Half-yearly Report
CHESNARA plc - INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2008
4.8% increase continues strong dividend growth at Chesnara
29 August 2008
Chesnara today reported interim results for the first half of 2008. The Group
is committed to offering shareholders an attractive long-term income stream
arising from the profits of its life assurance business.
* Profit (on IFRS basis) before tax for the six months ended 30 June 2008
down 20% to £10.0m, (2007 half-year profit before tax: £12.4m)
* Earnings per share (on IFRS basis) of 7.71p, (2007 half-year earnings per
share: 9.68p)
* On EEV basis pre-tax loss for the half-year of £5.2m (half-year 2007
profit: £11.1m). Post tax profit of £2.0m (2007: £7.7m)
* Results adversely impacted by global investment market conditions
* Persistency remains strong
* Shareholder equity on EEV basis (pre proposed interim dividend payment) now
£179.0m - £1.71p per share (30 June 2007: £188.4m - £1.80p per share)
* Life company solvency ratio, after significant dividend payment strong at
227% (30 June 2007: 267%). Group solvency ratio increases to 348% post
interim dividend (30 June 2007: 267%)
* 5.5p interim dividend per share proposed: increased by 4.8%
* Board remains confident about future dividend flows
* Search for value adding acquisition opportunities continues
Graham Kettleborough, Chief Executive said:
'We have a business which is in good shape from all the key perspectives -
operational, regulatory and financial - and this has underpinned the overall
result. However, we cannot be totally insulated from adverse conditions in
investment markets and these have, inevitably, affected our results. That said,
the IFRS profit remains strong and, after tax, the EEV result still provides a
small fillip to investor value.
Our confidence continues to drive our ongoing search for acquisition
opportunities and our financial strength allows the Board, once again,
to deliver on our promise of a reliable and progressive dividend stream
by proposing a 4.8% increase in the interim dividend to 5.5p per share.'
The Board approved this statement on 28 August 2008.
Enquiries
Graham Kettleborough
Chief Executive, Chesnara plc 07799 407519
Michael Henman
Cubitt Consulting 0207 367 5100
Notes to editors:
Chesnara plc, which listed on the London Stock Exchange in May 2004, is the
owner of Countrywide Assured plc ("CA"). CA is a life assurance subsidiary that
is substantially closed to new business. In June 2005 Chesnara acquired a
further closed life insurance company - City of Westminster Assurance ("CWA") -
for £47.8m. With effect from 30 June 2006, CWA's policies and assets were
transferred into CA plc. Chesnara's operating model is to maintain a relatively
small governance team and outsource the majority of its back office functions.
CHESNARA plc
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2008
Note on Terminology
On 30 June 2006 the long-term business of City of
Westminster Assurance Company Limited, a Group
subsidiary acquired on 2 June 2005, was transferred,
under the provisions of Part VII of the Financial
Services and Markets Act 2000, to the Group's other
principal operating subsidiary, Countrywide Assured
plc, in which the whole of the Life operations of the
Group now subsist. However, within this document
reference is made to 'CWA ' and to 'CA ' to continue to
identify respectively the long-term business which had
been conducted within the respective companies prior to
the transfer.
Chesnara plc
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
30 JUNE 2008
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Unaudited Year ended
6 months ended 31 December
30 June
2008 2007 2007
IFRS basis
Operating profit 10.4 13.0 28.8
Financing costs (0.4) (0.6) (1.1)
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit before income taxes £10.0m £12.4m £27.7m
========== ========== ==========
Basic earnings per share 7.71p 9.68p 24.32p
Dividend per share 5.5p 5.25p 15.1p
Shareholders' net equity £123.5m £116.0m £125.8m
========== ========== ==========
European Embedded Value basis (EEV)
Operating (loss) / profit (4.7) 6.0 9.7
Investment variances and economic (0.5) 5.1 (3.3)
assumption changes
========== ========== ==========
(Loss)/profit before tax £(5.2)m £11.1m £6.4m
========== ========== ==========
Profit for the period, net of tax £2.0m £7.7m £12.1m
========== ========== ==========
Covered Business
Shareholder net worth 57.1 77.1 77.6
Value of in-force business 85.9 105.6 94.0
---------- ---------- ----------
Embedded value 143.0 182.7 171.6
Acquired embedded value financed by debt (8.3) (12.6) (12.4)
Shareholders' equity in other Group 44.3 18.3 28.1
companies
---------- ---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity on EEV basis £179.0m £188.4m £187.3m
========== ========== ==========
Life annual premium income (AP) £47.4m £52.3m £102.3m
Life single premium income (SP) £13.3m £17.8m £32.0m
Life annualised premium income £48.7m £54.1m £105.5m
(AP + 1/10 SP)
In contrast with the IFRS basis of reporting, the EEV basis recognises the
discounted value of the expected future cash flows arising from the long-term
business contracts in force at the period-end, as a component of shareholder
equity. Accordingly, the EEV result recognises, within profit, the movement in
this component, which, for the six months ended 30 June 2008, was adversely
impacted by global investment market conditions, giving rise to an operating
loss at the pre-tax level. This was offset by associated reductions in the
estimate of future tax payable within expected future cash flows, so that the
EEV result reflects a profit at the net of tax level.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to present the fifth interim statements of Chesnara plc
('Chesnara').
Background
Chesnara was listed on the London Stock Exchange in May 2004. Originally formed
to become the holding company of Countrywide Assured plc on its demerger from
Countrywide plc, in June 2005 it acquired City of Westminster Assurance Company
Limited, a further closed life assurance company, the long-term business of
which was transferred to Countrywide Assured plc on 30 June 2006.
Countrywide Assured plc now manages a portfolio of some 195,000 life assurance
and pension policies and is substantially closed to new business. It writes a
small amount of new business and accepts top-ups to existing contracts. As a
substantially closed book it is expected that the embedded value of the
business will decline over time as the number of policies in force reduces and
as the surplus emerging in the business is distributed by way of dividends. As
the portfolio runs off, the regulatory capital supporting it may also be
reduced and returned to shareholders.
In order to prolong the yield delivery Chesnara seeks to acquire similar
businesses. We believe, however, that such potential acquisitions should not
detract from our key objective of delivering a steady and attractive dividend
yield.
Review of the Business
In the first half of the year, none of the acquisition opportunities reviewed
by the Company proved compelling. Therefore, we have concentrated our efforts
on enhancing shareholder value within the business. Although investment market
performance has had an adverse effect, our long-standing prudent approach to
the business has enabled the posting of a result, which in the prevailing
circumstances, can be described as resilient.
Investment market falls have depressed projected future earnings, and hence
overall company value, as part of our profit flow emanates from the charges on
policyholder investment funds. However, we have seen further improvements in
policy persistency with lower lapse rates than expected. With mortality
experience remaining in line with expectations and the mortgage endowment
misselling reserve proving adequate we are able to report a strong set of
results.
On the IFRS basis of reporting we have posted a pre-tax profit of £10.0m for
the half-year ended 30 June 2008 compared with £12.4m for the corresponding
period in 2007.
On the European Embedded Value ('EEV') basis of reporting, the Group recognises
a pre-tax loss of £5.2m for the half-year ended 30 June 2008 compared to a
profit of £11.1m for the same period in 2007. This arises largely from the
impact of falls in global investment markets and is offset by associated
reductions in the estimate of future tax so that we are able to post a positive
post-tax result, in a difficult climate, of £2.0m.
Total shareholder equity, as stated on an EEV basis, pre interim dividend
appropriation, has reduced, albeit not as much as one might expect from the
reduction in the policy base and investment market performance, from £187.3m (£
1.79 per share) at 31 December 2007 to £179.0m (£1.71 per share) at 30 June
2008.
Countrywide Assured plc's capital solvency ratio at 227% remains at a healthy
premium to the target set by the Board of 150%. It has reduced from 267% at the
corresponding point last year due to significant dividend transfers to
Chesnara. The Group's solvency position, post the proposed dividend, has
strengthened significantly from 267% as at 30 June 2007 to 348% as at 30 June
2008.
Based on these results the Board is pleased to recommend an interim dividend of
5.5p (2007: 5.25p), which represents an increase of 4.8% and equates to a total
interim dividend of £5.8m.
Outlook
Experience in all the key areas affecting the business, with the exception of
investment market performance, has proved to be on target, if not better. The
fact that, overall, we have increased the net value of the Group, in the face
of a challenging environment, is very positive and bodes well for the future.
We continue to search for acquisitions, both in the life assurance and related
sectors, and remain expectant that suitable opportunities will arise and that,
with our strong capital base, we are well placed to take advantage of the right
opportunity.
We remain well placed to continue to fulfil our stated objective of continuing
to deliver a reliable and progressive dividend flow and wish to thank our
employees for their contribution to the Group in realising this aim.
Christopher Sporborg
Chairman
28 August 2008
DIRECTORS' INFORMATION
Christopher H Sporborg CBE is the Non-executive Chairman of Chesnara plc. He is
also Chairman of the Nomination Committee. He was formerly Deputy Chairman of
Hambros PLC, Deputy Chairman of Hambros Bank Limited and Chairman of Hambro
Insurance Services Group PLC. At Hambros he was responsible for the acquisition
of Bairstow Eves PLC in 1986 and the formation of Hambro Countrywide plc and,
in 1988, the creation of the life company then called Hambro Guardian Assurance
plc and now part of the Chesnara plc group of companies. He is also a director
of Getty Images Inc.
Graham Kettleborough is the Chief Executive of Chesnara plc. He joined
Countrywide Assured plc in July 2000 with responsibility for marketing and
business development and was appointed as Managing Director and to the Board in
July 2002. Prior to joining Countrywide Assured plc, he was Head of Servicing
and a Director of the Pension Trustee Company at Scottish Provident. He has
lifetime experience in the financial services industry, primarily in customer
service, marketing, product and business development, gained with Scottish
Provident, Prolific Life, City of Westminster Assurance and Target Life.
Ken Romney is the Finance Director and Company Secretary of Chesnara plc. He
joined Countrywide Assured plc in 1989 and became a member of the Board in
1997. He has worked in the life assurance industry for the last 24 years. He
was Chief Accountant at Laurentian Life (formerly Imperial Trident) up to 1987
and was Financial Controller at Sentinel Life between 1987 and 1989. He worked
for Price Waterhouse in their audit division until 1983 in both the UK and
South Africa. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in
England and Wales.
Frank Hughes is the Business Services Director of Chesnara plc. He joined
Countrywide Assured plc in November 1992 as an IT Project Manager and was
appointed to the Board as IT Director in May 2002. He has 23 years' experience
in the life assurance industry gained with Royal Life, Norwich Union and CMG.
Peter Mason is the Senior Independent Non-executive Director of Chesnara plc
and is Chairman of the Audit Committee. He also serves on the Remuneration and
Nomination Committees. He is currently a Non-executive Director of Homeowners
Friendly Society and Countrywide Assured plc. He is the Investment Director and
Actuary of Neville James Group, an investment management company. He was
admitted as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in 1979.
Mike Gordon is an Independent Non-executive Director of Chesnara plc and is
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. He also serves on the Audit Committee
and the Nomination Committee. He spent 12 years as Group Sales Director of
Skandia Life Assurance Holdings. He is Chairman of Bankhall Investment
Management Limited, a Skandia-owned subsidiary.
Terry Marris is a Non-executive Director of Chesnara plc and serves on the
Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination Committee. He
joined Countrywide Assured Group plc in 1992 and was Managing Director of
Countrywide Assured plc until July 2002. Previous roles included senior
management positions at Lloyds Bank and General Accident.
INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT
Background
Chesnara seeks to participate in the consolidation of the closed life business
sector in the UK. In 2004, at the same time that we listed on the London Stock
Exchange, we acquired Countrywide Assured plc on its effective demerger from
the estate agency business which now forms the core of the operations of
Countrywide plc, while in 2005 we acquired City of Westminster Assurance
Company Limited from Irish Life and Permanent plc. In 2006 we merged the
long-term business of the two companies in order to realise significant
financial and operational synergies.
As Countrywide Assured plc is substantially closed to new business its primary
focus is on the efficient run-off of the existing life and pension portfolios.
This gives rise to the emergence of surplus which supports our primary aim of
delivering an attractive long-term dividend yield to our shareholders. By the
very nature of the life business assets the surplus arising will deplete over
time as the policies mature, expire or are the subject of a claim. Therefore,
to prolong the yield delivery we seek to acquire similar businesses.
Review of the Business
During the first half of 2008 Chesnara has continued, in the absence of any
compelling acquisition opportunities, to concentrate on its policy of
delivering enhanced value to shareholders through focusing on the efficient
run-off of its Life business.
The continued strength of the emergence of surplus has underpinned the overall
financial performance of the business and enabled the delivery of a strong
profit on the IFRS basis of reporting and the maintenance of a healthy
regulatory solvency position.
Whilst the result has, inevitably, been negatively affected by conditions
prevailing in the investment markets these have been mitigated by a
contribution from new business and tight control over expenses. There have been
no new regulatory issues that have given rise to any significant concerns or
costs.
These key areas are reviewed in more detail in the following sections.
Investment Funds
Strong performance in the unit-linked funds helps promote policy retention and
increases the embedded value of the Group as future management charges will be
of a higher magnitude. The CA Managed Fund, which represents a significant
proportion of the CA policyholder funds under management, returned -6.41%
during the twelve months ended 30 June 2008 while the CWA Global Managed Fund,
which represents a significant proportion of CWA policy funds under management,
returned -8.56% over the same period. These returns, on balance, compare
favourably with the average of -7.86% achieved by the ABI Life Balanced Managed
Funds sector.
These results reflect the poor performance of the equity markets consequent
upon developments in the credit markets and the general economic climate.
Shareholders do not have any direct exposure to the sub-prime market. However,
recent market performance does affect fund values and consequently, the
embedded value. Guidance as to the sensitivity of embedded value to market
movements is provided on page 30.
The Board continue to have a prudent approach to the investment of shareholder
funds, which underpins our strong solvency position. The benchmark of 70% cash
and 30% fixed interest has been maintained.
Policy Attrition
The longer a policy stays in force the greater the profit that accrues to the
Group. We have continued to maintain a strong focus on the retention of
policies where it is in the interests of customers to continue with their
arrangements. At the 2007 year-end we reported that the rate of policy
attrition had decreased. This improvement has been sustained and further
reduction in policy cessation rates has been evident. However, this benefit has
not been reflected in the assumptions underpinning the EEV at the half year.
Should this persist, despite the current economic climate, through to the
year-end then a positive re-rating of the value of the in-force policies, and
consequently of the embedded value, through a restatement of persistency
assumptions, is possible.
Financial Exposures
The Group pays particular attention to any area where it has potentially
significant financial exposure. In life and pensions these typically arise in
the areas of onerous policy options and guarantees and of compensation claims
for past misselling of products. Whilst the Group's portfolios have very little
exposure to the impact of investment market performance on options and
guarantees, it does have some ongoing exposure to potential misselling of
policies sold in connection with an endowment mortgage. We are required to make
redress to a subset of mortgage endowment policyholders who have been missold
their product and to write to policyholders on a biennial basis setting out
their potential returns based on specified growth rates. In the past there has
been significant media attention and aggressive advertising by claims
management firms on this issue. This activity has continued to decline in the
first half of the year as more potential claims become time-barred from making
a successful complaint. At the present time, over 80% of relevant mortgage
endowments are time-barred with the balance of the population carrying little
potential liability to compensation. We are pleased to report that, during the
first half of 2008, the number of complaints we have received has continued to
reduce. However this has been offset, to a degree, by slightly higher uphold
rates. Based on current experience we believe that the reserve we hold will
prove adequate.
As disclosed in previous statements we identified an error in an old unit
pricing system which had resulted in incorrect capital gains tax being deducted
from unit linked funds. A project is in place to provide recompense to affected
policyholders in line with Treating Customers Fairly ('TCF') principles and the
provision created in 2007 (net of estimated recoveries) of £2.5m (£1.8m net of
tax) is still considered to be adequate.
Regulatory Issues
The key focus on the regulatory front in the first part of the year was to
ensure we met the FSA's target of the development of suitable management
information in order to evidence our compliance with TCF requirements by March
2008. I am pleased to say that we met that target and have made significant
progress in embedding TCF into the business. The next target is being able to
demonstrate full TCF compliance by December 2008 and we believe we are in good
shape to meet this requirement.
We continue to receive and review Good Practice Guides as issued by the
Association of British Insurers and, where we believe it appropriate to our
business, amend our practice to comply with the guidance.
Expense Base
Operational and outsourcer costs are being kept under control and our policy
attrition rate is better than assumed. The result is that there are more
policies in force over which fixed costs can be allocated, leading to cost
efficiencies reflected in lower per policy costs.
Key to our strategy of expense base management is the outsourcing of our back
office functions to professional outsourcing organisations. This results in
predictable levels of per policy cost each year for the term of the relevant
contract and removes cost inefficiencies that can occur as a result of a
diminishing policy base.
As reported at the last year-end we finalised an arrangement with Capita Life
and Pensions Limited ('Capita') for the outsourcing of the administration of
the CWA book early in 2007.
The systems migration project undertaken by Capita, which aimed to transfer the
CWA business to their systems, resulted in a successful migration on 21 July
2008. We have now closed the inherited Luton operation and consequently reduced
the cost base further.
Service levels from both Capita and Liberata Financial Services Limited, who
are managing the CA book of business, are in line with agreed standards.
IFRS Result
The following summarises information reflected in the IFRS Income Statement,
showing the contribution from the constituent members of the Group
Parent Amortisation Total
CA CWA company of AVIF
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Six months ended 30
June 2008
Operating profit 7,886 3,176 1,121 (1,751) 10,432
Financing costs - - (455) - (455)
------ ------- -------- -------- -------
Profit before income 7,886 3,176 666 (1,751) 9,977
taxes
====== ======= ======== ======== =======
Six months ended 30
June 2007
Operating profit 8,892 5,803 30 (1,751) 12,974
Financing costs - - (579) - (579)
------ ------- ------- -------- --------
Profit before income 8,892 5,803 (549) (1,751) 12,395
taxes
====== ======= ======= ======== ========
Year ended 31
December 2007
Operating profit 18,566 12,674 1,071 (3,502) 28,809
Financing costs - - (1,089) - (1,089)
------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Profit before income 18,566 12,674 (18) (3,502) 27,720
taxes
======= ======== ========= ======== ========
Notes
(1) Financing costs relate to a bank loan raised to part finance the
acquisition of CWA.
(2) Amortisation of Acquired Value In-Force ('AVIF') represents a post
acquisition charge to profits of the write-down of the acquired value of CWA
in-force business, as measured at the acquisition date. The pattern of
amortisation is broadly intended to match the pattern of surplus arising from
the run-off of the underlying CWA insurance and investment contract portfolios.
Overall, the result for the six months ended 30 June 2008 reflects the
continuing strong emergence of surplus in both CA and CWA, as the underlying
insurance and investment contracts run off. However, the impact of investment
market conditions over the period has adversely impacted the result by some £2m
and this is in sharp contrast to benign investment market conditions which,
together with favourable mortality experience, benefited the comparative period
for the six months ended 30 June 2007. The resilience of the result in
difficult trading conditions has been underpinned by a new business
contribution and continuing tight control over expenses, together £0.8m better
than expected.
The significant increase in parent company operating profit for the six months
ended 30 June 2008 compared with the comparative period for 2007 reflects the
increased return on investment assets following dividend transfers from the
Life subsidiary.
EEV Result
Supplementary information prepared in accordance with EEV principles and set
out in the financial information on pages 22 to 31 is presented to provide
alternative information to that presented under IFRS. EEV principles recognise
profits as they are earned over the life of insurance and investment contracts
and assist in identifying the value being generated by the life businesses. The
result determined under this method represents principally the movement in the
life businesses' embedded value, before transfers made to the Parent Company
and ignoring any capital movements. As the Group's life assurance operations
are now substantially closed to new business, the principal underlying
components of the EEV result are the expected return from the business in force
(being the yield at the risk discount rate on the related policy cash flows as
they fall into surplus) together with (1) variances of actual experience from
that assumed for each component of the policy in force cash flows and (2) the
impact of resetting assumptions for each component of the prospective cash
flows.
The following is a summarised statement of the EEV result:
6 months ended Year ended
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
£000 £000 £000
Operating (loss)/profit before tax (4,669) 5,949 9,662
Variation from longer term investment
return 428 (571) 824
-------- -------- ---------
Economic assumption changes (950) 5,697 (4,043)
(Loss)/profit before tax (5,191) 11,075 6,443
Tax
- current (2,500) (3,355) (4,379)
- deferred 9,726 5 10,053
-------- -------- ----------
Profit for the period after tax 2,035 7,725 12,117
======== ======== ==========
Investment markets suffered significant falls over the six months ended 30 June
2008, with leading UK equity market indices, for example, recording a 13%
decrease over the period. The capital values of fixed interest securities also
incurred significant reductions as interest rates eased up over the second half
of the period. These conditions affect the result both through the impact on
estimated future deductions from unit-linked funds and on the impact on returns
from non-linked policyholder and shareholder funds.
These adverse impacts have been offset, to a degree, by:
i. the expected return (unwind of the risk discount rate at 7.7%) of £5.4m;
ii. favourable lapse experience of £3.2m; and
iii. favourable new business and expense variances of £0.8m
resulting in a net pre-tax loss of some £5.2m during the period.
The impact of investment market losses is further mitigated to the extent of
some £8m as a result of the associated reduction in the estimate of future tax
payable, which is dependent to a significant extent on investment returns and
on the estimated level of franked investment income, and this is included in
the deferred tax credit of £9.7m shown above, so that the Group has achieved
a positive net of tax result in the period.
Overall, these positive factors have maintained the value of the Company in a
difficult and challenging trading environment.
Shareholders' Equity and Embedded Value of Covered Business - EEV Basis
The consolidated balance sheet prepared in accordance with EEV principles may
be summarised as:
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
£000 £000 £000
Value of in-force business 85,939 105,607 94,007
Other net assets 93,109 82,807 93,308
--------- --------- ----------
179,048 188,414 187,315
========= ========= ==========
Represented by:
Embedded value ('EV') of covered
business 143,005 182,669 171,639
Less: amount financed by borrowings (8,326) (12,600) (12,469)
-------- -------- ----------
EV of covered business attributable to
shareholders 134,679 170,069 159,170
Net equity of other Group companies 44,369 18,345 28,145
--------- --------- ---------
Shareholders' equity 179,048 188,414 187,315
========= ========= =========
Subsequent to 31 December 2007, a dividend of £30m was paid to Chesnara plc
from the Life business. This reduced the EV of the covered business, while
increasing the net equity of other Group companies.
The tables below, set out the components of the value of in-force business by
major product line at each period end:
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
Number of policies 000 000 000
Endowment 62 70 66
Protection 70 80 75
Annuities 4 4 4
Pensions 50 52 51
Other 9 9 9
------ ------- -------
Total 195 215 205
====== ======= =======
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
Value in-force £m £m £m
Endowment 51.4 68.1 58.3
Protection 55.0 70.3 63.0
Annuities 2.3 2.7 2.0
Pensions 34.1 41.9 38.1
Other 0.2 0.3 1.4
-------- -------- ---------
Total at product level 143.0 183.3 162.8
Valuation adjustments
Holding company expenses (20.5) (21.2) (20.7)
Other (20.5) (16.0) (21.4)
Cost of capital (5.1) (3.0) (5.5)
-------- ------- ---------
Value in-force pre-tax 96.9 143.1 115.2
Taxation (11.0) (37.5) (21.2)
-------- ------- --------
Value in-force post-tax 85.9 105.6 94.0
======== ======= ========
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The Group's management of insurance risk is a critical aspect of the business.
The primary insurance activity carried out by the Group comprises the
assumption of the risk of loss from persons that are directly subject to the
risk. Such risks in general relate to life, accident, health and financial
perils that may arise from an insurable event, with the majority of the Group's
exposure relating to mortality risk on individual lives, predominantly in the
UK. As such, the Group is exposed to the uncertainty surrounding the timing and
severity of claims under the related contracts.
The Group is also exposed to a range of financial risks through its life
assurance contracts, financial assets, financial liabilities, including
investment contracts and borrowings, and its reinsurance assets. In particular,
the key financial risk is that in the long-term its investment proceeds are not
sufficient to fund the obligations arising from its insurance and investment
contracts. The most important components of this financial risk are market risk
(interest rate risk and equity price risk), and credit risk, including the risk
of reinsurer default. The Group has procedures for setting and monitoring the
Group's assets and liability position with the objective of ensuring that the
Group can always meet its obligations without undue cost and in accordance with
the Group's internal and regulatory capital requirements.
Detailed information on the characteristics and management of insurance and
financial risks borne by the Group is provided in Notes 4 and 5 respectively of
the Company's published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31
December 2007.
In addition, insofar as the Group makes estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of the following assets and liabilities, there is
uncertainty as to the amounts at which they may eventually be settled or
realised and as to the timing of settlement or realisation:
i. estimates of future benefits payments arising from long-term insurance
contracts;
ii. fair value of investment contracts;
iii. liability for redress in respect of mortgage endowment misselling
complaints and of unit pricing error;
iv. deferred acquisition costs and deferred income; and
v. amortisation of acquired value of in-force business.
Detailed information on these items is provided in Note 3 of the Company's
published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2007.
There have been no changes in the nature and incidence of the principal risks
and uncertainties, referred to above, during the six months ended 30 June 2008,
except in relation to volatility in global investment markets. The impact of
this on reported results for the six months ended 30 June 2008 is set out in
the commentary under 'IFRS Result' and 'EEV Result' above. Clearly there is
continuing significant uncertainty with regard to the direction of investment
markets over the remaining six months of the current financial year and
attention is drawn particularly to the sensitivity of the reported embedded
value of the Company to investment market and interest rate movements set out
in Note 7 to the European Embedded Value Basis Supplementary Information on
page 30.
Related Party Transactions
There have been no related party transactions that have occurred during the
first six months of the financial year that have materially affected the
financial position or performance of the Group during that period and there
have been no changes in the related party transactions described in the last
annual report that could do so.
Solvency and Regulatory Capital
Regulatory Capital Resources and Requirements
The regulatory capital of life insurance companies in the UK is calculated by
reference to FSA prudential regulations. The rules are designed to ensure that
companies have sufficient assets to meet their liabilities in specified adverse
circumstances. As such, there is a restriction on the full transfer of surplus
from the long-term business fund to shareholder funds of the Life company and
on the full distribution of reserves from the Life company to Chesnara.
The following summarises the capital resources and requirements of the Life
company for regulatory purposes after making provision for dividend payments
from the Life company to Chesnara, which were approved after the respective
period ends. There were no such dividends relating to 30 June 2008 or 30 June
2007.
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
£m £m £m
Available capital resources ('CR') 57.1 77.1 47.6
------ ------ -------
Long-term insurance capital requirement
('LTICR') 23.6 26.9 25.1
Resilience capital requirement ('RCR') 1.5 2.0 1.5
------ ------ -------
Total capital resources requirement
('CRR') 25.1 28.9 26.6
------ ------ -------
Target capital requirement cover 37.0 42.4 39.1
------ ------ -------
Excess of CR over target requirement 20.1 34.7 8.5
------ ------ -------
Ratio of available CR to CRR 227% 267% 179%
------ ------ -------
It can be seen from this information that Chesnara, which relies on dividend
distributions from its Life company, is currently in a favourable position to
service its loan commitments and to continue to pursue a progressive dividend
policy.
Insurance Group Directive
In accordance with the EU Insurance Group Directive, the Group calculates the
excess of the aggregate of regulatory capital employed over the aggregate
minimum solvency requirement imposed by local regulators. The following sets
out these calculations after the recognition of interim and final dividends for
the financial year, approved by the Board and paid to Group shareholders after
the respective dates:
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
£m £m £m
Available group capital resources 87.3 77.3 82.9
Group regulatory capital requirements (25.1) (28.9) (26.6)
------- -------- --------
Excess 62.2 48.4 56.3
======= ======== ========
Cover 348% 267% 312%
======= ======== ========
The regulatory requirement is that available group capital resources should be
at least 100% of capital requirements.
Individual Capital Assessments
The FSA Prudential Sourcebooks require an insurance company to make its own
assessment of its capital needs to a required standard (a 99.5% probability of
being able to meet its liabilities to policyholders after one year). In the
light of scrutiny of this assessment, the FSA may impose its own additional
individual capital guidance. The Individual Capital Assessment is based on a
realistic liability assessment, rather than on the statutory mathematical
reserves, and involves stress testing the resultant realistic balance sheet for
the impact of adverse events.
CA completed a further annual assessment during 2007 as a result of which it
was concluded that the effective current- and medium-term capital requirement
constraints on distributions to Chesnara will continue to be on the basis set
out under "Regulatory capital resources and requirements" above.
Developments
In the second half of the year Chesnara will continue to search for
consolidation or other value-enhancing acquisition opportunities and work with
our outsource partners to ensure continuing delivery of acceptable service
levels. We will also continue to progress the Treating Customers Fairly project
and maintain our focus on mortgage endowment and persistency issues.
Consolidation
Whilst there has been more activity at the top end of the market, as measured
by Embedded Value, there has been little, if any, opportunity in our target
range. However, we continue to expect that opportunities for consolidation of
suitably sized life assurance companies will arise.
Regulatory
With our TCF project on track, our Individual Capital Assessment indicating
that, at present, we have no requirement to hold additional regulatory capital
and no other significant regulatory challenges emerging we will look to build
on our progress to date and to ensure that we maintain strong and focussed
management of our regulatory and risk programmes.
Financial Reporting
The CFO Forum, representing leading European insurers, published its 'Market
Consistent Embedded Value (MCEV) Principles and Guidance' during June 2008. We
will be assessing the new principles and guidance with a view to implementation
in 2009 and we anticipate that the application of the principles will make no
material difference to our published EEV, as we already adopt a
market-consistent approach.
Mortgage Endowments and Persistency
Notwithstanding the acceptable mortgage endowment experience and the positive
persistency result in the first half of the year we remain aware that they are
both significant drivers of both current and future profitability. Therefore
they will, necessarily, receive ongoing focussed management attention.
Outlook
The results for the first six months have, whilst being affected by investment
market performance, benefited from ongoing improvement in policy attrition
rates, a new business contribution and strong expense management. We believe
that the results demonstrate a level of ongoing resilience to the rigours of
adverse market conditions.
Within the mortgage endowment misselling redress provision we still retain an
element of prudence: both this, and our currently strong persistency
experience could be adversely affected by the wider economic climate.
Accordingly, we have not recognised the full financial effects of the
improvement in the policy attrition rate as it is too early to assess the mid
to longer-term effects in this uncertain climate.
We will continue to seek other opportunities that could leverage value from our
existing capabilities. If no clearly superior investment alternative is
identified the possibility of, and preferred methodology for, a return of
surplus capital will be considered.
We continue to believe we are well placed to fulfil our stated objective of
delivering a reliable and progressive dividend flow.
The Board wishes to extend its thanks to all its employees for their continued
contribution to the Group.
Dividend
We have signalled that we aim to provide a reliable and progressive dividend
payment. With the continuing healthy emergence of surplus from the underlying
product base, the improving situation in the key areas of mortgage endowment
and persistency and the strong solvency position of the business, the Board are
pleased to be able to recommend an interim dividend of 5.5p, which represents
an increase of 4.8% over the 2007 interim payment.
Graham Kettleborough
Chief Executive Officer
28 August 2008
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE HALF YEARLY
FINANCIAL REPORT
The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
* the condensed set of consolidated financial statements has been prepared in
accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU;
* the interim management report includes a fair view of the information
required by:
a. DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of
important events that have occurred during the first six months of the
financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial
statements and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for
the remaining six months of the year; and
b. DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules in respect of
I. transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current
financial year that have materially affected the financial position or
performance of the Group during that period; and
II. any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual
report that could do so.
On behalf of the Board:
Ken Romney
Finance Director
28 August 2008
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
30 JUNE 2008
Unaudited
6 months Year ended
ended 30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
Note £000 £000 £000
Insurance premium revenue 48,183 52,669 103,554
Insurance premium ceded to
reinsurers (8,779) (9,453) (18,716)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net insurance premium revenue 39,404 43,216 84,838
Fee and commission income
Insurance contracts 17,905 19,770 38,032
Investment contracts 4,907 4,570 9,149
Investment income 4 (114,296) 83,290 90,210
---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenue (net of
reinsurance payable) (52,080) 150,846 222,229
Other operating income 1,031 543 1,298
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (51,049) 151,389 223,527
---------- ---------- ----------
Policyholder claims and benefits
incurred 25,384 (102,809) (157,114)
Reinsurers' share of claims and
benefits incurred (4,011) 15,837 26,518
---------- ---------- ----------
Net policyholder claims and
benefits incurred 4 21,373 (86,972) (130,596)
---------- ---------- ----------
Change in investment contract
liabilities 51,632 (40,875) (50,697)
Reinsurers' share of investment
contract liabilities (2,352) 1,341 11,534
---------- ---------- ----------
Net change in investment 4
contract liabilities 49,280 (39,534) (39,163)
---------- ---------- ----------
Fees, commission and other
acquisition costs (601) (790) (1,546)
Administrative expenses (6,531) (8,750) (15,955)
Other operating expenses
Charge for amortisation of
intangible assets (1,740) (1,889) (3,734)
Other (300) (480) (3,724)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total expenses 4 61,481 (138,415) (194,718)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit 10,432 12,974 28,809
Financing costs (455) (579) (1,089)
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit before tax 9,977 12,395 27,720
Income tax expense (1,917) (2,275) (2,281)
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit for the period 3 8,060 10,120 25,439
========= ========== ==========
Basic earnings per share 2 7.71p 9.68p 24.32p
========= ========== ==========
Diluted earnings per share 2 7.71p 9.68p 24.32p
========== ========== ==========
The Group considers that it has no product or distribution based segmentation
and, as it only has significant business activity within the UK, it has no
geographic segmentation. Accordingly, no segmented reporting is presented.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at 30 June 2008
Unaudited
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
Note £000 £000 £000
Assets
Intangible assets
Deferred acquisition costs 9,158 10,088 9,542
Acquired value of in-force
business
Insurance contracts 18,197 20,762 19,427
Investment contracts 12,118 13,135 12,627
Reinsurers' share of insurance 197,763 211,097 212,353
contract provisions
Amounts deposited with 24,876 62,126 27,558
reinsurers
Investment properties 3,673 19,935 4,983
Financial assets
Equity securities at fair value
through income 443,155 850,876 743,670
Holdings in collective
investment schemes at fair value
through income 634,228 411,083 508,857
Debt securities at fair value 247,457 312,775 247,152
through income
Loans and receivables including 5 13,277 49,847 15,415
insurance receivables
Derivative financial instruments 8,338 25,610 9,525
---------- ---------- ----------
Total financial assets 1,346,455 1,650,191 1,524,619
---------- ---------- ----------
Reinsurers' share of accrued 4,356 5,631 4,661
policyholder claims
Income taxes - 153 -
Cash and cash equivalents 244,810 247,802 225,127
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets 1,861,406 2,240,920 2,040,897
---------- ---------- ----------
Liabilities
Bank Overdrafts 1,506 - 1,229
Insurance contract provisions 1,009,868 1,134,689 1,110,848
Financial liabilities
Investment contracts at fair 650,061 798,671 726,503
value through income
Borrowings 6 8,326 12,425 12,469
Derivative financial instruments 2,474 367 265
---------- ---------- ----------
Total financial liabilities 660,861 811,463 739,237
---------- ---------- ----------
Provisions 3,494 537 3,575
Deferred tax liabilities 11,263 12,862 11,847
Reinsurance payables 1,942 2,192 1,622
Payables related to direct
insurance and investment 24,023 25,974 22,859
contracts
Deferred income 15,576 17,276 16,362
Income taxes 2,643 4,626 743
Other payables 5 6,688 115,345 6,791
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities 1,737,864 2,124,964 1,915,113
---------- ---------- ----------
Net assets 123,542 115,956 125,784
========== ========== ==========
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 41,501 41,501 41,501
Share premium 20,458 20,458 20,458
Other reserves 50 50 50
Retained earnings 3 61,533 53,947 63,775
---------- ---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 123,542 115,956 125,784
========== ========== ==========
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended
30 June 2008
Unaudited
6 months ended Year ended
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
£000 £000 £000
Profit for the year 8,060 10,120 25,439
Adjustments for:
Amortisation of deferred acquisition 384 599 1,145
costs
Amortisation of acquired in-force 1,739 1,891 3,734
value
Tax expense 1,917 2,275 2,281
Interest receivable (13,825) (12,357) (26,650)
Dividends receivable (15,908) (17,681) (35,997)
Interest expense 455 579 1,089
Change in fair value of investment (10) (1,682) (1,873)
properties
Fair value losses on financial assets 146,777 918 31,768
Interest received 10,639 9,876 28,707
Dividends received 18,399 19,107 37,810
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities
Decrease/(increase) in financial 30,569 (129,760) (54,327)
assets
Decrease/(increase) in reinsurers'
share of insurance contract
provisions 14,895 (5,258) (5,544)
Decrease in amounts deposited with 2,682 1,595 36,163
reinsurers
Decrease / (increase) in other loans 2,833 (31,482) (1,975)
and receivables
(Decrease) / increase in insurance (100,980) 19,492 (4,349)
contract provisions
(Decrease) in investment contract (76,442) (14,308) (86,476)
liabilities
(Decrease) / increase in provisions (81) (60) 2,978
Increase / (decrease) in reinsurance 320 (867) (1,437)
payables
Increase / (decrease) in payables
related to direct insurance and
investments contracts 1,164 1,047 (2,068)
Increase / (decrease) in other 1,353 106,518 (3,060)
payables
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash generated from / (utilised by) 34,940 (39,438) (52,642)
operations
Income tax paid (600) (645) (5,399)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash generated from / (utilised 34,340 (40,083) (58,041)
by) operating activities
========== ========== ==========
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of borrowings (4,200) (4,200) (4,200)
Dividends paid (10,302) (8,419) (13,910)
Interest paid (432) (714) (1,169)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash utilised by financing (14,934) (13,333) (19,279)
activities
========== ========== ==========
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 19,406 (53,416) (77,320)
Cash and cash equivalents at 223,898 301,218 301,218
beginning of period
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of 243,304 247,802 223,898
period
========== ========== ==========
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the six months ended
30 June 2008
Unaudited
Six months ended 30 June 2008
Capital
Share Share redemption Retained
Capital premium reserve earnings Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Equity shareholders'
funds at 1 January 2008 41,501 20,458 50 63,775 125,784
Profit for the period
representing total
recognised income and
expenses - - - 8,060 8,060
Dividends paid - - - 10,302) (10,302)
-------- -------- --------- -------- ----------
Equity shareholders'
funds at 30 June 2008 41,501 20,458 50 61,533 123,542
======== ======== ========= ======== ==========
Unaudited
Six months ended 30 June 2007
Capital
Share Share redemption Retained
capital premium reserve earnings Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Equity shareholders'
funds at 1 January 2007 41,501 20,458 50 52,246 114,255
Profit for the period
representing total
recognised income and
expenses - - - 10,120 10,120
Dividends paid - - - (8,419) (8,419)
-------- ------- --------- --------- ----------
Equity shareholders'
funds at 30 June 2007 41,501 20,458 50 53,947 115,956
======== ======= ======== ========= ==========
Year ended 31 December 2007
Capital
Share Share redemption Retained
capital premium reserve earnings Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Equity shareholders'
funds at 1 January 2007 41,501 20,458 50 52,246 114,255
Profit for the period
representing total
recognised income and
expenses - - - 25,439 25,439
Dividends paid - - - (13,910) (13,910)
-------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Equity shareholders'
funds at
31 December 2007 41,501 20,458 50 63,775 125,784
======= ======== ========= ======== ========
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. Basis of preparation
This condensed set of consolidated financial statements has been prepared in
accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the EU. As
required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services
Authority, the condensed set of consolidated financial statements has been
prepared applying the accounting policies and presentation that were applied in
the preparation of the Group's published consolidated financial statements for
the year ended 31 December 2007, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS as
adopted by the EU. Any judgements and estimates applied in the condensed set of
financial statements are consistent with those applied in the preparation of
the Group's published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31
December 2007
The financial information shown in this half-year review is unaudited and does
not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 240 of the
Companies Act 1985.
The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 December 2007, are not
the company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have
been reported on by the company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. The report of the auditors was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include
a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of
emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did not contain a statement
under Section 237 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.
2. Earnings per share
Earnings per share is based on the following:
Unaudited Year ended
6 months ended 31 December
30 June
2008 2007 2007
Profit for the period (£000) 8,060 10,120 25,439
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average number of 104,588,785 104,588,785 104,588,785
ordinary shares
---------- ---------- ----------
Basic earnings per share 7.71p 9.68p 24.32p
---------- ---------- ----------
Diluted earnings per share 7.71p 9.68p 24.32p
========== ========== ==========
The weighted average number of ordinary shares in respect of the six months
ended 30 June 2008, the six months ended 30 June 2007 and the year ended 31
December 2007 is based on 104,588,785 shares in issue at the beginning and end
of all related periods.
There were no share options outstanding during the periods covered by these
financial statements. Accordingly, there is no dilution of the average number
of ordinary shares in issue in respect of the periods reported.
3. Retained earnings
Unaudited
6 months ended Year ended
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
£000 £000 £000
Balance at 1 January 63,775 52,246 52,246
Profit for Period 8,060 10,120 25,439
Dividends
Final approved and paid for 2006 - (8,419) (8,419)
Interim approved and paid for 2007 - - (5,491)
Final approved and paid for 2007 (10,302) - -
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance at 30 June/31 December 61,533 53,947 63,775
========== ========== ==========
The final dividend in respect of 2006, approved and paid in 2007, was paid at
the rate of 8.05p per share.
The interim dividend in respect of 2007, approved and paid in 2007, was paid at
the rate of 5.25p per share.
The final dividend in respect of 2007, approved and paid in 2008, was paid at
the rate of 9.85p per share, so that the total dividend paid to the equity
shareholders of the parent company in respect of the year ended 31 December
2007 was 15.1p per share.
An interim dividend of 5.5p per share in respect of the year ending 31 December
2008, payable on 10 October 2008 to equity shareholders of the parent company
registered at the close of business on 12 September 2008, the dividend record
date, was approved by the Directors after 30 June 2008. The resulting interim
dividend of £5.8m has not been provided in these financial statements.
The following summarises dividend per share information in respect of the year
ended 31 December 2007 and the year ending 31 December 2008:
2008 2007
Interim dividend 5.5p 5.25p
==========
Final dividend 9.85p
----------
Total for the year 15.10p
==========
4. Investment Income, net policyholder claims and benefits incurred, net
changes in investment contract liabilities and total expenses
Investment income for the six months ended 30 June 2008 is stated after taking
into account unrealised investment losses of approximately £168m arising as a
result of global investment market falls. This has had the effect of generating
negative total revenue (net of reinsurance payable) and negative net income. As
this amount arises principally within policyholder unit-linked funds there is a
corresponding decrease in net policyholder claims and benefits incurred and in
the net change in investment contract liabilities, such that these amounts are
reflected as net credits to the income statement, giving rise to negative total
expenses for the six months ended 30 June 2008.
5. Loans and Receivables / Other Payables
Included in loans and receivables and other payables as at 30 June 2007 are
amounts of £30,071,000 and £109,745,000 respectively, which resulted from a
change in investment policy whereby the Group repositioned a significant
portion of its financial assets portfolio. These amounts were subsequently
settled for cash.
6. Borrowings
Unaudited
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
£000 £000 £000
Bank Loan 8,326 12,425 12,469
======== ======== ==========
The bank loan, which was drawn down on 2 June 2005 under a facility made
available on 4 May 2005, is unsecured and is repayable in five equal annual
amounts on the anniversary of the draw-down date. The outstanding principal on
the loan bears interest at a rate based on the London Inter-bank Offer Rate and
is payable in arrears over a period which varies between one and six months at
the option of the borrower.
The fair value of the bank loan at 30 June 2008 was £8,400,000 (30 June 2007
and 31 December 2007: £12,600,000).
7. Forward-looking statements
This document may contain forward-looking statements with respect to certain of
the plans and current expectations relating to future financial condition,
business performance and results of Chesnara plc. By their nature, all
forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to
future events and circumstances that are beyond the control of Chesnara plc
including, amongst other things, UK domestic and global economic and business
conditions, market-related risks such as fluctuations in interest rates,
inflation, deflation, the impact of competition, changes in customer
preferences, delays in implementing proposals, the timing, impact and other
uncertainties of future acquisitions or other combinations within relevant
industries, the policies and actions of regulatory authorities, the impact of
tax or other legislation and other regulations in the jurisdiction in which
Chesnara plc and its subsidiaries operate. As a result, Chesnara plc's actual
future condition, business performance and results may differ materially from
the plans, goals and expectations expressed or implied in these forward-looking
statements.
8. Approval of condensed consolidated report for the six months ended 30 June
2008
This condensed consolidated report was approved by the Board of Directors on 28
August 2008. A copy of the report will be available to the public at the
company's registered office, Harbour House, Portway, Preston PR2 2PR, UK and at
www.chesnara.co.uk.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION - EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE BASIS
Summarised Consolidated Interim Income Statement for the
six months ended 30 June 2008
Unaudited Year ended
Six months ended 30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
Note £000 £000 £000
Operating (loss) / profit of 6
covered business (5,334) 6,498 9,678
Other operational result 665 (549) (16)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating (loss) / profit (4,669) 5,949 9,662
Variation from longer-term
investment return 428 (571) 824
Effect of economic
assumption changes (950) 5,697 (4,043)
---------- ---------- ----------
(Loss) / profit before tax (5,191) 11,075 6,443
Tax 7,226 (3,350) 5,674
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit for the period 2,035 7,725 12,117
========== ========== ==========
Earnings per share
Based on profit for the
period 1.95p 7.39p 11.59p
---------- ---------- ----------
Diluted earnings per share
Based on profit for the
period 1.95p 7.39p 11.59p
---------- ---------- ----------
Supplementary Information - European Embedded Value Basis
Summarised Consolidated Interim Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2008
Unaudited
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
Note £000 £000 £000
Assets
Value of in force business 5,8 85,939 105,607 94,007
Reinsurers' share of insurance
contract provisions 177,575 186,853 187,486
Amounts deposited with reinsurers 24,039 61,230 26,702
Investment properties 3,673 19,935 4,983
Deferred tax assets 82 122 88
Financial assets
Equity securities at fair value
through income 443,155 850,876 743,670
Holdings in collective investment
schemes at fair value through
income 634,228 411,083 508,857
Debt securities at fair value
through income 247,457 312,775 247,152
Loans and receivables including
insurance receivables 13,277 49,847 15,415
Derivative financial instruments 8,338 25,610 9,525
---------- ---------- ----------
Total financial assets 1,346,455 1,650,191 1,524,619
---------- ---------- ----------
Reinsurers' share of accrued
policy claims 4,356 5,631 4,660
Income taxes - 153 -
Cash and cash equivalents 244,810 247,802 225,127
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets 1,886,929 2,277,524 2,067,672
---------- ---------- ----------
Liabilities
Bank Overdrafts 1,506 - 1,229
Insurance contract provisions 989,974 1,111,109 1,086,581
Financial liabilities
Investment contracts at fair
value through income 666,811 816,535 744,222
Borrowings 8,326 12,425 12,469
Derivative financial instruments 2,474 367 265
---------- ---------- ----------
Total financial liabilities 677,611 829,327 756,956
---------- ---------- ----------
Provisions 3,494 537 3,575
Reinsurance payables 1,942 2,192 1,622
Payables related to direct
insurance and investment
contracts 24,023 25,974 22,859
Income taxes 2,643 4,626 743
Other payables 6,688 115,345 6,792
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities 1,707,881 2,089,110 1,880,357
---------- ---------- ----------
Net assets 179,048 188,414 187,315
========== ========== ==========
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 41,501 41,501 41,501
Share premium 20,458 20,458 20,458
Other reserves 50 50 50
Retained earnings 117,039 126,405 125,306
---------- ---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 5,8 179,048 188,414 187,315
========== ========== ==========
Supplementary Information - European Embedded Value Basis
Summarised Consolidated Interim Statement of Changes in Equity for the six
months ended 30 June 2008
Unaudited Year Ended
Six months ended 30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
£000 £000 £000
Shareholders' equity at 1 January 187,315 189,108 189,108
Profit for the period
representing total recognised
income and expense 2,035 7,725 12,117
Dividends paid (10,302) (8,419) (13,910)
---------- ---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity at 30 June/
31 December 179,048 188,414 187,315
========== ========== ==========
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION - EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE BASIS
NOTES TO THE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
1. Basis of presentation
This section sets out the detailed methodology followed for producing this
Group financial information which is supplementary to the Group's primary
financial statements which have been prepared using accounting policies
consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') and in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the EU..
This financial information has been prepared in accordance with the
European Embedded Value ('EEV') principles issued in May 2004 by the
European CFO Forum and supplemented by Additional Guidance on EEV
Disclosures issued by the same body in October 2005. The principles provide
a framework intended to improve comparability and transparency in embedded
value reporting across Europe.
2. Covered business
The Group uses EEV methodology to value its individual life assurance,
pension and annuity business, which has been written, with only
insignificant exceptions, in the UK ('covered business'). This business
comprises the Group's long-term business operations, being those contracts
falling under the definition of long-term insurance business for UK
regulatory purposes.
The Group has no business activities other than those relating to the
covered business. In particular, the operating activities of the holding
company, Chesnara plc, are treated as an integral part of the covered
business. Under EEV principles no distinction is made between insurance and
investment contracts, as there is under IFRS, which accords these classes
of contracts different accounting treatments.
3. Methodology
a) Embedded Value
Overview
Shareholders' equity comprises the embedded value of the covered business,
together with the net equity of other Group companies, including that of the
holding company which is stated after writing down fully the carrying value of
the covered business.
The embedded value of the covered business is the aggregate of the shareholder
net worth ('SNW') and the present value of future shareholder cash flows from
in-force covered business (value of in-force business) less any deduction for
the cost of required capital. It is stated after allowance has been made for
aggregate risks in the business. SNW comprises those amounts in the long-term
business, which are either regarded as required capital or which represent
surplus assets within that business.
New business
Much of the covered business is in run-off and is, accordingly, substantially
closed to new business. The Group does still sell guaranteed bonds but,
overall, the contribution from new business to the results established using
EEV methodology is not material. Accordingly, not all of those items related to
new business values, which are recommended by the EEV guidelines, are reported
in this supplementary financial information.
Value of in-force business
The cash flows attributable to shareholders arising from in-force business are
projected using best estimate assumptions for each component of cash flow.
The present value of the projected cash flows is established by using a
discount rate which reflects the time value of money and the risks associated
with the cash flows which are not otherwise allowed for. There is a deduction
for the cost of holding the required capital, as set out below.
Taxation
The present value of the projected cash flows arising from in-force business
takes into account all tax which is expected to be paid under current
legislation, including tax which would arise if surplus assets within the
covered business were eventually to be distributed.
The value of the in-force business has been calculated on an after-tax basis
and is grossed up to the pre-tax level for presentation in the income
statement. The amount used for the grossing up is the amount of shareholder tax
payable in the policyholder fund plus any direct tax charge within the
shareholder fund.
Cost of capital
The cost of holding the required capital to support the covered business (see
3b below) is reflected as a deduction from the value of in-force business and
is determined as the difference between the amount of the required capital and
the projected release of capital and investment income.
Financial options and guarantees
The principal financial options and guarantees are (i) guaranteed annuity rates
offered on some unit-linked pension contracts and (ii) a guarantee offered
under Timed Investment Funds that the unit price available at the selected
maturity date (or at death, if earlier) will be the highest price attained over
the policy's life. The cost of these options and guarantees has been assessed,
in principle, on a market-consistent basis, but, in practice, this has been
carried out on approximate bases, which are appropriate to the level of
materiality of the results.
Allowance for risk
Allowance for risk within the covered business is made by:
1. Setting required capital levels by reference to the Directors' assessment
of capital needs;
2. Setting the risk discount rate, which is applied to the projected cash
flows arising on the in-force business, at a level which includes an
appropriate risk margin; and
3. Explicit allowance for the cost of financial options and guarantees and,
where appropriate, for reinsurer default.
b) Level of Required Capital
The level of required capital of the covered business reflects the amount of
capital that the Directors consider necessary and appropriate to manage the
business. In forming their policy the Directors have regard to the minimum
statutory requirements and an internal assessment of the market, insurance and
operational risks inherent in the underlying products and business operations.
The capital requirement resulting from this assessment represents 150% of the
long-term insurance capital requirement ('LTICR') together with 100% of the
resilience capital requirement ('RCR'), as set out in FSA regulations.
The required capital is provided by the retained surplus in the long-term
business fund and the retained earnings and issued share capital in the
shareholder fund.
c) Risk Discount Rate
The risk discount rate ('RDR') is a combination of the risk-free rate and a
risk margin. The risk-free rate reflects the time value of money and the risk
margin reflects any residual risks inherent in the covered business and makes
allowance for the risk that future experience will differ from that assumed. In
order to reduce the subjectivity when setting the RDR, the Board has decided to
adopt a 'bottom up' market-consistent approach to allow explicitly for market
risk.
Using the market-consistent approach each cash flow is valued at a discount
rate consistent with that used in the capital markets: in accordance with this,
equity-based cash flows are discounted at an equity RDR and bond-based cash
flows at a bond RDR. In practice a short-cut method known as the 'certainty
equivalent' approach has been adopted. This method assumes that all cash flows
earn the risk-free rate of return and are discounted at the risk-free rate. In
general, and consistent with the market's approach to valuing financial
instruments for hedging purposes, the risk-free rate is based on swap yields.
Where, however, non-linked business is substantially backed by government
bonds, the yields on these assets have been taken.
Within the risk margin, allowance also needs to be made for non-market risks.
For some of these risks, e.g. mortality and expense risk, it is assumed that
the shareholder can diversify away any uncertainty where the impact of
variations in experience on future cash flows is symmetrical. For those risks
that are assumed to be diversifiable no adjustment to the risk margin has been
made. For any remaining risks that are considered to be non-diversifiable risks
there is no risk premium observable in the market and therefore a constant
margin of 50 basis points has been added to the risk margin. The RDR is
determined by equating the results from the traditional embedded value
approach, including the assumed actual investment returns and traditional cost
of capital, to that derived using the market-consistent method, this process
being known as calibration of the RDR. The risk margin is then the difference
between the derived RDR and the risk-free rate. The selection of the assumed
actual investment returns and the reported cost of capital will have no impact
on the reported result, as changes in these produce corresponding changes in
the RDR.
A market-consistent valuation approach also generally requires consideration of
'frictional' costs of holding shareholder capital: in particular, the cost of
tax on investment returns and the impact of investment management fees can
reduce the face value of shareholder funds. In the Group's case, the expenses
relating to corporate governance functions eliminate any taxable investment
return in shareholder funds, while investment management fees are not material.
The risk margin established on the basis set out above is normally calculated
at each financial year-end. At interim periods, the discount rate normally
remains consistent with the investment return assumptions. The margin over
investment return assumptions is, however, reassessed if market conditions
change significantly.
d) Analysis of Profit
The contribution to operating profit, which is identified at a level which
reflects an assumed longer-term level of investment return, arises from three
sources:
i. New business;
ii. Return from in-force business; and
iii. Return from shareholder net worth.
Additional contributions to profit arise from:
i. Variances between the actual investment return in the period and the
assumed long-term investment return; and
ii. The effect of economic assumption changes.
The contribution from new business represents the value recognised at the end
of each period in respect of new business written in that period, after
allowing for the cost of acquiring the business, the cost of establishing the
required technical provisions and after making allowance for the cost of
capital.
The return from in-force business is calculated using closing assumptions and
comprises:
i. The expected return, being the unwind of the discount rate over the period
applied to establish the value of in-force business, at the beginning of
the period;
ii. Variances between the actual experience over the period and the assumptions
made to establish the value of business in force at the beginning of the
period; and
iii. The net effect of changes in future assumptions, made prospectively at the
end of the period, from those used in establishing the value of business
in-force at the beginning of the period, other than changes in economic
assumptions.
The contribution from shareholder net worth comprises the actual investment
return on residual assets in excess of the required capital.
e) Assumption Setting
There is a requirement under EEV methodology to use best estimate demographic
assumptions and to review these at least annually with the economic assumptions
being determined at each reporting date. The current practice is detailed
below.
Each year the demographic assumptions are reviewed as part of year-end
processing and hence were last reviewed in December 2007. For mid-year
reporting, the previous year-end assumptions are usually considered in light of
recent experience, particularly persistency, to ensure robustness, but are not
necessarily expected to change.
The detailed projection assumptions, including mortality, morbidity,
persistency and expenses reflect recent operating experience. Allowance is made
for future improvement in annuitant mortality based on experience and
externally published data. Favourable changes in operating experience,
particularly in relation to expenses and persistency, are not anticipated until
the improvement in experience has been observed. Holding company expenses (for
the Chesnara Group such expenses relate largely to listed company functions)
are allocated to the covered business as the whole business of the Chesnara
Group is the transaction of life assurance business through the subsidiary
companies. Hence the expense assumptions used for the cash flow projections
include the full cost of servicing this business.
The economic assumptions are reviewed and updated at each reporting date based
on underlying investment conditions at the reporting date. The assumed discount
rate and inflation rates are consistent with the investment return assumptions.
In addition, the demographic assumptions used at December 2007 are considered
to be best estimate and, consequently, no further adjustments are required. The
assumptions required in the calculation of the value of the annuity rate
guarantee on pension business have been set equal to best-estimate assumptions.
4. Assumptions
a. Investment Returns (pre tax)
The assumed future pre-tax returns on fixed interest and RPI linked
securities are set by reference to redemption yields available in the
market at the end of the reporting period. The corresponding return on
equities and property is equal to the fixed interest gilt assumptions plus
an appropriate risk margin; for equities the return is split between
franked income and capital gains based on the current dividend yield.
For linked business the aggregate return has been determined by reference
to the benchmark asset mix within the Managed Funds.
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
Equity risk premium 2.7% 2.7% 2.7%
Property risk premium 2.7% 2.7% 2.7%
Investment return
Fixed Interest 5.2% 5.3% 4.6%
Equities 7.9% 8.0% 7.3%
Property 7.9% 8.0% 7.3%
UK Equities dividend yield - - -
Inflation
RPI 3.9% 3.2% 3.1%
b. Actuarial Assumptions
The demographic assumptions used to determine the value of the in-force
business have been set at levels commensurate with the underlying operating
experience identified in the periodic actuarial investigations.
c. Taxation
Projected tax has been determined assuming current tax legislation and
rates continue unaltered, except where future tax rates or practices have
been announced.
d. Expenses
The expense levels are based on internal expense analysis investigations
and are appropriately allocated to the new business and policy maintenance
functions. These have been determined by reference to:
i) The outsourcing agreements in place with our third-party business
process administrators;
ii) Anticipated revisions to the terms of such agreements as they fall due
for renewal; and
iii) Corporate governance costs relating to the covered business.
The expense assumptions also include the expected future holding company
expenses which will be recharged to the covered business.
No allowance has been made for future productivity improvements in the
expense assumptions.
e. Risk Discount Rate
The risk-free rate is set by reference to the sterling mid swap rates available
in the market at the end of the reporting period. Where, however, non-linked
business is substantially backed by government bonds, the yields on these
assets have been used.
An explicit constant margin of 50 basis points is added to the risk-free rate
to cover any remaining risks that are considered to be non-market,
non-diversifiable risks, as there is no risk premium observable in the market.
This margin gives due recognition to the fact that:
i) The covered business is substantially closed to new business;
ii) There is no significant exposure in the with-profits business, which is
wholly reassured;
iii) Expense risk is limited as a result of the outsourcing of substantially
all policy administration functions to third-party business process
administrators; and
iv) For much of the Life business the Group has the ability to vary risk
charges made to policyholders.
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
Risk-free rate 5.6% 5.6% 5.0%
Non-diversifiable risk 0.5% 0.5% 0.5%
Risk margin 2.2% 0.7% 2.2%
Risk discount rate 8.3% 6.8% 7.7%
The risk margin is derived as a result of the calibration of the RDR, as
explained in Note 3c above. The significant increase from 30 June 2007 to 31
December 2007 and 30 June 2008 reflects a change in the projected long-term tax
position of the covered business. As at 30 June 2007, there were differences in
the projected tax basis and, hence, in the absolute level of projected tax as
between the market-consistent approach and the traditional embedded value
approach: these differences were, effectively, eliminated by the calibration
process and this resulted in an apparently lower level of derived risk margin.
As at 31 December 2007 and 30 June 2008, the projected tax position between the
two approaches is consistent so that there are no differences which are
eliminated by the calibration process and this results in a higher level of
derived risk margin.
5. Analysis of shareholders' equity
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
Covered business £000 £000 £000
Required capital 36,962 42,314 39,149
Free surplus 20,104 34,748 38,483
---------- ---------- ----------
Shareholder net worth 57,066 77,062 77,632
Value of in-force business 85,939 105,607 94,007
---------- ---------- ----------
Embedded value of covered 143,005 182,669 171,639
business
Less: amount financed by (8,326) (12,600) (12,469)
borrowings
---------- ---------- ----------
Embedded value of covered
business attributable to
shareholders 134,679 170,069 159,170
Net equity of other Group 44,369
companies 18,345 28,145
---------- ---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 179,048 188,414 187,315
========== ========== ===========
The movement in the value of
in-force business comprises:
Value at beginning of period 94,007 109,941 109,941
Amount charged to operating (8,068) (4,334) (15,934)
profit
---------- ---------- ----------
Value at end of period 85,939 105,607 94,007
========== ========== ==========
On 2 June 2005, the Group drew down £21m on a bank loan facility, in order to
part fund the acquisition of CWA Life Holdings plc. This effectively
represented, by way of debt finance, a purchase of part of the underlying value
in force within that company, which was subsequently transferred to Countrywide
Assured plc on 30 June 2006 under the provisions of Part VII of the Financial
Services and Markets Act 2000. It follows that the embedded value of the
covered business is not attributable to equity shareholders of the Group to the
extent of the outstanding balance on the loan account at each balance sheet
date. The loan is repayable in five equal annual instalments on the anniversary
of the draw-down date, the funds for the repayment effectively being provided
by way of the realisation of the underlying value of in-force business of the
covered business. In accordance with this, a further £4.2m of the loan was
repaid on 2 June 2008, leaving principal outstanding at that date of £8.4m.
6. Analysis of profit of covered business
Six months ended Year Ended
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
£000 £000 £000
New business contribution 549 615 1,261
Return from in-force business
Expected return 5,389 5,217 10,206
Experience variances (9,894) 4,092 394
Operating assumption changes - (4,242) (4,236)
Return on shareholder net (1,378) 816 2,053
worth
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit (5,334) 6,498 9,678
Variation from longer-term 428 (571) 824
investment return
Effect of economic assumption (950) 5,697 (4,043)
changes
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit before tax (5,856) 11,624 6,459
Tax 7,232 (3,350) 5,677
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit after tax 1,376 8,274 12,136
========== ========== ==========
The profit of covered business varies from amounts presented in the
summarised consolidated income statement in respect of the pre-tax result
of the holding company presented as 'other operational result', and in
respect of any tax pertaining thereto, which is included in 'other tax'.
Experience variances for the six months ended 30 June 2008 reflect the
impact of significant adverse global investment market conditions over that
period. There has been a significant reduction in the estimate of future
tax payable, as this is dependent, to a significant extent, on the associated
projection of investment returns and franked investment income.
7. Sensitivities to alternative assumptions
The following table shows the sensitivity of the embedded value of the covered
business at relevant period end dates to variations in the assumptions adopted
in the calculation of the embedded value. Sensitivity analysis is not provided
in respect of the new business contribution for the six months ended 30 June
2008 as the reported level of new business contribution is not considered to be
material (see Note 3(a) above). It largely relates to guaranteed bond business,
where a close asset/liability matching approach leaves values largely
insensitive to changes in experience.
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
Embedded Value ('EV') of covered £143.0m £182.7m £171.6m
business
---------- ---------- ----------
Change in EV £m £m £m
Economic sensitivities
100 basis point increase in risk (4.8) (5.1) (4.7)
discount rate
100 basis point reduction in yield 2.2 (3.3) 2.9
curve
10% decrease in equity and property (5.1) (2.8) (5.2)
values
Operating sensitivities
10% decrease in maintenance expenses 2.2 2.4 1.9
10% decrease in lapse rates 3.6 3.3 3.7
5% decrease in mortality/morbidity
rates
Assurances 1.6 2.0 1.8
Annuities (0.8) (0.5) (0.8)
Reduction in the required capital to 1.9 0.8 1.8
statutory minimum
The key assumption changes represented by each of these sensitivities are as
follows:
Economic sensitivities
i. 100 basis point increase in the risk discount rate. The 8.3% RDR increases
to 9.3%;
ii. 100 basis point reduction in the yield curve. The fixed interest return is
reduced by 1% and the equity/property returns are also reduced by 1%, thus
maintaining constant equity/property risk premiums. The rate of future
inflation has also been reduced by 1% so that real yields remain constant. In
addition the risk discount rate has also reduced by 1%; and
iii. 10% decrease in the equity and property values. This gives rise to a
situation where, for example, a Managed Fund unit liability with a 60%
equity holding would reduce by 6% in value.
Operating sensitivities
i. 10% decrease in maintenance expenses, giving rise to, for example, a base
assumption of £20 per policy pa reducing to £18 per policy pa;
ii. 10% decrease in persistency rates giving rise to, for example, a base
assumption of 10% of policy base lapsing pa reducing to 9% pa;
iii. 5% decrease in mortality/morbidity rates giving rise to, for example, a
base assumption of 100% of the parameters in a selected mortality/morbidity
table reducing to 95% of the parameters in the same table; and
iv. The sensitivity to the reduction in the required capital to the statutory
minimum shows the effect of reducing the required capital from 150% of the
LTICR plus 100% RCR to the amounts of 100% LTICR plus 100% RCR, being the
minimum requirement prescribed by FSA regulation.
In each sensitivity calculation all other assumptions remain unchanged except
where they are directly affected by the revised economic conditions: for
example, as stated, changes in interest rates will directly affect the risk
discount rate.
The sensitivities to changes in the assumptions in the opposite direction will
result in changes of similar magnitude to those shown in the above table but in
the opposite direction.
8. Reconciliation of shareholders' equity on the IFRS basis to shareholder
equity on the EEV basis
30 June 31 December
2008 2007 2007
£000 £000 £000
Shareholders' equity on the
IFRS basis 123,542 115,956 125,784
Adjustments
Deferred acquisition costs
Investment contracts (8,595) (9,488) (8,961)
Deferred income 14,674 16,309 15,426
Adjustment to provisions on
investment contracts, net of
amounts deposited with
reinsurers (17,248) (18,393) (18,220)
Adjustments to provisions on
insurance contracts, net of
reinsurers' share (294) (664) (600)
Acquired in-force value (22,386) (24,544) (23,785)
Deferred tax 3,416 3,631 3,664
---------- ---------- ----------
Group shareholder net worth 93,109 82,807 93,308
---------- ---------- ----------
Value of in-force business 85,939 105,607 94,007
---------- ---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity on the
EEV basis 179,048 188,414 187,315
========== ========== ==========
Group shareholder net worth
comprises:
Shareholder net worth in
covered business 57,066 77,062 77,632
Shareholder's equity in other
Group companies 44,369 18,345 28,145
Debt finance (8,326) (12,600) (12,469)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 93,109 82,807 93,308
========== ========== ==========
INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT BY KPMG AUDIT PLC TO CHESNARA PLC
Introduction
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial
statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June
2008, which comprises the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement, the
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows,the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and the
related explanatory notes and to review the European Embedded Value Basis
Supplementary Information for the six months ended 30 June 2008 which comprises
the Summarised Consolidated Interim Income Statement, the Summarised
Consolidated Interim Balance Sheet, the Summarised Consolidated Interim
Statement of Changes in Equity and the related explanatory notes ("the
Supplementary Information").
We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial
report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or
material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial
statements or the Supplementary Information.
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the terms of our
engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the Disclosure
and Transparency Rules ("the DTR") of the UK's Financial Services Authority
("the UK FSA") and also to provide a review conclusion to Company on the
Supplementary Information. Our review of the condensed set of financial statements
has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are
required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. Our review of
the Supplementary Information has been undertaken so that we might state to the
Company those matters we have been engaged to state in this report and for no
other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or
assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company for our review work, for
this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been
approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the
half-yearly financial report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FSA. The
directors have accepted responsibility for preparing the Supplementary
Information contained in the half-yearly financial report in accordance with
the European Embedded Value Principles issued in May 2004 by the European CFO
Forum and supplemented by the Additional Guidance on European Embedded Value
Disclosures issued in October 2005 (together the 'EEV Principles') and for
determining the methodology and assumptions used in the application of those
principles.
As disclosed in Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements , the
annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs
as adopted by the EU. The condensed set of financial statements included in
this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34
Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU.
The Supplementary Information has been prepared in accordance with the EEV
Principles, using the methodology and assumptions set out in Notes 3 to 4 to
the Supplementary Information. The Supplementary Information should be read in
conjunction with the Group's condensed set of financial statements which are
set out on pages 15 to 21.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed
set of financial statements and the Supplementary Information in the
half-yearly financial report based on our review.
Scope of review
We conducted our reviews in accordance with International Standard on Review
Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information and
Supplementary Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity
issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. A review of interim
financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons
responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical
and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an
audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing
(UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that
we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in
an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to
believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly
financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2008 is not prepared, in all
material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU and the DTR
of the UK FSA.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to
believe that the Supplementary Information for the six months ended 30 June
2008 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the EEV
Principles, using the methodology and assumptions set out in notes 3 to 4 to
the Supplementary Information.
KPMG Audit Plc 28 August 2008
Chartered Accountants
St James Square
Manchester M2 6DS