Hiscox Ltd interim results

RNS Number : 0793W
Hiscox Ltd
30 July 2018
 

Hiscox Ltd interim results

For the six months ended 30 June 2018

 

'A good start'

 

 

H1 2018

H1 2017

Gross premiums written

$2,228.8m

$1,836.2m

Net premiums earned

$1,277.9m

$1,178.3m

Profit before tax

$163.6m

$129.1m

Profit before tax excluding FX

$172.1m

$167.9m

Earnings per share ($)

54.0¢

43.9¢

Earnings per share (£)

39.3p

34.9p

Interim dividend per share

13.25¢

12.60¢

Net asset value per share ($)

853.1¢

855.0¢

Net asset value per share (£)

648.4p

657.7p

Group combined ratio

87.9%

90.8%

Group combined ratio excluding FX

87.8%

89.7%

Return on equity (annualised)

13.5%

11.2%

Investment return (annualised)

0.7%

2.3%

Foreign exchange losses

$8.5m

$38.8m

Reserve releases

$154m

$121m

 

 

Highlights

 

·      Strong growth in gross premiums written of 21%, with all segments contributing.

·      Good underwriting drives improved combined ratio of 88%.

·      Profit before tax up by 27% to $164 million with Hiscox Retail contributing over half.

·      Reducing loss estimates for 2017 catastrophes drive increase in reserve releases to $154 million, reflecting our prudent approach to reserving.

·      On track to exceed one million retail customers in 2018.

·      We continue to see strong demand for our ILS funds and now have assets under management of $1.6 billion.

·      Interim dividend up 5% to 13.25 cents.

 

Bronek Masojada, Chief Executive Officer, Hiscox Ltd, commented:

"It has been a good start to the year. Our investment across the business is driving strong profitable growth in all segments. We are on track to exceed one million retail customers in 2018."     

 

 

ENDS

 

 

For further information

Hiscox Ltd

 

Marc Wetherhill, Group Company Secretary, Bermuda

+1 441 278 8300

 

Kylie O'Connor, Head of Group Communications, London

+44 (0)20 7448 6656

 

Brunswick

 

Tom Burns

+44 (0)20 7404 5959

 

Simone Selzer

+44 (0)20 7404 5959

 

Notes to editors

About The Hiscox Group

Hiscox is a global specialist insurer, headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). Our ambition is to be a respected specialist insurer with a diverse portfolio by product and geography. We believe that building balance between catastrophe-exposed business and less volatile local specialty business gives us opportunities for profitable growth throughout the insurance cycle. It's a long-standing strategy which in 2017 saw the business deliver a profit before tax (excluding foreign exchange) of $120.6 million despite reserving net $225 million for claims in the most costly year ever for natural catastrophes.

 

The Hiscox Group employs over 2,700 people in 14 countries, and has customers worldwide. Through the retail businesses in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US, we offer a range of specialist insurance for professionals and business customers as well as homeowners. Internationally traded, bigger ticket business and reinsurance is underwritten through Hiscox London Market and Hiscox Re & ILS.

 

Our values define our business, with a focus on people, quality, courage and excellence in execution. We pride ourselves on being true to our word and our award-winning claims service is testament to that. For more information, visit  www.hiscoxgroup.com.

 

 

Chairman's statement
 

I am pleased to report that for the first six months of 2018, the Group delivered a pre-tax profit of $163.6 million (2017: $129.1 million) and has grown gross written premiums strongly by 21.4% to $2,228.8 million (2017: $1,836.2 million), with all areas of the business delivering. Our retail operations in their respective geographies continue to develop and grow and in big-ticket lines, we remain disciplined. 

It was pleasing to see the business move quickly to capitalise on higher rates following the natural catastrophes of last year, and we will now maintain our underwriting discipline as rates in big-ticket lines flatten.

It has been a good start to the year, but hurricanes can blow us off course in the second half.  

Results

The half year result to 30 June 2018 was a pre-tax profit of $163.6 million (2017: $129.1 million), $172.1 million excluding foreign exchange losses (2017: $167.9 million). Gross written premiums increased by 21.4% to $2,228.8 million (2017: $1,836.2 million) or 16.4% growth in constant currency. Net earned premiums were $1,277.9 million (2017: $1,178.3 million).  Following functional currency changes to US Dollars we have seen a reduced impact of foreign exchange resulting in a smaller loss of $8.5 million (2017: loss of $38.8 million). The net combined ratio was 87.9% (2017: 90.8%) or 87.8% (2017: 89.7%) excluding foreign exchange losses. Earnings per share were 54.0 cents (2017: 43.9 cents) or 39.3 pence (2017: 34.9 pence) and net assets per share reduced to 853.1 cents (2017: 855.0 cents) or 648.4 pence (2017: 657.7 pence) following last year's catastrophes, but have improved since December. The annualised return on equity was 13.5% (2017: 11.2%).

We have had a more normal loss experience across the Group. Reserve releases for the first half were $154 million (2017: $121 million), reflecting our prudent approach to reserving.


Dividend, balance sheet and capital management

For the six months ended 30 June 2018 and beyond, dividends will be declared in US Dollars, aligning shareholder returns with the primary currency in which the Group generates cash flow.  Dividends will be paid in Pounds Sterling unless shareholders elect to be paid in US Dollars. The foreign exchange rate at which future dividends declared in US Dollars will be converted into Pounds Sterling will be calculated based on the average exchange rate over the five business days prior to the Scrip Dividend price being determined. On this occasion the period will be between 20 August 2018 and 24 August 2018 inclusive.

In July 2018, the Board determined that future dividend growth, in line with our progressive dividend policy, would be calculated from the level of 39.8 cents per share for the year ended 31 December 2017 (H1 2017: 12.6 cents per share), which is equivalent to the total dividend payout of 29.0 pence per share for the year ended 31 December 2017 (H1 2017: 9.5 pence per share) at the foreign exchange conversion rate prevailing at the dividend declaration dates.

The Board is pleased to announce an interim dividend per share of 13.25 cents, representing a 5% increase over the 2017 interim dividend. The record date for the dividend will be 10 August 2018 and the payment date will be 11 September 2018.

The Board proposes to offer a scrip alternative subject to the terms and conditions of Hiscox Ltd's 2016 Scrip Dividend Scheme. The last date for receipt of Scrip along with the dividend currency elections will be 17 August 2018 and the reference price will be announced on 28 August 2018.

Further details on the dividend election process and Scrip alternative can be found on the investor relations section of the company's website.

Rates

We started the year well, capitalising on the improved conditions in Hiscox London Market and Hiscox Re & ILS, as we led the way in achieving necessary rate increases. We are seeing momentum behind rate increases begin to slow and we expect our rate of premium growth to decline correspondingly.

 

In our London Market business, rate improvement has been most pronounced in catastrophe-exposed and loss-affected lines such as major property (up 16% in aggregate) and US household and commercial property binders which have seen increases of up to 10%.

 

In our reinsurance business, rates were up on average 10% but have flattened during the year. Despite this, conditions have improved year-on-year and currently rates are at levels where our own and third-party capital can be put to good use.

 

The retail businesses have experienced a more stable rating environment and we have grown as a result.

 

Hiscox Retail

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

Gross written premiums

$1,113.0 million (2017: $930.4 million)

Profit before tax

Profit before tax excluding FX

$93.7 million (2017: $92.3 million)

$95.8 million (2017: $89.8 million)

Combined ratio

Combined ratio excluding FX

90.7% (2017: 90.5%)

90.4% (2017: 90.8%)

As previously announced, we have appointed Ben Walter, formerly CEO Hiscox USA, to the newly created role of CEO Hiscox Global Retail. Ben has moved to the UK and is helping to sharpen the Group view of our retail operations, and harmonise the common challenges that our retail businesses face when it comes to driving product innovation, creating scale, and digitising for the modern age.

Hiscox UK & Europe

This division provides personal lines cover - from high-value household, fine art and collectibles to luxury motor - and commercial insurance for small- and medium-sized businesses, typically operating in white collar industries. These products are distributed via brokers and through a growing network of partnerships. Our schemes business offers insurance solutions to customers with similar risk profiles, for example sports clubs and niche industry associations. For some simple risks we distribute policies direct-to-consumer in the UK, France and Germany.

Gross written premiums

$610.0 million (2017: $510.5 million)

Profit before tax

Profit before tax excluding FX

$65.5 million (2017: $65.8 million)

$68.9 million (2017: $60.0 million)

Combined ratio

Combined ratio excluding FX

87.5% (2017: 86.6%)

86.8% (2017: 88.0%)

Hiscox UK & Ireland

Gross written premium grew by 17.4% to $411.3 million (2017: $350.3 million), or 7.4% in constant currency. This is driven by a good performance in our home and direct small business lines, and in our partnerships such as with Barclays. It has also benefited from our events and contingency business moving from Hiscox London Market into Hiscox UK.

During the period UK Direct reached £100 million of premium. Building this business has taken time, but the brand we have established and expertise we have embedded is valuable not only to the UK but also to our other retail operations.

In the broker channel, our professions and specialty commercial and our art and private client businesses are now live on our new IT platform. As is necessary with any IT change of this scale, we have commenced a process of reviewing and refining the system and associated processes in order to realise the desired long-term benefits to our business. We are planning for growth in the broker channel to be muted as these changes take effect.

Escape of water claims remain a feature of the UK household market, but good claims performance in management liability, emerging professional indemnity, technology and cyber is helping to offset these losses. February's 'Beast from the East' cold weather snap in the UK did generate a number of claims, but the event was well within our expected range for a UK weather event.

Hiscox Europe

Gross written premiums grew by 24.0% to $198.7 million (2017: $160.2 million), or 10.2% in constant currency driven by Germany and Spain.

Germany's strong growth trajectory has continued, with our management liability, motor and cyber products proving popular. Our marketing focus on cyber is having a positive effect, with new business up significantly year-on-year. The Frankfurt branch we opened last year is performing well, with our sales team on-the-ground providing direct access to a valuable network of brokers in Germany's financial capital.

In Spain, our management liability, cyber and directors and officers' lines, and our partnership with a major financial service provider, continue to perform well. The CyberClear proposition we launched at the end of last year has proved particularly popular, with both brokers and partners. The roll-out of our new 'My Hiscox' broker extranet site has started in Spain and has attracted more than 650 registered users so far.

Our Benelux business is building on last year's good momentum, with a focus on professions, cyber and specialty commercial lines. In France, where growth has been more muted, we see greatest potential in cyber, partnerships with financial institutions, and in motor where our good reputation in classic car is attracting new business. 

Our preparations for Brexit are progressing well. The approval process for the proposed transfer of certain current and historical policies and associated liabilities from Hiscox Insurance Company Limited to our Luxembourg carrier, Hiscox S.A., using a Part VII legal process, is underway. We have been preparing for a worst-case scenario 'hard Brexit' and so, subject to court and regulatory approval, our subsidiary is anticipated to be up and running from 1 January 2019 and will ensure we can continue to serve our clients without interruption. 

Hiscox International

This division comprises Hiscox Special Risks, Hiscox USA and DirectAsia.

Gross written premiums

$503.0 million (2017: $419.9 million)

Profit before tax

Profit before tax excluding FX

$28.2 million (2017: $26.5 million)

$26.9 million (2017: $29.8 million)

Combined ratio 

Combined ratio excluding FX

94.6% (2017: 95.3%)

94.9% (2017: 94.3%)

Hiscox Special Risks

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

Gross written premiums grew by 5.7% to $69.8 million (2017: $66.0 million) during the first half of the year.

In kidnap and ransom, we are maintaining our market-leading position despite increased competition and on-going challenges in the rating environment.

Our Security Incident Response product, which covers a range of security issues such as criminal threats, workplace violence, corporate espionage and cyber extortion, continues to perform well and was recently launched in The Netherlands. We see significant growth potential for this product, particularly in the US, and are deploying considerable resources to accelerate its growth globally with both existing and potential clients.

Hiscox USA

Hiscox USA underwrites small- to mid-market commercial risks through brokers, other insurers and directly to businesses online and over the telephone. The business continues to be a stand-out performer for the Group, with gross written premiums increasing by 22.3% to $423.9 million (2017: $346.8 million).

The direct and partnerships division continues to be the biggest driver of growth, and in the broker channel our healthcare, general liability and entertainment lines are performing particularly well. Our new US property MGA has now commenced trading, which as we mentioned in May enables us to increase our line size and make us a more material participant in the market. Moving this premium into the MGA will have a small impact on headline growth for the US business.

Our new offices in Las Vegas and Phoenix are now established and improving our capabilities to service our West Coast customers.

Steve Langan has now begun his new role as Hiscox USA CEO, as previously announced. He remains Chief Marketing Officer for the Group and our US business will benefit hugely from his experience in building strong brands, as the business moves into its next stage of growth.

DirectAsia

DirectAsia is a direct-to-consumer business in Singapore and Thailand that sells predominantly motor insurance, acquired by Hiscox in April 2014.

DirectAsia achieved gross written premiums of $9.3 million (2017: $7.1 million) during the first half of the year. Both Singapore and Thailand remain competitive markets, so innovation is crucial. Through product and pricing enhancements we are growing in car, motorcycle and family travel, attracting and retaining more customers.

Our marketing and brand-building activities continue to perform well, and we have extended our distribution through commercial partnerships. The partnership we established last year with Shell in Singapore is already boosting reach and driving growth, and we are pleased to have now commenced commercial marketing partnerships in the Thai market. We are actively seeking other partnerships.  

Hiscox London Market

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

Gross written premiums

$458.7 million (2017: $395.8 million)

Profit before tax

Profit before tax excluding FX

$41.9 million (2017: $21.7 million)

$42.8 million (2017: $32.1 million)

Combined ratio

Combined ratio excluding FX

88.6% (2017: 94.6%)

88.4% (2017: 90.8%)

Gross written premiums in Hiscox London Market increased by 15.9% to $458.7 million (2017: $395.8 million), or 13.1% in constant currency.

Where we have seen rate improvements, in lines such as major property and US household and commercial property binders, we have grown significantly. We have also seen strong growth in general liability and cyber as the market develops in these two areas. In our core lines which include terrorism and flood, our product, distribution and service are differentiating us. We have also seen good growth opportunities in specialty lines like marine and energy construction, where we are benefiting from a rising oil price.

US flood remains an area of significant opportunity. Our FloodPlus products use proprietary technology and advanced analytics to provide better cover at a fairer price for customers, backed by capacity from the flood consortium we lead. Our recently launched FloodPlus Commercial product has been well received and we have seen a material uptick in interest for our FloodPlus household product, which is now generating 1,200 quotes per day. These products demonstrate the innovation and unique distribution capabilities of the London Market.

Our London Market business is a top quartile performer in Lloyd's and maintaining that position requires active cycle management. The tough decisions we took in 2017 and earlier this year to reduce or exit in areas such as extended warranty, aviation hull and aviation liability, position us well against the on-going headwinds. We are also supportive of Lloyd's as they continue to push for greater profitability in the market.

Our alternative risk team received recognition for their work at the Reactions London Market Awards 2018, where they were awarded Insurance Team of the Year.

Hiscox Re & ILS

The Hiscox Re & ILS segment comprises the Group's reinsurance businesses in London, Paris and Bermuda and insurance linked security (ILS) activity.

 

Gross written premiums

$655.6 million (2017: $510.0 million)

Profit before tax

Profit before tax excluding FX

$57.1 million (2017: $48.0 million)

$54.5 million (2017: $49.9 million)

Combined ratio

Combined ratio excluding FX

71.5% (2017: 83.4%)

72.3% (2017: 81.2%)

Gross written premiums grew by 28.5% to $655.6 million (2017: $510.0 million), or 25.4% in constant currency. This is driven by risk and specialist lines, the additional catastrophe risk we have taken and the business we write on behalf of our ILS and quota share partners.

The good growth we saw at the start of the year has slowed during the second quarter, and we have focused on areas where rate improvement has been most significant such as US property catastrophe risk and risk excess. We will retain our underwriting discipline, particularly if rates flatten further.

Our strategy of sharing the most volatile catastrophe-exposed risks with our quota share and ILS partners, in line with their risk appetite, protects us in heavy catastrophe years such as 2017, where we significantly outperformed the market and delivered an underwriting profit in reinsurance.

After a number of benign years we have seen some one-off losses in our risk excess book, where we still see good opportunities for profitability and growth. We continue to develop our risk and specialist lines where the market is evolving, for example in cyber, with products such as a first-of-its-kind cyber industry loss warranty.

In Hiscox Re ILS, our funds and vehicles have performed well relative to the market and in aggregate we continue to see positive reserve development. We are seeing strong demand for our ILS funds and now have assets under management of $1.6 billion.


Investments

The investment return for the first six months of 2018 is $19.7 million (2017: $58.5 million), 0.7% (2017: 2.3%) on an annualised basis before derivatives and fees. Assets under management at 30 June 2018 were $6,460 million (2017: $5,740 million).

Market sentiment this year is very different to last year. In 2017, inflation expectations rose, and with them, the risk that asset performance would be poor. These risks crystallised in the first quarter of the year, as volatility returned to the markets, interest rates rose and equity markets fell. The long period of low volatility finally came to an end, leading to a negative asset performance for the quarter. The second quarter brought some respite, with recovering equity markets and slower than expected interest rate rises more than recouping the losses of the first quarter for our asset portfolio.

While US interest rates have risen, aided by President Trump's fiscal injection, UK and European economies have had no such stimulus and so interest rates have not kept up. The European Central Bank is now timetabling the removal of quantitative easing, based on better growth numbers, which should lead to interest rate rises in Europe in the next year or two.

We remain cautious on our expectations for investment return, with a modest exposure to risk assets of 6.7% and a relatively high allocation to cash at 24.8%. This leaves sufficient leeway to re-invest at higher yields as circumstances allow, and protects the balance sheet against rising interest rates.

 

Marketing

 

We continue to invest significantly in our brand and it is paying off, creating crucial differentiation and helping to drive growth as we continue our march towards one million retail customers. This year we will spend over $75 million on marketing (2017: $69 million) and most of this investment is targeted at the UK and the US, where we see significant growth opportunity.

 

In the US, we launched the next evolution of our I'mpossible campaign, which celebrates entrepreneurship, with a new advert in honour of International Women's Day. In the UK, our CyberLive digital poster campaign raised awareness of the threat that cyber crime poses to small businesses and boosted our exposure as cyber insurance experts.

 

Elsewhere, we have launched new brand-building campaigns in France and Germany to raise awareness of Hiscox amongst small business owners (whether they buy insurance via a broker or direct) and for DirectAsia both the new TV advertising in Thailand and new product campaigns in Singapore have driven growth.


Outlook

 

Hiscox is in good shape. The London Market business is navigating the market and finding opportunities in areas such as flood, cyber and general liability. In reinsurance we have grown and are achieving good margins. The retail businesses, in their respective regions and product lines, continue their good momentum. The opportunities are legion.

 

The Group is also working hard to transform much of our underlying infrastructure. This includes the impact of Brexit, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), New York Cybersecurity Regulation, IFRS 17 accounting standards, the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) and the updated Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SF&CR). The finance and IT infrastructure projects we are undertaking across the Group, especially in our retail businesses, position us favourably as we look to grow market share in key lines and geographies according to the size of the opportunity ahead of us.

 

My thanks to all employees for their efforts so far. It's going to be a busy second half.

 

 

Robert Childs

Chairman

30 July 2018

 

 

Additional performance measures

 

The Group uses, throughout its financial publications, alternative performance measures (APMs) in addition to the figures that are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). We believe that these measures provide useful information to enhance the understanding of our financial performance. These APMs are: profit excluding foreign exchange gains/(losses), GWP growth in local currency, combined claims and expense ratios, return on equity, net asset value per share and reserve releases. These are standard measures used across the industry, and allow the user of the half year report to compare across peer companies. The APMs should be viewed as complementary to, rather than a substitute for, the figures prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

-     Profit excluding foreign exchange gains/(losses)

This represents the profit for the period after deducting foreign exchange gains or adding back foreign exchange losses in the relevant period. This enables the reader of these financial statements, and the Group, to measure the comparability of underlying profitability without the foreign exchange volatility. To obtain the value, the reader of these financial statements should remove the foreign exchange gains/(losses), as identified in the income statement, from the profit for the period.

 

-       GWP growth in local currency

Gross written premium, as reported in the consolidated income statement, is measured in the underlying currency and compared to prior years on a constant currency rate basis. This eliminates the impact exchange fluctuations has on the result and therefore allows a direct comparison between years. This is performed on a business unit basis and gives an accurate indication of premium growth compared to prior years.

 

-       Combined claims and expense ratios

The combined claims and expense ratios are a common measure enabling comparability across the insurance industry, that measures the relevant underwriting profitability of the business by reference to its costs as a proportion of its net earned premium. The Group calculates the combined ratio as if the Group owned all of the business, including the 27.4% of Syndicate 33 that the Group does not own. The Group does this to enable comparability from period to period as the business mix may change in a segment between insurance carriers, and this enables us to measure all of our underwriting businesses on an equal measure. The calculation is discussed further in note 8, operating segments. The combined ratio excluding foreign exchange gains/(losses) is calculated as the sum of the claims ratio and the expense ratio.

 

-       Return on Equity (ROE)

As is common within the financial services industry, the Group uses ROE as one of its key performance metrics. While the measure enables the company to compare itself against other peer companies in the immediate industry, it is also a key measure internally where it is used to compare the profitability of business segments, and underpins the performance-related pay and share-based payment structures, as discussed within the remuneration policy report in the Annual Report and Accounts. The ROE is shown in note 10, along with an explanation of the calculation.

 

-       Net asset value (NAV) per share

The Group uses NAV per share as one of its key performance metrics. This is a widely used key measure for management and also for users of the financial statements to provide comparability across peers in the market. NAV per share is shown in note 9, along with an explanation of the calculation.

 

-       Reserve releases

Reserve releases are a measure of favourable development on claims reserves that existed at the prior balance sheet date. It enables the users of the financial statements to compare and contrast our performance relative to peer companies. The Group maintains a prudent approach to reserving, to help mitigate the uncertainty within the reserve estimates. The release is calculated as the movement in ultimate losses on prior accident years between the current and prior year balance sheet date, as shown in note 15, as a result of better than expected outcomes of the estimates booked at the prior period close. 

 

 

Condensed consolidated interim income statement

For the six month period ended 30 June 2018

 

Note

Reviewed

Six months to

30 June 2018

Reviewed

Six months to

30 June 2017 (Restated)1

Audited

Year to
31 Dec 2017
(Restated)1

 

 

$000

$000

$000

Income

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums written

8

2,228,821

1,836,178

3,286,021

Outward reinsurance premiums

 

(829,534)

(561,138)

(883,022)

Net premiums written

 

1,399,287

1,275,040

2,402,999

Gross premiums earned

 

1,804,307

1,564,717

3,295,965

Premiums ceded to reinsurers

 

(526,377)

(386,434)

(879,757)

Net premiums earned

 

1,277,930

1,178,283

2,416,208

Investment result

11

19,747

58,533

104,750

Other income

12

24,044

27,618

54,079

Total income

 

1,321,721

1,264,434

2,575,037

Expenses

 

 

 

 

Claims and claim adjustment expenses

 

(786,023)

(704,061)

(2,489,598)

Reinsurance recoveries

 

270,430

146,505

1,178,682

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 

(515,593)

(557,556)

(1,310,916)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts

 

(425,786)

(376,233)

(798,809)

Reinsurance commission income

 

116,557

103,813

210,879

Operational expenses

12

(309,189)

(253,851)

(528,973)

Net foreign exchange losses

20

(8,486)

(38,836)

(80,890)

Total expenses

 

(1,142,497)

(1,122,663)

(2,508,709)

Results of operating activities

 

179,224

141,771

66,328

Finance costs

13

(15,439)

(12,432)

(26,895)

Share of (loss)/profit of associates after tax

 

(192)

(240)

259

Profit before tax

 

163,593

129,099

39,692

Tax expense

14

(10,528)

(5,933)

(5,788)

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

 

153,065

123,166

33,904

Earnings per share on profit attributable to owners of the Company

 

 

 

 

Basic

16

54.0c

43.9c

12.0c

Diluted

16

52.5c

42.6c

11.6c

1 See Note 3 and 4 for further details.

 

 

 

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

 

 

Condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income

For the six month period ended 30 June 2018

 

 

 

Reviewed

Six months to

30 June 2018

Reviewed

Six months to

30 June 2017

(Restated)1

Audited

Year to
31 Dec 2017

(Restated)1

 

 

$000

$000

$000

Profit for the period

153,065

123,166

33,904

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss:

 

 

 

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit obligation

-

-

11,173

Income tax on the remeasurement of other comprehensive income

-

-

(2,279)

 

-

-

8,894

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss:

 

 

 

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

(3,241)

79,945

126,987

Income tax on the remeasurement of other comprehensive income

-

-

-

 

(3,241)

79,945

126,987

Other comprehensive (expense)/income net of tax

(3,241)

79,945

135,881

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

149,824

203,111

169,785

1 See Note 3 for further details.

 

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

 

 

Condensed consolidated interim balance sheet

At 30 June 2018

 

Note

Reviewed

30 June 2018

Reviewed

30 June 2017

(Restated)1

Audited

31 Dec 2017

(Restated)1

 

 

$000

$000

$000

Assets

 

 

 

 

Goodwill and intangible assets

 

190,824

171,681

186,038

Property, plant and equipment

 

62,780

60,919

65,628

Investments in associates

 

10,250

10,332

10,723

Asset held for sale

 

-

7,271

-

Deferred tax

 

59,162

51,225

53,462

Deferred acquisition costs

 

520,403

491,410

446,129

Financial assets carried at fair value

18

4,927,499

4,796,919

5,139,643

Reinsurance assets

15

2,148,855

1,203,006

1,833,255

Loans and receivables including insurance receivables

 

1,527,810

1,259,965

1,121,452

Current tax asset

 

-

7,517

5,716

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,594,476

1,001,742

867,767

Total assets

 

11,042,059

9,061,987

9,729,813

 

 

 

 

 

Equity and liabilities

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity

 

 

 

 

Share capital

 

33,964

33,858

33,913

Share premium

 

53,924

40,448

45,849

Contributed surplus

 

183,969

183,969

183,969

Currency translation reserve

 

(313,823)

(357,624)

(310,582)

Retained earnings

 

2,460,593

2,514,771

2,414,158

Equity attributable to owners of the Company

 

2,418,627

2,415,422

2,367,307

Non-controlling interest

 

1,074

1,074

1,074

Total equity

 

2,419,701

2,416,496

2,368,381

 

 

 

 

 

Employee retirement benefit obligation

 

62,489

72,981

64,114

Deferred tax

 

-

9,798

-

Insurance liabilities

15

6,474,119

5,266,834

6,007,750

Financial liabilities

18

735,362

369,682

391,110

Current tax

 

10,268

13,402

9,456

Trade and other payables

 

1,340,120

912,794

889,002

Total liabilities

 

8,622,358

6,645,491

7,361,432

Total equity and liabilities

 

11,042,059

9,061,987

9,729,813

1 See Note 3 for further details.

 

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

 

Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity

For the six month period ended 30 June 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviewed

 

Share capital

Share premium

Contributed surplus

Currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Non- controlling interest

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Balance at 1 January 2018 (Restated)1

33,913

45,849

183,969

(310,582)

2,414,158

1,074

2,368,381

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

-

-

-

-

153,065

-

153,065

Other comprehensive expense net of tax (all attributable to owners of the Company)

-

-

-

(3,241)

-

-

(3,241)

Employee share options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity settled share-based payments

-

-

-

-

13,890

-

13,890

Proceeds from shares issued

28

4,192

-

-

-

-

4,220

Deferred and current tax on employee share options

-

-

-

-

2,510

-

2,510

Net movements of treasury shares held by Trust

-

-

-

-

(47,021)

-

(47,021)

Shares issued in relation to Scrip Dividend

23

3,883

-

-

-

-

3,906

Dividends paid to owners of the Company

-

-

-

-

(76,009)

-

(76,009)

Balance at 30 June 2018

33,964

53,924

183,969

(313,823)

2,460,593

1,074

2,419,701

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

The equity attributable to owners of the Company is $2,418,627,000 at 30 June 2018.

 

Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity

For the six month period ended 30 June 2017 (Restated)1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviewed

 

Share capital

Share premium

Contributed surplus

Currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Non- controlling interest

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Balance at 1 January 2017

33,806

34,031

183,969

(437,569)

2,439,509

1,074

2,254,820

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

-

-

-

-

123,166

-

123,166

Other comprehensive income net of tax (all attributable to owners of the Company)

-

-

-

79,945

-

-

79,945

Employee share options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity settled share-based payments

-

-

-

-

17,169

-

17,169

Proceeds from shares issued

32

2,578

-

-

-

-

2,610

Deferred and current tax on employee share options

-

-

-

-

4,162

-

4,162

Net movements of treasury shares held by Trust

-

-

-

-

(1,571)

-

(1,571)

Shares issued in relation to Scrip Dividend

20

3,839

-

-

-

-

3,859

Dividends paid to owners of the Company

-

-

-

-

(67,664)

-

(67,664)

Balance at 30 June 2017

33,858

40,448

183,969

(357,624)

2,514,771

1,074

2,416,496

1 See Note 3 for further details.

 

The equity attributable to owners of the Company is $2,415,422,000 at 30 June 2017.

 

Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2017 (Restated)1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audited

 

Share capital

Share premium

Contributed surplus

Currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Non- controlling interest

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Balance at 1 January 2017

33,806

34,031

183,969

(437,569)

2,439,509

1,074

2,254,820

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

-

-

-

-

33,904

-

33,904

Other comprehensive income net of tax (all attributable to owners of the Company)

-

-

-

126,987

8,894

-

135,881

Employee share options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity settled share-based payments

-

-

-

-

32,465

-

32,465

Proceeds from shares issued

77

6,084

-

-

-

-

6,161

Deferred and current tax on employee share options

-

-

-

-

6,832

-

6,832

Net movements of treasury shares held by Trust

-

-

-

-

(3,738)

-

(3,738)

Shares issued in relation to Scrip Dividend

30

5,734

-

-

-

-

5,764

Dividends paid to owners of the Company

-

-

-

-

(103,708)

-

(103,708)

Balance at 31 December 2017

33,913

45,849

183,969

(310,582)

2,414,158

1,074

2,368,381

1 See Note 3 for further details.

 

The equity attributable to owners of the Company is $2,367,307,000 at 31 December 2017.

 

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

 

 

Condensed consolidated interim cash flow statement

For the six month period ended 30 June 2018

 

Note

Reviewed

Six months to
30 June 2018

Reviewed

Six months to
30 June 2017

(Restated)1

Audited

Year to
31 Dec 2017 (
Restated)1

 

 

$000

$000

$000

Profit before tax

 

163,593

129,099

39,692

Adjustments for:

 

 

 

 

Net foreign exchange losses

 

8,486

38,836

80,890

Interest and equity dividend income

 

(49,480)

(38,286)

(81,590)

Interest expense

13

15,439

12,432

26,895

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

 

13,305

(27,173)

(34,360)

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

 

16,911

12,076

27,908

Charges in respect of share-based payments

 

13,890

17,169

32,465

Changes in operational assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Insurance and reinsurance contracts

 

189,392

107,752

326,046

Financial assets carried at fair value

 

72,858

11,229

(249,137)

Financial liabilities carried at fair value

 

(18,482)

(400)

18,022

Financial liabilities carried at amortised cost

 

(17,476)

27,479

30,430

Other assets and liabilities

 

65,329

(75,707)

(108,808)

Interest received

 

44,600

36,683

64,468

Equity dividends received

 

562

419

716

Interest paid

 

(2,312)

(2,520)

(25,664)

Current tax paid

 

(6,950)

(30,829)

(43,387)

Cash derecognised on loss of control

 

-

(1,031)

-

Cash flows from subscriptions paid

 

-

-

(9,339)

Net cash flows from operating activities

 

509,665

217,228

95,247

Cash flows from the sale of subsidiaries

 

-

18,696

18,696

Cash flows from the sale of associates

 

-

-

32,225

Cash flows from the purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

(3,707)

(2,450)

(9,074)

Cash flows from the purchase of intangible assets

 

(22,620)

(16,141)

(38,576)

Net cash flows from investing activities

 

(26,327)

105

3,271

Proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares

 

8,126

6,469

11,925

Shares repurchased

 

(47,021)

(1,571)

(3,738)

Proceeds from issue of debt, net of fees

 

380,265

-

-

Distributions paid to owners of the Company

17

(76,009)

(67,664)

(103,708)

Net cash flows from financing activities

 

265,361

(62,766)

(95,521)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

748,699

154,567

2,997

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

 

867,767

824,373

824,373

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

748,699

154,567

2,997

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents

 

(21,990)

22,802

40,397

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

21

1,594,476

1,001,742

867,767

1 See Note 3 for further details

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

 

Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements

1. Reporting entity

Hiscox Ltd (the 'Company') is a public limited company registered and domiciled in Bermuda. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the Company as at, and for the six months ended, 30 June 2018 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 'Group') and the Group's interest in associates. The Chairman's statement accompanying these condensed consolidated interim financial statements forms the Interim Management Report for the half year ended 30 June 2018.

The Directors of Hiscox Ltd are listed in the Group's 2017 Report and Accounts. A list of current Directors is maintained and available for inspection at the registered office of the Company located at 4th Floor, Wessex House, 45 Reid Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda.

2. Basis of preparation

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months to 30 June 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as endorsed by the European Union, the provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, and the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules issued by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The accounting policies applied in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are the same as those applied in Hiscox Ltd's 2017 consolidated financial statements except for the changes described below. In addition, during the period ended 30 June 2018, the Group adopted a new accounting standard and amendments to International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') that became effective on 1 January 2018, described in the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts, however these had no significant impact on reported profit or loss or equity, the balance sheet or the statement of cash flows.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd. They should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Group as at, and for the year ended, 31 December 2017.

In preparing these condensed consolidated interim financial statements, management make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The significant judgements made by Management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2017. 

After making enquiries, the Directors have an expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence over a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.  

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured in the currency of the primary economic environment in which that entity operates ('the functional currency'). The condensed consolidated interim financial statements are stated in US Dollars which is the Group's presentation currency. Except where otherwise indicated, all amounts presented in the financial statements are in US Dollars and rounded to the nearest thousand ($000). 

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements were approved on behalf of the Board of Directors by the Chief Executive, B E Masojada and the Chairman, R S Childs. Accordingly, the Half Yearly Report to the London Stock Exchange was approved for issue on Monday 30 July 2018. 

 

3. Change in the Group's presentation currency and change in functional currency 

 

With effect from 1 January 2018, the Group's presentation currency changed from Pounds Sterling to US Dollars, given that a significant majority of Group earnings are denominated in US Dollars, we believe that the presentation currency change will give investors and other stakeholders a clearer understanding of Hiscox's performance over time.  

 

Following this change in accounting policy, the comparatives in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are represented in US Dollars using the procedures outlined below: 

·      Assets and liabilities were translated into US Dollars at closing rates of exchange. Trading results were translated into US Dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of transaction or average rates where these are a suitable proxy. Differences resulting from the retranslation on the opening net assets and the results for the period have been taken to foreign currency translation reserve, a component within shareholders' equity. 

·      Share capital, share premiums and other reserves were translated at historic rates prevailing at the dates of transactions. 

·      Foreign currency translation reserve was set to zero as of 1 January 2004, the transition date to IFRS. Cumulative currency translation adjustments are presented as if the Group had used US Dollars as the presentation currency of its consolidated financial statements since that date.

The comparative figures were published on 20 June 2018. 

 

In addition, taking into consideration the following changes, the functional currency of Syndicate 33, Hiscox Dedicated Corporate Member Limited, Hiscox Syndicates Limited and Hiscox Capital Ltd changed from Pounds Sterling to US Dollars also effective from 1 January 2018.

·      The denomination of a material internal quota share treaty has been changed from Pounds Sterling to US Dollars;

·      The Syndicates managing agent's profit commission and fee has been changed from Pounds Sterling to US Dollars;

·      The Group has aligned its underwriting capital to US Dollars.

This change is accounted for prospectively from this date.

 

4. Change in presentation of investment results

In 2017, the Group changed the presentation of investment result in the consolidated income statement to be investment result net of investment management fees. Comparatives have been reclassified accordingly by an amount of $3.1 million (Year to December 2017: $6.1 million) from operational expenses to investment results. This change has no impact on the reported results, cash flow statement or equity.

 

5. Financial, insurance and other risk management

The Group's financial, insurance and other risk management objectives and policies are consistent with that disclosed in note 3 of the full consolidated financial statements as at, and for the year ended, 31 December 2017, except for the currency risk discussed below. The principal risks and uncertainties are unchanged and may be summarised as underwriting risk, reserving risk, reliability of fair values, equity price risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, currency risk and capital risk. The Group recognises that following the decision of the UK to leave the European Union, it may continue to face greater volatility in credit, currency and liquidity risk whilst uncertainty remains.

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

As detailed in note 18, the Group's investment allocation is broadly comparable to that at 31 December 2017 as outlined in the Group Report and Accounts. The Group also continues to be mindful of the processes required for establishing the reliability of fair values obtained for some classes of financial assets affected by ongoing periods of diminished liquidity. In order to assist users, the Group has disclosed the measurement attributes of its investment portfolio in a fair value hierarchy in note 19 in accordance with IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement.

The Group remains susceptible to fluctuations in rates of foreign exchange, in particular between US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Taking into account the change detailed in note 3, the estimated impact of a 10% strengthening or weakening of Pounds Sterling against the US Dollar on profit before tax:

As at 30 June 2018

Effect on profit before tax

10% strengthening of GBP

$16m

10% weakening of GBP

$(20)m

This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant and that the underlying valuation of assets and liabilities in their base currency is unchanged.

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

 

6. Seasonality and weather

Historically, the Group's most material exposure to catastrophe losses on certain lines of business such as reinsurance inwards and marine and major property risk have been greater during the second half of the calendar year, broadly in line with the most active period of the North Atlantic hurricane season. In contrast, a majority of gross premium income written in these lines of business occurs during the first half of the calendar year. The Group actively participates in many regions and if any catastrophic events do occur, it is likely that the Group will share some of the market's losses. Consequently, the potential for significantly greater volatility in expected returns remains during the second half of the year. Details of the Group's recent exposures to these classes of business are disclosed in the Group's 2017 Report and Accounts.

7. Related party transactions

Transactions with related parties during the period are consistent in nature and scope with those disclosed in note 35 of the Group's 2017 Report and Accounts.

 

8. Operating segments

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

In the first half of 2018, the Group has reviewed the segmental presentation of financial information it requires to assess performance and allocate resources. It now considers that run-off portfolios where the Group has ceded all insurance risks to a third party should no longer be presented as part of the underwriting operations as these will not form part of the Group's assessment of the performance of the segment going forward and also will no longer generate returns for the Group. These run-off portfolios together with the reinsurance ceded are presented as part of the Corporate Centre segment. In line with the change in management's internal reporting, the segmental reporting has been updated accordingly. This change would also provide more meaningful views and trends of the underwriting performance of the business.

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

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

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

 

Hiscox International comprises the specialty and fine art lines written through Hiscox Insurance Company (Guernsey) Limited, and the motor business written via DirectAsia, together with US commercial, property and specialty business written by Syndicate 3624 and Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. via the Hiscox USA business division. It also includes the European kidnap and ransom business written by Hiscox Insurance Company Limited and Syndicate 33.

 

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

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

Corporate Centre comprises the investment return, finance costs and administrative costs associated with Group management activities and the majority of foreign currency items on economic hedges and intragroup borrowings, further details of these can be found in note 12 of the Group's Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017. In addition, from 1 January 2018, the segment includes results from run-off portfolios where the Group has ceded all insurance risks to a third party (re)insurer. Corporate Centre forms a reportable segment due to its investment activities which earn significant external returns.

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

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 June 2018

 

Hiscox Retail

Hiscox London Market

Hiscox Re and ILS

Corporate Centre1

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Gross premiums written

1,113,036

458,692

655,575

1,518

2,228,821

Net premiums written

982,217

277,041

197,438

(57,409)

1,399,287

Net premiums earned

900,505

284,208

150,626

(57,409)

1,277,930

Investment result

3,986

4,855

3,120

7,786

19,747

Other income

12,160

727

11,012

145

24,044

Total income

916,651

289,790

164,758

(49,478)

1,321,721

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

(375,652)

(129,761)

(67,699)

57,519

(515,593)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts

(220,475)

(76,219)

(12,147)

(388)

(309,229)

Operational expenses

(224,555)

(40,985)

(29,676)

(13,973)

(309,189)

Net foreign exchange (losses)/gains

(2,020)

(960)

2,521

(8,027)

(8,486)

Total expenses

(822,702)

(247,925)

(107,001)

35,131

(1,142,497)

Results of operating activities

93,949

41,865

57,757

(14,347)

179,224

Finance costs

(6)

-

(703)

(14,730)

(15,439)

Share of (loss)/profit of associates after tax

(206)

-

-

14

(192)

Profit/(loss) before tax

93,737

41,865

57,054

(29,063)

163,593

Profit/(loss) before tax and foreign exchange gains/(losses)

95,757

42,825

54,533

(21,036)

172,079

100% ratio analysis*

 

 

 

 

 

Claims ratio (%)

41.1

46.8

44.8

-

42.9

Expense ratio (%)

49.3

41.6

27.5

-

44.9

Combined ratio excluding foreign exchange impact (%)

90.4

88.4

72.3

-

87.8

Foreign exchange impact (%)

0.3

0.2

(0.8)

-

0.1

Combined ratio (%)^

90.7

88.6

71.5

-

87.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Includes a run-off casualty portfolio following the completion of a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance treaty effective from 2018 ceding any future payments on losses arising from claims developments related to policies written from 2010 to 2016, with net premiums earned of $(57.4) million and claims and claim adjustment expenses net of reinsurance of $57.5 million. 

  

Six months ended 30 June 2017 (Restated)1

 

Hiscox Retail

Hiscox London Market

Hiscox Re and ILS

Corporate Centre

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Gross premiums written

 930,360

 395,769

 510,049

-

 1,836,178

Net premiums written

 857,561

 251,286

 166,193

-

 1,275,040

Net premiums earned

 757,809

 289,539

 130,935

-

 1,178,283

Investment result**

14,711

9,958

16,331

17,533

 58,533

Other income

 11,541

 7,623

 8,319

 135

 27,618

Total income

784,061

307,120

155,585

17,668

 1,264,434

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 (328,896)

 (155,232)

 (73,428)

-

 (557,556)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts

 (180,926)

 (85,228)

 (6,266)

-

 (272,420)

Operational expenses**

(184,173)

(34,588)

(25,253)

(9,837)

 (253,851)

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

 2,497

 (10,375)

 (1,852)

 (29,106)

 (38,836)

Total expenses

(691,498)

(285,423)

(106,799)

(38,943)

 (1,122,663)

Results of operating activities

92,563

21,697

48,786

(21,275)

 141,771

Finance costs

 (5)

 -  

 (777)

 (11,650)

 (12,432)

Share of (loss)/profit of associates after tax

 (248)

 -  

 -  

 8

 (240)

Profit/(loss) before tax

 92,310

 21,697

 48,009

 (32,917)

 129,099

Profit/(loss) before tax and foreign exchange gains/(losses)

 89,813

 32,072

 49,861

 (3,811)

 167,935

100% ratio analysis*

 

 

 

 

 

Claims ratio (%)

43.1

50.4

58.5

-

46.9

Expense ratio (%)**

47.7

40.4

22.7

-

42.8

Combined ratio excluding foreign exchange impact (%)

90.8

90.8

81.2

-

89.7

Foreign exchange impact (%)

(0.3)

3.8

2.2

-

1.1

Combined ratio (%)^**

90.5

94.6

83.4

-

90.8

1 See Note 3 and 4 for further details 

 

Year ended 31 December 2017 (Restated)1

 

Hiscox

Retail

Hiscox London Market

Hiscox Re and ILS

Corporate Centre

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Gross premiums written

 1,835,428

 749,793

 700,800

-

 3,286,021

Net premiums written

 1,674,238

 484,945

 243,816

-

 2,402,999

Net premiums earned

 1,585,289

 561,572

 269,347

-

 2,416,208

Investment result

 29,361

 14,509

 27,942

 32,938

 104,750

Other income

 35,351

 13,908

 4,350

 470

 54,079

Total income

 1,650,001

 589,989

 301,639

 33,408

 2,575,037

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 (721,851)

 (400,229)

 (188,836)

-

 (1,310,916)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts

 (401,070)

 (159,823)

 (27,037)

-

 (587,930)

Operational expenses

 (384,685)

 (61,469)

 (53,294)

 (29,525)

 (528,973)

Net foreign exchange losses

 (530)

 (15,174)

 (5,253)

 (59,933)

 (80,890)

Total expenses

 (1,508,136)

 (636,695)

 (274,420)

 (89,458)

 (2,508,709)

Results of operating activities

 141,865

 (46,706)

 27,219

 (56,050)

 66,328

Finance costs

 (10)

 -  

 (1,716)

 (25,169)

 (26,895)

Share of (loss)/profit of associates after tax

 (247)

 -  

 -  

 506

 259

Profit/(loss) before tax

 141,608

 (46,706)

 25,503

 (80,713)

 39,692

Profit/(loss) before tax and foreign exchange gains/(losses)

 142,138

 (31,532)

 30,756

 (20,780)

 120,582

100% ratio analysis*

 

 

 

 

 

Claims ratio (%)

45.2

70.1

71.0

-

54.9

Expense ratio (%)**

49.3

38.6

27.9

-

43.9

Combined ratio excluding foreign exchange impact (%)

94.5

108.7

98.9

-

98.8

Foreign exchange impact (%)

0.1

2.9

2.4

-

1.1

Combined ratio (%)^**

94.6

111.6

101.3

-

99.9

             

1 See Note 3 for further details

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

^ The combined ratio is made up of the aggregation of the claims ratio, the expense ratio and the impact of foreign exchange. The claims ratio is calculated as claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance, as a proportion of net premiums earned. The expense ratio is calculated as the total of expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts, and operational expenses as a proportion of net premiums earned. The foreign exchange impact ratio is calculated as the foreign exchange gains or losses as a proportion of net premiums earned. All ratios are calculated using the 100% results and excludes a run-off portfolio where the Group has ceded all insurance risks to a third party (re)insurer included within Corporate Centre.

** restated following the reclassification of investment expenses from operational expenses to investment return

 

The tables presented below contain the net earned premium, claims, expenses and foreign exchange items at 100% ownership, to enable calculation of the ratios included in the operating segments.

 

Period ended 30 June 2018

 

Hiscox

Retail

Hiscox London Market

Hiscox Re and ILS

Corporate Centre

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Net premium earned

921,090

350,515

170,102

-

1,441,707

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

(378,376)

(164,143)

(76,200)

-

(618,719)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts

(228,425)

(95,535)

(13,193)

-

(337,153)

Operational expenses

(225,864)

(50,148)

(33,513)

-

(309,525)

Net foreign exchange (losses)/gains

(2,479)

(783)

1,270

-

(1,992)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended 30 June 2017 (Restated)1

 

Hiscox

Retail

Hiscox London Market

Hiscox Re and ILS

Corporate Centre

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Net premium earned

 776,005

 360,643

 149,091

-

 1,285,739

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 (334,322)

 (181,626)

 (87,225)

-

 (603,173)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts

(185,268)

(104,701)

(5,409)

-

(295,378)

Operational expenses

(185,240)

(41,065)

(28,421)

-

(254,726)

Net foreign exchange gains/ (losses)

 2,273

 (13,736)

 (3,322)

-

 (14,785)

             

1 See Note 3 and 4 for further details

 

Year ended 31 December 2017 (Restated)1

 

Hiscox

Retail

Hiscox London Market

Hiscox Re and ILS

Corporate Centre

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Net premium earned

 1,622,173

 703,657

 314,205

-

 2,640,035

Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 (734,160)

 (493,201)

 (222,953)

-

 (1,450,314)

Expenses for the acquisition of insurance contracts

 (413,145)

 (197,629)

 (28,488)

-

 (639,262)

Operational expenses

 (386,080)

 (73,882)

 (59,264)

-

 (519,226)

Net foreign exchange losses

 (1,120)

 (20,531)

 (7,535)

-

 (29,186)

             

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

9. Net asset value per share

 

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017 (Restated)1

31 Dec 2017 (Restated)1

 

Net asset

value

(total equity)

NAV

per share

cent

Net asset

value

(total equity)

NAV

per share

cent

Net asset

value

(total equity)

NAV

per share

cent

 

$000

 

$000

 

$000

 

Net asset value

2,419,701

853.1

2,416,496

855.0

2,368,381

835.1

Net tangible asset value

2,228,877

785.8

2,244,815

794.3

2,182,343

769.5

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

The net asset value per share is based on 283,638,511 shares (30 June 2017: 282,632,166; 31 December 2017: 283,600,709), being the shares in issue at 30 June, less those held in treasury and those held by the Group Employee Benefit Trust. Net tangible assets comprise total equity excluding intangible assets. The net asset value per share expressed in pence is 648.4 pence (30 June 2017 : 657.7 pence; 31 December 2017 : 618.6 pence).  

 

10. Return on equity

 

 

Six months to
30 June 2018

Six months to
30 June 2017

Restated1

Year to
31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

$000

$000

$000

Profit for the period

153,065

123,166

33,904

Opening total equity

2,368,381

2,254,820

2,254,820

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

(20,830)

(3,028)

(43,525)

Adjusted opening total equity

2,347,551

2,251,792

2,211,295

Annualised return on equity (%)

13.5%

11.2%

1.5%

         

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

The return on equity is calculated by using profit for the period divided by the adjusted opening shareholders' equity. The adjusted opening shareholders' equity represents the equity on 1 January of the relevant year as adjusted for time weighted aspects of capital distributions and issuing of shares or treasury share purchases during the period. The time weighted positions are calculated on a daily basis with reference to the proportion of time from the transaction to the end of the period. The Company annualises the ROE by using a standard compound formula for the half year periods, being the profit for the period divided by the adjusted opening total equity, to the power of two to annualise for a full year comparison.

 

 

11.  Investment result

 

 

i.

Analysis of investment result

 

The total investment result for the Group before taxation comprises:

 

 

Six months to
30 June 2018

Six months to
30 June 2017

Restated1

Year to
31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

$000

$000

$000

Investment income including interest receivable

49,480

38,286

81,590

Net realised losses on financial investments at fair value through profit or loss

(13,604)

(3,872)

(5,130)

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

(14,014)

29,147

36,055

Investment result - financial assets

21,862

63,561

112,515

Fair value gains/(losses) on derivative financial instruments

709

(1,974)

(1,695)

Investment expenses

(2,824)

(3,054)

(6,070)

Total result

19,747

58,533

104,750

1 See Note 3 and 4 for further details

 

 

 

ii.

Annualised investment return

 

Six months to
30 June 2018

Six months to
30 June 2017

Restated1

Year to
31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

$000

$000

$000

 

Return

 $000

Yield

%

Return

$000

Yield

%

Return

$000

Yield

%

Debt and fixed income securities

11,604

0.5

32,053

1.5

54,241

1.2

Equities and shares in unit trusts

4,610

2.1

29,698

15.7

53,434

12.9

Deposits with credit institutions/cash and cash equivalents

5,648

0.8

1,810

0.4

4,840

0.5

 

21,862

0.7

63,561

2.3

112,515

2.0

Weighted average assets ($m)

6,408

 

5,603

 

5,745

 

                 

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

12. Other income and operational expenses

 

Six months to
30 June 2018

Six months to
30 June 2017

Restated1

Year to
31 Dec 2017 Restated
1

 

$000

$000

$000

Agency-related income

13,350

10,995

16,176

Profit commission

363

3,548

11,746

Other underwriting income/(loss)

2,591

1,362

(7,360)

Other income

7,740

11,713

33,517

Other income

24,044

27,618

54,079

Wages and salaries

107,609

82,476

168,234

Social security costs

17,971

12,765

30,022

Pension cost - defined contribution

7,268

6,055

12,765

Pension cost - defined benefit

-

-

2,263

Share-based payments

13,890

17,169

32,465

Marketing expenses

32,094

31,889

69,097

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

16,911

12,076

27,908

Other expenses

113,446

91,421

186,219

Operational expenses

309,189

253,851

528,973

1 See Note 3 and 4 for further details 

 

Wages and salaries have been shown net of transfers to acquisition and claims expenses.

 

Other expenses include, but are not limited to, legal and professional costs, computer costs, contractor-based costs and property costs. None of the items are individually material.

 

13. Finance costs

 

 

Six months to
30 June 2018

Six months to
30 June 2017

Restated1

Year to
31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

$000

$000

$000

Interest charge associated with long-term debt

13,717

10,509

21,713

Interest and expenses associated with bank borrowing facilities

583

1,130

3,435

Interest and charges associated with Letters of Credit

937

328

909

Interest charges on experience account

202

465

838

 

15,439

12,432

26,895

1 See Note 3 for further details

As at 30 June 2018, the total amount drawn by way of Letter of Credit to support the Funds at Lloyd's requirement was $244.0 million (30 June 2017 : $10.0 million, 31 December 2017 : $10.0 million). 

         

 

14. Tax expense

 

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

The Group records its income tax expense based on the expected effective rate for the full year. The amount charged in the condensed consolidated income statement is $10.5 million (30 June 2017 : $5.9 million; 31 December 2017 : $5.8 million).

 

15. Insurance liabilities and reinsurance assets

 

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

Restated1

31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

$000

$000

$000

Gross

 

 

 

Claims and claim adjustment expenses outstanding

4,403,994

3,352,158

4,350,566

Unearned premiums

2,070,125

1,914,676

1,657,184

Total insurance liabilities, gross

6,474,119

5,266,834

6,007,750

Recoverable from reinsurers

 

 

 

Claims and claim adjustment expenses outstanding

1,506,817

689,953

1,492,298

Unearned premiums

642,038

513,053

340,957

Total reinsurers' share of insurance liabilities

2,148,855

1,203,006

1,833,255

Net

 

 

 

Claims and claim adjustment expenses outstanding

2,897,177

2,662,205

2,858,268

Unearned premiums

1,428,087

1,401,623

1,316,227

Total insurance liabilities, net

4,325,264

4,063,828

4,174,495

         

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

Net claims and claim adjustment expenses include releases of $154.3 million (30 June 2017 : $120.9 million; 31 December 2017 : $324.2 million) of reserves established in prior reporting periods.

 

 

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

Insurance claims and claims expenses reserves - net at 100%

Accident year ending 31 December **

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at end of accident year**

1,029,558

1,214,184

1,510,467

1,205,119

1,139,386

1,182,255

1,258,313

1,476,952

1,850,598

787,313

12,654,145

 

one period later**

854,808

1,058,923

1,392,668

1,060,311

1,007,236

1,027,404

1,156,665

1,332,291

1,733,660

 

10,623,966

 

two periods later**

814,432

997,644

1,337,187

982,225

903,093

935,293

1,057,947

1,287,950

 

 

8,315,771

 

three periods later**

817,966

972,051

1,334,220

945,528

837,194

877,290

1,046,012

 

 

 

6,830,261

 

four periods later**

803,593

941,887

1,324,971

935,803

832,518

852,162

 

 

 

 

5,690,934

 

five periods later**

799,928

935,764

1,272,555

940,661

816,814

 

 

 

 

 

4,765,722

 

six periods later**

782,968

904,138

1,228,291

927,733

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,843,130

 

seven periods later**

777,492

887,867

1,211,820

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,877,179

 

eight periods later**

754,850

888,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,643,570

 

nine periods later**

764,301

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

764,301

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current estimate of cumulative claims

764,301

888,720

1,211,820

927,733

816,814

852,162

1,046,012

1,287,950

1,733,660

787,313

10,316,485

 

Cumulative payments to date

(710,066)

(835,060)

(1,146,946)

(778,311)

(730,275)

(715,450)

(741,130)

(785,629)

(622,028)

(114,866)

(7,179,761)

 

Liability recognised at 100% level

54,235

53,660

64,874

149,422

86,539

136,712

304,882

502,321

1,111,632

672,447

3,136,724

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

134,414

 

Total net liability to external parties at 100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

  3,271,138                  

                             

* The foreign exchange adjustment arises from the retranslation of the estimates at each date using the exchange rate ruling at 30 June 2018.

** With the exception of the most recent development data for each accident year, which only relates to the six months ending 30 June 2018, the term period refers to one full calendar year. This includes the run-off casualty loss portfolio transfer detailed in note 8.

 

 

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

 

Accident year

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Total

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Current estimate of cumulative claims

764,301

888,720

1,211,820

927,733

816,814

852,162

1,046,012

1,287,950

1,733,660

787,313

10,316,485

Less:

attributable to external Names

(238,987)

(271,702)

(366,192)

(223,938)

(186,611)

(184,947)

(211,351)

(246,052)

(267,042)

(71,094)

(2,267,916)

Group share of current ultimate claims estimate

525,314

617,018

845,628

703,795

630,203

667,215

834,661

1,041,898

1,466,618

716,219

8,048,569

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative payments to date

(710,066)

(835,060)

(1,146,946)

(778,311)

(730,275)

(715,450)

(741,130)

(785,629)

(622,028)

(114,866)

(7,179,761)

Less: attributable to external Names

232,403

260,066

350,965

204,666

174,153

172,476

176,263

194,187

145,745

13,953

1,924,877

Group share of cumulative payments

(477,663)

(574,994)

(795,981)

(573,645)

(556,122)

(542,974)

(564,867)

(591,442)

(476,283)

(100,913)

(5,254,884)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability for 2009 to 2018 accident years
recognised on Group's balance sheet

47,651

42,024

49,647

130,150

74,081

124,241

269,794

450,456

990,335

615,306

2,793,685

Liability for accident years before 2009 recognised on Group's balance sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

103,492

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

 

 

 

 

2,897,177

 

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

 

 

                                       

 

 

16. Earnings per share

 

Basic

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

 

Six months to
30 June 2018

Six months to
30 June 2017

Restated1

Year to
31 Dec 2017

Restated1

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

153,065

123,166

33,904

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands)

283,411

280,445

281,964

Basic earnings per share (cent per share)

54.0c

43.9c

12.0c

Basic earnings per share (pence per share)

39.3p

34.9p

9.3p

         

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

Diluted

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

 

Six months to
30 June 2018

Six months to
30 June 2017

Restated1

Year to
31 Dec 2017

Restated1

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

153,065

123,166

33,904

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands)

283,411

280,445

281,964

Adjustment for share options (thousands)

8,155

8,477

9,065

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

291,566

288,922

291,029

Diluted earnings per share (cent per share)

52.5c

42.6c

11.6c

Diluted earnings per share (pence per share)

38.2p

33.9p

9.0p

1 See Note 3 for further details

Diluted earnings per share has been calculated after taking account of outstanding options and awards under employee share option and performance plan schemes and also options under save as you earn schemes.

 

 

17. Dividends paid to owners of the Company

 

Six months to
30 June 2018

Six months to
30 June 2017

Restated1

Year to
31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

$000

$000

$000

Final dividend for the year ended:

 

 

 

31 December 2017 of 19.5p (net) per share

76,009

-

-

31 December 2016 of 19.0p (net) per share

-

67,664

67,664

Interim dividend for the year ended:

 

 

 

31 December 2017 of 9.5p (net) per share

-

-

36,044

 

76,009

67,664

103,708

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

The final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2017 of 19.5p (equivalent to 27.2c) was paid in cash of $69,428,000 and 263,368 shares for the scrip dividend. The final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 of 19.0p (equivalent to 23.6c) was paid in cash of $64,721,000 and 251,000 shares for the scrip dividend. The interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2017 of 9.5p (equivalent to 12.6c) was paid in cash of $33,255,000 and 108,769 shares for the scrip dividend.

 

For the six months ended 30 June 2018 and beyond, dividends will be declared in US Dollars, aligning shareholder returns with the primary currency in which the Group generates cash flow. The dividends will be paid in Pounds Sterling unless shareholders elect to be paid in US Dollars. The foreign exchange rate at which future dividends declared in US Dollars will be converted into Pounds Sterling will be calculated based on the average exchange rate in the five business days prior to the Scrip Dividend price being determined. On this occasion the period will be between 20 August 2018 to 24 August 2018 inclusive. An interim dividend of 13.25c per ordinary share has been declared payable on 11 September 2018 to shareholders registered on 10 August 2018 in respect of the six months to 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017 : 9.5p per ordinary share). A scrip dividend alternative will be offered to the owners of the Company.

 

18. Financial assets and liabilities

i.

Analysis of financial assets carried at fair value

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

Restated1

31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

 

$000

$000

$000

 

Debt and fixed income securities

4,425,759

4,300,892

4,630,828

 

Equities and shares in unit trusts

434,563

423,391

451,305

 

Deposits with credit institutions

5,583

13,746

7,182

 

Total investments

4,865,905

4,738,029

5,089,315

 

Insurance linked funds

61,339

58,735

49,918

 

Derivative financial instruments

255

155

410

 

Total financial assets carried at fair value

4,927,499

4,796,919

5,139,643

 

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

 

ii.

Analysis of financial liabilities carried at fair value

 

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

Restated1

31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

 

$000

$000

$000

 

Amounts owed to credit institutions

-

-

18,446

 

Derivative financial instruments

127

189

163

 

Total financial liabilities carried at fair value

127

189

18,609

 

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

iii.

Analysis of financial liabilities carried at amortised cost

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

Restated1

31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

$000

$000

$000

Long-term debt

719,755

356,295

370,071

Accrued interest on long-term debt

15,480

13,198

2,430

Total financial liabilities carried at amortised cost

735,235

369,493

372,501

           

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

 

 

iv.

Investment and cash allocation

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

Restated1

 31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

$000

%

$000

%

$000

%

Debt and fixed income securities

4,425,759

68.5

4,300,892

74.9

4,630,828

77.7

Equities and shares in unit trusts

434,563

6.7

423,391

7.4

451,305

7.6

Deposits with credit institutions/cash and cash equivalents

1,600,059

24.8

1,015,488

17.7

874,949

14.7

Total

6,460,381

 

5,739,771

 

5,957,082

 

               

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

On 24 November 2015, the group issued £275.0 million 6.125% fixed-to-floating rate callable subordinated notes due 2045, with a first call date of 2025.

The notes bear interest from and including 24 November 2015 at a fixed rate of 6.125% per annum annually in arrears starting 24 November 2016 up until the first call date in November 2025, and thereafter at a floating rate of interest equal to three-month LIBOR plus 5.076% payable quarterly in arrears on each floating interest payment date. The Group will be exposed to interest rate risk on its long-term debt.

On 25 November 2015 the notes were admitted for trading on the London Stock Exchange's regulated market. The notes were rated BBB- by S&P as well as by Fitch.

On 14 March 2018, the Group issued £275.0 million 2% notes due December 2022.

The notes bear interest from and including 14 March 2018 at a fixed rate of 2% per annum annually in arrears starting 14 December 2018 until maturity on 14 December 2022. On 14 March 2018, the notes were admitted for trading on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange's Euro MTF. The notes were rated BBB+ by S&P as well as by Fitch.

The interest accrued on the long-term debt was $15.5 million at the balance sheet date (30 June 2017 : $13.2 million; 31 December 2017 : $2.4 million) and is included in financial liabilities.

 

v.

Investment and cash allocation by currency

 

30 June 2018
%

30 June 2017
%

 31 Dec 2017
%

Sterling

25.0

22.2

21.6

US Dollars

61.2

65.1

65.8

Euro and other currencies

13.8

12.7

12.6

           

 

19. Fair value measurements

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

 

As at 30 June 2018

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

Debt and fixed income securities

1,536,385

2,889,374

-

4,425,759

Equities and shares in unit trusts

-

419,991

14,572

434,563

Deposits with credit institutions

5,583

-

-

5,583

Insurance linked fund

-

-

61,339

61,339

Derivative financial instruments

-

255

-

255

Total

1,541,968

3,309,620

75,911

4,927,499

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

-

127

-

127

Total

-

127

-

127

 

As at 30 June 2017 (Restated)1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 

$000

$000

$000

$000

Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

Debt and fixed income securities

1,281,856

3,019,036

-

4,300,892

Equities and shares in unit trusts

-

408,697

14,694

423,391

Deposits with credit institutions

13,746

-

-

13,746

Insurance linked fund

-

-

58,735

58,735

Derivative financial instruments

-

155

-

155

Total

1,295,602

3,427,888

73,429

4,796,919

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

-

189

-

189

Total

-

189

-

189

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

 

 

 

 

As at 31 December 2017 (Restated)1

Level 1

$000

Level 2

$000

Level 3

$000

Total

$000

Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

Debt and fixed income securities

1,610,461

3,020,367

-

4,630,828

Equities and shares in unit trusts

-

435,934

15,371

451,305

Deposits with credit institutions

7,182

-

-

7,182

Insurance linked fund

-

-

49,918

49,918

Derivative financial instruments

-

410

-

410

Total

1,617,643

3,456,711

65,289

5,139,643

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

-

163

-

163

Total

-

163

-

163

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

 

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

·             

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

·              

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

·              

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

 

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

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

Included within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy are certain government bonds, treasury bills, long-term debt and exchange-traded equities which are measured based on quoted prices in active markets.

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

Level 3 contains investments in a limited partnership and unquoted equity securities and an insurance linked fund which have limited observable inputs on which to measure fair value. Unquoted equities, including equity instruments in limited partnerships, are carried at fair value. Fair value is determined to be net asset value for the limited partnerships, and for the equity holdings it is determined to be the latest available traded price. The effect of changing one or more of the inputs used in the measurement of fair value of these instruments to another reasonably possible assumption would not be significant. At 30 June 2018, the insurance linked fund of $61,339,000 (30 June 2017 : $58,735,000; 31 December 2017 : $49,918,000) represents the Group's investment in Kiskadee Funds.

The fair value of the Kiskadee Funds is estimated to be the net asset value as at the balance sheet date. The net asset value is based on the fair value of the assets and liabilities in the Funds. Significant inputs and assumptions in calculating the fair value of the assets and liabilities associated with reinsurance contracts written by the Kiskadee Funds include the amount and timing of claims payable in respect of claims incurred and periods of unexpired risk. The Group has considered changes in the net asset valuation of the Kiskadee Funds if reasonably different inputs and assumptions were used and has found no significant changes in the valuation.

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

During the period, there were no significant transfers made between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of opening and closing balances for financial instruments classified under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

 

 

30 June 2018

Financial assets

 

 

 

Equities and shares in unit trusts

Insurance linked fund

Total

 

 

 

$000

$000

$000

 

Balance at 1 January

 

15,371

49,918

65,289

 

Fair value gains or losses through profit or loss

 

(446)

2,524

2,078

 

Net foreign exchange losses

 

(317)

(197)

(514)

 

Purchases

 

-

9,339

9,339

 

Settlements

 

(36)

(245)

(281)

 

Closing balance

 

14,572

61,339

75,911

 

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

 

(512)

2,524

2,012

 

 

 

30 June 2017

Restated1

Financial assets

 

 

Equities and shares in unit trusts

Insurance linked fund

Total

 

 

$000

$000

$000

Balance at 1 January

 

15,072

58,058

73,130

Fair value gains or losses through profit or loss

 

(220)

1,362

1,142

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

 

544

(127)

417

Purchases

 

270

5,032

5,302

Settlements

 

(972)

(5,590)

(6,562)

Closing balance

 

14,694

58,735

73,429

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

 

(309)

1,362

1,053

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

 

 

 

31 December 2017

Restated1

Financial assets

 

 

Equities and shares in unit trusts

Insurance linked fund

Total

 

 

$000

$000

$000

Balance at 1 January

 

15,072

58,058

73,130

Fair value gains or losses through profit or loss

 

(440)

(7,360)

(7,800)

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

 

1,010

(79)

931

Purchases

 

753

5,032

5,785

Settlements

 

(1,024)

(5,733)

(6,757)

Closing balance

 

15,371

49,918

65,289

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

 

(329)

(9,129)

(9,458)

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

 

 

 

 

20. Impact of foreign exchange related items

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

 

 

Six months to
30 June 2018

Six months to
30 June 2017

Restated1

Year to
31 Dec 2017

Restated1

 

$000

$000

$000

Exchange losses recognised in the consolidated income statement

(8,486)

(38,836)

(80,890)

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

(3,241)

79,945

126,987

Overall impact of foreign exchange related items on net assets

(11,727)

41,109

46,097

         

1 See Note 3 for further details

 

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

 

 

21. Condensed consolidated interim cash flow statement 

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

Included within cash and cash equivalents held by the Group are balances totalling $268 million (30 June 2017 : $174 million; 31 December 2017 : $178 million) not available for use by the Group outside of the Lloyd's Syndicates within which they are held. Additionally, $20 million (30 June 2017 : $51 million; 31 December 2017 : $15 million) is pledged cash against Funds at Lloyd's, and $11 million (30 June 2017 : $10 million; 31 December 2017 : $7 million) is held within trust funds against reinsurance arrangements.

 

Directors' responsibilities statement

 

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

1.

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

2.

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

The individuals responsible for authorising the responsibility statement on behalf of the Board are the Chief Executive, B E Masojada and the Chairman, R S Childs. Accordingly, the Half Yearly Report to the London Stock Exchange was approved for issue on Monday, 30 July 2018.  


This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
 
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