Euler Hermes 2016 full-year results: Strong performance sustained: solid results and solvency, stable dividend

“In 2016, companies faced a sluggish global economy, a slowdown in trade volumes and price competition. In addition, growth was threatened by political uncertainties and a series of unexpected events. In these volatile circumstances, Euler Hermes delivered strong results, with a net combined ratio at 79.8%,” said Wilfried Verstraete, chairman of the Euler Hermes board of management. “We kept our commitment to secure our profitability by actively managing our insurance portfolios across the globe and adjust our underwriting practices to market circumstances. The strong results form a solid underpinning from which to further roll-out the various initiatives we have launched: development of specialty products and innovative distribution solutions (digital/ banking). All these changes share a single unifying goal: better serve our customers wherever they are.” 

At €2,569.9 million at the end of December, turnover was down -2.6% compared to published figures last year. The sale of Bürgel, in February 2016, retroactive to January 1st, accounts for most of the decrease (€39.1 million service revenues); foreign exchange also contributed negatively. At constant scope and constant FX, topline increased by +0.3% compared to last year with earned premiums decreasing -0.2% while service revenues remained dynamic at +2.9%.

Europe continued to struggle with growth, suffering from strong pressure on rates and a lack of traction from insured volumes. France was an exception with +3.1% turnover growth, driven by new products and a small rebound in insured volumes. Non mature markets slowed, with APAC posting a +4.1% growth at constant FX in contrast compared with double digit rates in the past; other emerging countries decreasing (Gulf Countries, Turkey and Brazil), following the risk action plans implemented since last year. 

Operating income stood at €373.3 million, down by 10.5% year-on-year, with flat performance on the net technical result but a sharp decrease in net investment income.

The net combined ratio remained below 80%, at exactly 79.8%, slightly down compared to last year (-0.3pt). Improvement on the net claims ratio compensated the increase in net expense ratio.

The net claims ratio at year-end was 52.2%, down by 1.1 points compared to the same period last year. Euler Hermes observed a notable improvement on frequency claims, and the net claims ratio Q4 2016 returned to its lowest level since Q3 2015.

The net expense ratio was 27.6% at year-end 2016, compared to 26.8% last year, as costs, namely HR expenses, grow faster than premiums. On-going restructuring initiatives should reverse that trend.

Net investment income reached €75.3 million at the end of December compared to €116.3 million for the same period last year, impacted by low reinvestment yields, lower foreign exchange result, and lower realized gains on the financial portfolio.

2016 operating income also included €38.0 million in costs (pre-tax) for restructuring, which was accounted for by the end of September when the voluntary leavers programs were announced. This cost was compensated by the gains realised on the sale of Bürgel and Graydon, two information companies (€35.1 million pre-tax).

Net income stood at €287 million, below last year by -5.1% with the slight decrease being entirely linked to the financial income after an exceptional contribution of that caption to the results of 2015.

Based on a net result of €6.70 per share, the Euler Hermes Management Board will propose a stable dividend of €4.68 per share. This corresponds to a payout ratio of 68.5%. 

At €4,525 million at the end of December 2016, the market value of the Group investment portfolio decreased by €93 million vs year-end 2015, essentially as a result of a share buy-back done in May 2016. 

The Solvency II economic ratio for Euler Hermes Group was 166% at the end of December. It increased from 162% in December 2015 pro-forma restated for the share buyback transaction of May 2016.

The economic outlook for 2017 remains uncertain: increasingly protectionist trade policies, continued pressure on prices, and the promised rebound will depend greatly on the policy shift in the U.S. and the resilience of China and Europe. In addition, the downward trend in global insolvencies is expected to come to an end. 

Euler Hermes will continue its sound underwriting practices and costs efficiencies, which underpinned the strength of its business model once again in 2016 with a net combined ratio below 80%. In parallel, Euler Hermes will accelerate its transformation around new products, new services and digitalization, to further improve the customer experience.

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.