be approximately 210% on a fully loaded basis. Further support from the European regulator's transitional measures is expected upon approval by the Italian regulator. Based on current estimates, the Solvency ratio would benefit by about 20 p.p. resulting in a proforma Solvency II transitional ratio of approximately 230%.

3Q18/9M18 FINANCIAL RESULTS – BUSINESS SEGMENT BREAKDOWN

€m 3Q17 3Q18 3Q18/3Q17 % 9M17 9M18 9M18/9M17 %
SEGMENT REVENUES 849 828 -2.5% 2,661 2,589 -2.7%
INTERSEGMENT REVENUES 993 1,071 +7.9% 3,446 3,526 +2.3%
TOTAL REVENUES 1,842 1,899 +3.1% 6,107 6,115 +0.1%
EBIT -81 -7 +91.4% -4 177 n.m.
EBIT Margin (%) -4.4% -0.4% n.m. -0.1% 2.9% n.m.
NET PROFIT -75 -20 +73.3% -101 94 n.m.
KPI's
Mail Volumes (#m) 697 652 -6.5% 2,324 2,224 -4.3%
Parcel Volumes (#m) 26.1 30.6 17.2% 81.1 88.6 +9.2%
B2C Revenues (€m) 56.6 73.7 30.2% 162.2 202.7 +25.0%

MAIL, PARCEL & DISTRIBUTION – SOLID PARCEL GROWTH AND INCREASING MAIL REVENUES DRIVEN BY RE-PRICING

Overall Mail, Parcel & Distribution segment revenues for 3Q18 were down 2.5%. Mail Revenues were up 1% in 3Q18 for the first time, thanks to re-pricing offsetting lower volumes, while parcel revenues continued to grow, up 11% driven by strong growth in B2C.

Mail Volumes for 3Q18 decreased by 6.5% y/y and 4.3% for 9M18, which is in line with the 5% expected in Deliver 2022. Average price per mail item increased 6 p.p. for 3Q18 as lower margin products such as direct marketing reported the greatest decrease, and recorded mail volumes increased while also benefiting from re-pricing.

Parcel Volumes were up 17.2% y/y in 3Q18 and 9.2% for 9M18, as Poste Italiane plays a central role in Italy's eCommerce market. B2C volumes continue to grow, up 29% in 3Q18 y/y and 24% in 9M18.

Growing B2C volumes did cause average price per parcel to decrease by 3% in 3Q18 and 4% in 9M18 due to changing mix in volumes, while B2C pricing remained stable in 9M18 and was up in 3Q18.

PAYMENTS, MOBILE AND DIGITAL – LEADING THE WAY IN A FAST GROWING MARKET

€m 3Q17 3Q18 3Q18/3Q17 % 9M17 9M18 9M18/9M17 %
SEGMENT REVENUES 144 163 +13.2% 422 470 +11.4%
Cards Payments (€m) 55 69 +25.5% 154 191 +24.0%
Other Payments (€m) 38 40 +5.3% 114 116 +1.8%
Telecom Services (€m) 51 54 +5.9% 154 163 +5.8%
INTERSEGMENT REVENUES 79 78 -1.3% 247 243 -1.6%
TOTAL REVENUES 223 241 +8.1% 669 713 +6.6%
EBIT 48 54 +12.5% 142 155 +9.2%
EBIT Margin (%) 21.5% 22.4% n.m. 21.2% 21.7% n.m.
NET PROFIT 37 40 +8.1% 107 117 +9.3%
KPI's
Postepay cards (#m) - - - 17.4 19.0 +9.2%
of which Postepay Evolution cards (#m) - - - 4.4 5.9 +34.1%
Total payment cards transactions (#bn) 0.237 0.320 +35.0% 0.673 0.874 +29.9%
of which eCommerce transactions (#m) 39.1 48.8 +24.8% 117.0 142.0 +21.4%
PosteMobile new products (#m) 0.248 0.241 -2.8% 0.817 0.838 +2.6%
Digital e-Wallets (#m) - - - 1.5 2.5 +66.7%

Payments, Mobile & Digital segment revenues grew by 13.2% in 3Q18 and 11.4% in 9M18. This growth was supported by increased card payments revenues, up 25% in 3Q18 driven by a growing number of PostePay cards and higher transaction volumes in both physical and digital channels.

Other Payment Revenues, which includes bollettino, tax payments and money transfers, were up 5% in 3Q18 due to the temporary effect of certain utility providers moving from bimonthly to monthly billing.

Telecoms revenues increased by 6% both in 3Q18 and in 9M18, despite an increasingly competitive environment in Italy due to new mobile and fixed line commercial initiatives.

The recent launch of Postepay SpA, the company's dedicated Electronic Money Institution (ELMI), confirms Poste Italiane's objective of building on its position as Italy's leading digital consumer ecosystem.

€m 3Q17 3Q18 3Q18/3Q17 % 9M17 9M18 9M18/9M17 %
SEGMENT REVENUES 1,069 1,168 +9.3% 3,779 3,844 +1.7%
INTERSEGMENT REVENUES 253 234 -7.5% 770 749 -2.7%
TOTAL REVENUES 1,322 1,402 +6.1% 4,549 4,593 +1.0%
EBIT 188 178 -5.3% 513 586 +14.2%
EBIT Margin (%) 14.2% 12.7% n.m. 11.3% 12.8% n.m.
NET PROFIT 138 135 -2.2% 371 428 +15.4%
KPI's
TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS - TFAs (€/bn) 505 513 +1.6% 505 513 +1.6%
Average Current Account Deposits (€m) n.a. n.a. n.a. 55,004 58,298 +6.0%
Average return excl. capital gains (%) n.a. n.a. n.a. 2.68% 2.63% n.m.
Postal Savings Net Inflows (€m) -105 -268 n.m. -8,095 -4,781 +40.9%
Unrealized gains (€m) 1,654 -2,690 n.m. 1,654 -2,690 n.m.
Product Sales (# mln) 2.1 2.1 n.m. 6.0 6.3 +5.0%

FINANCIAL SERVICES – MORE SUSTAINABLE RECURRING REVENUE MIX

Financial Services segment revenues increased by 9.3% in 3Q18 and by 1.7% in 9M18 y/y.

Adjusted revenues2 increased by 9.7% y/y in 3Q18 and by 8.3% in 9M18 confirming lower reliance on capital gains and a continued shift towards a more sustainable recurring revenue mix. New and improved distribution agreements are in place with an improved product offering for customers, and continued investment in people and systems.

In 3Q18, loans and mortgage distribution revenues were up 38%, postal savings revenues up 12% and Asset Management revenues up 10% as a result of improved distribution agreements and an expanded product range, which are driving renewed commercial focus across all post offices.

2 Based on adjusted revenues from capital gains, IFRS 15 effect and MCC-BdM.

€m 3Q17 3Q18 3Q18/3Q17 % 9M17 9M18 9M18/9M17 %
SEGMENT REVENUES 333 363 +9.0% 1,031 1,048 +1.6%
Life 297 306 +3.0% 914 887 -3.0%
P&C 22 33 +50.0% 70 96 +37.1%
Private Pension Plan 14 24 +71.4% 47 65 +38.3%
INTERSEGMENT REVENUES 0 0 n.m. 1 1 n.m.
TOTAL REVENUES 333 363 +9.0% 1,032 1,049 +1.6%
EBIT 174 230 +32.2% 525 591 +12.6%
EBIT Margin (%) 52.3% 63.4% n.m. 50.9% 56.3% n.m.
NET PROFIT 114 165 +44.7% 347 417 +20.2%
KPI's
Gross Written Premiums (€m) 5,307 3,856 -27.3% 16,438 12,768 -22.3%
GWP - Life (€m) 5,025 3,573 -28.9% 15,596 11,878 -23.8%
Private Pension Plan (€m) 249 237 -4.8% 737 747 +1.4%
GWP - P&C (€m) 32 46 +43.8% 105 143 +36.2%

INSURANCE SERVICES – ONGOING DIVERSIFICATION OF PRODUCT OFFER

Insurance Services segment revenues grew by 9% in 3Q18 (+1.6% in 9M18). P&C and Private Pension Plan revenues increased by 50% in 3Q18 (+37% in 9M18) and 71% (+38% in 9M18) respectively, in line with the ongoing diversification of Poste's insurance offer as envisaged within Deliver 2022. Life insurance revenues also grew by 3% in 3Q18.

Total Gross Written Premiums are down by 22% in 9M18, with segregated fund products (Class I-V) down 27%. Unit linked (class III) Gross Written Premiums increased by 27%, while Multiasset products increased by 108%. Gross Written Premiums in Private Pension Plans increased by 1% in 9M18, while in P&C they increased by 36% supported by all business lines: welfare, personal, property and payment.

FURTHER DETAILS ON SOLVENCY II AND SPREAD

The widening of spread has a further impact on the Solvency ratio of the insurance business (Poste Vita) which registered a decrease to 172% at the end of September 2018 compared to 185% at the end of June 2018 and 279% at the end of December 2017. The reduction is the consequence of the significant reduction of market value of the bond portion of the investment portfolio (€78 bn notional amount of Poste Vita) with a negative impact on Own Funds to fulfil Solvency Capital Requirement.

Furthermore the spread has an impact on the statutory accounts of Poste Vita as at 30 June 2018 (in compliance with local GAAP) reporting a loss of about €400 m impacted by the capital losses of the investment portfolio (compensated by the variation of technical reserves under IAS). Considering the evolution of spread, Poste Vita might also report a loss at the end of December 2018; that event did not impact 2018 dividend, which was already paid to the Parent in June. The amount was lower than initially planned, with a positive impact of 3% on Solvency Ratio.

Poste Italiane Group constantly monitors the evolution of spread and solutions to mitigate the impact of a further widening are under assessment. Poste Vita is furthermore assessing the possibility to book deferred tax assets on technical reserves related to Class I (amendments introduced by D.L. n. 78/2010) which would result in a benefit of about +8/10% on the Solvency Ratio. Furthermore, Poste Italiane decided to take unconditional commitment in favour of Poste Vita for 5 years for a capital increase up to €1,750 m to support Solvency Ratio, replacing the decision taken in February 2018 (capital increase up to €1 bn conditional to a reduction of Solvency Ratio below 130%). This solution allows Poste Vita, in line with Solvency II Directive and with relevant regulation for insurance companies and subject to IVASS approval, to account for about €1.1 bn immediately as Tier 2 capital (so called Ancillary Own Fund Tier2 or "AOF Tier2") with a positive impact of about +26% on Solvency Ratio.

The above mentioned actions would improve the ratio to about 210%.

Finally, further structural measures are under discussion with competent institutions and authorities; among others, on the 31 October 2018 IVASS published "Clarification on the application methodologies of the provisions at article 344-decies of Law Decree 7 September 2005, n. 209, regarding transitional measures on technical reserves to allow for a phasing in from the previous regulatory framework (so called Solvency I) to Solvency II regime.

Based on current estimates, the application of transitional measures on technical reserves would positively impact Solvency Ratio by about +20%.

Overall, all identified actions would increase the ratio to around 230%.

RECENT EVENTS AND BUSINESS OUTLOOK

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OCCURRED AFTER 30 SEPTEMBER 2018

On 3 October 2018, the Company paid the €23 million fine imposed by the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM - the Antitrust Authority) following its ruling, in January 2018, that Poste Italiane had abused its dominant market position as per art. 102 of the TFEU. This does not constitute acceptance or admission of liability in relation to the alleged misconduct and does not affect the Company's right to defend its position. At 30 September 2018, the provisions made in 2017 have been used in full.

Following the transfer to Anima Holding of the shares in Anima SGR resulting from the partial spin-off of the assets underlying Class I insurance products previously managed by BancoPosta Fondi SGR SpA, on 24 October 2018 the Company received the sum of €120 million.

With reference to the sale of the 100% interest in Banca del Mezzogiorno–Mediocredito Centrale SpA ("BdM"), in accordance with the agreement between Poste Italiane SpA, the seller, and Invitalia, the buyer, signed on 8 February 2017, on 31 October 2018, Invitalia informed Poste Italiane that the Bank of Italy had requested the buyer not to proceed with the reduction of BdM's capital reduction scheduled for 2018 and necessary to the payment of a €40 million residual consideration. In line with the terms of the agreement, Poste Italiane and Invitalia, acting in good faith, intend to find an alternative method of payment of the relevant tranche of the sale price.

The rating agencies Standard & Poors and Moody's, as a result of the downgrading of the Italian Republic have aligned Poste Italiane's rating as follows:

  • Standard & Poors from BBB/Stable at 30 September to BBB/Negative at 30 October
  • Moody's from Baa2/Negative at 30 September to Baa3/Stable at 30 October

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

In the final quarter of 2018, the Poste Italiane Group will continue to be engaged in implementing the objectives outlined in the five-year Deliver 2022 Plan, approved by the Board of Directors on 26 February 2018.

In the Mail, Parcels and Distribution segment, the Group will focus on progressive implementation of the new joint delivery model. It will also proceed with the adoption of new automation technologies to support production processes with the aim of boosting the efficiency and quality of postal services, maximising synergies in the logistics and operations network and leveraging all the Group's available assets. The Group is also committed to improving its competitive position in the parcels market by taking advantage of the opportunities arising from the growth of e-commerce.

In addition, as part of the process of modernising its vehicle fleet, the Group is progressively introducing alternative electric vehicles for parcel delivery (3-wheeled vehicles). This will improve occupational safety and extend the process, launched in recent years, of adopting eco-friendly forms of transport, involving the introduction of a fleet of 4-wheeled electric vehicles.

With the creation of the new Payments, Mobile and Digital business unit, the Poste Italiane Group aims to become Italy's leading payments ecosystem, ensuring convergence between payments and mobile technology, and between physical and digital channels, by using its existing assets in terms of expertise, customer base and physical and digital networks.

In this regard, following the transfer, pursuant to art. 2558 of the Italian Civil Code, of BancoPosta's payment services unit to PosteMobile SpA, PostePay SpA was established on 1 October 2018 to operate as a specific ring-fenced entity. As an E-money Institution, the new company is authorised to provide payment services and issue cards.

The objective is to be the largest digital payments platform that, operating in synergy with Italy's most widespread distribution network, will enable Poste Italiane to consolidate its role as a driver of the country's development and innovation. As well as being a specialist competence centre within the Group, PostePay SpA intends to interpret and lead changes in the habits of consumers and businesses with the creation of new integrated channels, products and services, above all in the fields of acquiring, e-commerce and mobile and digital payments. Establishment of the newly created PostePay SpA forms part of Poste Italiane's digital transformation in response to a changing competitive scenario in the payments sector, designed to take advantage of the opportunities offered by market deregulation and the changes in progress.

The first product to be launched by PostePay SpA, from November 2018, will be PostePay Connect, combining prepaid cards with telephone services. This will be followed by the launch of a Mobile Payments service based on Google Pay.

In the Financial Services segment, the Plan aims to take advantage of the opportunities arising from recent regulatory innovations (MiFID II and IDD), taking advantage of the Group's existing strengths: customer base, distribution network and brand. At the same time, Postal Savings will benefit from the new agreement with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti signed in December 2017. In addition the active management strategy for the govies portfolio is aimed at stabilising the overall return from interest income and capital gains.

Consolidation of the partnership with the Intesa San Paolo group will lead to the launch of two new credit protection and insurance products providing protection for the mortgaged properties. Again with regard to loans, the Group's marketing of residential mortgages under this partnership will again enable to develop a multi-partner strategy, in addition to the existing products offered in collaboration with Deutsche Bank.

The PosteVita Insurance Group will continue to offer integrated savings and investment products with the aim of consolidating its position in the life insurance market and boosting sales of insurance products without capital guarantees (multiclass and unitlinked products). The Group is committed to targets for the Non-life business set out in the strategic plan, focusing above all on P&C Insurance and Welfare products.

Another relevant target is the reduction of overall personnel expenses, which are expected to fall over the Plan as a consequence of a net reduction of 15,000 FTEs when considering 10,000 new hirings; the reduction in the workforce is due to the initiative launched by the Company in recent years, aimed at accelerating generational turnover through voluntary early retirement schemes.

Throughout the rest of 2018, the Group is committed to strengthening its capital structure, with particular attention to movements in the spread and the impact on the Group's insurance company, Poste Vita.

MATURING BONDS

30 May 2019 is the expiry date of the bond loan issued by Poste Vita SpA on 30 May 2014 for a nominal value of € 750 million with a book value at 30 September 2018 of €756 million.

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The meaning and the content of alternative performance indicators, not provided for in IAS/IFRS, are described below. These indicators are used to provide a clearer basis for assessment of the Group's operating and financial performance.

EBIT MARGIN: is calculated as the ratio of operating profit (EBIT) to total revenue.

NET FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE GROUP: is the sum of financial liabilities, technical reserves for the insurance business, financial assets, technical reserves attributable to reinsurers, cash and deposits attributable to BancoPosta and cash and cash equivalents.

Composition of net financial position* (€m):

MAIL, PARCEL
AND
DISTRIBUTION
PAYMENTS,
MOBILE AND
DIGITAL
FINANCIAL
SERVICES
INSURANCE
SERVICES
ADJUSTMENTS CONSOLIDATED
Balance at 30 September 2018
Financial liabilities 1,646 3,583 65,612 1.047 $-6,039$ 65,849
Technical reserves for the insurance
business
0 0 0 124,335 0 124,335
Financial assets $-898$ $-3,769$ $-64,303$ $-125,723$ 5,206 $-189,487$
Technical reserves attributable to
reinsurers
0 0 0 $-71$ 0 -71
Cash and deposits attributable to
BancoPosta
0 $\bf{0}$ $-3,094$ 0 0 $-3,094$
Cash and cash equivalents $-1,207$ $-179$ $-194$ $-1,313$ 833 $-2,060$
Net Financial Position* -459 $-365$ $-1,979$ $-1,725$ 0 $-4,528$
Balance at 31 December 2017
Financial liabilities 2,249 2,970 62,063 1,017 $-5,055$ 63,244
Technical reserves for the insurance
business
0 0 0 123,650 0 123,650
Financial assets $-1,097$ $-3,283$ $-60,688$ -125,860 4,162 $-186,766$
Technical reserves attributable to
reinsurers
0 0 0 $-71$ 0 $-71$
Cash and deposits attributable to
BancoPosta
0 $\bf{0}$ $-3,196$ 0 0 $-3,196$
Cash and cash equivalents $-1,997$ $-21$ $-396$ $-907$ 893 $-2,428$
Net Financial Position* $-845$ $-334$ $-2,217$ $-2,171$ $\bf{0}$ $-5,567$

* Net financial position: (Surplus) / Net debt

TABLES

Consolidated statement of financial position, consolidated statement of profit/loss for the period and condensed consolidated statement of cash flows are provided below:

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION $(\epsilon m)$
at 30 September at 31 December
ASSETS 2018 2017
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 1,884 2,001
Investment property 48 52
Intangible assets 492 516
Investments accounted for using the equity method 533 508
Financial assets 170,313 171.004
Trade receivables 6 9
Deferred tax assets 1,170 869
Other receivables and assets 3,321 3,043
Technical provisions attributable to reinsurers 71 71
Total 177,838 178,073
Current assets
Inventories 136 138
Trade receivables 2,080 2.026
Current tax assets 223 93
Other receivables and assets 1,110 954
Financial assets 19,174 15,762
Cash and deposits attributable to BancoPosta 3,094 3,196
Cash and cash equivalents 2,060 2,428
Total 27,877 24,597
TOTAL ASSETS 205,715 202,670
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY at 30 September at 31 December
2018
2017
Equity
Share capital 1,306 1,306
Reserves 1,080 1,611
of which Fair value reserve (473) 371
Retained earnings 4,914 4,633
Equity attributable to owners of the Parent 7,300 7,550
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
Total 7,300 7,550
Non-current liabilities
Technical provisions for insurance business 124,335 123,650
Provisions for risks and charges 694 692
Employee termination benefits 1,212 1,274
Financial liabilities 5,741 5,044
Deferred tax liabilities 853 546
Other liabilities 1,136 1,207
Total 133,971 132,413
Current liabilities
Provisions for risks and charges 499 903
Trade payables 1,357 1,332
Current tax liabilities 206 23
Other liabilities 2,274 2,249
Financial liabilities 60,108 58,200
Total 64,444 62,707
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 205,715 202,670
$(\epsilon$ m
Third quarter
2018
Third quarter
2017
For the nine
months ended
30 September
2018
For the nine
months ended
30 September
2017
828
163
1.168
849
144
1.069
Revenue from Mail, Parcel & other
Revenue from Payments, Mobile & Digital
Revenue from Financial Services
2.589
470
3.844
2.661
422
3,779
363 333 Revenue from Insurance Services after movements in technical provisions
and other claims expenses
1.048 1.031
3,837 5,291 Insurance premium revenues 12,708 16,389
939 872 Income from insurance activities 2.668 3.003
(4, 400)
(13)
(5,746)
(84)
Net change in technical provisions for insurance business and other claim expenses
Expenses from insurance activities
(13, 478)
(850)
(17, 917)
(444)
2,522 2.395 Net operating revenue 7,951 7,893
569 563 Cost of goods and services 1.695 1.747
6 9 Expenses from financial activities 41 42
1.305 1.307 Personnel expenses 4.151 4.241
133 132 Depreciation, amortisation and impairments 405 413
(4) (5) Capitalised costs and expenses (10) (18)
54 51 Other operating costs 147 261
3 9 Impairment loss/(reversal) on debt instruments, receivables and other assets 13 31
456 329 Operating profit/(loss) 1.509 1,176
15 24 Finance costs 55 72
31 27 Finance income 85 85
of which, non-recurring income $\overline{2}$
Impairment loss/(reversal) on financial instruments 94
of which, non-recurring expense/(income) 82
5 3 Profit/(Loss) on investments accounted for using the equity method 13 12
477 335 Profit/(Loss) before tax 1.552 1.107
156 121 Income tax expense 496 383
÷ $\overline{\phantom{a}}$ of which, non-recurring expense/(income) (9)
321 214 PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD 1,056 724
321 214 of which, attributable to owners of the Parent 1.056 724
A DAC 0.4CA Earnings nor share n ona A EEA
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS $(\epsilon m)$
For the nine For the nine
months ended months ended
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
Unrestricted net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,978 2,292
Cash subject to investment restrictions 780
Escrow account with the Italian Teasury 55 ÷
Cash attributable to technical provisions for insurance business 358 799
Amounts that cannot be drawn on due to court rulings
Current account overdrafts
15
1
12
$\overline{2}$
Cash received on delivery (restricted) and other restrictions 21 17
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,428 3,902
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Profit/(loss) for the period
2,428
1,056
3,902
724
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments 405 413
Losses and impairments/(recoveries) on receivables 15 31
(Gains)/Losses on disposals (2)
Impairment of disposal groups 94
Impairment/(reversal) of financial activities
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
(2)
(Increase)/decrease in receivables and other assets (592) (333)
Increase/(decrease) in payables and other liabilities 118 (79)
Movement in group of assets and liabilites held for sale 7
Movement in provisions for risks and charges
Movement in provisions for employee termination benefits and pension plans
(402)
(62)
(157)
(67)
Differences in accrued finance costs and income (cash correction) (19) (7)
Other changes 314 60
Net cash flow generated by/(used in) non-financial operating activities [a] 831 684
Increase/(decrease) in liabilities attributable to financial activities
Net cash generated by/(used for) financial assets attributable to financial activities
3,868
(3,275)
4,575
(4, 139)
(Increase)/decrease in cash and deposits attributable to BancoPosta 102 (654)
(Income)/expenses from financial activities (785) (790)
Cash generated by/(used for) assets and liabilities attributable to financial activities [b] (90) (1,008)
Net cash generated by/(used for) financial assets attributable to insurance activities (6, 254)
7,162
(5, 111)
8,586
Increase/(decrease) in net technical provisions for insurance business
(Gains)/losses on financial assets/liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss
618 (380)
(Income)/expenses from insurance activities (990) (819)
Cash generated by/(used for) assets and liabilities attributable to insurance activities [c] 536 2,276
Net cash flow from/(for) operating activities $[d]=[a+b+c]$ 1,277 1,952
Investing activities
Property, plant and equipment, investment property and intangible assets
(260) (283)
Investments (30) (228)
Other financial assets 250
Disposals 3
Property, plant and equipment, investment property and intangible assets and assets held for sale
Investments
2
Other financial assets 169 10
Change in scope of consolidation 131
Net cash flow from/(for) investing activities [e] (119) (117)
Proceeds from/(Repayments of) borrowings
(Increase)/decrease in loans and receivables
(977) (2)
-1
Dividends paid (549) (509)
Net cash flow from/(for) financing activities and shareholder transactions [f] (1, 526) (510)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash $[g] = [d + e + f]$ (368) 1,325
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 2,060 5,227
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 2,060 5,227
Cash subject to investment restrictions
Escrow account with the Italian Teasury
Cash attributable to technical provisions for insurance business
(42)
(1,008)
(2, 931)
Amounts that cannot be drawn on due to court rulings (17) (13)
Current account overdrafts
Cash received on delivery (restricted) and other restrictions (20) (15)
Unrestricted net cash and cash equivalents at end of period 973 2.268

* * *

Poste Italiane reports its quarterly financial reports on a voluntary basis, with a focus on business highlights in compliance with art. 82-ter of the CONSOB Issuers Regulations (as amended by CONSOB Resolution no. 19770 of 26 October 2016), which gives listed companies whose Member State of origin is Italy, the faculty to voluntarily publish additional periodic financial information besides their annual and half-yearly reports.

The document containing the Interim Financial Report as of 30 September 2018 will be published by 14 November 2018, made available to the public at the Company's head office, on the Company's website (www.posteitaliane.it), on the website of the authorised storage system "eMarket Storage" (), and filed with Borsa Italiana S.p.A. (www.borsaitaliana.it), the Italian stock exchange. The disclosure regarding the filing will be issued in due course.

* * *

Declaration by the Manager responsible for preparing the financial reports

The undersigned, Tiziano Ceccarani, in his capacity as the Manager in charge of preparing Poste Italiane S.p.A.'s financial reports

DECLARES

That, pursuant to Article 154 bis, paragraph 2, of the "Consolidated Law on Financial Intermediation" the information disclosed in this document corresponds to the accounting documents, books and records.

Rome, November 8, 2018

POSTE ITALIANE 3Q AND 9M 2018 FINANCIAL RESULTS – CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

Rome, Thursday 8th November at 11:30 CET +39 06 8750 0723 (Italy) +44 (0)330 336 9105 (UK) +1 323-994-2131 (USA) +39 06 8750 0725 (Listen-only, Italy)

THE CONFERENCE CALL WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE VIA LIVE AUDIO WEBCAST AT:

https://www.posteitaliane.it/en/presentations.html#/

For more information:

Poste Italiane S.p.A Investor Relations Tel. +39 0659584716 Mail: [email protected]

Poste Italiane S.p.A. Media Relations Tel. +39 0659582097 Mail: [email protected]

www.posteitaliane.it

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