CSN31 Mar 2011 21:05
Acquisitions fuel strong growth in shareholder value and dividend growth
continues
31 March 2011
Chesnara today reported final results for the year ended 31 December 2010.
These are the first set of results which include the effect of the acquisition
of Save & Prosper Insurance Limited and its subsidiary Save & Prosper Pensions
Limited ('Save & Prosper') which was acquired on 20th December 2010. The Group
remains committed to offering shareholders an attractive long-term income
stream arising from the profits of its life and pensions businesses.
Profit on IFRS basis before tax for the year ended 31 December at £34.2m
including profit of £15.9m arising from acquisitions, predominantly that of
Save & Prosper, (2009: £44.7m, including an acquisition profit of £25.1m) and
at £18.3m excluding the profit arising on acquisitions (2009: £19.6m)
Earnings per share on IFRS basis of 29.05p, (2009: 45.26p)
On EEV basis pre-tax profit for the year of £77.0m including the exceptional
profit of £41.0m arising on acquisitions, predominantly that of Save & Prosper,
(2009: £78.2m, including an acquisition profit of £54.2m) and £36.0m excluding
the exceptional profit arising on acquisitions (2009: £24.0m).
Shareholder equity on EEV basis (pre proposed final dividend payment) now £
354.6m - £3.09p per share (2009: £262.6m - £2.59p per share)
Group solvency ratio remains well above target at 200% post dividend (2009:
316%). In the UK, Countrywide Assured's solvency ratio remained strong at 213%
(2009: 197%) whilst Save & Prosper had a ratio of 268%. Swedish business
solvency ratio also remains above target at 188% (2009: 302%)
Completed acquisition of operations and certain assets of Aspis Försäkringar
Liv AB ('Aspis'), a relatively small Swedish life and health insurer, in
February 2010
Successful re-branding of Swedish business, Moderna, to Movestic with improving
sales, however persistency remains challenging
Final proposed dividend increased to 10.6p (2009:10.3p). Total dividend for the
year increased by 2.8% to 16.4p (2008:15.95p)
Board remains confident about future dividend flows
Continue to examine value adding acquisition opportunities