Interim management statement as of 30 September 2015 – Press release

05 November 2015 - 07:30 price sensitive

INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENTS AS OF 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 – PRESS RELEASE 1

Net result of the first 9 months to € 1.7 billion (+8.7%) above full year 2014 result

Gross written premiums over € 54 bln (+5.1%), thanks to the excellent Life performance (+7%) and progress in P&C (+0.8%)

Operating result over € 3.8 bn (+4.7%) thanks to the strong development of the profitability in P&C (+4.8%) and the good performance in Life (+3.9%)

Annualised operating RoE at 13.9% progressing strongly

Combined ratio further improved to 92.7% (-0.8 p.p.), despite the higher impact of natural catastrophe claims

Stable capital position: pro-forma internal model Economic Solvency ratio at 196% (+10 p.p.), and Solvency I ratio achieved 166%

The Generali Group CFO, Alberto Minali, commented: “In the first nine months of 2015 Generali has continued to improve technical performance. There has been significant growth in terms of premium income and profitability both in Life and, in particular, in P&C, reaching a net profit of € 1.7 billion, already surpassing 2014 full year result. In Life the strong development of linked and protection products progressed, with net inflows over € 11 billion, resulting in very positive expected impact on the profitability of the next years. In P&C segment, the combined ratio in the first nine months is further improved, despite heavier losses from natural catastrophes  and continued highly competitive markets. The P&C premium income is increasing, driven in particular by the CEE countries and non-motor. These results, as well as our stable and strong capital position, have led to an operating RoE at 13.9% on an annual basis, well above the 13% target level. Furthermore, the cash generation, which is one of our main strategic targets for the coming years, is progressing in line with our plans.
We are confident that we will close 2015 with a net profit significantly higher than 2014, also thanks to the good contribution that we expect in the last quarter of the year.

Milan. At a meeting chaired by Gabriele Galateri di Genola, the Assicurazioni Generali Board of Directors approved the consolidated results as of 30 September 2015.

Executive Summary

The Generali Group closed the first nine months of 2015 with a strong development of both premiums and operating result. In the current macro-economic scenario, still facing unstable markets and low interest rates, the premium income and operating results of the Group have been constantly growing in both segments: gross written premiums increased by 5.1% to € 54.2 billion (€ 51.2 bln 9M14) and the operating result grew by 4.7%, to € 3,840 million (€ 3,668 mln 9M14). As a consequence, the operating return of the last twelve months, calculated through the annualized operating RoE 2, is above the Group target, at 13.9%.
The net profit amounts to € 1,727 million (€ 1,588 mln 9M14), increased by 8.7%, thanks to the good operating and non-operating performance, already surpassing full year 2014 level.

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 Third quarter 2015 Third quarter 2014
Consolidated operating result 3,840 3,668 1,061 1,170
life segment 2,338 2,251 625 737
property&casualty segment 1,605 1,530 501 452
holding and other businesses segment 56 87 -15 22
consolidation adjustments -159 -200 -50 -40
Consolidated non-operating result -865 -924 -382 -266
Income taxes -1,041 -987 -284 -358
Profit or loss from discontinued operations -35 -8 46 4
Result of the period attributable to minority interests -171 -161 -22 -37
Result of the period attributable to the Group 1,727 1,588 420 513

The operating result of the Life segment remains solid at € 2,338 million (+3.9%; € 2,251 mln 9M14) thanks to the performance of the technical and investment margins. The positive development of the premium income continues, with an increase of 7% at € 38,425 million (€ 35,610 mln 9M14) thanks to the good performance of all business lines and in particular of the unit linked policies (+16.1%).
New business in terms of APE grew to € 3,784 million (+1.7%; € 3,666 mln 9M14), driven by the strong growth of unit linked (+23.9%) and protection policies (+21%), while savings business declined 10%. Single premiums experienced a significant growth (+12.1%), in particular in Italy, France and Germany. The new business value (NBV) is at € 757 million (€ 934 mln 9M14). The strong rebound of new business margin (NBM) in 3Q at 26.2% drove the 9M margin (NBM) to 20% (25.5% 9M14). Despite weaker external financial conditions, the decisive actions have taken by the Group to improve product mix and recalibrate guarantees have generated underlying profitability improvements.

The performance of P&C segment improved with an operating result 4.8% higher at € 1,605 million (€ 1,530 mln 9M14). In particular, the technical profitability further improved, with a combined ratio to 92.7% (-0.8 p.p.), due to the improvements in all main Group countries, and despite the higher impact of nat-cat by 0.4 p.p. (€ 57 mln) in the period. The CEE countries are once again the best Group’s region in terms of technical profitability (86.5%).
Finally, the performance of premium income was positive, increasing by 0.8% to € 15,775 million (€ 15,564 mln 9M14), thanks to the development of the non-motor segment (+1.7%).

The Group shareholders’ equity remains solid at € 22.8 billion (-1.9%; € 23.2 mld FY14) despite the declines in the fair value on the financial assets available for sale, dividends paid as well as the disposal of the BSI Group 3.
The Group Solvency I stands at 166% (+2 p.p. as against FY14).

The pro-forma internal model Economic Solvency ratio stands at 196%, with an increase of 10 p.p. as against 31 December 2014. The increase is mainly driven by the contribution of the normalized operating earnings of the period. Furthermore, the Group applied to the College of Supervisors to use the own internal model for the calculation of the capital requirements according to the Solvency II regime. The application process outcome is expected by March 2016.

Life segment: strong development of premium income and operating performance

  • Premium income strongly improved to € 38.4 bln (+7%); positive trends in the main Group countries
  • Net inflows strongly increased to € 11 billion (+20.6%)
  • APE increased to € 3,784 million (+1.7%)
  • Operating  result  progressing  to  €  2.3  bln (+3.9%),  thanks to technical margin and successful investment management policy

Thanks to the good development in all business lines, Life premiums amounted to € 38,425 million 4, with a 7% growth (€ 35,610 mln 9M14). The strong performance of linked contracts (+16.1%) is progressing thanks to the strategy focusing on insurance products with low capital absorption. Protection policies (+7.3%) as well as the savings and pension lines (+3.1%) also progressed.
The positive trend of the three main Group countries (Italy, France and Germany) offset the 9.7% decline of the EMEA countries, mainly due to the reduction of the single premium products in Ireland. A positive contribution was also witnessed from Asia (+44.7%), thanks to another excellent quarter.
As to the main operating countries, Italy confirmed the trend of the first part of the year with a strong 15% premium growth to € 13,511 million (€ 11,751 mln 9M14). The main driver of this trend is the significant increase of linked products (+62%). Savings and pension policies also increased (+7.2%) mainly thanks to the hybrid products. A positive performance also in France (+4.7%), Germany (+4%) and CEE countries (+8.6%), thanks to the unit linked policies and the protection lines.

The improvement in Life net inflows – collected premiums minus outflows for maturities and surrenders – amounts to approximately € 11 billion, showing a 20.6% increase. The trend reflects the performance in Italy (where net inflows nearly equal to the half of the Group), France and Germany offsetting the decline in the EMEA countries. This decline is due to the previously mentioned reduction in the premium income in Ireland and the performance in Austria, where net inflows were impacted by the strong increase in payments and the decrease in the premium income. With quadrupled net inflows, the contribution from Asia was excellent, following the development of premiums.

New business in terms of APE showed an increase by 1.7%, totalling € 3,784 million. Single premiums showed a remarkable growth (+12.1%), in particular in Italy, France and Germany, while annual premiums decreased (-6.3%). The trend is mainly due to the decline in Italy (-26.5%), having benefitted by some significant renewals in the first months of 2014, only partially offset by the growth in France (+36.1%) and Asia (+56%).
Despite the strong recovery in the third quarter, thanks to the improvement in the financial markets the new business margin (NBM) is still affected by the difficult economic scenario with a decline in interest rates and strongly increased market volatility in the second quarter of 2015. As a consequence, the new business margin (NBM) at nine months is equal to 20% (25.5% 9M14). The new business value (NBV) amounted to € 757 million (-20.7%).

The operating result improved by 3.9% to € 2,338 million (€ 2,251 mln 9M14) driven by the good performance of the investment margin thanks to the improvement of current returns, despite the current financial market scenario. The contribution of the technical margin was also positive supported by the trend of net inflows and offset by the increase in acquisition and administration costs due to the premium trend. As a consequence, the expense ratio - above mentioned costs divided by premiums - is stable at 9.7%.

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 Third quarter 2015 Third quarter 2014
Operating result 2,338 2,251 625 737
Technical margin 4,303 3,985 1,435 1,283
Net investment result 1,780 1,676 406 586
Total operating expenses -3,745 -3,410 -1,216 -1,132


Property & Casualty segment: excellent performance of operating result and further improvement of technical profitability

  • Premiums up to € 15,775 million (+0.8%)
  • Operating result to € 1.6 bln (+4.8%), thanks to the decline in the loss ratio
  • Combined ratio improved by 0.8 p.p. to 92.7%

Despite the rather still unstable market scenario, the premium income of the P&C segment grew by +0.8% totalling € 15,775 million (€ 15,564 mln 9M14). As to the various Group countries, CEE countries experienced a strong growth (+3.9%) and the positive trend was confirmed in Germany (+1%) and in the EMEA countries (+1.7%). France declined by 0.9%, despite a recovery of the premium income in the third quarter (+3.1%) due to the improvements in the non-motor segment in the period. Italy experienced a decline in premiums (-2.9%), although recovering as against the first six months, thanks to the recovery in the non-motor segment in the third quarter.
The development of the non-motor segment was positive (+1.7%) with good trends in the main Group markets, while premiums in the motor segment decreased by 0.9%, in particular due to the performance of Italy (-8.4%) and France (-5%).

The operating result grew by 4.8% to € 1,605 million (€ 1,530 mln 9M14) driven by the improvement of the technical performance increased by 11.8% despite the impact of natural catastrophes of approximately € 234 million, due to the storms in March and April in Italy and in early July in central Europe (last year the impact of similar events was approximately € 176 million).
The net investment result slightly declined, as a consequence of the current low interest rates.

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 Third quarter 2015 Third quarter 2014
Operating result 1,605 1,530 501 452
Technical result 981 877 336 228
Investment result 768 789 239 281
Other operating items -144 -135 -74 -58

The combined ratio improved by 0.8 p.p. at 92.7%, thanks to reduction of the loss ratio (-1 p.p.) to 65.6%, despite the 1.6 p.p. impact of nat cat claims in the period (1.2 p.p. 9M14). Both current year loss ratio excluding nat-cat claims (-1 p.p.) and the prior years’ contribution (-0.3 p.p.) improved. The expense ratio however slightly increased to 27% (+0.2% p.p.), mainly due to the decline in premiums in France and the cost performance in Latin America.

As to the single Group countries, in France the significant improvement in the combined ratio is confirmed at 99.3% (-6.1 p.p.), mainly benefitting from the portfolio restructuring measures, as well as from the minor impact of natural catastrophes.The performance was also very strong in Germany, with a combined ratio at 91.6% (-1.9 p.p.) and in the CEE countries at 86.5% (-0.9 p.p.), despite the higher impact of nat cat claims in both areas, respectively of 1.6 p.p. and 0.7 p.p., mainly due to the storms at the end of March and early July. The combined ratio in Italy at 89.4% (+0.2 p.p.) is the second best Group ratio, after the CEE countries, despite the current competitive environment in the insurance market and the impact of natural catastrophes of 2.1 p.p., mainly due to the storms in early March and September.


Holding and other businesses segment 5

The operating result of the “Holding and other businesses” segment is € 56 million (€ 87 mln 9M14). The operating result of the financial segment in particular showed a significant growth to € 319 million (€ 291 mln 9M14) thanks to the contribution of Banca Generali, attributable mostly to the net operating result from financial activities, primarily in the first half of 2015.
The overall performance was impacted by the increase in holding operating costs, from € -290 million to € -358 million. This reflects the reinforcement of the Group Head Office structures already started in 2013 and further developed in 2014, also with reference to the transition to the new Solvency II regime, as well as the development of Regional Offices in charge of leading, coordinating and controlling the key business areas for growth prospects, as in the case of Asia.

The Group operating costs, on equivalent exchange rates, are substantially stable at the levels of the nine months of 2014 and in line with the mid-term target.


From operating result to net profit

The non-operating result improved to € -865 million (€ -924 mln 9M14). The performance reflects in particular the significant growth in the investment result to € 247 million (€ -18 mln 9M14), thanks to lower impairments on financial investments.
Non-operating holding costs decreased to € -554 million (€ -606 million in 9M14) given the reduction in interest expenses on financial debt from € -564 million to € -513 million in the first nine months of 2015; the decrease was driven by the debt-optimisation measures taken by the Group in 2014. Finally, the other net non-operating costs amount to € -559 million (€ -300 mln 9M14). This item is primarily made up of € -99 million amortization of the acquisitions portfolio (€ -104 mln 9M14), € -246 million for non-recurring provisions (€ -111 mln 9M14), which mainly includes the strengthening of other provisions in the first half 2015, and € -213 million for the restructuring costs (€ -84 mln 9M14), including expenses of approximately € 100 million for the strategic repositioning in the German market, recorded in the first half of the 2015.

Thanks to the positive operating and non-operating performance, earnings before tax showed a 8.4% improvement to € 2,974 million (€ 2,744 mln 9M14).

The tax rate stands at 33.7% (34.3% 9M14).

The result of the discontinued operations amounts to € -35 million (€ -8 mln 9M14), reflecting the overall effects of the disposal of BSI.

The result of the period attributable to minority interests, i.e. a minority rate of 9% (9.2% 9M14), is broadly in line with the first nine months of 2014.

The Group result of the period thus amounts to € 1,727 million (€ 1,588 mln 9M14) with an improvement of 8.7%.


Shareholders’ equity and Solvency I ratio

Shareholders' equity attributable to the Group amounted to € 22,764 million at 30 September 2015 compared to € 23,204 million at 31 December 2014. The change (-1.9%) is due to the declines in the fair value on the financial assets available for sale (€ 5,440 mln compared to € 6,499 mln as of 31 December 2014) caused by the trend of the interest rates and of the spread on corporate issuers in the first nine months of the year, to dividends paid (€ -934 mln) and to the disposal of the BSI Group (€ -623 mln). These trends were only partially offset by the Group result of the period at € 1,727 million, by the actuarial gains on pension liabilities at € 305 million and by the exchange-rate reserve at € 329 million.

The Group Solvency I ratio stands at 166% as of 30 September 2015 (+2 p.p. as against 31 December 2014). The required solvency capital amounts to €18.1 billion (€18.6 bln at 31 December 2014), while the available solvency capital is at € 30 billion (€ 29 bln at 31 December 2014), mainly thanks to the result of the period. The resulting surplus therefore grew to €11.9 billion (€ 10.4 bln at 31 December 2014).


Group investments policy

Group total Assets Under Management at 30 September 2015 increased by 2.9%, as against 31 December 2014, to € 493.8 billion. In particular, total investments amounted to € 444.3 billion while third party assets under management amounted to € 49.5 billion.

(€ million) 30/09/2015 (%) total of 30/06/2015 (%) total of 31/12/2014 (%) total of
Equity instruments 17,969 4.8% 18,578 5.1% 17,610 4.8%
Fixed-income instruments 323,306 87.0% 319,029 87.1% 318,884 87.3%
Investment properties 14,326 3.9% 14,848 4.1% 14,872 4.1%
Other investments 3,506 0.9% 3,453 0.9% 3,662 1.0%
Cash and cash equivalents 12,806 3.4% 10,167 2.8% 10,223 2.8%
General account investments 371,913 100.0% 366,075 100.0% 365,250 100.0%
Financial assets relating to unit and
index linked contracts
72,437   76,435   67,707  
Total investments 444,349   442,510   432,957  

General account investments of € 371.9 billion, increased by 1.8% as against 31 December 2014 primarily due to the bond portfolio benefitting from the reinvestment of the premium income of the period in particular in corporate bonds. The equity portfolio and the investment properties remains broadly stable. Finally, cash and cash equivalents showed an increase, which can be explained as an ordinary trend within the regular development of the business activities.

The investment strategy for fixed-income investments aims at portfolio diversification, in both government bonds, where the European core rates are at record lows, and corporate bonds, including private placements and guaranteed loans. The objective is to ensure adequate returns for policyholders and a satisfactory return on capital, while maintaining a controlled risk profile.
Equity exposure will be kept substantially stable.
New real estate investments will selectively focus on new geographical areas such as Asia, UK and Eastern Europe, in order to improve the overall portfolio diversification. The Group will also implement a more active portfolio management approach to improve the overall profitability.


Significant events within the period and after 30 September 2015

Generali finalizes the acquisition of Generali PPF Holding
In January, the Generali Group reached 100% ownership of Generali PPF Holding B.V. (GPH) by acquiring the remaining 24% minority shareholding held by PPF Group, in line with the agreements signed in January 2013. With the acquisition of the full ownership of GPH, the holding company operating in Central Eastern Europe and one of the largest insurers on that market, the company changed its name to Generali CEE Holding B.V.
The acquisition of the remaining shares of GPH was completed under the terms previously announced to the market, for a final price of € 1,245.5 million.

S&P withdraws rating at Generali’s request
On 13 February 2015, at Generali’s request, Standard & Poor’s withdrew its ratings on the Group. Consequently, Generali will no longer have an S&P rating. The decision, taken after a thorough review including consultation with investors and other stakeholders, is based on the inflexibility of S&P’s criteria to take into account the significant improvement of the Group’s financial solidity achieved in the last two years. Furthermore, the mechanical link to the sovereign rating applied by S&P does not give merit to the Group’s high level of diversification nor the benefits of its broad geographical presence. In line with industry norms, Generali will remain rated by three major rating agencies: Moody’s (Baa1), Fitch (A-) and A.M. Best (A).

Generali completes the disposal of BSI to BTG Pactual
On 15 September 2015 Generali announced the closing of the sale of BSI to Banco BTG Pactual. In line with the agreement executed on 14 July 2014, the final consideration for the sale is equal to ca. CHF 1,248 million, of which ca. CHF 1 billion1 in cash and the remaining portion in financial instruments (BTG Units listed on the Sao Paolo Stock Exchange - BM&FBOVESPA).
The disposal of BSI completes the Generali’s strategy to focus on its core insurance business and improve its capital position, concluding the turnaround plan launched in January 2013. The transaction improves the Group’s Solvency I ratio by 8 p.p.. Furthermore, the disposal of the bank significantly reduces Generali’s non-insurance activities.

Generali strengthens its international management team
In April, Generali strengthened its governance with the arrival of two new managers joining the Group to lead the Asia and the Americas areas respectively. Jack Howell is the new Asia Regional Officer responsible for Generali’s activities in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. In China, Generali is one of the leading foreign Life insurers. Jack Howell assumes the role held by Sergio Di Caro, who as from 1st January 2015 took over as Head of Generali Employee Benefits, the global market leader in this segment.
Antonio Cassio dos Santos joined the Group as Americas Regional Officer. Generali is amongst the leading foreign insurers in Latin America, operating in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador and Panama. The Group is also active in Northern America with the Generali U.S. Branch.

Generali: renewed the revolving credit facilities
In May, Assicurazioni Generali has renewed the revolving credit facilities, initially signed in May 2013 for a total value of € 2 billion, which may be used by the Company within a period of 3 to 5 years depending on the credit facility. This transaction will have an impact on the Group’s financial debt only if the facility is drawn upon and allows Generali to improve its financial flexibility to manage future liquidity needs in a volatile environment. The new credit facilities substitute the previous ones – both those with a 2-year duration that have expired and those with a 3-year duration that have been closed in advance.
A group of 21 primary Italian and international lenders participated with strong commitment to the transaction. The total commitments received amount to € 13 billion, more than 6 times the company’s offer. The competitive offer process adopted by Generali allowed the Group to select 7 lenders and obtain very favourable conditions, strongly improved with respect to May 2013, both in terms of offered size and pricing.

Generali launches strategic repositioning in the German market
In May, Generali announced a strategic business repositioning in Germany. Its aim is to enhance the competitive position of the Group in the German market by the end of 2018 through a simpler and business-focused governance, a new business model in Life insurance to ensure long-term profitability, a stronger focus on distribution strengths and a modern and leaner operating platform.
The repositioning will further leverage on following key business strengths:

  • simpler and closer-to-business governance through the integration of Generali Deutschland Holding, Generali Versicherung and Generali Leben into the new Generali Deutschland AG;
  • multi-channel and tailor-made offer through Generali, AachenMünchener and CosmosDirekt. Back office operations to be consolidated;
  • Life insurance long term sustainability transitioning the business into a “New Normal” model. Focus on low capital intensive and high performance new products;
  • building a smarter and simpler operating platform with improved IT architecture;
  • new country management team completed.

Investor Day
At the Investor Day at the end of May end Generali presented its new strategic plan with a commitment to set out a new business model and to achieve new, challenging financial targets focused on generating more cash and increased dividends. The goal of the Group is to become retail insurance leader in Europe, based on simple and smart products and services. Strong attention will be paid on customer experience throughout the whole journey from information search to contract renewal. With the new strategy the Group aims for net free cash flow generation of more than €7 billion cumulatively in the four years to 2018. Cumulative dividend over the same period will amount to over €5 billion. Generali has identified several levers of value generation to reach its financial targets. They include new value-added services embedded in the offering, new business opportunities through partnerships and data analytics to improve pricing. The current cost efficiency programme will continue with annual cost savings of €250 million extended through to 2018, resulting in total savings of €1.5 billion from the beginning of 2012. A total of €1.25 billion will be reinvested in technology, data analytics and more flexible operating platforms.

Telco demerger closed
Following the finalisation of the Telco demerger in June, Telecom Italia ordinary shares owned by Telco – 22.3% of the shareholders’ equity – were distributed to its shareholders (of which 4.31% to the Generali Group). With the demerger becoming effective, the shareholders’ agreement among Telco’s shareholders has terminated.

Generali acquired My Drive Solutions
In July, Generali acquired full control of MyDrive Solutions, an English start-up founded in 2010, among the leading companies in the use of data analytics tools to profile driving styles with the aim of identifying innovative and tailor-made products for the customers and favourable tariffs for low risk drivers. In line with the new strategy announced during the most recent Investor Day, the acquisition of MyDrive enables the Group to obtain a centre of excellence in data analysis, whose competencies will be further enriched and around which a Hub specialised in telematics solutions and know-how will be launched to serve all segments and business units. This will allow expanding data analysis activities to a vast series of sectors, from fraud prevention to sophisticated customer segmentation, thereby facilitating the creation of intercompany synergies and the optimisation of the product offering.

Fitch upgrades ratings
Thanks to the improvement of the Group capital position and of the operating performance, the rating agency Fitch upgraded the rating on the Generali bonds. Key factors leading to the rating upgrade were the strong focus of the management on the capital strengthening and on reducing the financial leverage.

Deal with Obi Worldphones
Generali and Obi Worldphones™ announced a pioneering exclusive deal through which the Group expects to leverage the mobile channel in as many as 20 high-growth markets by 2017.
Under the terms of the deal, Generali and Obi - whose co-founder is John Sculley, former CEO of Apple - will jointly develop a mobile insurance platform based on native applications included in the standard set-up of the mobile devices, with the aim to reach a prospective customer base of more than 10 million people through the addition of relevant services right from the home screen of Obi Worldphones. The applications will be developed on a country-specific basis and offered to clients in the markets where Generali’s and Obi’s operations overlap, starting with Turkey, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and United Arab Emirates.

Generali successfully placed subordinated bond for € 1.25 billion
On 20 October 2015 Generali launched a subordinated bond for an overall amount of € 1.25 billion, targeting institutional investors. The issue attracted around 400 orders for almost € 5 billion, 4 times the target. The bond is intended to refinance the 2016 subordinated call dates of the Group which amount to € 1.25 billion (Euro equivalent). The issue attracted strong interest from international investors, who accounted for approximately 89% of allocated orders, confirming the credit the Group enjoys on the international markets. 49% of the bond has been allocated to UK and Ireland investors, 11% to Italian investors, approximately 9% to French investors, 9% to German investors and 4% to investors of Nordics countries. There was also significant interest from Asian investors.
On 27 October 2015 the rating agency AM Best announced that it has assigned a “bbb+” rating to the subordinated bond issue.

Generali: AM Best affirms rating A and outlook stable
On 26 October 2015 the rating agency AM Best affirmed Generali’s FSR rating at A (Excellent). For the first time, AM Best assigned the same FSR rating also to the subsidiaries Generali Italia and Česká pojišťovna. Moreover, AM Best affirmed the ratings of debt instruments issued or guaranteed by Generali. The outlook is confirmed stable.
AM Best said that ratings reflect the Group’s very strong business position in continental Europe, solid operating performance and improving capitalization.

Generali removed from list of Global Systemically Important Insurers (GSIIs)
On 3 November 2015 the Financial Stability Board published its updated list of the Global Systemically Important Insurers (G-SIIs), based on their year end 2014 data, removing Generali from the list.


Outlook

At macro-economic level, a recovery in the GDP growth in the advanced economies - at record low interest rates - is awaited, due to the positive outlook for the American economy and the ECB expansionary policy.

Within this scenario a further increase of the premium income in both P&C and Life is expected. Life premiums will continue to reflect a prudent underwriting policy and a stronger focus on low capital absorption and higher value products. Initiatives will continue to enhance the in-force portfolio and to drive selective growth of some business lines, such as protection policy products and unit linked products.
In the P&C segment, the Group will continue to implement in force measures related to underwriting policy and claims management, resulting in good levels of technical profitability, excluding future natural catastrophes.

In the current uncertain macro-economic scenario and in line with its strategic objectives, in the coming months of the year the Group will continue to take all actions aimed at improving the overall operating result, therefore expecting a net profit significantly higher than 2014.

The Manager in charge of preparing the company’s financial reports, Alberto Minali, declares, pursuant to paragraph 2 article 154 bis of the Consolidated Law on Finance, that the accounting information in this press release corresponds to the document results, books and accounting entries.

DEFINITIONS AND GLOSSARY

Annual Premium Equivalent (APE) = the sum of new annual premium policies, plus one-tenth of premiums on new single-premium policies. This is the premium basis used to compute Life new business value.

New Business Value (NBV) = expected present value, on issue, of future profits arising from new Life business in the period, net of the cost of capital.

New Business Margin (NBM) = new production divided by APE.

Net inflows = collected premiums minus outflows for maturities and surrenders.

Combined ratio (CoR) = loss ratio plus expense ratio (acquisition expenses+general expenses) divided by earned premiums net of reinsurance.

Current year loss ratio = the ratio between:

  • current year incurred claims (excluding nat cat claims) + related claims management costs net of recoveries and reinsurance to
  • earned premiums net of reinsurance.

Prior- years loss ratio = the ratio between:

  • prior years incurred claims + related claims management costs net of recoveries and reinsurance to
  • earned premiums net of reinsurance.

Solvency I ratio = the ratio between available margin and required margin.

Equivalent consolidation area = refers to equivalent consolidation scope.

Equivalent terms = refer to equivalent exchange rates and equivalent consolidation scope.

Operating result was obtained by reclassifying the components making up earnings before tax in each line of business on the basis of the specific characteristics of each segment, and taking account of recurring expense of the holding.
All profit and loss items were considered, with the exception of net non-operating costs, i.e., results of discontinued operations, corporate restructuring costs, amortisation of portfolios acquired directly or through acquisition of control of insurance companies or companies in the holding and other activities segment (value of business acquired or VOBA) and other net non-recurring costs. In the Life segment, the following are also considered as non-operating items: realised gains and losses on investments not considered in determining profits attributed to policyholders and net measurement losses that do not contribute to the formation of local technical reserves but exclusively in determining the deferred liability to policyholders for amounts not relating to policyholders and those on free assets. In the P&C segment, the following are considered as non-operating items: all realized and measurement gains and losses, including exchange-rate gains and losses. In the holding and other activities segment, the following are considered as non-operating items: realized gains and losses and non-recurring net measurement losses. The total operating result does not include non-operating holding costs such as interest expense on borrowings and costs arising from parent stock option plans and stock grants.

Annualized operating return on equity: the annualized operating RoE is calculated as the sum of the last four quarterly operating RoE ratios. In particular, the operating RoE is the ratio of the adjusted operating result return to the Group shareholders’ equity adjusted for the other items of the Statement of comprehensive income.

The Pro-forma internal model Economic Solvency ratio is based on the internal model to the insurance scope of Generali Group, assuming the BSI Group disposal and the application of the current IORP regime to the overall French pension portfolio. The Group internal model is currently subject to the approval process conducted by the Group Supervisor as part of the Solvency II implementation process which is scheduled to take effect on 1st January 2016.

For a description of the alternative performance measures, refer to the Methodology Note of the Group Annual Integrated Report.

The Group has availed itself of the option provided for by art. 70, paragraph 8, and art. 71, paragraph 1-bis of the Issuers' Regulations to waive the requirement to publish informative documents prescribed in relation to significant mergers, demergers, capital increase by contribution of assets, acquisitions or divestitures.

Additional information

For further information please refer to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Generali Group.

1 Changes in premiums, net inflows and Annual Premium Equivalent (APE) are presented in equivalent terms (at constant exchange rates and scope of consolidation). Changes in operating results, own investments and third-party assets under management are presented excluding the BSI Group and the sold Argentinian companies. The comparative financial data and results of operations have been redetermined on a consistent basis.
2 The annualized operating RoE is calculated as the sum of the last four quarterly operating Roe ratios.
3 As a consequence of the completion of the BSI Group disposal, the respective assets and liabilities are no longer included in the Group consolidated financial statements. The impact of the disposal is included in the item “Profit or loss from discontinued operations” of Annex 3) FROM OPERATING RESULT TO GROUP RESULT.
4 Including investment policies premiums of € 3,297 million.
5 The “Holding and other businesses” segment includes the activities carried out by Group companies in the financial advisory and asset management sector (financial segment), the costs incurred for the management, coordination and financing of the business, and other activities that the Group considers subsidiary to its core insurance business.

LIST OF ANNEXES

Economic highlights

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 Third quarter 2015 Third quarter 2014
Gross written premiums 54,200 51,174 16,028 15,887
     of which life segment 38,425 35,610 11,519 11,492
     of which property&casualty segment 15,775 15,564 4,509 4,395
Consolidated operating result 3,840 3,668 1,061 1,170
     of which life segment 2,338 2,251 625 737
     of which property&casualty segment 1,605 1,530 501 452
Result of the period 1,727 1,588 420 513

 
Balance sheet

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/06/2015 31/12/2014
Total investments 444,349 442,515 432,957
Third parties asset under management 49,461 50,939 46,716
Shareholders’ equity attributable to the Group 22,764 23,284 23,204
Solvency I ratio 166% 156% 156%
Pro-forma internal model Economic Solvency ratio 196% 200% 186%

* As mentioned above, the comparative data regarding operating results, own investments and assets under management on behalf of third parties (and related changes) have been restated excluding the BSI Group and the Argentinian companies, following their disposals.

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/06/2015 31/12/2014
1 INTANGIBLE ASSETS 8,655 8,635 8,601
1.1 Goodwill 6,657 6,672 6,617
1.2 Other intangible assets 1,998 1,962 1,983
2 TANGIBLE ASSETS 4,736 4,680 4,610
2.1 Land and buildings (self used) 2,827 2,794 2,797
2.2 Other tangible assets 1,909 1,886 1,814
3 AMOUNTS CEDED TO REINSURERS FROM INSURANCE PROVISIONS 4,164 4,308 4,378
4 INVESTMENTS 439,924 438,256 427,191
4.1 Land and buildings (investment properties) 12,392 12,792 12,628
4.2 Investments in subsidiaries, associated companies and joint ventures 1,369 1,322 1,284
4.3 Held to maturity investments 2,046 2,142 2,940
4.4 Loans and receivables 49,067 49,666 50,780
4.5 Available for sale financial assets 283,044 278,398 276,498
4.6 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 92,006 93,936 83,061
of which financial assets where the investment risk is borne by the policyholders and related to pension funds 72,437 76,435 67,707
5 RECEIVABLES 14,078 14,179 12,057
5.1 Receivables arising out of direct insurance operations 7,714 7,988 7,462
5.2 Receivables arising out of reinsurance operations 1,085 1,179 1,143
5.3 Other receivables 5,279 5,013 3,452
6 OTHER ASSETS 15,231 37,421 35,973
6.1 Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale 0 21,803 21,304
6.2 Deferred acquisition costs 1,998 1,988 1,958
6.3 Deferred tax assets 2,663 2,638 2,715
6.4 Tax receivables 2,961 3,058 2,825
6.5 Other assets 7,610 7,935 7,172
7 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 7,498 7,694 8,508
TOTAL ASSETS 494,285 515,172 501,318

 

 

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/06/2015 31/12/2014
1 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 23,805 24,326 24,185
1.1 Shareholders' equity attributable to the Group 22,764 23,284 23,204
1.1.1 Share capital and reserves 16,284 16,806 16,218
1.1.2 Reserve for unrealized gains and losses through equity 4,754 5,170 5,316
1.1.3 Result of the period 1,727 1,307 1,670
1.2 Shareholders' equity attributable to minority interests 1,041 1,042 981
2 OTHER PROVISIONS 1,844 1,887 1,751
3 INSURANCE PROVISIONS 398,629 398,149 386,202
of which insurance provisions for policies where the investment risk is borne by the policyholders and related to pension funds 55,556 58,788 51,674
4 FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 47,895 49,555 48,794
4.1 Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 19,939 20,922 18,374
of which financial liabilities where the investment risk is borne by the policyholders and related to pension funds 16,904 17,706 15,886
4.2 Other financial liabilities 27,957 28,632 30,420
of which subordinated liabilities 8,418 8,440 8,315
5 PAYABLES 10,169 9,880 9,379
5.1 Payables arising out of direct insurance operations 3,230 3,528 3,553
5.2 Payables arising out of reinsurance operations 530 638 557
5.3 Other payables 6,409 5,715 5,270
6 OTHER LIABILITIES 11,943 31,376 31,007
6.1 Liabilities directly associated with non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 0 19,850 19,700
6.2 Deferred tax liabilities 3,114 3,041 3,706
6.3 Tax payables 1,527 1,859 1,420
6.4 Other liabilities 7,303 6,626 6,181
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 494,285 515,172 501,318
(€ million)

30/09/2015

30/09/2014

THIRD QUARTER 2015

THIRD QUARTER 2014

Consolidated operating result

3,840

3,668

1,061

1,170

Net earned premiums

49,718

46,292

15,250

15,098

Net insurance benefits and claims

-49,091

-48,779

-11,183

-15,500

Acquisition and administration costs

-7,888

-7,539

-2,543

-2,470

Net fee and commission income and net income from financial service activities

373

340

100

112

Operating investment result

11,448

13,828

-389

4,039

     Net operating income from financial instruments at fair value through
     profit or loss

1,163

3,700

-3,355

774

     Net operating income from other financial instruments

10,285

10,128

2,965

3,265

        Interest income and other income

9,187

9,092

2,997

3,072

        Net operating realized gains on other financial instruments and lands
        and building (investment properties)

2,151

2,043

374

565

        Net operating impairment losses on other financial instruments and
        land and buildings(investment properties)

-345

-191

-167

-88

        Interest expense on liabilities linked to operating activities

-308

-357

-97

-129

        Other expenses from other financial instruments
        and land and buildings (investment properties)

-401

-461

-141

-155

Operating holding expenses

-358

-290

-107

-94

Net other operating expenses(*)

-362

-183

-66

-15

Consolidated non-operating result

-865

-924

-382

-266

Non operating investment result

247

-18

-104

61

     Net non-operating income from financial instruments at fair value
     through profit or loss

-61

-104

-19

-12

     Net non-operating income from other financial instruments(**)

309

86

-84

73

        Net non-operating realized gains on other financial instruments and         land and buildings (investment properties)

572

590

75

209

        Net non-operating impairment losses on other financial instruments
        and land and buildings (investment properties)

-264

-504

-159

-136

Non-operating holding expenses

-554

-606

-187

-197

     Interest expenses on financial debt

-513

-564

-171

-181

     Other non-operating holding expenses

-41

-42

-16

-16

Net other non-operating expenses(***)

-559

-300

-91

-130

Earning before taxes

2,974

2,744

679

904

Income taxes(*)

-1,041

-987

-284

-358

Earnings after taxes

1,933

1,757

395

546

Profit or loss from discontinued operations

-35

-8

46

4

Consolidated result of the period

1,898

1,750

442

550

     Result of the period attributable to the Group

1,727

1,588

420

513

     Result of the period attributable to minority interests

171

161

22

37

(*) At 30 September 2015 the amount is net of operating taxes for € 48 million and of non-recurring taxes shared with the policyholders in Germany for € 10 million (at 30 September 2014 respectively for € 48 million and € 8 million).
(**) The amount is gross of interest expense on liabilities linked to financing activities.
(***) The amount is net of the share attributable to the policyholders in Germany and Austria.

 

LIFE

Operating result by country
 

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 THIRD QUARTER2015 THIRD QUARTER2014
Technical margin 4,303 3,985 1,435 1,283
Net earned premiums 34,897 31,597 10,357 10,271
Fee and commission from financial service activities 183 163 68 56
Net insurance claims adjusted for financial interests and bonuses credited to policyholders -30,894 -27,861 -9,051 -9,094
Other insurance items 117 86 61 50


 

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 THIRD QUARTER2015 THIRD QUARTER2014
Net investment result 1,780 1,676 406 586
Operating income from investments 10,309 12,773 -736 3,659
Net income from investments 9,445 9,397 2,718 3,007
     Current income from investments 8,324 8,183 2,758 2,773
     Net operating realized gains on investments 2,082 1,983 342 548
     Net operating impairment losses on investments -339 -184 -164 -84
     Other operating net financial expenses -622 -585 -218 -230
Net income from financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss 864 3,376 -3,455 652
     Net income from financial instruments related to unit and
     index-linked policies
595 2,576 -3,283 369
     Net other income from financial instrumensts at fair value
     through profit or loss
269 800 -172 284
Policyholders' interests on operating income from own investments -8,529 -11,097 1,142 -3,073


 

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 THIRD QUARTER2015 THIRD QUARTER2014
Total operating expenses -3,745 -3,410 -1,216 -1,132
Acquisition and administration costs related to insurance business -3,684 -3,394 -1,202 -1,140
Net other operating expenses -61 -16 -14 8

 

 

Life segment indicators by country
 

(€ million) Gross written premiums Net cash flows APE
  30/09/2015 30/09/2014 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 30/09/2015 30/09/2014
Italy 13,511 11,751 5,003 3,652 1,619 1,706
France 6,608 6,313 999 398 730 627
Germany 10,316 9,920 2,696 2,183 628 608
Central and Eastern Europe 1,193 1,095 394 359 123 103
EMEA 4,816 5,206 1,260 2,194 481 514
    Spain 656 684 -125 -146 81 82
    Austria 925 938 -10 206 79 72
    Switzerland 895 761 406 390 50 39
    Other EMEA 2,341 2,823 989 1,744 271 321
Americas 234 181 105 89 18 11
Asia 1,330 777 514 125 186 98
International Operations 415 368 36 20    
Total 38,425 35,610 11,008 9,020 3,784 3,666

 

Direct written premiums by line of business

 

(€ million)

Savings and Pension

Protection

Unit/index linked

Total

  30/09/2015 30/09/2014 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 30/09/2015 30/09/2014
Italy 10,622 9,907 179 170 2,710 1,673 13,511 11,751
France 3,631 3,778 1,224 1,191 1,424 1,039 6,279 6,008
Germany 4,000 4,219 3,343 3,122 2,974 2,578 10,316 9,920
Central and Eastern Europe 556 570 225 184 412 341 1,193 1,095
EMEA 1,571 1,541 691 666 2,545 2,981 4,807 5,188
  Spain 485 526 157 145 13 12 656 683
  Austria 512 528 227 216 180 181 919 925
  Switzerland 232 147 110 97 553 517 895 761
  Other
  EMEA
342 340 197 208 1,798 2,271 2,337 2,819
Americas 22 20 211 160 0 0 233 180
Asia 948 513 282 191 99 74 1,329 777
International Operations 76 60 30 21 0 0 105 81
Total direct written premiums 21,425 20,607 6,185 5,706 10,163 8,687 37,774 35,000


 

(€ million) Operating Result
  30/09/2015 30/09/2014
Italy 916 1.076
France 452 420
Germany 317 259
Central and Eastern Europe 167 147
EMEA 385 285
    Spain 94 92
    Austria 52 58
    Switzerland 123 112
    Other EMEA 117 23
Americas 35 -1
Asia 86 39
International Operations -19 26
Total 2,338 2,251

 

 

Property&Casualty

Operating result by driver

 

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 THIRD QUARTER2015 THIRD QUARTER2014
Technical result 981 877 336 228
Net earned premiums 14,821 14,694 4,893 4,827
Net insurance benefits and claims -9,726 -9,790 -3,270 -3,319
Net acquistion and administration costs -4,005 -3,937 -1,266 -1,262
Other net technical income -109 -91 -20 -18

 

 

(€ million) 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 THIRD QUARTER2015 THIRD QUARTER2014
Investment result 768 789 239 281
Current income from investments 996 1,058 308 350
Other operating net financial expenses -228 -269 -69 -69

 

Property and Casualty indicators by country  

 

(€ million) Gross written premiums Operating result
  30/09/2015 30/09/2014 30/09/2015 30/09/2014
Italy 4,035 4,155 507 611
France 1,985 2,002 125 14
Germany 2,910 2,881 317 267
Central and Eastern Europe 1,504 1,446 197 179
EMEA 3,541 3,394 306 323
     Spain 1,023 962 113 140
     Austria 1,142 1,138 133 135
     Switzerland 700 619 55 54
     Other EMEA 676 675 5 -5
Americas 879 773 23 14
Asia 91 78 2 2
International Operations 831 835 127 119
Total 15,775 15,564 1,605 1,530

 

 
Direct written premiums by line of business

 

(€ million) Motor Non motor Total
  30/09/2015 30/09/2014 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 30/09/2015 30/09/2014
Italy 1,709 1,865 2,235 2,210 3,944 4,074
France 683 719 1,264 1,246 1,947 1,965
Germany 1,187 1,172 1,718 1,705 2,905 2,877
Central and Eastern Europe 739 696 743 724 1,482 1,420
EMEA 1,353 1,292 2,117 2,029 3,470 3,321
     Spain 276 242 711 695 987 937
     Austria 444 440 689 683 1,133 1,123
     Switzerland 329 304 368 313 698 617
     Other EMEA 303 305 350 338 653 643
Americas 653 567 221 202 874 769
Asia 9 7 61 56 70 63
International Operations 0 1 555 577 555 578
Total direct written premiums 6,333 6,319 8,915 8,748 15,248 15,067

 

 

(€ million) Combined ratio* Loss ratio Expense ratio
  30/09/2015 30/09/2014 30/09/2015 30/09/2014 30/09/2015 30/09/2014
Italy 89.4% 89.1% 68.1% 67.9% 21.2% 21.3%
France 99.3% 105.4% 71.6% 78.0% 27.7% 27.4%
Germany 91.6% 93.5% 63.6% 65.2% 28.0% 28.3%
Central and Eastern Europe 86.5% 87.3% 55.1% 55.6% 31.4% 31.7%
EMEA 94.7% 94.5% 66.9% 66.6% 27.8% 27.9%
     Spain 93.8% 91.7% 65.5% 63.4% 28.3% 28.3%
     Austria 93.4% 94.2% 67.0% 67.3% 26.4% 26.9%
     Switzerland 92.7% 93.0% 68.9% 69.7% 23.8% 23.3%
     Other EMEA 101.7% 102.5% 67.2% 68.1% 34.5% 34.4%
Americas 103.3% 107.7% 63.3% 69.9% 40.0% 37.9%
Asia 97.0% 96.6% 50.7% 55.6% 46.2% 41.0%
International Operations 86.9% 81.2% 63.7% 58.3% 23.2% 22.9%
Total 92.7% 93,4% 65.6% 66.6% 27.0% 26.8%

(*) CAT calims impacted on the Group combined ratio for 1.6 pps of which 2.1 pps in Italy, 3.2 pps and 3 pps in Germany, 1.3 pps in European Eastern Countries, 1.2 pps in EMEA and 6.4 pps in Asia (At 30 September 2014 CAT claims impacted on the Group combined ratio for 1.2 pps, of which 0.9 pps in Italy, 3.2 pps in France, 1.7 pps in Germany, 0.6 pps in European Eastern Countries and 1.5 pps on the Holding's reinsurance activity).