Hiscox Ltd interim results

RNS Number : 0927U
Hiscox Ltd
27 July 2015
 

Hiscox Ltd interim results

For the six months ended 30 June 2015

 

"An excellent start"

 


H1 2015

H1 2014

Gross premiums written

£1,096.3m

£978.9m

Net premiums earned

£709.8m

£643.5m

Profit before tax

£135.1m

£124.6m

Earnings per share

43.7p

36.4p

Interim dividend per share

8.0p

7.5p

Net asset value per share

505.5p

425.6p

Group combined ratio

82.5%

82.0%

Return on equity (annualised)

19.9%

18.9%

Investment return (annualised)

1.8%

2.0%

Reserve releases

£122.6m

£90.0m

Foreign exchange impact

£(15.7)m

£(16.4)m

 

 

Highlights

 

·      Hiscox Retail delivered record profits of £59.3 million (2014: £37.4 million)

·      Strong growth in Hiscox London Market and Hiscox USA improves capital utilisation

·      Hiscox Re benefits from product innovation and an absence of catastrophes to deliver excellent profits of £59.6 million (2014: £75.6 million)

 

Bronek Masojada, Chief Executive Officer, Hiscox Ltd, commented

"We are reaping the benefits of our growing retail specialty businesses in the UK, Europe and the USA.  Although conditions for reinsurance and big ticket insurance remain tough, our teams have demonstrated their creativity and determination to succeed. Hiscox has the brand, distribution and talent for a bright future."

 

 

ENDS

 

 

Contacts:

 

Hiscox

 


Jeremy Pinchin, Company Secretary, Bermuda

+1 441 278 8300

Kylie O'Connor, Head of Communications, London

+44 (0) 20 7448 6656



Brunswick


Tom Burns

+44 (0)20 7404 5959

 

 

Notes to editors

 

About Hiscox

Hiscox, the international specialist insurer, is headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). There are three main underwriting divisions in the Group - Hiscox Retail (which includes Hiscox UK and Europe, Hiscox Guernsey, Hiscox USA and subsidiary brand, DirectAsia), Hiscox London Market and Hiscox Re. Through its retail businesses in the UK, Europe and the US Hiscox offers a range of specialist insurance for professionals and business customers, as well as homeowners. Hiscox underwrites internationally traded, bigger ticket business and reinsurance through Hiscox London Market and Hiscox Re.

 

For further information visit www.hiscoxgroup.com.



Chairman's statement

 

Hiscox delivered a pleasing profit of £135.1 million in the first half, thanks to a combination of sound underwriting, the growing strength of our retail operations, and a paucity of major catastrophes. The top line was up by 12.0% (2014: - 3.8%) driven mainly by opportunities in the London Market business and a continued good performance from Hiscox USA. As usual, we are reporting on the cusp of the hurricane season and Mother Nature can still deliver some surprises in the second half.

Strong results across the industry mask what we regard as a market that is defying gravity, as pension funds and others pour capital in, fuelling further competition in big-ticket insurance and reinsurance. Rating levels are being gnawed away, yet attritional losses remain constant, and thus underlying loss ratios are creeping up. The market's profitability is being propped up by a lack of meaningful catastrophe losses.

Hiscox is well placed to deal with any challenges that lie ahead. Our strategy remains unchanged, balancing volatile big-ticket business with more stable specialty retail lines. It provides us with opportunities regardless of prevailing conditions, and we see plenty of room for further expansion in our chosen markets.

 

Results

The half-year result to 30 June 2015 was a very good pre-tax profit of £135.1 million (2014: £124.6 million). Gross written premiums increased to £1,096.3 million (2014: £978.9 million). Net earned premiums were £709.8 million (2014: £643.5 million). The impact of foreign exchange was relatively constant at a loss of £15.7 million (2014: loss of £16.4 million). The net combined ratio was a healthy 82.5% (2014: 82.0%). Earnings per share were 43.7p (2014: 36.4p) and net assets per share grew to 505.5p (2014: 425.6p). The annualised return on equity was 19.9% (2014: 18.9%).

Dividend, balance sheet and capital management

The Board of Hiscox Ltd has declared an interim dividend for 2015 of 8.0p per share (2014: 7.5p) an increase of 6.7%. The record date for the dividend will be 7 August and the payment date will be 16 September.

The Board proposes to offer again a scrip dividend alternative in respect of the interim dividend, subject to the terms and conditions of Hiscox Ltd's Scrip Dividend Alternative. A circular with further details will be sent on 10 August.

During the period the Group returned capital via a special distribution of £192 million (60p per share), including a final dividend equivalent of £48 million (15p per share). Net asset value per share has increased by 9.3% from the year end.

At this stage in the year it is too early to anticipate capital returns as the hurricane season has just started and earthquakes can happen at any time. In addition, the impact of Solvency II, continued desire to invest in the brand, and ongoing growth, especially in more long-tail casualty business means that our capital requirements are increasing. These will all affect our assessment of what constitutes excess capital at the end of the year.

 

Rates

Rating levels in insurance lines are still satisfactory across many territories and products, although we are seeing a downward trend in some lines such as property, marine and energy.

 

Trading conditions in reinsurance remain tough, though there are signs that rates are now finding their floor. Rates for US property catastrophe business were down on average by 10% at the 1 June and 1 July renewals. International property catastrophe business was down by 10% at the July renewals. In our retrocession book we saw increases of between 5% and 20% on mid-year renewals, as demand outstripped supply. Other non-catastrophe exposed lines of business saw more modest reductions.

 

Hiscox Retail

The Hiscox Retail segment comprises Hiscox UK and Europe, and Hiscox International.

Hiscox UK and Europe

This division provides personal lines cover - from high-value household, fine art and collectibles to luxury motor - and commercial insurance for small and medium sized businesses, typically operating in white collar industries. These products are distributed via brokers and through a growing network of partnerships. For some simple risks we distribute policies direct-to-consumer in the UK, France and Germany.

Gross written premiums

£318.2 million (2014: £309.4 million)

Profit before tax

£45.4 million (2014: £26.3 million)

Combined ratio

87.0% (2014: 92.9%)

Hiscox UK and Europe delivered another good result helped by a very quiet period for claims. Weather conditions have been mostly perfect for insurers - not too wet, not too cold nor too dry.

After a period of strong investment, these businesses are finding efficiencies in underwriting practices - delivering electronic trading solutions to our brokers and partners and finding ways to automate the simple risks, leaving underwriters to focus on complex risks where they add more value to customers.

Hiscox UK and Ireland

Premium income grew by 5.2% to £223.6 million (2014: £212.6 million). The regional network of offices across the UK continues to perform very well, producing good growth particularly in commercial lines. Excellent business retention of 86% is also driving profitability.

In personal lines, the luxury motor area has benefited from improvements to customer segmentation, pricing and claims handling. Building on our ambition to be a top specialist car insurer in the UK, we recently announced that we have reached an agreement with Willis to acquire its specialist UK classic car business, RH Specialist Insurance. This acquisition will provide us with new opportunities to distribute our existing products to members of prestigious vehicle clubs.

We continue to invest heavily in marketing as we see real value in building a strong brand, which has driven growth in our direct-to-consumer small business operation by 16%.

The project to insource the customer sales and service function for our direct commercial business is nearly complete with our team in York now taking over 97% of calls. I am pleased that customer satisfaction scores remained at world-class levels throughout the transition.

Hiscox was awarded 'personal lines claims initiative of the year' at the Insurance Times' Claims Excellence Awards 2015, recognition of our team's effort to create customers for life, through which we have improved customer satisfaction from 95% to 98%.

Hiscox Europe

Gross written premiums in local currency grew by 8.1% to €125.9 million (2014: €116.5 million) and decreased by 2.3% to £94.6 million (2014: £96.8 million) in Sterling. Growth was mainly driven by our businesses in the Benelux, Germany and Spain, with contributions from all product lines. Adverse foreign exchange movements also impacted profits but, like other territories, the business benefited from modest claims activity and has delivered good profitability.

Hiscox Europe is building on successes in the UK market by extending the specialty commercial product in France and Germany to include a wider range of property and liability risks. This is our largest business line within Hiscox UK and Ireland, and we are replicating this success in Europe. We have also increased our appetite for schemes business, where we work with brokers to offer insurance solutions to customers with similar risk profiles. These initiatives are receiving very positive feedback from brokers, and we are looking at other ways to share products and knowledge across the Group.

The small business cyber and data risks product launched in the UK and across Germany, France and the Netherlands is gaining momentum as the markets gradually evolve from expressions of interest to preparedness to buy.

Fine art continues to perform very well and our private client business has recovered historical growth rates.

Building quality specialty retail businesses takes time, continued investment and a lot of local knowledge.  In 2015, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of our French and German businesses, which are now significant contributors to profit and income for the Group.

 

Hiscox International

This division comprises Hiscox Guernsey, Hiscox USA and DirectAsia.

Gross written premiums 

£183.9 million (2014: £146.4 million)

Profit before tax

£13.9 million (2014: £11.1 million)

Combined ratio 

92.9% (2014: 92.1%)

Hiscox Guernsey - Hiscox Special Risks

Hiscox Special Risks underwrites kidnap and ransom, personal accident, classic car, jewellery and fine art risks. Led from Guernsey, Hiscox Special Risks has teams in London, Munich, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Miami.

Despite the competitive market, Guernsey continues to perform well with gross written premiums increasing to £36.3 million (2014: £34.0 million). We are maintaining our market share in the increasingly competitive kidnap and ransom business, where clients benefit from our expertise and exclusive relationship with Control Risks.

Hiscox USA

Hiscox USA underwrites the small-to-mid market commercial risks through brokers, other insurers and directly to businesses online and over the telephone.

Hiscox USA has built on the success of last year, increasing premiums by 28.2% to £138.1 million (2014: £107.8 million), 16.9% in local currency, despite the impact of withdrawing from unprofitable construction property business in 2014. Hiscox USA also benefited from a continued good claims experience. The professions business, which includes E&O (errors and omissions) and general liability cover, did extremely well, more than offsetting reductions in lines where rates are under pressure, such as commercial property.

The USA team continues to add new specialist business to the Hiscox Pro portfolio. This range of E&O solutions designed for emerging industries has now expanded to include security and staffing services, and testing labs.

Ongoing investment in building the Hiscox brand in the US, including the Courageous Leaders documentaries and continued thought leadership is delivering results, with our direct-to-consumer policies now numbering 100,000.

DirectAsia

DirectAsia is a direct-to-consumer business in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand that sells motor insurance with ancillary lines in travel, healthcare and life. Hiscox acquired the business in April 2014.

DirectAsia continues to perform in line with our expectations, growing its premium income to £9.5 million. The business is making good progress across all markets, with revised marketing activities helping to drive record sales.

Hiscox London Market

This segment uses the global licences, distribution network and credit rating available through Lloyd's to insure clients throughout the world.

Gross written premiums

£306.4 million (2014: £251.7 million)

Profit before tax

£23.4 million (2014: £24.8 million)

Combined ratio

89.8% (2014: 87.2%)

Hiscox London Market had an excellent start to the year despite fierce competition in many lines. Good growth of 21.7% (13.6% in local currency) was achieved despite the team walking away from poorly rated business. Growth was mainly driven by our support for the Willis 360 facility, our auto physical damage business where rates continue to rise, and business generated by our new teams in personal accident and casualty.

Hiscox London Market had a better claims experience in this half, despite losses in aviation and space, two moderate energy losses, and potential claims arising from political unrest in the Ukraine which we have reserved at net £20 million. We also significantly reduced the price and improved the efficiency of our outwards reinsurance programme.

Our relationship with White Oak, a specialist automotive and equipment underwriting agency, continues to grow.

Disruption in the market caused by frenetic merger and acquisitions activity has given us the opportunity to attract high quality people. We have boosted our expertise in three lines where we see potential for prudent profitable growth: general liability, product recall and marine cargo.

Small bolt-on acquisitions that complement our existing expertise and strengthen our distribution capability are an important area of potential growth for the Group. During the period, we acquired R&Q Marine Services (RQMS) for £9 million, an established managing general agent (which also underwrites on behalf of other insurers). RQMS specialises in yachts and general marine leisure insurance and we will continue to combine their knowledge with our distribution and marketing capabilities to serve more customers in our target segments. RQMS will form the core of a new managing agency business, which will underwrite on behalf of other capital providers as well as Hiscox.

 

Hiscox Re

The Hiscox Re segment comprises the Group's reinsurance businesses in London, Paris and Bermuda, Insurance Linked Security (ILS) activity and healthcare business.

 

Gross written premiums

£287.8 million (2014: £271.5 million)

Profit before tax

£59.6 million (2014: £75.6 million)

Combined ratio

45.5% (2014: 41.8%)

 

Gross written premiums for Hiscox Re increased by 6.0%, as we successfully developed business for our third party ILS partners in our Kiskadee funds. Healthcare and specialty lines continue to grow steadily. Hiscox Re continues to benefit from the lack of major catastrophes, and had minimal exposure to Cyclone Marcia and the severe weather that hit Texas in April and May.

Our focus on product innovation has paid dividends, as brokers and cedants appreciate our efforts to address their more complex needs. The release of 12 new products over the past 18 months has added $50 million in gross written premiums.

 

As of 1 July our Kiskadee family of insurance linked funds has attracted over $540 million in capital, up from $400 million anticipated at 1 January 2015, and during this period Kiskadee wrote gross written premiums of $87 million.

 

Investments

Uncertainty and low yields continue to be a feature of financial markets. With our conservative bond portfolio and an exposure to equity markets the investment performance for the first six months has been in line with expectations. Following the £192 million return of capital to shareholders in April, and excluding the Kiskadee Funds, assets under management at 30 June 2015  were £3,032 million (2014: £2,965 million) and our investment result, before derivatives, was £27.9 million (2014: £30.1 million), 1.8% on an annualised basis (2014: 2.0%).

 

After a positive start to the year, on the back of the ECB's quantitative easing programme, the investment background was less supportive in the second quarter and was particularly challenging for bond investors. We were largely protected by our cautious stance on duration but the gains from our fixed income portfolios were modest, being reliant mostly on the extra yield from non-government bonds. The result was however supplemented by a useful contribution from our risk assets portfolio, which despite the setbacks in June delivered good returns.

 

With the Federal Reserve and, latterly, the Bank of England paving the way for official rate increases, we continue to position the bond portfolios with a view to minimising the impact of rising yields. We expect that such a move will be accompanied by a pick-up in volatility but remain comfortable with our allocation to risk assets which now represent 9% of the overall portfolio.

 

Regulatory response to market events

Although in our industry we regularly model the impact of a wide range of serious catastrophes, we fully support the Prudential Regulation Authority's (PRA) new stress test to show how insurers would cope in the event of a range of extreme scenarios. However, I feel this does not go far enough, and that there needs to be a detailed practical 'dry run' of how a serious catastrophe may play out involving all London Market players, including our supervisors at the PRA and Lloyd's.

It is nearly 14 years since the September 11 attacks, and I think it is more important than ever to test how our market would handle another major calamity. Much has changed since 2001 - both within our business and wider society - and our regulatory framework is in the process of fundamental change. Mega-catastrophes create huge disruption and panic, but supervisors gave us the green light to trade through the aftermath of 9/11, despite the widespread uncertainty. Their pragmatism enabled us to keep the wheels of global business turning. However, with Solvency II, a new regulator in the PRA (with a different remit from its predecessor), and a prevailing mood of suspicion and skepticism towards the financial services industry, I'm unsure whether this pragmatic approach will exist next time round.

Running such a simulation would, in my opinion, help to reassure regulators (and ratings agencies) that our market could withstand a shock loss giving them the confidence to allow us to perform our primary role, which is to deal with the fallout from catastrophes. The London Market needs to act boldly in a major crisis, to provide clients with risk capital when they need it most, if it is to fulfill its role as the world's specialty insurance centre.

Outlook

We expect the current tough conditions to continue for our big-ticket insurance and reinsurance businesses into 2016. The importance of balancing our desire to grow in these areas with managing our exposure (particularly when prices are close to walk-away levels) remains crucial. Our teams in Bermuda and the London Market have shown good discipline, dexterity and creativity thus far and I believe have the energy and strong relationships to succeed in the future.

 

The balance and diversity of our business, has long been a key driver of the Group's profitability. Our retail businesses have plenty of room for profitable growth, and will continue to find new opportunities where others find the conditions more challenging. Hiscox has excellent people, a restless spirit and a strong independent future.

 

Robert Childs

27 July 2015

 

 

Condensed consolidated interim income statement

For the six month period ended 30 June 2015


Note

6 months to

30 June 2015

6 months to

30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014



£000

£000

£000

Income





Gross premiums written

7

1,096,299

978,932

1,756,260

Outward reinsurance premiums


(236,215)

(246,340)

(412,850)

Net premiums written


860,084

732,592

1,343,410

Gross premiums earned


882,169

797,117

1,674,982

Premiums ceded to reinsurers


(172,346)

(153,646)

(358,723)

Net premiums earned


709,823

643,471

1,316,259

Investment result

10

29,356

29,218

56,212

Other revenues

11

2,513

9,093

19,956

Revenue


741,692

681,782

1,392,427

Expenses





Claims and claim adjustment expenses


(308,965)

(280,684)

(645,145)

Reinsurance recoveries


55,622

33,089

113,477

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance


(253,343)

(247,595)

(531,668)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts


(173,651)

(149,304)

(318,616)

Operational expenses

11

(160,210)

(141,461)

(310,853)

Foreign exchange (losses)/gains

20

(15,678)

(16,415)

4,974

Total expenses


(602,882)

(554,775)

(1,156,163)

Results of operating activities


138,810

127,007

236,264

Finance costs

12

(4,406)

(3,175)

(6,418)

Share of profit of associates after tax


671

788

1,229

Profit before tax


135,075

124,620

231,075

Tax expense

13

(5,695)

(4,774)

(14,923)

Profit for the period (all attributable to owners of the Company)


129,380

119,846

216,152

Earnings per share on profit attributable to owners of the Company





Basic

15

43.7p

36.4p

67.4p

Diluted

15

41.9p

34.8p

64.5p

 


The notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are an integral part of this document.

Condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income

For the six month period ended 30 June 2015, after tax

 

 


6 months to

30 June 2015

6 months to

30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014



£000

£000

£000

Profit for the period

129,380

119,846

216,152

Other comprehensive income




Items never reclassified to profit and loss:




Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit plan

21,930

(1,558)

(22,759)

Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

(5,268)

374

5,470


16,662

(1,184)

(17,289)

Items that may be reclassified to profit and loss:




Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

(8,443)

(22,941)

34,019

Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

-

-

-


(8,443)

(22,941)

34,019

8,219

(24,125)

16,730

Total comprehensive income for the year (all attributable to owners of the Company)

137,599

95,721

232,882

 


The notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are an integral part of this document.

Condensed consolidated interim balance sheet

At 30 June 2015


Note

30 June 2015

30 June 2014

31 Dec 2014



£000

£000

£000

Assets





Intangible assets


119,331

91,896

105,946

Property, plant and equipment


34,289

21,395

29,497

Investment in associates


11,341

10,229

10,670

Deferred tax


33,063

30,862

33,490

Deferred acquisition costs


274,727

230,892

230,373

Financial assets carried at fair value

18

2,633,210

2,563,129

2,828,847

Reinsurance assets

14

577,303

513,957

525,345

Loans and receivables including insurance receivables


693,730

591,474

556,259

Current tax asset


4,952

-

8,031

Cash and cash equivalents


746,371

452,708

650,651

Total assets


5,128,317

4,506,542

4,979,109






Equity and liabilities





Shareholders' equity





Share capital

17

19,002

19,852

19,913

Share premium


12,129

6,942

10,417

Contributed surplus


89,864

89,864

89,864

Currency translation reserve


48,257

(260)

56,700

Retained earnings


1,244,561

1,215,189

1,276,446

Total equity (all attributable to owners of the Company)


1,413,813

1,331,587

1,453,340

Non controlling interest


866

866

866

Total equity


1,414,679

1,332,453

1,454,206






Employee retirement benefit obligation


6,574

6,512

32,166

Deferred tax


26,372

50,719

26,390

Insurance liabilities

14

2,985,706

2,739,838

2,835,199

Financial liabilities carried at fair value

18

273,745

-

7,109

Current tax


12,550

32,801

32,379

Trade and other payables


408,691

344,219

591,660

Total liabilities


3,713,638

3,174,089

3,524,903

Total equity and liabilities


5,128,317

4,506,542

4,979,109

 


The notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are an integral part of this document.

Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity

For the six month period ended 30 June 2015


Share capital

Share premium

Contributed surplus

Currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Non controlling interest

Total


£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Balance at 1 January 2015

19,913

10,417

89,864

56,700

1,276,446

866

1,454,206

Total recognised comprehensive income for the period (all attributable to owners of the company)

-

-

-

(8,443)

146,042

-

137,599









Employee share options:








Equity settled share based payments

-

-

-

-

8,822

-

8,822

Proceeds from shares issued

19

814

-

-

-

-

833

Deferred and current tax

-

-

-

-

2,778

-

2,778

E/F Share scheme:








Return of capital, special distribution (note 17)

-

(32)

-

-

(141,422)

-

(141,454)

Final dividend equivalent (note 17)

-

-

-

-

(48,105)

-

(48,105)

Share consolidation and subdivision (note 17)

(930)

930

-

-

-

-

-

Balance at 30 June 2015

19,002

12,129

89,864

48,257

1,244,561

866

1,414,679

 

The notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are an integral part of this document.

Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity

For the six month period ended 30 June 2014

 


Share capital

Share premium

Contributed surplus

Currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Non controlling interest

Total


£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Balance at 1 January 2014

20,854

4,953

89,864

22,681

1,271,109

-

1,409,461

Total recognised comprehensive income for the period (all attributable to owners of the company)

-

-

-

(22,941)

118,662

-

95,721









Employee share options:








Equity settled share based payments

-

-

-

-

7,479

-

7,479

Proceeds from shares issued

30

992

-

-

-

-

1,022

Deferred and current tax

-

-

-

-

777

-

777

C/D Share scheme:








Return of capital, special distribution (note 17)

-

(35)

-

-

(126,049)

-

(126,084)

Final dividend equivalent (note 17)

-

-

-

-

(49,728)

-

(49,728)

Share consolidation and subdivision (note 17)

(1,032)

1,032

-

-

-

-

-

Shares purchase by Trust (note 17)

-

-

-

-

(7,061)

-

(7,061)

Acquisition of DirectAsia

-

-

-

-

-

866

866

Balance at 30 June 2014

19,852

6,942

89,864

(260)

1,215,189

866

1,332,453

 

 

Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2014

 



Share capital

Share premium

Contributed surplus

Currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Non controlling interest

Total



£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Balance at 1 January 2014


20,854

4,953

89,864

22,681

1,271,109

-

1,409,461

Profit for the year (all attributable to owners of the company)


-

-

-

-

216,152

-

216,152

Other comprehensive income/(expense) net of tax (all attributable to owners of the company)


-

-

-

34,019

(17,289)

-

16,730

Employee share options:









Equity settled share based payments


-

-

-

-

14,439

-

14,439

Proceeds from shares issued


74

2,669

-

-

-

-

2,743

Deferred and current tax on employee share options


-

-

-

-

1,874

-

1,874

C/D Share Scheme:









Return of capital, special distribution (note 17)


-

(35)

-

-

(126,049)

-

(126,084)

Final dividend equivalent (note 17)


-

-

-

-

(49,728)

-

(49,728)

Share consolidation and subdivision (note 17)


(1,032)

1,032

-

-

-

-

-

Shares purchased by Trust (note 17)


-

-

-

-

(10,593)

-

(10,593)

Acquisition of DirectAsia


-

-

-

-

-

866

866

Scrip dividends


17

1,798

-

-

-

-

1,815

Dividends paid to owners of the Company


-

-

-

-

(23,469)

-

(23,469)

Balance at 31 December 2014


19,913

10,417

89,864

56,700

1,276,446

866

1,454,206

 

The notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are an integral part of this document.

 

Condensed consolidated interim cash flow statement

For the six month period ended 30 June 2015


Note

6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014



£000

£000

£000

Profit  before tax


135,075

124,620

231,075

Adjustments for:





Interest and equity dividend income


(21,343)

(21,471)

(45,146)

Interest expense

12

4,406

3,175

6,418

Net fair value (gains)/losses on financial assets and liabilities


(5,949)

(6,090)

(12,121)

Depreciation and amortisation


7,905

6,158

12,857

Charges in respect of share based payments


8,822

7,479

14,439

Other non-cash movements


1,389

(1,400)

(497)

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash presented separately


11,769

12,563

6,740

Changes in operational assets and liabilities:





Insurance and reinsurance contracts


(107,190)

13,062

174,158

Financial assets carried at fair value


189,270

(12,327)

(171,076)

Financial liabilities carried at fair value


264,306

-

6,880

Other assets and liabilities


(196,980)

(22,403)

(27,943)

Cash flows from operations


291,480

103,366

195,784

Cash paid to the defined benefit pension scheme


-

-

(200)

Interest received


21,189

19,420

43,292

Equity dividends received


790

1,097

1,702

Interest paid


(3,649)

(3,007)

(5,990)

Current tax paid


(23,924)

(23,021)

(62,563)

Cash flows from subscriptions received in advance


35,032

-

169,928

Net cash flows from operating activities


320,918

97,855

341,953

Cash flow from the purchase and sale of a subsidiary, net of cash balance

22

(6,171)

(1,277)

(2,627)

Cash flow from the sale and purchase of associates


-

(2,103)

(1,687)

Cash flows from the purchase of property, plant and equipment


(10,057)

(2,414)

(11,727)

Cash flows from the purchase of intangible assets


(8,475)

(9,314)

(27,580)

Net cash flows from investing activities


(24,703)

(15,108)

(43,621)

Proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares


833

1,022

2,743

Distributions paid to owners of the Company

16,17

(189,559)

(175,812)

(197,466)

Shares repurchased

17

-

(7,061)

(10,593)

Net cash flows from financing activities


(188,726)

(181,851)

(205,316)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


107,489

(99,104)

93,016

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January


650,651

564,375

564,375

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


107,489

(99,104)

93,016

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents


(11,769)

(12,563)

(6,740)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

21

746,371

452,708

650,651

The notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are an integral part of this document.

Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements

1. Reporting entity

Hiscox Ltd (the 'Company') is a public limited company registered and domiciled in Bermuda. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the Company as at, and for the six months ended, 30 June 2015 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 'Group') and the Group's interest in associates. The Chairman's statement accompanying these condensed consolidated interim financial statements forms the Interim Management Report for the half year ended 30 June 2015.

The Directors of Hiscox Ltd are listed in the Group's 2014 Report and Accounts, with the exception of the following changes. Anne MacDonald and Lynn Carter were appointed as Non Executive Directors on 20 May 2015. Richard Gillingwater and Dr James King resigned on 20 May 2015. Daniel Healey is acting as the interim Senior Independent Director. A list of current Directors is maintained and available for inspection at the registered office of the Company located at 4th Floor, Wessex House, 45 Reid Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda.

 

2. Basis of preparation

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Listing Rules issued by the Financial Conduct Authority. The information presented herein does not include all of the disclosures typically required for full consolidated financial statements. Consequently these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the full consolidated financial statements of the Group as at, and for the year ended, 31 December 2014 which are available from the Company's registered office or at www.hiscoxgroup.com. Except where otherwise indicated, all amounts are presented in Pounds Sterling and rounded to the nearest thousand.

After making enquiries, the Directors have an expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason the condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and are prepared on the historical cost basis except that pension scheme assets included in the measurement of the employee retirement benefit obligation, and certain financial instruments including derivative instruments are measured at fair value.

Taxes on income for the interim period are accrued using the estimated effective tax rate that would be applicable to estimated total annual earnings.

The independent auditors have reported on the Group's full consolidated financial statements as at, and for the year ended, 31 December 2014. The report of the independent auditors was not qualified. The amounts presented for the 30 June 2015 and 30 June 2014 periods are unaudited.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements were approved on behalf of the Board of Directors by the Chief Executive, B E Masojada and the Chief Financial Officer, S J Bridges. Accordingly the Half Yearly Report to the London Stock Exchange was approved for issue on Monday, 27 July 2015 following receipt of confirmation from the auditors that they had reviewed the final content.

 

3. Accounting policies and methods of computation

The accounting policies applied in these condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at, and for the year ended, 31 December 2014. The consolidated financial statements as at, and for the year ended, 31 December 2014 were compliant with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and in accordance with the provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. The Interim Report is compliant with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union.

In preparing these interim financial statements, Management make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The significant judgements made by Management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2014.

 

 

4. Financial, insurance and other risk management

The Group's financial, insurance and other risk management objectives and policies are consistent with that disclosed in note 3 of the full consolidated financial statements as at, and for the year ended, 31 December 2014. The principal risks and uncertainties are unchanged and may be summarised as underwriting risk, reserving risk, reliability of fair values, equity price risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, currency risk and capital risk.

The Group continues to monitor all aspects of its financial risk appetite and the resultant exposure taken with caution, and has consequently suffered insignificant defaults on investments held, and other third-party balances during the period under review.

As detailed in note 18, the Group's investment allocation is broadly comparable to that at 31 December 2014 as outlined in the Group Report and Accounts. The Group also continues to be mindful of the processes required for establishing the reliability of fair values obtained for some classes of financial assets affected by ongoing periods of diminished liquidity. In order to assist users, the Group has disclosed the measurement attributes of its investment portfolio in a fair value hierarchy in note 19 in accordance with IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement.

The Group remains susceptible to fluctuations in rates of foreign exchange, in particular between Pound Sterling and the US Dollar.

Strong treasury management has ensured that the Group's balance sheet remains well capitalised and its operations are financed to accommodate foreseen liquidity demands together with a high level of capital sufficient to meet future catastrophe obligations even if difficult investment market conditions were to prevail for a period of time.

 

5. Seasonality and weather

Historically the Group's most material exposure to catastrophe losses on certain lines of business such as reinsurance inwards and marine and major property risk have been greater during the second half of the calendar year, broadly in line with the most active period of the North Atlantic hurricane season. In contrast, a majority of gross premium income written in these lines of business occurs during the first half of the calendar year. The Group actively participates in many regions and if any catastrophic events do occur, it is likely that the Group will share some of the market's losses. Consequently, the potential for significantly greater volatility in expected returns remains during the second half of the year. Details of the Group's recent exposures to these classes of business are disclosed in the Group's 2014 Report and Accounts.

6. Related party transactions

Transactions with related parties during the period are consistent in nature and scope with those disclosed in note 38 of the Group's 2014 Report and Accounts.

7. Operating segments

The Group's operating segment reporting follows the organisational structure and management's internal reporting systems, which form the basis for assessing the financial reporting performance of, and allocation of resource to each business segment.

The Group's four primary business segments are identified as follows:

 

Hiscox Retail brings together the results of the UK and Europe, and Hiscox International being the US, Guernsey and Asia retail business divisions.

Hiscox UK and Europe underwrite European personal and commercial lines of business through Hiscox Insurance Company Limited, together with the fine art and non-US household insurance business written through Syndicate 33. In addition, Hiscox UK includes elements of specialty and international employees and officers' insurance written by Syndicate 3624.

 

Hiscox International comprises the specialty and fine art lines written through Hiscox Insurance Company (Guernsey) Limited, and the motor business written via DirectAsia, together with US commercial, property and specialty business written by Syndicate 3624 and Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. via the Hiscox USA business division.

 

Hiscox London Market comprises the internationally traded insurance business written by the Group's London based underwriters via Syndicate 33, including lines in property, marine and energy, casualty and other specialty insurance lines. In addition, the segment includes elements of business written by Syndicate 3624 being auto physical damage, auto extended warranty and aviation business.

Hiscox Re is the Reinsurance division of the Hiscox Group, combining the underwriting platforms in Bermuda, London and Paris. The segment comprises the performance of Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited with the reinsurance contracts written by Syndicate 33. In addition, the healthcare and casualty reinsurance contracts written in the Bermuda hub on Syndicate capacity are also included. The segment also captures the performance of Kiskadee, the Hiscox Group's Insurance Linked Securities business.

Corporate Centre comprises the investment return, finance costs and administrative costs associated with Group management activities. Corporate Centre also includes the majority of foreign currency items on economic hedges and intragroup borrowings. These relate to certain foreign currency items on economic hedges and intragroup borrowings, further details of these can be found in note 13 of the Group's Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2014. Corporate Centre forms a reportable segment due to its investment activities which earn significant external returns.

All amounts reported below represent transactions with external parties only. In the normal course of trade, the Group's entities enter into various reinsurance arrangements with one another. The related results of these transactions are eliminated on consolidation and are not included within the results of the segments. This is consistent with the information used by the chief operating decision-maker when evaluating the results of the Group. Performance is measured based on each reportable segment's profit before tax.

 

 

6 months ended 30 June 2015


Hiscox Retail

Hiscox London Market

Hiscox Re

Corporate centre

Total


£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Gross premiums written

502,140

306,408

287,751

-

1,096,299

Net premiums written

472,474

217,122

170,488

-

860,084

Net premiums earned

424,547

179,107

106,169

-

709,823

Investment result

11,390

5,544

6,329

6,093

29,356

Other revenues

4,084

2,473

(4,226)

182

2,513

Revenue

440,021

187,124

108,272

6,275

741,692

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

(147,483)

(85,686)

(20,174)

-

(253,343)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts

(109,506)

(54,980)

(9,165)

-

(173,651)

Operational expenses

(112,965)

(18,789)

(18,539)

(9,917)

(160,210)

Foreign exchange losses

(11,262)

(4,352)

243

(307)

(15,678)

Total expenses

(381,216)

(163,807)

(47,635)

(10,224)

(602,882)

Results of operating activities

58,805

23,317

60,637

(3,949)

138,810

Finance costs

-

(26)

(1,015)

(3,365)

(4,406)

Share of profit of associates after tax

515

156

-

-

671

Profit/(loss) before tax

59,320

23,447

59,622

(7,314)

135,075

100% ratio analysis*






Claims ratio (%)

34.6

47.2

18.3

-

35.7

Expense ratio (%)

51.8

40.1

26.9

-

44.6

Combined ratio excluding foreign exchange impact (%)

86.4

87.3

45.2

-

80.3

Foreign exchange impact (%)

2.7

2.5

0.3

-

2.2

Combined ratio (%)

89.1

89.8

45.5

-

82.5

Total assets

1,595,749

1,220,083

1,978,434

334,051

5,128,317

Total liabilities

1,405,898

1,214,817

1,060,707

32,216

3,713,638

 

 

6 months ended 30 June 2014


Hiscox Retail

Hiscox London Market

Hiscox Re

Corporate centre

Total


£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Gross premiums written

455,775

251,700

271,457

-

978,932

Net premiums written

418,029

189,463

125,100

-

732,592

Net premiums earned

373,352

163,078

107,041

-

643,471

Investment result

8,368

6,070

11,169

3,611

29,218

Other revenues

3,499

1,852

3,458

284

9,093

Revenue

385,219

171,000

121,668

3,895

681,782

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

(152,678)

(81,269)

(13,648)

-

(247,595)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts

(96,555)

(41,491)

(11,258)

-

(149,304)

Operational expenses

(96,003)

(16,877)

(16,881)

(11,700)

(141,461)

Foreign exchange losses

(2,981)

(6,556)

(3,597)

(3,281)

(16,415)

Total expenses

(348,217)

(146,193)

(45,384)

(14,981)

(554,775)

Results of operating activities

37,002

24,807

76,284

(11,086)

127,007

Finance costs

-

(24)

(718)

(2,433)

(3,175)

Share of profit of associates after tax

373

-

-

415

788

Profit/(loss) before tax

37,375

24,783

75,566

(13,104)

124,620

100% ratio analysis*






Claims ratio (%)

40.7

48.5

12.4

-

37.9

Expense ratio (%)

51.2

34.4

25.8

-

41.8

Combined ratio excluding foreign exchange impact (%)

91.9

82.9

38.2

-

79.7

Foreign exchange impact (%)

0.8

4.3

3.6

-

2.3

Combined ratio (%)

92.7

87.2

41.8

-

82.0

Total assets

1,494,074

1,008,195

1,670,010

334,263

4,506,542

Total liabilities

1,284,804

982,020

819,243

88,022

3,174,089

 

Year ended 31 December 2014


Hiscox

Retail

Hiscox London Market

Hiscox Re

Corporate centre

Total


£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Gross premiums written

891,115

510,825

354,320

-

1,756,260

Net premiums written

825,878

336,895

180,637

-

1,343,410

Net premiums earned

790,721

332,497

193,041

-

1,316,259

Investment result

25,934

8,719

9,348

12,211

56,212

Other revenues

6,643

6,283

6,777

253

19,956

Revenue

823,298

347,499

209,166

12,464

1,392,427

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

(325,806)

(159,864)

(45,998)

-

(531,668)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts

(205,748)

(93,569)

(19,299)

-

(318,616)

Operational expenses

(209,213)

(40,597)

(39,623)

(21,420)

(310,853)

Foreign exchange losses

(5,121)

9,044

2,682

(1,631)

4,974

Total expenses

(745,888)

(284,986)

(102,238)

(23,051)

(1,156,163)

Results of operating activities

77,410

62,513

106,928

(10,587)

236,264

Finance costs

-

(46)

(1,365)

(5,007)

(6,418)

Share of profit of associates after tax

655

182

-

392

1,229

Profit/(loss)  before tax

78,065

62,649

105,563

(15,202)

231,075

100% ratio analysis*






Claims ratio (%)

40.9

47.4

22.0

-

39.8

Expense ratio (%)

52.0

39.8

29.6

-

44.9

Combined ratio excluding foreign exchange impact (%)

92.9

87.2

51.6

-

84.7

Foreign exchange impact (%)

0.6

(3.0)

(1.8)

-

(0.8)

Combined ratio (%)

93.5

84.2

49.8

-

83.9

Total assets

1,598,928

1,200,237

1,868,321

311,623

4,979,109

Total liabilities

1,433,459

1,146,574

920,783

24,087

3,524,903

* The Group's percentage participation in Syndicate 33 can fluctuate from year to year and consequently, presentation of the ratios at the 100% level removes any distortions arising therefrom.

 

8. Net asset value per share



30 June 2015

30 June 2014

31 Dec 2014


Net asset

value

(total equity)

NAV

per share

pence

Net asset

value

(total equity)

NAV

per share

pence

Net asset

value

(total equity)

NAV

per share

pence


£000


£000


£000


Net asset value

1,414,679

505.5

1,332,453

425.6

1,454,206

462.5

Net tangible asset value

1,295,348

462.8

1,240,557

396.2

1,348,260

428.8

 

The net asset value per share is based on 279,875,668 shares (30 June 2014: 313,090,274; 31 December 2014: 314,419,567), being the adjusted number of shares in issue at each reference date. Net tangible assets comprise total equity excluding intangible assets.

 

9. Return on equity



6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014


£000

£000

£000

Profit for the period

129,380

119,846

216,152

Opening shareholders' equity

1,454,206

1,409,461

1,409,461

Adjusted for the time weighted impact of capital distributions and issuance of shares

(91,892)

(86,855)

(142,812)

Adjusted opening shareholders' equity

1,362,314

1,322,606

1,266,649

Annualised return on equity (%)

19.9

18.9

17.1

 

10. Investment result


i.

Analysis of investment result

 

The total investment result for the Group before taxation comprises:

6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014


£000

£000

£000

Investment income including interest receivable

21,343

21,471

45,146

Net realised gains/(losses) on financial investments at fair value through profit or loss

2,064

1,657

(1,055)

Net fair value gains on financial investments at fair value through profit or loss

4,450

6,987

12,264

Investment result - financial assets

27,857

30,115

56,355

Fair value gains/(losses) on derivative financial instruments

1,499

(897)

(143)

Total result

29,356

29,218

56,212


Investment expenses are presented within other expenses (note 11).

ii.

Annualised investment yields


6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014


£000

£000

£000


Return

 £000

Yield

%

Return

£000

Yield

%

Return

£000

Yield

%

Debt and fixed income securities

15,038

1.3

21,211

1.8

36,714

1.5

Equities and shares in unit trusts

11,910

9.3

7,914

7.2

17,604

7.6

Deposits with credit institutions/cash and cash equivalents

909

0.4

990

0.4

2,037

0.4


27,857

1.8

30,115

2.0

56,355

1.8

 

11. Other revenues and operational expenses


6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014


£000

£000

£000

Agency related income

4,987

4,277

8,060

Profit commission

3,386

4,313

9,965

Other underwriting income and insurance linked funds

(6,374)

(286)

1,136

Other income

514

789

795

Other revenues

2,513

9,093

19,956

Wages and salaries

56,564

49,081

108,622

Social security costs

11,126

9,052

19,551

Pension cost - defined contribution

4,071

3,713

8,112

Pension cost - defined benefit

749

274

660

Share based payments

8,822

7,479

14,439

Marketing expenses

19,276

15,151

31,829

Investment expenses

1,826

1,865

4,192

Depreciation and amortisation

7,905

6,158

12,857

Other expenses

49,871

48,688

110,591

Operational expenses

160,210

141,461

310,853

 

In accordance with IAS 32 any changes in the fair value of the Third party investment in Kiskadee Funds, classified as a financial liability, are recognised as fair value gains or losses through profit or loss (note 18). As at 30 June 2015, the Group has recognised a loss of £6,374,000 (2014: £286,000).

 

12. Finance costs



6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014


£000

£000

£000

Interest and expenses associated with bank borrowings

1,120

905

1,931

Interest and charges associated with Letters of Credit

2,457

1,952

3,894

Interest charges on experience account

829

318

593


4,406

3,175

6,418


As at 30 June 2015, the total amount drawn by way of Letter of Credit to support the Funds at Lloyd's requirement was $529.5 million (30 June 2014: $338.0 million, 31 December 2014: $441.5 million).

 

13. Tax expense


The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to enacted tax laws in the jurisdictions in which they are incorporated and domiciled.

The amounts charged in the condensed consolidated income statement comprise the following:

 


6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014


£000

£000

£000

Current tax




Expense for the year

11,121

31,552

65,537

Adjustments in respect of prior years

(595)

(2,121)

(3,365)

Total current tax

10,526

29,431

62,172





Deferred tax




Credit for the year

(4,473)

(24,328)

(45,633)

Adjustments in respect of prior years

(358)

(329)

(811)

Effect of rate change

-

-

(805)

Total deferred tax

(4,831)

(24,657)

(47,249)

Total tax charged  to the income statement

5,695

4,774

14,923


The Group records its income tax expense based on the expected effective rate for the full year.

14. Insurance liabilities and reinsurance assets



30 June 2015

30 June 2014

31 Dec 2014


£000

£000

£000

Gross




Claims and claim adjustment expenses outstanding

1,908,893

1,804,902

1,967,864

Unearned premiums

1,076,813

934,936

867,335

Total insurance liabilities, gross

2,985,706

2,739,838

2,835,199

Recoverable from reinsurers




Claims and claim adjustment expenses outstanding

357,218

322,946

368,319

Unearned premiums

220,085

191,011

157,026

Total reinsurers' share of insurance liabilities

577,303

513,957

525,345

Net




Claims and claim adjustment expenses outstanding

1,551,675

1,481,956

1,599,545

Unearned premiums

856,728

743,925

710,309

Total insurance liabilities, net

2,408,403

2,225,881

2,309,854

 

Net claims and claim adjustment expenses include releases of £122.6m (30 June 2014: £90.0m, 31 December 2014: £172.2m) of reserves established in prior reporting periods.

The development of net claims reserves by accident years are detailed below.

Insurance claims and claims expenses reserves - net at 100%

Accident year ending 31 December **

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Total

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000












Estimate of ultimate claims costs as adjusted for foreign exchange*:












at end of accident year**

524,356

685,983

776,122

689,201

802,661

1,003,936

795,704

766,772

796,167

420,380

7,261,282

one period later**

516,421

622,785

693,422

576,896

707,166

936,068

709,332

677,833

740,582

-

6,180,505

two periods later**

499,538

601,510

689,269

552,281

666,470

888,825

654,582

623,871

-

-

5,176,346

three periods later**

458,549

572,715

648,744

553,412

649,725

882,947

638,291

-

-

-

4,404,383

four periods later**

472,742

569,268

615,664

546,687

638,400

877,771

-

-

-

-

3,720,532

five periods later**

460,016

543,146

608,716

542,228

634,637

-

-

-

-

-

2,788,743

six periods later**

453,402

539,082

601,887

539,992

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,134,363

seven periods later**

453,769

525,947

594,013

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,573,729

eight periods later**

451,622

525,461

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

977,083

nine periods later**

451,032

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

451,032













Current estimate of cumulative claims

451,032

525,461

594,013

539,992

634,637

877,771

638,291

623,871

740,582

420,380

6,046,030

Cumulative payments to date

(427,078)

(486,824)

(561,903)

(466,344)

(516,467)

(704,230)

(448,059)

(379,401)

(286,363)

(61,688)

(4,338,357)

Liability recognised at 100% level

23,954

38,637

32,110

73,648

118,170

173,541

190,232

244,470

454,219

358,692

1,707,673

Liability recognised in respect of prior accident years at 100% level











92,276

Total net liability to external parties at 100%







1,799,949

* The foreign exchange adjustment arises from the retranslation of the estimates at each date using the exchange rate ruling at 30 June 2015.

** With the exception of the most recent development data for each accident year, which only relates to the six months ending 30 June 2015, the term period refers to one full calendar year.

Reconciliation of 100% disclosures above to Group's share - net

 

Accident year

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Total

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Current estimate of cumulative claims

451,032

525,461

594,013

539,992

634,637

877,771

638,291

623,871

740,582

420,380

6,046,030

Less:

attributable to external Names

(94,763)

(102,690)

(105,068)

(84,404)

(86,234)

(118,788)

(71,696)

(61,114)

(76,624)

(51,850)

(853,231)

Group share of current ultimate claims estimate

356,269

422,771

488,945

455,588

548,403

758,983

566,595

562,757

663,958

368,530

5,192,799













Cumulative payments to date

(427,078)

(486,824)

(561,903)

(466,344)

(516,467)

(704,230)

(448,059)

(379,401)

(286,363)

(61,688)

(4,338,357)

Less: attributable to external Names

88,525

93,775

98,706

71,535

67,305

95,308

46,692

34,254

27,335

5,035

628,470

Group share of cumulative payments

(338,553)

(393,049)

(463,197)

(394,809)

(449,162)

(608,922)

(401,367)

(345,147)

(259,028)

(56,653)

(3,709,887)













Liability for 2006 to 2015 accident years
recognised on Group's balance sheet

17,716

29,722

25,748

60,779

99,241

150,061

165,228

217,610

404,930

311,877

1,482,912

Liability for accident years before 2006 recognised on Group's balance sheet










68,763

Total Group liability to external parties included in the balance sheet, net





1,551,675

 

This represents the claims element of the Group's insurance liabilities and reinsurance assets.

 

 

 

15. Earnings per share


Basic

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Group and held in treasury as own shares.


6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014

Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Company (£000)

129,380

119,846

216,152

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands)

295,787

329,341

320,554

Basic earnings per share (pence per share)

43.7p

36.4p

67.4p

 


Diluted

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the assumed conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Company has one category of dilutive potential ordinary shares, share options and awards. For the share options, a calculation is made to determine the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average annual market share price of the Company's shares) based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding share options. The number of shares calculated as above is compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the exercise of the share options. If the inclusion of potentially issuable shares would decrease the loss per share, the potentially issuable shares are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation.


6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014

Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Company (£000)

129,380

119,846

216,152

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands)

295,787

329,341

320,554

Adjustment for share options (thousands)

12,806

14,553

14,315

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share (thousands)

308,593

343,894

334,869

Diluted earnings per share (pence per share)

41.9p

34.8p

64.5p

 

Diluted earnings per share has been calculated after taking account of outstanding options under both employee share schemes and also SAYE schemes.

 

 

16. Dividends paid to owners of the Company

 


6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014


£000

£000

£000

Interim dividend for the year ended:




-

 31 December 2014 of 7.5p (net) per share

-

-

23,469


-

-

23,469


The final dividend equivalent for the year ended 31 December 2014 was paid as part of the E/F Share Scheme (2013: C/D Share Scheme), see note 17. 243,449,661 E and 77,251,864 F Shares of 60p each were issued, of which 15p per share was in lieu of a final dividend for 2014 of a cash value of £48,105,000. During 2014, the final dividend equivalent for the year ended 31 December 2013 was settled as 261,555,693 C and 93,647,894 D Shares of 50p each, of which 14p per share was issued in lieu of a final cash dividend of £49,728,000.

 

The interim dividend for 2014 was either paid in cash or issued as a scrip dividend at the option of the shareholder. The interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2014 was paid in cash of £22,049,000 and 270,917 shares for the scrip dividend.

 

An interim dividend of 8.0p (net) per ordinary share has been declared payable on 16 September 2015 to shareholders registered on 7 August 2015 in respect of the six months to 30 June 2015 (30 June 2014: 7.5p (net) per ordinary share). A scrip dividend alternative will be offered to the owners of the Company. The dividend was declared in Bermuda on 24 July 2015 and accordingly has not been included as a distribution or liability in this interim consolidated financial information in accordance with IAS 10 Events after the balance sheet date.

 

 

17.Share Capital


30 June 2015

30 June 2014

31 Dec 2014

 


Share Capital £000

Number of Shares

Share Capital £000

Number of Shares

Share Capital £000

Number of Shares

Issued ordinary share capital of 6.5p (2014: 6p)

19,002

292,338,669

19,852

330,865,514

19,913

331,873,654

 

The amounts presented in the equity structure of the Group above relate to Hiscox Ltd, the legal parent Company. At 30 June 2015, there are approximately 8.1 million ordinary shares held in Treasury.

 

Changes in Group share capital, contributed surplus, C Shares, D Shares, E Shares and F Shares

 


Ordinary share capital £000

Share premium

 

 £000

Contributed surplus

 

 £000

C Shares

 

 £000

D Shares

 

 £000

  E Shares

 

 £000

F Shares

 

 £000

At 1 January 2014

20,854

4,953

89,864

-

-

-

-

 

Employee share option scheme - proceeds from shares issued

74

2,669

-

-

-

-

-

 

Issue of C/D Shares

-

(35)

-

128,988

46,824

-

-

 

Redemption of C/D Shares

-

-

-

(128,988)

(46,824)

-

-

 

Share consolidation and subdivision

(1,032)

1,032

-

-

-

-

-

 

Scrip dividends to owners of the Company

17

1,798

-

-

-

-

-

 

At 31 December 2014

19,913

10,417

89,864

-

-

-

-

 

Employee share option scheme - proceeds from shares issued

19

814

-

-

-

-

-

 

Issue of E/F shares

-

(32)

-

-

-

143,176

46,351

 

Redemption of E/F shares

-

-

-

-

-

(143,176)

(46,351)

 

Share consolidation and subdivision

(930)

930

-

-

-

-

-

 

At 30 June 2015

19,002

12,129

89,864

-

-

-

-

 

 

E/F Share issue and return of capital

On 2 March 2015, Hiscox Ltd announced its intention to return approximately £192 million, or 60p per existing ordinary share, to shareholders. This comprised 45p per share in the form of a special distribution and a final dividend equivalent of 15p per share. This was also accompanied by a consolidation of the Company's existing ordinary share capital as described below. These proposals were  approved by shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 25 March 2015.

On 26 March 2015, E/F Shares were issued to existing shareholders on the basis of one E or F Share (at the election of the shareholder) for each existing ordinary share held. Each E Share entitled the shareholder to receive 60p in the form of a dividend payable on 2 April 2015. Each F Share would be purchased by UBS Limited for the same amount. Following its purchase of the F Shares, UBS Limited exercised a put option requiring the Company to buy the shares for 60p each.

There were no E/F Shares outstanding at 30 June 2015 as both classes of shares had been redeemed and cancelled by that date.

As a result of these arrangements, total capital of £189,559,000 was returned to shareholders, of which £32,000 was charged against the share premium account and the remaining £189,527,000 charged against retained earnings. An additional £2,862,000 of E Shares were distributed to the Employee Benefit Trust. The amount is not reported as a distribution as the trust forms part of the consolidated result.

In an effort to ensure that the net tangible asset value per share remained the same pre and post the return of capital, a 88 for 100 share consolidation was also undertaken. This was accompanied by a separate issue of deferred shares which were subsequently cancelled in order to arrive at a new par value for the ordinary shares of 6.5p each. No deferred shares were in issue at 30 June 2015 as all shares had been redeemed and cancelled by that date.

 

Share repurchase

The Trustees of the Group's Employee Benefit Trust purchased Hiscox Ltd shares through the market during 2014 to facilitate the settlement of vesting awards under the Group's performance share plan. As the trust is consolidated into the Group financial results, these purchases have been accounted for in the same way as treasury shares and have been charged against retained earnings. The shares are held by the Trustees for the beneficiaries of the trust.

 

18. Financial assets and liabilities

i.

Analysis of financial assets carried at fair value


30 June 2015

30 June 2014

31 Dec 2014

 


£000

£000

£000

 

Debt and fixed income securities

2,356,908

2,312,367

2,526,179

 

Equities and shares in unit trusts

263,865

223,001

252,916

 

Deposits with credit institutions

7,318

8,216

26,385

 

Total investments

2,628,091

2,543,584

2,805,480

 

Insurance linked fund

5,033

19,377

22,888

 

Derivative financial instruments

86

168

479

 

Total financial assets carried at fair value

2,633,210

2,563,129

2,828,847

 


 

ii.

Analysis of financial liabilities carried at fair value

 


30 June 2015

 £000

30 June 2014

 £000

31 Dec 2014

 £000

 

Third-party investment in Kiskadee Funds

273,745

-

7,033

 

Derivative financial instruments

-

-

76

 

Total financial liabilities

273,745

-

7,109

 


iii.

Investment and cash allocation


30 June 2015

30 June 2014

 31 Dec 2014


£000

%

£000

%

£000

%

Debt and fixed income securities

2,356,908

69.9

2,312,367

77.2

2,526,179

73.1

Equities and shares in unit trusts

263,865

7.8

223,001

7.4

252,916

7.3

Deposits with credit institutions/cash and cash equivalents

753,659

22.3

460,924

15.4

677,036

19.6

Total

3,374,432


2,996,292


3,456,131


 

Included in cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 2015 are £307,568,000 (30 June 2014 : £30,622,000; 31 Dec 2014 : £41,258,000) of cash held by the special purpose vehicles which are consolidated by the Group through the Kiskadee Funds but in which the Group has an interest of less than 100%. The remaining interests are held by third-party investors and included in the consolidated balance sheet as financial liabilities in accordance with IAS 32.

Also included in cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 2015 are £35,032,000 (30 June 2014 : £585,000; 31 Dec 2014 : £169,928,000) of subscriptions received in advance by the two Kiskadee Funds and not yet invested at the balance sheet date. As a result, the Group has recognised a liability under trade and other payables for the same amount.

 

iv.

Investment and cash allocation by currency


30 June 2015
%

30 June 2014
%

 31 Dec 2014
%

Sterling

19.7

24.0

22.7

US Dollars

65.9

59.5

63.0

Euro and other currencies

14.4

16.5

14.3

 

19. Fair value measurements

In accordance with IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement, the fair value of financial instruments based on a three-level fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in measuring the fair value, is set out below:

 

As at 30 June 2015

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total


£000

£000

£000

£000

Financial Assets





Debt and fixed income securities

634,161

1,722,747

-

2,356,908

Equities and shares in unit trusts

-

250,691

13,174

263,865

Deposits with credit institutions

7,318

-

-

7,318

Insurance linked fund

-

-

5,033

5,033

Derivative financial instruments

-

86

-

86

Total

641,479

1,973,524

18,207

2,633,210

Financial Liabilities





Third-party investment in Kiskadee Funds

-

-

273,745

273,745

Derivative financial instruments

-

-

-

-

Total

-

-

273,745

273,745

 

As at 30 June 2014

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total


£000

£000

£000

£000

Financial Assets





Debt and fixed income securities

419,601

1,892,766

-

2,312,367

Equities and shares in unit trusts

-

208,249

14,752

223,001

Deposits with credit institutions

8,216

-

-

8,216

Insurance linked fund

-

-

19,377

19,377

Derivative financial instruments

-

168

-

168

Total

427,817

2,101,183

34,129

2,563,129

Financial Liabilities





Third-party investment in Kiskadee Funds

-

-

-

-

Derivative financial instruments

-

-

-

-

Total

-

-

-

-

 






As at 31 December 2014

Level 1

£000

Level 2

£000

Level 3

£000

Total

£000

Debt and fixed income securities

682,940

1,843,239

-

2,526,179

Equities and shares in unit trusts

-

239,238

13,678

252,916

Deposits with credit institutions

26,385

-

-

26,385

Insurance linked fund

-

-

22,888

22,888

Derivative financial instruments

-

479

-

479

Total

709,325

2,082,956

36,566

2,828,847

 

Financial Liabilities





Third-party investment in Kiskadee Funds

-

-

7,033

7,033

Derivative financial instruments

-

76

-

76

Total

-

76

7,033

7,109



In addition, the contingent consideration payable of £1,875,000 in respect of the R&Q Marine Services Limited acquisition is measured at fair value based on Level 3 inputs, see note 22. In 2014, this was £470,000 in respect of the acquisition of DirectAsia.

 

The levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined by the standard as follows:

 

·             

level 1 - fair values measured using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical instruments;

·              

level 2 -  fair values measured using directly or indirectly observable inputs or other similar valuation techniques for which all   significant inputs are based on market observable data;

·              

level 3 -  fair values measured using valuation techniques for which significant inputs are not based on market observable data.

 

The fair values of the Group's financial assets are based on prices provided by investment managers who obtain market data from numerous independent pricing services. The pricing services used by the investment managers obtain actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. For those securities which are not actively traded, the pricing services use common market valuation pricing models. Observable inputs used in common market valuation pricing models include, but are not limited to, broker quotes, credit ratings, interest rates and yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates and other such inputs which are available from market sources.

 

Investments in mutual funds comprise a portfolio of stock investments in trading entities which are invested in various quoted investments. The fair value of shares in unit trusts are based on the net asset value of the fund reported by independent pricing sources or the fund manager.

Included within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy are Government bonds, Treasury bills and exchange traded equities which are measured based on quoted prices.

Level 2 of the hierarchy contains US Government agencies, corporate securities, asset backed securities and mortgage backed securities. The fair value of these assets are based on the prices obtained from both investment managers and investment custodians as discussed above. The Group records the unadjusted price provided and validates the price through a number of methods including a comparison of the prices provided by the investment managers with the investment custodians and the valuation used by external parties to derive fair value. Quoted prices for US Government agencies and corporate securities are based on a limited number of transactions for those securities and as such the Group considers these instruments to have similar characteristics as those instruments classified as Level 2. Also included within Level 2 are units held in traditional long funds and long and short special funds and over the counter derivatives.

Level 3 contains investments in a limited partnership and unquoted equity securities which have limited observable inputs on which to measure fair value. Unquoted equities are initially carried at cost in the absence of observable pricing information, which is deemed to be comparable to fair value. The effect of changing one or more of the inputs used in the measurement of fair value of these instruments to another reasonably possible assumption would not be significant and no further analysis has been performed. The Group invested into the insurance linked fund in December 2012, which is subject to a two-year initial lock-up period. The fund specialises in catastrophe reinsurance opportunities. The fair value of the fund is estimated to be the net asset value reported by the fund administrator at the balance sheet date. This net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying insurance contracts in the fund which are sensitive to estimates of insurances losses that have occurred. A change in these estimates could have a material impact on the valuation of the fund. The fund was partially redeemed in January 2015 with remaining redemption shares issued which are due to pay out soon after the underwriting contracts expired on 30 June 2015.

The third-party investment in Kiskadee Funds consists of the third-party interest of investors in the Kiskadee Funds that is classified as a financial liability in the Group consolidated financial statements in accordance with IAS 32. The fair value of the Kiskadee Funds is estimated to be the net asset value reported to investors  as at the balance sheet date by the external fund administrator. The net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying reinsurance contracts in the fund. Significant inputs and assumptions in calculating the fair value of the underlying reinsurance contracts include the fair value of cash and cash equivalents as well as estimates of insurance assets and liabilities which are unobservable inputs. The Group has considered changes in the net asset valuation of the Kiskadee Funds if reasonably different inputs and assumptions were used in the fair value estimate of insurance assets and liabilities and has found no significant changes in the valuation given the lower level of catastrophe losses during the period. The net asset value and the third-party investment in Kiskadee Funds includes cash and cash equivalents of £272,381,000 at 30 June 2015.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure the fair value of a financial instrument may fall into more than one level within the fair value hierarchy. In this instance, the fair value of the instrument in its entirety is classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

During the period, there were no significant transfers made between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The following table sets forth a reconciliation of opening and closing balances for financial instruments classified under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

30 June 2015


 


Financial assets


Financial liabilities

 


Equities and shares in unit trusts

Insurance linked fund

Total


Third party investment in Kiskadee Funds


£000

£000

£000


£000

Balance at 1 January

13,678

22,888

36,566


7,033

Fair value gains or losses through profit or loss

(452)

4

(448)


6,374

Foreign exchange gains and losses

(17)

401

384


(3,968)

Purchases / Subscriptions in the Kiskadee Funds

-

-

-


264,306

Settlements

(35)

(18,260)

(18,295)


-

Closing balance

13,174

5,033

18,207


273,745

Unrealised gains and losses in the period on securities held at the end of the period

(3,480)

(438)

(3,918)


6,374

 

30 June 2014


 


Financial assets


Financial liabilities

 


Equities and shares in unit trusts

Insurance linked fund

Total


Third party investment in Kiskadee Funds


£000

£000

£000


£000

Balance at 1 January

14,064

19,917

33,981


-

Fair value gains or losses through profit or loss

2,389

(286)

2,103


-

Foreign exchange losses

(81)

(254)

(335)


-

Purchases

-

-

-


-

Settlements

(1,620)

-

(1,620)


-

Closing balance

14,752

19,377

34,129


-

Unrealised gains and losses in the year on securities held at the end of the year

394

159

553


-

 

20. Impact of foreign exchange related items

The net foreign exchange (losses)/gains for the year include the following amounts:

 


6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014


£000

£000

£000

Exchange (losses)/gains recognised in the consolidated income statement

(15,678)

(16,415)

4,974

Exchange (losses)/gains classified as a separate component of equity

(8,443)

(22,941)

34,019

Overall impact of foreign exchange related items on net assets

(24,121)

(39,356)

38,993

 

The above excludes profit or losses on foreign exchange derivative contracts which are included within the investment result.

Net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs are treated as non monetary items in accordance with IFRS.  As a result, a foreign exchange mismatch arises caused by these items being translated at historical rates of exchange prevailing at the original transaction date and not being retranslated at the end of each period.  The impact of this mismatch on the income statement is shown below.


6 months to
30 June 2015

6 months to
30 June 2014

Year to
31 Dec 2014


£000

£000

£000

Opening balance sheet impact of non-retranslation of non-monetary items

1,608

(4,790)

(4,790)

Losses/gains included within profit representing the non-retranslation on non-monetary items

(8,516)

1,945

6,398

Closing balance sheet impact of non-retranslation of non-monetary items

(6,908)

(2,845)

1,608

 


21. Condensed consolidated interim cash flow statement

The purchase, maturity and disposal of financial assets and liabilities, including derivatives, is part of the Group's insurance activities and is therefore classified as an operating cash flow.

Included within cash and cash equivalents held by the Group are balances totalling £104,082,000 (30 June 2014: £114,077,000; 31 December 2014: £142,617,000) not available for use by the Group outside of the Lloyd's Syndicates within which they are held.

 

22. Business combinations

 

Hiscox MGA Limited (formerly R&Q Marine Services Limited)

On 27 February 2015, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital and voting rights of R&Q Marine Services Limited for £9,250,000. Soon after the acquisition, the company name was changed to Hiscox MGA Limited. The company is an underwriting agency specialising in yachts and the general marine leisure industry. They write a range of products, providing cover for super-yachts, small yachts, marina trades and yacht race cover. The acquisition will give Hiscox a platform within the yacht and marine leisure industry to underwrite to its existing Syndicate 33 on certain lines and to develop the MGA platform for the Group, providing opportunities for future growth.

 





Purchase consideration



£000

Initial cash consideration



7,375

Contingent consideration



1,875

Total purchase consideration representing fair value of net assets acquired



9,250

 

The contingent consideration reflected above of £1,875,000, represents the current fair value estimate of the expected additional consideration that may be payable to the seller. The contingent consideration is payable based on Hiscox MGA Limited exceeding certain revenue targets during the first year post the acquisition.

 

 

The assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition are as follows:


Acquiree's carrying amount

Fair value and accounting policy adjustments

Fair value


£000

£000

£000

Intangible assets

-

9,185

9,185

Other debtors

299

-

299

Cash and cash equivalents

1,204

-

1,204

Total assets

1,503

9,185

10,688

Net client account creditors

1,295

-

1,295

Other creditors

143

-

143

Total liabilities

1,438

-

1,438

Net assets acquired

65

9,185

9,250

 

The assets and liabilities as at the acquisition date are stated at their provisional fair values and may be amended during the year if further evidence of the appropriate fair value is received.

 

The intangible asset shown above is primarily from acquiring the rights to renew the existing book of business and the underwriter teams contacts and experience in the marine leisure field.

 

The Group incurred acquisition-related costs of £72,000 on legal fees and due diligence costs. These costs have been included in administrative expenses.

 

Hiscox MGA Limited contributed a profit of £534,000 to the Group's profit before tax for the period between 27 February and 30 June 2015.

 

Directors' responsibilities statement

 

The Directors confirm, to the best of our knowledge, that the Chairman's statement and condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Interim Statement includes a fair review of the information required by sections 4.2.7R and 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, being:

1.

an indication of important events during the first six months of the current financial year and their impact on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

2.

related-party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current year and that have materially affected  the consolidated financial position or performance of Hiscox Ltd during that period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could have such a material effect.

The individuals responsible for authorising the responsibility statement on behalf of the Board are the Chief Executive, B E Masojada and the Chief Financial Officer, S J Bridges. Accordingly the Half Yearly Report to the London Stock Exchange was approved for issue on Monday, 27 July 2015 following receipt of confirmation from the auditors that they had reviewed the final content.

 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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