Press release Brussels/Utrecht, 17 November 2009 Q trading update

Transcription

1 Press release Brussels/Utrecht, 17 November 2009 Q trading update Total gross inflow first nine months stable at EUR 11.4 billion Insurance net profit year-to-date of EUR 371 million Group net profit of EUR 1,082 million Highlights Year-to-date total gross inflow, including non-consolidated joint ventures at 100%, of EUR 11.4 billion, in line with last year ; third quarter gross inflow of EUR 3.5 billion, up 1% year-on-year. Year-to-date total gross inflow of nonconsolidated joint ventures of 100% at EUR 2.8 billion, third quarter gross inflow of EUR 0.9 billion. o Year-to-date Life gross inflow of EUR 9.1 billion (+1%); Third quarter gross inflow EUR 2.8 billion (+2%); o Year-to-date Non-Life gross written premiums of EUR 2.3 billion (-1%); Third quarter gross written premiums of EUR 0.7 billion (-3%); Year-to-date net profit Insurance after minorities of EUR 371 million (AG Insurance EUR 301 million and Fortis Insurance International EUR 70 million); Third quarter net profit Insurance after minorities of EUR 143 million; Year-to-date net profit General of EUR 711 million; Third quarter net profit of EUR 53 million, including a EUR 83 million positive impact on revaluation call option on BNP Paribas shares; Capital position remained strong; Total insurance solvency ratio at 232%. CEO Bart De Smet said: Our insurance operations continued to perform well in the third quarter and remain solid and stable. We continue to expect inflows for the full year to be at least in line with last year. On 25 September we published the conclusions of our strategic review. We have announced new partnerships in the UK and Italy, we demonstrated the creation of value in Thailand and decided to sell or discontinue subscale operations such as Luxemburg Non-Life and Russia. Each of these developments illustrates our firm commitment to execution and the proactive development of our insurance portfolio going forward. We will continue to manage the company in such a way that Fortis is and remains a solid and prudently managed international insurer. All figures in this document are unaudited.

2 2 Fortis third quarter 2009 trading update 17 November 2009 Highlights Gross inflow Total gross inflow year-to-date, including EUR 2.8 billion inflow from non-consolidated joint ventures on a 100% basis, amounted to EUR 11.4 billion, almost stable compared to the same period last year. Total gross inflow of AG Insurance increased by 3% on the same period last year, while the gross inflow of the international activities declined by 2%. Gross inflow in the third quarter, including EUR 0.9 billion in the non-consolidated joint ventures on a 100% basis, amounted to EUR 3.5 billion, 1% up on the same quarter last year. Year-to-date inflow of the Life activities, including non-consolidated activities at 100%, reached EUR 9.1 billion, up 1% on the same period last year, thanks to the continued strong performance of AG Insurance and Asia. Third quarter inflow amounted to EUR 2.8 billion (+ 2%), following a similar trend. Year-to-date gross written premiums of Non-Life amounted to EUR 2.3 billion (-1%). Third quarter gross written premiums reached EUR 0.7 billion (-3%). Year-to-date total gross inflow at AG Insurance amounted to EUR 5.1 billion, up 3% on the same period last year. Total inflow in the third quarter reached EUR 1.5 billion, up 6% on the same quarter last year due to an improved performance both in Life and Non-Life. Inflow levels in the third quarter in Life and Non-Life amounted to EUR 1.2 billion and EUR 0.4 billion respectively. Year-to-date total gross inflow at Fortis Insurance International, including EUR 2.8 billion in the non-consolidated joint ventures on a 100% basis, amounted to EUR 6.3 billion, 2% lower compared to the same period last year. Total inflow in the third quarter was EUR 2.0 billion, 3% below the level of last year. Year-to-date the overall trend remained unchanged with a strong commercial performance in the Asian operations (+21%), despite a slight slowdown in Malaysia and helped by favourable exchange rate evolutions. These strong results were partly offset by continued low inflow in Luxemburg and France and adverse current exchange rates evolutions in the UK. Net profit Fortis Group recorded a year-to-date net profit after minorities of EUR 1,082 million. Year-to-date minority interests amounted to EUR 83 million. Third quarter net profit after minorities reached EUR 196 million. Fortis Insurance net profit after minorities for the first nine months amounted to EUR 371 million of which EUR 301 million at AG Insurance and EUR 70 million at Fortis Insurance International. Third quarter net profit after minorities was EUR 143 million, EUR 106 million at AG Insurance and EUR 37 million at Fortis Insurance International. The first nine months of this year included a negative net impact on the investment portfolio of EUR 50 million 1 and a EUR 94 million DRD 2 positive tax recovery 3 in Belgium. The combined ratio year-to-date in Belgium and International improved to 103.3% and 104.5% respectively, compared to the first half of 2009, essentially due to a better claims ratio in both segments. The General segment reported a net profit of EUR 711 million in the first nine months of Net profit for the third quarter reached EUR 53 million, including a EUR 83 million increase in value of the call option on BNP Paribas shares after deferred taxes. The value at 30 September 2009 of the call option before deferred taxes amounted to EUR 856 million. After deducting EUR 291 million deferred tax charges, the value reached EUR 565 million. The valuation of the future quarterly interest payments related to the Relative Performance Note (RPN(I)) remained stable at EUR 344 million. The EUR 760 million investment in Royal Park Investments, accounted for as goodwill, also remained unchanged compared to end of June. 1 On a 100% basis 2 Dividend Received Deduction (DRD) : tax recovery based on the amendment of the Belgian legislation concerning the tax exemption of certain dividends 3 On a 100% basis

3 Fortis third quarter 2009 trading update 17 November Net equity, net cash and capital position Shareholder s net equity at 30 September 2009 amounted to EUR 8.5 billion compared to EUR 7.7 billion at the end of June, due to the third quarter net profit (EUR 0.2 billion) and to a large extent the higher net unrealised gains on government bonds and corporate debt securities (EUR 0.6 billion). The net cash position of General as at 30 September 2009, assuming full redemption of the European Medium Term Notes (EMTN) programme, amounted to EUR 2.9 billion. On 24 September 2009 Fortis Finance, a subsidiary of Fortis, announced its intention to launch a voluntary public offer in cash on the EUR 1.0 billion of outstanding debt under the European Medium Term Notes (EMTN) programme and the Inflation Linked Notes. On 3 November 2009, CBFA, the Belgian regulator, approved the prospectus. The acceptance period started on 10 November 2009 and will close on 30 November An electronic version of the prospectus is available on Fortis website ( This initiative is part of an on going effort to manage the legacy issues and to adjust the balance sheet structure going forward in alignment with the new objectives of the General account. Fortis core equity amounted to EUR 8.5 billion on 30 September 2009 and exceeded the total consolidated regulatory minimum requirements of the insurance activities by EUR 5.8 billion. Total available capital of the insurance activities amounted to EUR 6.2 billion, while the solvency ratio remained almost stable at 232% of the legally required minimum. The solvency ratios of AG Insurance and Fortis Insurance International amounted to 200% and 325% respectively. In the context of the publication of its strategic review at the end of September (see also below), Fortis reported to have approximately EUR 1.3 billion of discretionary capital in the General Account (based on end of June figures). Fortis defines discretionary capital as the lower of the available cash and the total capital of the General Account corrected for (contingent) illiquid assets and existing investment commitments. Discretionary capital at the end of September remained unchanged at EUR 1.3 billion. Strategic update On 25 September 2009, Fortis reported on the outcome of its strategic review (see press release of 25 September 2009 for additional details). In the context of the execution of its strategy, Fortis announced the following transactions since the end of June 2009 : On 11 September, Tesco Personal Finance (TPF), a subsidiary of Tesco, and Fortis UK Ltd concluded their discussions to form a new partnership in the UK, providing motor and household insurance through a newly created entity, 50.1% owned by Fortis UK and 49.9% by TPF. Initial investments for Fortis are expected to be in the region of EUR 115 million. The partnership will initially run until at least 2015 and the annualised Gross Written Premiums are expected to be EUR 570 million per annum. On 17 September, Fortis and BNP Paribas Assurance announced the acquisition of a 50%+1 share stake in UBI Assicurazioni, one of the leading Non-Life bancassurance players in Italy. Fortis part of the total consideration to be paid amounts to EUR 60 million with an additional potential consideration of EUR 20 million, depending upon the achievement of a number of commercial criteria. The transaction is still subject to regulatory approval from the relevant competitive authorities and regulators and is expected to be closed before the end of On 6 October, Fortis announced the sale of its Luxembourg Non-Life activities to La Bâloise, for a total consideration of EUR 23 million. Going forward, Fortis will concentrate its efforts in Luxembourg on further developing its life operations in the local and the international market. The transaction is still subject to regulatory approval. On 28 October, Fortis announced the decision to discontinue its insurance operations in Russia, which started as a Greenfield life operation in The discontinuation is not expected to have a material impact on the net result and on the net capital position going forward. On 9 November, Fortis and the other shareholders of the Muang Thai Group Holding ( Muang Thai ) signed agreements with KASIKORNBANK to enable the latter to increase its shareholding in Muang Thai from 10% to 51%. This implies that Fortis economic interest in the respective Life and Non-Life insurance activities of Muang Thai will decrease from 40% and 15% to 31% and 12% respectively. As part of the transaction Fortis will receive net proceeds of EUR 41 million, having invested EUR 63 million in the venture from 2004 through The increased stake of KASIKORNBANK is an

4 4 Fortis third quarter 2009 trading update 17 November 2009 important milestone to forge closer ties and is expected to accelerate the highly successful relationship between the bank and the Muang Thai companies. Completion of the transaction is expected early 2010, and is subject to regulatory approvals.

5 Fortis third quarter 2009 trading update 17 November AG Insurance Total gross inflow for the first nine months amounted to EUR 5.1 billion, up 3% compared with the same period last year. Total gross inflow in the third quarter was EUR 1.5 billion, up 6% on the same quarter last year, due to a better performance in both Life and Non-Life. Year-to-date net profit before minorities amounted to EUR 347 million, including a one-off DRD tax benefit of EUR 94 million (taken in result in the second quarter of 2009) and a net negative year-to-date impact of impairments on the investment portfolio of EUR 50 million net-of-tax. This compares to a net loss before minorities of EUR 28 million for the same period last year, including a negative impact of EUR 359 million due to the financial turmoil. Minority interests for the first nine months amounted to EUR 46 million. Net profit before minorities in the third quarter amounted to EUR 141 million. The net profit of the third quarter included a EUR 32 million positive impact on the investment portfolio, mainly as a result of recovering financial markets and a positive revaluation of the structured credit portfolio. Life Life gross inflow amounted to EUR 3.9 billion for the first nine months, 3% up compared to the same period last year, driven by a continued solid performance both in Individual and in Group Life. Individual Life inflow was up 3% on the same period last year to EUR 3.1 billion. Inflow via the bank channel was up 19% to EUR 2.6 billion, while inflow through the Broker channel remained well below last year s levels at EUR 0.5 billion, still suffering from a general market decline in Life products. Group Life business recorded an inflow of EUR 968 million, up 6% on the same period last year. Life funds under management increased to EUR 44.7 billion, up 7% compared to year-end Year-to-date Life net profit before minorities was EUR 297 million, and included a one-off DRD tax benefit of EUR 86 million and a negative impact on the investment portfolio of EUR 50 million net of tax. The third quarter net profit amounted to EUR 114 million, including a net positive impact on the investment portfolio of EUR 32 million. Non-Life Compared with the same period last year, gross written premiums in the first nine months were up 4% to EUR 1.2 billion, mainly as a result of strong sales to the SME segment by the broker channel (+7%), while inflow via the bank channel remained almost stable at EUR 154 million. Year-to-date Non-Life net profit before minorities amounted to EUR 50 million, up 5% compared with the same period last year, supported by good results in workmen s compensation and a one-off DRD tax benefit of EUR 8 million in the second quarter. Net profit in the third quarter was EUR 27 million, up 20% compared to the second quarter due to the absence of weather related claims. The net result in the same quarter of last year amounted to EUR 9 million negative, due to a loss on the investment portfolio. The year-to-date combined ratio amounted to 103.3% compared with 105.6% end of June The combined ratio in the third quarter came down to 98.8% with the claims ratio coming down to 62.5% thanks to a lower amount of large claims in the third quarter. The expense ratio came slightly down compared to the end of June to 36.3%.

6 6 Fortis third quarter 2009 trading update 17 November 2009 Fortis Insurance International Total gross inflow, including non-consolidated joint ventures at 100%, in the first nine months reached EUR 6.3 billion, slightly below the inflow levels of the same period last year (-2%). The quarterly inflow amounted to EUR 2.0 billion, 3% below the level of the third quarter last year. Year-to-date total gross inflow of consolidated companies reached EUR 3.5 billion, 15% lower compared to the same period last year, due to lower inflow levels in Luxemburg and France. Third quarter consolidated inflow amounted to EUR 1.1 billion. Year-to-date gross inflows of the non-consolidated joint ventures remained strong (EUR 2.8 billion, +22%), driven by further growth in Thailand and China and favourable currency movements. Excluding the exchange rate impact, inflow increased by 12%. Fortis UK s year-to-date inflow amounted to EUR 702 million, a 7% increase at constant exchange rates, but 6% down at current exchange rates, driven by the ongoing implementation of its commercial lines and the strong development of its household portfolio. In the other European countries inflow amounted to EUR 2.6 billion year-to-date, 17% down on the same period last year. The inflow in the third quarter amounted to EUR 781 million, 17% below the level of last year. This was driven by continued lower inflow in the French and Luxemburg activities which continued to suffer from a low demand for unit-linked products and the negative commercial impact of last year s turbulence around Fortis. Inflows in Portugal were up 2% versus last year, driven by adequate product offering. The inflow of the Asian operations, including non-consolidated joint ventures at 100%, amounted to EUR 3.1 billion, up 21% on the same period last year at current exchange rates. Inflow levels were driven by an overall growing distribution power particularly in China (+21%), Thailand (+32%) and Malaysia (+14%), and helped by favourable currency rate movements. Year-to-date net profit after minorities was EUR 70 million, compared to EUR 40 million in the same period last year, the latter being impacted by EUR 55 million investment losses and write-downs on the investment portfolio. Minority interests for the first nine months amounted to EUR 37 million. Net profit after minorities in the third quarter amounted to EUR 37 million. Life Year-to-date total Life gross inflow, including non-consolidated joint ventures at 100%, amounted to EUR 5.1 billion, almost stable compared to last year. The strong performance in Asia and Portugal continued to be offset by lower inflows in Luxemburg and France. Inflow in the third quarter reached EUR 1.6 billion, 2% down on the same period last year. Year-to-date net profit after minorities amounted to EUR 34 million driven by volume growth and improved market circumstances, compared to a loss of EUR 18 million last year, caused by capital losses and impairments. Net profit after minorities in the third quarter amounted to EUR 23 million. Funds under management (consolidated companies only) went up to EUR 21.7 billion, a growth of 10% compared to end 2008, and 6% versus the end of June. This is mainly due to a good sales performance, reduced lapses and the better shape of the financial markets. Non-Life Non-Life gross written premiums, including non-consolidated joint ventures at 100%, declined 5% year-to-date to EUR 1.2 billion. At constant exchange rates and excluding Fortis Re (in run-off), gross written premiums increased by 8%, driven by a strong development of the commercial lines in both the UK and Portugal. Year-to-date net profit after minorities in Non-Life amounted to EUR 36 million, compared to EUR 58 million last year, mainly caused by a lower technical result. Net profit after minorities in the third quarter amounted to EUR 14 million.

7 Fortis third quarter 2009 trading update 17 November The year-to-date combined ratio improved slightly to 104.5% compared to 106.1% end of June, The combined ratio for the third quarter was 101.3%, as both the claims and expense ratios improved. Several actions to improve the Non-Life operational performance have been implemented in the main Non-Life operations.

8 8 Fortis third quarter 2009 trading update 17 November 2009 General The year-to-date net profit of the General account after eliminations amounted to EUR 711 million. The net result for the third quarter was EUR 53 million, including a EUR 83 million positive revaluation of the call option on the BNP Paribas shares netof-tax. Net interest income for the first nine months amounted to EUR 25 million. In the third quarter the net interest margin was EUR 6 million negative. as the interest on the net cash position is short term EURIBOR related whereas most liabilities have fixed rates. In addition, the redemption of a EUR 5.7 billion subordinated loan structure with Fortis Bank at the end of the second quarter resulted in the absence of a positive interest margin in the third quarter of this year. Furthermore, the third quarter General result was positively impacted by a revaluation of EUR 20 million on the mandatory exchangeable bond portfolio. Total staff and administrative expenses in the first nine months amounted to EUR 73 million of which EUR 28 million in the third quarter, including some non-recurring items related to separation issues. Finally, the third quarter result includes a non-recurring charge of EUR 15 million related to a tax adjustment. 1. Fair value of RPN(I) The methodology used to calculate the fair value of the RPN(I) remained unchanged compared to 30 June As at 30 September 2009 Fortis used a share price of EUR 3.20, a long term interest rate of 3.75% and a theoretical value for the CASHES of 66% of par. As a result, the fair value of the future interest payments related to Relative Performance Note (RPN) at 30 September 2009 remained unchanged at EUR 344 million. The quarterly interest payment for the third quarter, based on the RPN, to Fortis Bank amounted to EUR 1.2 million. This amount is calculated as an average of the calculated interest amounts for the quarter. 2. The valuation of the call option on BNP Paribas shares granted by SFPI/FPIM Using the same methodology as per 30 June 2009, Fortis estimated the value of the million BNP Paribas options to be EUR 856 million before tax as of 30 September This calculation is based on a standard Black-Scholes model (see half year results press release of 27 August 2009), using an implied volatility of 27% (30% end of June 2009) and a dividend yield of 3.502% (3.068% at 30 June 2009). The application of a 30% discount for non-standard features remained unchanged compared to the end of June. Taking into account a deferred tax liability of EUR 291 million, the valuation net-of-tax as at the end of the third quarter amounted to EUR 565 million. Like at the end of June, an implied volatility of 5% would result in a 26% change in value of the option. On 29 September 2009 BNP Paribas launched a rights issue with preemptive rights, resulting in an adjustment of the strike price, used for the valuation of the call option as at 30 September 2009, from EUR 68 to EUR per share, based on the market price of the rights at that date. Subsequent to the closing of BNP Paribas s rights issue on 13 October 2009, the calculation agent recomputed the final strike price of the call option, to be used going forward, at EUR The amount of options granted remained unchanged as the option is not fully ISDA compliant. These options represent, after the rights issue of BNP Paribas, 10.24% of the BNP Paribas shares outstanding. 3. Royal Park Investments (RPI) The EUR 760 million investment in RPI, accounted for as goodwill, remained unchanged compared to the end of June. For more information on RPI and its assets, please refer to

9 Fortis third quarter 2009 trading update 17 November Annex 1: Quarterly inflow data Quarterly inflow data By segment YTD 09 YTD 08 Change Q3 09 Q3 08 Change AG Insurance Gross written premiums 3,495 3,187 10% 1, % Investment contracts without DPF* (30%) (44%) Gross Inflow Life 3,925 3,799 3% 1,179 1,104 7% Gross Written premiums Non-Life 1,173 1,127 4% % Total inflow AG Insurance 5,098 4,926 3% 1,544 1,457 6% Fortis Insurance International Gross written premiums 1,314 1,071 23% % Investment contracts without DPF 1,282 2,053 (38%) (35%) Gross Inflow Life 2,596 3,124 (17%) (13%) Gross Written premiums Non-Life (10%) (13%) Total Inflow Consolidated 3,474 4,103 (15%) 1,105 1,266 (13%) Non-consolidated JVs at 100% 2,836 2,327 22% % Total inflow FII 6,310 6,430 (2%) 1,959 2,025 (3%) Total Inflow Fortis 11,408 11,356 0% 3,503 3,482 1% Life/ Non-Life YTD 09 YTD 08 Change Q3 09 Q3 08 Change Life AG Insurance 3,925 3,799 3% 1,179 1,104 7% Fortis Insurance International 5,135 5,194 (1%) 1,575 1,603 (2%) Fully consolidated 2,596 3,124 (17%) (13%) Non-consolidated JVs at 100% 2,539 2,070 23% % Total Inflow Life 9,060 8,993 1% 2,754 2,707 2% Non-Life AG Insurance 1,173 1,127 4% % Fortis Insurance International 1,175 1,236 (5%) (9%) Fully consolidated (10%) (13%) Non-consolidated JVs at 100% % % Total Gross written Premiums Non-Life 2,348 2,363 (1%) (3%) Total Inflow Fortis 11,408 11,356 0% 3,503 3,482 1% * Discretionary Participation Feature : a contractual right to receive, as a supplement to guaranteed benefits, additional benefits : (a) that are likely to be a significant portion of the total contractual benefits; (b) whose amount or timing is contractually at the discretion of the issuer; and (c) that are contractually based on : (i) the performance of a specific pool of contracts or a specified type of contract; (ii) realized and/or unrealized investment returns on a specified pool of assets held by the issuer; or (iii) the profit or loss of the company, fund or other entity that issues the contract.

10 10 Fortis third quarter 2009 trading update 17 November 2009 Annex 2: Inflow per region Key Figures per region in EUR million Gross Written Gross inflow Life premiums Non- Life Total % stake YTD 09 YTD 08 Q3 09 YTD 09 YTD 08 Q3 09 YTD 09 YTD 08 Q3 09 Belgium 75% 3,925 3,799 1,179 1,173 1, ,098 4,926 1,544 United Kingdom 100% Other European countries 2,375 2, ,557 3, Portugal 51% 1,652 1, ,815 1, France 100% Luxemburg 50%/100% Ukraine 100% Germany 100% Turkey 100% Asia 2,754 2, ,051 2, Consolidated entities Hong Kong 100% Non-consolidated jvs at 100% Malaysia 31% Thailand 40%/15% China 25% 1,754 1, ,754 1, India 26% Other Fortis Re-Insurance 100% Grand Total 9,060 8,993 2,754 2,348 2, ,408 11,356 3,503

11 Fortis third quarter 2009 trading update 17 November Disclaimer The information on which the statements in this press release are based may be subject to change and this press release may also contain certain projections or other forward looking-statements concerning Fortis. These statements are based on current expectations of the management of Fortis and are naturally subject to uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances. The financial information included in this interim management statement is unaudited. The forward-looking statements are no guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond Fortis s ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions and the behaviour of other market participants. Other unknown or unpredictable factors beyond the control of Fortis could also cause actual results to differ materially from those in the statements and include but are not limited to the consent required from regulatory and supervisory authorities and the outcome of pending and future litigation involving Fortis. Therefore undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Fortis assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required pursuant to applicable law. Analyst and Investor conference call CET (11.00 UK Time) Audiocast: Listen only (Access code #): (United Kingdom) (Belgium) (US) Replay: available until 17 December 2009 (Access Code: #) (Belgium) Lines will be open ten minutes before the presentation starts, so please dial in five to ten minutes in advance. Press Contacts: Brussels: +32 (0) Investor Relations: Brussels: +32 (0) Utrecht: +31 (0) Fortis consists of (1) a 75% ownership of AG Insurance, (2) Fortis Insurance International, (3) a 45% stake in Royal Park Investments - a structured credit portfolio entity - and (4) financial assets and liabilities of various financing vehicles. AG Insurance is overall market leader and a leading player in the Employee Benefits market. The international insurance activities (Fortis Insurance International) are located in the UK, where Fortis is the third largest player in the market for private car insurance, France, Hong Kong, Luxembourg (Non-Life), Germany, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and joint ventures in Luxembourg (Life), Portugal, with Millenniumbcp Fortis being a clear market leader, China, Malaysia, India and Thailand. Fortis currently employs over 10,000 people.