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 | | 1H 2018 Results | | 8 |
| The Hague - August 16, 2018 | | |
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New life sales amounted to EUR 422 million, a decline of 10% as a result of the weakening of the US dollar. On a constant currency basis, new life sales declined by 2%. Lower term life and indexed universal life sales in the United States and lower sales in the Asian HNW businesses more than offset the continued success of the critical illness product in China, and higher sales in Spain & Portugal and the Netherlands.
New premium production for accident & health and general insurance decreased by 48% to EUR 274 million. This was predominantly driven by lower supplemental health, travel and stop loss insurance sales in the United States. The reduction in travel and stop loss insurance sales resulted from the previously announced strategic decision to exit the Affinity, Direct TV and Direct Mail distribution channels.
Market consistent value of new business
Market consistent value of new business (MCVNB) increased by 28% to EUR 304 million driven by the Americas and Europe. The increase in MCVNB in the Americas resulted from tax reform, a favorable product mix and updated expense assumptions, which more than offset lower life and accident & health sales. The MCVNB in Europe doubled as a result of an enhanced sales mix in Spain & Portugal and improved margins on the platform business in the United Kingdom.
Revenue-generating investments
Revenue-generating investments increased by 1% compared with the end of 2017 to EUR 825 billion. Net inflows and the strengthening of the US dollar more than offset the divestment of Aegon Ireland.
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity decreased by EUR 0.1 billion to EUR 20.5 billion on June 30, 2018, as retained earnings and strengthening of the US dollar were more than offset by a lower revaluation reserve as a result of increased interest rates in the United States. Shareholders’ equity excluding revaluation reserves and defined benefit plan remeasurements increased by EUR 0.6 billion to EUR 18.0 billion – or EUR 8.68 per common share – at the end of the first half 2018. This increase reflects retained earnings and strengthening of the US dollar.
Gross financial leverage ratio
The gross financial leverage ratio increased by 30 basis points to 28.9% as the increase in shareholders’ equity was more than offset by a temporary increase in leverage as a result of refinancing activities.
On April 11, 2018, Aegon issued USD 800 million Tier 2 subordinated debt securities, first callable on April 11, 2028, and maturing on April 11, 2048. The coupon is fixed at 5.5% until the first call date and floating thereafter with a margin including a 100 basis pointsstep-up. The net proceeds from this issuance are being used to redeem grandfathered subordinated debt and for general corporate purposes.
Effective May 15, 2018, Aegon redeemed USD 525 million 8% grandfathered Tier 2 subordinated notes. On May 24, 2018, Aegon exercised its right to redeem the EUR 200 million 6% perpetual capital securities. The redemption of these grandfathered Tier 1 securities was effective on July 23, 2018, when the aggregate principal amount was repaid together with any accrued and unpaid interest.
The redemption of the aforementioned grandfathered Tier 1 securities, together with the maturity of EUR 500 million senior debt in August 2018, is expected to lead to an improvement in the gross financial leverage ratio by approximately 200 basis points in the second half of 2018.
Holding excess cash
Holding excess cash increased from EUR 1,354 million to EUR 1,923 million during the first half of the year. Aegon has earmarked EUR 700 million to reduce leverage in the second half of 2018. The group received EUR 593 million in remittances from subsidiaries, of which EUR 390 million from the United States and EUR 203 million from Europe, including from the Netherlands and United Kingdom. The divestment of Aegon Ireland added a further EUR 196 million to holding excess cash. In addition, refinancing activities led to a temporary increase in holding excess cash by EUR 200 million.