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The Phoenix Holdings Ltd.

Interim / Quarterly Report Aug 26, 2011

6983_ir_2011-08-26-171900_509c9792-dca7-42fb-a1e9-fe99df7d6621.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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PHOENIX GROUP HOLDINGS

Interim report 2011 FOR THE half year ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

CONTENTS

1. GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT 2
2. GROUP PERFORMANCE
Key performance indicators
Cash generation
MCEV
IFRS operating profit
Group assets under management
Capital management
Risk management
5
5
7
9
12
15
16
19
3. IFRS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
Auditor's review report
Condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes
Additional life company asset disclosures
21
22
23
24
54
4. MCEV SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
Auditor's review report
MCEV interim financial statements and notes
57
58
59
60
5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Shareholder Information
Forward looking statements
73
74
75

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

Introduction GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

The 2011 interim report for Phoenix Group Holdings is my first as Chief Executive Officer. Introduction

Since joining Phoenix in February, I have been able to get to know my colleagues and to develop my understanding of the business and the opportunities open to us as well as the challenges that we face. Our objectives are to further develop and grow both our closed life platform and our asset management business, IGNIS. Success will simultaneously deliver improved outcomes for our customers and generate growing value and returns for our shareholders. The 2011 interim report for Phoenix Group Holdings is my first as Chief Executive Officer. Since joining Phoenix in February, I have been able to get to know my colleagues and to develop my understanding of the business and the opportunities open to us as well as the challenges that we face. Our objectives are to further develop and grow both our closed life platform and our asset management business, IGNIS. Success will simultaneously deliver improved outcomes for our customers and generate

This is a journey, and my team and I are confident both in our capacity to deliver and in the strength of our business model. growing value and returns for our shareholders. This is a journey, and my team and I are confident both in our capacity to deliver and in the strength of our

Performance highlights

The Group set itself stretching objectives at the time of our Annual Results announcement in March and I am pleased to be able to report significant progress on many fronts. I believe that it is a fundamental requirement of any business that it articulates clearly what it intends to do and that it then reports objectively on what it has achieved. Performance highlights The Group set itself stretching objectives at the time of our Annual Results announcement in March and I am pleased to be able to report significant progress on many fronts. I believe that it is a fundamental requirement of any business that it articulates clearly what it intends to do and that it then reports objectively on what it has

Cash generation achieved.

Against a full year cash generation target of £750 million to £850 million, I am pleased to report that £496 million was delivered in the first half of the year. This demonstrates again the cash generative nature of our business and the ability of management action to accelerate cash generation. I am confident that we are on track to deliver within our target range for the full year. Cash generation Against a full year cash generation target of £750 million to £850 million, I am pleased to report that £496 million was delivered in the first half of the year. This demonstrates again the cash generative nature of our business and the ability of management action to accelerate cash generation. I am confident that we are on track to

MCEV deliver within our target range for the full year.

Against a full year target for incremental embedded value growth of £100 million from management actions, we have delivered £69 million. We are confident that we will achieve the remainder of our £100 million objective over the course of the second half of the year. MCEV increased by £125 million before capital movements and dividends to £2.2 billion as at 30 June, representing an annualised return on MCEV¹ of 12%. MCEV Against a full year target for incremental embedded value growth of £100 million from management actions, we have delivered £69 million. We are confident that we will achieve the remainder of our £100 million objective over the course of the second half of the year. MCEV increased by £125 million before capital movements and

Gearing dividends to £2.2 billion as at 30 June, representing an annualised return on MCEV¹ of 12%.

Against a full year target of lowering our gearing ratio to below 50%, I am pleased to say that we have already achieved our objective by reducing gearing to 48%. The ratio is expected to continue to improve through organic cash generation and embedded value management actions. Gearing Against a full year target of lowering our gearing ratio to below 50%, I am pleased to say that we have already achieved our objective by reducing gearing to 48%. The ratio is expected to continue to improve through organic

IGD surplus cash generation and embedded value management actions.

Our financial strength remains robust with IGD surplus estimated at £1.1 billion at 30 June 2011, up from £1.0 billion at the end of December 2010. Headroom above our IGD capital policy is £0.3 billion, an increase of £0.2 billion since 31 December 2010, driven largely by simplifying our business through recapturing internal reinsurance and maximising capital efficiency. IGD surplus Our financial strength remains robust with IGD surplus estimated at £1.1 billion at 30 June 2011, up from £1.0 billion at the end of December 2010. Headroom above our IGD capital policy is £0.3 billion, an increase of £0.2 billion since 31 December 2010, driven largely by simplifying our business through recapturing internal

An important measure for Phoenix is our IGD Excess Capital, which illustrates the combined shareholder and policyholder capital that is available to support commitments to our policyholders. This includes policyholder capital that is not included in the IGD surplus for closed fund groups and certain shareholder capital. IGD Excess Capital was estimated to be £2.9 billion at 30 June 2011(31 December 2010: £2.8 billion). reinsurance and maximising capital efficiency. An important measure for Phoenix is our IGD Excess Capital, which illustrates the combined shareholder and policyholder capital that is available to support commitments to our policyholders. This includes policyholder capital that is not included in the IGD surplus for closed fund groups and certain shareholder capital. IGD

IFRS profits Excess Capital was estimated to be £2.9 billion at 30 June 2011(31 December 2010: £2.8 billion).

In the first half of 2011, we delivered IFRS operating profits of £136 million, compared to £176 million in the first half of 2010. This reflects the impact of one-off positive experience variances that were recognised in the Phoenix Life operating profit in the first half of 2010 and further investment in IGNIS new business development and infrastructure. IFRS profits In the first half of 2011, we delivered IFRS operating profits of £136 million, compared to £176 million in the first half of 2010. This reflects the impact of one-off positive experience variances that were recognised in the Phoenix Life operating profit in the first half of 2010 and further investment in IGNIS new business development

¹ Annualised return on embedded value is calculated as annualised MCEV total comprehensive income after tax as a percentage of the opening MCEV.

Group assets under management

Group assets under management are £68.5 billion, compared to £69.6 billion at 31 December 2010, with investment growth of £1.6 billion and net third party sales of £0.8 billion being offset by the run off of life company assets and transfer of the administration of £1.0 billion of partnership funds to a third party.

Dividend

The Board has declared an interim dividend for the first 6 months of 2011 of 21 pence per share which will be paid on 7 October 2011. The dividend represents 50% of our stated annual dividend policy. We are also offering a scrip dividend option to our investors.

Phoenix Life review

In the first half of the year, Phoenix Life has made strong progress, including:

Fund mergers

In the first half of the year we successfully completed the transfer of the business of Phoenix & London Assurance Limited to Phoenix Life Limited and we have received the necessary assurances from the FSA to commence work on our next phase of fund mergers. This is the bread and butter of our business. In 2008 we had nine UK life companies within Phoenix Life – we now have five. When the current phase of work is complete, which is subject to court approval, we expect to have two main life companies and both will carry the Phoenix Life brand.

Solvency II

Preparations for Solvency II are naturally a high priority and our plans are on track. Although we believe that the introduction of Solvency II could be delayed to 2014, we continue to target full Solvency II readiness by the end of 2012.

Our Internal Model Self Assessment Template has been approved by the FSA and we are on track to meet the Internal Model Application Process date of 1 April 2012.

Customers

While our research shows us that customers consistently score our service as very good we are always aiming to improve. In particular, we are seeking to speed up life assurance claims payments by reducing the paperwork involved. We are also working to simplify letters to customers: in addition to the six million annual statements that we send, we also send twenty thousand responses to customer enquiries each week, so the impact of better communications is substantial.

We have been concentrating on continued improvement in our service and are pleased to have seen complaint volumes fall by over 20%.

IGNIS review

IGNIS is a core element of our business model and we believe that the investment we are making in developing that business will add considerably to shareholder value. In the first half of 2011 we have made further additions in investment management, distribution and infrastructure to support improved performance and future growth in assets under management. IGNIS IFRS operating profits for the first half of 2011 were £18 million compared to £22 million in the first half of 2010.

In 2010 a greater performance fee element was introduced to the Investment Management Agreements between Phoenix Life and IGNIS, and the resulting fees will mainly be recognised in the second half of the calendar year. We remain confident in the ability of IGNIS to deliver strong performance and that this will be a driver for profit growth in the future.

IGNIS assets under management, advice and administration as at 30 June 2011, excluding stock lending collateral of £9.5 billion (31 December 2010: £9.2 billion), amounted to £67.2 billion compared to £68.9 billion at 31 December 2010.

Net new third party business in the first half amounted to £0.8 billion, in line with the first half of 2010, reflecting strong sales of liquidity and real estate products as well as a further £0.4 billion mandate from the PGL Pension Scheme.

Business model and strategy

Over the last six months, I have had the opportunity to review our business model and strategy with my colleagues and with the Board. Our business model, integrating our specialist closed life fund expertise with in-house asset management capability is both attractive and powerful. Our strategy is characterised by outsourcing to maintain a sustainable cost base as the existing life books run off; growing our asset management strength and scale; and maximising the synergies of operating a large number of closed life funds. As such, the implementation of our strategy will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Banks

We continue to explore options with our lenders regarding the best structure and timing for the restructuring of our banking facilities. Our objective is to re-finance our debt so as to extend the maturity profile and to improve the flexibility of our debt financing. As a part of that process we will continue to reduce balance sheet gearing through repayments of capital from the Group's organic cash flows.

Acquisitions

We continue to see opportunity for growth through acquisition in the UK market place for many years to come. However, for the moment, our focus is on managing our existing business to deliver the actions which will meet the embedded value and cash flow targets that we have set.

Outlook

Market

We have made good progress in the first half of the year and we are on track to deliver the targets we set for 2011. Economic conditions remain uncertain but we are confident in our business model and strategy to deliver value to all our stakeholders.

Whilst recent market volatility has been extreme, the Group's cash flow and IGD positions have remained resilient as a result of the effective and careful management of risk and market exposure within our business.

Business Platform

We will make further progress in the development of a low cost platform for the operation of closed life funds. This will deliver better service and better returns to policyholders, accelerate cash flows and enhance MCEV. We will continue to invest in the development of IGNIS, to ensure that we generate risk optimised returns for both policyholder and shareholder funds.

Targets

  • I am confident that we will achieve operating cash flows within our target range of £750 million to £850 million.
  • I am confident that we will meet our £100 million target for incremental embedded value growth from management actions.
  • We have achieved our full year target to bring gearing down to below 50%, and we will continue to reduce our borrowings over the course of the year.

We look forward to reporting on further strong progress at the time of our Q3 Interim Management Statement in November.

Clive Bannister Group Chief Executive 24 August 2011

GROUP PERFORMANCE

Key performance indicators

Operating companies' cash generation £496 million (HY10: £335 million)

Cash generation has remained strong in the period at £496 million demonstrating the strength of the Group's business model. Management actions have generated cash flows of £197 million and the Group is on track to meet its full year cash generation target of £750 million to £850 million for 2011.

The Phoenix Life free surplus was £468 million at 30 June 2011, despite cash distributions of £481 million to the Holding Companies, due to free surplus generation of £199 million in the period.

Group MCEV £2,203 million (31 December 2010: £2,104 million)

Group MCEV increased by £99 million to £2,203 million at 30 June 2011, primarily due to management actions of £69 million. The Group is on track to achieve the £31 million remaining of its 2011 management actions target.

Group IFRS operating profit £136 million (HY10: £176 million)

Group IFRS operating profit was £136 million. Phoenix Life's operating profit was lower at £152 million (HY10: £182 million) due to lower margins and the non-recurrence of positive experience variances recognised in 2010.

Asset management IFRS operating profit £18 million (HY10: £22 million)

IGNIS's IFRS operating profit of £18 million was down £4 million on HY10, and reflects the costs of investment in new business development, partly offset by an increase in fees earned on managing stock lending collateral and growth in third party revenues.

Group assets under management £68.5 billion (31 December 2010: £69.6 billion)

Group assets under management reduced by £1.1 billion following the transfer of £1.0 billion of assets in respect of the HEXAM partnership from IGNIS's administration and the run off of the closed life funds partly offset by net third party sales of £0.8 billion and positive market movements.

The definition of Group assets under management now includes life company funds managed by third parties and Holding Company cash. Of the Group assets under management, IGNIS manages or administers £52.8 billion of internal funds (31 December 2010: £53.8 billion), and £7.4 billion of external funds (31 December 2010: £7.5 billion) and provides advice on £7.0 billion of internal funds (31 December 2010: £7.6 billion).

The estimated IGD surplus has increased to £1.1 billion with capital generation of £0.3 billion offsetting dividend and debt financing costs and repayments of £0.2 billion. Headroom over the Group's capital policy has increased to £0.3 billion (31 December 2010: £0.1 billion).

The IGD surplus remains relatively insensitive to market movements.

IGD capital surplus (estimated) £1.1 billion (31 December 2010: £1.0 billion)

The estimated IGD Excess Capital remains robust at £2.9 billion. IGD Excess Capital includes the total capital available to the Group (both policyholder and shareholder) in excess of capital requirements.

Gearing has reduced by 4% to 48% driven by debt repayments, strong cash generation and an increase in the MCEV. The Group has already met its target of reducing gearing to below 50% by the end of 2011 and the ratio is expected to continue to decline through organic cash generation and embedded value management actions.

Interim dividend per share 21 pence per share (HY10: 21 pence per share)

Proposed interim dividend per share of 21 pence*. A scrip dividend option will be available to shareholders for the interim dividend.

* Subject to compliance with the processes set out in the Group's main credit facilities.

IGD Excess Capital (estimated) £2.9 billion (31 December 2010: £2.8 billion)

Gearing ratio £48% (31 December 2010: 52%)

Cash generation

Holding Companies' cash flows

The Group's closed life funds provide predictable fund maturity and liability profiles, creating stable long-term cash flows for distribution to owners and for repayment of outstanding debt. Although investment returns are less predictable, some of this risk is borne by policyholders.

The following analysis of cash flows reflects the cash paid by the operating subsidiaries to the Group's Holding Companies, as well as the uses of these cash receipts.

Half year ended Half year ended
30 June 2011 30 June 2010
Holding Companies' cash flows £m £m
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 486 202
Cash receipts1 496 335
Uses of cash
Recurring cash outflows
Other operating expenses (28) (15)
Pension scheme contributions (5) (3)
Debt interest (77) (76)
Total recurring cash outflows (110) (94)
Non-recurring cash outflows (15) (59)
Uses of cash before debt repayments and shareholder dividend (125) (153)
Debt repayment (108) (22)
Shareholder dividend (29) (20)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period2 720 342

1 Includes amounts received by the Holding Companies in respect of Group relief.

2 Closing balance at 30 June 2011 includes required prudential cash buffer of £150 million (30 June 2010: £150 million).

Cash receipts

Cash remitted by Phoenix Life increased by £155 million to £481 million (HY10: £326 million) reflecting the benefit of management actions and strong free surplus generation. Cash flows from management actions of £197 million (HY10: £30 million) primarily related to the restructuring of a portfolio of corporate loans and other derisking activities. IGNIS remitted cash of £15 million, up from £9 million in the first half of 2010.

Phoenix Life free surplus

The generation of free surplus, net of movements in required capital, underpins the cash remittances from Phoenix Life. The table below analyses the movement in free surplus of Phoenix Life which represents the life companies' free surplusi plus the IFRS net assets of the management service companies, these being available for distribution to the Holding Companies.

Half year ended
30 June 2011
Half year ended
30 June 2010
Phoenix Life free surplus movement £m £m
Opening free surplus 750 464
Cash distributed to Holding Companies (481) (326)
IFRS operating profit (net of tax) 141 180
IFRS investment variances and non-recurring items 54 160
Movements in capital requirement and policy 79 160
Valuation differences and other1 (75) (43)
Closing free surplus 468 595

1 Includes differences between IFRS valuation of assets and liabilities and valuation for capital purposes.

i The life companies' free surplus is the excess of the net worth over the required capital reflected in the MCEV and represents capital in excess of what is required under the life companies' capital policies.

Uses of cash

Recurring cash outflows

Operating expenses of £28 million (HY10: £15 million) increased primarily due to the reallocation of corporate costs from the operating companies to Group. The remaining recurring cash outflows were in line with the 2010 half year results. Pension scheme contributions under existing agreements are mainly paid in the second half of the year.

Non-recurring cash outflows

Non-recurring cash outflows of £15 million were significantly lower than the first half of 2010 (HY10: £59 million) reflecting reduced investment in the Group's transformation programmes with its outsourcers which are nearing completion and the non-recurrence of certain costs related to the Group's Premium Listing in 2010.

Debt repayments and shareholder dividend

A £21 million voluntary debt prepayment and scheduled repayments of £87 millioni in respect of the Group's main credit facilities were made in the first half of 2011.

The shareholder dividend paid, net of scrip of £7 million, was £29 million.

i This includes £1 million paid to Pearl Assurance Limited, a subsidiary undertaking. Pearl Assurance Limited is a lender under the Pearl facility.

MCEV

Group MCEV earningsi

The Group generated MCEV operating earnings after tax of £153 million for the period, a decrease of £63 million on 2010.

Half year ended
30 June 2011
£m
Half year ended
30 June 2010
£m
Life MCEV operating earnings1 229 304
Management services operating profit 10 7
IGNIS Asset Management operating profit 18 22
Group costs (48) (33)
Group MCEV operating earnings before tax 209 300
Tax charge on operating earnings (56) (84)
Group MCEV operating earnings after tax 153 216
Economic variances on covered2
business
(5) 106
Economic variances on non-covered business (5) (14)
Other non-operating variances on covered business (1) 12
Non-recurring items on non-covered business 18 (34)
Finance costs attributable to owners (75) (81)
Tax on non-operating earnings 27 (13)
Group MCEV earnings after tax 112 192

1 Life MCEV operating earnings are derived on an after tax basis. For presentational purposes Life MCEV operating earnings before tax have been calculated by grossing up the after tax Life MCEV operating earnings. Life MCEV operating earnings before tax of £229 million (HY10: £304 million) are therefore calculated as £168 million operating earnings (HY10: £219 million) grossed up for tax at 26.5% (HY10: 28%).

2 Covered business includes all long-term insurance business written by the Group, but excludes the asset management and management service businesses.

Life MCEV operating earnings after tax

Other than vesting annuities and increments to existing policies, the Group's life division is closed to new business. The principal underlying components of the life MCEV operating earnings are therefore the expected existing business contribution together with non-economic experience variances and assumption changes.

Half year ended Half year ended
30 June 2011 30 June 2010
£m £m
New business value 8 11
Expected existing business contribution 129 150
Non-economic experience variances and assumption changes
Experience variances 24 74
Assumption changes (12)
Other operating variances 7 (4)
Total non-economic experience variances and assumption changes 31 58
Life MCEV operating earnings after tax 168 219

i The Phoenix Group Market Consistent Embedded Value methodology (referred to herein and in the supplementary information as MCEV) is set out in note 1 to the supplementary information. The asset management and management services businesses are included in the Group MCEV at the value of IFRS net assets. The Group MCEV does not include the future earnings from their business.

New business value generated from vesting annuities during the period was £8 million after tax. New business value represents the value of vesting pension policies not reflected in the opening MCEV. These arise from pension policies which have no attaching annuity guarantees. The new business margini was 5% after tax (HY10: 5%).

The Group uses long-term investment returns in calculating the expected existing business contribution. The expected contribution of £129 million after tax is £21 million lower than in 2010, primarily due to a decrease in the long-term risk-free rate and a lower opening MCEV for covered business.

The life division's non-economic experience variances increased the MCEV by £24 million after tax in the period, the main drivers being the resolution of legacy tax issues and positive longevity experience. Other operating variances of £7 million after tax primarily relate to modelling improvements. There were no significant assumption changes at the half year. Positive non-economic experience variances and assumption changes in 2010 largely related to tax optimisation benefits and back book management including data cleansing projects.

Management services and IGNIS Asset Management operating profit

Commentary on the management services and IGNIS Asset Management operating profit is provided in the IFRS operating profit section.

Group costs

Costs relating to Group functions and project spend amounted to £24 million before tax (HY10: £16 million). The balance of the charge in both periods relates primarily to the pension schemes and is different to IFRS as the MCEV does not recognise pension schemes in surplus. The increase in Group costs primarily reflects the reallocation of certain corporate costs from the operating companies to Group.

Economic variances

Negative economic variances on covered business of £5 million before tax primarily relate to the difference between actual short-term returns and the long-term investment return assumption used to determine operating earnings, partly offset by the positive impact of favourable equity markets, yields and tightening credit spreads. The 2010 result benefited from strong returns on investments in hedge funds and movements in the risk-free rate.

Negative economic variances on non-covered business of £5 million before tax largely relate to fair value losses on interest rate swaps held in the Holding Companies.

Other non-operating variances on covered business

Other non-operating variances on covered business of negative £1 million before tax primarily relate to restructuring costs incurred by the life companies.

Non-recurring items on non-covered business

Overall non-recurring items on non-covered business increased embedded value by £18 million before tax. Non-recurring items include restructuring costs of £14 million (HY10: £32 million) and regulatory change and systems transformation costs of £7 million (HY10: £nil). These costs are offset by a gain of £4 million arising from closing the Pearl Group Staff Pension Scheme to future accrual and a £35 million recovery of historic costs under the Management Services Agreements with the life division.

Finance costs attributable to owners

Finance costs attributable to owners comprise:

Half year ended
30 June 2011
£m
Half year ended
30 June 2010
£m
Debt finance costs1 48 48
Other (including Tier 1 coupon) 27 33
75 81

1 Finance costs in respect of bank debt (and associated swap interest).

i Ratio of the net of tax new business value to the amount received as new single premiums.

Group MCEV

The Group MCEV increased by £99 million over the period to £2,203 million at 30 June 2011 as shown below.

Movement in Group MCEV Half year ended
30 June 2011
£m
Half year ended
30 June 2010
£m
Group MCEV at 1 January 2,104 1,827
Group MCEV earnings after tax 112 192
Other comprehensive income
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension scheme 13 (45)
Capital and dividend flows (26) (12)
Group MCEV at 30 June 2,203 1,962

Capital and dividend flows mainly comprise net external dividend payments by Phoenix Group Holdings of £29 million.

IFRS operating profit

The Group has delivered a strong performance, generating an IFRS operating profit of £136 million for the period (HY10: £176 million).

Half year ended Half year ended
30 June 2011
£m
30 June 2010
£m
IFRS operating profit
Phoenix Life 152 182
IGNIS Asset Management 18 22
Group costs (34) (28)
Operating profit before adjusting items 136 176
Investment return variances and economic assumption changes on
long-term business 47 128
Variance on owners' funds (3) 28
Amortisation of acquired in-force business and other intangibles (69) (73)
Non-recurring items 13 (19)
Profit before finance costs attributable to owners 124 240
Finance costs attributable to owners (55) (60)
Profit before the tax attributable to owners 69 180
Tax credit attributable to owners 39 27
Profit for the period attributable to owners 108 207

Phoenix Life

Operating profit for Phoenix Life is based on expected investment returns on financial investments backing owners' and policyholder funds over the reporting period, with consistent allowance for the corresponding expected movements in liabilities. The principal assumptions underlying the calculation of the longer term investment return are set out in note 3 to the IFRS condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

Operating profit includes the effect of variances in experience for non-economic items, such as mortality and persistency, and the effect of changes in non-economic assumptions. Changes due to economic items, for example market value movements and interest rate changes which give rise to variances between actual and expected investment returns, and the impact of changes in economic assumptions on liabilities, are accounted for outside of operating profit. Phoenix Life operating profit is net of policyholder finance charges and policyholder tax.

Half year ended
30 June 2011
£m
Half year ended
30 June 2010
£m
With-profit 27 27
With-profit where internal capital support provided 30
Non-profit and unit-linked 68 127
Longer-term return on owners' funds 17 21
Management services 10 7
Phoenix Life operating profit before tax 152 182

The with-profit operating profit of £27 million represents the shareholders' one-ninth share of the policyholder bonuses and was in line with the comparative period.

The operating profit for with-profit funds where internal capital support has been provided primarily reflects the benefit of modelling improvements of £21 million.

The operating profit for non-profit and unit-linked funds was impacted by negative experience variances of £15 million compared to positive experience variances of £21 million in the first half of 2010 which included the benefit of management actions, for example, data cleansing projects. Recurring margins reduced by £11 million following model enhancements.

The longer-term return on owners' funds of £17 million reflects the asset mix of owners' funds, primarily cash based assets and fixed interest securities. The investment policy for managing these funds remains prudent.

The operating profit for the management services companies comprises income from the life companies in accordance with the respective management services agreements less fees related to the outsourcing of services and other operating costs. The current period operating profit of £10 million was up from £7 million in the first half of 2010 reflecting the reallocation of certain functional costs to Group.

IGNIS Asset Management

The operating profit of the asset management business was impacted by the costs of investment in new business development. The reduction in profit was partly offset by an increase in fees earned on managing stock lending collateral and growth in third party revenues.

Half year ended Half year ended
30 June 2011 30 June 2010
£m £m
Third party (including Group pension schemes)1 16 15
Life fund revenue2 50 49
Total revenues 66 64
Total expenses (48) (42)
IGNIS Asset Management operating profit before tax 18 22

1 Includes performance fees of £1 million (HY10: £nil).

2 Includes performance fees of £8 million (HY10: £10 million).

The increase in expenses reflects investment in additional asset management capability together with the infrastructure to support Ignis's expansion plans. This includes new premises in London, building out of support functions and investing in the system architecture.

Revised fee arrangements with Phoenix Life, implemented in the second half of 2010, reduced the base fee earned by IGNIS in exchange for the potential for greater performance fees. These performance fees will mainly be recognised at the end of the calendar year.

Group costs

Costs relating to Group functions and project spend amounted to £24 million (HY10: £16 million). The balance of the charge in both periods relates primarily to the pension schemes. The increase in Group costs primarily reflects the reallocation of certain corporate costs from the operating companies to Group.

Adjusting items

Overall, the life companies had favourable investment return variances and economic assumption changes of £47 million in the period, primarily driven by better than expected returns on property and tightening credit spreads. The 2010 half year results benefited from strong returns on hedge funds and property investments.

The unfavourable variance on owners' funds of £3 million primarily relates to losses on interest rate and credit default swaps.

Acquired in-force business and other intangibles of £2.7 billion were recognised on the acquisition of the operating companies in 2009. The acquired in-force business is being amortised in line with the run off of the life companies. Amortisation of acquired in-force business during the period totalled £60 million (HY10: £64 million). Amortisation of other intangible assets totalled £9 million in the period (HY10: £9 million).

Non-recurring items include restructuring costs of £21 million (HY10: £39 million) and regulatory change and systems transformation costs of £7 million (HY10: £13 million). These costs were offset by a gain of £10 million arising from closing the Group's pension schemes to future accrual and a £35 million recovery of historic costs under the Management Services Agreements with the life division. Non-recurring items in the first half of 2010 included a £29 million gain on the near finalisation in 2009 of asset shares related to a guaranteed annuity compromise scheme.

Finance costs attributable to owners

Finance costs attributable to owners comprise:

Half year ended
30 June 2011
Half year ended
30 June 2010
£m £m
Debt finance costs1 48 49
Other finance costs 7 11
Finance costs attributable to owners 55 60

1 Finance costs in respect of bank debt (and associated swap interest).

Tax credit attributable to owners

The Company is exempt from tax in the Cayman Islands on any profits, income, gains or appreciations for a period of 30 years from 11 May 2010.

With effect from the acquisition of the operating subsidiaries in the third quarter of 2009 the Company has been managed and controlled from Jersey, where its permanent office premises are located. As a Jersey resident holding company the Company is subject to a zero percent tax rate on its income. Consequently tax charged in these accounts primarily represents UK tax on profits earned in the UK, where the principal operating companies, excluding Opal Re, have their centre of operations.

The Group tax credit for the year attributable to owners is £39 million despite profits (after policyholder tax) of £69 million. This primarily reflects the benefit of a decrease of £20 million in deferred tax liabilities as a result of the ongoing reduction in UK corporation tax rates and a £30 million benefit from the resolution of legacy tax issues.

Group assets under management

Group assets under management represent all assets actively managed or administered by or on behalf of the Group including life companies' funds managed by third parties. It includes Holding Company cash and cash equivalents but excludes stock lending collateral.

Group assets under Life and
Holding
Companies
Third party Total Group
assets under
management
Stock
lending
collateral2
Total including
stock lending
collateral
management £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
As at 1 January 2011 62.1 7.5 69.6 9.2 78.8
Inflows 1.3 1.3 0.3 1.6
Outflows (2.1) (0.5) (2.6) (2.6)
Market movements 1.4 0.2 1.6 1.6
Other1 (0.3) (1.1) (1.4) (1.4)
As at 30 June 2011 61.1 7.4 68.5 9.5 78.0

1 Includes the transfer of £1.0 billion of assets in respect of the Hexham partnership following its restructuring in 2010.

2 Stock lending collateral managed by IGNIS on behalf of the life companies.

Life and Holding Companies' assets decreased by £1.0 billion to £61.1 billion in the first half of the year as the run off of the closed life business of £2.1 billion offset positive market movements of £1.4 billion. Of the life and Holding Companies' assets under management of £61.1 billion (31 December 2010: £62.1 billion), IGNIS manages £52.5 billion (31 December 2010: £53.5 billion) and administers £0.3 billion (31 December 2010: £0.3 billion). IGNIS provides oversight and advice services on £7.0 billion (31 December 2010: £7.6 billion) of life company assets managed by third parties.

Third-party (including Group pension schemes) net inflows were £0.8 billion in the period mainly reflecting strong sales of real estate and liquidity funds and a £0.4 billion new Rates Liability Driven Investing (LDI) mandate from the PGL Pension Scheme.

Capital management

The Group has continued to focus on capital and gearing during the period. The IGD headroom over capital policy has increased by £0.2 billion to £0.3 billion and the gearing ratio has reduced to 48% as at 30 June 2011.

Regulatory capital requirements

Each UK life company must retain sufficient capital at all times to meet the regulatory capital requirements mandated by the FSA. These measures are aggregated under the European Union Insurance Groups' Directive (IGD) to calculate regulatory capital adequacy at a group level.

The Group's IGD assessment is made at the level of the highest EEA level insurance group holding company, which is Phoenix Life Holdings Limited ('PLHL'), a subsidiary of Phoenix Group Holdings.

The estimated IGD surplus has increased by £0.1 billion to £1.1 billion at 30 June 2011. The components of the estimated IGD calculation are shown below:

30 June 2011 31 December 2010
£bn £bn
Group capital resources ('GCR') 5.5 5.3
Group capital resource requirement ('GCRR') (4.4) (4.3)
IGD surplus (estimated) 1.1 1.0

The key drivers of the movement in the IGD surplus are:

  • Management actions to optimise the IGD surplus which delivered a benefit of £0.3 billion. This largely relates to the transfer of the Phoenix & London Assurance Limited business into Phoenix Life Limited (effective from 1 January 2011) and the recapture of an internal reinsurance arrangement; offset by
  • Dividend payments and debt financing and repayments of £0.2 billion.

The Group's capital policy, which is agreed with the FSA, is to maintain GCR at the PLHL level of:

  • 105% of the with-profit insurance component ('WPICC'), being an additional capital requirement in respect of with-profit funds; plus
  • 145% of the GCRR less the WPICC.

The headroom over the policy is £0.3 billion (31 December 2010: £0.1 billion).

IGD Excess Capital

IGD Excess Capital represents a more realistic measure of the capital strength of the Group as it includes policyholder and certain shareholder capital which is currently excluded under FSA rules from the PLHL IGD surplus calculation. This capital provides the Group with financial flexibility and is available to protect policyholders and shareholders from adverse events as demonstrated by the insensitive nature of the IGD surplus to market stresses.

The excluded capital relates to:

  • The surplus estate of the with-profit funds which is treated as a policyholder liability for IGD purposes due to the closed fund nature of the business; and
  • Restricted assets which mainly relate to assets excluded from the IGD calculation due to the corporate structure of the PLHL Group.

At 30 June 2011 the estimated IGD Excess Capital was £2.9 billion (31 December 2010: £2.8 billion) as shown below:

30 June 2011 31 December 2010
£bn £bn
IGD Excess Capital 2.9 2.8
Restricted assets (0.4) (0.4)
Excess policyholder capital (1.4) (1.4)
IGD surplus (estimated) 1.1 1.0

Sensitivity analysis

As part of the Group's internal risk management processes the estimated IGD surplus is tested against a number of financial and non-financial scenarios to ensure it remains in excess of the Group's target in a range of reasonably foreseeable circumstances. The results of that stress testing are provided below:

Sensitivity analysis IGD surplus
30 June 2011
£bn
IGD
headroom
30 June 2011
£bn
IGD Excess
Capital
30 June 2011
£bn
Estimated 30 June 2011 position 1.1 0.3 2.9
Estimated position following a 20% fall in equity markets 1.1 0.3 2.5
Estimated position following a 15% fall in property values 1.1 0.3 2.7
Estimated position following a 75 bps parallel increase in yields 1.1 0.3 2.9
Estimated position following a 75 bps parallel decrease in yields 1.1 0.2 2.9
Estimated position following credit spread widening1
Estimated position following a combined 25% fall in equity
markets, 20% fall in property, 75 bps increase in yields and
1.1 0.3 2.8
credit spreads widening1 1.0 0.3 2.0

1 10 year term: AAA – 52bps, AA – 72bps, A – 104bps, BBB – 152bps.

The IGD Excess Capital is more sensitive to market movements than the IGD surplus and headroom because it includes excess policyholder capital in the non-supported with-profit funds which hold more equities, property and non-duration matched credit than other funds. This policyholder capital is restricted in the IGD surplus and headroom.

Solvency II

The Group has a well established Solvency II programme and has continued to progress development towards meeting the Solvency II requirements. 2011 is a key year in the development of Solvency II with the European Commission consulting on the Level 3 guidance and Level 2 implementing measures expected later in the year. The Group remains actively engaged in supporting the development of Solvency II through industry consultation and participation in FSA and ABI industry forums. Both the European Council and the European Parliament have proposals to amend the timescales for the implementation of Solvency II and there appears to be growing political momentum towards delaying full implementation until 1 January 2014. At the present time however, there is no certainty that this will happen and the Group continues to plan for implementation on 1 January 2013.

The Group remains on track to deliver an approved partial Group internal model and has been accepted into the FSA internal model pre-application process following the submission of the pre-application process qualifying criteria template in 2010. In respect of the resources the FSA will devote to the pre-application process it has stated that it will concentrate on a small population of firms representing a significant market share and which it regards as having the highest potential impact on its objectives. The Group is included in this category and remains in continuous and constructive dialogue with the FSA.

The Group's actuarial IT systems transformation project will deliver a single actuarial modelling platform across the business, transforming modelling capability and efficiency and underpinning development of the Solvency II internal model and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment.

Shareholder debt

In managing capital the Group seeks to achieve an optimal level of debt in its balance sheet. The Group's closed book business model allows it to operate with higher leverage than life companies that are still writing new business, as it does not need to fund upfront capital requirements and new business acquisition expenses.

The Group has net shareholder debt of £2,391 million (31 December 2010: £2,733 million) as shown below. The gearing ratioi is 48% (31 December 2010: 52%).

30 June 2011 31 December 2010
Shareholder debt (including hybrid debt) £m £m
Bank debt at face value
Pearl facility 400 425
Pearl loan notes 77 76
Impala facility 2,055 2,138
Royal London PIK notes and facility 109 106
Tier 1 Bonds at market value 304 304
PLL subordinated debt at market value 166 170
Shareholder debt (including hybrid debt)1 3,111 3,219
Holding Company cash and cash equivalents (720) (486)
Net shareholder debt 2,391 2,733

1 The unsecured loan notes of £9 million (31 December 2010: £12 million) are excluded from this shareholder debt analysis as their repayment will be funded from an escrow account which is not included in the total for Holding Company cash and cash equivalents.

Further detail on shareholder debt is included in note 11 to the IFRS condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

The Group intends to improve operational and financial flexibility through a targeted reduction in the gearing ratio and has already achieved its target of reducing gearing to below 50 percent by the end of 2011.

i Net shareholder debt as a percentage of the sum of Group MCEV, net shareholder debt and the present value of future profits ('PVFP') of IGNIS. The PVFP of IGNIS at 30 June 2011 was £0.4 billion (31 December 2010: £0.4 billion).

Risk management

Risk management is a core component of the Group's strategic agenda. The Board seeks to ensure that the Group identifies and manages all risks accordingly; to either create additional value for its stakeholders or to mitigate any potentially adverse effects. The Group has continued to strengthen its risk culture and further develop its risk framework during the first half of 2011, which has included the refresh of the Group's Policies and the implementation of risk appetite targets for individual risk classes and capacity reporting.

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group have not changed significantly over the first half of the year and remain the principal risks and uncertainties as described on page 47 in the 2010 Annual Report and Accounts and are detailed below:

Risk Impact Mitigation
In times of extreme
market turbulence,
the Group may not
have sufficient
liquid assets to
meet its payment
obligations or may
suffer a loss
in value.
The Group has ongoing obligations to meet
payments to creditors which are funded by the
release of capital and profits from the underlying
operating companies. The emerging cash flows of
the Group may be impacted during periods of
extreme market turbulence by the need to maintain
appropriate levels of regulatory capital. The impact
of market turbulence may also result in a material
adverse impact on the Group's embedded value,
financial condition and prospects.
The Group undertakes regular
monitoring activities in relation to
market risk exposure, including
the monitoring of asset mixes,
cash flow forecasting and stress
and scenario testing. In response
to this, the Group may implement
de-risking strategies to mitigate
against unwanted outcomes.
The Group also maintains cash
buffers at the holding company
level to reduce reliance on
emerging cash flows.
The potential
limitation on
distributions
from the Group's
FSA regulated
companies may
impair the ability
of the Group to
service its
mandatory
commitments or
make discretionary
payments.
The Group has ongoing principal repayment and
interest obligations to two banking syndicates. In
the event that transfers from the Group's insurance
and investment management subsidiaries are
limited by any law, regulatory action or change in
established approach, this may impair the Group's
ability to service these obligations.
The implementation of directives and other
legislative changes such as Solvency II could have
this effect and may therefore have a material
adverse effect on the Group's results, financial
condition and cash flows, including the exercise by
the external finance providers of their security
rights over Group companies.
The Group puts considerable
efforts into managing
relationships with our regulators
so that we are able to maintain a
forward view regarding potential
changes in the regulatory
landscape. The Group assesses
the risks of regulatory change
and their impact on our
operations and lobbies where
appropriate.
Significant
counterparty
failure.
The Phoenix Life segment is exposed to
deterioration in the actual or perceived
creditworthiness or default of issuers of relevant
debt securities or from trading counterparties
failing to meet all or part of their obligations, such
as reinsurers failing to meet obligations assumed
under reinsurance arrangements or derivative
counterparties or stock-borrowers failing to pay
as required. Assets held to meet obligations to
policyholders include debt securities. An increase
in credit spreads on such securities, particularly
if it is accompanied by a higher level of actual or
expected issuer defaults, could have a material
adverse impact on the Group's financial condition.
The Group regularly monitors
its counterparty exposure and
has specific limits relating to
counterparty credit rating.
Where possible, exposures are
diversified through the use of a
range of counterparty providers.
All reassurance and derivative
positions are appropriately
collateralised and guaranteed.
Risk Impact Mitigation
Adverse changes
in experience
versus actuarial
assumptions.
The Group has liabilities under annuities and other
policies that are sensitive to future longevity and
mortality rates. Changes in assumptions may lead
to changes in the assessed level of liabilities to
policyholders. The amount of additional capital
required to meet those liabilities could have a
material adverse impact on the Group's embedded
value, results, financial condition and prospects.
The Group undertakes regular
reviews of experience and
annuitant survival checks
to identify any variances
in assumptions.
Competition and
the ability to
finance acquisitions
may make it
difficult for the
Group to grow.
There are other closed fund consolidators as
well as a number of other potential purchasers.
Our current focus on managing our existing
business may result in missed opportunities.
Moreover, the Group may face difficulties in
obtaining additional third party financing for
any acquisitions.
The Group maintains an ongoing
dialogue with potential vendors.

IFRS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  • Statement of Directors' responsibilities
  • Auditor's review report
  • Condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes
  • Additional life company asset disclosures

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

Board Responsibility Statement pursuant to section 5:25d(2)(c) of the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act.

The Board of Directors of Phoenix Group Holdings hereby declares that, to the best of its knowledge:

    1. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the half year ended 30 June 2011, which have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and results of Phoenix Group Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole;
    1. The Interim Report includes a fair review of the state of affairs of Phoenix Group Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries as at 30 June 2011 and for the financial half year to which the Interim Report and Accounts relate. This includes a description of the important events that occurred during the first half of the year and refers to the principal risks and uncertainties facing Phoenix Group Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries for the remaining six months of the year; and
    1. The Interim Report includes a fair review of the information required on material transactions with related parties.

Clive Bannister Jonathan Yates

St Helier 24 August 2011

Group Chief Executive Group Finance Director

To: The Board of Directors of Phoenix Group Holdings

Auditor's review report

Introduction

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial information for the six month period ended 30 June 2011, of Phoenix Group Holdings, Cayman Islands, as set out on the pages 24 to 31, which comprises the condensed consolidated income statement, the condensed statement of consolidated comprehensive income, the pro forma reconciliation of group operating profit to profit attributable to owners, the condensed statement of consolidated financial position, the condensed statement of consolidated cash flows, the condensed statement of consolidated changes in equity and the related notes on pages 32 to 53 for the half year period then ended. The directors are responsible for the preparation and presentation of this condensed consolidated interim financial information in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim financial information based on our review.

Scope

We conducted our review in accordance with Dutch law including standard 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity". A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with Dutch auditing standards and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial information as at 30 June 2011 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34, as adopted by the European Union.

The Hague, 24 August 2011

Ernst & Young Accountants LLP was signed by S.B. Spiessens

Condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes

Condensed consolidated income statement

for the half year ended 30 June 2011

Half year Half year Year
ended ended ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
Notes £m £m £m
Gross premiums written 710 808 1,534
Less: premiums ceded to reinsurers (42) (44) (85)
Net premiums written 668 764 1,449
Fees
Net investment income
86 118
1,991
162
5,907
1,519
Total revenue, net of reinsurance payable
Other operating income
2,273 2,873
8
7,518
25
6
Net income 2,279 2,881 7,543
Policyholder claims (2,514) (2,745) (5,260)
Less: reinsurance recoveries
Change in insurance contract liabilities
104 91
177
210
(252)
Change in reinsurers' share of insurance contract 997
liabilities (57) 106 89
Transfer (to)/from unallocated surplus (29) 6 (143)
Net policyholder claims and benefits incurred (1,499) (2,365) (5,356)
Change in investment contract liabilities (144) 244 (964)
Acquisition costs (7) (7) (12)
Change in present value of future profits (6) 7
Amortisation of acquired in-force business (67) (74) (147)
Amortisation of customer relationships (9) (9) (18)
Administrative expenses (323) (345) (676)
Net income attributable to unit holders 1 (6) (97)
Total operating expenses (2,054) (2,562) (7,263)
Profit before finance costs and tax 225 319 280
Finance costs (131) (123) (269)
Profit for the period before tax 94 196 11
Tax attributable to policyholders' returns (25) (16) (5)
Profit before the tax attributable to owners 69 180 6
Tax credit 4 14 11 69
Add: tax attributable to policyholders' returns 25 16 5
Tax credit attributable to owners 39 27 74
Profit for the period attributable to owners 108 207 80
Attributable to
Owners of the parent 90 179 30
Non-controlling interests 18 28 50
108 207 80
Earnings per ordinary share
Basic earnings per ordinary share 5 52.3p 135.6p 20.1p
Diluted earnings per ordinary share 5 52.3p 135.6p 20.1p

Condensed statement of consolidated comprehensive income

for the half year ended 30 June 2011

Half year Half year Year
ended ended ended
Notes 30 Jun 2011
£m
30 Jun 2010
£m
31 Dec 2010
£m
Profit for the period 108 207 80
Other comprehensive income:
Actuarial gains of defined benefit pension schemes 17 8 45
Contribution in respect of actuarial losses of defined
benefit pension scheme by the with-profit funds 9 27 27
17 35 72
Tax credit/(charge) 4.2 9 (2) 4
26 33 76
Total comprehensive income for the period 134 240 156
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 116 212 106
Non-controlling interests 8 18 28 50
134 240 156

Pro forma reconciliation of Group operating profit to profit attributable to owners

for the half year ended 30 June 2011

Notes Half year
ended
30 Jun 2011
£m
Half year
ended
30 Jun 2010
£m
Year
ended
31 Dec 2010
£m
Operating profit
Phoenix Life 152 182 388
IGNIS Asset Management 18 22 46
170 204 434
Group costs (34) (28) (61)
Total operating profit before adjusting items 136 176 373
Investment return variances and economic assumption
changes on long-term business
3.3 47 128 18
Variance on owners' funds 3.3 (3) 28 19
Amortisation of acquired in-force business (60) (64) (132)
Amortisation of customer relationships (9) (9) (18)
Non-recurring items 13 (19) (139)
Profit before finance costs attributable to owners 124 240 121
Finance costs attributable to owners (55) (60) (115)
Profit before the tax attributable to owners 69 180 6
Tax credit attributable to owners 4 39 27 74
Profit for the period attributable to owners 108 207 80

Condensed statement of consolidated financial position

as at 30 June 2011

Notes 30 Jun 2011
£m
30 Jun 2010
Restated
£m
31 Dec 2010
Restated
£m
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital 6
Share premium 1,080 869 1,109
Other reserves 5 235 5
Shares held by employee trust and group entities (12) (4) (13)
Foreign currency translation reserve 93 93 93
Retained earnings 504 489 386
Total equity attributable to owners of the parent 1,670 1,682 1,580
Non-controlling interests 8 711 733 720
Total equity 2,381 2,415 2,300
Liabilities
Pension scheme deficit
9 62 194 77
Insurance contract liabilities
Liabilities under insurance contracts 10 49,524 50,001 50,479
Unallocated surplus 893 715 864
50,417 50,716 51,343
Financial liabilities
Investment contracts 12.1 8,701 7,969 8,849
Borrowings 11 3,204 4,135 4,028
Deposits received from reinsurers 408 432 419
Derivatives 12.1 2,194 2,273 2,431
Net asset value attributable to unit holders 12.1 2,197 1,134 1,937
Obligations for repayment of collateral received 10,152 4,441 10,160
26,856 20,384 27,824
Provisions 65 98 73
Deferred tax 612 704 607
Reinsurance payables 37 22 25
Payables related to direct insurance contracts 768 718 713
Current tax 44 89 99
Accruals and deferred income 208 149 214
Other payables 1,209 1,565 327
Total liabilities 80,278 74,639 81,302
Total equity and liabilities 82,659 77,054 83,602

Condensed statement of consolidated financial position (continued)

as at 30 June 2011

Notes 30 Jun 2011
£m
30 Jun 2010
Restated
£m
31 Dec 2010
Restated
£m
ASSETS
Pension scheme surplus 9 80 72 59
Intangible assets
Goodwill 115 115 115
Acquired in-force business 1,949 2,089 2,016
Customer relationships 411 429 420
Present value of future profits 36 35 42
2,511 2,668 2,593
Property, plant and equipment 32 34 34
Investment property 1,837 1,728 1,732
Financial assets
Loans and receivables 2,365 1,085 2,293
Derivatives 12.1 2,709 3,258 3,197
Equities 12.1 11,991 11,297 12,460
Fixed and variable rate income securities 12.1 40,292 38,174 40,899
Collective investment schemes 12.1 6,628 6,567 7,144
63,985 60,381 65,993
Insurance assets
Reinsurers' share of insurance contract liabilities 2,892 2,943 2,939
Reinsurance receivables 270 259 263
Insurance contract receivables 20 21 19
3,182 3,223 3,221
Current tax 4 12 5
Prepayments and accrued income 548 614 603
Other receivables 1,135 1,644 174
Cash and cash equivalents 9,345 6,678 9,188
Total assets 82,659 77,054 83,602

Condensed statement of consolidated cash flows

for the half year ended 30 June 2011

Half year
ended
Half year
ended
Year
ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
Notes £m £m £m
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated by operations 13 1,185 704 3,392
Taxation (paid)/recovered (20) 4 3
Net cash flows from operating activities 1,165 708 3,395
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (3) (1) (3)
Net cash flows from investing activities (3) (1) (3)
Cash flows from financing activities
Gross proceeds from issue of share capital 33
Proceeds from issuing shares in subsidiaries to non
controlling interests 8 3 97 96
Proceeds from new borrowings 11 63
Partial buy back of non-controlling interests 8 (4) (4)
Ordinary share dividends paid 7 (29) (20) (43)
Coupon on Perpetual Reset Capital Securities paid (26) (31) (62)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 8 (11) (7) (18)
Interest paid on borrowings (98) (119) (122)
Repayment of policyholder borrowings (797) (38)
Repayment of shareholder borrowings (110) (26) (127)
Net cash flows from financing activities (1,005) (110) (285)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 157 597 3,107
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 9,188 6,081 6,081
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 9,345 6,678 9,188

Of the total repayment of policyholder borrowings, £782 million represents settlement of a number of borrowings as part of the restructure of a £1.2 billion portfolio of corporate loans.

Condensed statement of consolidated changes in equity

for the half year ended 30 June 2011

Share
capital
(note 6)
£m
Share
premium
£m
Other
reserves
£m
Shares
held by
employee
trust and
group
entities
£m
Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
£m
Retained
earnings
£m
Total
£m
Non
controlling
interests
(note 8)
£m
Total
£m
At 1 January
2011
1,109 5 (13) 93 386 1,580 720 2,300
Total
comprehensive
income for the
period
Dividends paid
116 116 18 134
on ordinary
shares (note 7)
(36) (36) (36)
Dividends paid
to non
controlling
interests
Coupon paid to
non-controlling
(11) (11)
interests, net
of tax relief
(19) (19)
Shares issued
in lieu of cash
dividends
Credit to equity
7 7 7
for equity
settled share
based
payment
Shares in
subsidiaries
subscribed for
by non
3 3 3
controlling
interest
3 3
Shares
distributed by
employee trust
1 (1)
At 30 June
2011
1,080 5 (12) 93 504 1,670 711 2,381

Condensed statement of consolidated changes in equity

for the half year ended 30 June 2010

Share
capital
(note 6)
£m
Share
premium
£m
Other
reserves
£m
Shares
held by
employee
trust and
group
entities
£m
Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
£m
Retained
earnings
£m
Total
£m
Non
controlling
interests
(note 8)
£m
Total
£m
At 1 January 2010 859 257 (4) 93 207 1,412 728 2,140
Total
comprehensive
income for the
period
Dividends paid on
212 212 28 240
ordinary shares
(note 7)
Dividends paid to
(20) (20) (20)
non-controlling
interests
(7) (7)
Coupon paid to
non-controlling
interests, net of
tax relief
(24) (24)
Issue of share
capital (note 6)
1 (1)
Credit to equity for
equity-settled share
based payment
Conversion of
warrants into
1 1 1
ordinary shares
(note 6)
Shares in
subsidiaries
subscribed for by
9 (2) 7 7
non-controlling
interests
97 97
Restructure of non
controlling interests
70 70 (70)
Partial buy back
of non-controlling
interest (19) (19)
At 30 June 2010 869 235 (4) 93 489 1,682 733 2,415

Condensed statement of consolidated changes in equity

for the year ended 31 December 2010

Share Shares
held by
employee
trust and
Foreign
currency
Non
controlling
capital
(note 6)
£m
Share
premium
£m
Other
reserves
£m
group
entities
£m
translation
reserve
£m
Retained
earnings
£m
Total
£m
interests
(note 8)
£m
Total
£m
At 1 January 2010 859 257 (4) 93 207 1,412 728 2,140
Total
comprehensive
income for the
period
106 106 50 156
Dividends paid on
ordinary shares
Dividends paid to
non-controlling
(34) (20) (54) (54)
interests (18) (18)
Coupon paid to non
controlling interest
(47) (47)
Issue of share
capital
33 33 33
Shares issued in
lieu of dividend
11 11 11
Issue of ordinary
shares –
Chairman's shares
Conversion of
1 (1)
contingent rights
over shares
230 (230) (3) (3) (3)
Credit to equity for
equity-settled share
based payment
8 8 8
Conversion of
warrants into
ordinary shares
Shares in
subsidiaries
subscribed for by
non-controlling
9 (2) 7 7
interests
Partial buy back of
96 96
non-controlling
interest
(19) (19)
Restructure of non
controlling interest
70 70 (70)
Shares acquired by
employee trust
(10) (10) (10)
Shares distributed
by employee trust
4 (4)
At 31 December
2010
1,109 5 (13) 93 386 1,580 720 2,300

Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements 1. Basis of preparation

The interim financial statements for the half year ended 30 June 2011 comprise the interim financial statements of Phoenix Group Holdings ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (together referred to as "the Group") as set out on pages 24 to 53 and were authorised by the Board of Directors for issue on 24 August 2011. The interim financial statements are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditors, Ernst & Young Accountants LLP and their review report appears on page 23.

The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the 2010 financial statements which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs") adopted for use in the European Union, except for the amendments referred to below.

In preparing the interim financial statements the Group has adopted the following standards, amendments and interpretations:

  • IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation (Amendment). The amendment alters the definition of a financial liability in IAS 32 to enable entities to classify rights issues and certain options or warrants as equity instruments;
  • IFRIC 14 Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement (Amendment). The amendment permits a prepayment of future service costs in accordance with a minimum funding requirement to be recognised as a pension asset;
  • IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments. Addresses the accounting by an entity when the terms of a financial liability are renegotiated and result in its equity instruments being issued to extinguish all or part of the financial liability; and
  • Annual improvements 2010. This makes a number of minor improvements to existing standards and interpretations.

Adoption of these standards has not lead to any measurement or presentational changes to the results of any period presented in these interim financial statements.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group as a whole have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the interim financial statements.

Prior period adjustment

During the Group's review of the recoverability of its deferred tax assets, it was identified that a deferred tax asset of £38 million should have been written off at the date of, and as a consequence of, the 2009 acquisition of the then Pearl businesses, by Phoenix Group Holdings. The consequence of this is a prior year understatement of deferred tax liabilities and goodwill of £38 million. The impact of the correction on the prior year balance sheets is to increase goodwill by £38 million and increase the deferred tax liability by the same amount. The correction of this classification error has no impact on operating profit, profit attributable to owners, retained earnings or net assets. A balance sheet as at 31 December 2009 has not been presented as it is not felt to add any further clarity to the information presented above.

2. Changes in accounting policies

There have been no changes in accounting policies identified in the current reporting period, and the comparatives for the year ended 31 December 2010 and the half year ended 30 June 2010 included in these interim financial statements are as presented in the most recent annual and interim financial statements.

3. Segmental analysis

The Group defines and presents operating segments based on the information which is provided to the Board.

An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses relating to transactions with other components of the Group. For management purposes, the Group is organised into business units based on their products and services and has two reportable segments as follows:

  • Phoenix Life this segment manages a range of whole life, term assurance and pension products; and
  • IGNIS Asset Management this segment provides investment management services to the life companies within the Group and to third parties, covering both retail and institutional investors.

Segment performance is evaluated based on profit or loss which in certain respects is measured differently from profit or loss in the consolidated financial statements. Group financing (including finance costs) and owners' taxes are managed on a Group basis and are not allocated to individual operating segments.

Inter-segment transactions are set on an arm's length basis in a manner similar to transactions with third parties. Segment results include those transfers between business segments which are then eliminated on consolidation.

3.1 Segmental result

Half Year ended 30 June 2011

IGNIS Asset Unallocated
Phoenix Life Management group Eliminations Total
£m £m £m £m £m
Net premiums written from:
External customers 668 668
Other segment
668 668
Fees from:
External customers 45 41 86
Other segment 26 (26)
45 67 (26) 86
Net investment income:
Recurring 1,506 13 1,519
Offset interest income on
interest swaps against interest
expense (19) (19)
1,506 (6) 1,500
Other operating income:
Recurring 6 6
Net income 2,225 67 (6) (26) 2,260
Net policyholder claims and
benefits incurred:
Recurring (1,534) (1,534)
Non-recurring 35 35
(1,499) (1,499)
Depreciation and amortisation:
Depreciation of property,
plant and equipment (5) (2) (7)
Amortisation of acquired
in-force business (67) (67)
Amortisation of customer
relationships (6) (3) (9)
(78) (5) (83)
Other operating expenses:
Recurring (396) (47) (33) 26 (450)
Non-recurring (30) 8 (22)
(426) (47) (25) 26 (472)
Total operating expense (2,003) (52) (25) 26 (2,054)
Profit/(loss) before finance
costs and tax 222 15 (31) 206
Finance costs (57) (74) (131)
Offset interest income on
interest swaps against interest
expense 19 19
(57) (55) (112)
Profit before tax 165 15 (86) 94
Tax attributable to
policyholders' returns (25) (25)
Segmental result before the
tax attributable to owners 140 15 (86) 69

Half year ended 30 June 2010

IGNIS Asset Unallocated
Phoenix Life Management group Eliminations Total
£m £m £m £m £m
Net premiums written from:
External customers 764 764
Other segment
764 764
Fees from:
External customers 74 44 118
Other segment 45 (45)
74 89 (45) 118
Net investment income:
Recurring 1,979 12 1,991
Offset interest income on
interest swaps against interest
expense (27) (27)
1,979 (15) 1,964
Other operating income:
Recurring 6 6
Non-recurring 2 2
8 8
Net income 2,825 89 (15) (45) 2,854
Net policyholder claims and
benefits incurred:
Recurring (2,389) (2,389)
Non-recurring 24 24
(2,365) (2,365)
Depreciation and amortisation:
Depreciation of property,
plant and equipment (1) (1)
Amortisation of acquired
in-force business (74) (74)
Amortisation of customer
relationships
(8) (1) (9)
(82) (2) (84)
Other operating expenses:
Recurring (29) (66) (18) 45 (68)
Non-recurring (27) (1) (17) (45)
(56) (67) (35) 45 (113)
Total operating expense (2,503) (69) (35) 45 (2,562)
Profit/(loss) before finance
costs and tax 322 20 (50) 292
Finance costs (36) (87) (123)
Offset interest income on
interest swaps against interest
expense 27 27
(36) (60) (96)
Profit before tax 286 20 (110) 196
Tax attributable to
policyholders' returns (16) (16)
Segmental result before the
tax attributable to owners 270 20 (110) 180

Year ended 31 December 2010

IGNIS Asset Unallocated
Phoenix Life Management group Eliminations Total
£m £m £m £m £m
Net premiums written from:
External customers 1,449 1,449
Other segment
1,449 1,449
Fees from:
External customers 100 62 162
Other segment 82 (82)
100 144 (82) 162
Net investment income:
Recurring
Offset interest income
5,877 35 5,912
on interest swaps against
interest expense (53) (53)
Non-recurring (5) (5)
5,872 (18) 5,854
Other operating income:
Recurring 25 25
Net income 7,446 144 (18) (82) 7,490
Net policyholder claims
and benefits incurred:
Recurring (5,292) (5,292)
Non-recurring (64) (64)
(5,356) (5,356)
Depreciation and amortisation:
Depreciation of property,
plant and equipment (3) (3)
Amortisation of acquired
in-force business (147) (147)
Amortisation of customer
relationships
(15) (3) (18)
(162) (6) (168)
Other operating expenses:
Recurring (1,616) (95) (40) 82 (1,669)
Non-recurring (38) (32) (70)
(1,654) (95) (72) 82 (1,739)
Total operating expense (7,172) (101) (72) 82 (7,263)
Profit/(loss) before finance
costs and tax 274 43 (90) 227
Finance costs (101) (168) (269)
Offset interest income on
interest swaps against
interest expense 53 53
(101) (115) (216)
Profit before tax 173 43 (205) 11
Tax attributable to
policyholders' returns (5) (5)
Segmental result before the
tax attributable to owners 168 43 (205) 6

3.2 Reconciliation of operating profit/(loss) before adjusting items to the segmental result

Half year ended 31 June 2011

Phoenix
Life
£m
IGNIS Asset
Management
£m
Unallocated
group
£m
Elimi
nations
£m
Total
£m
Operating profit/(loss) before
adjusting items
152 18 (34) 136
Investment return variances and economic
assumption changes on long-term business
47 47
Variance on owners' funds 2 (5) (3)
Amortisation of acquired in-force business
Amortisation of customer relationships
(60)
(6)

(3)


(60)
(9)
Non-recurring items 5 8 13
Financing costs attributable to owners (55) (55)
Segment result before the tax attributable
to owners 140 15 (86) 69

Non-recurring items included:

  • costs associated with the Phoenix Life site rationalisation, associated staff reductions and other restructuring of £21 million;
  • regulatory change and systems transformation costs of £7 million;
  • a gain of £10 million arising from closing the Group's pension schemes to future accrual; and
  • a gain of £35 million following the recovery of historic costs under the Management Services Agreements with the life companies.

Half year ended 30 June 2010

Phoenix
Life
£m
IGNIS Asset
Management
£m
Unallocated
group
£m
Elimi
nations
£m
Total
£m
Operating profit/(loss) before
adjusting items
182 22 (28) 176
Investment return variances and economic
assumption changes on long-term business
128 128
Variance on owners' funds 33 (5) 28
Amortisation of acquired in-force business (64) (64)
Amortisation of customer relationships (8) (1) (9)
Non-recurring items (1) (1) (17) (19)
Financing costs attributable to owners (60) (60)
Segment result before the tax attributable
to owners 270 20 (110) 180

Non-recurring items included:

  • costs associated with the Phoenix Life site rationalisation and associated staff reductions and the Group's transformation programme with its outsourcers of £11 million;
  • Premium Listing and other restructuring costs of £28 million;
  • regulatory change and systems transformation costs of £13 million; and
  • a gain of £29 million following the near finalisation in 2009 of revised asset shares in the Phoenix & London Assurance with-profit fund as a result of a guaranteed annuity option compromise scheme which reduced longevity risk for the Group whilst providing policyholder benefit enhancements. This partially offsets the overall charge of £78 million recognised in the second half of 2009 which was based on estimated asset shares.

Year ended 31 December 2010

Phoenix
Life
£m
IGNIS Asset
Management
£m
Unallocated
group
£m
Elimi
nations
£m
Total
£m
Operating profit/(loss) before
adjusting items
388 46 (61) 373
Investment return variances and economic
assumption changes on long-term business
18 18
Variance on owners' funds 16 3 19
Amortisation of acquired in-force business (132) (132)
Amortisation of customer relationships (15) (3) (18)
Non-recurring items (107) (32) (139)
Financing costs attributable to owners (115) (115)
Segment result before the tax attributable
to owners 168 43 (205) 6

Non-recurring items included:

  • Premium Listing and other restructuring costs, including site rationalisation and outsourcer transformation of £80 million;
  • regulatory change and systems transformation costs of £36 million; and
  • an increase in the expense reserves of Phoenix Life of £23 million following the new arrangement between Phoenix Life and IGNIS. IGNIS will recognise the benefit of this new arrangement as it is earned and so this charge will reverse over time.

3.3 Investment return variances and economic assumption changes

The long-term nature of much of the Group's operations means that, for internal performance management, the effects of short-term economic volatility are treated as non-operating items. The Group focuses instead on an operating profit measure that incorporates an expected return on investments supporting its long-term business. This note explains the methodology behind this.

Life assurance business

Operating profit for life assurance business is based on expected investment returns on financial investments backing owners' and policyholder funds over the reporting period, with consistent allowance for the corresponding expected movements in liabilities. Operating profit includes the effect of variance in experience for non-economic items, for example mortality, persistency and expenses, and the effect of changes in noneconomic assumptions. Changes due to economic items, for example market value movements and interest rate changes, which give rise to variances between actual and expected investment returns, and the impact of changes in economic assumptions on liabilities, are disclosed separately outside operating profit.

The movement in liabilities included in operating profit reflects both the change in liabilities due to the expected return on investments and the impact of experience variances and assumption changes for non-economic items.

The effect of differences between actual and expected economic experience on liabilities, and changes to economic assumptions used to value liabilities, are taken outside operating profit. For many types of long-term business, including unit linked and with profit funds, movements in asset values are offset by corresponding changes in liabilities, limiting the net impact on profit. For other long-term business the profit impact of economic volatility depends on the degree of matching of assets and liabilities, and exposure to financial options and guarantees.

The investment variances and economic assumption changes excluded from the long-term business operating profit reflects the impact of changes in credit spreads on corporate bonds and equity, property and yield movements.

Owners' funds

For non long-term business including owners' funds, the total investment income, including fair value gains, is analysed between a calculated longer term return and short-term fluctuations.

The variances excluded from operating profit in relation to owners' funds are as follows:

Half year
ended
30 Jun 2011
£m
Half year
ended
30 Jun 2010
£m
Year
ended
31 Dec 2010
£m
Variance on owners' funds of:
Subsidiary undertakings (4) 24 7
The Company 1 4 12
(3) 28 19

The variances on owners' funds of the Company comprises fair value (losses)/gains arising from movements in the fair value of warrants in issue over the Company's shares.

Calculation of the long-term investment return

The expected return on investments for both owner and policyholder funds within Phoenix Life is based on opening economic assumptions applied to the funds under management at the beginning of the reporting period, and adjusted for significant capital movements during the period. Expected investment return assumptions are derived actively, based on market yields on risk-free fixed interest assets at the start of each financial year. The same margins are applied on a consistent basis across the Group to gross risk-free yields, to obtain investment return assumptions for equities and properties.

The principal assumptions underlying the calculation of the longer term investment return are:

Half year Half year Year
ended ended ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
% % %
Equities 7.1 7.6 7.6
Property 6.1 6.6 6.6
Gilts (15 year gilt) 4.0 4.5 4.5
Other fixed interest (15 year gilt plus 0.6%) 4.6 5.1 5.1

3.4 Segmental total assets and total liabilities

30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
30 Jun 2011 Restated Restated
Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Phoenix Life 82,217 77,289 76,644 71,303 83,187 78,158
IGNIS Asset Management 362 129 338 110 356 128
Unallocated corporate 80 2,860 72 3,226 59 3,016
82,659 80,278 77,054 74,639 83,602 81,302

4. Tax credit

4.1 Current period tax credit

Half year
ended
30 Jun 2011
£m
Half year
ended
30 Jun 2010
£m
Year
ended
31 Dec 2010
£m
Current tax:
UK Corporation tax 16 28 30
Overseas tax 3 3 7
19 31 37
Adjustment in respect of prior years (48) 16
(29) 31 53
Deferred tax:
Reversal/origination of temporary differences
On non-profit surpluses 10 (2) (32)
On amortisation of acquired in-force business (23) (25) (50)
On amortisation of customer relationships intangible asset (3) (3) (5)
On unrealised gains 3
Other temporary differences (2)
Losses on group restructuring not matched in accounts (35) (33)
Write (up)/down of deferred tax assets (2) 15 2
On accrued interest (38)
Pension scheme movements 8 (9) 19
On provisions for future expenditure 2 4 (6)
Utilisation of tax losses 40 15 57
Change in rate of corporation tax (20) (19)
Tax losses arising in the current period carried forward (17)
15 (42) (122)
Total tax credit (14) (11) (69)
Attributable to:
policyholders 25 16 5
owners (39) (27) (74)
(14) (11) (69)

The Group, as a proxy for policyholders in the UK, is required to pay taxes on investment income and gains each year. Accordingly, the tax benefit or expense attributable to UK life assurance policyholder earnings is included in income tax expense. The tax charge attributable to policyholder earnings was £25 million (half year ended 30 June 2010: £16 million; year ended 31 December 2010: £5 million).

The adjustment in respect of prior years mainly comprises the release of provisions set up in respect of tax computations that had been submitted. The filing positions have now been settled and the provisions released.

4.2 Tax charged to other comprehensive income

Half year Half year Year
ended ended ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
£m £m £m
Deferred tax on actuarial gains of defined
benefit schemes (9) 2 (4)

4.3 Reconciliation of tax credit

Half year
ended
30 Jun 2011
£m
Half year
ended
30 Jun 2010
£m
Year
ended
31 Dec 2010
£m
Profit before tax 94 196 11
Policyholder tax charge (25) (16) (5)
Profit before the tax attributable to owners 69 180 6
Tax at standard UK rate of 26.5% (2010:28%) 18 50 2
Net tax losses on group restructuring not matched
in accounts (126) (110)
Untaxed income and gains (18) (37) (61)
Disallowable expenses 1 3 18
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior years (48) 16
Non taxable fair value gains (13)
Movement in non-profit surplus taxed at less than 26.5%
(2010:28%)
14 20
Profits taxed at rates other than 26.5% (2010:28%) 2 6 (3)
Tax on losses not previously valued (13) 72 (8)
Prior year deferred tax 8 12
Deferred tax rate change (20) (19)
Current year losses not valued 28 41
Write down of deferred tax assets 15
Deductible temporary differences not valued (7) 11
Other (4) 3 7
Owners' tax credit (39) (27) (74)
Policyholder tax charge 25 16 5
Total tax credit for the period (14) (11) (69)

A gradual reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 28% to 24% over 4 years was announced in the Emergency Budget of 22 June 2010 with a further 1% reduction being announced in the Budget of 23 March 2011. The Finance (No. 2) Act 2010 included the first of the 1% rate reductions with effect from April 2011 and a further 1% reduction was substantively enacted on 29 March 2011 under the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968, with further reductions to be dealt with by future legislation. The benefit to the Group's net assets arising from the further 3% reduction of rate is estimated as £57 million in total and will be recognised as the legislation is substantively enacted.

On 23 March 2011, HMRC issued a technical note on 'Solvency II and the Taxation of Insurance Companies' outlining changes to the taxation of UK insurance companies with effect from 2013. The Group has been actively involved in consulting with HMRC and HM Treasury on the detail of the new rules, with the aim of ensuring that the Group's policyholders and shareholders are as far as possible not adversely affected by the changes.

The consultation process is still on-going in relation to certain aspects of the new rules, and as a consequence of this and the complexity of the proposed changes it has not been possible to estimate their potential future impact on the deferred tax balances shown in these interim financial statements. Draft legislation is expected in the second half of the year and its estimated impact on the deferred tax balances will be considered and disclosed in the year end financial statements.

5. Earnings per share

The profit attributable to owners for the purposes of computing earnings per share has been calculated as set out below. This is after adjusting for profits attributable to non-controlling interests.

Half year Half year Year
ended ended ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
£m £m £m
Profit for the period 108 207 80
Share of result attributable to non-controlling interests (18) (28) (50)
Profit attributable to owners 90 179 30

The basic earnings per share of 52.3p (half year ended 30 June 2010: 135.6p; year ended 31 December 2010: 20.1p) has been based on the profit of £90 million (half year ended 30 June 2010: £179 million; year ended 31 December 2010: £30 million) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period of 172 million (half year ended 30 June 2010: 132 million; year ended 31 December 2010: 149 million), calculated as follows:

Half year Half year Year
ended ended ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
No. No. No.
million million million
Issued ordinary shares at beginning of the period 171 130 130
Effect of ordinary shares issued/redeemed 1 2 19
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 172 132 149

The diluted earnings per share of 52.3p (half year ended 30 June 2010: 135.6p; year ended 31 December 2010: 20.1p) has been based on the profit of £90 million (half year ended 30 June 2010: £179 million; year ended 31 December 2010: £30 million) and a diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year of 172 million (half year ended 30 June 2010: 132 million; year ended 31 December 2010: 149 million), calculated as follows:

Half year Half year Year
ended ended ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
No. No. No.
million million million
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 172 132 149
Effect of warrants in issue
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) 172 132 149

The following instruments could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future but have not been included in the diluted earnings per share figure because they do not have a dilutive effect for the periods presented:

  • 5 million warrants issued to the banks and other lenders involved in the restructuring of certain of the external debt of the Pearl businesses (the "Lenders") on 2 September 2009;
  • 12.36 million warrants issued to Royal London on 2 September 2009; and
  • The IPO warrants, the exercise price of which was increased from €7 to €11 on 2 September 2009.

None of these instruments have been considered dilutive in the six month period ended 30 June 2011 due to the exercise price of the warrants being significantly higher than the share price of the Company.

6. Share capital

30 Jun 2011
£
30 Jun 2010
£
31 Dec 2010
£
Authorised:
410 million (30 June 2010: 300 million; 31 December
2010: 410 million) ordinary shares of €0.0001 each
31,750 22,050 31,750
Nil (30 June 2010: 110 million; 31 December 2010: nil) 'B'
ordinary shares of €0.0001 each
9,700
31,750 31,750 31,750
Issued and fully paid:
172.6 million (30 June 2010: 80.4 million; 31 December
2010: 171.5 million) ordinary shares of €0.0001 each
14,001 6,067 13,904
Nil (30 June 2010: 52.0 million; 31 December 2010: nil) 'B'
ordinary shares of €0.0001 each
4,576
14,001 10,643 13,904
Movements in share capital during the period:
2011
Number £
Shares in issue at 1 January 171,455,610 13,904
Ordinary shares issued for scrip dividend (note 7) 1,086,927 96
1
Other ordinary shares issued in the period 11,178
Shares in issue at 30 June 172,553,715 14,001
2010
Number £
Shares in issue at 1 January 130,200,732 10,450
'B' ordinary shares issued on conversion of warrants 2,085,123 177
'B' ordinary shares issued to the Chairman 177,000 16
Shares in issue at 30 June 132,462,855 10,643
Ordinary shares issued on conversion of contingent rights over shares 32,400,000 2,677
Ordinary shares issued for scrip dividend 1,567,416 138
Ordinary shares issued in connection with Alternative Coupon
Satisfaction Mechanism 5,020,000 445
Other ordinary shares issued in the period 5,339 1
Shares in issue at 31 December 171,455,610 13,904

7. Dividends on ordinary shares

Half year Half year Year
ended
30 Jun 2011
ended
30 Jun 2010
ended
31 Dec 2010
£m £m £m
Dividend declared and paid in 2011 at 21p per share
(half year ended 30 June 2010: 15p; year ended
31 December 2010: 36p) 36 20 54

On 29 March 2011, the Board recommended a dividend of £0.21 per share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2010. The dividend was approved at the Company's Annual General Meeting, which was held on 13 May 2011. A scrip dividend option was available to shareholders and the dividend was settled on 17 May 2011. The value of the dividend that was settled via the scrip dividend option was £7 million.

8. Non-controlling interests

Perpetual Reset
Capital
UK Commercial
Property Trust
Securities Limited Total
£m £m £m
At 1 January 2011 411 309 720
Profit for the period 7 11 18
Dividends paid (11) (11)
Coupons paid, net of tax relief (19) (19)
Effect of share transactions 3 3
At 30 June 2011 399 312 711
Perpetual Reset
Capital
UK Commercial
Property Trust
Securities Limited Total
£m £m £m
At 1 January 2010 527 201 728
Profit for the period 9 19 28
Dividends paid (7) (7)
Restructure of non-controlling interests (70) (70)
Coupons paid, net of tax relief (24) (24)
Partial buyback of non-controlling interest (19) (19)
Effect of share transactions 97 97
At 30 June 2010 423 310 733
Profit for the period 11 11 22
Dividends paid (11) (11)
Coupons paid, net of tax relief (23) (23)
Effect of share transactions (1) (1)
At 31 December 2010 411 309 720

8.1 Perpetual Reset Capital Securities

On 1 January 2011, Pearl Group Holdings (No.1) Limited ("PGH1") had in issue £425 million Perpetual Reset Capital Securities ("the Notes"). On 25 April 2011, the 2011 coupon that was due on the notes was settled in full by PGH1 other than to two companies within the Group which waived their right to receive that coupon.

8.2 UK Commercial Property Trust Limited

UK Commercial Property Trust Limited is a property investment subsidiary which is domiciled in Guernsey and is admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to trading on the London Stock Exchange.

9. Pension schemes

The condensed statement of consolidated financial position incorporates the reported surplus/(deficit) of the PGL Pension Scheme and the Pearl Staff Pension Scheme at 30 June 2011 respectively. The net economic surplus of the PGL Pension Scheme amounted to £154 million (30 June 2010: £143 million, 31 December 2010: £133 million); this has been adjusted to eliminate on consolidation the carrying value of insurance policies held by the scheme of £74 million (30 June 2010: £71 million, 31 December 2010: £74 million) in deriving the reported surplus/(deficit) of the scheme.

In June 2011 the trustees of both the PGL Pension Scheme and the Pearl Staff Pension Scheme signed deeds of amendment to the defined benefit pension schemes, which closed both schemes to future accrual by active members. Thus, the active members will become deferred members of the defined benefit pension scheme and their future service will not qualify for benefits under the schemes. As a result of this, the Group has recognised a curtailment gain, relating to a release from future liabilities, of £10 million, which has been recognised in the income statement during the period.

10. Liabilities under insurance contracts – assumptions

Valuation of participating insurance and investment contracts

For participating business, which is with-profit business (insurance and investment contracts), the insurance contract liability is calculated in accordance with the FSA's realistic capital regime, adjusted to exclude the shareholders' share of future bonuses and the associated tax liability as required by FRS 27 Life Assurance. This is a market consistent valuation, which involves placing a value on liabilities similar to the market value of assets with similar cash flow patterns.

Valuation of non-participating insurance contracts

The non-participating insurance contract liabilities are determined using either a net premium or gross premium valuation method.

Process used to determine assumptions

For participating business in realistic basis companies the assumptions about future demographic trends are intended to be "best estimates". They are determined after considering the companies' recent experience and/or relevant industry data. Economic assumptions are market consistent.

For other business, demographic assumptions are derived by adding a prudent margin to best estimate assumptions. Economic assumptions are prudent estimates of the returns expected to be achieved on the assets backing the liabilities.

During the period, no material changes were made to assumptions. The impacts of material changes during the prior periods were as follows:

Increase/ Increase/ Increase/
(decrease) in (decrease) in (decrease) in
insurance insurance insurance
liabilities liabilities liabilities
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
£m £m £m
Change in longevity assumptions (43)
Change in persistency assumptions 13 35
Change in expense assumption 10

11. Borrowings

30 Jun 2011
£m
30 Jun 2010
£m
31 Dec 2010
£m
Carrying value
Limited recourse bonds 2012 7.39% 28 46 29
Limited recourse bonds 2022 7.59% 94 83 94
£779 million loan 748 757
£15 million loan 11 14
£4 million loan 4 4
Refinancing loan 226 253 234
£80 million facility agreement 80 42 42
£150 million term facility 25
Total policyholder borrowings 453 1,187 1,174
£200 million 7.25% unsecured subordinated loans 131 123 127
Unsecured loan notes 9 14 12
£2,260 million syndicated loan 2,055 2,238 2,138
£100 million PIK notes and facility 109 104 106
£75 million secured loan note 72 70 72
£425 million syndicated loan 375 399 399
Total shareholder borrowings 2,751 2,948 2,854
Total borrowings 3,204 4,135 4,028

On 21 March 2011, the £779 million loan, £15 million loan and £4 million loan were all fully settled for consideration of £782 million as part of the restructure of a £1.2 billion portfolio of corporate loans.

On 31 March 2011, a prepayment of £21 million was made on the £2,260 million syndicated loan and on 30 April 2011 a scheduled repayment of £62 million was also made on the same facility.

On 30 June 2011, a scheduled repayment of £24 million was made on the £425 million syndicated loan.

In 2011, UK Commercial Property Trust Limited ("UKCPT") fully utilised the £80 million facility agreement and entered into an £150 million investment term loan facility agreement. These drawdowns were in order to increase the property portfolio. The £150 million investment term loan facility agreement accrues interest at LIBOR plus a variable margin of 1.60% to 2.25% per annum. The lender holds security over the assets of UK Commercial Property Estates Holdings Limited and UK Commercial Property Estates Limited, both of which are subsidiaries of UKCPT. The repayment date for this facility is 19 May 2018.

12. Fair value hierarchy

12.1 Fair value hierarchy of financial instruments measured at fair value

Total fair
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 value
At 30 June 2011 £m £m £m £m
Financial assets at fair value
Derivatives 2,623 86 2,709
Financial assets designated at fair value through
profit or loss upon initial recognition
Equities 11,153 29 809 11,991
Fixed and variable rate securities 34,369 5,350 573 40,292
Collective investment schemes 5,338 1,026 264 6,628
50,860 6,405 1,646 58,911
Total financial assets at fair value 50,860 9,028 1,732 61,620
Financial liabilities at fair value
Derivatives 2,183 11 2,194
Financial liabilities designated at fair value through
profit or loss upon initial recognition
Investment contract liabilities 8,701 8,701
Borrowings 226 226
Net asset value attributable to unit holders 2,030 167 2,197
2,030 8,927 167 11,124
Total financial liabilities at fair value 2,030 11,110 178 13,318
Total fair
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 value
At 30 June 2010 £m £m £m £m
Financial assets at fair value
Derivatives 90 3,102 66 3,258
Financial assets designated at fair value through
profit or loss upon initial recognition
Equities 10,388 21 888 11,297
Fixed and variable rate securities 34,671 2,860 643 38,174
Collective investment schemes 5,098 900 569 6,567
50,157 3,781 2,100 56,038
Total financial assets at fair value 50,247 6,883 2,166 59,296
Financial liabilities at fair value
Derivatives 41 2,232 2,273
Financial liabilities designated at fair value through
profit or loss upon initial recognition
Investment contract liabilities 7,969 7,969
Borrowings 253 253
Net asset value attributable to unit holders 966 168 1,134
966 8,222 168 9,356
Total fair
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 value
At 31 December 2010 £m £m £m £m
Financial assets at fair value
Derivatives 24 3,084 89 3,197
Financial assets designated at fair value through
profit or loss upon initial recognition
Equities 11,667 793 12,460
Fixed and variable rate income securities 34,336 5,816 747 40,899
Collective investment schemes 5,786 1,042 316 7,144
51,789 6,858 1,856 60,503
Total financial assets at fair value 51,813 9,942 1,945 63,700
Financial liabilities at fair value
Derivatives 1 2,419 11 2,431
Financial assets designated at fair value through
profit or loss upon initial recognition
Investment contract liabilities 8,849 8,849
Borrowings 234 234
Net asset value attributable to unit holders 1,769 168 1,937
1,769 9,083 168 11,020
Total financial liabilities at fair value 1,770 11,502 179 13,451
12.2 Movement in Level 3 financial instruments measured at fair value
-- -- -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -- --
At
1 Jan 2011
£m
Total
gains/
(losses)
in income
statement
£m
Purchases
and sales
£m
Transfers
from/(to)
Level 1
and
Level 2
£m
At
30 Jun
2011
£m
Unrealised
gains/
(losses) on
assets held
at end of
period
£m
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss – held
for trading
Derivatives 89 (3) 86 (204)
Financial assets designated at fair
value through profit or loss upon
initial recognition
Equities 793 32 (16) 809 (12)
Fixed and variable rate securities 747 70 (75) (169) 573 (52)
Collective investment schemes 316 1 (54) 1 264 (13)
1,856 103 (145) (168) 1,646 (77)
Total financial assets 1,945 100 (145) (168) 1,732 (281)
Unrealised
Total Transfers (gains)/
(gains)/ from/(to) losses on
losses Level 1 At liabilities held
At in income Purchases and 30 Jun at end of
1 Jan 2011
£m
statement
£m
and sales
£m
Level 2
£m
2011
£m
period
£m
Financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss – held for
trading
Derivatives 11 11 11
Financial liabilities designated at
fair value through profit or loss
upon initial recognition
Net asset value attributable to
unit holders 168 (1) 167 42
179 (1) 178 53
At
1 Jan 2010
£m
Total
gains/
(losses)
in income
statement
£m
Purchases
and sales
£m
Transfers
from/(to)
Level 1
and
Level 2
£m
At
30 Jun
2010
£m
Unrealised
gains/
(losses) on
assets held
at end of
period
£m
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss – held
for trading
Derivatives (21) 87 66 (201)
Financial assets designated at fair
value through profit or loss upon
initial recognition
Equities 1,494 103 (476) (233) 888 72
Fixed and variable rate securities 819 (41) (53) (82) 643 (37)
Collective investment schemes 235 81 442 (189) 569 33
2,548 143 (87) (504) 2,100 68
Total financial assets 2,548 122 (504) 2,166 (133)
Unrealised
Total Transfers (gains)/
(gains)/ from/(to) losses on
losses Level 1 At liabilities held
At in income Purchases and 30 Jun at end of
1 Jan 2010 statement and sales Level 2 2010 period
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Financial liabilities designated at
fair value through profit or loss
upon initial recognition
Net asset value attributable to
unit holders 154 14 168 43
154 14 168 43
Unrealised
Total Transfers gains/
gains/ from/(to) (losses) on
(losses) Level 1 At assets held
At in income Purchases and 31 Dec at end of
1 Jan 2010 statement and sales Level 2 2010 period
At 31 December 2010 £m £m £m £m £m £m
Financial assets
Derivatives (22) 111 89 (202)
Financial assets designated at fair
value through profit or loss upon
initial recognition
Equities 1,494 64 (766) 1 793 19
Fixed and variable rate securities 819 (43) 32 (61) 747 150
Collective investment schemes 235 97 152 (168) 316 214
2,548 118 (582) (228) 1,856 383
Total financial assets 2,548 96 (471) (228) 1,945 181
At
1 Jan 2010
£m
Total
(gains)/
losses
in income
statement
£m
Purchases
and sales
£m
Transfers
from/(to)
Level 1
and
Level 2
£m
At
31 Dec
2010
£m
Unrealised
(gains)/
losses on
liabilities held
at end of
period
£m
Financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss – held for
trading
Derivatives
(5) 16 11 11
Financial liabilities designated at
fair value through profit or loss
upon initial recognition
Net asset value attributable to
unit holders 154 14 168 43
154 9 16 179 54

Gains and losses on Level 3 financial instruments are included in net investment income in the income statement. There were no gains or losses recognised in other comprehensive income.

13. Cash flows from operating activities

Half year
ended
30 Jun 2011
£m
Half year
ended
30 Jun 2010
£m
Year
ended
31 Dec 2010
£m
Profit for the period before tax 94 196 11
Non-cash movements in profit for the period before tax
Fair value (gains)/losses on:
Investment property (16) (62) (87)
Financial assets 203 (539) (3,324)
Fair value (losses)/gains on:
Borrowings 18 (15) 12
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 7 1 3
Amortisation of intangible assets 76 83 165
Change in present value of future profit 6 (7)
Change in unallocated surplus 29 (6) 143
Change in deposit received from reinsurers (11) 1 (12)
Share-based payment charge 1 (3)
Interest expense on borrowings 131 123 269
Net expected return on pension assets 6 10 18
Foreign currency exchange gains (10)
Decrease/(increase) in investment assets 1,687 1,377 (1,308)
Decrease/(increase) in reinsurance assets 52 (74) (69)
(Decrease)/increase in insurance contract
and investment contract liabilities (1,055) (934) 423
(Decrease)/increase in obligation for repayment
of collateral received (9) (334) 6,054
Net (increase)/decrease in working capital (33) 876 1,114
Cash generated by operations 1,185 704 3,392

14. Related party transactions

The nature of the related party transactions of the Group has not changed from those referred to in the Group's consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010.

There were no other transactions with related parties during the six months ended 30 June 2011 which have had a material effect on the results or financial position of the Group.

15. Contingent liabilities

London Life Limited provided information to the Financial Services Authority on its categorisation of working capital to owner funds in 2006. The Directors are confident in this treatment, which is supported by legal and actuarial advice, but note that the Financial Services Authority have not concluded their review into the matter and therefore a contingent liability of £28 million (30 June 2010: £20 million; 31 December 2010: £27 million) exists if London Life Limited is required to transfer this working capital back to policyholder funds.

16. Events after the reporting period

On 24 August 2011, the Board declared an interim dividend per share of 21p for the half year ended 30 June 2011. The cost of this dividend has not been recognised as a liability in the interim financial statements for the period to 30 June 2011 and will be charged to the statement of changes in equity.

Additional life company asset disclosures

The analysis of the asset portfolio provided below comprises the assets held by the Group's life companies including stock lending collateral. It excludes other Group assets such as cash held in the holding and service companies and IGNIS, the assets held by the non-controlling interest in collective investment schemes and UKCPT and is net of derivative liabilities.

The following table provides an overview of the exposure by asset category of the Group's life companies' shareholder and policyholder funds as at 30 June 2011:

Shareholder
and
non-profit
funds1
Participating1
supported
Participating2
non-supported
Unit-linked2 Total3
Carrying value £m £m £m £m £m
Cash deposits 2,650 2,144 5,441 1,007 11,242
Debt securities – gilts 2,974 4,632 7,742 891 16,239
Debt securities – bonds 7,127 5,355 7,783 885 21,150
Equity securities 401 818 6,621 8,438 16,278
Property investments 153 132 887 339 1,511
Other investments4 799 586 1,895 12 3,292
As at 30 June 2011 14,104 13,667 30,369 11,572 69,712

1 Includes assets where shareholders of the life companies bear the investment risk.

2 Includes assets where policyholders bear most of the investment risk.

3 This information is presented on a look through basis to underlying funds where available. The analysis is provided based on the country of the parent entity, which may not in all cases directly correspond to the key area of operation.

4 Includes repurchase loans of £1,772 million, policy loans of £47 million, net derivatives of £509 million and other investments of £964 million.

The following table sets out the exposure by type of debt security of the life companies as at 30 June 2011:

Carrying value Shareholder
and non-profit
funds
£m
Participating
supported
£m
Participating
non-supported
£m
Unit-linked
£m
Total
£m
Gilts 2,974 4,632 7,742 891 16,239
Other government and
supranational
Corporate – financial
1,438 1,259 1,531 197 4,425
institutions 2,088 2,025 2,745 251 7,109
Corporate – other 3,358 1,338 2,163 424 7,283
Asset backed securities 243 733 1,344 13 2,333
As at 30 June 2011 10,101 9,987 15,525 1,776 37,389

The following table sets out a breakdown of the life companies' sovereign debt security holdings by country as at 30 June 2011:

Shareholder
and non-profit
funds
Participating
supported
Participating
non-supported
Unit-linked Total
Carrying value £m £m £m £m £m
UK 2,974 4,632 7,742 891 16,239
European Investment Bank 524 573 612 78 1,787
Germany 636 431 591 32 1,690
USA 40 134 89 28 291
Italy 89 24 90 9 212
France 56 10 35 4 105
Netherlands 33 10 31 5 79
Spain 22 24 21 2 69
Portugal 10 10
Luxembourg 4 4
Ireland 2 2
Greece
Other 36 53 52 35 176
As at 30 June 2011 4,412 5,891 9,273 1,088 20,664

The following table sets out a breakdown of the life companies' financial institution corporate debt security holdings by country as at 30 June 2011:

Shareholder
and non-profit
Participating Participating
funds supported non-supported Unit-linked Total
Carrying value £m £m £m £m £m
UK 944 1,208 1,290 123 3,565
USA 307 272 385 22 986
Netherlands 228 121 306 57 712
France 195 75 219 25 514
Spain 102 65 138 10 315
Germany 78 7 51 136
Ireland 12 81 16 109
Italy 35 24 38 97
Portugal
Greece
Other 187 172 302 14 675
As at 30 June 2011 2,088 2,025 2,745 251 7,109

The following table sets out a breakdown of the life companies' corporate – other debt security holdings by country as at 30 June 2011:

Shareholder
and non-profit Participating Participating
funds supported non-supported Unit-linked Total
Carrying value £m £m £m £m £m
UK 969 496 891 296 2,652
USA 650 195 289 28 1,162
France 392 176 253 14 835
Germany 287 170 181 18 656
Spain 100 50 98 15 263
Italy 97 35 82 8 222
Luxembourg 173 3 13 5 194
Netherlands 102 19 41 1 163
Ireland 30 9 16 3 58
Greece 7 7
Portugal
Other 551 185 299 36 1,071
As at 30 June 2011 3,358 1,338 2,163 424 7,283

The following table sets out a breakdown of the life companies' ABS holdings by country as at 30 June 2011:

Carrying value Shareholder
and non-profit
funds
£m
Participating
supported
£m
Participating
non-supported
£m
Unit-linked
£m
Total
£m
UK 211 585 1,002 13 1,811
Netherlands 13 44 121 178
Ireland 31 95 126
USA 19 21 17 57
Spain 14 38 52
Italy 9 28 37
France 8 19 27
Portugal
Other 21 24 45
As at 30 June 2011 243 733 1,344 13 2,333

The following table sets out the credit rating analysis of the shareholder and non-profit funds' corporate and asset backed securities:

Carrying value Shareholder
and non-profit
funds
£m
AAA 457
AA 511
A 1,731
BBB 1,373
BB 337
B and below 710
Non-rated 570
As at 30 June 2011 5,689

MCEV SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

  • Statement of Directors' responsibilities
  • Auditor's review report
  • MCEV interim financial statements and notes

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

When compliance with the CFO Forum MCEV principles published in October 2009 is stated those principles require the Directors to prepare supplementary information in accordance with the MCEV principles and to disclose and provide reasons for any non-compliance with the principles.

The MCEV methodology adopted by the Group is in accordance with these MCEV principles with the exception of:

  • risk-free rates have been defined as the annually compounded UK Government bond nominal spot curve plus 10 basis points rather than as the swap rate curve;
  • the value of asset management and the management service companies has been included on an IFRS basis; and
  • no allowance for the costs of residual non-hedgeable risk has been made.

Further detail on these exceptions is included in note 1, Basis of preparation.

Specifically, the Directors have:

  • determined assumptions on a realistic basis, having regard to past, current and expected future experience and to relevant external data, and then applied them consistently;
  • made estimates that are reasonable and consistent; and
  • provided additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements of the MCEV principles is insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions and the Group's financial position and financial performance.

Clive Bannister Jonathan Yates

Group Chief Executive Group Finance Director

St Helier 24 August 2011

Auditor's review report

Independent review report to the Directors of Phoenix Group Holdings on the Consolidated Phoenix Group Market Consistent Embedded Value ('MCEV')

We have been engaged by the Company to review the Consolidated Phoenix Group MCEV ('Group MCEV') in the Interim Report for the half year ended 30 June 2011 which comprises the Summarised consolidated income statement – Group MCEV basis, MCEV earnings per ordinary share, Statement of consolidated comprehensive income – Group MCEV basis, Reconciliation of movement in equity – Group MCEV basis, Group MCEV analysis of earnings, Reconciliation of Group IFRS equity to MCEV net worth and related notes on pages 60 to 72. We have read the other information contained in the Interim Report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the Phoenix Group MCEV.

Ernst & Young Accountants LLP have reported separately on the condensed consolidated financial statements of Phoenix Group Holdings for the half year ended 30 June 2011. The information contained in the Phoenix Group Holdings MCEV should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements prepared on an IFRS basis.

This report is made solely to the Company's Directors in accordance with the guidance contained in International Standards on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's Directors, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The Phoenix Group Holdings MCEV is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the Phoenix Group MCEV supplementary information in accordance with the Basis of preparation set out on pages 64 to 66.

Our responsibility

Our responsibilities for the Phoenix Group Holdings MCEV are set out in our engagement letter with you dated 15 June 2011. We report to you our opinion as to whether the Phoenix Group Holdings MCEV in the Interim Report has been properly prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the Basis of preparation set out on pages 64 to 66.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standards on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of the persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK & Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention to cause us to believe that the Phoenix Group Holdings MCEV in the Interim Report for the half year ended 30 June 2011 has not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the Basis of preparation as set out on pages 64 to 66.

Ernst & Young LLP London 24 August 2011

MCEV interim financial statements and notes

Summarised consolidated income statement – Group MCEV basis

for the half year ended 30 June 2011

Half year Half year
ended ended Year ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
£m £m £m
Life MCEV operating earnings 229 304 758
Management services operating profit 10 7 20
IGNIS Asset Management operating profit 18 22 46
Group costs (48) (33) (70)
Group MCEV operating earnings before tax 209 300 754
Economic variances on covered business (5) 106 101
Economic variances on non-covered business (5) (14) (38)
Other non-operating variances on covered business (1) 12 (54)
Non-recurring items on non-covered business 18 (34) (75)
Finance costs attributable to owners (75) (81) (168)
Group MCEV earnings before tax 141 289 520
Tax on operating earnings (56) (84) (211)
Tax on non-operating earnings 27 (13) (54)
Total tax (29) (97) (265)
Group MCEV earnings after tax 112 192 255

MCEV earnings per ordinary share

for the half year ended 30 June 2011

Half year
ended
30 Jun 2011
Half year
ended
30 Jun 2010
Year ended
31 Dec 2010
Group MCEV operating earnings after tax
Basic1 89.0 163.4p 363.2p
Diluted2 89.0 163.4p 363.2p
Group MCEV earnings after tax
Basic1 65.1 145.2p 170.6p
Diluted2 65.1 145.2p 170.6p

1 Based on 172 million shares (half year ended 30 June 2010: 132 million; year ended 31 December 2010: 149 million) as set out in note 5 of the IFRS condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

2 Based on 172 million shares (half year ended 30 June 2010: 132 million; year ended 31 December 2010: 149 million), allowing for warrants in issue as set out in note 5 of the IFRS condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

The earnings on covered business are calculated on a post-tax basis and are grossed up at the effective rate of shareholder tax for presentation in the income statement. The tax rate used is the average UK corporate tax rate of 26.5% (half year ended 30 June 2010: 28%; year ended 31 December 2010: 28%).

Statement of consolidated comprehensive income – Group MCEV basis

for the half year ended 30 June 2011

Half year Half year
ended ended Year ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
£m £m £m
Group MCEV earnings after tax 112 192 255
Other comprehensive income
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension scheme 13 (45) 27
Total comprehensive income 125 147 282

Reconciliation of movement in equity – Group MCEV basis

for the half year ended 30 June 2011

Half year
ended
30 Jun 2011
£m
Half year
ended
30 Jun 2010
£m
Year ended
31 Dec 2010
£m
Opening Group MCEV equity 2,104 1,827 1,827
Total comprehensive income 125 147 282
Issue of share capital 33
Conversion of warrants into ordinary shares 7 7
Movement in equity for equity-settled share-based payments 3 1 (2)
Dividends paid on ordinary shares (36) (20) (54)
Shares issued in lieu of dividends 7 11
Closing Group MCEV equity 2,203 1,962 2,104

Group MCEV analysis of earnings

for the half year ended 30 June 2011

Covered
business
MCEV
£m
Management
services
IFRS
£m
Asset
Management
IFRS
£m
Other Group
companies¹
IFRS
£m
Group
MCEV
£m
Group MCEV at
1 January 2011 4,517 80 54 (2,547) 2,104
Operating MCEV earnings
(after tax)
168 7 13 (35) 153
Non-operating MCEV earnings
(after tax)
(5) 26 (62) (41)
Total MCEV earnings 163 33 13 (97) 112
Other movements 13 13
Capital and dividend
flows – internal
(476) (28) (7) 511
Capital and dividend
flows – external
(26) (26)
Closing value at
30 June 2011 4,204 85 60 (2,146) 2,203

1 Comprises the Group holding companies that do not form part of the Phoenix Life and IGNIS Asset Management divisions.

For the half year ended 30 Jun 2010

Non-covered business
Covered
business
MCEV
£m
Management
services
IFRS
£m
Asset
Management
IFRS
£m
Other Group
companies
IFRS
£m
Group
MCEV
£m
Group MCEV at
1 January 2010
4,731 56 39 (2,999) 1,827
Operating MCEV earnings
(post-taxation)
219 5 16 (24) 216
Non-operating MCEV earnings
(post-taxation)
85 (16) (93) (24)
Total MCEV earnings 304 (11) 16 (117) 192
Other movements (45) (45)
Capital and dividend
flows – internal
(570) 16 (2) 556
Capital and dividend
flows – external
(12) (12)
Closing value at
30 June 2010
4,465 61 53 (2,617) 1,962

Group MCEV analysis of earnings

for the year ended 31 Dec 2010

Non-covered business
Covered
business
MCEV
£m
Management
services
IFRS
£m
Asset
Management
IFRS
£m
Other Group
companies
IFRS
£m
Group
MCEV
£m
Group MCEV at
1 January 2010
4,731 56 39 (2,999) 1,827
Operating MCEV earnings
(post-taxation)
Non- operating MCEV earnings
546 14 33 (50) 543
(post-taxation) 34 (54) (268) (288)
Total MCEV earnings 580 (40) 33 (318) 255
Other movements 27 27
Capital and dividend
flows – internal
(794) 64 (18) 748
Capital and dividend
flows – external
(5) (5)
Closing value at
31 December 2010 4,517 80 54 (2,547) 2,104

Reconciliation of Group IFRS equity to MCEV net worth

30 Jun 2011
£m
30 Jun 2010
£m
31 Dec 2010
£m
Group net assets attributable to owners of the parent
as reported under IFRS 1,670 1,682 1,580
Goodwill and other intangibles in accordance with IFRS
removed (net of tax) (425) (395) (391)
Value of in-force business in accordance with IFRS removed
(net of tax) (1,316) (1,377) (1,345)
Adjustments to IFRS reserving (157) (120) (138)
Tax adjustments (63) (124) (90)
Revalue listed debt to market value 82 138 94
Eliminate value of contingent loan asset1 (218) (251) (276)
Fair value adjustments2 28 (15) 5
Eliminate pension scheme surplus3
(net of tax)
(142) (135) (112)
Other adjustments 18 3 30
MCEV net worth attributable to owners of the parent (523) (594) (643)
MCEV value of in-force business included (net of tax) as set out
in note 2 2,726 2,556 2,747
Closing Group MCEV 2,203 1,962 2,104

1 Removal of value attributed to contingent loans issued by holding companies to long-term funds as their expected repayments are captured within the MCEV VIF calculations.

2 Investments carried at amortised cost under IFRS are revalued at market value.

3 The pension scheme surplus removed is the economic surplus of the PGL Pension scheme net of tax and before the deduction of Group insurance policies eliminated on consolidation, as described in note 9 of the IFRS condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

Notes to the MCEV financial statements

1. Basis of preparation

Overview

The supplementary information on pages 60 to 72 has been prepared on a Market Consistent Embedded Value ('MCEV') basis except for the items described further below.

The MCEV methodology adopted by the Group is in accordance with the MCEV principles and guidance published by the CFO Forum in October 2009, except that:

  • risk-free rates have been defined as the annually compounded UK Government nominal spot curve plus 10 basis points rather than as a swap rate curve;
  • no allowance for the cost of residual non-hedgeable risk ('CNHR') has been made because, in the opinion of the Directors, the Group operates a robust outsourcer model in terms of operational risk, does not write new business, is focused entirely on the back book, and has succeeded in closing out significant legacy risks. The theoretical value of CNHR is disclosed separately in note 1 (b); and
  • the asset management and management service companies are calculated on an IFRS basis. Under CFO Forum principles and guidance productivity gains should not be recognised until achieved. This treatment is inconsistent with the cost profile of a closed fund where continual cost reductions are expected to maintain unit costs as the business runs off. In the opinion of the Directors, if the MCEV principles and guidance were to be applied to the asset management and the management service companies, it would not provide a fair reflection of the Group's financial position. These companies are therefore reported alongside the Group's other non-life holding companies at their IFRS net asset value.

A gradual reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 28% to 24% over a 4 year period was announced in the Emergency Budget of 22 June 2010 with a further 1% reduction announced in the Budget of 23 March 2011. The Finance (No. 2) Act 2010 included the first of the 1% rate reductions with effect from April 2011 and a further 1% reduction was substantively enacted on 29 March 2011 under the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968, with further reductions to be dealt with by future legislation. The MCEV includes the impact of the tax rate being reduced to 26%. The impact of the further 3% reduction of rate is not expected to be material.

On 23 March 2011, HMRC issued a technical note on 'Solvency II and the Taxation of Insurance Companies', outlining changes to the taxation of UK insurance companies with effect from 2013. The Group has been actively involved in consulting with HMRC and HM Treasury on the detail of the new rules, with the aim of ensuring that the Group's policyholders and shareholders are as far as possible not adversely affected by the changes.

The timing of the announcement and the complexity of the proposed changes means that it has not been possible to estimate their potential future impact on the Group MCEV.

Covered business

The MCEV calculations cover all long-term insurance business written by the Group, but exclude IGNIS Asset Management and the management service companies.

Opal Re is included within covered business and is valued on a basis consistent with the annuity business within the life companies.

MCEV methodology

The embedded value of covered business is based on a market-consistent methodology. Under this methodology, assets and liabilities are valued in line with market prices and consistently with each other.

The key components of MCEV are net worth plus the value of in-force covered business.

a) Net worth

For the Group's life companies, net worth is defined as the market value of shareholder funds plus the shareholders' interest in surplus assets held in long-term business funds less the market value of any outstanding debt of the life companies.

Loans from the life companies to holding companies have been consolidated out such that they do not appear as an asset in the life company or as a liability in the holding company. This presentation has no impact on the overall MCEV but does affect the allocation of net assets between covered and non-covered business.

b) Value of in-force business ('VIF')

The value of in-force covered business consists of the following components:

  • present value of future profits;
  • time value of financial options and guarantees; and
  • frictional costs of required capital.

The market consistent value of in-force business represents the present value of profits attributable to shareholders arising from the in-force business, less an allowance for the time value of financial options and guarantees embedded within life insurance contracts and frictional costs of required capital.

The approach adopted to calculate VIF combines deterministic and stochastic techniques (each of which is discussed in more detail below):

  • deterministic techniques have been used to value cash flows whose values vary in a linear fashion with market movements. These cash flows are valued using discount rates that reflect the risk inherent in each cash flow. In practice, it is not necessary to discount each cash flow at a different discount rate, as the same result is achieved by projecting and discounting all cash flows at risk-free rates. This is known as the 'certainty equivalent approach'; and
  • stochastic techniques have been used to value cash flows that have an asymmetric effect on cash flows to shareholders. Here, the calculation involves the use of stochastic models developed for the purposes of realistic balance sheet reporting.

Present value of future profits ('PVFP')

The present value of future profits represents the present value of profits attributable to shareholders arising from the in-force business. The PVFP is calculated by projecting and discounting using risk-free rates, with an allowance for liquidity premiums where appropriate.

The projection is based on actively reviewed best estimate non-economic assumptions. Best estimate assumptions make appropriate allowance for expected future experience where there is sufficient evidence to justify; for example in allowing for future mortality improvements on annuity business.

Time value of financial options and guarantees ('TVFOGs')

The Group's embedded value includes an explicit allowance for the time value of financial options and guarantees embedded within insurance contracts, including investment performance guarantees on participating business and guaranteed vesting annuity rates. The cost of these options and guarantees to shareholders is calculated using market-consistent stochastic models calibrated to the market prices of financial instruments as at the period end.

The TVFOGs allow for the impact of management actions, consistent with those permitted by the Principles and Practices of Financial Management. The modelling of management actions vary for each of the funds but typically include management of bonus rates and policy enhancements, charges to asset share to cover increases to the cost of guarantees and alterations to investment strategy.

Frictional cost of capital ('COC')

Cost of capital is defined as the difference between the market value of shareholder-owned assets backing required capital and the present value of future releases of those assets allowing for future investment returns on that capital, investment expenses and taxes.

Required capital is defined as the minimum regulatory capital requirement, which is the greater of Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 capital requirements, plus the capital required under the Group's capital management policy.

This equates to 117% (30 June 2010: 120%; 31 December 2010: 119%) of the minimum regulatory capital requirement.

Solvency II will introduce a new capital regime for insurers. These disclosures do not take account of the impact of the change in regime as this is still under development.

Cost of residual non-hedgeable risks ('CNHR')

The CNHR should allow for risks that can have an asymmetric impact on shareholder value to the extent these risks have not already been reflected in the PVFP or TVFOGs. The majority of such risks within the Group are operational and tax risks.

No allowance for the CNHR has been made, as in the opinion of the Directors, the CNHR calculated in accordance with CFO Forum principles and guidance does not anticipate further risk management actions and therefore does not provide a fair reflection of the Group's ongoing risk.

However, the CNHR calculated in accordance with the CFO Forum principles and guidance, and therefore without anticipating further risk management actions, has been disclosed below.

For with-profits business the CNHR would increase the TVFOGs by £68 million (30 June 2010: £64 million; 31 December 2010: £64 million).

For other business the cost would be £135 million (30 June 2010: £137 million; 31 December 2010: £137 million). This equates to an equivalent average cost of capital charge of 1.2% (30 June 2010: 1.5%; 31 December 2010: 1.2%). The level of capital assumed in this calculation is determined based on a 99.5% confidence level over a one year time horizon, consistent with the ICA methodology. Allowance is made for diversification benefits between non-hedgeable risks, but not between hedgeable and non-hedgeable risks.

c) Valuation of debt

Listed debt issued by the Group is valued at the market value quoted at the reporting date which is consistent with MCEV principles.

The National Provident Life limited recourse bonds are backed by surpluses that are expected to emerge on blocks of its unit-linked and unitised with-profits business. This securitisation has been valued on a cash flow basis, allowing for payments expected to be due based on the projected level of securitised surpluses emerging. The full VIF of the securitised unit-linked and unitised with-profits business is expected to be payable to bondholders; therefore, no additional value accrues to the embedded value.

Unlisted bank debt owed by the holding companies is included at face value.

d) Taxation

Full allowance has been made for the value of tax that would become payable on the transfer of surplus assets out of non-profit funds. This allowance reflects the projected pace of releases of surplus from non-profit funds that is not required to support with-profits funds.

Allowance has also been made for the tax relief arising from interest payments made on the debt of the holding companies. The value of the tax relief is determined by offsetting the tax payable on profits emerging from covered business against the tax relief afforded by interest payments on the debt. Interest payments are projected assuming that current levels of debt are reduced and then refinanced to maintain a long-term level of debt that the Directors consider to be supported by the projected embedded value of the Group's businesses.

e) New business

The MCEV places a value on the profits expected to be earned on annuities arising from policies vesting with guaranteed annuity terms. These policies are excluded from the definition of new business on the basis that the annuity being provided is an obligation under an existing policy and the life companies are already reserving for the cost of these guarantees.

New business includes all other annuities written by the life insurance companies.

f) Participating business

Allowance is made for future bonus rates on a basis consistent with the projection assumptions and established company practice.

The time value of options and guarantees used in the calculation of MCEV also allows for expected management action and policyholder response to the varying external economic conditions simulated by the economic scenario generators. Policyholder response has been modelled based on historical experience. Management actions have been set in accordance with each life companies' Principles and Practices of Financial Management.

g) Pension schemes

The MCEV allows for pension scheme deficits as calculated on an IFRS basis, but no benefit is taken for pension scheme surpluses.

2. Components of the MCEV of covered business

Half year
ended
30 Jun 2011
£m
Half year
ended
30 Jun 2010
£m
Year ended
31 Dec 2010
£m
Net worth 1,478 1,909 1,770
PVFP 2,935 2,882 3,022
TVFOG (73) (97) (113)
COC (136) (229) (162)
Total VIF 2,726 2,556 2,747
4,204 4,465 4,517

The net worth of covered business of £1,478 million at 30 June 2011 consists of £383 million of free surplus in excess of required capital (30 June 2010: £534 million; 31 December 2010: £670 million). This does not include the IFRS net assets of management services of £85 million (30 June 2010: £61 million; 31 December 2010: £80 million) as shown in the free surplus reconciliation for Phoenix Life on page 7.

3. Analysis of covered business MCEV earnings (after tax)

Half year ended 30 Jun 2011
Total Life
Net worth VIF MCEV
£m £m £m
Life MCEV at 1 January 2011 1,770 2,747 4,517
New business value 3 5 8
Expected existing business contribution (reference rate)1 36 56 92
Expected existing business contribution (in excess of reference rate)2 16 21 37
Transfer from VIF to net worth 96 (96)
Experience variances 9 15 24
Assumption changes (5) 5
Other operating variances (7) 14 7
Life MCEV operating earnings 148 20 168
Economic variances 6 (10) (4)
Other non-operating variances (3) 2 (1)
Total Life MCEV earnings 151 12 163
Capital and dividend flows (443) (33) (476)
Life MCEV at 30 June 2011 1,478 2,726 4,204

1 Expected existing business contribution (reference rate) represents the expected return on the opening MCEV at the long-term risk free rate.

2 Expected existing business contribution (in excess of reference rate) represents the additional expected return above the risk free rate arising from long-term risk premiums on equities, property and corporate bonds.

Half year ended 30 Jun 2010
Total Life
Net worth VIF MCEV
£m £m £m
Life MCEV at 1 January 2010 2,234 2,497 4,731
New business value 8 3 11
Expected existing business contribution (reference rate) 51 59 110
Expected existing business contribution (in excess of reference rate) 15 25 40
Transfer from VIF to net worth 88 (88)
Experience variances 58 16 74
Assumption changes (10) (2) (12)
Other operating variances (24) 20 (4)
Life MCEV operating earnings 186 33 219
Economic variances 82 (6) 76
Other non-operating variances (23) 32 9
Total Life MCEV earnings 245 59 304
Capital and dividend flows (570) (570)
Life MCEV at 30 June 2010 1,909 2,556 4,465
Year ended 31 Dec 2010
Net worth VIF Total Life
MCEV
£m £m £m
Life MCEV at 1 January 2010 2,234 2,497 4,731
New business value 16 3 19
Expected existing business contribution (reference rate) 102 122 224
Expected existing business contribution (in excess of reference rate) 43 39 82
Transfer from VIF to net worth 145 (145)
Experience variances 35 229 264
Assumption changes 53 (91) (38)
Other operating variances (28) 23 (5)
Life MCEV operating earnings 366 180 546
Economic variances (94) 167 73
Other non-operating variances 58 (97) (39)
Total Life MCEV earnings 330 250 580
Capital and dividend flows (794) (794)
Life MCEV at 31 December 2010 1,770 2,747 4,517

4. New business

The value generated by new business written during the period is calculated as the present value of the projected stream of after-tax distributable profits from that business. This contribution has been valued using economic and non-economic assumptions at the point of sale. The value of new business is shown after the effect of frictional costs of holding required capital on the same basis as for the in-force covered business.

MCEV/
Premium MCEV Premium
£m £m %
Half year ended 30 Jun 2011 148 8 5%
Half year ended 30 Jun 2010 211 11 5%
Year ended 31 Dec 2010 388 19 5%

5. Maturity profile of business

This note sets out how the PVFP is expected to emerge into net worth over future years. Surpluses are projected on a certainty equivalent basis with allowance for liquidity premiums as appropriate and are discounted at risk-free rates.

Years
Present value of future profits 1-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 20+
(PVFP) £m £m £m £m £m Total
30 Jun 2011 1,136 778 510 253 258 2,935
30 Jun 2010 930 791 539 301 321 2,882
31 Dec 2010 1,147 848 488 271 268 3,022

6. Assumptions

Reference rates

(a) Risk-free rates

Risk-free rates are based on the annually compounded UK Government bond nominal spot curve plus ten basis points, extrapolated as necessary to meet the term of the liabilities. Recognising that this is a departure from MCEV principles, a sensitivity based on swap yields is disclosed.

The risk-free rates assumed for a sample of terms were as follows:

30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
Gilt Yield Swap Gilt Yield Swap Gilt Yield Swap
Term +10 bps Yield +10 bps Yield +10 bps Yield
1 year 0.82% 0.93% 0.71% 1.12% 0.73% 0.88%
5 years 2.37% 2.57% 2.36% 2.48% 2.51% 2.69%
10 years 3.77% 3.71% 3.70% 3.55% 3.79% 3.70%
15 years 4.46% 4.18% 4.35% 3.97% 4.37% 4.08%
20 years 4.70% 4.32% 4.59% 4.07% 4.58% 4.17%

The swaps rates above are only applicable to sensitivity (16) as disclosed in note 7.

(b) Liquidity premiums

In October 2009, the CFO Forum published an amendment to MCEV principles to reflect the inclusion of a liquidity premium. The changes affirm that the reference rate may include a liquidity premium over and above the risk-free yield curve for liabilities which are not liquid, given that the matching assets are able to be held to maturity.

The liabilities to which a liquidity premium is applied include immediate annuities, pensions policies with benefits defined as an annuity or in-the-money guaranteed annuity options. The liquidity premium is determined by reference to the yield on the bond portfolios held after allowing for credit risk by deducting margins for best estimate defaults and unexpected default risk premiums. The additional yield above risk-free rates implied by the calculated liquidity premium is as follows:

30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
Additional yield over risk-free rates 0.50% 0.35% 0.48%

Inflation

For purposes of the MCEV calculation, the rate of increase in the UK Retail Price Index ('RPI') as at 30 June 2011 was taken from the implied inflation curve at a term appropriate to the liabilities. The rate of increase in UK National Average Earnings inflation is assumed to be RPI + 100 basis points as at 31 December 2010 (2010: RPI + 100 basis points).

Stochastic economic assumptions

The time value of options and guarantees is calculated using an economic scenario generator. The model is calibrated to market conditions as at 31 December 2010. The scenario generator and calibration are consistent with that used for realistic balance sheet reporting.

A LIBOR Market Model is used to generate risk-free rates over a complete yield curve, calibrated to the UK nominal spot curve plus 10 basis points, consistent with the deterministic projections. Interest rate volatility is calibrated to swaption implied volatilities, as per the sample below.

Option term (years)
Interest rate volatility 5 10 15 20 25 30
30 Jun 2011 Swap term (years)
5 17.4% 13.5% 13.7% 13.5% 13.6% 14.2%
10 15.5% 13.3% 13.3% 13.0% 13.4% 13.3%
20 14.3% 12.5% 12.3% 11.8% 11.6% 11.7%
30 13.5% 11.7% 11.3% 10.6% 10.5% 10.3%
Option term (years)
Interest rate volatility 5 10 15 20 25 30
30 Jun 2010 Swap term (years)
5 17.0% 12.3% 12.8% 13.0% 13.0% 12.8%
10 15.3% 12.7% 12.9% 12.8% 12.7% 12.2%
20 14.8% 12.5% 12.3% 11.9% 11.5% 11.0%
30 14.1% 11.8% 11.4% 10.9% 10.5% 10.1%
Option term (years)
Interest rate volatility 5 10 15 20 25 30
31 Dec 2010 Swap term (years)
5 17.5% 13.3% 13.6% 13.9% 14.7% 15.1%
10 15.8% 13.5% 13.6% 13.9% 14.5% 14.3%
20 15.2% 13.2% 13.2% 13.0% 13.0% 12.6%
30 14.6% 12.6% 12.2% 11.7% 11.5% 11.2%

Real interest rates have been modelled using the two-factor Vasicek model, calibrated to index-linked gilts.

Equity volatility is calibrated to replicate the prices on a range of FTSE equity options, and extrapolated beyond terms available in the market. The equity volatility model used allows volatility to vary with both term and the level of the equity index.

Term (years)
Equity implied volatility (ATM) 5 10 15 20 25 30
30 Jun 2011 22.7% 23.9% 24.2% 24.4% 24.5% 24.6%
30 Jun 2010 28.3% 29.2% 29.5% 29.7% 29.9% 29.9%
31 Dec 2010 24.3% 26.1% 26.4% 26.7% 26.8% 27.0%

Best estimate levels of volatility are assumed for directly held property. The model implied volatility for 30 June 2011 is 15% (31 December 2010: 15%).

The modelling of corporate bonds allows for credit transitions and defaults, calibrated to historic data, with an additional allowance for the credit risk premium, derived from current markets.

Operating earnings

The Group uses normalised investment returns in calculating the expected existing business contribution. The expected contribution on existing business is calculated using a 15-year gilt rate at the beginning of the reporting period plus 10 basis points and long-term expectations of excess investment returns.

The table below sets outs the asset risk premiums used:

Year
Half year Half year ended
ended ended 31 Dec
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 2010
Equities 3.0% 3.0% 3.0%
Property 2.0% 2.0% 2.0%
Gilts 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

The return assumed on corporate bond portfolios is the redemption yield for the portfolio less an allowance for credit risk.

Expenses

Each life company's projected per policy expenses are based on existing management services agreements with the Group's service companies, adjusted to allow for additional costs incurred directly by the life companies, including, for example, regulatory fees and one-off expenses.

The life companies' projected investment expenses are based on the fees agreed with IGNIS Asset Management, (or external fund managers, where appropriate), allowing for current and projected future asset mixes.

Valuation of debt and non-controlling interests

The Group's consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2011 includes Perpetual Reset Capital Securities with a face value of £425 million (2010: £425 million) and subordinated debt with a face value of £200 million (2010: £200 million) in relation to Phoenix Life Limited. These listed securities have been included within the MCEV at their market value quoted at the reporting date.

The table below summarises the value of these debt obligations.

Half year ended Half year ended Year ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
Face
value
(including
Face value
(including
Face value
(including
accrued Market accrued Market accrued Market
interest) value interest) value interest) value
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Listed debt and non-controlling
interests
Perpetual Reset Capital Securities 430 304 463 267 444 304
Phoenix Life Limited subordinated debt 204 166 204 163 211 170

Unlisted debt has been included at face value.

Half year ended Half year ended Year ended
30 Jun 2011 30 Jun 2010 31 Dec 2010
Face value Face value Face value
£m £m £m
Unlisted debt
Pearl and Impala facilities 2,532 2,738 2,639
Royal London PIK notes and facility 109 104 106

7. Sensitivity to assumptions

The table below summarises the key sensitivities of the MCEV of covered business at 30 June 2011.

30 Jun 2011
Life MCEV
£m
(1) Base 4,204
(2) 1% decrease in risk-free rates 176
(3) 1% increase in risk-free rates (150)
(4) 10% decrease in equity market values (81)
(5) 10% increase in equity market values 81
(6) 10% decrease in property market values (81)
(7) 10% increase in property market values 81
(8) 100 bps increase in credit spreads1 (289)
(9) 100 bps decrease in credit spreads1 266
(10) 25% increase in equity/property implied volatilities (35)
(11) 25% increase in swaption implied volatilities (26)
(12) 25% decrease in lapse rates and paid-up rates (6)
(13) 5% decrease in annuitant mortality (164)
(14) 5% decrease in non-annuitant mortality 28
(15) Required capital equal to the minimum regulatory capital² 37
(16) Swap curve as reference rate, retaining appropriate liquidity premiums (170)
1 44 bps is assumed to relate to default risk.

2 Minimum regulatory capital is defined as the greater of Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 capital requirements without any allowance for the Group's capital management policy.

No expense sensitivity has been shown as maintenance costs incurred by the covered business are largely fixed under the terms of agreements with the management services companies.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Shareholder information
  • Forward looking statements

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Shareholder information

Annual General Meeting Our Annual General Meeting was held on 13 May 2011.

The voting results for our 2011 AGM are available on our website at www.thephoenixgroup.com.

Shareholder Services

Our registrar, Computershare, maintains the Company's register of members. Shareholders may request a hard copy of this Interim Report from our registrar and if you have any further queries in respect of your shareholding, please contact them directly using the contact details set out below:

Computershare Investor Services (Jersey) Limited, Queensway House, Hilgrove Street, St Helier, Jersey JE4 9XY.

Shareholder helpline number – 0870 707 4040 Fax number – 0870 873 5851 Shareholder helpline email address – [email protected]

Share Price

You can access the current share price of Phoenix Group Holdings at www.thephoenixgroup.com

Group Financial Calendar for 2011
Announcement of unaudited six months' interim results 25 August 2011
Announcement of third quarter interim management statement 8 November 2011
2011 Interim Dividend
Scrip mandate forms issued 5 September 2011
Ex-dividend date 7 September 2011
Record date 9 September 2011
Scrip calculation period 7-13 September 2011
Scrip election date 26 September 2011
Interim 2011 dividend payment date 7 October 2011

The Company currently offers a scrip dividend alternative. Shareholders will be sent an information booklet which will detail the terms of the scrip dividend alternative on or around 5 September 2011. The information booklet will also be made available on the Group's website, www.thephoenixgroup.com. The information booklet will detail how shareholders may elect to take up a scrip dividend alternative. Such elections must be received by the Company's Registrars by 5pm on 26 September 2011.

2011 Annual Results

Our financial results for the year ended 31 December 2011 will be announced on 23 March 2012.

Forward looking statements

The Interim 2011 Report contains, and we may make other statements (verbal or otherwise) containing, forward-looking statements about the Group's current plans, goals and expectations relating to future financial conditions, performance, results, strategy and/or objectives.

Statements containing the words: 'believes', 'intends', 'expects', 'plans', 'seeks', 'targets', 'continues' and 'anticipates' or other words of similar meaning are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances that are beyond the Group's control. For example, certain insurance risk disclosures are dependent on the Group's choices about assumptions and models, which by their nature are estimates. As such, actual future gains and losses could differ materially from those that we have estimated. Other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by forward-looking statements include but are not limited to:

  • Domestic and global economic and business conditions
  • Asset prices
  • Market related risks such as fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates, and the performance of financial markets generally
  • The policies and actions of governmental and/or regulatory authorities, including, for example, new government initiatives related to the financial crisis and the effect of the European Union's 'Solvency II' requirements on the Group's capital maintenance requirements
  • The impact of inflation, and deflation
  • Market competition
  • Changes in assumptions in pricing and reserving for insurance business (particularly with regard to mortality and morbidity trends, gender pricing and lapse rates)
  • The timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or combinations within relevant industries
  • Risks associated with arrangements with third parties, including joint ventures
  • Inability of reinsurers to meet obligations or unavailability of reinsurance coverage
  • The impact of changes in capital, solvency or accounting standards, and tax and other legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions in which members of the Group operate

As a result, the Group's actual future financial condition, performance and results may differ materially from the plans, goals and expectations set out in the forward-looking statements within the Interim Report 2011 for the Half Year ended 30 June 2011.

The Group undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained within the Interim Report 2011 for the Half Year ended 30 June 2011or any other forward-looking statements it may make.

The Interim Report 2011 for the Half Year ended 30 June 2011 has been prepared for the members of the Company and no one else. The Company, its Directors or agents do not accept or assume responsibility to any other person in connection with this document and any such responsibility or liability is expressly disclaimed. Nothing in the Interim Report 2011 for the Half Year ended 30 June 2011 is, or should be construed as a profit forecast.

This report is printed on Core Silk which is FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certified virgin fibre. The printer is FSC and ISO 14001 certified. This ensures that there is an audited chain of custody from the tree in the well-managed forest through to the finished document in the printing factory. If you have finished reading this report and no longer wish to retain it, please pass it on to other interested readers or dispose of it in your recycled paper waste. Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar (London) www.ry.com

Phoenix Group Holdings Registered address: Phoenix Group Holdings PO Box 309 Ugland House Grand Cayman KY1-1104 Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies number 202172

Principal place of business: Phoenix Group Holdings 1st Floor 32 Commercial Street St Helier JE2 3RU Jersey

www.thephoenixgroup.com

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