- Revenues at €1,930 million, stable at constant exchange rates and constant scope.
- Net combined ratio at 79.7%.
- Operating income at €292 million including €37 million restructuring costs.
- Net income at €226 million, at last year level.
In a continued global economic context of volatility and low growth, we have succeeded in maintaining a net combined ratio below 80% despite premium pressure in our large European markets,” said Wilfried Verstraete, chairman of the Euler Hermes board of management. “This stable performance is, in large part, a result of our sound underwriting practices, but also our commitment to developing new products and services in order to adapt to changing client needs. A first partnership in the digital arena was recently announced, and our clients will also see the fruits of our Accelerate business transformation program, designed to deliver outstanding customer service.”
I. Results for the first nine months of 2016
A. Key figures*
*not audited
(1) The sale of Bürgel explains €28.8 million lower service revenues in 9M 2016 compared to same period 2015
B. Turnover
At €1,929.5 million at end of September, turnover was down -2.8% compared to 9M 2015 published figures. The sale of Bürgel in February 2016, retroactive to January 1st, accounts for most of the decrease (€28.8 million service revenues); foreign exchange also contributed negatively. At constant scope and constant FX, topline increased by +0.1% compared to September last year with earned premiums decreasing by 0.5% while service revenues remained dynamic at +3.5%.
France posted positive growth for the second consecutive quarter, MMEA staid on a path of steady growth, while Asia and Americas slowed down, a consequence of the implemented risk and commercial action plans. DACH and Northern Europe again posted negative growth, impacted by pressure on rates.
C. Operating income
Operating income stood at €291.5 million, down by 10.4% year-on-year.
The net claims ratio at end September reached 52.7%, up 1.6 points compared to the same period last year, but it was down to 51.5% in the sole quarter Q3 2016, the lowest quarterly level since Q2 2015.
The net expense ratio of 27.0% was lower compared to the same period last year (27.3%), essentially due to an improved service margin.
Net investment income reached €67.2 million at end September compared to €79.4 million for the same period last year, impacted by low reinvestment yields and lower foreign exchange gains.
The Group engaged in restructuring plans in some European countries, aiming at a reduction of approx. 300 FTE at full implementation from 2019 onwards. Total expected savings at full speed should be in the range of €32 to €35 million, including non-HR related savings. The freed-up capacity will allow further investing in international and product developments as well as in digitalization, and will also compensate the expected decrease in investment income.
The one-off restructuring costs booked at end of September for €37 million pre-tax are compensated by the gains realised on the sale of Bürgel and Graydon, two information companies (€35 million pre-tax).
D. Net income
Net income stood at €225.9 million, almost at last year’s level (€226.8 million).
E. Investment portfolio
At €4,450 million at the end of September 2016, the market value of the Group investment portfolio decreased by €168 million vs year-end 2015, essentially as a result of the share buy-back in May 2016.
F. Solvency ratio
The published Solvency II economic ratio was 165% at the end of June. The Group will next communicate its solvency position with the 2016 full year results.
G. Outlook
The recent trend in claims is reassuring and Euler Hermes has stabilized its exposure after several quarters of steady decrease. Euler Hermes remains vigilant for any sign that would require to adjust its commercial and risk underwriting stances.
The Group has engaged one step further in its business transformation program with the launch of productivity measures in mature European countries which will free up capacity to make necessary digital investments. This altogether demonstrates our ability for change while preserving our profitability.
II. Results for the third quarter of 2016
GLOSSARY
Expense Ratio or Cost Ratio: contract acquisition expenses, administration expenses and service margin as a proportion of earned premiums. The service margin corresponds to service revenues less other ordinary operating income and expenses. It can be in “gross terms” i.e. before reinsurance,
or “net terms” which includes the reinsurance commission.
Claims Ratio: claims costs from all attachment years as a proportion of earned premiums. It can be in “gross terms” i.e. before reinsurance, or “net terms” which includes the part ceded to the reinsurers.
Combined Ratio: sum of the expense ratio and the claims ratio.
