Beaufort Buy rating16 Mar 2016 09:05
Yesterday, Legal & General Group (L&G) declared its results for the year ended 31st December 2015. Operating profit rose 14% to £1.5bn, driven by the L&G Retirement (LGR) division, which grew 49% to £639m. Pre-tax profit increased 9% to £1.4bn, leading to adjusted EPS of 18.58p, up 11% from 2014. The group’s solvency II ratio (a measure of capital strength) was 169%, based on a surplus of £5.5bn. As on 31st December 2015, L&G had an economic capital surplus of £7.6bn, representing an economic capital coverage of 230% (2014: 229%). Net cash generation stood at £1.3bn, up 14% from 2014. L&G Investment Management (LGIM)’s assets under management (AUM) rose 8% to £746.1bn, while LGIM’s external net AUM flows totalled £37.7bn vis-à-vis £7.5bn in 2014. Total investment during the period increased 22% to £7.0bn. UK retail protection premiums rose 5% to £1.1bn, while L&G America’s premiums improved 6% to US$1.2bn. L&G has proposed a final dividend of 9.95p, bringing the full-year dividend to 13.40p, up 19% over 2014.
Our view: Legal & General showed excellent performance in 2015, reporting strong growth across most divisions. The LGR segment continued to grow, benefitting from the introduction of lifetime mortgages and direct investments. The division internationalized its business in 2015, as it entered the US and European pension risk transfer markets, which would offer substantial growth opportunities. The LGIM division took steps to diversify the business by providing a range of solutions across client segments and markets, such as fiduciary management and pathway funds for DC schemes. Overall, the group saw an improvement in most parameters, including solvency surplus, annuity assets and AUM. L&G’s solid cash position allowed it to increase full-year dividends. The group is proactively divesting non-core businesses to reduce costs in real and nominal terms. These initiatives have enhanced efficiency across business lines and enabled the company to focus on key markets. L&G increased investment in urban regeneration, housing, alternative finance and clean energy to capitalize on the opportunities available in these domains. The group plans to invest in growth markets and expand its product portfolio. In light of the above argument, we maintain a Buy rating on the stock.