Quarterly Report • Aug 9, 2007
Quarterly Report
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Report for the second quarter 2007
| Key figures in € m | 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 | Change in % | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing operations | |||||
| Total income | 126.2 | 116.9 | 270.9 | 246.7 | 10% |
| Income from brokerage business | 88.7 | 91.5 | 195.9 | 197.6 | –1% |
| Income from banking business | 20.0 | 17.3 | 38.9 | 34.1 | 14% |
| Income wealth management | 9.7 | – | 19.7 | – | – |
| Other income | 7.7 | 8.0 | 16.4 | 15.1 | 9% |
| Earnings before interest and tax (ebit) | 15.6 | 1 12.2 |
32.3 | 24.61 | 31% |
| ebit margin % | 12.4 | 1 10.4 |
11.9 | 10.01 | – |
| Earnings from continuing operations | 9.6 | 12.1 | 19.5 | 20.5 | –5% |
| MLP Group | |||||
| Earnings before interest and tax and | |||||
| before profit from the sale of operations (ebit) | 15.6 | 12.2 | 32.3 | 24.3 | 33% |
| Net profit (total) | 9.0 | 12.5 | 19.3 | 19.4 | –1% |
| Earnings per share in € | 0.09 | 0.12 | 0.19 | 0.18 | 6% |
| Capital expenditure | 3.7 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 14.5 | – 55% |
| Shareholders' equity | – | – | 301.6 | 323.42 | –7% |
| Equity ratio % | – | – | 24.6 | 25.52 | – |
| Balance sheet total | – | – | 1,225.1 | 1,266.12 | –3% |
| Clients 3 | – | – | 705,000 | 691,0002 | 2% |
| Consultants 3 | – | – | 2,622 | 2,6492 | –1% |
| Branch offices 3 | – | – | 265 | 2672 | –1% |
| Employees 3 | – | – | 1,963 | 1,631 | 20% |
| Arranged new business | |||||
| Old-age provisions (premium sum in € billion) | 1.3 | 1.2 | 2.2 | 2.8 | –21% |
| Health insurance (annual premium) | 9.0 | 17.4 | 23.6 | 33.9 | –30% |
| Loans | 313 | 345 | 618 | 649 | -5% |
| Funds under management in € billion | – | – | 11.0 | 10.84 | 2% |
1 Adjustments of previous year's figures, see note 3. 2 As at December 31, 2006. 3 Continuing operations. 4 MLP and Feri as at December 31, 2006.
The business development at MLP is primarily influenced by the development in our largest market, Germany, in which we generate around 97 % of our total income.
The German economy is in a strong and sustained upswing. Economists of various major banks are expecting real growth rates in the German economy of more than 2 %, both for the current as well as for the coming year. In the first half year of 2oo7, economic development particularly benefited from strong export demand and the accelerating recovery in private consumption. In the first three months of 2oo7, the increase by three percentage points in the VAT rate continued to negatively influence German consumer demand. However, the foreign economic spark seems to have subsequently jumped over to the home economy, resulting in a recovery in domestic consumption. This positive development also supports the labour market. According to figures released by the Federal Employment Agency, the number of people unemployed in April fell back down to below the four-million level for the first time and this trend is likely to continue during the coming months. In this respect, for instance, the IFO Institute is forecasting a reduction in the number of people unemployed to be below the 3.5 million level by the autumn of this year.
The improvements in tax deductibility regarding the so-called "base" pension by the state have further increased the attractiveness of this product as a taxsubsidized form of private old-age pension provision. Although up to now state subsidized "base" pension products have only been available from life insurance companies, this situation will change from September 2oo7, when two large German investment fund houses - Deka and Union Investment - bring tax-subsidized "base" pension products onto the market. Demand for another tax-subsidized private pension product, the "Riester-pension", has also been on the increase so far this year. In the first quarter of 2oo7 alone, the number of policies rose by 62o,ooo to around 8.5 million. Based on the number of those eligible to take out such policies, experts estimate that the total potential for "Riesterpolicies" amounts to 3o to 36 million.
After having been passed by the German Bundestag and Bundesrat, the healthcare reform came into effect on 1st April 2oo7. Important new aspects include the introduction of a basic tariff for privately insured patients, the introduction of optional tariffs for those who are compulsorily insured as members of state health insurance funds as well as the requirement for private health insurance companies to accept non-insured patients into the newly created base tariff from 1st July 2oo7. Particularly the implementation of the legally-imposed base tariff and the planned transferability of old-age accruals for existing customers when switching between health insurance companies are encountering heavy criticism from the private health insurance companies.
In the first half of 2oo7 there was intense discussion within the financial services industry concerning the implementation of the Insurance Mediation Directive that was incorporated into national law and came into force on 22nd May 2oo7. The associated changed framework conditions with respect to training standards, documentation obligations as well as the clarification of the level of independence of a financial broker will, in our opinion, lead to a tightening of competitive conditions and a process of consolidation within the industry. In addition, further changes planned for the coming months concerning the regulatory environment were also the subject of discussion. These specifically concern the following aspects:
The financial services company MLP increased its profit from operations (EBIT) in the first half year by 31 % to €32.3 million (€24.6 million). This figure includes €1.o million of restructuring expenses resulting from the implemented merger of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG with MLP Bank AG. Total income rose significantly from €246.7 to €27o.9 million (plus 1o %). Due to a higher tax ratio, net profit fell slightly to €19.5 million (€2o.5 million).
The brokerage business accounted for the largest portion of total income. Income here amounted to €195.9 million (€197.6 million) and was only marginally below the previous year's level, although this figure was significantly influenced by the increase in "Riester-pension" contributions ("Riester-step"; approx. €25 million). In the period from April to June very pleasing progress was achieved in old-age pension provision business. Compared to the previous year's quarter, income rose by 7 % to €69.3 million (Q2 2oo6: €64.5 million). In comparison to the first quarter of 2oo7 this represented an increase of 14 % (Q1 2oo7: €6o.9 million). MLP thereby compensated for expected weaker development in the healthcare business where income declined to €9.1 million (Q2 2oo6: €15.9 million) following implementation of the healthcare reform.
In the banking business, income at the half-year stage rose by 14 % to €38.9 million (€34.1 million). This figure also reflects the placement of MLP financial investment concepts. Wealth management, which shows Feri Finance AG, contributed for €19.7 million to total income.
Personnel expenses in the first half of 2oo7 increased by 34 % to €52.9 million, mainly due to the incorporation of the Feri Finance AG employees. The depreciation and operating expenses were likewise primarily due to consolidation of Feri, rising by 12 % to €9.5 million and by 2 % to € 77.8 million respectively. At €o.5 million (previous year: €3.8 million) and €o,o million (previous year: €1.8 million), the finance costs, both in the first half year of 2oo7 as well as in the second quarter of the current business year, came in significantly lower than in the corresponding periods of the previous year. This shows the effects of the reduction of the cash and cash equivalents available for investment as well as of interest expenses arising from accumilation of the residual purchase price for Feri Finance AG.
The rise in receivables and liabilities from the banking business at June 3o, 2oo7 results from the increased deposit business and associated investment of funds. The tax refund claims significantly reduced during the reporting period through receipts of payment for taxes on earnings, falling from €21.1 million to € 9.7 million. Tax liabilities at June 3o, 2oo7 amounted to €1o.1 million (December 31, 2oo6: €7.6 million). The MLP-typical business cycle is responsible for the fall in receivables and other assets from €177.1 million to €1o1.6 million as well as for the reduction in other liabilities from €281.9 million to €2oo.4 million.
The financial resources on the reference date stood at €1o1.8 million (previous year: €191.5 million). The cash flow from operating activities rose in the first half year from €14.8 million to €3o.6 million. This is mainly attributable to tax refunds that were paid in the first quarter of 2oo7. The cash flows from investing activities and financing activities increased in the first half year of the current financial year from €–17.6 million to €–7.3 million and from €–135.7 million to €–42.2 million. The increase of cash flows from financing activities is primarily due to the share buy back programme in the previous year.
The company's equity capital reduced to €3o1.6 million. (December 31, 2oo6: €323.4 million), attributable to dividend distribution on June 1, 2oo7 to the shareholders of MLP AG amounting to a total of €4o million. The result in the reporting period had a reverse effect.
In the first six months of 2oo7 MLP invested a total of €6.5 million (previous year: €14.5 million) mainly within the consulting and sales segment in the improvement of IT support for client consultation and all client support and service related processes.
The premium sum from newly arranged business in the area of old-age provision products as at June 3o amounted to €2.2 billion (previous year: €2.8 billion; including "Riester step"), of which €1.3 billion was achieved in the second quarter. This corresponds an increase of 44 % when compared to the first quarter of the year. In health insurance, annual premiums in the first half year fell from €33.9 million to €23.6 million. The loans and mortgages volume stood at €618 million (€649 million). Following the successful integration of Feri Finance AG, jointly managed funds under management rose from €1o.8 billion at the end of March to €11.o billion.
In the first half of 2oo7 MLP gained a total of 2o,ooo new clients. The number of clients on June 3o, 2oo7 stood at 7o5,ooo, the number of consultants totalled 2,622. After adjustment for the markets in Great Britain and Spain from which MLP is withdrawing, the number of clients rose to 698,ooo. Likewise, after taking these two foreign units into account, the adjusted figure at June 3o totalled 2,549 consultants (March 31, 2oo7: 2,518). For the full year, MLP anticipates that this figure will rise to 2,75o consultants covering the profitable markets in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.
In the first half of the year, MLP successfully completed the merger of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG with MLP Bank AG. The merged company will trade under the name MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG. Thereby MLP is the only large independent financial services company with a full banking license and provides its clients with consultation and advice as an independent broker in all aspects of finance, provision and wealth management.
Nils Frowein, CFO of MLP AG, left the executive board at MLP AG on June 3o, 2oo7 in a friendly agreement to pursue new professional challenges elsewhere. Until further notice, his tasks will be undertaken by the chairman Dr. Uwe Schroeder-Wildberg.
At €2o5.8 million, income in the consulting and sales segment in the first half of 2oo7 remained at the previous year's level (previous year: 2o6.6 million). The second quarter of 2oo7 contributed €94.4 million (previous year: €96.7 million) to segment income.
The expenses in the sales and consulting segment in the first half of 2oo7 amounted to €189.4 million (previous year: €193.9 million). The total expenses in the second quarter amounted to €85.9 million and were thus slightly below the previous year's figure of €9o.8 million. The primarily variable expenses for the brokerage business account for the largest portion of the expenses in this segment. In the first half year of 2oo7 they amounted to €86.2 million, a reduction of around 2 % compared to the previous year. The decrease was more pronounced in the second quarter of the current financial year. In the period from April to June the expenses for the brokerage business fell by 12 % to €32.9 million. The personnel expenditure exceeded the previous year's figure by 7 % and amounted to €35.o million. The same development was also evident in the second quarter of the current financial year, in which personnel expenses amounting to €19.1 million (previous year: €17.9 million) were incurred.
Depreciation expenses in this segment in the first half of 2oo7 totalled €6.3 million (previous year: €6.5 million) and were thus less than in the previous year. In the second quarter, depreciation costs amounted to €3.3 million and therefore remained at the level achieved in the previous year. Overall, profit from operations (EBIT) in the first half of 2oo7 totalled €26.4 million (previous year: €26.1 million).
In the second quarter, EBIT improved by 4 % compared to the corresponding period in the previous year and reached €13.o million. At 12.8 %, the EBIT margin in the first half of 2oo7 exceeded the previous year's figure of 12.6 %. The increase was more pronounced in the second quarter in which we were able to achieve an EBIT margin of 13.8 % (previous year: 12.9 %) in the consulting and sales segment.
The finance costs of the segment in the first half year of 2oo7 amounted to €o.4 million (previous year: €o.2 million). In the second quarter of the current financial year finance costs amounted to €o.3 million (previous year: € o.1 million).
In our foreign business units (including Great Britain and Spain) we achieved a profit from operations (EBIT) figure of €-4.5 million (previous year: €-2.o million). In the second quarter, operating profit from foreign operations amounted to €-2.o million (previous year: €-1.3 million).
In the first half of 2oo7, the bank segment exhibited a continuation of the positive business development achieved in 2oo6 and generated an increase in segment income of 14 % compared to the previous year, amounting to a total of €38.9 million. In the second quarter income of €2o.o million (previous year: €17.3 million) was achieved. Due to the increase in the deposit business (+ 16 %) and in the securities custody business (+ 16 %) the commission income rose by 5 % compared to the previous year and amounted to €23.6 million, and in the second quarter the figure rose by 6 % to €12.o million. The positive development of interest income is primarily attributable to the increased balance sheet volume as well as to the increased rate of interest.
The overall expenses in the segment, both in the first half of 2oo7 as well as in the second quarter, increased under-proportionally to the income. It amounted to €34.3 million (previous year: €3o.8 milion) and €17.o million (previous year: €15.5 million). The interest expenses rose due to the increased balance sheet volume. Increased inflow of funds in the securities custody business led to a significant rise in commission expenses. The interest and commission result in the first half year of the current financial year amounted to €7.3 million (previous year: €5.5 million) and €12.7 million (previous year: €12.2 million). In the second quarter an interest and commission result of €3.9 million (previous year: €2.8 million) and €6.5 million (previous year: €6.1 million) was achieved.
The segment profit from operations (EBIT) in the first half year rose by 38 % to €4.7 million. In the second quarter of the current financial year the EBIT increased by 58 % to €3.o million.
In the wealth management segment, income amounting to €19.7 million was achieved in the first half year, whereby the second quarter contributed €9.7 million to the segment income. Profit from operations (EBIT) in the first six months of the current financial year amounted to €3.o million. In the second quarter, an EBIT figure of €1.6 million was achieved. Comparative values for the previous year are not available for this new segment which was created in the fourth quarter of 2oo6 within the framework of the acquisition of a majority holding in Feri Finance AG.
In this segment profit before tax (EBT) amounted to €3.5 million (previous year: €1.4 million) in the first half of 2oo7. This included an additional subsequent profit component from the sale of the former subsidiary MLP Lebensversicherung AG amounting to €3.4 million (previous year: €2.4 million). In the second quarter of the current financial year the EBT of €o.3 million was significantly below the previous year's figure of €2.1 million. Due to the outflow of cash the interest income from cash or cash equivalents available for investment decreased compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the previous year's value was positively influenced by the interest on a tax credit.
There were no significant changes to the risk situation of the company during the period under review. Currently, no existence-threatening risks to the MLP Group have been identified. A detailed presentation of the corporate risks as well as a description of our risk management is provided in our 2oo6 annual report.
Information relating to business with affiliated companies and persons is presented in the notes.
The robust economic upswing in MLP's relevant core market, Germany, continued throughout the first half of 2oo7. Private consumption gathered momentum, particularly in the second quarter, and compensated for the fall in demand that resulted from the VAT increase at the start of the year. Leading economic research institutes expect this positive development to continue during the coming months. Furthermore, this economic dynamism will have a positive effect on the labour market. The IFO Institute takes the view that a further significant fall in the number of people unemployed from the current figure of around 3.7 million to below the 3.5 million level by the autumn of this year is realistic.
The industry-specific framework conditions in MLP's important areas of old age pension and healthcare provision as well as financial investment and wealth management have not significantly altered since the end of the financial year 2oo6. The markets for old-age pension and healthcare provision in Germany are subject to a high degree of legal regulation. In general, there is noticeable heightened awareness on the part of the population with respect to the essential need for personal provision measures in order to secure an income during old age and to safeguard the level of care in case of illness. However, this realisation does not always result in specific action since many people underestimate the time aspect when building up an adequate level of provision. Provision products are set to remain sales-intensive in the future.
The forecasted decline in the development for the health insurance business for the financial year 2oo7 has now occurred. In the first quarter of 2oo7 income from policies concluded in the fourth quarter of 2oo6 continued to have a positive effect on this business. These concluded contracts incorporated a cancellation right for clients and could therefore only be booked as being revenue-effective in the first three months of the year 2oo7. However, following the final passing of the healthcare reform by the German Bundestag and Bundesrat there was a significant decline in the demand for private full medical insurance policies from March onwards. For the remaining two quarters of the current financial year we expect continued sluggish demand for full medical insurance which in our view will also lead to retrograde business development in the health insurance business for 2oo7 overall. However, in the medium to long-term, we anticipate that the demand for private full health insurance and supplementary medical cover will pick up again.
In view of this macroeconomic and industry-specific background we see no reason to revise the forecasts made in our annual report 2oo6 with respect to the business development in the financial year 2oo7. More specifically, we continue to expect that MLP can achieve a profit from operations (EBIT) figure from continued operations of €11o million. In the previous year this figure, including the to be discontinued business activities in Great Britain and Spain amounted to €84.9 million.
In view of the intended cessation of the under-performing foreign business operations in Great Britain and Spain, the forecast for the number of consultants at the end of 2oo7 has been revised downwards from 3,ooo to 2,75o. The reduction thus only affects the consultants actually employed and the budgeted levels for the business units in Great Britain and Spain.
In July 2oo7, MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG acquired a 49.8 % holding in Interhyp Service GmbH, that will in future trade under the name MLP Hyp GmbH. The company will serve the purpose of handling the joint residential mortgage business of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG and Interhyp AG. Business activities are expected to commence at the end of 2oo7 and will result in an investment obligation on the part of MLP until the end of the year amounting to around €1.5 million.
In the course of further concentration on profitable growth markets it is intended to cease operative activities in Great Britain and Spain in the second half year. MLP currently anticipates a loss in the single-digit millions.
Feri Rating & Research GmbH has sold Feri Fund Market Information Ltd. and its database specialist subsidiary FI Datenservice GmbH to Lipper European Media Manager, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reuters. MLP expects a pre-tax sales profit in the low single digit millions.
On 6th July 2oo7 the German Bundesrat (upper house) passed the corporate tax reform law. Due in particular to the reduction in the corporation tax rate from the current 25 % to 15 % from 1st January 2oo8, the MLP Group's tax ratio will decrease with effect from the financial year 2oo8. This requires a revaluation of the domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities of the MLP Group in the third quarter of 2oo7. In view of the overhang of deferred tax liabilities, it is expected that the revaluation will lead to a reduction in tax expenses in the financial year 2oo7
On 26th July 2oo7 the executive board of MLP AG decided, in accordance with article 71 section 1 item 8 of the German Stock Corporation Law, to make use of authorisation by the Annual General Meeting to withdraw the repurchased shares. The withdrawal of the shares is subject to a further decision by the executive board.
Apart from this, there were no appreciable events after the reporting date that affect the net worth, financial or profit situation of the MLP Group.
This documentation includes certain prognoses and information on future developments founded on the conviction of MLP ag's Executive Board and on assumptions and information currently available to MLP ag. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "assume," "intend," "plan," "should," "could," "project" and other similar terms used in reference to the company describe prognoses based on certain factors subject to uncertainty.
Many factors can contribute to the actual results of the MLP Group differing significantly from the prognoses made in such statements.
MLP ag accepts no liability to the public for updating or correcting prognoses. All prognoses and predictions are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which can lead to the actual results differing from expectations. The prognoses reflect the points of view at the time when they were made.
The international capital markets developed very positively during the first half of 2007 and in this respect the large German indices were particularly outstanding and exhibited rapid growth during the reporting period. A mixture of positive economic data, takeover speculation and good corporate earnings propelled the DAX to a multi-year high just below the 8,100 points level and the MDAX to a new all-time high of 11,182 points. In the period between the start of January and the end of June of the current financial year, the DAX rose by 19.85 % and the MDAX by 15.70 %.
In the same period the MLP share was not able to benefit from the positive mood on the capital markets. The share price fell by 4.93 % compared to the first trading day of 2007 and stood at €14.27 at the end of the last trading day in June.
On May 22, 2007, we held our analysts day event, concentrating on the topic of MLP Wealth Management. A presentation was made to the attending financial analysts that featured the wealth management concepts developed by MLP and Feri as well as the intended sales implementation measures.
At the Annual General Meeting held on May 31, 2007 in Mannheim, the shareholders approved all the items on the agenda by a clear majority. The dividend amounting to €0.40 per share, as passed at the Annual General Meeting, was paid out to shareholders on June 1, 2007, corresponding to a total distribution volume of around €40 million. Furthermore, the Executive Board was empowered to buy back shares up until November 29, 2008 up to a maximum of 10 percent of the share capital. Further information concerning the results of the voting as well as the Annual General Meeting is available at www.mlp.de.
| All figures in €'000 | Note | 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing operations | |||||
| Income from brokerage business | [7] | 88,749 | 91,514 | * 195,891 |
197,553 |
| Income from banking business | [8] | 20,024 | 17,326 | 38,946 | 34,075 |
| Income wealth management | [9] | 9,722 | – | 19,657 | – |
| Other income | 7,723 | 8,050 | * 16,403 |
15,080 | |
| Total income | 126,218 | 116,890 | 270,896 | 246,709 | |
| Expenses for brokerage business | –32,856 | –36,987 | –86,207 | –87,886 | |
| Expenses for banking business | [10] | –4,777 | –4,902 | –10,660 | –9,887 |
| Expenses wealth management | –756 | – | –1,536 | – | |
| Personnel expenses | [11] | –28,296 | * –21,036 |
* –52,898 |
* –39,544 |
| Depreciation/amortisation | –4,900 | –4,258 | * –9,532 |
–8,495 | |
| Operating expenses | [12] | –39,031 | –37,535 | * -77,796 |
* –76,262 |
| Earnings before interest and tax (ebit) | 15,602 | 12,172 | 32,268 | 24,635 | |
| Other interest and similar income | 1,369 | 3,155 | * 3,299 |
5,911 | |
| Other interest and similar expenses | –1,358 | * –1,366 |
* –2,830 |
* –2,124 |
|
| Finance cost | 12 | 1,788 | 469 | 3,787 | |
| Earnings before tax (ebt) | 15,614 | 13,959 | 32,737 | 28,422 | |
| Income taxes | –6,042 | –1,886 | * –13,284 |
–7,874 | |
| Earnings from continuing operations | 9,572 | 12,073 | 19,452 | 20,548 | |
| Earnings from discontinued operations | [13] | –525 | 462 | * -160 |
–1,152 |
| Net profit (total) | [19] | 9,048 | 12,535 | 19,292 | 19,396 |
| Of which | |||||
| shareholders of the parent company account for | 9,048 | 12,535 | 19,292 | 19,396 | |
| minority interests account for | – | – | |||
| Earnings per share in € | |||||
| From continuing operations | |||||
| basic** | 0.09 | 0.11 | 0.19 | 0.19 | |
| diluted** | 0.09 | 0.11 | 0.19 | 0.19 | |
| From continuing and discontinued operations | |||||
| basic** | 0.09 | 0.12 | 0.19 | 0.18 | |
| diluted** | 0.09 | 0.12 | 0.19 | 0.18 | |
* Adjustments of previous year's figures, see note 3.
** The ordinary shares resulting from the conversion of convertible debentures are treated as shares already issued.
| All figures in €'000 | Notes | June 30, 2007 | Dec 31, 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intangible assets | 178,134 | 186,803 | |
| Property, plant and equipment | 87,572 | 89,063 | |
| Investment property | 14,838 | 15,063 | |
| Deferred tax assets | 353 | 170 | |
| Receivables from banking business | [14] | 674,727 | 606,383 |
| Financial assets | [15] | 48,018 | 49,905 |
| Tax refund claims | 9,674 | 21,057 | |
| Receivables and other assets | [16] | 101,572 | 177,134 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 100,812 | 120,507 | |
| Non-current asset or disposal group | |||
| classified as held for sale | [17] | 9,362 | – |
| Total | 1,225,062 | 1,266,085 |
| All figures in €'000 | Notes | June 30, 2007 | Dec 31, 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity attributable to MLP ag | |||
| shareholders | [18] | 301,584 | 323,376 |
| Minority interest | 63 | 63 | |
| Total shareholders' equity | 301,647 | 323,439 | |
| Provisions | 29,939 | 33,908 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 20,769 | 19,556 | |
| Liabilities due to banking business | 660,822 | 599,699 | |
| Tax liabilities | 10,094 | 7,618 | |
| Other liabilities | [16] | 200,404 | 281,865 |
| Liabilities in connection with the disposal of non-current | |||
| assets held for sale and disposal groups | 1,387 | – | |
| Total | 1,225,062 | 1,266,085 |
| All figures in €'000 | 1st half year 2007 | 1st half year 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | 30,609 | 14,788 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | –7,267 | * –17,579 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | –42,160 | * –135,651 |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents | –18,818 | –138,442 |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate movements | –7 | –25 |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 101,659 | 191,507 |
| All figures in €'000 | 1st half year 2007 | 1st half year 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | – | –57 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | ** –572 |
*** –2,586 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | – | – |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents | –572 | –2,643 |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate movements | – | –13 |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents at end of period | – | 1,100 |
* The payments for the acquisition of own shares were transferred from the "cash flow from investing activities" to the "cash flow from financing activities".
** The payments in the financial year 2007 are in connection with the sale of the two insurance companies.
*** The payments in the financial year 2006 are in connection with the discontinuation of the operative business of MLP Private Finance AG, Zurich and the sale of the two insurance companies.
| All figures in €'000 | Consulting and Sales | Bank | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 | |||||
| Segment income | |||||
| Brokerage business | 94,352 | 96,700 | – | – | |
| Banking business | – | – | 20,024 | 17,326 | |
| Wealth managment | – | – | – | – | |
| of which with other continuing segments | 5,603 | 5,186 | – | 0 | |
| Total segment income | 94,352 | 96,700 | 20,024 | 17,326 | |
| Other income | 4,527 | 6,582 | 9 | 18 | |
| Segment expenses | |||||
| Brokerage business | –32,856 | –36,987 | – | – | |
| Banking business | – | – | –10,444 | –9,059 | |
| Wealth managment | – | – | – | – | |
| Personnal expenses | –19,124 | * –17,908 |
–2,643 | * –1,873 |
|
| Depreciation and amortisation expenses | –3,288 | –3,280 | –59 | –71 | |
| Operating expenses | –30,647 | –32,608 | –3,895 | –4,445 | |
| Total segment expenses | –85,915 | –90,782 | –17,040 | –15,450 | |
| Segment earnings before interest and tax (ebit) | 12,964 | 12,500 | 2,993 | –1,895 | |
| Other interest and similar income | 375 | 247 | 1 | 1 | |
| Other interest and similar expenses | –106 | * –113 |
–15 | * –17 |
|
| Finance cost | 269 | 134 | –14 | –17 | |
| Segment earnings before tax (ebt) | 13,233 | 12,634 | 2,979 | 1,879 | |
| Income taxes | – | ||||
| Segment result from continuing operations | – | ||||
| Segment results from discontinued operations | –2 | –52 | – | – | |
| Group net profit incl. minority interest |
* Adjustment of previous year's figures, see note 3.
| Wealth mangement | Consolidation/ Total Other |
Internal services and administration |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 | |||||||
| – | – | – | – | –5,603 | –5,186 | 88,749 | 91,514 |
| – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 20,024 | 17,326 |
| 9,722 | – | – | – | – | – | 9,722 | – |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 9,722 | – | – | – | –5,603 | –5,186 | 118,494 | 108,840 |
| 1,541 | – | 5,657 | 5,460 | –4,011 | –4,011 | 7,723 | 8,050 |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | –32,856 | –36,987 |
| – | – | – | – | 5,667 | 4,157 | –4,777 | –4,902 |
| –756 | – | – | – | – | – | –756 | – |
| –5,637 | – | –891 | * –1,256 |
– | – | –28,296 | –21,036 |
| –657 | – | –896 | –907 | – | – | –4,900 | –4,258 |
| –2,597 | – | –5,903 | * –5,563 |
4,011 | 5,081 | –39,031 | –37,535 |
| –9,647 | – | -7,691 | –7,726 | 9,678 | 9,238 | –110,615 | –104,718 |
| 1,615 | – | -2,034 | –2,265 | 64 | 41 | 15,602 | 12,172 |
| 29 | – | 3,571 | 5,582 | –2,607 | –2,675 | 1,369 | 3,155 |
| –1 | – | -1,264 | * –1,252 |
28 | 16 | –1,358 | –1,366 |
| 28 | – | 2,307 | 4,329 | –2,578 | –2,659 | 12 | 1,788 |
| 1,643 | – | 273 | 2,065 | –2,514 | –2,619 | 15,614 | 13,959 |
| – | – | –6,042 | –1,886 | ||||
| – | – | 9,572 | 12,073 | ||||
| – | – | – | – | –523 | 514 | –525 | 462 |
| 9,048 | 12,535 |
| All figures in €'000 | Consulting and Sales | Bank | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 | ||||||
| Segment income | ||||||
| Brokerage business | 205,763 | 206,600 | – | – | ||
| Banking business | – | – | 38,946 | 34,075 | ||
| Wealth managment | – | – | – | – | ||
| of which with other continuing segments | 9,872 | 9,047 | 1 | 0 | ||
| Total segment income | 205,763 | 206,600 | 38,946 | 34,075 | ||
| Other income | 10,073 | 13,420 | 23 | 96 | ||
| Segment expenses | ||||||
| Brokerage business | –86,207 | –87,886 | – | – | ||
| Banking business | – | – | –20,658 | –17,826 | ||
| Wealth managment | – | – | – | – | ||
| Personnal expenses | –34,976 | * –32,701 |
–4,664 | * –3,695 |
||
| Depreciation and amortisation expenses | –6,279 | –6,507 | –118 | –164 | ||
| Operating expenses | –61,958 | –66,848 | –8,832 | –9,103 | ||
| Total segment expenses | –189,420 | –193,941 | –34,272 | –30,789 | ||
| Segment earnings before interest and tax (ebit) | 26,417 | 26,078 | 4,697 | 3,383 | ||
| Other interest and similar income | 842 | 470 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Other interest and similar expenses | –463 | * –243 |
–36 | * –33 |
||
| Finance cost | 380 | 227 | –34 | –33 | ||
| Segment earnings before tax (ebt) | 26,796 | 26,305 | 4,662 | 3,350 | ||
| Income taxes | – | |||||
| Segment result from continuing operations | – | |||||
| Segment results from discontinued operations | –2 | –2,250 | – | – | ||
| Group net profit incl. minority interest |
* Adjustment of previous year's figures, see note 3.
| Wealth mangement | Internal services Consolidation/ Total and administration Other |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 | |||||||
| – | – | – | – | –9,872 | –9,047 | 195,891 | 197,553 |
| – | – | – | – | –1 | 0 | 38,946 | 34,075 |
| 19,657 | – | – | – | – | – | 19,657 | – |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 19,657 | – | – | – | –9,873 | –9,047 | 254,493 | 231,628 |
| 2,413 | – | 11,873 | 9,595 | –7,979 | –8,031 | 16,403 | 15,080 |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | –86,207 | –87,886 |
| – | – | – | – | 9,998 | 7,939 | –10,660 | –9,887 |
| –1,536 | – | – | – | – | – | –1,536 | – |
| –10,932 | – | –2,326 | * –3,147 |
– | – | –52,898 | –39,544 |
| –1,348 | – | –1,787 | –1,824 | – | – | –9,532 | –8,495 |
| –5,275 | – | –9,712 | * –9,549 |
7,980 | 9,238 | –77,796 | –76,262 |
| –19,090 | – | –13,825 | –14,520 | –17,978 | 17,177 | –238,628 | –222,073 |
| 2,979 | – | –1,952 | –4,925 | 127 | 99 | 32,268 | 24,635 |
| 102 | – | 8,051 | 8,191 | –5,697 | –2,751 | 3,299 | 5,911 |
| –1 | – | –2,584 | * –1,887 |
253 | 40 | –2,830 | –2,124 |
| 101 | – | 5,467 | 6,304 | –5,444 | –2,711 | 469 | 3,787 |
| 3,081 | – | 3,515 | 1,379 | –5,317 | –2,612 | 32,737 | 28,422 |
| – | – | –13,284 | –7,874 | ||||
| – | – | 19,452 | 20,548 | ||||
| – | – | – | – | -158 | 1,098 | –160 | –1,152 |
| 19,292 | 19,396 |
| All figures in €'000 | Equity attributable to MLP ag shareholders | Minority interest |
Total share |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share capital |
Treasury stock |
Capital reserves |
Available- for-sale reserve |
Other compre- hensive income |
Total | holders' equity |
||
| As at January 1, 2006 | 108,641 | – 10,505 | 11,474 | 63 | 345,456 | 455,129 | 63 | 455,192 |
| Curreny translation | – | – | – | – | –32 | –32 | – | –32 |
| Change in available for sale reserve |
– | – | – | – 49 | – | – 49 | – | – 49 |
| Net profit | – | – | – | – | 19,396 | 19,396 | – | 19,396 |
| Dividends paid to shareholders | ||||||||
| and minority interests | – | – | – | – | – 62,991 | – 62,991 | – | – 62,991 |
| Convertible debentures | – | – | 1,235 | – | – | 1,235 | – | 1,235 |
| Acquisition of treasury stock | – | – 72,496 | – | – | – | – 72,496 | – | – 72,496 |
| As at June 30, 2006 | 108,641 | – 83,001 | 12,709 | 14 | 301,829 | 340,192 | 63 | 340,255 |
| As at January 1, 2007 | 108,781 | – 148,353 | 14,487 | 69 | 348,392 | 323,376 | 63 | 323,439 |
| Currency translation | – | – | – | – | –17 | –17 | – | –17 |
| Change in | ||||||||
| available for sale reserve | – | – | – | 68 | – | 68 | – | 68 |
| Net profit | – | – | – | – | 19,292 | 19,292 | – | 19,292 |
| Dividends paid to shareholders | ||||||||
| and minority interests | – | – | – | – | – 42,118 | – 42,118 | – | – 42,118 |
| Convertible debentures | 20 | – | 963 | – | – | 983 | – | 983 |
| Acquisition of treasury stock | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| As at June 30, 2007 | 108,801 | – 148,353 | 15,450 | 137 | 325,549 | 301,584 | 63 | 301,647 |
The parent company of the group is MLP AG, in Wiesloch, Germany. It is entered in the Mannheim Commercial Register under the number HRB 332697 with the address Alte Heerstrasse 4o, 69168 Wiesloch, Germany.
Since it was founded in 1971, MLP has been advising academics and other discerning clients in the fields of old-age and health provision, insurance cover, financial investments and loans and mortgages.
The MLP Group offers financial services, wealth management and banking services.
The interim financial report has been prepared in line with the regulations set out in IAS 34 (Interim financial reporting). It is based on the International Financial Reporting Standards of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as well as the interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee (IFRIC), as applicable within the European Union (EU). The interim accounts were subject to an independent auditor's review.
Apart from the exception detailed in appendix information 3, the same consolidation principles and accounting policies as for the consolidated financial statements of the financial year 2oo6 have been applied to this interim financial report. These are presented in the Group notes of the annual report 2oo6 that can be downloaded from the company's website (www.mlp.de). The taxes on earnings in the period under review are entered based on the tax rates that were published in the last annual report.
The interim financial report has been drawn up in euros (€), the functional currency of MLP AG. Unless the notes state otherwise, all amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand euros (€'ooo). Both single and cumulative figures are values with the smallest rounding difference. As a result, differences to reported total amounts may arise when the individual values are added up.
As of 2007, interest costs from the accrued interest of pension provisions are no longer recorded under the items "Personnel expenses" and "Operating expenses" but under the item "Other interest and similar expenses". The change in the disclosure of these figures means that accrued interests are now stated in accordance with their economic character under finance costs. In the income statement for the first half of 2006, accrued interest of pension provisions amounting to €340 thsd has been reclassified from "Personnel expenses" and €63 thsd from "Operating expenses" to "Other interest and similar expenses". This reclassification had no effect on net profit and earnings per share.
The interim financial report contains the financial statements of MLP AG and those of its controlled companies (subsidiaries) in accordance with IAS 27, in which it holds the majority of voting rights or for which it has control possibilities through other means. Control, within the meaning of IAS 27, exists if there is the possibility to determine the financial and business policy of a company in order to draw benefit from this activity.
In the second quarter of 2oo7, MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG was amalgamated with MLP Bank AG. The merged company will trade under the name MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG.
In the financial year 2007 the name of the subsidiary Mainsee 437.V V Gmbh, Frankfurt am Main was changed to FI Datenservice GmbH in preparation for the sale of the investment fund database business.
Apart from this, there were no changes in the scope of consolidation.
MLP reported the purchase price allocation that was undertaken in the course of the acquisition of Feri Finance AG in the Group financial statements for the financial year 2oo6 based on provisional figures. In the second quarter of 2oo7 new information became available that led to a slight adjustment in the purchase price allocation.
Compared to 31st December 2oo6, the book values of the intangible assets were adjusted from €35,789 thsd to €36,629 thsd. This led to an increase of €314 thsd of deferred tax liabilities. On the other hand, the business or firm value decreased from €118,951 thsd to €118,424 thsd.
Due to the seasonal development of its business, the Group generally expects earnings from continuing operations to be higher in the second half of the year than in the first six months.
The interim financial report as at 30th June 2007 also includes the costs and income generated by the Feri Group which was acquired on 20th October 2oo6. This means that a comparison with the figures of H1 2oo6 or the second quarter of 2oo6 is only possible to a limited extent.
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old-age provisions | 69,282 | 64,489 | 130,155 | 136,768 |
| Health insurance | 9,122 | 15,942 | 34,702 | 30,792 |
| Non-life insurance | 3,643 | 2,992 | 16,603 | 15,067 |
| Loans and mortgages | 3,436 | 3,551 | 7,087 | 6,907 |
| Mutual funds | 2,451 | 3,777 | 5,760 | 6,661 |
| Other income | 816 | 764 | 1,583 | 1,359 |
| Total | 88,749 | 91,514 | 195,891 | 197,553 |
Due to a modified itemisation in the previous year there were minor movements between the sub-items "Old-age provisions", "Loans and mortgages" and "Other income".
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comission income | 12,035 | 11,354 | 23,636 | 22,477 |
| Interest and similar income | 7,826 | 5,812 | 15,108 | 11,285 |
| Change fair value option | 163 | 160 | 202 | 313 |
| Total | 20,024 | 17,326 | 38,946 | 34,075 |
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wealth managment | 5,646 | – | 11,790 | – |
| Income from consulting/fees | 4,076 | – | 7,867 | – |
| Total | 9,722 | – | 19,657 | – |
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comissions paid | –90 | 1,164 | 1,109 | 2,457 |
| Interest and similar expenses | 3,911 | 2,945 | 7,712 | 5,662 |
| Allowances for losses | 771 | 673 | 1,524 | 1,439 |
| Change fair value option | 184 | 120 | 315 | 329 |
| Total | 4,777 | 4,902 | 10,660 | 9,887 |
Personnel expenses rose from €39,544 thsd to €52,898 thsd. This was mainly due to the first-time consolidation of the Feri Group in the fourth quarter of 2oo6 and general salary increases.
As at 3oth June 2oo7, MLP employed a staff of 1,963 (Previous year: 1,631). Of these, 528 (Previous year: 395) are part-time employees.
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| it costs | 8,213 | 9,263 | 15,996 | 19,129 |
| Cost of premises | 5,755 | 5,699 | 11,602 | 11,851 |
| Audit and consultancy costs | 4,757 | 2,617 | 7,498 | 4,712 |
| Communication | 2,027 | 3,257 | 4,167 | 6,057 |
| Allowances for bad debts | 719 | 438 | 2,438 | 543 |
| Training and seminars | 3,965 | 3,393 | 6,341 | 5,441 |
| Expenses for retired sales representatives | 926 | 957 | 2,580 | 2,019 |
| Advertising expenses | 1,907 | 2,300 | 4,080 | 5,350 |
| Representation, entertaiment expenses | 1,440 | 1,603 | 2,810 | 3,158 |
| Office supplies | 954 | 641 | 1,667 | 1,479 |
| Other taxes | 91 | 51 | 171 | 126 |
| Currency translation expenses | 6 | 1 | 30 | 5 |
| Sundry other expenses | 8,272 | 7,314 | 18,416 | 16,391 |
| Total | 39,031 | 37,535 | 77,796 | 76,262 |
The IT costs decreased by €3,133 thsd and communication expenses fell by €1,890 thsd due to optimisation measures in the communication and IT areas.
Allowances for bad debts compare to income from the release of allowances for bad debts amounting to €664 thsd that are shown in other income.
Sundry other expenses mainly comprises banking related expenses, rental of notebooks, insurances, other rents, other personnel costs, travelling costs as well as contributions and fees.
Earnings tax expenses rose from €7,874 thsd to €13,284 thsd due to trade tax refunds recorded in the previous year.
| All figures in €'000 | June 30, 2007 | Dec 31, 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| Receivables from clients | 254,642 | 271,451 |
| Receivables from other financial institutions | 420,085 | 334,932 |
| Total | 674,727 | 606,383 |
The rise in receivables from the banking business from €6o6,383 thsd to €674,727 thsd results from the increase in receivables from other financial institutions, due to investment of funds from the increased deposit business.
| All figures in €'000 | June 30, 2007 | Dec 31, 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| Available for sale | ||
| Investments | 3,304 | 3,222 |
| Securities | 28,761 | 34,763 |
| Held to maturity securities | 15,952 | 11,916 |
| Loans and receivables | ||
| Loans | 1 | 4 |
| Total | 48,018 | 49,905 |
Due to the seasonally strong year end business, high receivables from insurance companies as well as high liabilities towards commercial agents at 31st December 2oo6 were reported that were balanced out in the first quarter of 2oo7. In the second quarter of 2oo7, a lower amount of receivables and liabilities were built up. This explains the lower figure for receivables from insurance companies as well as liabilities towards commercial agents.
This balance sheet item contains assets associated with the disposal of FI Datenservice GmbH. It mainly consists of intangible assets.
The subscribed capital consists of 1o8,8o1,559 (31st December 2oo6: 1o8,781,4o3) no par value common shares. In the financial year 2oo7, 2o,156 new shares were issued through the exercising of rights of conversion. In total, so far 16o,873 new shares have been issued through convertible loan stock.
MLP did not buy back any shares in the period from 1st January 2oo7 to 3oth June 2oo7. In the same period of the previous year 3,934,6oo shares were acquired for the price of €72,496,2o2 thsd. This corresponds to 3.62 % of the share capital existing (at the date of resolution).
Since the beginning of the share buy back program a total of 8,863,1o9 shares have been acquired with an overall value of €148,353 thsd. This corresponds to 8.16 % of the share capital (date of the resolution). The acquired shares correspond to €8,863 thsd of the share capital (date of resolution).
Through a resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting on 31st May 2oo7, MLP AG was granted further authorisation to purchase its own shares in accordance with article 71, section 1 item 8 of the German Stock Corporation Law. Up until 29th November 2oo8 a total of 1o % of the share capital existing at the time of the passing of the resolution (31st May 2oo7) can be bought back.
In accordance with the resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting on 31st May 2oo7, the dividend for the financial year 2oo6 amounted to €o.4o per dividend-entitled individual share. For the financial year 2oo5 MLP AG distributed a regular dividend amounting to €o.3o and an extra dividend of €o.3o.
Within the scope of its restructuring activities, MLP ceased it operative business at the Swiss subsidiary MLP Private Finance AG, Zürich, Switzerland and deconsolidated the company in the last financial year. Back in the financial year 2oo5, MLP Lebensversicherung AG and MLP Versicherung AG were sold. These three companies constitute the discontinued operations.
In line with IFRS 5, discontinued operations are to be disclosed separately from the continuing operations. The income statement of the continuing operations has thus been adjusted by the expenses and income of the discontinued operations, the net result generated by these is shown in a separate line.
| All figures in €'000 | 2nd Quarter 2007 2nd Quarter 2006 1st half year 2007 1st half year 2006 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income from brokerage business | – | 369 | – | 947 |
| Other income | – | 4 | – | 4 |
| Total income | – | 373 | – | 951 |
| Other expenses | – | –370 | – | –1,261 |
| Earnings before interest and tax (ebit) | – | 3 | – | –310 |
| Finance cost | – | –36 | – | –67 |
| Earnings before tax (ebt) | – | –33 | – | –377 |
| Income taxes | – | 12 | – | 10 |
| Operating result from discontinued operations | – | –45 | – | –367 |
| Earnings from the sale of operations | –479 | 830 | –45 | –107 |
| Income taxes | –46 | –342 | –115 | –679 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations | –525 | –462 | –160 | –1,152 |
| Earnings per share in € | ||||
| From discontinued operations | ||||
| basic | 0.00 | 0.00 | –0.00 | –0.01 |
| diluted | 0.00 | 0.00 | –0.00 | –0.01 |
The posted loss in the first half year in the item "Earnings from disposals of operations" is due to an expected purchase price reduction. On the other hand, income from the release of non-utilised accruals and the reduction of liabilities which were recorded in connection with the sale of MLP Lebensversicherung AG in the financial year 2oo5 were taken into account.
Cash and cash equivalents with a term to maturity of not more than three months are recorded under cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are short term financial investments which can be converted into cash at any time and which are only subject to minor value fluctuation risks. The cash and cash equivalents disclosed in the balance sheet have been reduced by €16 thsd (previous year: €2o thsd) which are intended for committed donations or are subject to other restraints.
| All figures in €'000 | June 30, 2007 | June 30, 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | 100,795 | 150,415 |
| Non-current asset held for sale | 1,470 | 1,100 |
| Other investments < 3 months | – | 40,000 |
| Liabilities to banks due on demand | – 606 | – 8 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 101,659 | 191,507 |
Non current assets held for sale contain cash and cash equivalents of €1,47o thsd. The previous year's figure of €1,1oo thsd concerns MLP Private Finance AG, Zürich, Switzerland.
The receivables from financial institutions outside the brokerage business are not incorporated into the cash and cash equivalents as these are allocated to the regular business operations of the Banking business unit (previously MLP Bank AG).
The MLP Group is structured into the following business segments:
The object of the consulting and sales segment consists of consulting services for academics and other discerning clients, particularly with regards to insurance, investments, occupational old-age pension provision schemes and financing as well as the brokerage of contracts concerning these financial services. With 2,622 consultants and a comprehensive scope of services, the Group currently caters to some 7o5,ooo clients in the named segments.
The banking segment includes the administration of financial portfolios, the trustee credit business, loan and credit card business, consulting regarding investment in investment funds as well as the conception and organisational implementation of new financial products for the MLP Group.
Due to the acquisition of the Feri Group in 2oo6, the segment report was expanded to include wealth management. The business operations of this segment cover wealth management and investment consulting.
The main internal services and activities are embraced within the segment of internal services and administration.
As the Group chiefly confines its business activities to Germany (proportion of foreign revenue in the period under review and in the previous year is less than 3 %), a geographic (secondary) breakdown of the segments is not required.
The concluded purchase contract between MLP AG and Clerical Medical International Holdings B.V., Maastricht, Netherlands, concerning the sale of MLP Lebensversicherung AG contains a purchase price adjustment clause for the years 2oo5 to 2oo7, which provides for an increase or a decrease in the purchase price up to a maximum of €15 million if certain conditions arise. The current status leads MLP to anticipate a reduction amounting to €2.6 million (31st December 2oo6: €1.2 million). A corresponding liability has been taken into account.
Beyond this, there were no other significant changes in the contingent liabilities and other obligations during the period under review.
Apart from the change in the Executive Board of MLP AG there were no significant changes compared to 31st December 2oo6.
In July 2oo7, MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG acquired a 49.8 % holding in Interhyp Service GmbH, that will in future trade under the name MLP Hyp GmbH. The company will serve the purpose of handling the joint residential mortgage business of MLP Finanzdienstleistungen AG and Interhyp AG. Business activities are expected to commence at the end of 2oo7 and will result in an investment obligation on the part of MLP until the end of the year amounting to around €1.5 million.
In the course of further concentration on profitable growth markets it is intended to cease operative activities in Great Britain and Spain in the second half year. MLP currently anticipates a loss in the single-digit millions.
Feri Rating & Research GmbH has sold Feri Fund Market Information Ltd. and its database specialist subsidiary FI Datenservice GmbH to Lipper European Media Manager, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reuters. MLP expects a pre-tax sales profit in the low single digit millions.
On 6th July 2oo7 the German Bundesrat (upper house) passed the corporate tax reform law. Due in particular to the reduction in the corporation tax rate from the current 25 % to 15 % from 1st January 2oo8, the MLP Group's tax ratio will decrease with effect from the financial year 2oo8. This requires a revaluation of the domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities of the MLP Group in the third quarter of 2oo7. In view of the overhang of deferred tax liabilities, it is expected that the revaluation will lead to a reduction in tax expenses in the financial year 2oo7.
On 26th July 2oo7 the Executive Board of MLP AG decided, in accordance with article 71 section 1 item 8 of the German Stock Corporation Law, to make use of authorisation by the Annual General Meeting to withdraw the repurchased shares. The withdrawal of the shares is subject to a further decision by the executive board.
There were no further notable events after the balance sheet date which may affect the MLP Group's net assets, financial position or results of operations.
We have reviewed the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, comprising the condensed balance sheet, the condensed income statement, the condensed cash flow statement, the condensed statement of changes in equity and selected explanatory notes, and the interim group management report of MLP AG, Wiesloch for the period from January 1 to June 3o, 2oo7, which are part of the six-monthly financial report pursuant to Sec. 37w WpHG ["Wertpapierhandelsgesetz": German Securities Trading Act] / quarterly financial report pursuant to Sec. 37x (3) WpHG ["Wertpapierhandelsgesetz": German Securities Trading Act]. The preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRSs on interim financial reporting as adopted by the EU and of the group management report in accordance with the requirements of the WpHG ["Wertpapier handelsgesetz": German Securities Trading Act] applicable to interim group management reports is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to issue an attestation on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the interim group management report based on our review.
We conducted our review of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the interim group management report in accordance with German generally accepted standards for the review of financial statements promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer [Institute of Public Auditors in Germany] (IDW). Those standards require that we plan and perform the review to obtain a certain level of assurance in our critical appraisal to preclude that the interim condensed consolidated financial statements have not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IFRSs on interim financial reporting as adopted by the EU and that the interim group management report has not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the WpHG. A review is limited primarily to making inquiries of company personnel and applying analytical procedures and thus does not provide the assurance that we would obtain from an audit of financial statements. In accordance with our engagement, we have not performed an audit and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Based on our review nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim condensed consolidated financial statements have not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IFRSs on interim financial reporting as adopted by the EU and that the interim group management report has not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the provisions of the WpHG applicable to interim group management reports.
Stuttgart, 8th August 2oo7
Ernst & Young AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft
Prof. Dr. Pfitzer Skirk Wirtschaftsprüfer Wirtschaftsprüfer
[German Public Auditor] [German Public Auditor]
To the best of our knowledge, and in accordance with the applicable reporting principles for interim financial reporting, the interim consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group, and the interim management report of the group includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the group, together with a description of the principal opportunities and risks associated with the expected development of the group for the remaining months of the financial year.
Wiesloch, 7th August 2oo7
MLP AG
The Executive Board
Dr. Uwe Schroeder-Wildberg Dr. Wulf Böttger Gerhard Frieg
Dr. Uwe Schroeder-Wildberg (Chief Executive Officer) Dr. Wulf Böttger Gerhard Frieg Nils Frowein (until June 3o, 2oo7)
Supervisory Board Manfred Lautenschläger (Chairman) Gerd Schmitz-Morkramer ( Vice Chairman) Dr. Peter Lütke-Bornefeld Johannes Maret Maria Bähr (Employee Representative) Norbert Kohler (Employee Representative)
September 12-13, 2007 UBS Conference "Best of Germany" New York/USA
September 25-27, 2007 HVB German Conference Munich, Germany
November 07, 2007 Results for the 3rd quarter 2oo7
January 14-16, 2007 Dresdner Kleinwort German Investment Seminar New York/USA
January 21-23, 2008 Cheuvreux 7th German Corporate Conference Frankfurt, Germany
Investor Relations
Tel +49 (o) 6222 • 3o8 • 832o Fax +49 (o) 6222 • 3o8 • 1131 [email protected]
Public Relations
Tel +49 (o) 6222 • 3o8 • 831o Fax +49 (o) 6222 • 3o8 • 1131 [email protected]
MLP AG Alte Heerstraße 40 69168 Wiesloch, Germany Tel +49 (0) 6222 • 308 • 0 Fax +49 (0) 6222 • 308 • 9000 www.mlp.de
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