Gold prices set for weekly drop as strong dollar weighs; Trump tariffs in focus
Investing.com -- Shares of ASR Nederland NV (AS:ASRNL) climbed 3.5% following the release of the insurer’s second-half 2024 financial results, which demonstrated a stronger operational performance than analysts had anticipated.
The company reported operating capital generation of €535 million, surpassing consensus estimates by 5% due to solid business capital generation in both non-life and fee-based businesses, as well as strategic re-risking in life insurance.
The Solvency 2 ratio, a measure of capital adequacy, stood at 198%, exceeding consensus projections by 5 percentage points. This improvement was attributed to better-than-expected operating capital generation and favorable market impacts.
Additionally, ASR Nederland’s Life Consolidated Statement of Margin (CSM) increased by 10% YoY to €5,382 million, outpacing estimates by 7%. The growth in CSM was primarily due to capitalised cost synergies and adjustments to mortality assumptions, as well as growth in new business, particularly in annuities and individual disability insurance.
The insurer’s second-half operating result was reported at €751 million, significantly exceeding expectations by approximately 14%. The strength in the life operating result was driven by higher CSM release and the impact of re-risking.
The company’s non-life combined ratio (CoR) improved by 1.3 percentage points YoY to 91.9% for the full year 2024, with a 70 basis point improvement in the second half. The property and casualty (P&C) CoR stood at 90.7%, supported by price increases and the absence of large and weather-related claims.
The disability CoR was strong at 93%, bolstered by robust group disability performance, while the health CoR remained stable at 99.1%, with increased profitability in supplementary health offsetting a decline in policy numbers.
ASR Nederland also declared a dividend per share (DPS) consistent with expectations at €1.96 and announced a €125 million share buyback program to be completed within the next three months. The company further noted that 90% of customers had agreed to the Unit-linked settlement, thus finalizing the agreement.
Barclays (LON:BARC) analysts commented on the results, stating, "Strong print at an operational level, which should drive positive EPS revisions. We note in particular CSM growth and strong performance in Non-life (both P&C and Disability). Overall well on track or even ahead of guidance."
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.