Put companies on watchlist
Hannover Rück SE
ISIN: DE0008402215
WKN: 840221
About
Company Snapshot
New: Enable Investor Alerts
Be informed about new publications
New: AI Factsheet

Corporate News meets AI! 
Content analysis and summary

EN GIF 300X250

Hannover Rück SE · ISIN: DE0008402215 · EQS - Company News (62 News)
Country: Germany · Primary market: Germany · EQS NID: 1698781
09 August 2023 07:30AM

Hannover Re confirms full-year earnings target after good first six months


EQS-News: Hannover Rück SE / Key word(s): Half Year Results
Hannover Re confirms full-year earnings target after good first six months

09.08.2023 / 07:30 CET/CEST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.


Corporate news

Hannover Re confirms full-year earnings target after good first six months

  • Reinsurance revenue up by 3.9% to EUR 12.3 billion
  • Large losses in property and casualty reinsurance within the budgeted expectations
  • Result in life and health reinsurance beats expectations
  • Return on investment above target at 3.0%
  • Group net income rises by 18% to EUR 960 million
  • Return on equity comfortably above minimum target at 21.0%
  • Full-year earnings target for 2023 confirmed

Hannover, 9 August 2023: Hannover Re increased its Group net income in the first half of 2023 by 18% and confirms its full-year earnings target.

"We closed the first half with a good result and are thus still on track to achieve our year-end targets," said Jean-Jacques Henchoz, Chief Executive Officer of Hannover Re. "In the recent renewals we were also able to secure further – sometimes appreciable – improvements in prices and conditions, as reflected in another increase in the new business value. A selective underwriting approach remains the order of the day for us, in part because experience shows that the more eventful months of the year are still ahead of us. This prudence is exactly what sets us apart as a financially strong and reliable reinsurance partner."

Group net income rises to EUR 960 million

With effect from 1 January 2023 Hannover Re is reporting its results on the basis of the new accounting standards IFRS 17 and IFRS 9.

Reinsurance revenue (gross) increased by 3.9% to EUR 12.3 billion (previous year: EUR 11.8 billion). Growth of 5.4% would have been booked at unchanged exchange rates.

The reinsurance service result, which reflects the profitability of underwriting activity less business ceded (primarily retrocessions and insurance-linked securities), surged by 56% to EUR 1.1 billion (EUR 694 million). The reinsurance finance result adjusted for exchange rate effects, which includes in particular the interest accretion on technical reserves discounted in prior years, amounted to EUR -342 million (EUR -205 million).

The operating result (EBIT) increased by 21% to EUR 1.4 billion (EUR 1.1 billion). Group net income rose to EUR 960 million (EUR 815 million). Earnings per share thus amounted to EUR 7.96 (EUR 6.76).

"Our investment income delivered another important contribution to the overall result. In a volatile capital market environment the resilience and earning power of our investment portfolio once again shone through," said Clemens Jungsthöfel, Chief Financial Officer of Hannover Re. "Despite a pleasing rise in ordinary investment income, we have allowed for valuation corrections in our earnings forecast for the second half of the year as a precautionary move."

Return on equity comfortably above minimum target at 21.0%; capital adequacy ratio remains extremely robust

The shareholders' equity of Hannover Re amounted to EUR 9.3 billion as at 30 June 2023 (31 December 2022: EUR 9.1 billion). The annualised return on equity reached 21.0% (previous year: 16.4%) and exceeded the minimum target of 1,000 basis points above the risk-free interest rate. The book value per share stood at EUR 76.76 (31 December 2022: EUR 75.12).

The contractual service margin (net) increased by 11% to EUR 7.3 billion (31 December 2022: EUR 6.6 billion). The rise can be attributed largely to new business written. The risk adjustment (net) decreased slightly to EUR 3.7 billion (31 December 2022: EUR 3.7 billion).

The capital adequacy ratio under Solvency II, which measures Hannover Re's risk-carrying capacity, amounted to 269.8% at the end of June and thus remained comfortably above the limit of 180% and the internal threshold of 200%.

Large losses in property and casualty reinsurance within the budgeted expectations

The renewals in property and casualty reinsurance within the year brought improved risk-adjusted prices and conditions for Hannover Re. Thanks to a quality-focused underwriting approach, the new business CSM (net) rose by 45% to EUR 1.8 billion (EUR 1.3 billion). The new business loss component (net) decreased to EUR 35 million (EUR 235 million).

Reinsurance revenue (gross) in property and casualty reinsurance increased by 6.6% to EUR 8.4 billion (EUR 7.9 billion). Growth would have reached 7.8% at unchanged exchange rates.

Expenditures from large losses in the first six months of the year totalled EUR 607 million (EUR 850 million) and thus came in within the budgeted expectations of EUR 751 million for that period.

The largest individual losses in the first half of 2023 included the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria at the beginning of the year with expenditure of EUR 257 million as well as extensive flooding in January and Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle in February that impacted New Zealand at a cost of EUR 45 million and EUR 65 million respectively. Further expenditures of EUR 42 million were incurred from severe storms in Italy in May together with EUR 36 million for losses caused by tornados in the southern United States in March. In addition, Hannover Re anticipates losses of EUR 50 million from the recent riots in France.

The reinsurance service result improved substantially by 51% to EUR 598 million (EUR 397 million). The previous year's figure had included provisions for losses from the Ukraine war and for additional reserves established for prior-year losses. The combined ratio in property and casualty reinsurance improved to 91.7% (94.4%). The reinsurance finance result (net) amounted to EUR -285 million (EUR -149 million).

Net income from investments in property and casualty reinsurance grew by 14% to EUR 625 million (EUR 548 million).

The operating profit (EBIT) increased by 28% to EUR 829 million (EUR 648 million). This puts Hannover Re well on track to achieve the expected full-year EBIT of at least EUR 1.6 billion.

Result in life and health reinsurance beats expectations

The result in life and health reinsurance delivered a pleasing performance in the first half of the year. Sustained strong demand, especially in the areas of financial solutions, longevity covers and in traditional business, had a favourable effect on the business development. The new business CSM (net) amounted to EUR 151 million (EUR 229 million). The new business loss component (net) stood at EUR 4 million.

Reinsurance revenue (gross) contracted slightly to EUR 3.9 billion (EUR 4.0 billion). Growth of 0.8% would have been booked at unchanged exchange rates.

The reinsurance service result improved considerably by 62% to reach EUR 481 million (EUR 297 million), thanks in particular to a better result in business with mortality covers. The reinsurance finance result before exchange rate effects amounted to EUR -58 million (EUR -57 million).

Net income from investments in life and health reinsurance, which had benefited from two sizeable special effects in the previous year, normalised accordingly and fell by 19% to EUR 225 million (EUR 276 million).

The operating result (EBIT) in life and health reinsurance increased by 11% to EUR 525 million (EUR 471 million) and is thus very well on course to achieve the expected full-year EBIT of at least EUR 750 million.

Return on investment above target at 3.0%

The portfolio of investments totalled EUR 56.5 billion as at the end of June (31 December 2022: EUR 55.3 billion).

Net income from investments surpassed the level of the previous year's period at EUR 851 million (EUR 825 million). This can be attributed above all to strong earnings from the fixed-income portfolio and lower expenditure for expected credit losses, which more than offset the reduced income from fair value changes in the holdings measured at fair value through profit and loss. The resulting annualised return on investment amounted to 3.0% and was thus above the minimum 2.4% target set for the full year.

Outlook for 2023: Group net income of at least EUR 1.7 billion confirmed

The renewals in property and casualty reinsurance as at 1 July 2023, where the focus is on the Asia-Pacific region and North America as well as some speciality lines, brought further improvements in risk-adjusted prices and conditions. The renewed volume grew by a substantial 12.6%. The inflation- and risk-adjusted price increase on renewed business was 4.8%.

For the 2023 financial year Hannover Re expects to grow the reinsurance revenue in total business by at least 5% on the Group level assuming constant exchange rates. The currency-adjusted growth in reinsurance revenue should again be stronger in property and casualty reinsurance than in life and health reinsurance.

"The increasing losses from natural disasters and other severe events as well as persistently high inflation in some regions are driving stronger demand for reinsurance protection," said Henchoz. "With our focus on the long-term profitability of our portfolio I remain optimistic – despite all the challenges – that we can sustain the positive development of Hannover Re's business in the second half of the year and achieve the goals we have set.“

For 2023 Hannover Re anticipates a contribution of at least EUR 1.6 billion from property and casualty reinsurance to the operating result (EBIT), with life and health reinsurance expected to contribute at least EUR 750 million.

Group net income for the full year should reach at least EUR 1.7 billion. This assumes that large loss expenditure does not materially exceed the budgeted level of EUR 1.725 billion, no unforeseen distortions occur on capital markets and the Covid-19 pandemic does not have any further significant impact on the result in life and health reinsurance.

The investment portfolio should continue to show moderate growth – assuming stable exchange rates and interest rate levels. The return on investment from the asset portfolio should reach at least 2.4%.

Hannover Re's dividend policy remains unchanged. It is envisaged that the ordinary dividend will at least be on the level of the previous year. This will be supplemented by a special dividend provided the capitalisation exceeds the capital required for future growth and the profit target is achieved.

 

Hannover Re, with gross premium of more than EUR 33 billion, is the third-largest reinsurer in the world. It transacts all lines of property & casualty and life & health reinsurance and is present on all continents with around 3,500 staff. Established in 1966, the Hannover Re Group today has a network of more than 170 subsidiaries, branches and representative offices worldwide. The Group's German business is written by the subsidiary E+S Rück. The rating agencies most relevant to the insurance industry have awarded both Hannover Re and E+S Rück outstanding financial strength ratings: Standard & Poor's AA- "Very Strong" and A.M. Best A+ "Superior".

Please note the disclaimer: https://www.hannover-re.com/535917
 

Key figures of the Hannover Re Group (IFRS basis)
in EUR million H1/2023  +/- previous year  H1/20221)
Hannover Re Group      
Reinsurance revenue (gross) 12,272.7 +3.9% 11,816.1
Reinsurance service result (net) 1,078.7 +55.5% 693.5
Reinsurance finance result adjusted for currency effects (net) (342.5)   (205.5)
Net income from investments 850.7 +3.2% 824.6
Operating result (EBIT) 1,352.6 +21.0% 1,117.5
Group net income 960.0 +17.8% 814.9
Earnings per share in EUR 7.96 +17.8% 6.76
EBIT margin3) 12.6%   10.3%
Return on investment 3.0%   3.0%
Return on equity 21.0%   16.4%
       
in EUR million H1/2023  +/- previous year  H1/20221)
Policyholders' surplus 13,393.0 -2.1%  
New business CSM (net) 7,275.4 +10.9%  
Risk adjustment 3,651.2 -1.8%  
Investments 56,467.1 +2.1%  
Total assets 63,924.0 +1.5%  
Book value per share in EUR 76.76 +2.2%  
       
Property & Casualty reinsurance      
in EUR million H1/2023  +/- previous year  H1/20221)
Reinsurance revenue (gross) 8,364.9 +6.6% 7,850.4
Reinsurance service result (net) 597.6 +50.7% 396.5
Reinsurance finance result adjusted for currency effects (net) (284.7)   (148.6)
Operating result (EBIT) 829.1 +28.0% 647.9
Combined Ratio2) 91.7%   94.4%
EBIT margin3) 11.5%   9.1%
       
Life & Health reinsurance      
in EUR million H1/2023  +/- previous year  H1/20221)
Reinsurance revenue (gross) 3,907.8 -1.5% 3,965.7
Reinsurance service result (net) 481.1 +62.0% 297.0
Reinsurance finance result adjusted for currency effects (net) (57.8)   (56.9)
Operating result (EBIT) 524.5 +11.3% 471.1
EBIT margin3) 14.8%   12.7%
1) Restated pursuant to IAS 8          
2) Reinsurance service result/ reinsurance revenue (net)          
3) Operating result (EBIT)/ reinsurance revenue (net)          
 
Key figures of the Hannover Re Group (IFRS basis)
in EUR million Q2/2023  +/- previous year  Q2/20221) 20221)
Hannover Re Group        
Reinsurance revenue (gross) 5,702.5 +9.6% 5,204.5  
Reinsurance service result (net) 510.4 +87.6% 272.1  
Reinsurance finance result adjusted for currency effects (net) (175.6)   (83.4)  
Net income from investments 469.9 +8.8% 431.7  
Operating result (EBIT) 632.3 +21.6% 519.9  
Group net income 475.6 +22.9% 387.0  
Earnings per share in EUR 3.94 +22.9% 3.21  
EBIT margin3) 13.0%   11.4%  
Return on investment 3.3%   3.2%  
Return on equity 20.3%   15.5%  
         
Property & Casualty reinsurance        
in EUR million Q2/2023  +/- previous year  Q2/20221) 20221)
Reinsurance revenue (gross) 3,764.8 +15.4% 3261.5  
Reinsurance service result (net) 282.7 +36.2% 207.6  
Reinsurance finance result adjusted for currency effects (net) (155.3)   (55.5)  
Operating result (EBIT) 362.8 +4.0% 349.0  
Combined Ratio2) 90,8%   92,5%  
EBIT margin3) 11.8%   12.6%  
         
Life & Health reinsurance        
in EUR million Q2/2023  +/- previous year  Q2/20221) 20221)
Reinsurance revenue (gross) 1,937.7 -0.3% 1,943.0  
Reinsurance service result (net) 227.6   64.5  
Reinsurance finance result adjusted for currency effects (net) (20.2)   (27.9)  
Operating result (EBIT) 271.5 +58.7% 171.0  
EBIT margin3) 15.3%   9.5%  
         
1) Restated pursuant to IAS 8        
2) Reinsurance service result/ reinsurance revenue (net)    
3) Operating result (EBIT)/ reinsurance revenue (net)    


Contact

External Communications: 

Oliver Suess
tel. +49 511 5604-1502 
oliver.suess@hannover-re.com

Jessica Locker
tel. +49 511 5604-1599
jessica.locker@hannover-re.com

Investor Relations:
Karl Steinle 
tel. +49 511 5604-1500 
karl.steinle@hannover-re.com

Axel Bock 
tel. +49 511 5604-1736 
axel.bock@hannover-re.com 

www.hannover-re.com



09.08.2023 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
Archive at www.eqs-news.com


Language: English
Company: Hannover Rück SE
Karl-Wiechert-Allee 50
30625 Hannover
Germany
Phone: +49-(0)511-5604-1500
Fax: +49-(0)511-5604-1648
Internet: www.hannover-re.com
ISIN: DE0008402215
WKN: 840 221
Indices: DAX
Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Hanover; Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange; Luxembourg Stock Exchange
EQS News ID: 1698781

 
End of News EQS News Service

1698781  09.08.2023 CET/CEST

fncls.ssp?fn=show_t_gif&application_id=1698781&application_name=news&site_id=boersengefluester
Visual performance / price development - Hannover Rück SE
Smart analysis and research tools can be found here.

This publication was provided by our content partner EQS3.

EQS Newswire
via EQS - Newsfeed
EQS Group AG ©2024
(DGAP)
Contact:
Karlstraße 47 D-80333 München
+49 (0) 89 444 430-000

 

SMART * AD
EN GIF 970X250

P R O D U C T   S U G G E S T I O N S

The information presented here has been provided by our content partner EQS-Group. The originator of the news is the respective issuer, the company relating to the news, a publication service provider (press or information agency) which uses the distribution service of EQS to transmit company news to shareholders, investors, investors or interested parties. The original publications and other company-relevant information can be found at eqs-news.com.


The information you can access does not constitute investment advice. The presentation of our cooperation partners, where the implementation of investment decisions would be possible depending on the individual risk profile, is solely at the discretion of the person using the service. We only present companies of which we are convinced that the range of services and customer service will satisfy discerning investors.

If you are considering leverage products, familiarise yourself with the typical characteristics of the financial instruments beforehand. Take the time to determine the risk content of the planned investment before making an investment decision. Bear in mind that a total loss cannot be ruled out with leverage products.

For newcomers to the subject, we offer various options in both the training and the tools section, through which you can train theoretical knowledge and practical experience and thus improve your skills. The offer ranges from participation in webinars to personal mentoring. The range is continuously being expanded.


1 Lab features are usually functionalities that emerge from the think tank of the investor community. In the early stages, these are experimental functionalities whose development process is largely determined by use and the resulting feedback from the community. When integrating external services or functionalities, the functionality can only be guaranteed to the extent that the individual process elements, such as interfaces, interact with each other.