Revenues at €637.5 million, up 4% over Q1 2013 at constant exchange rates (+3% at actual exchange rates) Ordinary operating income up 20%, to €117 million Net income at €82.7 million, up 29% excluding one-off realized gains in 2013 “
Euler Hermes starts the year in a very strong position with continued solid growth and a year-on-year drop of 6.1 points in the combined ratio to 74.6%,” said Wilfried Verstraete, chairman of the Euler Hermes board of management. “We remain vigilant about the price/risk adequacy as the market is softening, and we are confident of delivering sustainable and profitable growth again this year. Anchored by prudent risk underwriting, the Group will continue to strengthen its product range, distribution channels and international presence.”
Shareholders’ equity increased by €61.9 million in Q1 2014, driven primarily by the €82.7 million positive net income generated in the quarter.
Growth markets - the Americas, Asia, the Middle East - remain dynamic and drive most of the Group’s growth. Asian revenues increased by 24%, while the Americas continue to grow at nearly double-digits.
A. Key figures
Shareholders’ equity increased by €61.9 million in Q1 2014, driven primarily by the €82.7 million positive net income generated in the quarter.
Graphs in the press release
B. Turnover
Revenues grew by 3.9% at constant FX rate versus the first quarter of 2013. Euler Hermes continues its growth trajectory, though at a slower pace than in 2013.
Growth markets - the Americas, Asia, the Middle East - remain dynamic and drive most of the Group’s growth. Asian revenues increased by 24%, while the Americas continue to grow at nearly double-digits.
The Group faces increased competitive pressure in its traditional European markets, especially in Germany, as a result of strengthening economic conditions. The subdued business environment in France is also reflected in the local top line.
Overall, premiums remain strong due both to new production and retention: at +4.6% vs Q1 2013 at constant FX rates (+3.7% at actual exchange rate). Insured volumes on the existing portfolio and prices are roughly stable.
Service revenues, the second component of turnover, decreased slightly, with monitoring fees globally flat and collection revenues following the downward trend in claims.
C. Operating income
Ordinary operating income is very solid at €117.3 million, up 20.3% year-on-year.
This strong performance is driven by a significant improvement in the net technical result (+€29.3 million) linked to the low combined ratio of 74.6%, down -6.1 points from Q1 2013.
The net claims ratio dropped significantly, 8.6 points in Q1 2014, to 49.1% from 57.7% in Q1 2013. Most regions contributed to the improvement, particularly the Mediterranean and Northern Europe regions which were hit last year by a high claims frequency. The year-on-year run-off ratio is also much higher in 2014 (11.7% versus 4.3%) as Q1 2013 included a large negative run-off on a Spanish case.
The net expense ratio is up 2.5 points against prior year, as the service margin - which is a component of the expense ratio – begins to feel pressure from decreasing claims and related collection revenues, and as we have a lower reinsurance commission on non-credit insurance business lines.
Investment income continues to be negatively impacted by foreign exchange headwinds: of the - €9.5 million decline in income between Q1 2013 and Q1 2014, €7.2 million is foreign exchange-related.
Last year, operating income was positively impacted by a €31.7 million gain linked to the legal contribution of Spanish and Argentinean entities to the Solunion joint venture.
The decrease in the operating income from €127.3 million in Q1 2013 to €116.3 million in Q1 2014 is due to this one-off effect in Q1 2013.
D. Investment portfolio
At the end of March 2014, the market value of the Group’s investment portfolio had increased by €133 million to €4,296 million compared to year-end 2013, driven by positive operating cash flows and a re-evaluation of the bond portfolio.
E. Net income
Net income stands at €82.7 million, an increase of 29.2% over the quarter at comparable basis. The year-on-year decline of -3.1% is solely linked to the one-off gain generated in Q1 2013 from contributing entities to our new Solunion JV with MAPFRE.
F. Outlook
After falling to +2.3% in 2013 – the slowest pace since the 2009 crisis – we expect world GDP growth to show a slight improvement in 2014. However, the number of insolvencies is expected to remain high. The modest GDP uptick should support another year of positive growth for Euler Hermes, and enable the company to penetrate new markets and segments more deeply. The company will draw on its demonstrated ability to be both agile and robust in a softening market, and will retain its dual focus on helping clients to trade safely while managing their risks effectively.