Earnings Release • Feb 25, 2016
Earnings Release
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer
'We are pleased with the strong set of results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2015, as this demonstrates our steady progress in achieving our objectives to improve earnings and generate capital.
With around 11,500 employees, we aim to offer our customers value for money, with an approach that is committed, straightforward and personal. The process of rebranding our company to NN and our brand promise "You Matter" provides us with a clear and recognisable identity in all of the markets where we operate and unites our businesses and colleagues. The progress we have made on these fronts is reflected in higher employee engagement and Net Promotor Scores. Our continued focus on delivering excellent service to our customers, innovating our products and improving our business mix is reflected in a 13.1% increase of the value of new business to EUR 202 million in 2015.
As we continue to deliver on our medium-term objectives, there are areas where additional focus is needed. We are taking measures to improve the results of the Non-life business through better underwriting performance and a further reduction of expenses. We have already made progress by improving the claims handling processes and fine-tuning premium rates but there is still more to do. The challenging market environment has prompted us to sharpen the strategic focus of our asset management business for which we have taken a restructuring provision of EUR 13 million in the fourth quarter of 2015.
The capital generation of our businesses remains solid and our NN Group Solvency II ratio was a strong 239% at the end of 2015, based on our Partial Internal Model which was approved by the Dutch regulator in December 2015. We will propose a final 2015 dividend of EUR 1.05 per ordinary share at our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 2 June 2016. Together with the interim dividend paid in September 2015, this represents a payout ratio of 41% of the 2015 full-year net operating result of the ongoing business, and an increase of 32% compared with the annualised 2014 dividend per ordinary share.
In January 2016, we completed a EUR 250 million share buyback when ING Group sold down part of its shareholding in NN Group. Furthermore ING exchanged the final tranche of mandatory exchangeable subordinated notes of the three anchor investors into ordinary shares in NN Group and cash, bringing ING's stake in NN Group to 14.1% of outstanding shares.
In 2016 we will build on our track record as we continue to focus on our financial targets while delivering an excellent customer experience, and achieve our ambition to be a company that truly matters in the lives of our stakeholders.'
| In EUR million | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating result ongoing business | 250 | 260 | −3.6% | 1,435 | 1,086 | 32.2% |
| Net result | 360 | 197 | 82.2% | 1,565 | 588 | 166.1% |
| Net operating ROE | 7.5% | 7.6% | 10.8% | 8.6% | ||
| IGD Solvency I ratio1) | 320% | 300% | 320% | 300% | ||
| Solvency II ratio1) | 239% | 239% | ||||
| New sales life insurance (APE) | 258 | 264 | −2.2% | 1,295 | 1,315 | −1.5% |
| Asset Management AuM (end of period, in EUR billion)2) | 187 | 195 | −4.2% | 187 | 195 | −4.2% |
1) The solvency ratios are not final until filed with the regulators. SII ratio is based on the partial internal model.
2) AuM include the mortgage portfolio managed on behalf of NN Life and NN Non-life since 2Q14. The comparative figures have been restated accordingly.
NN Group's strategy is to deliver an excellent customer experience based on great service and long-term relationships. We aim to achieve this by offering transparent products and services that serve our customers' lifetime needs. We do this by making our multi-access distribution network available to customers wherever and whenever they want, and by maintaining effective operations that deliver excellent customer service.
Netherlands Life aims to benefit from its strong position in the pension market and selectively capture growth opportunities in the Dutch market, driven by the shift from defined benefit (DB) to defined contribution (DC) pension schemes. As part of the pension services, a social media campaign featuring retirees was recently launched in the Netherlands, with the aim of increasing pension awareness and encouraging people to think about pension planning. Furthermore AZL, NN Life's pension administrator, and NN Investment Partners launched a General Pension Fund (Algemeen Pensioenfonds or 'APF') in December 2015 ahead of the changes in regulations which became effective in January 2016. To realise its financial targets, Netherlands Life focuses on reducing expenses and gradually shifting to higher-yielding assets, such as mortgages and loans, in order to offset the negative impact of lower interest rates on the investment margin.
Netherlands Non-life aims to improve underwriting performance and to expand in specific market segments where there are clear opportunities for profitable growth. The continuing focus of the Non-life business on customer centricity and transparent customer communication has been rewarded by higher customer loyalty as measured by its gradually increasing Net Promotor Scores (NPS). An example of good communication is the policy conditions of the Home Insurance Product, which took second place in the National Writing Contest. Non-life not only focuses on exceeding customers' expectations, it also puts great effort into further improving its relationships with intermediaries, resulting in high satisfaction scores for the products and services of Movir, according to Kien (a market research company). Adfiz, another external benchmark, confirmed this success, with Movir receiving the award for 'The best performing D&A insurer' for the fifth year in a row and NN Non-life climbing in the rankings as the second best all-round intermediary insurer.
Insurance Europe aims to grow profitably through disciplined capital allocation and by leveraging its significant distribution platform. It continues to shift its business mix towards capital-light products and reposition its savings and retirement products in response to the low interest rate environment, changing regulations and customer behaviour. Spain recently launched Growing Guarantee savings products, which respond to the needs of our customers by guaranteeing their investment and offering upside potential, while at the same time being capitallight products that are less sensitive to interest rates. Poland adapted its flagship savings product to changing regulation while simultaneously improving the customer proposition with extensive protection cover and added services such as medical assistance. The Insurance Europe businesses will continue to enhance the customer experience, supported by new products and further digitalisation.
Japan Life continues to drive value through product innovation and expanding its distribution. In the fourth quarter of 2015, corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) protection sales increased by 56% at constant currencies compared with the fourth quarter of 2014, driven by new product launches, such as a new term product addressing death and severe disability needs of SME owners up to age 90, new training programmes and new sales tools. Bancassurance-COLI sales increased by 39% in the quarter, driven by the continuing expansion of the bank distribution network. In December 2015, Japan Life received the highest rating for its after-sales call centre from the Help Desk Institute-Japan for the third consecutive year. The call centre was awarded for its ability to provide appropriate solutions to businesses and for the extensive knowledge of its staff leading to an excellent customer experience.
Assets under Management decreased from EUR 190 billion to EUR 187 billion in the quarter as the market environment remained challenging. Asset Management aims to grow its Third-Party business by following a tailored approach for each client segment. It plans to protect and further expand its leading position and continues to develop a more distinct range of products. As part of its strategy enhancement, Asset Management is rationalising and creating scale in its product range and building on its areas of expertise. Examples are the Dutch Residential Mortgage Fund, jointly launched by NN Investment Partners (NN IP) and NN Bank with a first tranche of EUR 165 million of mortgage loans sold to the fund. NN IP also complemented its successful multi-asset range with the Multi-Asset High Income fund. The asset manager aims to create investment awareness among retail clients in its home markets, and has recently implemented several initiatives in partnership with the Dutch Association of Stockholders (VEB) and with Nibud (the independent institute for financial advice and planning).
NN Bank continued to expand its mortgage and customer savings activities. In line with its strategy, NN Bank's mortgage portfolio increased to EUR 10.5 billion from EUR 10.0 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2015. The bank also expanded its product offering by introducing a personal loan proposition. Customer deposits slightly decreased to EUR 8.0 billion at the end of the fourth quarter. NN Bank further diversified its funding mix by completing a second public RMBS transaction in the fourth quarter, raising an amount of EUR 550 million in funding from institutional investors. On 20 January 2016 Standard & Poor's (S&P) assigned single A/ A-1 long and short-term credit ratings to NN Bank with a stable outlook.
| In EUR million | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of results | ||||||
| Netherlands Life | 155 | 157 | −1.1% | 906 | 615 | 47.4% |
| Netherlands Non-life | 28 | 35 | −18.3% | 122 | 128 | −4.6% |
| Insurance Europe | 48 | 40 | 19.4% | 197 | 176 | 11.9% |
| Japan Life | 27 | 12 | 127.8% | 160 | 140 | 14.7% |
| Asset Management | 21 | 41 | −49.3% | 129 | 158 | −18.4% |
| Other | −29 | −24 | −79 | −130 | ||
| Operating result ongoing business | 250 | 260 | −3.6% | 1,435 | 1,086 | 32.2% |
| Non-operating items ongoing business | 92 | 93 | −1.7% | 393 | 198 | 98.7% |
| of which gains/losses and impairments | 7 | 5 | 41.2% | 356 | −28 | |
| of which revaluations | 37 | 21 | 75.9% | 122 | 143 | −14.6% |
| of which market & other impacts | 47 | 67 | −29.7% | −85 | 83 | −202.5% |
| Japan Closed Block VA | 24 | −24 | 20 | 109 | −81.6% | |
| Special items before tax | −33 | −58 | −100 | −687 | ||
| Result on divestments | 12 | −3 | 14 | 57 | −76.4% | |
| Result before tax from continuing operations | 345 | 269 | 28.5% | 1,761 | 762 | 131.1% |
| Taxation | −17 | 63 | −126.1% | 166 | 135 | 23.4% |
| Net result from continuing operations | 362 | 205 | 76.1% | 1,595 | 628 | 154.2% |
| Net result from discontinued operations | 0 | 1 | −100.0% | 0 | −16 | |
| Minority interests | 2 | 8 | −76.8% | 30 | 23 | 28.0% |
| Net result | 360 | 197 | 82.2% | 1,565 | 588 | 166.1% |
| Basic earnings per ordinary share in EUR1) | 1.06 | 0.54 | 95.6% | 4.51 |
| In EUR million | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing business | ||||||
| Gross premium income | 1,762 | 1,821 | −3.2% | 9,197 | 9,334 | −1.5% |
| New sales life insurance (APE) | 258 | 264 | −2.2% | 1,295 | 1,315 | −1.5% |
| Value of new business | 202 | 178 | 13.1% | |||
| Internal rate of return of new business | 10.7% | 11.0% | ||||
| Total administrative expenses | 453 | 455 | −0.5% | 1,758 | 1,758 | 0.0% |
| Cost/income ratio (Administrative expenses/Operating income) | 38.3% | 37.6% | 33.9% | 36.2% | ||
| Combined ratio (Netherlands Non-life)2) | 100.7% | 99.4% | 101.5% | 99.4% | ||
| Asset Management Assets under Management3)8) | 187 | 195 | −4.2% | 187 | 195 | −4.2% |
| Life general account invested assets3) | 84 | 78 | 6.9% | 84 | 78 | 6.9% |
| Investment margin/Life general account invested assets (bps)4) | 108 | 93 | ||||
| Total provisions for insurance & investment contracts3) | 105 | 105 | −0.2% | 105 | 105 | −0.2% |
| of which for risk policyholder3) | 25 | 28 | −10.1% | 25 | 28 | −10.1% |
| NN Life Solvency I ratio5) | 299% | 257% | 299% | 257% | ||
| NN Life Solvency II ratio5) | 220% | 220% | ||||
| Net operating result6) | 205 | 191 | 7.4% | 1,165 | 806 | 44.5% |
| Net operating ROE7) | 7.5% | 7.6% | 10.8% | 8.6% | ||
| Japan Closed Block VA | ||||||
| Account value | 10,028 | 13,248 | −24.3% | 10,028 | 13,248 | −24.3% |
| Number of policies | 202,192 | 294,263 | −31.3% | 202,192 | 294,263 | −31.3% |
| Total NN Group | ||||||
| IGD Solvency I ratio5) | 320% | 300% | 320% | 300% | ||
| Solvency II ratio5) | 239% | 239% | ||||
| Total assets3) | 162 | 165 | −2.0% | 162 | 165 | −2.0% |
| Shareholders' equity | 20,469 | 20,355 | 0.6% | 20,469 | 20,355 | 0.6% |
| Employees (internal FTEs, end of period) | 11,461 | 11,659 | −1.7% | 11,461 | 11,659 | −1.7% |
1) Basic earnings per ordinary share is calculated as the net result, adjusted for the accrued coupon on undated subordinated notes classified in equity, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (net of treasury shares)
2) Excluding Mandema and Zicht broker businesses
3) End of period, in EUR billion
4) Four-quarter rolling average
5) The solvency ratios are not final until filed with the regulators. SII ratios are based on the partial internal model. The NN Life solvency ratios reflect the merger of Nationale-Nederlanden Levensverzekeringen Maatschappij N.V. and Nationale-Nederlanden Services N.V. The comparative figures have been restated accordingly 6) Net operating result of the ongoing business, adjusted for the accrued coupon on undated subordinated notes classified in equity
7) Net operating ROE is calculated as the (annualised) net operating result of the ongoing business, adjusted for the accrued coupon on undated subordinated notes classified in equity, divided by the average allocated equity of the ongoing business adjusted for revaluation reserves and excluding undated subordinated notes
classified in equity 8) AuM include the mortgage portfolio managed on behalf of NN Life and NN Non-life since 2Q14. The comparative figures have been restated accordingly Note: Operating results are non-GAAP measures. These are derived from figures according to IFRS-EU by excluding impact from divestments, discontinued operations
and special items, gains/losses and impairments, revaluations and market & other impacts
The operating result of the ongoing business was EUR 250 million, down 3.6% from the fourth quarter of 2014, mainly driven by a lower result at Asset Management, partly compensated by a higher result at Japan Life.
The administrative expenses in Netherlands Life, Netherlands Non-life and corporate/holding entities decreased in line with the target to achieve an administrative expense base of EUR 700 million by the end of 2018. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2015, the administrative expense base amounted to EUR 803 million versus EUR 818 million at the end of the third quarter of 2015, both on a last 12-months basis.
The operating result of Netherlands Life was broadly stable at EUR 155 million compared with EUR 157 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The technical margin in the fourth quarter of 2015 includes EUR 25 million of benefits following updates to certain technical provisions. These were offset by lower private equity dividends, a EUR -13 million non-recurring adjustment in the investment margin and lower fees and premium-based revenues.
The operating result of Netherlands Non-life decreased to EUR 28 million from EUR 35 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 due to a less favourable claims experience in Property & Casualty (P&C) and lower investment income. The combined ratio increased to 100.7% from 99.4% in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The operating result of Insurance Europe was EUR 48 million, up from EUR 40 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, due to higher fees and premium-based revenues and lower administrative expenses.
The operating result of Japan Life increased to EUR 27 million from EUR 12 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The increase reflects higher fees and premium-based revenues driven by higher in-force volumes as well as better mortality results partly offset by a lower investment margin.
The operating result of Asset Management decreased to EUR 21 million from EUR 41 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 reflecting lower fees and higher expenses including a EUR 13 million restructuring provision.
The operating result of the segment 'Other' decreased to EUR -29 million from EUR -24 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting a lower operating result at the reinsurance business. This was partly offset by lower holding expenses and a higher operating result at NN Bank.
The full-year 2015 operating result of the ongoing business increased to EUR 1,435 million from EUR 1,086 million in 2014. The result for 2015 reflects EUR 221 million large private equity dividends and EUR 75 million lower administrative expenses in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the 2015 result was supported by a total of EUR 52 million of benefits in the technical margin following updates to certain technical provisions in Netherlands Life, while 2014 was negatively impacted by a EUR 43 million addition to the unit-linked guarantee provision driven by a decrease in interest rates. Higher results at Insurance Europe and Japan Life and lower funding costs also contributed to the increased operating result, partly offset by a lower result at Asset Management, the reinsurance business and an unfavourable claims experience in P&C.
The result before tax from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased to EUR 345 million compared with EUR 269 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 supported by positive hedge-related results at Japan Closed Block VA.
Gains/losses and impairments were EUR 7 million compared with EUR 5 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The current quarter reflects EUR 100 million of capital gains on debt and private equity securities partly offset by EUR 86 million of impairments on equity securities.
Revaluations amounted to EUR 37 million compared with EUR 21 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The current quarter reflects EUR 44 million of positive revaluations on real estate.
Market and other impacts amounted to EUR 47 million compared with EUR 67 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The result in the current quarter reflects the movement in the provision for guarantees on separate account pension contracts (net of hedging) in Netherlands Life.
The result before tax of Japan Closed Block VA was EUR 24 million compared with EUR -24 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting higher hedge-related results, partly offset by a lower operating result in line with the run-off of the portfolio.
Special items amounted to EUR -33 million compared with EUR -58 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Special items in the current quarter consist of EUR 20 million expenses related to the rebranding of NN Group's subsidiaries and EUR 13 million restructuring expenses related to the target to reduce the administrative expense base of Netherlands Life, Netherlands Non-life and corporate/holding entities to EUR 700 million by the end of 2018. To achieve this target, NN Group expects to incur restructuring expenses of EUR 30-35 million per annum over the years 2016, 2017 and 2018, which will be reported as special items.
The result on divestments amounted to EUR 12 million, reflecting the liquidation of the Regional Office Hong Kong and the sale of the private equity management company, Parcom Capital Management.
The full-year 2015 result before tax from continuing operations increased significantly to EUR 1,761 million from EUR 762 million in 2014, which included a special item of EUR -541 million related to the impact of the agreement to make ING's closed defined benefit pension plan in the Netherlands financially independent. The improved result reflects the increased operating result and higher capital gains on debt and equity securities, as well as higher revaluations on real estate. These items were partly offset by a lower result of Japan Closed Block VA and negative market and other impacts reflecting the movement in the provision for guarantees on separate account pension contracts (net of hedging) in Netherlands Life as well as lower revaluations on private equity.
The net result from continuing operations increased to EUR 362 million from EUR 205 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. This reflects the increase in the result before tax from continuing operations and the recognition of deferred tax assets for previously incurred unused tax losses, as well as tax-exempt dividends and capital gains in the Netherlands mainly related to shareholdings of 5% or more. The effective tax rate for the full year 2015 was 9.4% predominantly for the same reasons.
Total new sales (APE) at NN Group were EUR 258 million, down 4.3% from the fourth quarter of 2014 on a constant currency basis. New sales declined at Netherlands Life (9.1%), at Insurance Europe (3.7%) and at Japan Life (4.1%). The lower new sales at the international units reflect actions to preserve margins in a low interest rate environment.
In 2015, total new sales amounted to EUR 1,295 million, down 3.1% compared with 2014, on a constant currency basis, reflecting lower sales at Insurance Europe (5.6%) and Japan Life (3.3%), partly compensated by higher sales in Netherlands Life (2.6%).
The value of new business (VNB) for 2015 amounted to EUR 202 million, up 13.1% from EUR 178 million in 2014. The new business metrics for 2015 have been calculated in line with NN Group's pricing methodology. The 2014 new business metrics have been restated for comparability. The increase primarily reflects higher VNB at Insurance Europe and Japan Life driven by a shift to higher margin products, partially offset by lower VNB at Netherlands Life due to an overall decline in interest rates. The internal rate of return (IRR) on new sales slightly decreased to 10.7% from 11.0% in 2014.
The net operating ROE of the ongoing business of NN Group was broadly stable at 7.5% compared with 7.6% in the fourth quarter of 2014. The net operating ROE of the ongoing business for the full-year increased from 8.6% to 10.8% in 2015, reflecting the improved profitability of the business.
NN Group announces that the Netherlands is its Home Member State for the purpose of the EU Transparency Directive.
| In EUR million | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of results | ||||||
| Investment margin | 143 | 175 | −18.0% | 825 | 630 | 30.9% |
| Fees and premium-based revenues | 75 | 95 | −21.2% | 354 | 404 | −12.5% |
| Technical margin | 56 | 15 | 280.2% | 207 | 102 | 102.5% |
| Operating income non-modelled business | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Operating income | 274 | 285 | −3.6% | 1,385 | 1,136 | 21.9% |
| Administrative expenses | 109 | 114 | −4.7% | 431 | 457 | −5.8% |
| DAC amortisation and trail commissions | 11 | 14 | −22.4% | 48 | 64 | −25.0% |
| Expenses | 120 | 128 | −6.7% | 479 | 521 | −8.1% |
| Operating result | 155 | 157 | −1.1% | 906 | 615 | 47.4% |
| Non-operating items | 81 | 88 | −7.9% | 325 | 115 | 182.2% |
| of which gains/losses and impairments | −2 | 0 | 280 | −62 | ||
| of which revaluations | 36 | 23 | 59.1% | 130 | 139 | −6.6% |
| of which market & other impacts | 47 | 65 | −27.9% | −85 | 38 | −321.3% |
| Special items before tax | −9 | −10 | −11 | −352 | ||
| Result on divestments | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||
| Result before tax | 227 | 235 | −3.3% | 1,222 | 377 | 223.9% |
| Taxation | 0 | 52 | −100.4% | 112 | 41 | 171.7% |
| Minority interests | 2 | 7 | −71.0% | 27 | 9 | 203.2% |
| Net result | 225 | 176 | 27.7% | 1,083 | 327 | 231.0% |
| New business | ||||||
| Single premiums | 91 | 99 | −7.5% | 806 | 649 | 24.2% |
| Regular premiums | 13 | 14 | −10.2% | 172 | 182 | −5.2% |
| New sales life insurance (APE) | 22 | 24 | −9.1% | 253 | 247 | 2.6% |
| Value of new business | 6 | 14 | −57.8% | |||
| Internal rate of return | 8.5% | 11.2% | ||||
| Key figures | ||||||
| Gross premium income | 375 | 492 | −23.7% | 2,689 | 3,084 | −12.8% |
| Total administrative expenses | 109 | 114 | −4.7% | 431 | 457 | −5.8% |
| Cost/income ratio (Administrative expenses/Operating income) | 39.8% | 40.0% | 31.1% | 40.2% | ||
| Life general account invested assets1) | 62 | 58 | 7.5% | 62 | 58 | 7.5% |
| Investment margin/Life general account invested assets (bps)2) | 136 | 111 | ||||
| Total provisions for insurance & investment contracts1) | 72 | 73 | −1.9% | 72 | 73 | −1.9% |
| of which for risk policyholder1) | 18 | 20 | −14.1% | 18 | 20 | −14.1% |
| Allocated equity (end of period) | 13,859 | 14,255 | −2.8% | 13,859 | 14,255 | −2.8% |
| Net operating ROE3) | 7.9% | 7.3% | 11.5% | 7.7% | ||
| NN Life Solvency I ratio4) | 299% | 257% | 299% | 257% | ||
| NN Life Solvency II ratio4) | 220% | 220% | ||||
| Employees (internal FTEs, end of period) | 2,083 | 2,174 | −4.2% | 2,083 | 2,174 | −4.2% |
1) End of period, in EUR billion
2) Four-quarter rolling average
3) Net operating ROE is calculated as the (annualised) net operating result of the segment, divided by the average allocated equity of the segment adjusted for revaluation reserves
4) The solvency ratios are not final until filed with the regulators. SII ratio is based on the partial internal model. The NN Life solvency ratios reflect the merger of Nationale-Nederlanden Levensverzekeringen Maatschappij N.V. and Nationale-Nederlanden Services N.V. The comparative figures have been restated accordingly
The operating result of Netherlands Life was broadly stable at EUR 155 million compared with EUR 157 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The technical margin in the fourth quarter of 2015 includes EUR 25 million of benefits following updates to certain technical provisions. These were offset by lower private equity dividends, a EUR -13 million non-recurring adjustment in the investment margin and lower fees and premium-based revenues.
The investment margin decreased to EUR 143 million from EUR 175 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The fourth quarter of 2015 reflects a non-recurring adjustment of EUR -13 million related to mortgage amortisation, while the fourth quarter of 2014 included a EUR 23 million private equity dividend. An increased allocation to higher-yielding assets helped to offset the impact of the low interest rate environment on reinvestments. The investment spread, calculated on a four-quarter rolling average, increased to 136 basis points from 111 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Fees and premium-based revenues decreased to EUR 75 million from EUR 95 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting a EUR 5 million one-time shift of certain items from fees and premium-based revenues to the technical margin, lower individual pension sales and lower margins in the pension business as well as the individual life closed book run-off.
The technical margin increased to EUR 56 million from EUR 15 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The fourth quarter of 2015 included EUR 25 million of benefits following updates to certain technical provisions and the aforementioned EUR 5 million shift from fees and premium-based revenues to the technical margin, partly offset by lower mortality results. The fourth quarter of 2014 included a EUR 19 million addition to the unit-linked guarantee provision due to a decrease in interest rates.
Administrative expenses decreased to EUR 109 million from EUR 114 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, supported by lower staff costs.
DAC amortisation and trail commissions decreased to EUR 11 million from EUR 14 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting the run-off of the individual life closed book and regulatory changes.
The result before tax was EUR 227 million compared with EUR 235 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Gains/losses and impairments were EUR -2 million reflecting impairments on public equities partly offset by capital gains on debt securities and private equity. Revaluations were EUR 36 million compared with EUR 23 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting higher real estate revaluations. Market and other impacts were EUR 47 million compared with EUR 65 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Both quarters were supported by a movement in the provision for guarantees on separate account pension contracts (net of hedging) following assumption updates. The fourth-quarter net result increased to EUR 225 million from EUR 176 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting the recognition of deferred tax assets for previously incurred unused tax losses as well as tax-exempt dividends and capital gains mainly related to shareholdings of 5% or more.
New sales (APE) were EUR 22 million compared with EUR 24 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Netherlands Life's full-year 2015 operating result increased to EUR 906 million from EUR 615 million in 2014, primarily driven by a higher investment margin which benefited from EUR 195 million of private equity dividends. The technical margin increased supported by a total of EUR 52 million of benefits following updates to certain technical provisions, while 2014 was negatively impacted by a EUR 43 million addition to the unit-linked guarantee provision due to a decrease in interest rates.
The full-year 2015 result before tax was EUR 1,222 million compared with EUR 377 million in 2014, which included a special item of EUR -322 million related to the impact of the agreement to make ING's closed defined benefit pension plan in the Netherlands financially independent. The non-operating items improved to EUR 325 million compared with EUR 115 million in 2014, mainly driven by higher capital gains on public and private equity and debt securities partly offset by movements in the provision for guarantees on separate account pension contracts (net of hedging).
New sales (APE) were relatively flat at EUR 253 million compared with EUR 247 million in 2014. A EUR 420 million single premium relating to the pension fund buy-out of a large company pension fund was offset by lower group pension renewals and lower sales of individual contracts.
The value of new business (VNB) for 2015 decreased to EUR 6 million from EUR 14 million in 2014, largely due to the renewal of a few large group pension contracts on more favourable terms in 2014 and due to an overall decline in interest rates. For the same reasons, the internal rate of return (IRR) decreased to 8.5% from 11.2% in 2014.
| In EUR million | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of results | ||||||
| Earned premiums | 369 | 377 | −2.1% | 1,503 | 1,525 | −1.5% |
| Investment income | 29 | 31 | −7.4% | 139 | 114 | 21.9% |
| Other income | 2 | 1 | 148.8% | 4 | 0 | |
| Operating income | 400 | 409 | −2.2% | 1,646 | 1,640 | 0.4% |
| Claims incurred, net of reinsurance | 260 | 259 | 0.3% | 1,065 | 1,049 | 1.5% |
| Acquisition costs | 58 | 59 | −0.8% | 239 | 245 | −2.6% |
| Administrative expenses | 54 | 57 | −5.6% | 223 | 222 | 0.4% |
| Acquisition costs and administrative expenses | 112 | 116 | −3.1% | 461 | 467 | −1.2% |
| Expenditure | 372 | 375 | −0.7% | 1,526 | 1,516 | 0.7% |
| Operating result insurance businesses | 28 | 34 | −18.4% | 119 | 123 | −3.2% |
| Operating result broker businesses | 1 | 1 | −13.6% | 2 | 4 | −45.0% |
| Total operating result | 28 | 35 | −18.3% | 122 | 128 | −4.6% |
| Non-operating items | 5 | 0 | 22 | 10 | 112.7% | |
| of which gains/losses and impairments | 3 | 0 | 19 | −3 | ||
| of which revaluations | 2 | 0 | 3 | 14 | −79.1% | |
| of which market & other impacts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Special items before tax | −4 | −6 | −6 | −97 | ||
| Result on divestments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Result before tax | 29 | 29 | 0.2% | 138 | 41 | 233.1% |
| Taxation | 1 | 6 | −87.4% | 16 | 4 | 355.8% |
| Minority interests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Net result | 28 | 23 | 24.2% | 122 | 38 | 221.6% |
| Key figures | ||||||
| Gross premium income | 237 | 239 | −1.0% | 1,534 | 1,566 | −2.0% |
| Total administrative expenses1) | 70 | 76 | −7.7% | 292 | 294 | −0.9% |
| Combined ratio2) | 100.7% | 99.4% | 101.5% | 99.4% | ||
| of which Claims ratio2) | 70.3% | 68.7% | 70.8% | 68.8% | ||
| of which Expense ratio2) | 30.4% | 30.7% | 30.7% | 30.6% | ||
| Total insurance provisions3) | 3 | 3 | −0.1% | 3 | 3 | −0.1% |
| Allocated equity (end of period) | 747 | 760 | −1.7% | 747 | 760 | −1.7% |
| Net operating ROE4) | 22.0% | 27.3% | 24.4% | 23.3% | ||
| Employees (internal FTEs, end of period) | 1,674 | 1,708 | −2.0% | 1,674 | 1,708 | −2.0% |
1) Including Mandema and Zicht broker businesses
2) Excluding Mandema and Zicht broker businesses
3) End of period, in EUR billion
4) Net operating ROE is calculated as the (annualised) net operating result of the segment, divided by the average allocated equity of the segment adjusted for revaluation reserves
The operating result of Netherlands Non-life decreased to EUR 28 million from EUR 35 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, which included more favourable results in Property & Casualty (P&C). The combined ratio increased to 100.7% from 99.4% in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The operating result in Disability & Accident (D&A) remained stable at EUR 21 million. The D&A combined ratio improved slightly to 100.8% from 101.4% in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The operating result in P&C decreased to EUR 6 million from EUR 13 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, which included higher results in the Motor and Miscellaneous portfolios. The operating result on the Fire portfolio was higher at EUR 11 million compared with EUR 7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 driven by favourable claims development as a result of fewer large and weather-related claims. The P&C combined ratio increased to 100.7% from 97.8% in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Administrative expenses decreased to EUR 54 million from EUR 57 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 mainly due to lower IT expenses.
The result before tax of Netherlands Non-life remained stable at EUR 29 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, as the lower operating result was compensated by higher gains on private equity. The fourth-quarter net result increased to EUR 28 million from EUR 23 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting the recognition of deferred tax assets for previously incurred unused tax losses as well as tax-exempt dividends and capital gains mainly related to shareholdings of 5% or more.
The full-year 2015 operating result of Netherlands Non-life was EUR 122 million compared with EUR 128 million in 2014, as EUR 26 million of private equity dividends and improved results in Motor were offset by less favourable results in Miscellaneous and an unfavourable claims experience in Fire due to large and weather-related claims in 2015. The full-year 2015 combined ratio was 101.5% compared with 99.4% in 2014.
The full-year 2015 result before tax increased to EUR 138 million compared with EUR 41 million in 2014, which included a special item of EUR -82 million related to the impact of the agreement to make ING's closed defined benefit pension plan in the Netherlands financially independent.
| In EUR million | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of results | ||||||
| Investment margin | 22 | 21 | 4.2% | 80 | 90 | −10.7% |
| Fees and premium-based revenues | 134 | 132 | 1.9% | 536 | 518 | 3.5% |
| Technical margin | 48 | 49 | −1.7% | 194 | 194 | −0.1% |
| Operating income non-modelled business | 1 | 1 | −24.8% | 4 | 4 | −13.5% |
| Operating income Life Insurance | 206 | 203 | 1.1% | 814 | 806 | 1.0% |
| Administrative expenses | 81 | 84 | −3.8% | 306 | 310 | −1.2% |
| DAC amortisation and trail commissions | 78 | 77 | 0.5% | 315 | 322 | −2.1% |
| Expenses Life Insurance | 158 | 161 | −1.7% | 621 | 632 | −1.7% |
| Operating result Life Insurance | 47 | 42 | 12.0% | 193 | 174 | 10.6% |
| Non-life operating result | 1 | −2 | 4 | 1 | 183.4% | |
| Operating result | 48 | 40 | 19.4% | 197 | 176 | 11.9% |
| Non-operating items | −7 | 0 | 21 | 66 | −67.3% | |
| of which gains/losses and impairments | −6 | −3 | 17 | 21 | −18.2% | |
| of which revaluations | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | ||
| of which market & other impacts | 0 | 2 | −100.0% | 0 | 44 | −100.0% |
| Special items before tax | −12 | −12 | −50 | −32 | ||
| Result on divestments | 0 | −2 | 0 | −2 | ||
| Result before tax | 30 | 26 | 16.0% | 168 | 207 | −18.8% |
| Taxation | −20 | 1 | 19 | 46 | −58.0% | |
| Minority interests | 0 | 2 | −100.0% | 3 | 14 | −79.8% |
| Net result | 50 | 23 | 117.1% | 146 | 146 | −0.4% |
| New business | ||||||
| Single premiums | 302 | 341 | −11.6% | 996 | 1,094 | −8.9% |
| Regular premiums | 101 | 105 | −4.2% | 394 | 418 | −5.8% |
| New sales life insurance (APE) | 131 | 140 | −6.0% | 494 | 528 | −6.4% |
| Value of new business | 96 | 74 | 28.8% | |||
| Internal rate of return | 10.5% | 9.6% | ||||
| Key figures | ||||||
| Gross premium income | 601 | 618 | −2.7% | 2,277 | 2,327 | −2.2% |
| Total administrative expenses (Life & Non-life) | 85 | 90 | −6.0% | 322 | 331 | −2.5% |
| Cost/income ratio (Administrative expenses/Operating income) | 37.8% | 40.5% | 36.1% | 37.7% | ||
| Life general account invested assets1) | 10 | 11 | −8.7% | 10 | 11 | −8.7% |
| Investment margin/Life general account invested assets (bps)2) | 74 | 76 | ||||
| Total provisions for insurance & investment contracts1) | 18 | 19 | −4.8% | 18 | 19 | −4.8% |
| of which for risk policyholder1) | 7 | 7 | 0.4% | 7 | 7 | 0.4% |
| Assets under management pensions1)3) | 15 | 14 | 2.6% | 15 | 14 | 2.6% |
| Allocated equity (end of period) | 1,988 | 2,103 | −5.5% | 1,988 | 2,103 | −5.5% |
| Net operating ROE4) | 10.6% | 8.0% | 10.0% | 8.4% | ||
| Employees (internal FTEs, end of period) | 4,042 | 4,085 | −1.1% | 4,042 | 4,085 | −1.1% |
1) End of period, in EUR billion
2) Four-quarter rolling average
3) The numbers shown under AuM are client balances which exclude IFRS shareholders' equity related to the respective pension businesses and include the assets under administration
4) Net operating ROE is calculated as the (annualised) net operating result of the segment, divided by the average allocated equity of the segment adjusted for revaluation reserves
The operating result of Insurance Europe increased to EUR 48 million from EUR 40 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, due to higher fees and premium-based revenues and lower administrative expenses.
The investment margin increased slightly to EUR 22 million from EUR 21 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting higher dividend income offsetting the lower reinvestment rates and lower invested volumes.
Fees and premium-based revenues increased to EUR 134 million from EUR 132 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 reflecting higher premium-based revenues related to traditional life as well as unit-linked and universal life insurance products.
The technical margin slightly decreased to EUR 48 million from EUR 49 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Administrative expenses decreased to EUR 81 million from EUR 84 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.
DAC amortisation and trail commissions increased slightly to EUR 78 million from EUR 77 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The result before tax increased to EUR 30 million from EUR 26 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, driven by the higher operating result, partly offset by lower non-operating items. The current quarter includes a EUR 3 million impairment and a EUR 3 million loss, both on equity securities. Special items in the current quarter were EUR 12 million and reflect the rebranding expenses across the region.
The net result increased to EUR 50 million from EUR 23 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting the recognition of a deferred tax asset for unused tax losses.
New sales (APE) were EUR 131 million, down 3.7% compared with the fourth quarter of 2014, excluding currency effects, reflecting product management actions to preserve margins in a low interest rate environment.
The full-year 2015 operating result of Insurance Europe was EUR 197 million compared with EUR 176 million in 2014. The increase was driven by higher premium-based revenues related to traditional life and higher fees on assets under management, as well as lower DAC amortisation and trail commissions. This more than offset the lower investment margin on lower reinvestment rates and lower invested volumes, and the negative impact of the pension reforms in Poland.
The result before tax for the full-year 2015 decreased to EUR 168 million from EUR 207 million in 2014, which included a refund received from the guarantee fund in Poland. The higher operating result was partly offset by an increase in special items due to the rebranding expenses incurred in 2015.
The full-year 2015 new sales (APE) decreased to EUR 494 million from EUR 528 million in 2014, mainly due to actions to preserve margins in a low interest rate environment. Sales of life protection products were up 9.3% year-on-year, excluding currency impacts, driven by a large group contract in Spain, and were up 1.3% excluding this contract.
The value of new business (VNB) for 2015 increased to EUR 96 million from EUR 74 million in 2014, reflecting a shift in business mix toward higher margin products partially offset by the impact of lower interest rates. For the same reasons, the internal rate of return (IRR) on new sales increased to 10.5% in 2015 from 9.6% in 2014.
| In EUR million | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of results1) | ||||||
| Investment margin | −5 | 0 | −15 | −2 | ||
| Fees and premium-based revenues | 102 | 89 | 14.5% | 503 | 437 | 15.1% |
| Technical margin | −4 | −13 | −15 | −13 | ||
| Operating income non-modelled business | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Operating income | 93 | 76 | 22.9% | 473 | 422 | 12.1% |
| Administrative expenses | 26 | 26 | 1.5% | 107 | 97 | 9.2% |
| DAC amortisation and trail commissions | 39 | 38 | 4.6% | 206 | 185 | 11.7% |
| Expenses | 66 | 64 | 3.3% | 313 | 282 | 10.9% |
| Operating result | 27 | 12 | 127.8% | 160 | 140 | 14.7% |
| Non-operating items | −9 | 4 | −343.9% | −9 | 1 | |
| of which gains/losses and impairments | −9 | 5 | −283.0% | 6 | 3 | 89.8% |
| of which revaluations | 0 | −1 | −14 | −2 | ||
| of which market & other impacts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Special items before tax | −2 | −1 | −10 | −2 | ||
| Result on divestments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Result before tax | 16 | 14 | 11.4% | 141 | 139 | 1.7% |
| Taxation | 5 | 5 | 1.4% | 26 | 48 | −46.7% |
| Minority interests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Net result | 10 | 9 | 17.4% | 116 | 91 | 27.5% |
| New business1) | ||||||
| Single premiums | 3 | 7 | −64.0% | 15 | 48 | −68.1% |
| Regular premiums | 105 | 100 | 5.2% | 547 | 536 | 2.1% |
| New sales life insurance (APE) | 105 | 100 | 4.6% | 549 | 541 | 1.5% |
| Value of new business | 100 | 89 | 11.4% | |||
| Internal rate of return | 13.3% | 13.9% | ||||
| Key figures1) | ||||||
| Gross premium income | 543 | 462 | 17.6% | 2,678 | 2,323 | 15.3% |
| Total administrative expenses | 26 | 26 | 1.5% | 107 | 97 | 9.2% |
| Cost/income ratio (Administrative expenses/Operating income) | 28.0% | 34.2% | 22.6% | 23.0% | ||
| Life general account invested assets2) | 11 | 9 | 22.8% | 11 | 9 | 22.8% |
| Total provisions for insurance & investment contracts2) | 10 | 8 | 25.6% | 10 | 8 | 25.6% |
| of which for risk policyholder2) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Allocated equity (end of period) | 1,879 | 1,579 | 19.0% | 1,879 | 1,579 | 19.0% |
| Net operating ROE3) | 5.5% | 2.5% | 8.6% | 7.9% | ||
| Employees (internal FTEs, end of period) | 616 | 614 | 0.3% | 616 | 614 | 0.3% |
1) JPY/EUR average FX rates: 132.24 (4Q15), 142.83 (4Q14) and JPY/EUR end of period FX rates: 131.14 (4Q15), 145.12 (4Q14)
2) End of period, in EUR billion
3) Net operating ROE is calculated as the (annualised) net operating result of the segment, divided by the average allocated equity of the segment adjusted for revaluation reserves
The operating result of Japan Life increased to EUR 27 million from EUR 12 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting higher fees and premium-based revenues and an improved technical margin, partly offset by a lower investment margin.
The investment margin decreased to EUR -5 million from EUR 0 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, due to lower interest rates on reinvested assets.
Fees and premium-based revenues were EUR 102 million, up 4.9% from the fourth quarter of 2014, excluding currency effects, driven by higher in-force volumes.
The technical margin improved to EUR -4 million compared with EUR -13 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting a higher mortality result.
Administrative expenses were EUR 26 million, down slightly compared with the fourth quarter of 2014, on a constant currency basis.
DAC amortisation and trail commissions were EUR 39 million, down 4.0% compared with the fourth quarter of 2014, excluding currency effects.
The result before tax increased to EUR 16 million compared with EUR 14 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 driven by the improved operating result partly offset by a EUR 9 million impairment.
New sales (APE) were EUR 105 million, down 4.1% from the fourth quarter of 2014, at constant currencies, reflecting actions to preserve margins in a low interest rate environment.
The full-year 2015 operating result of Japan Life was EUR 160 million, up 9.4% compared with 2014, excluding currency effects. The improved result reflects an increase in fees and premium-based revenues on continuous strong sales and higher in-force volumes. This was partly offset by higher administrative expenses as 2014 benefited from a EUR 6 million one-off release of a pension liability, as well as a lower investment margin due to lower interest rates on reinvested assets.
The result before tax for the full-year 2015 was EUR 141 million, down 2.8% from 2014, excluding currency effects, reflecting negative revaluations and higher special items for rebranding the business in 2015.
The full-year 2015 net result increased to EUR 116 million from EUR 91 million in 2014, reflecting the release of deferred tax liabilities caused by a reduction in the statutory tax rate as of April 2015.
New sales (APE) for full-year 2015 were EUR 549 million, down 3.3% compared with 2014, at constant currencies.
The value of new business (VNB) for 2015 increased to EUR 100 million, from EUR 89 million in 2014, as a shift to higher margin products more than compensated the impact of lower interest rates. The internal rate of return (IRR) on new sales in 2015 decreased to 13.3% from 13.9% in 2014.
| In EUR million | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of results | ||||||
| Investment income | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Fees | 119 | 129 | −8.2% | 496 | 486 | 2.0% |
| Operating income | 119 | 129 | −7.9% | 496 | 486 | 2.1% |
| Administrative expenses | 98 | 88 | 11.2% | 367 | 328 | 11.9% |
| Operating result | 21 | 41 | −49.3% | 129 | 158 | −18.4% |
| Non-operating items | 0 | 0 | −13.1% | 0 | 0 | 9.6% |
| of which gains/losses and impairments | 0 | 0 | −13.1% | 0 | 0 | 9.6% |
| of which revaluations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| of which market & other impacts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Special items before tax | −6 | −2 | −23 | −124 | ||
| Result on divestments | 0 | 0 | 0 | −2 | ||
| Result before tax | 15 | 38 | −60.3% | 106 | 31 | 237.3% |
| Taxation | 0 | 10 | −97.7% | 24 | 5 | 341.6% |
| Minority interests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Net result1) | 15 | 29 | −47.6% | 82 | 26 | 215.5% |
| Key figures |
| Total administrative expenses | 98 | 88 | 11.2% | 367 | 328 | 11.9% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost/income ratio (Administrative expenses/Operating income) | 82.4% | 68.2% | 74.0% | 67.5% | ||
| Net inflow Assets under Management (in EUR billion) | −4 | 0 | −9 | −2 | ||
| Assets under Management2)4) | 187 | 195 | −4.2% | 187 | 195 | −4.2% |
| Fees/average Assets under Management (bps) | 25 | 27 | 25 | 27 | ||
| Allocated equity (end of period) | 392 | 386 | 1.4% | 392 | 386 | 1.4% |
| Net operating ROE3) | 19.8% | 31.5% | 25.3% | 32.4% | ||
| Employees (internal FTEs, end of period) | 1,180 | 1,151 | 2.5% | 1,180 | 1,151 | 2.5% |
1) Excluding the Net result from discontinued operations
2) End of period, in EUR billion
3) Net operating ROE is calculated as the (annualised) net operating result of the segment, divided by the average allocated equity of the segment adjusted for
revaluation reserves 4) AuM include the mortgage portfolio managed on behalf of NN Life and NN Non-life since 2Q14. The comparative figures have been restated accordingly
| In EUR billion | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AuM roll-forward | ||||||
| Beginning of period | 190 | 189 | 0.5% | 195 | 174 | 12.0% |
| Net inflow | −4 | 0 | −9 | −2 | ||
| Acquisition / Divestments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
| Market performance (incl. FX impact) and Other | 2 | 6 | 1 | 21 | ||
| End of period | 187 | 195 | −4.2% | 187 | 195 | −4.2% |
Total Assets under Management (AuM) at Asset Management were EUR 187 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015, down from EUR 190 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2015. The decrease reflects net outflows of Third-Party assets of EUR 4.1 billion, partly offset by positive market performance of EUR 1.6 billion. The opening balance of AuM has been adjusted by EUR 9.8 billion in Proprietary assets to include the mortgage portfolio managed on behalf of NN Life and NN Non-life as from the second quarter of 2014. The comparative figures have been restated accordingly.
The fourth-quarter 2015 operating result decreased to EUR 21 million from EUR 41 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 due to lower fees and an increase in expenses.
Fees were EUR 119 million, down 8.2% compared with the fourth quarter of 2014, as a result of lower average AuM during the fourth quarter of 2015. The fourth quarter of 2014 included EUR 4 million non-recurring income.
Administrative expenses were EUR 98 million, up from EUR 88 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The current quarter includes a EUR 13 million restructuring provision, which was partly offset by lower staff-related costs.
The result before tax was EUR 15 million versus EUR 38 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, mainly reflecting the lower operating result. The current quarter includes special items of EUR -6 million, compared with EUR -2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting expenses for rebranding the business from ING Investment Management to NN Investment Partners.
The full-year 2015 operating result of Asset Management was EUR 129 million, down from EUR 158 million for 2014. Higher average AuM led to higher fee income, which was more than offset by an increase in administrative expenses, mainly reflecting EUR 17 million of restructuring expenses while 2014 benefited from releases of personnel provisions of EUR 10 million.
The result before tax for 2015 was EUR 106 million, compared with EUR 31 million for 2014, which included a special item of EUR -122 million related to the agreement to make ING's closed defined benefit pension plan in the Netherlands financially independent.
| In EUR million | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of results | ||||||
| Interest on hybrids and debt | −27 | −26 | −104 | −122 | ||
| Investment income and fees | 15 | 16 | −5.4% | 61 | 50 | 22.0% |
| Holding expenses | −19 | −24 | −73 | −123 | ||
| Amortisation of intangible assets | −2 | −2 | −6 | −7 | ||
| Holding result | −33 | −36 | −122 | −201 | ||
| Operating result reinsurance business | −7 | 4 | −268.2% | 11 | 31 | −66.0% |
| Operating result NN Bank | 11 | 7 | 59.5% | 37 | 27 | 39.0% |
| Other results | 0 | 1 | −86.3% | −4 | 13 | −129.5% |
| Operating result | −29 | −24 | −79 | −130 | ||
| Non-operating items | 22 | 2 | 34 | 6 | 451.1% | |
| of which gains/losses and impairments | 21 | 3 | 35 | 14 | 148.1% | |
| of which revaluations | 0 | −1 | 0 | −8 | ||
| of which market & other impacts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Special items before tax | 0 | −27 | 0 | −80 | ||
| Result on divestments | 12 | 0 | 11 | 6 | 98.4% | |
| Result before tax | 5 | −49 | −33 | −198 | ||
| Taxation | −9 | 3 | −386.8% | −20 | −18 | |
| Minority interests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Net result | 14 | −52 | −13 | −180 | ||
| Key figures | ||||||
| Total administrative expenses | 64 | 60 | 6.6% | 240 | 251 | −4.1% |
| of which reinsurance business | 3 | 4 | −20.1% | 11 | 13 | −14.1% |
| of which NN Bank | 40 | 31 | 28.4% | 149 | 112 | 33.0% |
| NN Bank common equity Tier 1 ratio phased in1) | 14.0% | 14.1% | 14.0% | 14.1% | ||
| NN Bank BIS ratio phased in1) | 16.0% | 15.6% | 16.0% | 15.6% | ||
| Total assets NN Bank2) | 12 | 9 | 32.2% | 12 | 9 | 32.2% |
| Net operating ROE NN Bank3) | 7.3% | 5.8% | 6.9% | 5.6% | ||
| Total provisions for insurance and investment contracts2) | 1 | 1 | −2.7% | 1 | 1 | −2.7% |
| Employees (internal FTEs, end of period) | 1,763 | 1,838 | −4.1% | 1,763 | 1,838 | −4.1% |
1) The 'NN Bank common equity Tier 1 ratio phased in' and the 'NN Bank BIS ratio phased in' are not final until filed with the regulators
2) End of period, in EUR billion
3) Net operating ROE is calculated as the (annualised) net operating result of NN Bank, divided by the average allocated equity adjusted for revaluation reserves
The operating result of the segment 'Other' decreased to EUR -29 million from EUR -24 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Lower holding expenses and a higher operating result at NN Bank were more than offset by a lower operating result at the reinsurance business.
The holding result improved to EUR -33 million compared with EUR -36 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Holding expenses decreased to EUR 19 million compared with EUR 24 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting cost reductions as well as a revised method for charging head office expenses to the segments.
The operating result of the reinsurance business decreased to EUR -7 million from EUR 4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, due to lower underwriting results in the fourth quarter of 2015 and favorable mortality and lapse assumption updates in the VA Europe portfolio in the same quarter of 2014.
The operating result of NN Bank increased to EUR 11 million from EUR 7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting a higher interest margin, partly offset by higher administrative expenses to support the bank's continued growth.
The result before tax of the segment 'Other' improved to EUR 5 million compared with EUR -49 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The improvement reflects capital gains on the sale of government bonds in the fourth quarter of 2015, whereas the fourth quarter of 2014 included EUR -27 million of special items mainly related to the transformation programme in the Netherlands. The result on divestments in the fourth quarter of 2015 reflects the liquidation of the Regional Office Hong Kong and the sale of the private equity management company, Parcom Capital Management, to its directors in December 2015.
The operating result of the segment 'Other' for full-year 2015 improved to EUR -79 million from EUR -130 million in 2014. The holding result was favourably impacted by lower funding costs, higher interest income and lower holding expenses. Funding costs were lower as the interest on the undated subordinated notes issued in July 2014 is recognised through equity while the interest on the hybrid debt redeemed with these notes was recognised in the profit and loss account. The operating result of the reinsurance business decreased to EUR 11 million from EUR 31 million, due to lower underwriting results and the aforementioned favorable mortality and lapse assumption updates in 2014. NN Bank's operating result improved to EUR 37 million from EUR 27 million in 2014 as it successfully expanded its mortgage and customer savings activities.
The full-year 2015 result before tax improved to EUR -33 million compared with EUR -198 million for 2014, reflecting the improved operating result, higher non-operating items and EUR -80 million of special items in 2014 mainly related to the transformation programme in the Netherlands.
| In EUR million | 4Q15 | 4Q14 | Change | FY15 | FY14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of results1) | ||||||
| Investment margin | −1 | 0 | −1 | 0 | ||
| Fees and premium-based revenues | 20 | 30 | −31.5% | 95 | 117 | −19.1% |
| Technical margin | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Operating income non-modelled business | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Operating income | 20 | 30 | −33.3% | 94 | 117 | −19.9% |
| Administrative expenses | 5 | 8 | −32.6% | 19 | 21 | −5.8% |
| DAC amortisation and trail commissions | 2 | 3 | −29.7% | 10 | 12 | −18.3% |
| Expenses | 7 | 11 | −31.8% | 29 | 33 | −10.5% |
| Operating result | 12 | 19 | −34.1% | 64 | 84 | −23.5% |
| Non-operating items | 12 | −43 | −44 | 24 | −281.8% | |
| of which gains/losses and impairments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| of which revaluations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| of which market & other impacts | 12 | −43 | −44 | 24 | −281.8% | |
| Special items before tax | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Result on divestments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Result before tax | 24 | −24 | 20 | 109 | −81.6% | |
| Taxation | 6 | −14 | −11 | 8 | −237.4% | |
| Minority interests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Net result | 17 | −10 | 31 | 101 | −69.6% | |
| Key figures1)2) | ||||||
| Allocated equity | 946 | 1,012 | −6.5% | 946 | 1,012 | −6.5% |
| Account value | 10,028 | 13,248 | −24.3% | 10,028 | 13,248 | −24.3% |
| Net Amount at Risk | 203 | 133 | 52.7% | 203 | 133 | 52.7% |
| IFRS Reserves | 514 | 556 | −7.5% | 514 | 556 | −7.5% |
| Number of policies | 202,192 | 294,263 | −31.3% | 202,192 | 294,263 | −31.3% |
| Employees (internal FTEs, end of period) | 103 | 89 | 15.7% | 103 | 89 | 15.7% |
1) JPY/EUR average FX rates: 132.24 (4Q15), 142.83 (4Q14) and JPY/EUR end of period FX rates: 131.14 (4Q15), 145.12 (4Q14)
2) End of period
The result before tax of Japan Closed Block VA increased to EUR 24 million from EUR -24 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, mainly due to positive hedge results. The operating result decreased to EUR 12 million from EUR 19 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, as fees and premium-based revenues declined in line with the run-off of the portfolio.
Fees and premium-based revenues were EUR 20 million, down 37.0% from the fourth quarter of 2014, excluding currency effects, due to a lower account value caused by a decreasing number of policies.
Administrative expenses decreased to EUR 5 million from EUR 8 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, which included higher project costs to prepare for the expected large volumes of maturities.
Market and other impacts were EUR 12 million compared with EUR -43 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The current quarter includes a hedge-related result of EUR 11 million, compared with EUR -44 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The Net Amount at Risk in the Japan Closed Block VA increased to EUR 203 million from EUR 133 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, but decreased from EUR 379 million in the third quarter of 2015, primarily as a result of equity markets appreciation.
The operating result before tax was EUR 64 million for the full-year 2015 compared with EUR 84 million in 2014, down 26.8% excluding currency impacts, mainly caused by lower fees and premium-based revenues.
The full-year 2015 result before tax decreased to EUR 20 million from EUR 109 million in 2014. The result for 2015 includes a hedge-related result of EUR -55 million and a EUR 12 million reserve decrease on higher lapse assumptions for out-of-the-money policies.
The full-year 2015 net result decreased to EUR 31 million from EUR 101 million in 2014, reflecting the decrease in the result before tax. This was partly offset by tax exempt income.
| in EUR million | 31 Dec 15 | 30 Sep 15 | 31 Dec 14 | 31 Dec 15 | 30 Sep 15 | 31 Dec 14 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | Equity and liabilities | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 7,436 | 8,966 | 7,530 | Shareholders' equity (parent) | 20,469 | 20,271 | 20,355 |
| Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss | Minority interests | 9 | 44 | 76 | |||
| - trading assets | 0 | 544 | 628 | Undated subordinated notes | 986 | 986 | 986 |
| - investments for risk of policyholders | 35,154 | 34,936 | 41,222 | Total equity | 21,464 | 21,301 | 21,417 |
| - non-trading derivatives | 4,656 | 5,218 | 7,207 | Subordinated loans | 2,290 | 2,291 | 2,297 |
| - designated as at fair value through profit or loss | 443 | 529 | 492 | Senior debt | 0 | 0 | 400 |
| Available-for-sale investments | Debt securities issued | 597 | 597 | 0 | |||
| - debt securities | 67,553 | 67,530 | 65,991 | Other borrowed funds | 6,785 | 5,189 | 5,467 |
| - equity securities | 6,840 | 6,504 | 6,286 | Insurance and investment contracts | |||
| Loans | 31,013 | 29,324 | 27,802 | - life insurance provisions | 75,827 | 76,428 | 72,952 |
| Reinsurance contracts | 236 | 251 | 241 | - non-life insurance provisions | 3,509 | 3,664 | 3,540 |
| Associates and joint ventures | 2,197 | 1,652 | 1,617 | - provision for risk of policyholders | 35,212 | 34,996 | 41,285 |
| Real estate investments | 1,564 | 1,548 | 1,104 | - other | 1,436 | 1,459 | 1,460 |
| Property and equipment | 86 | 88 | 139 | Customer deposits and other funds on deposit | 8,034 | 8,105 | 6,981 |
| Intangible assets | 351 | 341 | 357 | Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | |||
| Deferred acquisition costs | 1,531 | 1,502 | 1,403 | - non-trading derivatives | 1,701 | 2,042 | 3,142 |
| Other assets | 3,092 | 2,970 | 3,462 | Other liabilities | 5,297 | 5,831 | 6,540 |
| Total liabilities | 140,688 | 140,602 | 144,064 | ||||
| Total assets | 162,152 | 161,903 | 165,481 | Total equity and liabilities | 162,152 | 161,903 | 165,481 |
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by EUR 1.6 billion compared with the third quarter of 2015 as a result of higher investments in Netherlands Life.
The decrease in Trading assets during the fourth quarter of 2015 reflects the sale of the private equity management company, Parcom Capital Management, as a result of which private equity assets are now classified as Associates and joint ventures.
Loans increased by EUR 1.7 billion to EUR 31.0 billion mainly driven by the addition of EUR 1.3 billion mortgages during the fourth quarter of 2015.
The increase in Associates and joint ventures is the result of the aforementioned sale of Parcom Capital Management.
Other borrowed funds increased by EUR 1.6 billion to EUR 6.8 billion, partly reflecting the residential mortgage backed securitisation transaction completed by NN Bank during the fourth quarter of 2015.
Shareholders' equity increased by EUR 0.2 billion to EUR 20.5 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015, reflecting a EUR 0.3 billion decrease in the available-for-sale investments revaluation reserves and a EUR 0.1 billion decrease in the cash flow hedge reserve. This was offset by the deferred interest crediting to life policyholders and the fourth-quarter net result.
Changes in Shareholders' equity for the quarter, the full-year 2015 and for the previous full year were as follows:
| in EUR million | 4Q15 | FY15 | FY14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholders' equity beginning of period | 20,271 | 20,355 | 14,062 |
| Net result for the period | 360 | 1,565 | 588 |
| Unrealised revaluations available-for-sale investments and other | −334 | −720 | 6,330 |
| Realised gains/losses transferred to the profit and loss account | −16 | −345 | 1 |
| Change in cash flow hedge reserve | −132 | −435 | 1,738 |
| Deferred interest crediting to life policyholders | 249 | 644 | −2,950 |
| Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures | 2 | 9 | 43 |
| Exchange rate differences | 57 | 188 | 117 |
| Remeasurement of the net defined benefit asset/liability | 7 | 28 | −121 |
| Capital contributions and change in share capital | 0 | 57 | 850 |
| Dividend | 0 | −251 | −315 |
| Purchase/sale treasury shares | 0 | −597 | 0 |
| Employee stock option & share plans | 5 | 5 | 12 |
| Coupon on undated subordinated notes | 0 | −34 | 0 |
| Total changes | 198 | 114 | 6,293 |
| Shareholders' equity end of period | 20,469 | 20,469 | 20,355 |
The composition of Total equity at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015, at the end of the previous quarter and at the end of the previous year was as follows:
| in EUR million | 31 Dec 15 | 30 Sep 15 | 31 Dec 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share capital | 40 | 40 | 42 |
| Share premium | 12,153 | 12,155 | 12,098 |
| Revaluation reserve available-for-sale investments and other | 4,292 | 4,370 | 4,639 |
| Cash flow hedge reserve | 4,029 | 4,161 | 4,464 |
| Currency translation reserve | −24 | −84 | −198 |
| Net defined benefit asset/liability remeasurement reserve | −90 | −97 | −118 |
| Retained earnings and other reserves | 69 | −274 | −572 |
| Shareholders' equity (parent) | 20,469 | 20,271 | 20,355 |
| Minority interests | 9 | 44 | 76 |
| Undated subordinated notes | 986 | 986 | 986 |
| Total equity | 21,464 | 21,301 | 21,417 |
| Shareholders' equity per share in EUR | 62 | 61 | 58 |
| in EUR million | 31 Dec 15 | 30 Sep 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Own Funds | 14,809 | 15,010 |
| Non-available Own Funds | 1,271 | 1,185 |
| Non-eligible Own Funds | 197 | 0 |
| Eligible Own Funds (a) | 13,341 | 13,824 |
| of which Tier 1 unrestricted | 8,484 | 9,080 |
| of which Tier 1 Restricted | 1,844 | 1,799 |
| of which Tier 2 | 1,061 | 1,032 |
| of which Tier 3 | 735 | 637 |
| of which non-solvency II regulated entities | 1,217 | 1,277 |
| Solvency Capital Requirements (b) | 5,587 | 5,602 |
| of which non-solvency II regulated entities | 684 | 665 |
| NN Group Solvency II ratio (a/b)1) | 239% | 247% |
| NN Life Solvency II ratio1)2) | 220% | 225% |
1) The solvency ratios are not final until filed with the regulators. SII ratios are based on the partial internal model.
2) The NN Life SII ratio reflects the merger of Nationale-Nederlanden Levensverzekeringen Maatschappij N.V. and Nationale-Nederlanden Services N.V.
In December 2015, NN Group received approval from the Dutch regulator (DNB) to use its Partial Internal Model (PIM) under Solvency II for NN Group and its insurance subsidiaries in the Netherlands. The Solvency II capital ratios are still subject to final interpretations of Solvency II regulations including the treatment of tax in the SCR. The Solvency II capital ratios of NN Group and NN Life do not include any contingent liability potentially arising from unit-linked products sold, issued or advised on by NN Group's Dutch insurance subsidiaries in the past, as this potential liability cannot be reliably estimated or quantified at this point.
The NN Group Solvency II ratio based on the Partial Internal Model decreased to 239% at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015 from 247% at the end of the third quarter of 2015. This decrease mainly reflects the deduction of the proposed final dividend of EUR 341 million. The share buyback of EUR 250 million executed in January 2016 will be reflected in the Solvency II ratio at the end of the first quarter of 2016.
| in EUR million | 31 Dec 15 | 30 Sep 15 | 31 Dec 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholders' equity | 20,469 | 20,271 | 20,355 |
| Qualifying undated subordinated debt1) | 1,823 | 1,823 | 1,823 |
| Qualifying dated subordinated debt1) | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Required regulatory adjustments | −8,378 | −7,952 | −9,100 |
| Total capital base (a) | 14,914 | 15,142 | 14,078 |
| EU required capital (b) | 4,663 | 4,700 | 4,686 |
| NN Group IGD Solvency I ratio (a/b)2) | 320% | 322% | 300% |
| NN Life Solvency I ratio2) | 299% | 297% | 257% |
1) Subordinated debt included at notional value in the IGD capital base
2) The solvency ratios are not final until filed with the regulators. The NN Life SI ratio reflects the merger of Nationale-Nederlanden Levensverzekeringen Maatschappij N.V. and Nationale-Nederlanden Services N.V. The comparative figures have been restated accordingly.
NN Group's IGD Solvency I ratio slightly decreased to 320% at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015 from 322% at the end of the third quarter of 2015, mainly reflecting the deduction of the proposed final dividend of EUR 341 million.
The Solvency I ratio of NN Life slightly increased to 299% over the fourth quarter of 2015 as positive revaluations of equity securities and positive operating performance were only partly offset by the deduction of a dividend of EUR 125 million paid to NN Group in December 2015. The dividend of EUR 125 million paid to NN Group in October 2015 was already reflected in the NN Life Solvency I ratio at the end of the third quarter of 2015.
| 31 Dec 15 | Change 2H15 | Change FY15 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (% EUR millions) | Available Capital |
Available over Minimum Required Capital |
Change 2H15 |
Of which capital flows1) |
Capital generation - 2H15 |
Change FY15 |
Of which capital flows1) |
Capital Generation - FY15 |
| Total of subsidiaries (excluding discontinued operations)1) |
13,988 | 9,090 | 261 | −690 | 951 | 422 | −1,376 | 1,798 |
| of which NN Life | 8,847 | 5,886 | 369 | −435 | 804 | 759 | −805 | 1,564 |
Note: capital generation for subsidiaries (excluding discontinued operations) is defined as the change of available capital over minimum required capital, excluding capital flows, according to local regulatory capital framework applicable in 2015 – figures are not final until filed with the regulators 1) Capital flows reflect capital injections (including subordinated loans) net of dividends (including interest on subordinated loans) for all subsidiaries (excluding
discontinued operations)
The capital generated by subsidiaries was EUR 951 million over the second half of 2015. Capital was predominantly generated within NN Life (EUR 804 million) and reflects decreasing interest rates and tightening of credit spreads in combination with positive operating performance offset by investment in new business.
Over the full-year of 2015 the capital generated by subsidiaries was EUR 1,798 million mainly supported by positive revaluations of equity and real estate investments as well as tightening of credit spreads in combination with positive operating performance offset by investment in new business.
| in EUR million | 4Q15 | FY15 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of period | 1,619 | 1,413 |
| Cash divestment proceeds | 1 | 1 |
| Dividends from subsidiaries1) | 376 | 1,548 |
| Capital injections into subsidiaries2) | −18 | −143 |
| Other3) | −25 | −40 |
| Free cash flow to the holding4) | 335 | 1,366 |
| Acquisitions | 0 | −31 |
| Capital flow from / (to) shareholders | 0 | −792 |
| Increase / (decrease) in debt and loans | 0 | −3 |
| End of period | 1,953 | 1,953 |
Note: cash capital is defined as net current assets available at the holding company
1) Includes interest on subordinated loans provided to subsidiaries by the holding company
2) Includes the change of subordinated loans provided to subsidiaries by the holding company
3) Includes interest on subordinated loans and debt, holding company expenses and other cash flows
4) Free cash flow to the holding company is defined as the change in cash capital position of the holding company over the period, excluding acquisitions and capital transactions with shareholders and debtholders
The cash capital position at the holding company increased to EUR 1,953 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015 from EUR 1,619 at the end of the third quarter of 2015. Dividends received from subsidiaries during the fourth quarter of 2015 amounted to EUR 376 million. This included a total of EUR 250 million dividends received from NN Life of which EUR 125 million was received in October 2015.
The cash capital position at the holding company increased to EUR 1,953 million from EUR 1,413 million at the beginning of the year. The increase reflects free cash flow to the holding of EUR 1,366 million driven by dividends from all business segments, partly offset by EUR 792 million of capital flows to shareholders primarily comprising ordinary dividend payments of EUR 349 million and share buybacks of EUR 500 million.
Cash capital is held at the holding company to cover stress events and to fund holding costs. Over time we aim for the cash capital position at the holding company to be in a target range between EUR 0.5 billion and EUR 1.5 billion. Taking into account the share buyback of EUR 250 million executed in January 2016 and the proposed final 2015 dividend of EUR 341 million, the cash capital position at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015 would be EUR 1,363 million on a pro-forma basis.
| in EUR million | 31 Dec 15 | 30 Sep 15 | 31 Dec 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholders' equity | 20,469 | 20,271 | 20,355 |
| Adjustment for revaluation reserves1) | −6,935 | −7,349 | −7,979 |
| Goodwill | −260 | −257 | −265 |
| Minority interests | 9 | 44 | 76 |
| Capital base for financial leverage (a) | 13,283 | 12,709 | 12,187 |
| Undated subordinated notes2) | 986 | 986 | 986 |
| Subordinated debt | 2,290 | 2,291 | 2,297 |
| Total subordinated debt | 3,276 | 3,277 | 3,282 |
| Debt securities issued (financial leverage) | 398 | 398 | 400 |
| Financial leverage (b) | 3,674 | 3,675 | 3,682 |
| Debt securities issued (operational leverage) | 199 | 199 | 0 |
| Total debt | 3,873 | 3,874 | 3,682 |
| Financial leverage ratio (b/(a+b)) | 21.7% | 22.4% | 23.2% |
| Fixed-cost coverage ratio2)3) | 13.1x | 13.2x | 9.9x |
1) Includes revaluations on debt securities, on the cash flow hedge reserve and on the reserves crediting to life policyholders
3) Measures the ability of earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of ongoing business and Insurance Other to cover funding costs on financial leverage; calculated on a last 12-months basis
The financial leverage ratio of NN Group was 21.7% at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015. The capital base for financial leverage increased by EUR 574 million mainly due to the fourth-quarter net result of EUR 360 million and positive equity revaluations.
The fixed-cost coverage ratio was 13.1x at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015 (on a last 12-months basis).
At the Annual General Meeting on 2 June 2016, a final dividend will be proposed of EUR 1.05 per ordinary share, or approximately EUR 341 million in total based on the current number of outstanding shares (net of treasury shares). Together with the 2015 interim dividend of EUR 0.46 per ordinary share paid in September 2015, NN Group's total dividend over 2015 will be EUR 1.51 per ordinary share which is equivalent to a dividend pay-out ratio of around 41% of NN Group's full-year 2015 net operating result of the ongoing business. The final dividend will be paid in cash or ordinary shares at the election of the shareholder. NN Group will neutralise the dilutive effect of the stock dividend through the repurchase of ordinary shares, which may include a repurchase of part of ING Group's shareholding in NN Group. If the proposed dividend is approved by the shareholders, NN Group ordinary shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 7 June 2016. The record date for the dividend will be 8 June 2016. The election period will run from 7 June up to and including 21 June 2016. The stock fraction for the stock dividend will be based on the volume weighted average price of NN group ordinary shares on Euronext Amsterdam for the five trading days from 15 June through 21 June 2016. The dividend will be payable on 28 June 2016.
On 5 January 2016, ING Group announced the sale of 33 million shares of NN Group at a price of EUR 31.00 per share which settled on 8 January 2016. As part of this transaction, NN Group repurchased approximately 8 million shares from ING Group for an aggregate amount of EUR 250 million. The transaction further reduced ING Group's stake in NN Group to 16.2% of outstanding shares (net of treasury shares). NN Group funded the share repurchase from the cash capital position at the holding company. NN Group intends to cancel all or part of the repurchased shares in due course.
2) The undated subordinated notes classified as equity are considered financial leverage in the calculation of the financial leverage ratio. The related interest is included on an accrual basis in the calculation of the fixed-cost coverage ratio
In February 2016, ING Group exchanged the third and final tranche of EUR 337.5 million mandatory exchangeable subordinated notes into 6.9 million ordinary shares in NN Group and cash. The exchange was part of the anchor investment in NN Group by three Asian institutional investors - RRJ Capital, Temasek and SeaTown - as announced on 30 April 2014. The transaction reduced ING's remaining stake in NN Group from 16.2% to 14.1% of outstanding shares (net of treasury shares).
On 30 December 2015, 7,674,470 NN Group treasury shares were cancelled which were acquired as part of the sale of NN Group shares by ING Group announced in September 2015 and the neutralisation of the dilutive effect of the stock dividend relating to the 2015 interim dividend in September 2015.
On 25 February 2016, the total number of NN Group shares outstanding (net of treasury shares) was 324,533,380.
On 14 December 2015, Moody's affirmed its Baa2 rating on NN Group with a stable outlook.
| Credit ratings of NN Group N.V. at 25 February 2016 | Rating | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Standard & Poor's | A- | Stable |
| Moody's | Baa2 | Stable |
NN Group is an international insurance and asset management company, active in more than 18 countries, with a strong presence in a number of European countries and Japan. With around 11,500 employees the group offers retirement services, insurance, investments and banking to more than 15 million customers. NN Group includes Nationale-Nederlanden, NN and NN Investment Partners. NN Group is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (NN).
Lard Friese and Delfin Rueda will host an analyst and investor conference call to discuss the 4Q15 results at 10.00 am CET on Thursday 25 February 2016. Members of the investment community can join the conference call at +31 20 531 5865 (NL), +44 203 365 3210 (UK), +1 866 349 6093 (US) or follow the webcast on www.nn-group.com.
Lard Friese and Delfin Rueda will host a press briefing to discuss the 4Q15 results, which will be held at 12.00 pm CET on Thursday 25 February 2016 at NN Group's head office, Schenkkade 65, The Hague.
Saskia Kranendonk +31 61 313 5144 [email protected]
Publication 3Q16 results: 17 November 2016
Investor Relations +31 88 663 5464 [email protected]
NN Group's Consolidated annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS-EU") and with Part 9 of Book 2 on the Dutch Civil Code. In preparing the financial information in this document, the same accounting principles are applied as in the NN Group N.V. condensed consolidated interim financial information for the period ended 30 June 2015. The Annual Accounts for 2015 are in progress and may be subject to adjustments from subsequent events.
All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding. Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation: (1) changes in general economic conditions, in particular economic conditions in NN Group's core markets, (2) changes in performance of financial markets, including developing markets, (3) consequences of a potential (partial) break-up of the euro, (4) the implementation of the EC Restructuring Plan, (5) changes in the availability of, and costs associated with, sources of liquidity as well as conditions in the credit markets generally, (6) the frequency and severity of insured loss events, (7) changes affecting mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (8) changes affecting persistency levels, (9) changes affecting interest rate levels, (10) changes affecting currency exchange rates, (11) changes in investor, customer and policyholder behaviour, (12) changes in general competitive factors, (13) changes in laws and regulations, (14) changes in the policies of governments and/or regulatory authorities, (15) conclusions with regard to accounting assumptions and methodologies, (16) changes in ownership that could affect the future availability to us of net operating loss, net capital and built-in loss carry forwards, (17) changes in credit and financial strength ratings, (18) NN Group's ability to achieve projected operational synergies and (19) the other risks and uncertainties contained in recent public disclosures made by NN Group and/or related to NN Group.
Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of NN Group speak only as of the date they are made, and, NN Group assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason. This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.