Preliminary results

Old Mutual PLC 28 February 2005 OLD MUTUAL PLC ISIN code: GB0007389926 JSE share code: OML NSX share code: OLM Issuer code: OLOML PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004 PROFITS RISE STRONGLY * Adjusted operating profit* up 47% to GBP956 million (2003: GBP650 million) and up 40% to R11,296 million (2003: R8,041 million). Operating profit GBP908 million (2003: GBP475 million), R10,711 million (2003: R5,884 million) * Adjusted operating earnings per share* up 53% to 15.3p (2003: 10.0p) and up 46% to 181.1c (2003: 123.8c). Basic operating earnings per share: 14.1p (2003: 8.0p), 166.2c (2003: 99.1c) * Total life assurance sales, on an Annual Premium Equivalent (APE) basis, of GBP546 million, an increase of 3 per cent. * Funds under management GBP140 billion (2003: GBP125 billion), an increase of 12 per cent. (R1,520 billion (2003: R1,495 billion)) * $12.3 billion fund inflows in the USA * Adjusted Embedded Value per share 139.1p, R15.08 at 31 December 2004 (2003: 104.6p, R12.49) * Return on equity 19.1 per cent. (2003: 14.4 per cent.**) * Final dividend increased by 13 per cent. to 3.5p making 5.25p for the year*** Commenting on the results, Jim Sutcliffe, Chief Executive, said: 'These are strong results, with profits, earnings per share, assets under management and embedded value all increased. A return on equity of 19.1 per cent. and net cash inflow of $12.3 billion at our US business further demonstrate the power underlying this performance. We have established a momentum in our business that has the potential to take us much further as we pursue our ambition to build a world class financial services group.' Full definitions of the items asterisked above are set out on page 4 of this document. Group Results 2004 has seen us make significant progress. Adjusted operating earnings per share rose by 53 per cent. in Sterling and 46 per cent. in Rand, with each major business making a significant contribution. Our South African life business produced its usual strong profit contribution with return on capital of 24 per cent. Nedcor made good progress in its recovery and a welcome return to profitability while Mutual & Federal performed strongly as the short term insurance cycle reached its peak. Our US businesses increased their combined adjusted operating profit by 25 per cent. to $337 million. Overall, our adjusted embedded value per share rose by 33% to 139.1p and by 21% to R15.08. Good earnings, the recovery in Nedcor's share price and rising equity markets all contributed. The operating return on embedded value was 19.4 per cent. and return on equity for our business rose from 14.4 per cent. to 19.1 per cent. reflecting the progress in the business and tight capital management. Business Performance and Development Our US life business now accounts for roughly half of our life new business. Sales were up 29 per cent. on an APE basis to $501 million and, as a result, assets under management in this business grew from $13.3 billion to $17.3 billion. Margins remained at historically high levels under helpful interest rate conditions. We continued to innovate and adapt our product range to changing customer needs, particularly in the equity index annuity and mortgage term insurance markets. In order to bolster our ratings in support of this growth, we added a further $200 million of capital in December, making a total of $300 million for the year. We successfully finalised the transfer of our outsourced back-office functions in order to reduce costs and improve service to customers and agents. We expect our US life business to start paying dividends in 2007. South African life sales fell by 10 per cent. impacted by disappointing employee benefit sales, and we did not recover as well as we hoped in the broker market. More encouragingly, we grew our Personal Financial Advisors (PFA) sales force by 14 per cent. to over 2,600, individual single premium sales were up 16 per cent. and unit trust sales up 52 per cent. to R5.0 billion. Group Schemes sales were up 10 per cent. Our overall South African life margins remained unchanged at 25 per cent. Investment performance at Old Mutual Asset Managers (OMAM) (SA) was good - we came top in the Alexander Forbes Large Manager Watch survey and 50 per cent. of our unit trusts performed in the top quartile of their comparator groups. Our new investment product, Max Investments, which brings the best of the unit trust and life insurance worlds to the customer, was the first product of its type to be launched in the South African market in November. Total funds under management at OMSA increased by 15 per cent. to R312 billion. Nedcor achieved the milestones promised at the time of its rights issue. Tier 1 solvency exceeded the 7.5 per cent. goal and new governance is working effectively to control risks. The new management team is in place, with a clearly defined strategy. Profits met our targets for the year and, although growth was subdued overall, there were some notable successes - bancassurance sales rose 57 per cent. for example. Our objective remains a 20 per cent. return on equity at Nedcor by 2007. Mutual & Federal had an excellent year, producing an outstanding 7.8 per cent. underwriting ratio and a return on equity of 24 per cent. Its reputation for quality service was maintained and it won the three most prestigious customer service awards in the general insurance industry. We have been working hard to complete the black economic empowerment (BEE) ownership plans that are so important for the growth of all our South African businesses, and expect to be able to make a firm announcement on our detailed plans in this area in the near future. Our US asset management business continued to produce excellent investment performance, with 72 per cent. of assets outperforming their customer benchmarks on a three-year basis. The developing strength of our distribution effort, combined with the underlying investment performance, delivered $12.3 billion in net client cash flow which, together with positive equity markets, boosted assets under management by 20 per cent. to $185 billion. Almost two- thirds of group assets under management are now for the account of US clients. Our UK start-up businesses produced positive results. Selestia, in only its third year of operation, had sales of GBP423 million, and continued to win awards for its South African built systems and service to independent financial advisors. OMAM (UK) again won accolades for its investment performance, and attracted high margin hedge fund investors to replace unit trust funds withdrawn by Gerrard clients. Our fledgling business in India is making steady progress and we now have over 40 branches. We have also established a representative office in Beijing to facilitate a Chinese life joint venture in due course. Outlook Market conditions in our industry are favourable at present, and the South African economy is strong. The momentum we have built up is expected to continue into 2005, although we will spend further amounts on the growth of our US asset management business and SA life distribution systems. We expect Nedcor to make steady progress towards its 2007 goal for return on equity. Old Mutual has shown that it is well able to prosper as an international financial services company, and we look forward to the next phase of our journey with confidence. 28 February 2005 Notes. Whenever the items asterisked are used anywhere on pages 1-16 of this document, the following apply: * Adjusted operating profit represents the directors' view of the underlying performance of the Group. For life assurance and general insurance businesses, adjusted operating profit is based on a long term investment return and includes investment returns on own shares held within the policyholders' funds. For banking business, adjusted operating profit excludes the loss on disposal of investment in Dimension Data Holdings plc, restructuring and integration costs and the transitional impact of the change in credit provisioning methodology. For all businesses, adjusted operating profit excludes goodwill amortisation and impairment, and fines and penalties. Adjusted operating earnings per share is similarly based, but is stated after tax and minority interests, with the calculation of the weighted average number of shares including own shares held in policyholders' funds. The segmental analysis has been prepared on a gross of inter-segment transactions basis. ** Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the adoption of Urgent Issues Taskforce Abstract 38 'Accounting for ESOP Trusts'. *** The dividend recommended (final 3.5p per share, making 5.25p per share for the year) will be converted, for payment to shareholders on the branch registers and the Namibian section of the principal register, into local currencies at exchange rates ruling at the close of business on 31 March 2005. Further enquiries Old Mutual plc UK James Poole Tel: +44 (0) 20 7002 7000 Miranda Bellord Tel: +44 (0) 20 7002 7133 Gareth David, College Hill Tel: +44 (0) 20 7457 2020 Old Mutual plc SA Nad Pillay Tel: +27 (0) 21 504 8026 Notes to editors: A webcast of the analysts presentation and Q&A will be broadcast live at 9.30 a.m. (UK time) today on our website at www.oldmutual.com. High-resolution images of Jim Sutcliffe and Julian Roberts are available at www2.oldmutual.com/Media/media_resources/photo_library/js_jr.jsp. Copies of these results and the associated analysts presentation, together with photographs and biographical details of the executive Directors of Old Mutual plc, are available in electronic format. Alternatively they are available to download from the Company's website at www.oldmutual.com. Group Business Review Group Finance Director's Review BUSINESS REVIEW - SOUTH AFRICA LIFE ASSURANCE & ASSET MANAGEMENT - OLD MUTUAL SOUTH AFRICA (OMSA) Strong returns continue Highlights (Rm) 2004 2003 Life assurance technical result 3,697 3,210 LTIR 1,974 2,198 Asset management 544 554 Adjusted operating profit 6,215 5,962 ROC (Life business) 26% 23% Client funds (Rbn) 312 270 Adjusted operating profit comprises the life assurance technical result, the Long Term Investment Return (LTIR) of the shareholders' funds and the adjusted operating profit of the asset management businesses. Life assurance technical result increased by 15% to R3,697 million reflecting the positive impact of the strong South African equity market, favourable experience variances and the positive effect of assumption changes predominantly relating to mortality. The LTIR of R1,974 million declined by 10% from R2,198 million in 2003. This reduction reflects our participation (R2.6 billion) in the Nedcor rights issue and the net impact (R0.6 billion) of our additional stake in Mutual & Federal, both of which were funded from OMSA's existing financial resources, thus negatively impacting the average shareholder assets used in the calculation. In addition, an increase in the cash component of the portfolio coupled with the lower rates on cash contributed towards the reduction of the LTIR. Adjusted operating profit for the asset management businesses, excluding Nedcor, decreased to R544 million in 2004, from R554 million in 2003. Higher asset levels driven largely by the better performing South African equity market contributed positively. This has been offset by lower trading profit in the unit trust company resulting from changes in industry guidelines regarding trading in units, charges relating to the accounting treatment of share incentive arrangements, the cost of the acquisition of Quaystone mandates and the development of administration infrastructure. Adjusted operating profit for OMSA increased by 4% to R6,215 million in 2004. The efficient use of capital and performance improvement of the life business, has resulted in the return on life allocated capital increasing to 26%. Funds under management continue to grow Client funds under management for the business increased by 15% from R270 billion to R312 billion. Within this, life assets were 9% higher, reflecting the equity market uplift partly offset by negative cash flows, whilst asset management assets were 31% higher, driven by strong market returns and positive client cash flow. Total net client cash flow was a negative R4 billion, primarily due to net negative flows of R10 billion in Group Life business. This was offset by positive net cash flows of R6 billion in asset management, with Individual Life Business Flows being broadly neutral. OMAM delivered strong investment performance, being ranked first out of the eleven institutional asset managers in the Alexander Forbes Global Manager Watch (Large) Survey over the year ended December 2004. This represents an improvement from third position in the 2003 survey. Over three years OMAM was ranked third. Rapid growth in unit trust sales Unit trust sales increased by 52% from R3.3 billion to R5.0 billion in 2004, reflecting more positive consumer sentiment towards unit trusts as investment vehicles. Unit trust investment performance was good, with eleven funds positioned in the top quartile of their respective peer groups and seven of these funds being top in their respective categories. Total life sales impacted by weak Group Business Total life sales, including Old Mutual International (OMI), on an Annual Premium Equivalent (APE) basis for the period were R3,084 million, 10% lower than the comparative period in 2003 as Group Business sales continued to disappoint throughout the year. Individual Life Business sales were at similar levels to 2003 and Group Business significantly lower. Individual Business and Group Business contributed R2,662 million (2003: R2,632 million) and R422 million (2003: R809 million) respectively to this result. Individual Life Business sales mixed Individual APE (Rm) 2004 2003 Var % Savings 1,075 1,138 (6%) Protection 651 701 (7%) Immediate annuity 164 125 31% Group Schemes 612 556 10% Total excl. OMI 2,502 2,520 (1%) OMI 160 112 43% Total incl. OMI 2,662 2,632 1% Single 792 686 16% Recurring 1,870 1,946 (4%) Whilst Individual Life Business sales were at similar levels overall to 2003, the mix was different. Single premium sales were R792 million, 16% ahead of prior year, driven by strong sales growth in savings and annuity products. OMI's new international product range also led to significant growth in its single premium sales. Single premium sales growth was similar in both the agency and broker channels. Recurring premium sales were R1,870 million, 4% below 2003, with sales through brokers, particularly of savings products, being markedly lower than in 2003. Reasons for the reduction in broker channel recurring premiums included the impact of regulatory changes, the establishment of broker networks, as well as media perceptions regarding the value provided by recurring investment products. In the case of recurring premium sales the performance in the agency channel was much stronger in the second half of the year, reflecting growth in agent manpower. Group Schemes sales were 10% higher overall than the prior year, although the second half sales were adversely affected by attrition in the sales force headcount, which finished the year some 12% lower than in June 2004. Group Business sales disappoint Group APE (Rm) 2004 2003 Var % Savings 260 495 (47%) Protection 120 86 41% Annuity 42 228 (82%) Total 422 809 (48%) Single 240 582 (59%) Recurring 182 227 (20%) A low level of Group Business sales continued throughout 2004 with no material single premium flows, the exception being the protection business which increased by 41% to R120 million. Group Business single premiums fell 59% to R240 million; recurring premiums also decreased by 20% to R182 million. Group Business single premium sales arise principally from restructuring of benefit plans or the movement of existing assets between different providers. The time- consuming nature of pension fund surplus apportionments (a legislative requirement) and a slow response by companies to provide for post-retirement medical aid liabilities meant that few opportunities crystallised in 2004 for Group Business single premium sales. Lower value of new business but steady margins The after-tax value of new business, excluding OMI, was 13% down on 2003 to R719 million. Growth of 18% in the value of Individual Life Business, reflecting the positive impact of economic and assumption changes, was offset by a 65% reduction in the value of Group Business. The overall new business margin remained stable at 25%. Higher margins were recorded on Individual Life Business following assumption changes and offset the shortfall in Employee Benefits margins. The value of in-force business (VIF) of R10,903 million at 31 December 2004 increased from R9,832 million at 31 December 2003. Within this total, the VIF for Individual Life Business increased by 25% due largely to the positive effect of economic and operating assumption changes primarily reflecting positive mortality experience and the valuation of some sources of profit that were not previously valued. The Group Business VIF declined by 12% on account of the relatively low new business value added, the negative impact of operating assumption changes and the increase in the cost of solvency capital. Management action showing returns OMSA has increased its Personal Financial Advisors (PFA) sales force from 2,314 at 31 December 2003 to 2,643 at 31 December 2004. More than 50% of the Advisor sales force is now on a new remuneration model and benefits are starting to be seen in increasing sales arising from this channel. Our new investment product Max Investments was successfully launched in November. This product uses both life and non-life investment structures to offer investors a cost- and tax-efficient wrapper in one investment and aims to address the need for lower client charges in a low inflation environment. Encouraging sales were achieved in the last two months of 2004 and these have continued into 2005. This has been one of the fastest new product take-ups ever in the PFA distribution channel, confirming the positive market response. The Masthead independent broker network has helped to protect the independent broker market with over 2,200 brokers signed up in 2004. Addressing the sales performance of our Group Business, we continue to work towards the delivery of an integrated distribution approach. Furthermore, the implementation of the Compass administration platform will provide increased efficiency and service benefits for administration clients. Solid capital position The capital strength of the life company has been demonstrated through Statutory Capital Adequacy Requirement (SCAR) coverage of 2.6 times, after allowing for statutory limitations on the value of certain assets. In addition, the proportion of cash in shareholders' funds backing statutory capital requirements increased from 20% in 2003 to 43% in 2004. During 2004 R2.6 billion was invested in Nedcor to support its recapitalisation and a net R0.6 billion was invested to acquire our increased holding in Mutual & Federal. BANKING - NEDCOR Nedcor has been stabilised Nedcor has been stabilised and the balance sheet significantly de-risked. The Nedcor rights issue completed in May 2004 was a success, raising R5.2 billion of additional ordinary capital. The capital injection, together with the active management of assets, including the disposal of non-core assets, the repatriation of R5.1 billion of foreign capital and the improving attributable profits by Nedcor, have all strengthened capital. This improved the mix between the bank's tier 1 and tier 2 capital. Nedcor's capital adequacy (which is defined as regulatory capital as a percentage of risk- weighted assets) was 12.1% at 31 December 2004 (2003: 10.1%), with tier 1 capital at 8.1% (2003: 5.0%). A formal relationship agreement has been put in place. We have finalised the appointment of the executive team and we have introduced the Old Mutual Group Enterprise Risk Management framework. Foreign exchange translation risk has been substantially reduced by the repatriation and hedging of part of the foreign capital, which has been reduced to R4.5 billion as at 31 December 2004 from R9.3 billion at 31 December 2003. Nedcor continues to be exposed to foreign exchange rate movements on the remaining capital, which is held offshore to support foreign operations. During 2004 the translation losses on the remaining foreign capital amounted to R372 million, substantially lower than the comparative period in 2003 (R1,356 million). Recovery is on track Nedcor's adjusted operating profit, including asset management operations, of R2,423 million was a substantial increase on the disappointing year in 2003 (R67 million). This reflects moderate revenue growth in both net interest income (NII) and non-interest revenue (NIR). Revenue was enhanced through margin improvement and controlled asset growth at the expense in some areas of market share. Nedcor's NII, on a UK GAAP basis, increased by 11% to R7,529 million over the comparative period in 2003, driven by improved margins. This margin increase resulted from improved funding and hedging strategies, offshore capital being repatriated and the positive endowment effects of the rights issue. NIR at R7,580 million reflected an upturn in the second half of the year due to improved deal flow in investment banking, increasing 10% over the comparative period in 2003. NIR throughout the year was adversely affected by strategic disposals, and exchange and securities dealing revenue remaining muted. The cost income ratio at 74.5% (2003: 72.5%) was adversely affected by the merger and recovery programme costs while not yet fully recognising the benefits of these programmes realised towards the latter part of 2004. During 2004, management actively reduced headcount by 13% from 24,205 to 21,103. The full effect of headcount reductions will be reflected in 2005. Nedcor continues to focus on improving its cost to income ratio and is on track to achieve its goal of 20% return on equity in 2007. GENERAL INSURANCE - MUTUAL & FEDERAL Mutual & Federal achieves exceptional results Mutual & Federal had an exceptional year with an adjusted operating profit (on a UK GAAP basis) of R1,057 million, increasing 16% from R909 million in 2003. This excellent performance was largely attributable to the continued favourable underwriting cycle, which is reflected in the increase in the underwriting surplus of R527 million in 2004, up 60% from R329 million in 2003. The Group now owns 88% of Mutual & Federal following the acquisition of the 37% previously owned by Royal & Sun Alliance. Strong premium growth up 13% Gross premiums (on a UK GAAP basis) increased to R7,360 million in 2004, an increase of 13%, reflecting new business acquired plus corrective action and rating adjustments in less profitable segments of the business. An overall reduction in claims frequency and severity resulted in one of the strongest cycles the general insurance industry has experienced. Underwriting ratio climbs to 9.8% (SA GAAP) The underwriting surplus of R527 million compared to 2003 (R329 million) reflects the exceptional insurance cycle, improved claims management and close control of management expenses. The strong underwriting ratio (the ratio of the underwriting surplus to net earned premiums) was accordingly 7.8%, up from 5.8% last year. The corresponding SA GAAP ratio was 9.8% for 2004, up from 6.9% in 2003. Insurance cycle softening Although conditions remain conducive to underwriting profitability, the softer cycle and pressure on rates indicate more normal trading conditions are likely to prevail in 2005. BUSINESS REVIEW - UNITED STATES US LIFE Growth in assets delivers improved profits up 25% Our US life business's adjusted operating profit of $174 million was 25% up on the $139 million achieved in 2003 as our strategy to manage growth in profitable product areas and to drive towards capital self-sufficiency in 2007 made good progress. The impact of the continued growth in scale of the business is shown by funds under management increasing by 30% to $17 billion during 2004. Strong APE growth continues - up 29% Total APE for 2004 was $501 million, an increase of 29% from $389 million in 2003, with the business reaping the benefits of successfully diversifying from fixed to equity linked products during 2004, coupled with the maturing of the offshore and corporate channels. Total premiums exceeded $4 billion. OMNIA and Corporate channels continue to mature, with 44% growth of APE over 2003 ($41 million to $59 million). Life assurance sales grew by 25% from $85 million in 2003 to $106 million in 2004. Managing product mix enhances margin to 23% Over the past year the business has demonstrated its flexibility to seize new opportunities in changing market conditions by rapid product development. We succeeded in producing profitable equity index annuity and term life products, both of which achieved second place market share nationally for the period for our Managing General Agents channel. The average margin on new business after tax increased from 15% to 23% of APE and the value of new business after tax at $113 million increased by 92% on the comparative period in 2003, reflecting the positive movements in interest rates and changes in product mix. Capital position strengthened We continue to manage the capital position carefully. In order to support our ratings, we decided to increase the target risk based capital (RBC) ratio to 300%. Consequently, the capital base was strengthened by a one-off injection of $200 million (making a total of $300 million for the year). At the same time we repatriated to the US a significant block of annuity business from Old Mutual Re (Ireland). This repatriation improved our Group solvency position, but had one-off negative impacts of $39 million on our consolidated embedded value and $43 million on our statutory profit before tax for Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company. The US life business continues to mature and is expected to begin releasing capital from 2007. US ASSET MANAGEMENT Adjusted operating profit up 22% The Group's US asset management business delivered adjusted operating profit of $163 million, an increase of 22% on the comparative period in 2003. The combination of increased client inflows and strong equity markets in the latter half of 2004 led to a 21% improvement in average asset levels to $165 billion for 2004. Management fees increased from $497 million in 2003 to $570 million in 2004, significantly improving adjusted operating profit. Strong performance fees, transaction fees and improved revenues from securities lending also contributed to the overall growth in revenue. Offsetting this improvement, expenses increased by 17%, as a result of costs associated with our retail initiative ($6 million) and increased variable compensation costs together with one-off expenses, including the cost of restructuring the Dwight Stable Value Fund ($7 million). Funds under management up 20% Funds under management increased 20% overall during 2004, from $154 billion at 31 December 2003 to $185 billion at 31 December 2004. Investment returns in the funds under management accounted for 12% of the increase, while net inflows of client assets, including $3.2 billion in cash collateral assets, contributed a total of $12.3 billion, or 8% of the increase for the year. 2004 marks the fourth consecutive year of net inflows of client assets to our member firms. Strong fund performance The inflows reflect the continuing strong investment performance achieved by our member firms. At 31 December 2004, 72% and 95% of assets were outperforming their benchmarks over three and five years respectively. Over the same periods, 61% and 73% of assets ranked in the first quartile of their peer group. Retail initiative launched In October, Old Mutual Capital launched the Old Mutual Advisor Funds, establishing the foundation for a full-scale retail distribution initiative. These funds utilise the diverse asset management capabilities of our affiliates to construct asset allocation mutual fund products tailored to different investor risk profiles. This initiative is targeted to increase our presence in the mutual fund market and is designed to give our affiliates access to a higher margin market, further diversifying revenue-generating sources for the Group. Managing the portfolio The US asset management group continually assesses its business position and ability to maintain product leadership. In line with this strategy, several adjustments were made to the manager group in 2004. We reached agreement with the principals of one of our remaining revenue-sharing firms, First Pacific Advisors, under which they have an option to acquire certain of the firm's assets and liabilities with effect from October 2006. Its assets under management at 31 December 2004 were $8.4 billion (31 December 2003: $5.5 billion). At the end of 2004 we discontinued the operations of another member firm, Sirach Capital Management. The firm, predominantly a growth equity manager, had suffered steep asset declines since 2000. Funds under management at the beginning of 2004 were $1.6 billion, and management has taken the decision to return the remaining funds to clients. The resultant non-operating loss to the Group was $14 million, principally the write-off of goodwill. In June 2004, Liberty Ridge Capital (LRC) (formerly Pilgrim Baxter & Associates) reached agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Office of the New York Attorney General to settle regulatory action against the firm. Total fines and penalties agreed were $90 million and have been disclosed as a non-operating loss. LRC has also committed to future fee reductions of $10 million. During 2004, all outstanding class action lawsuits filed against Old Mutual in relation to these activities were consolidated into a single lawsuit along with all other cases against US parties alleging market timing and late trading violations. Proceedings in this case are at the preliminary stage. Following the resolution of regulatory matters and reflecting new company management, LRC underwent a firm-wide revitalisation, revising its product strategy, enhancing its investment processes and rebranding under its new name. Despite net outflows of $2.4 billion in 2004, funds under management remain robust, and management continues to focus on rebuilding the franchise. Early in 2005, we created a strategic alliance with Copper Rock Capital Partners. This is a small cap growth firm, and the alliance is designed to supplement our capability in this product area. Clients benefit from diversity and focus Looking ahead, we are committed to derive business growth organically, leveraging off the diversity and styles of the individual firms. We are currently in negotiations to add a hedge fund capability and will continue to seek targeted investment opportunities in other areas to strengthen and broaden product capability. BUSINESS REVIEW - UK & REST OF WORLD Adjusted operating profit from the Group's UK and Rest of World asset management and life assurance businesses, excluding Nedcor, was GBP22 million in 2004, higher than the GBP12 million earned in the equivalent period in 2003. This result includes the adjusted operating profit from the UK, African countries other than South Africa, OMI and the Far East. Total funds under management in the UK grew by 9% to GBP4.3 billion. Strong net cash inflows into our hedge fund products continued, offset by funds withdrawn by Gerrard clients. During the year, the operations of Bright Capital were merged into OMAM (UK). Selestia continued to grow, with funds under management increasing from GBP289 million to GBP730 million, predominantly through new business sales of GBP423 million (2003: GBP218 million). Selestia reduced its adjusted operating loss to GBP5 million from GBP9 million in 2003. GROUP RESULTS 2004 EPS up by 53% to 15.3p Strong delivery across all businesses contributed to an increase of 47% in adjusted operating profit before tax to GBP956 million. Adjusted operating profit after tax and minority interests increased by 54% from 2003 to GBP574 million in 2004 resulting in a 53% increase in adjusted operating earnings per share to 15.3p for 2004. The basic earnings per share is 14.1p (2003: 8.0p), representing a 76% increase. Operating profit on ordinary activities before tax increased to GBP908 million compared to a profit of GBP475 million in 2003. Funds under management and fund flows During 2004 funds under management increased by 12% from GBP125 billion to GBP140 billion. Our international diversity has delivered strong net cash flows (increased from GBP1.8 billion in 2003 to GBP5.3 billion in 2004) as strong performances of our US and UK businesses more than offset weak flows in South Africa. Achieved profits The Group's adjusted operating profit on an achieved profits basis of GBP1,111 million increased by 57% from GBP707 million in 2003. Adjusted operating profit for life assurance of GBP749 million was up by 25% from GBP600 million in 2003, driven by increased new business in the US and improved experience variances in South Africa. Adjusted operating earnings per share on an achieved profits basis rose from 10.8p to 19.1p. Achieved profits equity shareholders' funds (adjusted for own shares held in policyholders' funds and to bring listed Group subsidiaries to market value) of GBP5,359 million at 31 December 2004 increased by 33% from GBP4,015 million at 31 December 2003. This benefited from an improvement in the Rand exchange rate, an increase in the share prices of Nedcor and Mutual & Federal and the impact of the Nedcor rights issue. Adjusted embedded value per share (before dividends) up by 37% Adjusted embedded value (EV) per share at 31 December 2004 was 139.1p after dividends (143.8p before dividends) representing a growth in EV per share before dividends of 37% over 2003. EV per share has benefited from the strong result for the year including the recovery at Nedcor, increased Group net cash flows, higher market levels and a stronger Rand offset by a weaker US Dollar. Capital The Group's gearing level remains favourable, with senior debt gearing at 31 December 2004 of 11.0% (14.7% at 31 December 2003) and total gearing, including hybrid capital, of 16.5% (21.7% at 31 December 2003). Hybrid capital excludes hybrid debt from banking activities and includes the $750 million of Guaranteed Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Securities issued during 2003 that are reported as part of non-equity minority interests in the financial statements. Senior debt gearing is defined as senior debt over senior debt plus adjusted embedded value on an achieved profits basis. Senior debt excludes debt from banking activities and is net of cash and short term investments which are immediately available to repay debt. Total gearing is similarly based, but includes hybrid capital instruments within debt. Strong support from Old Mutual ensured that the Nedcor rights issue completed in May 2004 was a success, raising R5.2 billion that together with repatriation of surplus foreign capital and other management actions has strengthened Nedcor's capital base resulting in a capital adequacy ratio at 31 December 2004 of 12.1% (10.1% at 31 December 2003). The Group's investment in Mutual & Federal increased to 88% in 2004 as a result of the offer to acquire the outstanding minority interests, which resulted in acceptances representing 37% of Mutual & Federal's issued share capital. Following that transaction, Mutual & Federal paid a special dividend of R860 million, reducing its solvency margin, being the ratio of net assets to net premiums, to 53% at 31 December 2004 (61% at December 2003). This remains comfortably above the minimum required to support current operations and to facilitate the future growth of the business. The solvency ratios of the Group's major life businesses at 31 December 2004 remain well above the minimum statutory requirements, with South Africa's excess assets (after regulatory asset limitations) equivalent to 2.6 times the statutory minimum, and the US business at 299% of the risk-based capital requirement. At 31 December 2004, the Group had in issue US$636 million 3.625 per cent Convertible Bonds maturing on 2 May 2005, which are guaranteed by and convertible into ordinary shares in the Company at a conversion price of 190p per share and an exchange rate of one US Dollar to 69.52p Sterling. During 2004, Old Mutual plc entered into a new GBP1.1 billion five-year multi- currency Revolving Credit Facility, which matures during May 2009, and cancelled its existing GBP900 million, US$600 million and US$60 million Revolving Credit Facilities. The new facility was undrawn at 31 December 2004. Old Mutual is now twelve months into a Group-wide Economic Capital (EC) Programme. Once completed, this will significantly improve the Group's ability to measure risk and business performance. It will also improve transparency and communication with regulators, ratings agencies and investors. Early results are highly encouraging, showing the Group's available financial resources to be well above the EC required for our target rating. Since 1 January 2005 the Group has met the minimum capital resources requirement under the Financial Groups Directive which applies to UK-based financial conglomerates. Taxation The Group's effective tax rate (based on the tax charge as a proportion of adjusted operating profit) of 25% decreased from 34% in 2003. This is primarily as a result of the much improved profitability in Nedcor. In 2003 the Group's effective rate was higher due to Nedcor's non-tax deductible expenses which are relatively fixed amounts on a very low profit base. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (IFRS) Implementation of IFRS across the Group is currently nearing completion. We are planning to publish a restatement of our 2004 year-end income statement and balance sheet under IFRS in May 2005. The aspects of IFRS that will most impact the Group, in common with our peers, are those that deal with financial instruments and insurance and investment contracts. Currently there are a few remaining points of clarity regarding the final version of certain elements of IFRS and interpretation of a number of principles. We anticipate that these points will be resolved before publication of our 2004 numbers restated under IFRS in May. EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) The Group has continued to publish supplementary information on an achieved profits basis for the 2004 financial year. We support the new EEV proposals that have been developed by the European CFO Forum with the purpose of increasing comparability and uniformity in EV reporting. We are currently assessing the impact of those new proposals and for the 2005 interim announcement we will discontinue publishing information on an achieved profits basis and commence reporting in line with EEV. We continue to be committed to monitoring our business on an EV basis as we see this as a key indicator of long-term value. DIVIDEND The Directors of Old Mutual plc are recommending a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2004 of 3.5p per share (making a total of 5.25p for the year, an increase of 9.4% over 2003). The indicative Rand equivalent of this final dividend is 38.0c*** (making a total of 58.5c*** for the year, an increase of 4.5%). The record date for this dividend payment is the close of business on Friday, 22 April 2005 for all the Exchanges where the Company's shares are listed. The last day to trade cum-dividend on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa (JSE), the Namibian and the Malawi Exchanges will be Friday, 15 April 2005, and in Zimbabwe, Thursday, 14 April 2005. The shares will trade ex-dividend from the opening of business on Monday, 18 April 2005 on the JSE, the Namibian and the Malawi Exchanges, from the opening of business on Friday, 15 April 2005 in Zimbabwe, and from the opening of business on Wednesday, 20 April 2005 on the London Stock Exchange. Shareholders on the South African, Zimbabwe and Malawi branch registers and the Namibian section of the principal register will be paid the local currency equivalent of the dividend under the Dividend Access Trust arrangements established in each country. Local currency equivalents of the dividend will be determined by the Company using exchange rates prevailing at close of business on Thursday, 31 March 2005 and will be announced by the Company on Friday, 1 April 2005. Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised on the South African branch register between Monday, 18 April and Friday, 22 April 2005, both dates inclusive and transfers between the registers may not take place during that period. The final dividend is subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting of Old Mutual plc, which is to be held in London on Wednesday, 11 May 2005. Subject to being so approved, the final dividend will be paid on Tuesday, 31 May 2005. Julian V F Roberts Group Finance Director 28 February 2005 The financial information in this document does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2004 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2003 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, and those for 2004 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The auditors have reported on those accounts: their reports were unqualified and did not contain statements under Section 237 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. Summary Consolidated Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 31 December 2004 GBPm Rm Year to Year to Year to Year to 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 2004 2003 2004 2003 Notes (Restated)* (Restated)* South Africa Technical result 313 260 3,697 3,210 Long term investment return 167 178 1,974 2,198 Life assurance 3(b)(iii) 480 438 5,671 5,408 Asset management 3(c)(i) 53 55 639 678 Banking 3(d)(i) 177 (10) 2,099 (118) General insurance 3(e) 89 73 1,057 909 799 556 9,466 6,877 United States Life assurance 3(b)(iii) 96 85 1,126 1,050 Asset management 3(c)(i) 89 81 1,050 1,000 185 166 2,176 2,050 United Kingdom and Rest of World Life assurance 3(b)(iii) 18 20 206 248 Asset management 3(c)(i) 10 (8) 117 (95) Banking 3(d)(i) 14 4 158 48 42 16 481 201 1,026 738 12,123 9,128 Other shareholders' income / expenses 3(f) (33) (40) (390) (494) Debt service costs (37) (48) (437) (593) Adjusted operating profit** 956 650 11,296 8,041 Goodwill amortisation and impairment 6 (110) (206) (1,290) (2,544) Loss on disposal of investment in Dimension Data Holdings plc - (5) - (60) Restructuring and integration costs 3(a) (21) (32) (246) (394) Change in credit provisioning methodology 3(d)(iii) - (87) - (1,074) Fines and penalties (49) - (596) - Short term fluctuations in investment return 226 143 2,662 1,767 Investment return adjustment for own shares held in policyholders' funds 3(b)(iv) (94) 12 (1,115) 148 Operating profit on ordinary activities before tax 908 475 10,711 5,884 Non-operating items 5(b) (35) (32) (418) (404) Profit on ordinary activities before tax 873 443 10,293 5,480 Tax on profit on ordinary activities 4(a) (286) (241) (3,374) (2,976) Profit on ordinary activities after tax 587 202 6,919 2,504 Minority interests equity (44) 117 (519) 1,445 non-equity (59) (46) (696) (568) Profit for the financial year 484 273 5,704 3,381 Dividends paid and proposed (182) (166) (2,001) (2,006) Retained profit for the financial year 302 107 3,703 1,375 Summary Consolidated Profit and Loss Account continued for the year ended 31 December 2004 GBPm Rm Year to Year to Year to Year to 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 2004 2003 2004 2003 Notes (Restated)* (Restated)* The adjusted operating profit on an after-tax and minority interests basis is determined as follows: Adjusted operating profit 956 650 11,296 8,041 Tax on adjusted operating profit 4(a) (240) (224) (2,834) (2,763) 716 426 8,462 5,278 Minority interests equity (83) (7) (980) (96) non-equity (59) (46) (696) (568) Adjusted operating profit after tax and minority interests 574 373 6,786 4,614 Earnings and dividend per share attributable to equity shareholders P c Year to Year to Year to Year to 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec Notes 2004 2003 2004 2003 Earnings per share Adjusted operating earnings per share** 2 15.3 10.0 181.1 123.8 Basic earnings per share 2 14.1 8.0 166.2 99.1 Diluted earnings per share 2 14.1 8.0 166.2 99.1 Dividend per share (Rand dividend indicative only for 2004)*** 5.25 4.8 58.5 56.0 Adjusted weighted average number of shares millions 2 3,748 3,727 3,748 3,727 Weighted average number of shares millions 2 3,432 3,411 3,432 3,411 * 2003 Comparatives have been restated to be consistent with the current year segmental presentation. ** Adjusted operating profit represents the directors' view of the underlying performance of the Group. For life assurance and general insurance businesses, adjusted operating profit is based on a long term investment return and includes investment returns on own shares held within the policyholders' funds. For banking business, adjusted operating profit excludes the loss on disposal of investment in Dimension Data Holdings plc, restructuring and integration costs and the transitional impact of the change in credit provisioning methodology. For all businesses, adjusted operating profit excludes goodwill amortisation and impairment and fines and penalties. Adjusted operating earnings per share is similarly based, but is stated after tax and minority interests, with the calculation of the weighted average number of shares including own shares held in policyholders' funds. The segmental analysis within the consolidated profit and loss account has been prepared on a gross of inter-segment transactions basis. Details of the inter-segment revenue and expenses are set out in note 3. *** Indicative only the actual amount of the final dividend per share in Rand will be determined by reference to the exchange rate prevailing on 31 March 2005 and will be announced by the Company on 1 April 2005. Consolidated Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 31 December 2004 GBPm Rm Year to Year to Year to Year to 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec Notes 2004 2003 2004 2003 Technical account long term business 309 376 3,635 4,645 Tax attributable to shareholders' profits on long term business 202 185 2,383 2,284 511 561 6,018 6,929 Technical account general business 89 73 1,057 909 Banking operating profit / (loss) 121 (276) 1,436 (3,402) Asset management result before goodwill amortisation and fines and penalties 3(c)(i) 135 120 1,603 1,485 Fines and penalties (49) - (596) - Other non-technical account Investment income 46 41 543 506 Unrealised gains on investments 52 15 614 186 Allocated investment returns transferred from the technical account Long term business 188 143 2,213 1,766 General business (45) (47) (530) (580) Investment expenses and charges (37) (48) (437) (593) Other income 4 2 46 25 Other charges (52) (49) (614) (606) Goodwill amortisation (insurance and asset management) (55) (60) (642) (741) Operating profit on ordinary activities before tax 908 475 10,711 5,884 Non-operating items 5(b) (35) (32) (418) (404) Profit on ordinary activities before tax 873 443 10,293 5,480 Tax on profit on ordinary activities 4(a) (286) (241) (3,374) (2,976) Profit on ordinary activities after tax 587 202 6,919 2,504 Minority interests equity (44) 117 (519) 1,445 non-equity (59) (46) (696) (568) Profit for the financial year 484 273 5,704 3,381 Dividends paid and proposed (182) (166) (2,001) (2,006) Retained profit for the financial year 302 107 3,703 1,375 Consolidated Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses for the year ended 31 December 2004 GBPm Rm Year to Year to Year to Year to 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 2004 2003 2004 2003 (Restated)* (Restated)* Profit for the financial year 484 273 5,704 3,381 Foreign exchange movements 141 176 (1,941) (2,574) Total recognised gains and losses for the year 625 449 3,763 807 Prior year adjustment 27 - Total recognised gains and losses since last annual report 652 3,763 Reconciliation of Movements in Consolidated Equity Shareholders' Funds for the year ended 31 December 2004 GBPm Rm Year to Year to Year to Year to 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 2004 2003 2004 2003 (Restated)* (Restated)* Total recognised gains / (losses) for the year 625 449 3,763 807 Dividends paid and proposed (182) (166) (2,001) (2,006) 443 283 1,762 (1,199) Issue of new capital - 37 - 457 Shares issued under share incentive schemes 15 4 177 49 Net sale of shares held in ESOP Trusts and Policyholders' funds 33 6 389 76 Net increase / (decrease) in equity shareholders' funds 491 330 2,328 (617) Equity shareholders' funds at the beginning of the year 2,754 2,424 32,874 33,491 Equity shareholders' funds at the end of the year 3,245 2,754 35,202 32,874 * Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the adoption of Urgent Issues Taskforce Abstract 38 'Accounting for ESOP Trusts'. The effects of this restatement are reductions in equity shareholders' funds at 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2003 of GBP127 million (R1,380 million) and GBP109 million (R1,301 million) respectively representing the original cost of these shares of GBP143 million (R1,380 million) (2003: GBP136 million (R1,301 million)) less cumulative foreign exchange losses of GBP16 million (R Nil) (2003: GBP27 million (R Nil)). Consolidated Balance Sheet at 31 December 2004 GBPm Rm At At At At 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 2004 2003 2004 2003 Notes (Restated)* (Restated)* Intangible assets Goodwill 6 1,152 1,264 12,497 15,088 Insurance and other assets Investments Land and buildings 773 677 8,386 8,081 Other financial investments 25,840 22,756 280,317 271,631 26,613 23,433 288,703 279,712 Assets held to cover linked liabilities 7,977 5,860 86,536 69,949 3(g) 34,590 29,293 375,239 349,661 Reinsurers' share of technical provisions Provision for unearned premiums 14 19 152 227 Long term business provision 269 301 2,918 3,593 Claims outstanding 70 54 759 645 353 374 3,829 4,465 Debtors Debtors arising from direct insurance operations 173 225 1,877 2,686 Debtors arising from reinsurance operations 22 7 239 84 Other debtors 305 470 3,309 5,610 500 702 5,425 8,380 Other assets Tangible fixed assets 74 81 803 966 Cash at bank and in hand 504 695 5,467 8,296 Present value of acquired in-force business 164 194 1,780 2,315 Other assets 425 332 4,610 3,963 1,167 1,302 12,660 15,540 Prepayments and accrued income Accrued interest and rent 210 184 2,278 2,196 Deferred acquisition costs 665 427 7,214 5,097 Other prepayments and accrued income 123 127 1,334 1,516 998 738 10,826 8,809 Total insurance and other assets 37,608 32,409 407,979 386,855 Banking assets Cash and balances at central banks 926 1,025 10,055 12,235 Treasury bills and other eligible bills 1,485 888 16,110 10,600 Loans and advances to banks 2,522 2,092 27,358 24,972 Loans and advances to customers 17,174 15,136 186,316 180,674 Debt securities 1,934 1,420 20,976 16,952 Equity shares and other variable yield securities 259 317 2,811 3,784 Interest in associated undertakings 91 144 987 1,719 Tangible fixed assets 223 221 2,423 2,638 Land and buildings 160 141 1,738 1,683 Prepayments and accrued income and other assets 2,726 2,658 29,571 31,728 Total banking assets 27,500 24,042 298,345 286,985 Total assets 66,260 57,715 718,821 688,928 Consolidated Balance Sheet at 31 December 2004 GBPm Rm At At At At 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 2004 2003 2004 2003 (Restated)* (Restated)* Capital and reserves Called up share capital 386 384 4,187 4,584 Share premium account 600 587 6,509 7,007 Merger reserve 184 184 1,996 2,196 Profit and loss account 2,444 2,000 26,103 22,995 3,614 3,155 38,795 36,782 Reserve in respect of own shares held in policyholders' funds (369) (401) (3,593) (3,908) Equity shareholders' funds 3,245 2,754 35,202 32,874 Minority interests Equity 869 652 9,427 7,783 Non-equity 658 658 7,138 7,854 1,527 1,310 16,565 15,637 Subordinated liabilities - 15 - 179 Insurance and other liabilities Technical provisions Provision for unearned premiums 77 80 835 955 Long term business provision 23,138 20,660 251,006 246,612 Claims outstanding 680 417 7,376 4,978 23,895 21,157 259,217 252,545 Technical provisions for linked liabilities 7,977 5,860 86,536 69,949 Provisions for other risks and charges 639 551 6,932 6,576 Creditors Creditors arising from direct insurance operations 305 478 3,308 5,706 Creditors arising from reinsurance operations 10 3 108 36 Other creditors including tax and social security 1,783 1,806 19,346 21,550 Amounts owed to credit institutions 467 377 5,065 4,501 Convertible loan stock 332 357 3,602 4,261 2,897 3,021 31,429 36,054 Accruals and deferred income 181 135 1,964 1,611 Total insurance and other liabilities 35,589 30,724 386,078 366,735 Banking liabilities Deposits by banks 2,821 4,381 30,607 52,295 Customer accounts 17,508 13,976 189,933 166,827 Debt securities in issue 1,563 468 16,956 5,586 Other liabilities 3,228 3,200 35,025 38,199 Provision for deferred tax 95 229 1,030 2,732 Subordinated liabilities 678 648 7,358 7,745 Convertible loan stock 6 10 67 119 Total banking liabilities 25,899 22,912 280,976 273,503 Total liabilities 66,260 57,715 718,821 688,928 Commitments 1,072 1,017 11,629 12,144 Contingent liabilities 1,907 2,422 20,688 28,910 * Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the adoption of Urgent Issues Taskforce Abstract 38 'Accounting for ESOP Trusts'. Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 December 2004 GBPm Rm Year to Year to Year to Year to 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 2004 2003 2004 2003 Operating activities Net cash inflow from insurance and other operating activities 952 916 11,239 11,312 Net cash outflow from banking operating activities (412) (679) (4,863) (8,387) Net cash inflow from operating activities 540 237 6,376 2,925 Net cash outflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance (113) (128) (1,334) (1,580) Total tax paid (293) (174) (3,457) (2,149) Net cash (outflow) / inflow from capital expenditure and financial investment (2) 227 (23) 2,804 Net cash (outflow) / inflow from acquisitions and disposals (31) 83 (366) 1,025 Equity dividends paid (181) (178) (2,132) (2,198) Net cash (outflow) / inflow before financing activities (80) 67 (936) 827 Net cash inflow from financing activities 284 231 3,346 2,851 Net cash inflow of the Group excluding long term business 204 298 2,410 3,678 Cash flows relating to insurance and other activities were invested as follows: (Decrease) / increase in cash holdings (157) 36 (1,852) 445 Increase in net portfolio investments 546 616 6,442 7,605 389 652 4,590 8,050 Cash flows relating to banking activities were invested as follows: Decrease in cash and balances at central banks (185) (354) (2,180) (4,372) Net cash inflow of the Group excluding long term business 204 298 2,410 3,678 The cash flows presented in this statement exclude all cash flows relating to policyholders' funds for the long term business. 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