20-F
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 20-F
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(Mark One)
¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR(g) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31,
2013
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
OR
¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 1-10882
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Aegon N.V.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
The Netherlands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Aegonplein 50, PO Box 85, 2501 CB The Hague, The Netherlands
(Address of principal executive offices)
J.H.P.M. van Rossum
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
Aegon N.V.
Aegonplein 50, 2501 CB The Hague, The Netherlands
+31-70-3448334
Jurgen_vanRossum@aegon.com
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
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Title of each class |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common shares, par value EUR 0.12 per share |
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New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Not applicable
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
Not applicable
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period
covered by the annual report: 1,909,654,051 common shares
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned
issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act
x Yes No ¨
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the
registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. ¨ Yes No x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirement for the past 90 days. x Yes No ¨
Indicate by check mark
whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act
x Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer
Indicate by checkmark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing
¨ U.S. GAAP x International Financial
Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board ¨ Other
If other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the
registrant has elected to follow.
¨ Item 17 ¨Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). ¨ Yes No x
This page has been intentionally left
blank.
Cross reference table Form 20-F
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Item 1 |
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Identity of Directors, Senior Management and
Advisers |
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n/a
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Item
2 |
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Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
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n/a
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Item
3 |
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Key Information |
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3A |
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Selected financial data |
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13-15 |
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3B |
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Capitalization and indebtedness |
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n/a |
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3C |
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Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds |
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n/a |
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3D |
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Risk factors |
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85-87; 157-202; 319-334 |
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Item
4 |
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Information on the Company |
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4A |
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History and development of the company |
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12; 16-84; 279 |
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4B |
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Business overview |
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16; 31-42; 47-52; 57-61; 68-84 |
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4C |
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Organizational structure |
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12 |
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4D |
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Property, plants and equipment
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335 |
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Item 4A |
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Unresolved Staff Comments
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n/a |
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Item 5 |
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Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects |
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5A |
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Operating results |
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17-30; 43-46; 53-56; 62-67; 157-202; 263-267 |
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5B |
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Liquidity and capital resources |
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88-91; 239-241; 268-269 |
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5C |
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Research and development, patent and licenses etc. |
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n/a |
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5D |
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Trend information |
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8-10 |
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5E |
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Off-balance sheet arrangements |
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271-275 |
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5F |
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Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations |
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199-201; 271-277 |
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5G |
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Safe harbor |
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n/a |
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Item 6 |
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Directors, Senior Management and Employees |
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6A |
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Directors and senior management |
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6-7; 99-100 |
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6B |
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Compensation |
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101-107; 215-217; 283-287 |
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6C |
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Board practices |
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6-7; 93-100; 108-111 |
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6D |
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Employees |
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335 |
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6E |
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Share ownership |
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109-111; 282-287 |
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Item 7 |
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Major Shareholders and Related Party
Transactions |
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7A |
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Major shareholders |
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307-309 |
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7B |
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Related party transactions |
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282-287 |
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7C |
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Interest of experts and counsel |
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n/a |
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Item 8 |
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Financial Information |
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8A |
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Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information |
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122-128; 310-315 |
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8B |
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Significant Changes |
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n/a |
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Item 9 |
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The Offer and Listing |
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9A |
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Offer and listing details |
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337 |
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9B |
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Plan of distribution |
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n/a |
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9C |
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Markets |
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337 |
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9D |
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Selling shareholders |
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n/a |
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9E |
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Dilution |
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n/a |
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9F |
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Expenses of the issue |
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n/a |
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
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Item 10 |
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Additional Information
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10A |
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Share capital |
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n/a |
10B |
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Memorandum and articles of association
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338-339 |
10C |
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Material contracts |
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340 |
10D |
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Exchange controls |
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340 |
10E |
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Taxation |
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340-346 |
10F |
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Dividends and paying agents
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n/a |
10G |
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Statement by experts |
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n/a |
10H |
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Documents on display |
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350 |
10I |
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Subsidiary Information
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n/a |
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Item 11 |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
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87; 174-202 |
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Item 12 |
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Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities |
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n/a |
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Item 13 |
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Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies |
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n/a |
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Item 14 |
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Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
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n/a |
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Item 15 |
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Controls and Procedures
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114-115 |
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16A |
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Audit committee financial expert
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96 |
16B |
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Code of Ethics |
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113 |
16C |
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Principal Accountant Fees and Services
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346-347 |
16D |
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Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
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n/a |
16E |
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Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
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348 |
16F |
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Change in Registrants Certifying Accountant |
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348 |
16G |
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Corporate Governance |
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108-111 |
16H |
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Mine Safety Disclosure
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n/a |
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17 |
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Financial Statements |
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n/a |
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18 |
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Financial Statements |
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122-288 |
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19 |
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Exhibits |
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359 |
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
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1
Table of contents
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
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Introduction
Filing
This document contains Aegons Annual Report 2013 and will also be filed as Aegons Annual Report on Form 20-F with
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
About this report
This report serves as Aegons Annual Report prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS), and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code for the year ended December 31, 2013, for Aegon N.V. (the company) and its subsidiaries (collectively known as Aegon). This report
presents the Consolidated Financial Statements of Aegon (pages 122-288) and the Parent Company Financial Statements of Aegon (pages 291-305).
Presentation of certain information
Aegon N.V. is referred to in this document as Aegon, or the company. Aegon N.V. together with its member
companies are referred to as Aegon Group. For such purposes, member companies means, in relation to Aegon N.V., those companies that are required to be consolidated in accordance with the legislative requirements of the
Netherlands relating to consolidated accounts.
References to the NYSE are to the New York Stock
Exchange and references to the SEC are to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Aegon uses EUR and euro when referring to the lawful currency of the member states of the European Monetary Union; USD,
and US dollar when referring to the lawful currency of the United States of America; GBP, UK pound and pound sterling when referring to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom; CAD and
Canadian dollar when referring to the lawful currency of Canada; PLN when referring to the lawful currency of Poland; CNY when referring to the lawful currency of the Peoples Republic of China;
RON when referring to the lawful currency of Romania; HUF when referring to the lawful currency of Hungary; TRY when referring to the lawful currency of Turkey; CZK when referring to the lawful
currency of Czech Republic and UAH when referring to the lawful currency of Ukraine.
Aegon prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS) and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code for purposes of reporting with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC), including financial information contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. Aegons accounting policies and its use of various options under IFRS are described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
Other than for SEC reporting, Aegon prepares its Annual Accounts under International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted
by the European Union, including the decisions Aegon made with regard to the options available under International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (IFRS-EU). IFRS-EU differs from IFRS in respect of certain paragraphs in IAS 39
Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement regarding hedge accounting for portfolio hedges of interest rate risk. Under IFRS-EU, Aegon applies fair value hedge accounting for portfolio hedges of interest rate risk (fair value
macro hedges) in accordance with the EU carve out version of IAS 39. Under IFRS, hedge accounting for fair value macro hedges cannot be applied to mortgage loans and ineffectiveness arises whenever the revised estimate of the amount of
cash flows in scheduled time buckets is either more or less than the original designated amount of that bucket.
This information is prepared by reversing the hedge accounting impacts that are applied under the EU carve out
version of IAS 39. Financial information under IFRS accordingly does not take account of the possibility that had Aegon applied IFRS as its primary accounting framework it might have applied alternative hedge strategies where those alternative hedge
strategies could have qualified for IFRS compliant hedge accounting. These decisions could have resulted in different shareholders equity and net income amounts compared to those indicated in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
A reconciliation between IFRS-EU and IFRS is included in note 2.1 to the consolidated financial statements.
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Strategic information Letter of the CEO |
Letter of the CEO
In 2013 we achieved strong results across our markets and experienced increasing demand for our core products and
services, as we pursue our mission of helping individuals and families take responsibility for their financial future. Over the past year, we have made significant progress in enhancing the growth prospects for our business, strengthening our
financial position, and in transforming our business to create value for our many stakeholders.
In each of our chosen markets, profound and lasting market changes are driving
increased demand for reliable financial solutions. People are living longer than at any time in history; the post-war (baby boomer) generation is now entering retirement with an immense pool of accumulated and still-growing assets that
will need to be managed for an increasingly longer retirement; governments are continuing to withdraw from traditional means of publicly-provided pension support; and companies have considerably decreased, or ended altogether, their contributions to
employee retirement plans. In many developing markets, strong economic growth is creating a sizable and growing affluent middle class that will inevitably seek the same financial protection and long-term security solutions as those in more mature
economies. All of these factors provide excellent growth opportunities for our business and confirm that our products and services have never been more needed. Moreover, they provide the basis for the broad range of actions we are taking to further
transform our businesses and enhance our ability to interact better and more frequently with those who depend on us.
During 2013, we expanded our reach through promising new distribution agreements in our key markets. We continued to invest in
our businesses in Central & Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America, given the strong demand for protection and savings products in these developing economies. Meanwhile, we continued to review our products and services, broadening and
deepening our capabilities in order to target opportunities, and ensuring that the products we offer deliver value for both our customers and Aegon, given our long-term risk-return criteria.
In the United States, we have brought nearly all of our businesses together under the well-recognized Transamerica brand,
furthering the strategic integration of our operations which began three years ago. In what continues to be the largest market in the world for life insurance and retirement products and services, we have enhanced our leadership positions with new
distribution partners, and developed new digital capabilities that will allow us to better serve our current and future customers diverse financial needs across their life-cycle.
At the center of our strategy is our focus on getting closer to our customers
through an accelerated investment in technology. The nature of many of our products necessitates professional advice and, as such, we believe the financial advisor will continue to play an essential role in our business. New digital platforms have
been introduced to provide intermediaries with the tools to operate more efficiently in a rapidly changing landscape. In the United Kingdom for instance, Aegons new pension platform, known as Aegon Retirement Choices, is demonstrating early
success. We recognize that consumers increasingly research and wish to purchase financial services products online, as they do many other products and services. Consequently, we are committed to enabling our current and future customers to interact
with us in the ways they choose. In the Netherlands, we launched new digital channels aimed at specific customer segments more likely to purchase life insurance and retirement solutions through digital rather than traditional channels.
In addition to enabling our businesses to connect and engage with customers better and with greater frequency, technology also
delivers the tools to create a truly distinctive and relevant customer experience. We are committed to providing greater ease of interaction with our businesses, simplifying product explanations, and empowering customers with practical online tools
that will both enable them to better understand their financial needs and provide greater clarity about the products and services available to address these needs. This approach, we believe, is essential to our focus on building customer loyalty and
strengthening our competitive advantage in an increasingly crowded market.
Consistent with our strict risk-return
discipline, we further strengthened Aegons risk profile by maintaining a solid balance sheet and further improving our capital position. The strong financial performance, combined with our actions to reduce costs across our organization during
2013, enabled us to continue the momentum of recent years. Clearly, our strategic priorities have delivered their intended benefits to our customers and businesses, and to our valued shareholders who have every reason to expect an attractive and
growing return on their investment.
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
5
Essential to our long-term success is creating an internal culture of
customer-centricity, innovation and shared responsibility. Equipping our leaders with the resources they require to promote this culture is among our most important objectives. During the past year, we have introduced a number of training and
development programs to enhance the professional skills and competencies of employees at all levels. Mindful of the pace of technological advances in todays digital environment, we also recognize the need to attract talented individuals from
outside our industry who are able to embrace and accelerate the changes we are implementing. Encouraging new ways of thinking and responding to the considerable opportunities we have identified is a pre-requisite of management, and key to our
long-term success.
Beyond what we have done to fulfil our commitments to our customers over the past year
paying just over EUR 20 billion in claims and benefits our businesses have also contributed financially and our employees given generously of their time and talents to make a difference in the communities in which they live and work. Aegon
takes seriously its broader commitments to the communities where we operate and to society at large. In addition to maintaining sound corporate governance standards and practices, we believe this can have a positive impact on issues related to the
environment, responsible investment, financial literacy, and other socially sustainable concerns. This, we believe, is as critical to our long-term business success as our disciplined risk and financial management.
My Management Board colleagues and I wish to express our gratitude to the
dedicated men and women of Aegon who have contributed to our solid results and strategic progress over the past year. Through their focused and determined efforts, we have enhanced our ability to better serve our current and future customers by
delivering consistently high quality products and services, while strengthening our prospects for sustainable, profitable growth going forward. We also wish to reaffirm our commitment to you, our valued shareholders, who have likewise made possible
the achievements of recent years through your abiding confidence and support.
Thank you for your ongoing interest
in Aegon and in all that we are doing to assist our current and future customers in planning and achieving a secure financial future. Ensuring that we continue to be in a strong position to deliver on our promises remains our most important
priority.
Sincerely,
Alex Wynaendts
Chairman of the Executive Board of Aegon N.V.
and Chief Executive Officer
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Strategic information Composition of the Executive Board and the Management Board |
Composition of the Executive Board
and the Management Board
Alex Wynaendts (1960, Dutch)
Chief Executive Officer
Chairman of the Executive Board
Chairman of the Management Board
Alex Wynaendts began his career in 1984 with ABN AMRO Bank, working in Amsterdam and London in the Dutch banks capital
markets, asset management, corporate finance and private banking operations. In 1997, Mr. Wynaendts joined Aegon as Senior Vice President for Group Business Development. Since 2003, he has been a member of Aegons Executive Board,
overseeing the companys international growth strategy. In April 2007, Mr. Wynaendts was named Aegons Chief Operating Officer. A year later, he became CEO and Chairman of Aegons Executive and Management Boards.
Darryl Button (1969, Canadian)
Chief Financial Officer
Member of the Executive Board
Member of the Management Board
Darryl Button began his career by Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Canada and joined Aegon in 1999 as Director of Product
Development and Risk Management of Aegon USAs Institutional Markets operation unit. He was appointed Corporate Actuary of Aegon USA in 2002, followed by CFO of Aegon Americas in 2005. Between 2008-2011, Mr. Button took on the
responsibilities of Chairman and executive management of Aegons Canadian operations, and in 2012 he joined Aegons Corporate Center as Executive Vice President and Head of the Corporate Financial Center. In 2013, Mr. Button was
appointed as CFO and member of the Executive Board of Aegon. He is also a member of the Management Board.
Adrian Grace (1963, British)
Member of the Management Board
Chief Executive Officer of Aegon UK
Adrian Grace started his career with Leeds Permanent Building Society in 1979, before joining Mercantile Credit in 1984. In
2001, Mr. Grace joined Sage Group PLC as Managing Director of the Small Business Division. In 2004, Barclays Insurance asked him to join them as Chief Executive. Mr. Grace joined HBOS in 2007 as Managing Director of Commercial within the
Corporate Division. In 2009, he joined Aegon UK as Group Business Development Director and on April 4, 2011, he became the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Grace has been a member of Aegons Management Board since February 2012. He sits
on the Board of the Association of British Insurers.
Tom Grondin (1969, Canadian)
Member of the Management Board
Chief Risk Officer of Aegon N.V.
Tom Grondin was appointed Chief Risk Officer of Aegon N.V. in August 2003 and a member of Aegons Management Board on
January 1, 2013. His current responsibilities include managing the Risk and Compliance functions. In this role, Mr. Grondin is responsible for development and oversight of Aegons Enterprise Risk Management framework and Aegons
internal Economic Framework. The Economic Framework has helped guide Aegons risk and business strategy over the years. He joined Aegon in 2000 in one of Aegon USAs larger operations. Mr. Grondin had overall responsibility for
pricing, profitability and risk management for the business. Prior to joining Aegon, he was employed as a consultant at TillinghastTowers Perrin and before that as asset liability manager at Manulife Financial.
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
7
Marco Keim (1962, Dutch)
Member of the Management Board
Chief Executive Officer of Aegon the Netherlands
Marco Keim began his career with accountants Coopers & Lybrand/Van Dien. Mr. Keim has also worked for aircraft
manufacturer Fokker Aircraft and NS Reizigers, part of the Dutch railway company, NS Group. In 1999, he joined Swiss Life in the Netherlands as a member of the Board. Three years later, Mr. Keim was appointed CEO. In June 2008, he became CEO of
Aegon the Netherlands and a member of Aegons Management Board.
Gábor Kepecs (1954, Hungarian)
Member of the Management Board
Chief Executive Officer of Aegon Central & Eastern Europe
Gábor Kepecs began his career with the Hungarian government before joining former state-owned insurance company
Állami Biztosító. In 1990, he was appointed CEO, two years before Állami Biztosító was privatized and acquired by Aegon. Between 1992 and 2009, Mr. Kepecs was the CEO of Aegon Hungary. In that time, he
has headed the expansion of Aegons businesses not only in Hungary but also across the Central & Eastern European region. Mr. Kepecs has been a member of Aegons Management Board since it was established in 2007.
Mark Mullin (1963, American)
Member of the Management Board
Chief Executive Officer of Aegon Americas
Mark Mullin has spent more than 20 years with Aegon in various management positions in both the United States and Europe. Mr.
Mullin has served as President and CEO of one of Aegons US subsidiaries, Diversified, and as head of the companys annuity and mutual fund businesses. In January 2009, he was named President of Aegon Americas and he became President and
CEO of Aegon Americas and a member of the Management Board one year later.
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Strategic information Aegons strategy |
Aegons strategy
Aegon is an international provider of life insurance, pensions and asset management products, with businesses in
more than 25 markets in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and just over EUR 475 billion in revenue-generating investments. Aegon employs nearly 27,000 people, and has millions of customers across the globe.
Aegons purpose is to help people take responsibility for their financial
future. To achieve this, the company strives to provide easy-to-understand products that help customers make better financial decisions for themselves and their families. As a company, Aegon believes that everyone, regardless of their income,
deserves to retire with dignity and peace of mind.
Aegons ambition is to become a leader in all of its chosen
markets. This means being the most recommended provider of life insurance and pensions among customers, the preferred partner among intermediaries and distributors, and the employer of choice for both current and prospective employees.
Recognizing the increasing demand for asset protection, accumulation and long-term retirement security products and services,
Aegon is investing in new approaches to better serve the full range of customers financial needs throughout their life cycle. This includes accelerating investment in technology to enable Aegons businesses to interact directly with
customers.
Fostering a truly customer-centric culture throughout the organization is at the core of Aegons
strategy. This entails ensuring that every employee understands how he or she can contribute to a distinctive and consistently positive customer experience. To support this essential cultural mindset, a new coordinated approach to performance
management has been implemented across Aegons businesses, with a strong emphasis on talent development and customer centricity. Compensation and incentives have been aligned accordingly. Aegon encourages new thinking and innovative approaches
as it continues to transform its businesses.
In recent years, Aegon has taken steps to reduce costs, lower risk and
free up capital for reinvestment in its businesses. It has divested businesses no longer considered core, or which have failed to provide sufficient returns or prospects for long-term growth. These actions have enabled Aegon to achieve a solid
capital position, deal effectively with economic and market volatility, and position its businesses for future growth. At the same time, Aegon has invested in key areas of growth, such as emerging markets in Central & Eastern Europe, Asia
and the Americas, while also restructuring its businesses to achieve greater operational efficiency and deliver a higher level of customer service. Better leveraging the broad expertise that
exists within Aegon across various businesses and geographies continues to be a
key strategic objective.
Aegons strategy is supported by its ambition: to be a leader in all of its
chosen markets. To support this ambition, Aegon has implemented four strategic objectives:
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To optimize its portfolio by investing in businesses that offer attractive returns and strong prospects for growth and, if necessary, closing or divesting business that do not meet
Aegons risk-return requirements, or contribute to its long-term ambitions; |
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To enhance customer loyalty by improving customer service, investing in new distribution capabilities, and expanding the companys online presence to connect better and more frequently
with its customers; |
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To deliver operational excellence by improving efficiency and reducing costs, innovating and making better use of its resources around the world; |
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To empower employees by providing the tools, training and internal culture necessary to better serve the developing needs of its customers, while also enabling employees to realize their
full potential. |
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In 2013, Aegon took clear steps toward each of these objectives, helping position the
companys businesses for the future, and meet the risks and opportunities presented by long-term industry trends.
Optimize portfolio
Aegon targeted opportunities in its core markets in the Americas, Europe
and Asia by:
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Investing in the rapidly-expanding at-retirement market of people in their fifties and sixties who are actively preparing for retirement in the United States, the United Kingdom and the
Netherlands. In the United Kingdom, Aegon is seeking to increase its share of the workplace savings and non-advised markets; |
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Repositioning in Central & Eastern Europe by channeling other resources into new products and services, ceasing new investment in mandatory private pensions due to government
restrictions, selling off pension operations in the Czech Republic, and expanding the life and pensions business in Romania; |
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
9
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Expanding into new markets through the acquisition of Fidem Life, one of Ukraines leading providers in the emerging life insurance market, and the opening of a new office in Germany in
the second half of 2013 to market variable annuities; |
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Re-pricing, redesigning and withdrawing products, improving Aegons overall product mix to reduce capital requirements and improve profitability; |
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¿ |
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Restructuring in Spain by securing a twenty-five year joint venture and distribution partnership with Banco Santander, the countrys largest bank, and exiting some former joint
ventures; |
|
¿ |
|
Entering new distribution partnerships with other key banks, including Barclays Bank in the United Kingdom. |
Enhance customer loyalty
Aegon is expanding digital distribution capability and improving understanding of customers changing needs by:
|
¿ |
|
Launching new online products in Spain and Turkey. Aegon now retails online in nearly all its markets, and has also expanded its digital marketing and social media efforts;
|
|
¿ |
|
Investing in emerging new business models. In the Netherlands, Aegon launched Kroodle, a social media platform to sell general insurance, and in recent years has begun distribution through the
drugstore chain Kruidvat; |
|
¿ |
|
Expanding the companys variable annuities business, and launching other related products, such as a new series of mutual funds in the United States, and new additional risk riders with
products in Central & Eastern Europe; |
|
¿ |
|
Implementing a common measurement for customer loyalty. Aegon has implemented the Net Promoter Score (NPS) across its businesses, and is using NPS methodology to drive long-term improvements in
products and customer service. The company has also established a Customer Intelligence Council to improve analysis of customer data and statistics, and launched the not-for-profit Transamerica Center for Health Studies to research and contribute to
important health issues in the United States. |
Deliver operational excellence
Aegon improved efficiency, supported intermediaries and expanded distribution through traditional channels by:
|
¿ |
|
Continuing to reduce costs where possible to allow for increased investments. Cost saving initiatives included the creation of a shared service center in the Americas, further cost reduction in the
Netherlands, and restructuring both in the United Kingdom and at Aegons Corporate Center; |
|
¿ |
|
Pursuing value over volume through a strict pricing discipline, an approach aimed at securing profitable, sustainable growth while making sure that, before any new product or service is
introduced, customer benefits are fully assessed and taken into account through an updated Pricing & Product Development Policy;
|
¿ |
|
Investing in a new online platform in the United Kingdom, called Aegon Retirement Choices. The platform provides independent financial advisors with a clear overview of Aegons product range,
and helps them to provide the right advice to Aegons customers; |
|
¿ |
|
Opening up access to Aegons Global Ethics Line to make it easier for outside parties to report suspected misconduct and violations of the companys Code of Conduct; |
|
¿ |
|
Completing a second transaction to reduce the risk associated with longer life expectancy in the Netherlands and cover EUR 1.4 billion in longevity reserves. |
|
Empower employees
Aegon strengthened employee engagement, and improved the working environment by:
¿ |
|
Introducing limited paid time off for volunteer work. By the end of 2013, 91% of Aegons employees worldwide had access to this benefit; |
|
¿ |
|
Helping employees establish new affinity groups in the United States and the Netherlands in support of broader efforts to improve workforce diversity; |
|
¿ |
|
Deepening Aegons regular talent review, which maps employees skills against the companys long-term requirements; |
|
¿ |
|
Supporting employees impacted by company restructuring with social plans and programs to find new employment within and outside the company; |
|
¿ |
|
Implementing local action plans based on the findings from the 2013 Global Employee Engagement Survey. Aegon identified three main priorities: do more to explain the companys business
strategy to employees; strengthen employees focus on customers; provide additional opportunities for career development; |
|
¿ |
|
Developing an Employer Value Proposition, which sets out the advantages of working for Aegon among prospective employees. The Employer Value Proposition will support wider efforts in new
recruitment. |
|
Market conditions
The global economy continued to recover in 2013, but growth was low in many countries, and business confidence remained
depressed. Overall, world output expanded by 2.9%, the lowest annual rate of growth since the end of the previous recession in 2009. Growth is forecast to accelerate in 2014, but the global economy still faces significant downside risks.
In the United States, economic growth improved. There was further improvement in the US housing market. Unemployment decreased
though much of the decline in reported rates was attributed to people withdrawing from the labor force rather than to job creation. Cuts in government spending subdued economic growth, however.
|
|
|
10
|
|
Strategic information Aegons strategy |
In Europe, growth rates continued to lag behind those of the United States and
other developed economies. High rates of unemployment persisted, particularly in those countries hit hardest by the recent eurozone crisis. The German and French economies showed modest growth, while those of Spain and Italy remained in recession.
Meanwhile, the UK economy showed stronger growth. In the Netherlands, the economy contracted. Many European countries continued to struggle with structural, economic and financial sector reform.
Overall growth in emerging markets was relatively strong, though at a much lower rate than in previous years. In China, the
worlds second largest economy, growth slowed to 7.6%, with export markets sluggish and the Chinese economy re-focusing on internal consumption. In Central & Eastern Europe, growth rates improved, due in part to a stronger performance
from the regions main trading partners in Western Europe.
Share prices in both the United States and Europe
rose to new highs on signs of renewed economic growth. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the year up nearly 26%; over the same period, the FTSE-100 gained almost 15%. The long-term yield on US bonds also increased significantly on expectations
of tapered debt purchases by the Federal Reserve. Short-term interest rates remained at historical lows of close to zero. In the United States, the Federal Reserve began to tighten monetary policy at the end of the year in response to further
significant improvement in unemployment rates. Yields on 10-year German bonds improved, due in part to increased demand from eurozone banks.
Increased financial stability in the eurozone strengthened the euro. By the end of 2013, the euro had gained just over 3.6%
against the US dollar, and more than 3% against sterling. Slower economic growth brought depreciation in many emerging market currencies, including the Brazilian real, the Indian rupee and the South African rand.
Economists are optimistic about further economic growth in 2014. Nevertheless, the global economy faces considerable risks,
particularly from the future direction of Federal Reserve monetary policy and the management of the US government budget. Uncertainty also persists with regard to structural economic reform in Europe, and continued weak labor markets on both sides
of the Atlantic. Emerging market growth remains relatively high, but may be impacted as the global economy adjusts to historically low GDP growth rates, especially in China and India.
Long-term industry trends
The life insurance and pensions industry is in a period of significant change for several reasons. These include shifts in the
global economic balance, aging populations, changing demographics, new legislation, and the increasing trend of customers who research financial services products and then purchase online.
The worlds population is growing older. By the middle of the century, the United Nations estimates that worldwide
almost 1.5 billion people will be over the age of 65. More than three quarters will live in less developed economies. Rising life expectancy will increase the length of retirement. At the same time, governments are no longer able to afford generous
state pensions. This means greater demand for life insurance, pensions and other long-term savings and investment products as individuals seek ways to achieve a secure financial future.
There is change in the way insurance and pension products are sold and purchased. The regulatory environment has
changed significantly in many of Aegons markets. In the United States, for example, there has been major healthcare and financial services reform. In the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, new legislation has effectively ended commissions for
brokers and other intermediaries. As a result, financial services providers like Aegon, and financial advisors and intermediaries, are seeking to interact better and more regularly with their customers to serve their broader needs. Meanwhile, new
technology is increasing the ability of customers to research and buy financial products online. Emerging competition from online-only providers has begun to challenge established business models.
The economic recovery remains uncertain. Despite improvement, economic growth remains uncertain. Financial volatility
has increased, and interest rates are at historical lows, which may restrict profits for insurance companies and other financial service providers. Increased volatility means customers are more aware of financial risk.
Companies are held to higher standards of corporate behavior. There is increasing pressure on companies to be
responsible employers, investors and purchasers of goods and services. Many companies increasingly recognize the connection between financial performance and responsible resources management.
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
11
|
Solvency II and
related developments Solvency II will become operational on January 1, 2016; to ensure a smooth
transition, many national prudential frameworks are undergoing adjustment. Aegon continues to remain on track with its preparations. Aegon has allocated considerable resources to the development of its partial internal model. This model is currently in the pre-application phase with Aegon´s College of Supervisors.
Aegon aims to contribute to the resolution of any outstanding issues relating to Solvency II by active participation in
discussions with several industry bodies. In particular, it provides input to measures to address long-term guarantee issues. At the request of their national supervisory authorities, a number of Aegon companies participated in the recent long-term
guarantees assessment. In accordance with Solvency II requirements, Aegon has set up risk management processes and governance structures. Aegon actively manages its business in a market-consistent and risk-sensitive manner. These processes and
structures include product pricing, asset and liability management, capital management, and business strategy setting. The company is also optimizing its reporting process to be aligned with the requirements to be introduced by Solvency
II. Aegon is on track with embedding Solvency II requirements into its existing business processes in a
business-as-usual environment, while keeping abreast of the latest national, EU and international policy and regulatory developments relevant to insurance groups. To ensure that Aegon is not disadvantaged competitively by the implementation of
Solvency II, or related wider international developments, Aegon contributes to discussions with European and International regulators and supervisors. For example, Aegon is participating in the EU-US dialogue and global initiatives by the
International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) to establish a common framework for the supervision of internationally active insurance groups (ComFrame) and develop a basic international capital standard.
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
Business overview History and development of Aegon |
Business overview
History and development of Aegon
Aegon N.V., domiciled in the Netherlands, is a public limited liability company organized under Dutch law. Aegon
N.V. was formed in 1983 through the merger of AGO and Ennia, both of which were successors to insurance companies founded in the 1800s.
Aegon N.V., through its member companies that are collectively referred to as
Aegon or the Aegon Group, is an international life insurance, pensions and asset management company. Aegon is headquartered in the Netherlands and employs, through its subsidiaries, nearly 27,000 people worldwide. Aegons common shares are
listed on stock exchanges in Amsterdam (NYSE Euronext) and New York (NYSE).
Aegon N.V. is a holding company.
Aegons businesses focus on life insurance, pensions and asset management. Aegon is also active in accident, supplemental health, and general insurance, and has some limited banking activities. The companys operations are conducted
through its operating subsidiaries.
The main operating units of Aegon are separate legal entities organized under
the laws of their respective countries. The shares of those legal entities are directly or indirectly held by three intermediate holding companies incorporated under Dutch law: Aegon Europe Holding B.V., the holding company for all European
activities; Aegon International B.V., which serves as a holding company for the Aegon Group companies of all
non-
European countries; and Aegon Asset Management Holding B.V., the holding company for some of its asset management entities.
Aegon operates in more than 25 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and serves millions of customers. Its main markets
are the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
The company encourages product innovation and
fosters an entrepreneurial spirit within its businesses. New products and services are developed by local business units with a continuous focus on helping people take responsibility for their financial future. Aegon uses a multi-brand, multichannel
distribution approach to meet its customers needs.
Aegon has the following reportable operating segments:
the Americas, which includes the United States, Canada, Brazil and Mexico; the Netherlands; the United Kingdom; and New Markets, which includes a number of countries in Central & Eastern Europe, and Asia, Spain, France, Variable Annuities
Europe, and Aegon Asset Management.
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
13
Selected financial data
The financial results in this Annual Report are based on Aegons consolidated financial statements, which
have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS).
Application of the accounting policies in the preparation of the financial
statements requires management to apply judgment involving assumptions and estimates concerning future results or other developments, including the likelihood, timing or amount of future transactions or events. There can be no assurance that actual
results will not differ materially from those estimates. Accounting policies that are critical to the presentation of the financial statements and that require
complex estimates or significant judgment are described in the notes to the financial statements.
A summary of historical financial data is provided in the table below. It is important to read this summary in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected consolidated income statement information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In EUR million (except per share amount) |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 1) |
|
|
|
2011 2) |
|
|
|
2010 2) |
|
|
|
2009 2) |
|
Amounts based upon IFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium income |
|
|
19,939 |
|
|
|
19,049 |
|
|
|
19,521 |
|
|
|
21,097 |
|
|
|
19,473 |
|
Investment income |
|
|
7,909 |
|
|
|
8,413 |
|
|
|
8,167 |
|
|
|
8,762 |
|
|
|
8,681 |
|
Total revenues 3) |
|
|
29,805 |
|
|
|
29,327 |
|
|
|
29,159 |
|
|
|
31,608 |
|
|
|
29,751 |
|
Income/ (loss) before tax |
|
|
1,147 |
|
|
|
1,866 |
|
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
1,940 |
|
|
|
(410) |
|
Net income/ (loss) |
|
|
980 |
|
|
|
1,543 |
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
1,777 |
|
|
|
239 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per common share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
0.68 |
|
|
|
(0.05) |
|
|
|
0.77 |
|
|
|
(0.13) |
|
Diluted |
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
0.68 |
|
|
|
(0.05) |
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
(0.13) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per common share B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Diluted |
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
1 As described in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, comparative information related to previous periods was retrospectively restated for the changes in
accounting policies on IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IAS 19.
2 The consolidated financial statements, comparative
information related to previous periods was retrospectively restated for the changes in accounting policies on IAS 19. 3 Excluded from the income statements prepared in accordance with IFRS are receipts related to investment-type annuity products and investment contracts.
|
|
Selected consolidated balance sheet information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In million EUR (except per share amount) |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 1) |
|
|
|
2011 2) |
|
|
|
2010 2) |
|
|
|
2009 2) |
|
Amounts based upon IFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
353,745 |
|
|
|
364,832 |
|
|
|
345,091 |
|
|
|
331,995 |
|
|
|
298,540 |
|
Insurance and investment contracts |
|
|
282,107 |
|
|
|
276,358 |
|
|
|
270,679 |
|
|
|
270,693 |
|
|
|
248,903 |
|
Borrowings and trust pass-through securities 3) |
|
|
12,159 |
|
|
|
13,846 |
|
|
|
10,040 |
|
|
|
8,604 |
|
|
|
7,314 |
|
Shareholders equity |
|
|
20,059 |
|
|
|
23,449 |
|
|
|
20,036 |
|
|
|
16,806 |
|
|
|
11,812 |
|
|
1 |
As described in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, comparative information related to previous periods was retrospectively restated for the changes in accounting policies on IFRS 10,
IFRS 11 and IAS 19. |
|
2 |
The consolidated financial statements, comparative information related to previous periods was retrospectively restated for the changes in accounting policies on IAS 19. |
|
3 |
Includes subordinated borrowings and excludes bank overdrafts. |
|
|
|
14
|
|
Business overview Selected financial data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In thousands |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
Balance at January 1 |
|
|
1,972,030 |
|
|
|
1,909,654 |
|
|
|
1,736,049 |
|
|
|
1,736,049 |
|
|
|
1,578,227 |
|
Share issuance |
|
|
120,713 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
173,605 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
157,822 |
|
Stock dividends |
|
|
38,716 |
|
|
|
62,376 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Balance at end of period |
|
|
2,131,459 |
|
|
|
1,972,030 |
|
|
|
1,909,654 |
|
|
|
1,736,049 |
|
|
|
1,736,049 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of common shares B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In thousands |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
Balance at January 1 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Share issuance |
|
|
579,005 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Stock dividends |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Share withdrawal |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Balance at end of period |
|
|
579,005 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Dividends
Aegon declared interim and final dividends on common shares for the years 2010 through 2013 in the amounts set forth in the
following table. The 2013 interim dividend amounted to EUR 0.11 per common share. The interim dividend was paid in cash or stock at the election of the shareholder. The interim dividend was payable as of September 13, 2013. At the General
Meeting of Shareholders on May 21, 2014, the Supervisory Board will, absent unforeseen circumstances, propose a final dividend of
EUR 0.11 per common share (at each shareholders option in cash or in stock), which will bring the total dividend for 2013 to EUR 0.22. Dividends in US dollars are calculated based on the
foreign exchange reference rate as published each working day at 14:15 hours by the European Central Bank on the business day following the announcement of the interim dividend or on the business day following the General Meeting of Shareholders
approving the relevant final dividend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EUR per common share 1) |
|
|
|
USD per common share 1) |
|
Year |
|
|
Interim |
|
|
|
Final |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Interim |
|
|
|
Final |
|
|
|
Total |
|
2009 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
2010 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
2011 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
2012 |
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
0.11 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
0.26 |
|
2013 |
|
|
0.11 |
|
|
|
0.112) |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
1 |
Paid at each shareholders option in cash or in stock. |
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
15
From May 2003 to May 2013, Aegon had common shares and class A and class B
preferred shares. The annual dividend on Aegons class A and class B preferred shares was calculated on the basis of the paid-in capital on the preferred shares using a rate equal to the European Central Banks fixed interest percentage
for basic refinancing transactions plus 1.75%, as determined on NYSE Euronext Amsterdams first working day of the financial year to which the dividend relates. Apart from this, no other dividend was paid on the preferred shares. This resulted
in a rate of 2.75% for the year 2012. Applying this rate to the weighted average paid-in capital of its preferred shares during 2012, the total amount of annual dividends Aegon made in 2013 on its preferred shares for the year 2012 was EUR 59
million. In addition, Aegon paid a 2013 interim dividend on the preferred shares of EUR 24 million, covering the period from January 1, 2013 until the cancellation of all preferred shares in May 2013.
Exchange rates
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the US dollar will affect the dollar equivalent of the euro price of
Aegons common shares traded on NYSE Euronext Amsterdam and, as a result, are likely to impact the market price of Aegons common shares in the United States. Such fluctuations will also affect any US dollar amounts received by holders of
common shares upon conversion of any cash dividends paid in euros on Aegons common shares.
As of
March 3, 2014, the USD exchange rate was EUR 1 = USD 1.3763.
The high and low exchange rates for the US
dollar per euro for each of the last six months through February 2014 are set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing rates |
|
|
Sept. 2013 |
|
|
|
Oct. 2013 |
|
|
|
Nov. 2013 |
|
|
|
Dec. 2013 |
|
|
|
Jan. 2014 |
|
|
|
Feb. 2014 |
|
High (USD per EUR) |
|
|
1.3537 |
|
|
|
1.3810 |
|
|
|
1.3606 |
|
|
|
1.3816 |
|
|
|
1.3682 |
|
|
|
1.3806 |
|
Low (USD per EUR) |
|
|
1.3120 |
|
|
|
1.3490 |
|
|
|
1.3357 |
|
|
|
1.3552 |
|
|
|
1.3500 |
|
|
|
1.3507 |
|
The average exchange rates for the US dollar per euro for the five years ended
December 31, 2013, calculated by using the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period, are set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
Average rate 1) |
|
2009 |
|
|
1.3955 |
|
2010 |
|
|
1.3216 |
|
2011 |
|
|
1.4002 |
|
2012 |
|
|
1.2909 |
|
2013 |
|
|
1.3303 |
|
|
1 |
The US dollar exchange rates are the noon buying rates in New York City for cable transfers in euros as certified for customs purposes by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York. |
|
|
|
16
|
|
Business overview Business lines |
Business lines
Americas
Includes Aegons businesses and operating units in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.
Life & Protection
Products with
mortality, morbidity and longevity risks, including traditional and universal life, as well as endowment, term, and whole life insurance products. Accident and health business, including supplemental health, accidental death and dismemberment
insurance, critical illness, cancer treatment, credit/disability, income protection, and long-term care insurance.
Individual Savings & Retirement
Primarily variable annuity products and retail mutual funds. Currently fixed annuities are not actively sold.
Employer Solutions & Pensions
Includes both individual and group pensions, as well as 401(k)-type of pension plans, and stable value solutions.
The Netherlands
Life & Savings
Products with
mortality, morbidity, and longevity risks, including traditional and universal life, as well as employer, endowment, term, whole life insurance products, mortgages, saving deposits, and annuity products.
Pensions
Individual and group pensions usually
sponsored by, or obtained via, an employer.
Non-life
General insurance, consisting mainly of automotive, liability, disability, household insurance, and fire protection.
Distribution
Independent distribution channel, offering both life and non-life insurance solutions.
United Kingdom
Life
Immediate annuities, individual
protection products, such as term insurance, critical illness, and income protection.
Pensions
Individual pensions, including self-invested personal pensions and income drawdown products. Group pensions, sponsored by, or
obtained via, an employer. Also includes the tied-agent distribution business.
New Markets
Includes all businesses and operating units in Central & Eastern Europe, Asia, Spain and France, as
well as Aegons variable annuity activities in Europe and Aegon Asset Management.
Central & Eastern Europe
Active in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Includes life insurance, individual and
group pension products, savings and investments, as well as general insurance.
Spain
Distribution partnerships with Spanish banks, offering life insurance, accident and health, and general insurance and
investment products.
France
Partnership with French insurer and pension specialist AG2R La Mondiale.
Asia
Direct and affinity products are marketed in Asia through Aegon Direct & Affinity Marketing Services. Aegon offers
life insurance to high-net-worth individuals via the Transamerica brand. Aegon has joint ventures in China, India, and Japan. Products include (term) life insurance in China and India, and variable annuities in Japan.
Variable Annuities Europe
Variable annuities
offered by Aegon companies operating in Europe and international/offshore bonds for the UK market.
Aegon Asset Management
Asset management products, including equity and fixed income, covering third party clients, insurance-linked solutions, and
Aegons own insurance companies.
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
17
Results of operations
Results 2013 worldwide
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying earnings geographically |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
% |
|
Net underlying earnings |
|
|
1,541 |
|
|
|
1,424 |
|
|
|
8% |
|
Tax on underlying earnings |
|
|
405 |
|
|
|
427 |
|
|
|
(5% |
) |
Underlying earnings before tax geographically |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Americas |
|
|
1,369 |
|
|
|
1,366 |
|
|
|
0% |
|
The Netherlands |
|
|
355 |
|
|
|
325 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
(11% |
) |
New markets |
|
|
236 |
|
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
(14% |
) |
Holding and other activities |
|
|
(113 |
) |
|
|
(224 |
) |
|
|
50% |
|
Underlying earnings before tax |
|
|
1,945 |
|
|
|
1,851 |
|
|
|
5% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net fair value items |
|
|
(1,133 |
) |
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Gains / (losses) on investments |
|
|
502 |
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
23% |
|
Impairment charges |
|
|
(121 |
) |
|
|
(176 |
) |
|
|
31% |
|
Other income / (charges) |
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
(162 |
) |
|
|
68% |
|
Run-off businesses |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Income before tax (excluding income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and
associates) |
|
|
1,155 |
|
|
|
1,881 |
|
|
|
(39% |
) |
|
|
|
|
Income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and associates included in income before
tax |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
(47% |
) |
Income
tax |
|
|
(174 |
) |
|
|
(338 |
) |
|
|
49% |
|
Of which Income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures
and associates included in income before tax |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
47% |
|
Net income |
|
|
980 |
|
|
|
1,543 |
|
|
|
(36% |
) |
|
|
|
|
Commissions and expenses |
|
|
5,809 |
|
|
|
5,765 |
|
|
|
1% |
|
of which operating expenses |
|
|
3,328 |
|
|
|
3,177 |
|
|
|
5% |
|
This Annual Report includes the non-IFRS financial measure: underlying earnings
before tax. The reconciliation of this measure to the most comparable IFRS measure is presented in the table above as well as in note 5 of the consolidated financial statements. This non-IFRS measure is calculated by consolidating on a proportionate
basis the revenues and expenses of Aegons joint ventures in Spain, China and Japan and Aegons associates in India, Brazil and Mexico.
The table also includes the non-IFRS financial measure: net underlying earnings. This is the after-tax equivalent of underlying
earnings before tax. The reconciliation of net underlying earnings to the most comparable IFRS measure is presented in the table above. Aegon believes that its non-IFRS measure provides meaningful information about the underlying operating results
of Aegons businesses, including insight into the financial measures that senior management uses in managing the businesses.
Aegons senior management is compensated based in part on Aegons results against targets using the non-IFRS measure
presented herein. While many other insurers in Aegons peer group present substantially similar non-IFRS measures, the non-IFRS measure presented in this document may nevertheless differ
from the non-IFRS measures presented by other insurers. There is no standardized meaning to these measures under IFRS or any other recognized set of accounting standards and readers are cautioned to consider carefully the different ways in which
Aegon and its peers present similar information before comparing them. Aegon believes the non-IFRS measure shown herein, when read together with Aegons reported IFRS financial statements, provides meaningful supplemental information for the
investing public to evaluate Aegons businesses after eliminating the impact of current IFRS accounting policies for financial instruments and insurance contracts, which embed a number of accounting policy alternatives that companies may select
in presenting their results (that is, companies may use different local generally accepted accounting principles (GAAPs)), and this may make the comparability difficult from period to period.
|
|
|
18
|
|
Business overview Results of operations Worldwide |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New life sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
% |
|
Americas |
|
|
464 |
|
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
(11%) |
|
The Netherlands |
|
|
206 |
|
|
|
246 |
|
|
|
(16%) |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
1,014 |
|
|
|
936 |
|
|
|
8% |
|
New markets |
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
253 |
|
|
|
(10%) |
|
Total life production |
|
|
1,911 |
|
|
|
1,955 |
|
|
|
(2%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross deposits (on and off balance) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
% |
|
Americas |
|
|
28,424 |
|
|
|
27,042 |
|
|
|
5% |
|
The Netherlands |
|
|
1,338 |
|
|
|
1,484 |
|
|
|
(10%) |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
281 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
- |
|
New markets |
|
|
14,287 |
|
|
|
10,909 |
|
|
|
31% |
|
Total gross deposits |
|
|
44,330 |
|
|
|
39,472 |
|
|
|
12% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Worldwide revenues geographically 2013 |
|
|
Americas |
|
|
|
The Nether- lands |
|
|
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
|
New Markets |
|
|
|
Holding, other activities and elimina-
tions |
|
|
|
Segment total |
|
|
|
Associ- ates and Joint Ventures elimina-
tions |
|
|
|
Consoli- dated |
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total life insurance gross premiums |
|
|
6,187 |
|
|
|
3,515 |
|
|
|
6,537 |
|
|
|
1,349 |
|
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
17,529 |
|
|
|
(416 |
) |
|
|
17,112 |
|
Accident and health insurance premiums |
|
|
1,787 |
|
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,200 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
2,190 |
|
General insurance premiums |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
487 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
681 |
|
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
637 |
|
Total gross premiums |
|
|
7,975 |
|
|
|
4,245 |
|
|
|
6,537 |
|
|
|
1,713 |
|
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
20,410 |
|
|
|
(471 |
) |
|
|
19,939 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income |
|
|
3,370 |
|
|
|
2,310 |
|
|
|
2,054 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7,968 |
|
|
|
(58 |
) |
|
|
7,909 |
|
Fees and commission income |
|
|
1,273 |
|
|
|
328 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
583 |
|
|
|
(238 |
) |
|
|
2,026 |
|
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
|
1,950 |
|
Other revenue |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
6 |
|
Total revenues |
|
|
12,622 |
|
|
|
6,883 |
|
|
|
8,670 |
|
|
|
2,531 |
|
|
|
(293 |
) |
|
|
30,413 |
|
|
|
(608 |
) |
|
|
29,805 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of employees, including agent employees |
|
|
12,256 |
|
|
|
4,282 |
|
|
|
2,400 |
|
|
|
7,651 |
|
|
|
302 |
|
|
|
26,891 |
|
|
|
(3,417 |
) |
|
|
23,474 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By product segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
% |
|
Life |
|
|
1,017 |
|
|
|
1,068 |
|
|
|
(5%) |
|
Individual Savings & Retirement |
|
|
507 |
|
|
|
490 |
|
|
|
3% |
|
Pensions |
|
|
386 |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
10% |
|
Non-life |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
(20%) |
|
Distribution |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
7% |
|
Asset management |
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
(6%) |
|
Other |
|
|
(111) |
|
|
|
(224) |
|
|
|
51% |
|
Associates |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
(29%) |
|
Underlying earnings before tax |
|
|
1,945 |
|
|
|
1,851 |
|
|
|
5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
19
Results 2013 worldwide
Aegons 2013 net income amounted to EUR 849 million. Increased underlying earnings before tax of EUR 1,945
milion were impacted by a loss of EUR 1,309 million on fair value items driven by losses on the hedging programs and long-term economic assumption changes. This was partly offset by lower impairment charges and lower other charges since 2012
included a charge of EUR 265 million in relation to the acceleration of product improvements for unit-linked insurance policies.
Net income
Net income decreased to EUR 980 million compared to EUR 1,543 million in 2012. Higher underlying earnings, realized gains
on investments, lower impairments and other charges were more than offset by losses from fair value items.
Underlying earnings before tax
Aegons underlying earnings before tax in 2013 increased 5% to EUR 1,945 million compared to EUR 1,851 million in
2012. Underlying earnings before tax rose from business growth, deleveraging, the positive effects of favorable equity markets and the net positive impact of one-time items. These positive one-time items were only partly offset by the loss of
earnings due to divestments in Spain and Aegon Asset Management, and the impact of unfavorable currency exchange rates.
|
¿ |
|
Underlying earnings before tax in the Americas improved slightly to EUR 1,369 million. Growth in Variable Annuities and Pensions offset the impact of unfavorable currency exchange rates, lower
earnings from Fixed Annuities, higher sales and employee related expenses, and additional investments in technology. At constant currencies, underlying earnings increased by 3%. |
|
¿ |
|
In the Netherlands, underlying earnings before tax increased 9% to EUR 355 million. Higher Pension earnings, driven mostly by a benefit resulting from observed mortality of EUR 25 million and
improvement in Non-life more than offset lower earnings in Life & Savings, due mostly to reduced policy charges on unit-linked products of EUR 28 million as part of the acceleration of product improvements to unit-linked insurance
policies. |
|
¿ |
|
Underlying earnings before tax in the United Kingdom amounted to EUR 98 million in 2013, a decline of 11% compared to 2012. The positive impact of higher equity markets was more than offset by
adverse persistency of EUR 22 million following the implementation of the Retail Distribution Review and investment in technology. |
|
¿ |
|
Underlying earnings before tax from New Markets declined 14% to EUR 236 million. Higher earnings in Asia and Aegon Asset Management, which benefitted from higher asset
|
|
|
balances, were more than offset by lower earnings in Central & Eastern Europe due to the introduction of the insurance tax in Hungary and divestments in Spain and Aegon Asset Management.
|
|
¿ |
|
Total holding costs decreased 50% to EUR 113 million, mainly as a result of lower net interest costs following debt redemptions, lower operating expenses and a gain of EUR 18 million
related to interest on taxes. |
Fair value items
The results from fair value items amounted to a loss of EUR 1,133 million. The loss was mainly driven by equity macro hedges
(EUR 590 million) and long-term economic assumption changes (EUR 405 million) in the Americas and a loss of EUR 118 million in the guarantee portfolio in the Netherlands, which mainly the result of the tightening of Aegons credit spread
and model refinements.
In 2013, to reflect the low interest rate environment, Aegon lowered its long-term
assumption for 10-year US Treasury yields by 50 basis points to 4.25% and extended the uniform grading period from 5 years to 10 years. Aegon also changed its assumed returns for US separate account bond fund to 4% over the next 10 years and 6%
thereafter from its previous assumptions of 4% over the next 5 years and 6% thereafter. In addition, Aegon changed its long-term equity market return assumption for the estimated gross profit in variable life and variable annuity products in the
Americas from 9% to 8%. In total, these assumption changes led to a negative impact on earnings of EUR 405 million in 2013. Both the assumptions for the bond fund and that for the long-term equity market are gross assumptions from which asset
management and policy fees are deducted to determine the policyholder return.
The loss on fair value hedges in the
Americas was mainly driven by the loss on the equity macro hedges, which have been set up to protect Aegons capital position, as a result of strong US equity market performance in 2013. Aegon restructured its equity hedges as the equity collar
hedge expired at the end of the year.
|
|
|
20
|
|
Business overview Results of operations Worldwide |
Realized gains on investments
Realized gains on investments amounted to EUR 502 million and were driven primarily by adjustments to the asset mix in the
Netherlands during the second half of the year to bring it in line with the new regulatory yield curve, as well as normal trading activity.
Impairment charges
Impairment charges improved by EUR 55 million to EUR 121 million in 2013, mostly due to recoveries on investments in
subprime residential mortgage-backed securities in the United States.
Other charges
Other charges amounted to EUR 52 million, which is a 68% improvement from 2012 and included a charge of EUR
192 million related to a write-off of intangibles related to the Polish pension fund business following a legislation change coming into force in January 2014. In addition, 2013 included a charge of EUR 71 million due to increased accruals
in connection with Aegons use of the U.S. Social Security Administrations death master-file and a EUR 25 million charge in the Netherlands following the Koersplan court verdict and restructuring charges mainly in the Americas and
the United Kingdom (EUR 108 million in total). These charges were partly offset by gains from the sale of joint ventures with Unnim and CAM of EUR 102 million and EUR 74 million respectively, and gains from the recapture of certain
reinsurance contracts amounting to EUR 200 million in the Americas.
Run-off businesses
The results of run-off businesses improved to EUR 14 million, mainly due to a deferred policy acquisition cost (DPAC)
true-up of EUR 11 million in BOLI/COLI (bank/corporate owned life insurance).
Income tax
Income tax amounted to EUR 174 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 15%, driven mostly by the combined effects of
negative fair value items taxed at nominal rates, tax credits, and tax exempt items. There was also a tax charge of EUR 50 million in the Americas related to hedging losses in 2013, and a benefit of EUR 93 million in the United Kingdom
from a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 23% to 20%.
The effective tax rate on underlying earnings for 2013
was 21%
Commissions and expenses
Commissions and expenses in 2013 increased 1% compared to 2012 to EUR 5,809 million. Operating expenses increased 5% to EUR
3,328 million, driven mainly by higher sales and employee performance related expenses due to growth in the Americas, restructuring costs in the Americas and United Kingdom, and higher investments in technology to support future growth.
Production
Compared to 2012, Aegons total sales increased 6% to EUR 7.2 billion as higher gross deposits more than offset lower new
life sales. Gross deposits increased 12% to EUR 44.3 billion, driven by variable annuities and mutual funds in the United States and Aegon Asset Management. New life sales were down 2%. Higher pension production in the United Kingdom was offset
primarily by lower universal life sales in the Americas due to product withdrawals and product redesign, resulting from focus on value creation, as well as adverse currency movements.
Capital management
The 2013 gross leverage ratio, which is calculated by dividing the total gross financial leverage by the total capitalization,
was 30.0%.
Aegons Insurance Group Directive (IGD) ratio decreased to 212%, mainly due to the impact of IAS
19 and the switch to the swap curve for regulatory solvency calculations in the Netherlands. The combined risk-based capital ratio of Aegons life insurance subsidiaries in the United States was approximately 440% of the Company Action Level
(CAL) risk-based capital. The IGD ratio in the Netherlands, excluding Aegon Bank, was approximately 240%. The Pillar I ratio in the United Kingdom, including the With Profit fund, was approximately 150% at the end of 2013.
On February 10, 2014, Aegon called for the redemption of the USD 550 million in junior perpetual capital securities
with a coupon of 6.875% issued in 2006. The redemption was effective March 15, 2014, when the principal amount of USD 550 million was repaid with accrued interest.
Dividends from business units
Aegon received EUR 1.5 billion of dividends from its business units during 2013, split between EUR 0.9 billion from the
Americas, EUR 0.5 billion from the Netherlands and EUR 0.1 billion from Aegon Asset Management and Central & Eastern Europe. Capital contributions of EUR 0.5 billion were paid to Aegons operating units, including EUR 0.4 billion to
the United Kingdom.
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
21
Results 2012 worldwide
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying earnings geographically |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
Net underlying earnings |
|
|
1,424 |
|
|
|
1,247 |
|
|
|
14% |
|
Tax on underlying earnings |
|
|
427 |
|
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
44% |
|
Underlying earnings before tax geographically |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Americas |
|
|
1,366 |
|
|
|
1,286 |
|
|
|
6% |
|
The Netherlands |
|
|
325 |
|
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
- |
|
New markets |
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
10% |
|
Holding and other activities |
|
|
(224) |
|
|
|
(303) |
|
|
|
26% |
|
Underlying earnings before tax |
|
|
1,851 |
|
|
|
1,544 |
|
|
|
20% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net fair value items |
|
|
(41) |
|
|
|
(416) |
|
|
|
90% |
|
Gains / (losses) on investments |
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
446 |
|
|
|
(9%) |
|
Impairment charges |
|
|
(176) |
|
|
|
(388) |
|
|
|
55% |
|
Other income / (charges) |
|
|
(162) |
|
|
|
(267) |
|
|
|
39% |
|
Run-off businesses |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
(93%) |
|
Income before tax (excluding income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and
associates) |
|
|
1,881 |
|
|
|
947 |
|
|
|
99% |
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and associates included in income before
tax |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
67% |
|
Income tax |
|
|
(338) |
|
|
|
(60) |
|
|
|
- |
|
Of which Income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures
and associates included in income before tax |
|
|
(15) |
|
|
|
(9) |
|
|
|
(67%) |
|
Net income |
|
|
1,543 |
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
74% |
|
|
|
|
|
Commissions and expenses |
|
|
5,765 |
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
(8%) |
|
of which operating expenses |
|
|
3,177 |
|
|
|
3,420 |
|
|
|
(7%) |
|
New life sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
Americas |
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
418 |
|
|
|
24% |
|
The Netherlands |
|
|
246 |
|
|
|
254 |
|
|
|
(3%) |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
936 |
|
|
|
852 |
|
|
|
10% |
|
New markets |
|
|
253 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
(19%) |
|
Total life production |
|
|
1,955 |
|
|
|
1,835 |
|
|
|
7% |
|
Gross deposits (on and off balance) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
Americas |
|
|
27,042 |
|
|
|
23,028 |
|
|
|
17% |
|
The Netherlands |
|
|
1,484 |
|
|
|
2,048 |
|
|
|
(28%) |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
(34%) |
|
New markets |
|
|
10,909 |
|
|
|
6,556 |
|
|
|
66% |
|
Total gross deposits |
|
|
39,472 |
|
|
|
31,688 |
|
|
|
25% |
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
Business overview Results of operations Worldwide |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Worldwide revenues geographically 2012
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
Americas |
|
|
The Nether- lands |
|
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
New Markets |
|
|
Holding, other activities and elimina- tions |
|
|
Segment total |
|
|
Associ- ates and Joint Ventures elimina- tions |
|
|
Consoli- dated |
|
Total life insurance gross premiums |
|
|
6,541 |
|
|
|
3,004 |
|
|
|
6,047 |
|
|
|
1,374 |
|
|
|
(73) |
|
|
|
16,893 |
|
|
|
(693) |
|
|
|
16,200 |
|
Accident and health insurance premiums |
|
|
1,833 |
|
|
|
220 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,241 |
|
|
|
(11) |
|
|
|
2,230 |
|
General insurance premiums |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
475 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
619 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
619 |
|
Total gross premiums |
|
|
8,374 |
|
|
|
3,699 |
|
|
|
6,047 |
|
|
|
1,706 |
|
|
|
(73) |
|
|
|
19,753 |
|
|
|
(704) |
|
|
|
19,049 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income |
|
|
3,654 |
|
|
|
2,273 |
|
|
|
2,337 |
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
8,583 |
|
|
|
(170) |
|
|
|
8,413 |
|
Fees and commission income |
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
524 |
|
|
|
(263) |
|
|
|
1,900 |
|
|
|
(44) |
|
|
|
1,856 |
|
Other revenue |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Total revenues |
|
|
13,210 |
|
|
|
6,301 |
|
|
|
8,517 |
|
|
|
2,552 |
|
|
|
(331) |
|
|
|
30,249 |
|
|
|
(922) |
|
|
|
29,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of employees, including agent employees |
|
|
11,967 |
|
|
|
4,457 |
|
|
|
2,793 |
|
|
|
7,160 |
|
|
|
473 |
|
|
|
26,850 |
|
|
|
(2,443) |
|
|
|
24,407 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By product segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
% |
|
Life |
|
|
1,068 |
|
|
|
992 |
|
|
|
8% |
|
Individual Savings & Retirement |
|
|
490 |
|
|
|
476 |
|
|
|
3% |
|
Pensions |
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
227 |
|
|
|
55% |
|
Non-life |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
(71%) |
|
Distribution |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Asset management |
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
68% |
|
Other |
|
|
(224) |
|
|
|
(303) |
|
|
|
26% |
|
Associates |
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
(17%) |
|
Underlying earnings before tax |
|
|
1,851 |
|
|
|
1,544 |
|
|
|
20% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
23
Results 2012 worldwide
Aegons 2012 net income of EUR 1,543 million and underlying earnings before tax of EUR
1,851 million were higher than in 2011, as a result of business growth, implemented cost reduction programs, the non-recurrence of certain charges in the United Kingdom, and favorable markets. Sales and deposits increased compared to 2011
despite repricing and product changes made to reflect the continued low interest rate environment. Growth was driven mostly by pensions, variable annuities, mortgages, and asset management. Aegon has continued to maintain a strong capital position
while maintaining its commitment to delivering sustainable earnings growth with an improved risk-return profile.
Net income
Net income increased to EUR 1,543 million, driven by higher underlying earnings, more favorable results on fair value
items, lower impairments, and lower other charges. These were only partly offset by higher tax charges and lower realized gains.
Underlying earnings before tax
Aegons underlying earnings before tax increased 20% to
EUR 1,851 million in 2012. This was the result of business growth, implemented cost reduction programs, the non-recurrence of certain charges in the United Kingdom, and favorable equity markets and currency movements.
Underlying earnings before tax from the Americas rose to EUR 1,366 million. The 6% increase compared to 2011 was mainly due to
growth of the business and a strengthening of the US dollar against the euro. The positive effects of business growth and favorable equity markets were partly offset by lower fixed annuity earnings (as the product was de-emphasized) and lower
Life & Protection earnings, mostly the result of the non-recurrence of favorable items in 2011, recurring charges for Corporate Center expenses implemented in 2012, higher performance-related expenses, and an increase in employee benefit
expenses.
In the Netherlands, underlying earnings before tax increased to EUR 325 million. The 9% increase compared
to 2011 was mainly due to cost savings, lower funding costs, and the wind up of several contracts in Pensions, partly offset by a higher claim ratio and investments in banking activities. Higher earnings in Life & Savings driven by lower
funding costs on its growing mortgage portfolio more than offset lower earnings in Pensions and Non-life, mostly driven by unfavorable claim experience.
In the United Kingdom, underlying earnings before tax increased to EUR 110 million. This improvement in earnings compared to
2011 was driven by the implementation of the cost reduction
program and the non-recurrence of charges and execution expenses related to a program to correct historical issues within customer policy records, partly offset by the benefit of changes to
employee benefit plans recorded in 2011. Earnings were negatively impacted in 2012 by additional DPAC amortization related to adverse persistency and investments in new propositions in the pension business.
Underlying earnings before tax from New Markets increased 10% to EUR 274 million as higher earnings from Aegon Asset
Management and Asia more than offset lower underlying earnings from Spain and Central & Eastern Europe. Results in Spain were impacted by the divestment of the joint venture with Banca Cívica and the exclusion of results from
Aegons partnership with CAM pending the exit from this joint venture.
For the holding, underlying earnings
before tax amounted to a loss before tax of EUR 224 million. This EUR 79 million improvement compared to 2011 was driven mostly by lower expenses as Aegons Corporate Center expenses were now being charged, in part, to operating units.
These charges reflected the services and support provided to operating units by the Corporate Center and amounted to EUR 64 million in 2012. Funding costs were also lower in 2012.
Fair value items
Results from fair value items amounted to a loss of EUR 41 million. Negative results in the Americas and in the United Kingdom
on hedges due to higher equity markets partly offset by positive results on the guarantee portfolio in the Netherlands.
Realized gains on investments
Realized gains on investments amounted to EUR
407 million and were mainly the result of asset liability management and normal activity in the investment portfolio in a low interest rate environment.
|
|
|
24
|
|
Business overview Results of operations Worldwide |
Impairment charges
Impairments decreased 55% in 2012 compared to 2011 to EUR 176 million and continue to be linked primarily to residential
mortgage-backed securities in the Americas.
Other charges
Other charges in 2012 amounted to EUR 162 million and were primarily the result of a EUR 265 million charge in the
Netherlands related to the acceleration of product improvements for unit-linked insurance policies and a BOLI wrap charge in the United States (EUR 26 million). Providing most of the offset against these charges were the book gain of EUR
100 million on the sale of Aegons minority stake in Prisma Capital Partners and the divestment of Aegons 50% stake in the joint venture with Banca Cívica (EUR 35 million).
Run-off businesses
The results of run-off businesses amounted to a gain of EUR 2 million, with positive results from the institutional
spread-based business only partially offset by accelerated amortization of the pre-paid cost of reinsurance asset related to the divestment of the life reinsurance activities in 2011 due to increased transfers of clients from Aegon to SCOR.
Income tax
Net income contained a tax charge of EUR 338 million in 2012 (including a tax charge of EUR 15 million related to
profits of joint ventures and associates), resulting in an effective tax rate of 18%. Deviation from the nominal tax rate is largely the result of tax exempt items in the United States and the Netherlands, tax credits which primarily relate to low
income housing and renewable energy in the United States (EUR 69 million), benefits from a tax rate reduction in the United Kingdom (EUR 70 million), benefits from cross border intercompany reinsurance transactions (EUR 38 million), and a benefit
related to the run-off of the companys institutional spread-based activities in Ireland (EUR 51 million). These benefits were partly offset by charges for non-recognition and impairment of deferred tax assets (EUR 56 million), mainly in the
United Kingdom.
Commissions and expenses
Commissions and expenses in 2012 decreased by 8% compared to 2011 to EUR 5,765 million, largely driven by lower operating
expenses. Operating expenses decreased 7% compared to 2011 to EUR 3,177 million, mainly as a result of the implementation of cost savings programs in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the Americas.
Production
New life sales increased in 2012 compared to 2011 in the Americas and the United Kingdom, partially offset by decreases in the
Netherlands and New Markets. Gross deposits increased by 25%, driven by variable annuity, retail mutual fund, retirement plan, and asset management deposits. New premium production for accident and health insurance increased by 19% for the year,
mainly driven by travel and supplemental health insurance sales in the Americas and growth in Central & Eastern Europe.
Capital management
Aegons core capital excluding revaluation reserves and excluding
remeasurement amounted to EUR 18.5 billion, equivalent to 76.7% of the companys total capital base, at December 31, 2012 (2011: 73.5%). This is above the companys capital base ratio target of at least 75% by the end of 2012.
Shareholders equity increased to EUR 23.5 billion, mainly as a result of net income and an increase in the
revaluation reserves. The revaluation reserves increased EUR 2.6 billion during the year to EUR 6.1 billion, mainly a reflection of lower interest rates and credit spreads. Shareholders equity per common share, excluding preference capital and
revaluation reserves, amounted to EUR 8.40 at December 31, 2012 (2011: EUR 8.19).
During 2012, Aegon aimed to
maintain excess capital at the holding of at least EUR 750 million. At the end of the year, excess capital in the holding amounted to EUR 2.0 billion, an increase of EUR 0.8 billion compared to year-end 2011, as dividends received from business
units were only partly offset by interest payments and operational expenses.
At December 31, 2012,
Aegons Insurance Group Directive (IGD) ratio amounted to 228%, an increase from the level of 195% at December 31, 2011. Measured on a local solvency basis, the Risk Based Capital (RBC) ratio in the United States increased to approximately
495%, driven mainly by strong net income throughout the year and a capital management transaction in third quarter, offset by dividends paid to the holding company. The IGD ratio in the Netherlands increased to approximately 251%, driven mainly by a
change in the yield curve to discount liabilities as prescribed by the Dutch Central Bank, offset somewhat during the year by interest rate movements. The Pillar I ratio in the United Kingdom decreased to approximately 126%.
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
25
Results 2013 Americas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in USD millions |
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
% |
|
Net underlying earnings |
|
|
1,328 |
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
|
|
3% |
|
|
|
1,001 |
|
|
|
1,002 |
|
|
|
0% |
|
Tax on underlying earnings |
|
|
489 |
|
|
|
468 |
|
|
|
4% |
|
|
|
368 |
|
|
|
364 |
|
|
|
1% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying earnings before tax by product segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life & Protection |
|
|
752 |
|
|
|
746 |
|
|
|
1% |
|
|
|
567 |
|
|
|
581 |
|
|
|
(2%) |
|
Fixed annuities |
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
(20%) |
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
(22%) |
|
Variable annuities |
|
|
450 |
|
|
|
359 |
|
|
|
25% |
|
|
|
339 |
|
|
|
280 |
|
|
|
21% |
|
Retail mutual funds |
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
32% |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
32% |
|
Individual Savings & Retirement |
|
|
688 |
|
|
|
639 |
|
|
|
8% |
|
|
|
518 |
|
|
|
497 |
|
|
|
4% |
|
Employer Solutions & Pensions |
|
|
350 |
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
10% |
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
6% |
|
Canada |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
(55%) |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
(55%) |
|
Latin America |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
(25%) |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
(22%) |
|
Underlying earnings before tax |
|
|
1,817 |
|
|
|
1,756 |
|
|
|
3% |
|
|
|
1,369 |
|
|
|
1,366 |
|
|
|
0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net fair value items |
|
|
(1,288) |
|
|
|
(98) |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(971) |
|
|
|
(76) |
|
|
|
- |
|
Gains / (losses) on investments |
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
225 |
|
|
|
(34%) |
|
|
|
112 |
|
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
(36%) |
|
Impairment charges |
|
|
(56) |
|
|
|
(151) |
|
|
|
63% |
|
|
|
(42) |
|
|
|
(117) |
|
|
|
64% |
|
Other income / (charges) |
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
(37) |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
(28) |
|
|
|
- |
|
Run-off businesses |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Income before tax (excluding income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and associates) |
|
|
734 |
|
|
|
1,699 |
|
|
|
(57%) |
|
|
|
553 |
|
|
|
1,322 |
|
|
|
(58%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and associates included in income before
tax |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
0% |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
0% |
|
Income tax |
|
|
(142) |
|
|
|
(342) |
|
|
|
58% |
|
|
|
(107) |
|
|
|
(266) |
|
|
|
60% |
|
Of which Income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and
associates included in income before tax |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
0% |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
|
|
0% |
|
Net income |
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
|
(56%) |
|
|
|
446 |
|
|
|
1,056 |
|
|
|
(58%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life insurance gross premiums |
|
|
8,212 |
|
|
|
8,405 |
|
|
|
(2%) |
|
|
|
6,187 |
|
|
|
6,541 |
|
|
|
(5%) |
|
Accident and health insurance premiums |
|
|
2,372 |
|
|
|
2,356 |
|
|
|
1% |
|
|
|
1,787 |
|
|
|
1,833 |
|
|
|
(3%) |
|
Total gross premiums |
|
|
10,584 |
|
|
|
10,761 |
|
|
|
(2%) |
|
|
|
7,975 |
|
|
|
8,374 |
|
|
|
(5%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income |
|
|
4,473 |
|
|
|
4,694 |
|
|
|
(5%) |
|
|
|
3,370 |
|
|
|
3,654 |
|
|
|
(8%) |
|
Fees and commission income |
|
|
1,689 |
|
|
|
1,512 |
|
|
|
12% |
|
|
|
1,273 |
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
8% |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
0% |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
(20%) |
|
Total revenues |
|
|
16,752 |
|
|
|
16,973 |
|
|
|
(1%) |
|
|
|
12,622 |
|
|
|
13,210 |
|
|
|
(4%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commissions and expenses |
|
|
4,332 |
|
|
|
4,276 |
|
|
|
1% |
|
|
|
3,264 |
|
|
|
3,329 |
|
|
|
(2%) |
|
of which operating expenses |
|
|
1,985 |
|
|
|
1,823 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
|
|
1,496 |
|
|
|
1,420 |
|
|
|
5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in USD millions |
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
|
|
New life sales |
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
% |
|
Life & Protection |
|
|
505 |
|
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
(10%) |
|
|
|
380 |
|
|
|
438 |
|
|
|
(13%) |
|
Canada |
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
13% |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
Latin America |
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
(7%) |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
(9%) |
|
Total recurring plus 1/10 single |
|
|
615 |
|
|
|
668 |
|
|
|
(8%) |
|
|
|
464 |
|
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
(11%) |
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
Business overview Results of operations Americas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in USD millions |
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
% |
|
New premium production accident and health insurance |
|
|
902 |
|
|
|
905 |
|
|
|
0% |
|
|
|
680 |
|
|
|
705 |
|
|
|
(4%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in USD millions |
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
|
|
Gross deposits (on and off balance) |
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
% |
|
Life & Protection |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
(8%) |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
(11%) |
|
Fixed annuities |
|
|
552 |
|
|
|
371 |
|
|
|
49% |
|
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
44% |
|
Variable annuities |
|
|
8,496 |
|
|
|
5,350 |
|
|
|
59% |
|
|
|
6,402 |
|
|
|
4,163 |
|
|
|
54% |
|
Retail mutual funds |
|
|
4,301 |
|
|
|
3,437 |
|
|
|
25% |
|
|
|
3,241 |
|
|
|
2,675 |
|
|
|
21% |
|
Individual Savings & Retirement |
|
|
13,349 |
|
|
|
9,158 |
|
|
|
46% |
|
|
|
10,058 |
|
|
|
7,127 |
|
|
|
41% |
|
Employer Solutions & Pensions |
|
|
24,222 |
|
|
|
25,383 |
|
|
|
(5%) |
|
|
|
18,251 |
|
|
|
19,755 |
|
|
|
(8%) |
|
Canada |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
(29%) |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
(32%) |
|
Latin America |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
6% |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
8% |
|
Total gross deposits |
|
|
37,725 |
|
|
|
34,747 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
|
|
28,424 |
|
|
|
27,042 |
|
|
|
5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average rate |
|
|
Closing rate as of |
|
Exchange rates
Per 1 EUR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
December 31, 2013 |
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
|
USD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.3272 |
|
|
|
1.2849 |
|
|
|
1.3780 |
|
|
|
1.3184 |
|
CAD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.3674 |
|
|
|
1.2839 |
|
|
|
1.4641 |
|
|
|
1.3127 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
27
Results 2013 Americas
Net income of USD 592 million for the year 2013 was negatively impacted by
long-term economic assumption changes and losses on equity macro hedges, which have been put in place to protect Aegons capital position. Underlying earnings before tax increased to USD
1,817 million in 2013, mainly driven by higher earnings from variable annuities and pensions. New life sales decreased, primarily due to focus on profitability of universal life products, while gross deposits increased.
Net income
Net income for the Americas decreased to USD 592 million in 2013. Higher underlying earnings, other income as well as lower
impairments were more than offset by the increase of the loss on fair value items. Results on fair value items amounted to a loss of USD 1,288 million, which were primarily the result of long-term economic assumption changes of USD
514 million and the loss on equity hedges of USD 804 million, which was primarily caused by rising equity markets. Realized gains on investments amounted to USD 148 million, while impairment charges improved to USD 56 million. Other
income was USD 95 million, mainly related to gains of USD 265 million on the recapture of certain reinsurance contracts being partly offset by increased accruals of USD 94 million in connection with the companys use of the U.S.
Social Security Administrations death master-file and restructuring charges of USD 48 million.
Underlying
earnings before tax
2013 underlying earnings before tax increased 3% to USD 1,817 million as higher earnings in
variable annuities and pensions from business growth and favorable equity markets more than offset lower earnings in fixed annuities.
|
¿ |
|
Life & Protection underlying earnings before tax increased 1% to USD 752 million, as growth of the business was partially offset by the negative impact of lower reinvestment rates due
to the low interest rate environment. |
|
¿ |
|
Underlying earnings before tax from Individual Savings & Retirement increased 8% to USD 688 million, as higher earnings from variable annuities and mutual funds more than offset lower
earnings from fixed annuities. Earnings from variable annuities were up 25% to USD 450 million, primarily driven by higher net inflows and favorable equity markets. Earnings from mutual funds increased 32% to USD 33 million, resulting from
growth of the business and favorable markets. |
¿ |
|
Employer Solutions & Pensions underlying earnings before tax increased 10% to USD 350 million in 2013, which was primarily the result of strong net pension inflows and favorable
equity markets. |
¿ |
|
Underlying earnings before tax from Canada decreased to USD 18 million, primarily as a result of actuarial assumption changes and model refinements. In Latin America underlying earnings before
tax were down to USD 6 million. |
Commissions and expenses
Commissions and expenses increased by 1% to USD 4,332 million in 2013 compared to 2012. Operating expenses increased by
9%, to USD 1,985 million, primarily the result of higher sales and employee performance related expenses, investments to expand Aegons digital capabilities and restructuring costs.
Production
New life sales decreased 8% to USD 615 million in 2013, as lower universal life sales due to product withdrawals and
product redesign were only partly offset by higher sales of term life products. New premium production for accident & health insurance was stable compared to 2012 and amounted to USD 902 million. This was the result of strong sales of the
Medicare part D prescription plan product, which was introduced in 2012, being offset by the loss of two distribution partners for travel insurance and the termination of certain affinity marketing partnerships.
Gross deposits increased 9% to USD 37.7 billion in 2013. Gross deposits in variable annuities, retail mutual funds and retirement plans were all higher than in 2012.
Variable annuities gross deposits were up 59% to USD 8.5 billion in 2013, which was primarily driven by Aegons continued focus on key distribution partners. The increase in retirement plan deposits was driven by plan takeover deposits and
focusing on retirement readiness by growing customer participation and contributions.
|
|
|
28
|
|
Business overview Results of operations Americas |
Results 2012 Americas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in USD millions |
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
Net underlying earnings |
|
|
1,288 |
|
|
|
1,342 |
|
|
|
(4% |
) |
|
|
1,002 |
|
|
|
965 |
|
|
|
4% |
|
Tax on underlying earnings |
|
|
468 |
|
|
|
446 |
|
|
|
5% |
|
|
|
364 |
|
|
|
321 |
|
|
|
13% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying earnings before tax by product segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life & Protection |
|
|
746 |
|
|
|
791 |
|
|
|
(6% |
) |
|
|
581 |
|
|
|
569 |
|
|
|
2% |
|
Fixed annuities |
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
(11% |
) |
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
206 |
|
|
|
(4% |
) |
Variable annuities |
|
|
359 |
|
|
|
360 |
|
|
|
0% |
|
|
|
280 |
|
|
|
260 |
|
|
|
8% |
|
Retail mutual funds |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
19% |
|
Individual Savings & Retirement |
|
|
639 |
|
|
|
670 |
|
|
|
(5% |
) |
|
|
497 |
|
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
3% |
|
Employer Solutions & Pensions |
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
15% |
|
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
24% |
|
Canada |
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
(17% |
) |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
(11% |
) |
Latin America |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Underlying earnings before tax |
|
|
1,756 |
|
|
|
1,788 |
|
|
|
(2% |
) |
|
|
1,366 |
|
|
|
1,286 |
|
|
|
6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net fair value items |
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
(663 |
) |
|
|
85% |
|
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
|
(477 |
) |
|
|
84% |
|
Gains / (losses) on investments |
|
|
225 |
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
36% |
|
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
47% |
|
Impairment charges |
|
|
(151 |
) |
|
|
(349 |
) |
|
|
57% |
|
|
|
(117 |
) |
|
|
(250 |
) |
|
|
53% |
|
Other income / (charges) |
|
|
(37 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
24% |
|
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
20% |
|
Run-off businesses |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
90% |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
(93% |
) |
Income before tax (excluding income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and associates) |
|
|
1,699 |
|
|
|
934 |
|
|
|
82% |
|
|
|
1,322 |
|
|
|
671 |
|
|
|
97% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and associates included in income before
tax |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Income tax |
|
|
(342 |
) |
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(266 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Of which Income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and
associates included in income before tax |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Net income |
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
|
907 |
|
|
|
50% |
|
|
|
1,056 |
|
|
|
651 |
|
|
|
62% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life insurance gross premiums |
|
|
8,405 |
|
|
|
8,350 |
|
|
|
1% |
|
|
|
6,541 |
|
|
|
6,004 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
Accident and health insurance premiums |
|
|
2,356 |
|
|
|
2,326 |
|
|
|
1% |
|
|
|
1,833 |
|
|
|
1,672 |
|
|
|
10% |
|
Total gross premiums |
|
|
10,761 |
|
|
|
10,676 |
|
|
|
1% |
|
|
|
8,374 |
|
|
|
7,676 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income |
|
|
4,694 |
|
|
|
4,959 |
|
|
|
(5% |
) |
|
|
3,654 |
|
|
|
3,565 |
|
|
|
2% |
|
Fees and commission income |
|
|
1,512 |
|
|
|
1,066 |
|
|
|
42% |
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
766 |
|
|
|
54% |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total revenues |
|
|
16,973 |
|
|
|
16,703 |
|
|
|
2% |
|
|
|
13,210 |
|
|
|
12,008 |
|
|
|
10% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commissions and expenses |
|
|
4,276 |
|
|
|
4,922 |
|
|
|
(13% |
) |
|
|
3,329 |
|
|
|
3,540 |
|
|
|
(6% |
) |
of which operating expenses |
|
|
1,823 |
|
|
|
1,931 |
|
|
|
(6% |
) |
|
|
1,420 |
|
|
|
1,389 |
|
|
|
2% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in USD millions |
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
New life sales |
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
Life & Protection |
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
466 |
|
|
|
21% |
|
|
|
438 |
|
|
|
334 |
|
|
|
31% |
|
Canada |
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
(8% |
) |
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Latin America |
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
(12% |
) |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
(5% |
) |
Total recurring plus 1/10 single |
|
|
668 |
|
|
|
582 |
|
|
|
15% |
|
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
418 |
|
|
|
24% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in USD millions |
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
New premium production accident and health insurance |
|
|
905 |
|
|
|
812 |
|
|
|
11% |
|
|
|
705 |
|
|
|
584 |
|
|
|
21% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in USD millions |
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
Gross deposits (on and off balance) |
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
Life & Protection |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Fixed annuities |
|
|
371 |
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
19% |
|
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
225 |
|
|
|
28% |
|
Variable annuities |
|
|
5,350 |
|
|
|
5,314 |
|
|
|
1% |
|
|
|
4,163 |
|
|
|
3,821 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
Retail mutual funds |
|
|
3,437 |
|
|
|
2,785 |
|
|
|
23% |
|
|
|
2,675 |
|
|
|
2,002 |
|
|
|
34% |
|
Individual Savings & Retirement |
|
|
9,158 |
|
|
|
8,412 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
|
|
7,127 |
|
|
|
6,048 |
|
|
|
18% |
|
Employer Solutions & Pensions |
|
|
25,383 |
|
|
|
23,266 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
|
|
19,755 |
|
|
|
16,727 |
|
|
|
18% |
|
Canada |
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
335 |
|
|
|
(47% |
) |
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
241 |
|
|
|
(43% |
) |
Latin America |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total gross deposits |
|
|
34,747 |
|
|
|
32,029 |
|
|
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8% |
|
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27,042 |
|
|
|
23,028 |
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17% |
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Weighted average rate |
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Closing rate as of |
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Exchange rates |
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December |
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December |
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Per 1 EUR |
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2012 |
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2011 |
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31, 2012 |
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31, 2011 |
|
USD |
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1.2849 |
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1.3909 |
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1.3184 |
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1.2982 |
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CAD |
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|
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|
1.2839 |
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|
1.3744 |
|
|
|
1.3127 |
|
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|
1.3218 |
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30
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|
Business overview Results of operations Americas |
Results 2012 Americas
Aegons businesses in the Americas1 continued to
perform well in 2012. Sales of life, accident and health insurance all increased over 2011 on expanded distribution capabilities. Variable annuity, pension and retail mutual fund balances increased while fixed annuity balances continued to decline,
a direct result of Aegons efforts to grow its fee-based earnings.
Net income
Net income from Aegons businesses in the Americas increased to USD 1,357 million in 2012. Better results from fair
value items, lower impairments and higher realized gains on investments more than offset lower underlying earnings, lower earnings from run-off businesses and higher taxes.
Results from fair value items improved from USD (663) in 2011 to USD (98) million in 2012 as better than expected
alternative asset performance and the impact of tightening credit spreads more than offset by the negative impact of the macro hedge caused by higher equity markets and the continued low interest rate environment. In addition, Aegon lowered its
interest rate assumptions in 2011 which led to a charge of USD 237 million in 2011.
Gains on investments of
USD 225 million were realized as a result of normal trading activity. Net impairments amounted to USD 151 million, down from USD 349 million in 2011, and continue to be primarily caused by mortgage related securities.
Underlying earnings before tax
Underlying earnings before tax from the Americas amounted to USD 1,756 million in 2012, a decrease of 2% compared to 2011.
The positive effect of business growth and favorable equity markets was offset by lower Life & Protection earnings mostly the result of the non-recurrence of favorable items in 2011, recurring charges for Corporate Center expenses and
higher employee benefit expenses.
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¿ |
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Life & Protection underlying earnings before tax decreased by 6% to USD 746 million, mostly the result of the non-recurrence of favorable items in 2011. |
|
¿ |
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Underlying earnings before tax from Individual Savings & Retirement decreased by 5% to USD 639 million in 2012 driven mostly by lower fixed annuity earnings due to declining account
balances as the product is de-emphasized. Earnings from variable annuities were down slightly to USD 359 million as the benefit of higher account balances was offset mainly by the negative effect of policyholder assumption changes of USD 55 million.
Earnings from retail mutual funds increased slightly to USD 25 million.
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¿ |
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Employer Solutions & Pensions underlying earnings before tax increased by 15% to USD 319 million in 2012 driven mostly by growing retirement plan account balances. |
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Underlying earnings before tax from Canada decreased to USD 40 million in 2012. In Latin America underlying earnings before tax increased to USD 12 million driven by improvements in both
Brazil and Mexico. |
|
Commissions and expenses
Commissions and expenses decreased by 13% to
EUR 4,276 million in 2012, mainly due to lower amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. Operating expenses
decreased by 6% to USD 1,823 million, as cost savings and lower expenses related to the divestment of the life reinsurance business were only partly offset by higher performance related employee expenses, an increase in employee benefit
expenses and costs to support growth.
Production
New life sales increased 15% to USD 668 million in 2012, primarily driven by strong indexed universal life sales as
distribution expanded into the brokerage channel and by higher sales of certain products as they were withdrawn from the market. New premium production for accident & health insurance amounted to USD 905 million, up 11% on increased
travel insurance sales following the addition of a new distribution partner in the second half of 2011.
Gross
deposits amounted to USD 34.7 billion in 2012 compared to USD 32.0 billion in 2011. Gross deposits in variable annuities, retail mutual funds and retirement plans were all higher than in 2011. Variable annuities gross deposits increased in 2012
despite product re-pricing throughout the year to reflect the continued low interest rate environment and subsequent higher hedging costs. The increase in retirement plan deposits was driven by higher takeover deposits and successful efforts to
increase inflows from the existing client base through higher contributions and larger participation count.
|
1 |
As of the first quarter of 2012, Aegon has revised its financial reporting to reflect changes in its organization. Businesses in Asia, which were previously managed by Aegon Americas, are included
in the Asia line of business within the New Markets segment. For the full year 2011, the underlying earnings before tax generated by the Asian operations totaling EUR 37 million were previously reported under the
Americas segment. The 2011 and 2010 figures have been revised to reflect this change. |
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
31
Overview of Americas
Aegon Americas comprises Aegon USA, Aegon Canada and the operations in Brazil and Mexico.
Aegon USA
Aegon USA is one of the leading life1 insurance organizations in the United
States and the largest of Aegons operating units. Aegon USA administers millions of policies and employs approximately 11,000 people. Many of the Aegon USA companies operate under the Transamerica brand, one of the best known names2 in the United States insurance business. Aegon USA companies have existed since the mid-19th century. Aegon USAs main offices are in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Baltimore, Maryland, with affiliated
companies offices located throughout the United States.
Through these subsidiaries and affiliated companies,
Aegon USA provides a wide range of life insurance, pensions, long-term savings and investment products.
Like other
Aegon companies, Aegon USA uses a variety of distribution channels to help customers access its products as best suits their needs. Aegon USA has long-standing relations with banks across the United States, and also distributes products and services
through agents, broker-dealers, Registered Representatives, the Internet, and direct and worksite marketing.
Aegon Canada
Based in Toronto, Aegon Canada offers a range of insurance products and financial services, primarily through its Transamerica
Life Canada and Canadian Premier Life subsidiaries. At December 31, 2013, Aegon Canada had approximately 657 employees.
Aegon Brazil
In 2009, Aegon acquired a 50% interest in Mongeral Aegon Seguros e
Previdência S.A., Brazils sixth largest independent (i.e. non-bank affiliated) life insurer. At December 31, 2013, Aegon Brazil had approximately 444 employees.
Aegon Mexico
In 2006, Aegon acquired a 49% interest in Seguros Argos S.A. de C.V., a Mexican life insurance company. At December 31,
2013, Aegon Mexico had approximately 84 employees. In December 2013, Aegon entered into a joint venture with Adminstradora Akaan S.A. de C.V. to create Akaan-Aegon S.A.P.I. de C.V. to explore financial service opportunities. This organization will
initially focus on third party asset management.
Organizational structure
Aegon USA
Aegon USA was founded in 1989 when Aegon brought all of its operating companies in the United States under a single financial
services holding company, AEGON USA, LLC. Business is conducted through its subsidiaries. The use of the term Aegon USA throughout this document refers to the operating subsidiaries in the United States, through which Aegon USA conducts
business. Aegon USA has operating licenses in every US state, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.
Aegon USAs primary insurance subsidiaries are:
¿ |
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Transamerica Life Insurance Company; |
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Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company; |
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Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company; |
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Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company of New York; |
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Monumental Life Insurance Company; |
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Stonebridge Life Insurance Company; |
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Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company; |
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Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio. |
|
Aegons subsidiary companies in the United States contain three divisions acting
through one or more of the Aegon USA life insurance companies:
¿ |
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Individual Savings & Retirement; |
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Employer Solutions & Pensions. |
|
These divisions, described in further detail below, represent groups of products that
are sold through Aegon USAs operating companies through distribution methods and sales channels. The business structure is designed to enable Aegon USA to manage and improve the efficiency of the organization and operating processes, identify
business synergies, and pursue cross-selling opportunities. Coordinated support services complement operations by providing functional support in systems technology, investment management, regulatory compliance, and various corporate functions.
Products are also offered and distributed through one or more of the Aegon USA licensed insurance or brokerage subsidiary companies.
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2 |
Source: Brand Power Analysis. |
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32
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Business overview Results of operations Americas |
Overview of sales and distribution channels
Aegon USA
Aegon USA uses a variety of sales and distribution channels in the United States. These include:
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¿ |
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Independent and career agents; |
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Registered Representatives; |
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Independent marketing organizations; |
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Regional and independent broker-dealers; |
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Benefit consulting firms; |
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Institutional partners; |
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Third party administrators. |
In addition, Aegon
USA provides a range of products and services online, and uses direct and worksite marketing. Generally, Aegon USA companies are focused on particular products or market segments, ranging from lower income to high-net-worth individuals, and from
small to large corporations.
Aegon Canada
Transamerica Life Canada (TLC) provides life insurance products to Canadian consumers. By working through a variety of
distribution channels, TLC has acquired a national network of thousands of independent advisors. These advisors provide middle market Canadians with individual life insurance and protection products. Canadian Premier offers simplified life, group
creditor and accident and sickness coverage. Distribution channels include:
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¿ |
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Independent and career agents; |
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¿ |
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Independent managing general agencies; |
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¿ |
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Agencies owned by Transamerica Life Canada; |
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¿ |
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Bank-owned national broker-dealers and mutual fund dealers; |
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¿ |
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Bank and credit union affinity partners. |
Overview of business lines
Aegon USA
Life & Protection
Life & Protection (L&P), the largest of the three
divisions, serves customers in a broad range of market segments. Consumers may choose to purchase directly or through career (or independent) agents, the worksite, or sponsored (or affinity) groups. L&P offers a comprehensive portfolio of
protection solutions.
Products
Products offered include whole life, universal life, variable universal life, indexed universal life and term life insurance,
and supplemental health, specialty insurance, and long-term care protection.
Term life insurance
Term life insurance provides protection for a stated period of time. Benefits are paid to policy beneficiaries in the event of
the death of the insured during a specified period.
Universal life insurance
Universal life insurance pays death benefits, accumulates cash values at interest rates that adjust periodically, and has
flexible premiums. Indexed universal life products have both interest rate guarantees and interest crediting linked in part to performance of an index, subject to a cap. Variable universal life products include varying investment options for cash
values.
Whole life insurance
Whole (or permanent) life insurance provides life-long death benefit protection as long as required premiums are paid, while
accumulating tabular cash values based on statutory requirements. Premiums are generally fixed and usually payable over the life of the policy.
Other life insurance
Life products also include life insurance sold as part of defined benefit pension plans, single premium products, and
additional optional benefits.
Supplemental health and specialty insurance
Supplemental health insurance products are sold primarily through affinity markets and include accidental death, other injury,
critical illness, hospital indemnity, Medicare supplement, retiree medical and student health. Specialty lines include travel, membership and creditor (installment, mortgage or guaranteed auto protection) products.
Long-term care insurance
Long-term care (LTC) insurance products provide benefits to policyholders who require care due to a chronic illness or
cognitive impairment. LTC insurance serves as an asset protection tool by reimbursing policyholders for costly expenses associated with LTC services, and it may also help a family better manage the financial, health and safety issues that are
associated with LTC.
Sales and distribution
The L&P division is organized by distribution channel, with a shared services support platform. Each channel focuses on a
specific type of distribution method and target market. The L&P distribution channels include affinity markets, agency group, brokerage, worksite, and broker-dealer.
Affinity markets
The Affinity Markets group markets directly to consumers through either broad market or affinity relationships, including
associations, employers, financial institutions, retailers, and other sponsor groups. Life, supplemental health, and specialty accident and membership products are offered through a variety
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
33
of direct response marketing channels, including mail, phone, digital, direct
response TV, and point-of-sale.
Agency
Transamerica Agency Group includes Transamerica Agency Network (comprising Independent Group and Transamerica Agency Network),
Career Agency, Transamerica Senior Markets, Edgewood Financial Network and several independent marketing organizations. This group provides life insurance and supplemental health insurance products, as well as marketing services to closely-tied
distribution groups serving the middle income and small business markets.
Brokerage
Transamerica Brokerage offers life and long-term care insurance products and services through independent brokerage distributors
and financial institutions to high-net-worth, affluent, emerging affluent and middle income individuals, families and businesses. These products are designed for family protection, business needs, and estate and legacy planning.
Worksite
Transamerica Employee Benefits (TEB) offers life and supplemental health insurance products through employers, labor unions and trade associations. TEBs comprehensive portfolio includes universal life, whole life and term life
insurance, as well as accident, critical illness, cancer, hospital indemnity, medical expense indemnity, short-term disability, and dental policies. Some of these products provide insureds with lump sum or specified income payments when
hospitalized, disabled or diagnosed with a critical illness. Others pay benefits for specific medical expenses and treatments, or cover deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance amounts not covered by other health insurance. In addition, TEB offers
stop loss insurance to employers to protect against catastrophic losses under self-funded health plans.
Broker-dealer
Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA) is a full service, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) registered independent broker-dealer and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Registered Investment Adviser with
approximately 5,000 Registered Representatives. TFA helps clients create, grow and protect wealth through a range of financial products and services.
Individual Savings & Retirement
Through its insurance companies, broker-dealers and investment advisors, Aegon USA offers a wide range of savings and retirement
products and services, including mutual funds and variable and fixed annuities. The Individual Savings & Retirement (IS&R) division administers and distributes these products through a variety of channels, including wirehouse firms,
banks, regional broker dealers, independent financial planners, and direct to consumer.
Products
Aegon USAs fee-based business comprises asset management and insurance products that generate fee income by providing
investment management, administrative or risk transfer services. Generally, fee income is sensitive to withdrawals and equity market movements.
Aegon USAs operations provide various investment products and administrative services, individual and group variable
annuities, mutual funds, collective investment trusts, and asset allocation services.
The operations in the United
States provide the fund managers with oversight for the Transamerica mutual funds. Aegon USA selects, manages, and retains affiliated and non-affiliated managers from a variety of investment firms based on a number of qualitative and quantitative
factors.
Mutual funds
Transamerica is a sub-advised or manager of managers fund platform. Fund managers can include those affiliated with
Transamerica. Aegon USA earns investment management fees on investment products managed by unaffiliated sub-advisors and also earns direct investment management fees through affiliated managers acting as sub-advisors.
Variable annuities
Variable annuities are sold to individuals and retirement plans in the United States. Variable annuities allow policyholders to
accumulate assets for retirement on a tax-deferred basis, and to participate in equity or bond market performance. Variable annuities allow policyholders to select payout options designed to help meet the policyholders need for income upon maturity,
including lump sum payment, or income for a fixed period or life. Variable annuities have a maturity date at which benefits must be used or the contract surrendered. Commonly this date corresponds to the annuitants age, with a maximum age of
99 years.
Premiums paid on variable annuity contracts are invested in underlying funds chosen by the policyholder,
including bond and equity funds, and types of asset-allocation funds. A fixed interest account is available on most products and the underlying funds are selected by a policyholder, within certain boundaries, based on the policyholders
preferred level of risk. The assets and liabilities related to this product are legally segregated in separate accounts of the insurance company for the benefit of variable annuity policyholders. These separate accounts are classified as investments
for the account of policyholders on Aegons statement of financial position. Variable annuity contracts contain riders, such as guaranteed minimum death, maturity, withdrawal, accumulation or income benefits.
The account value of variable annuities reflects the performance of the underlying funds. Aegon USA earns mortality and
expense
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34
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Business overview Results of operations Americas |
charges as well as various types of rider fees for providing guarantees and
benefits. Generally, surrender charges are not a large form of revenue as policyholder surrender rates are typically lower when a surrender charge penalty remains. Collected surrender charges are typically used to recoup unamortized deferred
acquisition costs.
A guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit is offered on some variable annuity products Aegon USA
has either issued or assumed from a ceding company. This benefit guarantees a policyholder may withdraw a certain percentage of the account value, starting at a certain age or duration, for either a fixed period or the life of the policyholder.
Certain variable annuity contracts also provide guaranteed minimum death benefits and guaranteed minimum income
benefits. Under a guaranteed minimum death benefit, upon the death of the insured the beneficiaries receive the greater of the account balance or the guaranteed amount upon the death of the insured. The guaranteed minimum income benefit feature,
which has not been offered on new business since 2003, provides for minimum payments if the policyholder elects to convert to an immediate payout annuity. The guaranteed amount is calculated using the total deposits made by the policyholder, less
any withdrawals, and sometimes includes a roll-up or step-up feature that increases the value of the guarantee with interest or with increases in the account value.
These guaranteed benefits subject the company to interest rate risk and market risk. Poor market performance may cause the
guaranteed benefits to exceed the policyholder account value.
Aegon USA addresses equity market, interest rate and
market volatility risks through product design, including robust analysis of the underlying funds allowed within a product, and by using hedging strategies. Variable annuity products also contain policyholder behavior risk, mortality risk, and in
the case of income riders, longevity risks, which are handled similarly to those in fixed annuities.
Fixed
annuities
Fixed annuities include deferred annuities, fixed index annuities, and immediate annuities. These product
lines have been de-emphasized due to the low interest rate environment. A fixed annuity exposes Aegon to interest rate risk and behavior and mortality risk. The insurers interest rate risk may be mitigated through product design, close asset
liability management and hedging, although the effects of policyholder behavior cannot be fully mitigated. Immediate annuities have lower behavior risks than deferred annuities, but contain interest rate risk, and longevity risk if annuity payments
are life contingent.
Income from fixed annuities is generated by spread on investment earnings over the credited
rate, policy fees if
applicable, and surrender charges. Fees and surrender charges are not a large
source of revenue on fixed annuities.
An immediate annuity is purchased with a single lump sum premium payment,
and the benefit payments generally begin within a year of purchase. The benefit payment period may be for a fixed period or as long as the beneficiary is alive, or a combination of the two. Some immediate annuities and payout options under deferred
annuities may also offer the owner or beneficiaries the option to surrender the annuity to have access to the account value if needed for unexpected events.
The policyholder may surrender the annuity prior to maturity and receive the cash value less surrender charges. Fixed
annuities have a specified crediting rate that may be reset periodically at the companys discretion after an initial guarantee period. Fixed annuity contracts in the United States also offer guaranteed minimum surrender values and payout
options. Fixed annuities have a maturity date at which benefits must be used or the contract surrendered. Commonly this date corresponds to the annuitants age, up to a maximum of 95 years. Upon maturity of the annuity, the policyholders
payout options include a lump sum payment, income for life, or payment for a specified period of time.
Minimum
interest rate guarantees exist in all generations of fixed annuity products, as they are required by state non-forfeiture regulations. The average minimum interest rate guarantees of the in-force fixed annuity block is approximately 2.65%. The
average current credited rate of the in-force fixed annuity block is approximately 3.25%. Equity indexed annuities offer additional returns that are index-linked to published stock market indices and proprietary indices, with a minimum cash value
equal to a percentage of the premium increased at a minimum fixed or variable rate. Equity indexed annuities make up a small fraction of the in-force business. Certain fixed annuity products also offer a bailout provision. Under the bailout
provision, if the crediting rate falls below the bailout rate, policyholders may surrender their contracts without incurring any surrender charges.
Sales and distribution
Aegon USA underwrites fixed and variable annuities through its various life insurance companies. Transamerica Capital Inc.
(TCI), the underwriting and wholesaling broker-dealer, distributes variable annuities and mutual funds through major wirehouse firms, regional broker-dealers, and a large bank network. TCI serves these distribution channels through affiliated and
external wholesalers.
From late 2009, Aegon USA reduced its sales of fixed annuities in response to lower market
interest rates and lower investment returns. Similar market conditions continue to restrict sales of fixed annuities and, as a result, Aegon USA has de-emphasized their sale.
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
35
TFA provides a range of financial and investment products, operating as a retail
broker-dealer registered with the FINRA and an investment adviser registered with the SEC. Products offered by TFA include mutual funds, variable life insurance, variable annuities and other securities.
Employer Solutions & Pensions
Aegon USA offers retirement plans, pension plans, and pension-related products and services, as well as step-by-step guidance to
people who are transitioning to, or living in, retirement related to five key areas, - lifestyle, investments, health care, protection and income.
Aegon USA covers a range of different retirement plans, including:
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401(k) - a type of deferred compensation plan sponsored by a corporation (including subchapter S), self-employed individual, sole proprietorship, partnership or non-profit organization;
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403(b) - a type of deferred compensation plan for certain employees of tax-exempt organizations and certain minister; |
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457(b) - a type of deferred compensation plan sponsored by governmental and certain non-governmental employers in the United States; |
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¿ |
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Deferred compensation plan - a plan or agreement that defers the payment of a portion of the employees compensation to a future date and which may also include a contribution made by the
employer for the employees benefit; |
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¿ |
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Defined benefit - a pension plan in which an employer promises a specified monthly benefit on retirement that is predetermined by a formula based on the employees earnings history, tenure of
service and age; |
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¿ |
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Defined contribution - a plan in which the contributions made to the plan by the employee and/or employer are allocated to the employees individual account under the plan. Examples of defined
contribution plans include 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans, money purchase plans and profit-sharing plans; |
|
¿ |
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Profit-sharing - a type of defined contribution plan in which the employer may make a contribution, on behalf of the plan participants, to the plan each year, either out of the companys
profits or otherwise. |
Products
Retirement plans
As of January 2013, Diversified Retirement Corporation, Transamerica Retirement Services, and Transamerica Retirement Management were rebranded Transamerica Retirement Solutions.
Transamerica Retirement Solutions is a leading provider of retirement plans in both the institutional market (mid- to
large-sized organizations) and the emerging market (small U.S. employers).
In the institutional market, Transamerica Retirement Solutions offers a wide
array of investment options designed to create a fully customized investment line-up for clients, and a personalized retirement funding strategy for their retirement plan participants. Transamerica Retirement Solutions open architecture
investment platform provides access to a broad range of investment options, including institutional and retail mutual funds, registered or non-registered variable annuities, and a collective investment trust. The investment options offered in each
plan are selected by the client or the clients financial adviser.
In the emerging market, Transamerica
Retirement Solutions offers fully bundled and partially bundled retirement plan solutions to small and mid-sized employers. These plans are predominantly supported by a group variable annuity product, where plan assets are invested primarily in
separate account investment choices, including bond and equity investment choices, and cash equivalent choices. A fixed account cash vehicle may also be available on most plans. The investment choices are selected by the client or by the
clients financial adviser.
Single premium group annuities
Single premium group annuities (Terminal Funding) is a non-participating group annuity product. This product is commonly used
for an insurance company takeover of a terminating defined benefit pension plan. The company receives a single deposit from the contract holder and in return guarantees the payment of benefits to participants. Usually these annuity payments are paid
monthly for the life of the participant or participant and spouse, commencing immediately for retired participants or at some date in the future for deferred participants.
Transamerica Stable Value Solutions (SVS) provides synthetic guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) in the United States,
primarily to tax-qualified institutional entities such as 401(k) plans and other retirement plans. SVS provides a synthetic GIC wrapper around fixed-income invested assets, which are owned by the plan and managed by the plan or a third
party money manager hired by the plan. A synthetic GIC is typically issued with an evergreen maturity and may be terminated under certain conditions. Such a contract helps to reduce fluctuations in the value of the wrapped assets for plan
participants, and provides book value benefit-responsiveness.
Sales and distribution
Transamerica Retirement Solutions provides a comprehensive and customized approach to retirement plan management for mid- to
large-sized defined contribution, defined benefit and non-qualified deferred compensation retirement plans. Transamerica Retirement Solutions institutional market clients are generally organizations with 250 to 100,000 employees and between
USD 15 million and USD 2 billion in retirement assets.
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36
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Business overview Results of operations Americas |
Transamerica Retirement Solutions retirement plan products and services are
distributed through intermediaries such as retirement plan advisors, benefit consultants, and financial planners. Transamerica Retirement Solutions works closely with strategic alliance relationships and more broadly with many broker-dealers.
Transamerica Retirement Solutions also offers single premium group annuities in the United States, which are used
by companies to decrease the liability of their defined benefit plans. The market is growing in this segment as more employers look to reduce the cost and complexity of their pension liabilities, often driven by widespread economic and sector
restructuring.
For those individual plan participants who are in transition due to a lay-off, job change or planned
retirement, Transamerica Retirement Solutions provides personal retirement services by telephone through a team of experienced registered representatives and investment advisors. In addition, Transamerica Retirement Solutions provides pre-retirees
guidance and decision support to transition to and through retirement. Transamerica Retirement Solutions offers a variety of solutions, including Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), advisory services, annuities and access to other insurance
related products and resources. Each plan for retirement can be tailored to the goals and needs of the individual.
Latin America
Aegons business in Latin America comprises a 50% interest in Mongeral
Aegon Seguros e Previdência S.A., a Brazilian independent life insurer, and a 49% interest in Seguros Argos S.A. de C.V., a Mexican life insurance company. Mongeral Aegons insurance activities include pension product distribution,
individual and group life insurance products, and administrative services. Seguros Argoss primary product is a twenty-year term life insurance product. Both insurance companies distribute their products in the worksite market. In December
2013, Aegon became a 50% owner of a joint venture with Adminstradora Akaan S.A. de C.V. to create Akaan-Aegon S.A.P.I. de C.V. to explore financial service opportunities. This organization will initially focus on third party asset management.
Run-off businesses
Institutional spread-based business
This business was put into run-off during 2009. The primary products included guaranteed investment contracts (GICs), funding
agreements (FAs), and medium term notes (MTNs).
Guaranteed investment contracts and funding agreements
Guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) were generally issued to tax qualified plans, while FAs and MTNs were typically issued to
non-tax qualified institutional investors.
GICs and FAs are spread-based products issued on a fixed-rate or
floating-rate basis. They provide the customer a guarantee of
principal and a specified rate of return. Some spread products were issued by pledging, selling with the intent to repurchase, or lending investment securities that serve as collateral to these
products. Practically all of the liabilities represented by the fixed-rate contracts were effectively converted to a floating-rate via swap agreements, and contracts issued in foreign currencies were converted at issuance to US dollars through swap
agreements to eliminate currency risk. Usually, credited interest on floating-rate contracts resets on a monthly basis to various market indices. The term of the contract may be fixed, generally from six months to ten years, or have an indefinite
maturity. Market-indexed contracts provide a return based on the market performance of a published index designated in the contract. Futures or swap contracts are used to hedge the market risk on market-indexed contracts and effectively convert such
contracts to a floating-rate.
Medium-term notes
Aegon USA utilized consolidated special purpose entities to issue MTNs that are backed by FAs. The proceeds of each note series
were used to purchase an FA from an Aegon insurance company, which was used to secure that particular series of notes. The payment terms of any particular series substantially matched the payment terms of the FA that secured that series.
Payout annuities
Payout annuities are a form of immediate annuity. Aegon USA no longer issues these contracts, but continues to administer the
closed block of business. These contracts were typically purchased as a result of a lawsuit or claim, with the injured party receiving special tax treatment. Rather than paying the injured party a lump sum, the payments were structured as a lifetime
annuity with mortality risk, a period certain annuity, or a combination of both.
Bank- and corporate-owned life
insurance
Aegon USA services life insurance products sold to the bank- and corporate-owned life insurance
(BOLI/COLI) market in the United States. BOLI/COLI helps institutional customers fund long-term employee benefits such as executive compensation and post-retirement medical plans. The corporation insures key employees and is the owner and
beneficiary of the policies. New sales of BOLI/COLI were discontinued in 2010.
Clark Consulting specializes in the
servicing and administration of bank-owned life insurance. Clark Consultings relationships and service model help maintain strong persistency for the block of business.
Life reinsurance
In August 2011, Aegon completed the divestment of its life reinsurance business, Transamerica Reinsurance, to SCOR, a global
reinsurance company based in France. Under the agreement, Aegon divested its global life reinsurance activities
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
37
with the exception of select blocks of business. The retained businesses comprise
mainly variable annuity guarantee business.
Competition
Competitors of Aegon Americas companies include other large and highly-rated insurance carriers, as well as certain banks,
securities brokerage firms, investment advisors, and other financial intermediaries marketing insurance products, annuities and mutual funds. Aegon USA leverages long-term relationships with many institutions to offer them product lines such as
variable annuities, life insurance, mutual funds, and 401(k) products.
In the United States, the Life &
Protection division faces competition from a variety of carriers. Leading competitors include AIG, Genworth, John Hancock, Lincoln National, MetLife, and USAA. In Canada, the primary competitors are Industrial-Alliance, Manulife Financial, Power
Corporation (comprising Canada Life, Great West Life, London Life,), and Sun Life Financial. The result is a highly competitive marketplace and increasing commoditization in many product categories.
Aegon USA markets variable universal life, mutual funds, and variable annuities to middle-income clients with equity investment
objectives. Variable annuity sales are often driven by the competitiveness of the living benefits offered by competitors, with most product development focusing on guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits, which guarantee lifetime withdrawals of a
certain amount under certain conditions. There is continued interest, and strong competition among providers, in guaranteed lifetime withdrawal products. Aegon USA competes in the variable annuity marketplace. It maintains an effective wholesaling
force, and focuses on strategic business relationships and products with competitive features, benefits and pricing. Aegon USAs primary competitors in the variable annuity market are Jackson National, Lincoln National, MetLife, Nationwide, and
Prudential.
The top five competitors in the mutual fund market are American Funds, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton,
PIMCO, and T. Rowe Price.
The retirement plan market continues to evolve rapidly and is facing growing regulatory
compliance pressures, continuing demand for technological innovation, pricing pressures, and provider consolidation. Aegon USAs ability to achieve greater economies of scale in operations will be assisted by continued growth in key market
segments, technology improvements, and process management efficiency.
In the defined contribution market, Aegon USAs main competitors are
Fidelity, Mass Mutual, New York Life, Principal Financial, Schwab, T. Rowe Price, and Vanguard. Aegon USAs main competitors in the defined benefit segment are Mass Mutual, New York Life, Principal Financial, and Prudential. In the emerging
market segment and the multiple employer plan segment, Aegon USAs main competitors are American Funds, Fidelity, ING, John Hancock, and Principal Financial. In the single premium group annuity market, Aegon USAs main competitors are John
Hancock, Mass Mutual, MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, and Prudential.
Aegon USA has been a leading issuer of synthetic
GICs1.
Regulation and supervision
Aegon USA
The Aegon USA insurance companies are subject to regulation and supervision in the states and jurisdictions in which they transact business, maintain offices or otherwise have a business presence. Regulators in each of those states
and jurisdictions have broad powers to grant or revoke licenses to transact business, regulate trade and marketing practices, license agents, approve policy forms and certain premium rates, set reserve and capital requirements, determine the form
and content of required financial reports, examine the insurance companies, prescribe the type and amount of investments permitted, levy fines and seek restitution, fines, sanctions or other monetary penalties for failure to comply with applicable
regulations. The international businesses of Aegon USA are governed by the laws and regulations of the countries in which they transact business, maintain offices or otherwise have a business presence.
Insurance companies are subject to a mandatory audit every three to five years by their domestic state insurance departments,
and every year by their independent auditors. In addition, examinations by non-domestic state insurance departments are conducted, on a targeted, random or cyclical basis. Some state Attorneys General have also commenced investigations into certain
insurers business practices. Within the insurance industry, substantial liability has been incurred by insurance companies based on their past sales, marketing and operational practices. Aegon USA continues to focus on these compliance issues,
and costs may increase as a result of these regulatory activities.
State insurance regulators have risk-based
capital (RBC) standards for life insurance companies, established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The RBC Model Act (Model Act) provides for various actions should an insurers adjusted capital, based on statutory
accounting principles, fall below certain prescribed levels, which are defined
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1 |
Source: Reports from LIMRA International and the Stable Value Investment Associations Stable Value and Funding Agreement Products as of the first three quarters of 2013.
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38
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Business overview Results of operations Americas |
in terms of its risk-based capital. The adjusted capital levels of the Aegon USA
insurance companies currently exceed all of the regulatory action levels as defined by the Model Act. Any modification of these adjusted capital levels by the regulators or rating agency capital models may impact Aegon USA. Previously, states
adopted conservative reserving requirements for term and universal life products. These continue to cause capital strain for the life insurance industry and, in volatile market conditions, funding for these reserves is challenging.
The NAIC amended its Model Holding Company Act and Regulation to enhance disclosure to regulators about risk exposure to
insurers from within their holding company system, for adoption by jurisdictions from 2012. Existing insurance holding company statutes and the regulations of each insurers domiciliary state in the United States already impose various
limitations on investments in affiliates, and require prior approval of the payment of dividends above certain threshold levels by the licensed insurer to Aegon or its affiliates. In response to international developments, the NAIC also passed a new
Own Risk and Solvency Protection Model Act and Guidance Manual, to come into effect in 2015. The NAIC passed a revised Model Standard Valuation Law (SVL) and Valuation Manual, which together established Principles-Based Reserving (PBR) in 2012.
Seven states, none in Aegon USAs domestic jurisdictions, passed the SVL in 2013. As adoption by a super-majority of states is required for PBR to be effective in any state, the effective date of PBR is expected to be 2016 or later. The NAIC
will continue to consider changes to corporate governance and insurers use of captives through 2014. The impact of changes to the use of captives on the company cannot be predicted at this time. Proposals have included abolishing the use of
captives or significantly restricting their use.
Although historically the federal government of the United States
has not regulated the insurance business, many federal laws impact the insurance business in a variety of ways. US federal and state privacy laws and regulations impose restrictions on financial institutions use and disclosure, as well as the
security of customer information, including obligations in the event of data security breaches. Congress is considering proposals intended to assist in combating cyberthreats. Proposals designed to assist the federal government in combating
cyberthreats could impose additional obligations on companies to provide information relative to the effort. At this time, it is uncertain what impact, if any, these proposals may have on insurers.
In addition to the US Congress, non-traditional insurance regulators are increasingly involved in insurance matters
traditionally reserved for State regulation; for example, the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Insurance Office (FIO), the Securities & Exchange Commission and others have recently considered the regulation of captive reinsurance
transactions.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act),
enacted in 2010, established the Federal Insurance Office. While the FIO has no direct regulatory authority over US insurers, it does have certain authority to represent the US government in establishing international regulatory standards for
insurers, and to represent the US insurance industry in international matters. The FIO is also authorized to monitor all aspects of the insurance industry, including identifying issues or gaps in the regulation of insurers that could contribute to a
systemic crisis in the insurance industry of the US financial system. On December 12, 2013, the FIO submitted to Congress and released to the public a report on how to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the United
States. The report details strengths and weaknesses of the current US insurance regulatory system and outlines near-term reforms for states to undertake regarding capital adequacy, safety and soundness, reform of insurer resolution practices, and
marketplace regulation. The report also outlines areas for federal involvement in insurance regulation, including pursuing national uniform treatment for reinsurers, adopting national standards for agent licensing and other provisions of The
National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013, and studying the use of personal information for insurance pricing and coverage purposes. The FIO is expected to continue to monitor state insurance activities, coordinate
policy, and engage in other actions as necessary to pursue the recommendations made in its report. .
The
Dodd-Frank Act has entrusted to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board (the Federal Reserve) a significant regulatory role with respect to life insurers which are either designated as systemically significant or have a bank
within the group. Finally, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), which includes the Federal Reserve, FIO and representatives of state regulators, is developing international capital and supervisory standards for
internationally active life insurance groups, such as Aegon. It is still to be determined the extent to which these developments or the activities of the FIO and the Federal Reserve will impact Aegon USA and the regulation of insurance in the United
States, or life insurers in the United States or internationally.
The Dodd-Frank Act also established the Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau, which has the authority to regulate the marketing practices of credit insurance and other financial products sold through banks. The Federal Reserve Board has also established certain disclosures relating to credit
insurance sold in connection with a bank loan.
Federal laws and the rules of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibit telephone solicitations to customers who have placed their telephone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. Additionally, proposals to place restrictions on direct mail are considered
from time to time by the US Congress and states.
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
39
These restrictions adversely impact the telemarketing efforts of Aegon USA, and
new proposals, if enacted, will likely impact direct mail efforts. Proposed Federal Reserve Board disclosures regarding credit insurance provided in connection with a loan, if enacted as proposed, would adversely impact the market for credit
insurance.
Many supplemental health insurance products offered by the Aegon USA companies, such as Medigap, are
subject to both federal and state regulation as health insurance. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), enacted in 2011, significantly changes the regulation of health insurance and delivery of health care in the United States,
including in certain respects, the regulation and delivery of supplemental health insurance products. Individual states are required to establish health care exchanges for the purchase of health care insurance by individuals. The extent to which
employers may discontinue their provision of supplemental health insurance products to retired employees and the extent to which supplemental health insurance products may be sold through state exchanges may significantly impact Aegon USAs
supplemental health products business.
Additionally, certain policies and contracts offered by Aegon USA insurance
companies are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws administered by the SEC and under certain state securities laws. The SEC conducts regular examinations of the insurance companies variable life insurance and variable
annuity operations, and occasionally makes requests for information from these insurers in connection with examinations of affiliate and third party broker-dealers, investment advisors and investment companies. The SEC and other governmental
regulatory authorities, including state securities administrators, may institute administrative or judicial proceedings that may result in censure, fines, issuance of cease-and-desist orders, or other sanctions against insurance companies or their
distributors. Sales of variable insurance and annuity products are regulated by the SEC and the FINRA. The SEC, the FINRA and other regulators have from time to time investigated certain sales practices involving variable annuities and transactions
in which an existing variable annuity is replaced by, or exchanged for, another annuity. Certain separate accounts of Aegon USA insurers are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Investment
Company Act). Separate account interests under certain annuity contracts and insurance policies issued by the insurance companies are also registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). Aegon USA insurance companies
and other subsidiaries also own or manage other investment vehicles that are exempt from registration under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act but may be subject to other requirements of those laws, such as anti-fraud provisions and
the terms of applicable exemptions.
Some of the Aegon USA companies are registered as broker-dealers with the SEC
under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Securities Exchange Act) and are regulated by the FINRA. A number of Aegon USA companies are also registered as investment advisors under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940. In accordance with Dodd-Frank Act requirements, the SEC studied and recommended a harmonized standard of care for broker-dealers, investment advisors and persons associated with these firms who provide personalized investment advice. The SEC
has solicited comments on the costs and benefits of regulations to establish a harmonized standard of care; however, it has not set a date for proposal of those regulations. Legislation has been proposed in prior congresses that would establish a
self-regulatory organization for the examination of investment advisors; however, no action was taken on the legislation. Finally, the SEC and Congress are considering changes to the regulation of money market funds. The impact of any future
legislation regulations regarding investment advisors, money market funds, or other investment products cannot be predicted at this time.
The financial services industry, which includes businesses engaged in issuing, administering, and selling fixed and variable
insurance products, mutual funds, and other securities, and also includes broker-dealers, continues to be under heightened scrutiny and increased regulation in various jurisdictions. Such scrutiny and regulations have included matters relating to
so-called producer compensation arrangements, suitability of sales (especially to seniors), selling practices, unclaimed property reporting, revenue sharing, and valuation issues involving mutual funds and life insurance separate accounts and their
underlying funds. Aegon USA companies, like other businesses in the financial services industry, have received inquiries, examinations, and requests for information from regulators and others relating to certain Aegon USA companies historical
and current practices with respect to these and other matters. Some of those inquiries have led to investigations, which remain open or have resulted in fines, corrective actions or restitution. Aegon USA companies continue to cooperate with these
regulatory agencies. In certain instances, Aegon USA companies modified business practices in response to those inquiries or findings. Certain Aegon USA companies have paid, or been informed that the regulators may seek, restitution, fines or other
monetary penalties or changes in the way that business is conducted. The impact of any such fines or other monetary penalties is not expected to have a material impact on Aegon USAs financial position, net income or cash flow. Over the years,
there has been an increase in litigation across the industry, new legislation, regulations, and regulatory initiatives aimed at curbing alleged improper annuity sales to seniors. As many of the estimated 78 million baby boomers are reaching the
age of 60, the industry will likely see an increase in senior issues presented in various legal arenas. In addition, certain industry practices in respect of market conduct have been the subject of investigations by various state regulators.
Management expects any significant marketplace volatility to drive further regulation and litigation, which could increase costs and limit Aegon USAs ability to operate.
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40
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Business overview Results of operations Americas |
Some Aegon USA companies offer products and services to individual retirement
accounts (IRAs), pension and welfare benefit plans that are subject to the federal Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). ERISA is administered by the US Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Accordingly, the DOL
and IRS have jurisdiction to regulate the products and services sold by these Aegon USA businesses. The DOL has issued regulations defining the nature of fees to be paid for investment advice in these plans, as well as requiring increased fee
disclosure from defined contribution plan service providers and to plan participants. The DOL has indicated that it will re-propose regulations regarding the scope of an investment advice fiduciary in IRAs and defined contribution plans,
as well as further define the nature of a plan sponsors obligations regarding certain plan participants investment options selected through a plans brokerage window. Implementation of these and other regulations in the manner
proposed could increase the cost and administrative burdens of the Aegon USA companies.
Finally, both the US
Treasury Department and the DOL have published, in final and proposed forms, respectively, guidance to facilitate the offering of guaranteed lifetime income products (for example annuities), both as an investment option in a retirement savings plan
or as a distribution from that plan. US federal legislation has also been proposed that is designed to increase savings in employer retirement plans and to facilitate managing those retirement savings as income in retirement through annuities. The
likelihood of passage of these legislative proposals or finalization of the regulatory guidance cannot be predicted at this time. However, the proposed legislation and guidance, if enacted and finalized as proposed, would increase the awareness of
the benefits of annuitization and/or would significantly reduce the administrative burden of offering annuities within a retirement savings plan or as a distribution option from the plan.
In an attempt to increase the number of workers covered by a retirement savings plan, California has enacted legislation that
would permit non-governmental workers to join the state government workers retirement plan or a similar governmental plan. Certain steps must be taken, however, before the legislation can be implemented. Several other states are considering
similar legislation. The opening of state retirement plans to non-governmental workers could impact the products and services sold by some Aegon USA companies to private employers in those states.
Although the insurance business is regulated at State level, the US federal tax treatment of life insurance, pension and
annuity products is governed by the US federal tax code. Proposals to remove or decrease the value of these tax incentives for these products both in and of themselves and relative to other investment vehicles have been debated
periodically in the US Congress and also have been proposed in the Executive
Administrations annual budget for the US federal government. Executive Administration budget proposals must be enacted by Congress before they become law. The risk of tax law changes is
heightened when additional revenue is sought to reduce the federal deficit. In addition, tax reform initiatives of the type currently being considered by congressional committees further increase the risk of changes to the tax incentives for short-
and long-term savings products, to the tax treatment of derivatives used by life insurers to hedge product-related liabilities, and perhaps even to the taxation of life insurers. These changes, if enacted, would directly impact the cost and
competitiveness of life insurance, annuity and pension products sold to ensure Americans financial and retirement security.
Moreover, legislative proposals which impose restrictions on executive compensation, or restrict employment-based savings plans or the tax benefits related thereto, could adversely impact the sale of life insurance products used in
funding those plans and their attractiveness relative to other non-insurance products. Regulations announced under the Dodd-Frank Act that limit investment by banks in certain financial services products or increase the cost of issuing certain life
insurance products would adversely impact the sale of life insurance products. In particular, the market for stable value products sold to defined contribution plans, as well as other insurance products, would be adversely affected if it was decided
that these products should be regulated as derivatives. Finally, proposed legislation that would limit the ability of an insurer to access the US Social Security Death Master File records would adversely impact the efficient administration of its
life insurance policies. The likelihood of enactment of any such legislation cannot be predicted at this time.
There have also been occasional legislative proposals in the US Congress that target foreign-owned companies, such as a
proposal containing a corporate residency provision that would redefine some historically foreign-based companies as US corporations for US tax purposes.
Many details of the Dodd-Frank Act were left to study or regulation; therefore, the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on Aegon USA,
or the life insurance market in general, cannot be fully determined until the regulations implementing the Dodd-Frank Act are promulagated and the studies completed. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act established the Federal Stabilization Oversight
Council (FSOC), responsible for identifying systemically significant companies which are to be subject to additional oversight and heightened and other prudential standards imposed by the Federal Reserve Board. While Aegon
USA has not to date been identified by FSOC as systemically significant, the likelihood of future identification of Aegon USA as systemically significant and/or the impact of any designation of other insurers as systemically significant on the
competitive position of Aegon USA cannot be predicted at this time.
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
41
Aegon USA companies administer and provide both asset management services and
products used to fund defined contribution plans, individual retirement accounts, 529 plans and other savings vehicles. Changes to defined benefit plans by sponsors in reaction to the financial economic environment and the enactment of funding
relief provisions may impact the services Aegon USA companies provide to these plans. In addition, legislative and regulatory proposals are considered from time to time which relate to the disclosure and nature of fees paid by defined contribution
plan sponsors and their participants. Other proposals that may be considered relate to the nature of education, advice or other services Aegon USA companies provide to defined contribution plan sponsors and their participants. Finally, as noted
above, proposals to change the structure, or remove or decrease the US federal tax preferences of pension and annuity products, either as part of tax reform or pursuant to deficit reduction, would directly impact the cost and competitiveness of
pension and annuity products and pension services sold to ensure Americans financial and retirement security. Aegon USA companies also provide plans used to administer benefits distributed upon termination of defined benefit plans.
Any proposals that seek to either restrict fees and services to, or investment advice in, employer plans, or change the manner
in which Aegon USA companies may charge for such services in a way that is inconsistent with business practices, will adversely impact the Aegon USA companies that provide administration and investment services and products to employment based
plans.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act does not directly impact the business of life insurance. It
is uncertain whether any of the new regulations to implement this law, anticipated over the next several years, will impact the nature or distribution of any of Aegon USAs supplemental products.
The American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA), enacted in January 2013, made permanent, with some modifications, many of the tax cuts
enacted in 2001 and 2003 during the Bush administration. The ATRA provisions that are most significant for the Aegon USA companies business include those: (a) on the estate tax (setting the unified estate and gift tax exemption threshold
at USD 5 million (adjusted for inflation after 2011), and the maximum tax rate at 40%); (b) on Roth conversions (permitting participants in qualified retirement savings plans to convert otherwise non-distributable 401(k) plan balances to a
Roth account if the plan so provides); and (c) increasing the top individual income tax rates to 39.6% and capital gains rates to 20%. Other provisions of ATRA, such as the phase-out of personal exemptions and limitations on itemized
deductions, as well as the new 3.8% tax on net investment income (enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and first effective in 2013), will further increase the marginal income tax rate of certain high income households. Making
the estate tax permanent will facilitate estate planning for Americans. The extent to which
the other tax law changes impact the purchase of life insurance and annuity products, as well as the participation of individuals in qualified retirement savings plans, is as yet uncertain.
Aegon Canada
Transamerica Life Canada (TLC) and Canadian Premier Life (CPL) are organized and regulated pursuant to the federal Insurance
Companies Act (Canada). The primary regulator is the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. In addition, TLC and CPL are subject to the laws, regulations and insurance commissions of each of Canadas ten provinces and three
territories in which it carries on business. The laws of these jurisdictions generally establish supervisory agencies with broad administrative powers that include granting and revoking licenses to conduct business, regulating trade practices,
licensing agents, establishing reserve requirements, determining permitted investments, and establishing minimum levels of capital. TLCs ability to continue to conduct its insurance business depends upon the maintenance of its licenses at both
the federal and provincial/territorial levels. It is also governed by policy statements and guidelines established by the Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association.
The mutual fund and investment management operations of Aegon Canada are governed by the Securities Acts of each province and
territory.
Asset liability management
The Aegon USA insurance companies are primarily subject to regulation under the laws of the states in which they are domiciled.
Each states laws prescribe the nature, quality, and percentage of various types of investments that may be made by the companies. Such laws generally permit investments in government bonds, corporate debt, preferred and common stock, real
estate, and mortgage loans. Limits are generally placed on other classes of investments.
The key investment
strategy for traditional insurance-linked portfolios is asset liability management, whereby predominately high-quality investment assets are matched in an optimal way to the corresponding insurance liability. This strategy takes into account
currency, yield and maturity characteristics. Asset diversification and quality considerations are also taken into account, along with considerations of the policyholders guaranteed or reasonably expected excess interest sharing.
Investment-grade fixed income securities are the main vehicle for asset liability management, and Aegon USAs investment personnel are highly skilled and experienced in these investments.
The Aegon USA companies manage their asset liability matching through the work of several committees. These committees review
strategies, define risk measures, define and review asset liability management studies, examine risk-hedging techniques, including the use of derivatives, and analyze the potential use of new asset classes. Cash flow testing analysis is performed
using
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42
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Business overview Results of operations Americas |
computer simulations, which model assets and liabilities under projected interest
rate scenarios and commonly used stress-test interest rate scenarios. Based on the results of these simulations, an investment portfolio is constructed to best match the cash flow and interest sensitivity of the underlying liabilities while trying
to maximize the spread between the yield on the portfolio assets and the rate credited on the policy liabilities. Interest rate scenario testing is a continual process and the analysis of the expected values and variability for four critical risk
measures (capital charges, cash flows, present value of profits, and interest rate spreads) forms the foundation for modifying investment strategies, adjusting asset duration and mix, and exploring hedging opportunities. On the liability side, Aegon
USA has some offsetting risks, whereby some liabilities perform better in rising interest rate environments while others tend to perform well in falling interest rate environments. The amount of offset may vary depending on the absolute level of
interest rates and the magnitude and timing of interest rate changes, but it generally provides some level of diversification. On the asset side, hedging instruments are continuously studied to determine whether their cost is commensurate to the
risk reduction they offer.
Reinsurance ceded
Aegon USA reinsures part of its life insurance exposure with third party reinsurers under both quota share (traditional
indemnity) reinsurance treaties, and excess-of-loss contracts. Aegon USAs reinsurance strategy is consistent with typical industry practice.
Ceding reinsurance does not remove Aegons liability as the primary insurer. Aegon could incur losses should reinsurance
companies not be able to meet their obligations. To minimize its exposure to the risk of such defaults, the creditworthiness of Aegons reinsurers is monitored regularly.
Aegon USA
These reinsurance contracts are designed to diversify Aegon USAs overall risk and limit the maximum loss on risks that
exceed policy retention levels. The maximum retention limits vary by product and class of risk, but generally fluctuate between USD 3,000 and USD 10 million per life insured.
Aegon USA remains contingently liable with respect to the amounts ceded should the reinsurance company not be able to meet its
obligations. To minimize its exposure to such defaults, Aegon USA regularly monitors the creditworthiness of its reinsurers, and where appropriate, arranges additional protection through letters of credit or trust agreements. For certain agreements,
funds are withheld for investment by the ceding company. Aegon USA has experienced no material reinsurance recoverability problems in recent years.
Aegon USA reinsures part of its life insurance exposure with third-party reinsurers under quota share (traditional indemnity)
reinsurance treaties, and excess-of-loss contracts. Aegon USAs reinsurance strategy is consistent with typical industry practice.
The Aegon USA insurance companies also enter into contracts with company-affiliated reinsurers, both within the United States and overseas. These contracts have been excluded from the companys consolidated financial
statements.
Aegon Canada
In the normal course of business, Transamerica Life
Canada reinsures part of its mortality and morbidity risk with third-party reinsurers that are registered with Canadas
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. The maximum life insurance exposure retained is CAD 1.25 million per life insured.
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Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
43
Results 2013 the Netherlands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
% |
|
Net underlying earnings |
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
260 |
|
|
|
5% |
|
Tax on underlying earnings |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
25% |
|
Underlying earnings before tax by product segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life & Savings |
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
(9%) |
|
Pensions |
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
66% |
|
Non-life |
|
|
(20) |
|
|
|
(27) |
|
|
|
26% |
|
Distribution |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
13% |
|
Share in underlying earnings before tax of associates |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
0% |
|
Underlying earnings before tax |
|
|
355 |
|
|
|
325 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net fair value items |
|
|
(65) |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Gains / (losses) on investments |
|
|
342 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
148% |
|
Impairment charges |
|
|
(32) |
|
|
|
(29) |
|
|
|
(10%) |
|
Other income / (charges) |
|
|
(36) |
|
|
|
(279) |
|
|
|
87% |
|
Income before tax |
|
|
564 |
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
150% |
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures and associates included in income before
tax |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
|
|
- |
|
Income tax |
|
|
(141) |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Of which Income tax from certain proportionately consolidated joint ventures
and associates included in income before tax |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Net income |
|
|
424 |
|
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
86% |
|
|
|
|
|
Life insurance gross premiums |
|
|
3,515 |
|
|
|
3,004 |
|
|
|
17% |
|
Accident and health insurance premiums |
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
220 |
|
|
|
10% |
|
General insurance premiums |
|
|
487 |
|
|
|
475 |
|
|
|
3% |
|
Total gross premiums |
|
|
4,245 |
|
|
|
3,699 |
|
|
|
15% |
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income |
|
|
2,310 |
|
|
|
2,273 |
|
|
|
2% |
|
Fees and commission income |
|
|
328 |
|
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
0% |
|
Total revenues |
|
|
6,883 |
|
|
|
6,301 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
|
|
|
|
Commissions and expenses |
|
|
997 |
|
|
|
1,036 |
|
|
|
(4%) |
|
of which operating expenses |
|
|
732 |
|
|
|
746 |
|
|
|
(2%) |
|
|
|
|
|
New life sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
% |
|
Life & Savings |
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
(13%) |
|
Pensions |
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
(17%) |
|
Total recurring plus 1/10 single |
|
|
206 |
|
|
|
246 |
|
|
|
(16%) |
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR million |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
% |
|
New premium production accident and health insurance |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
11% |
|
New premium production general insurance |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
(13%) |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross deposits (on and off balance) |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
% |
|
Life & Savings |
|
|
1,338 |
|
|
|
1,484 |
|
|
|
(10%) |
|
Total gross deposits |
|
|
1,338 |
|
|
|
1,484 |
|
|
|
(10%) |
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
Business overview Results of operations the Netherlands |
Results 2013 the Netherlands1
2013 net income increased to EUR
424 million compared to 2012 due to higher realized gains on investments and higher underlying earnings before tax which is partly offset by a loss on fair value items (compared to a gain in 2012). The increase in underlying earnings before tax
was mostly driven by Pensions earnings and lower operating expenses following implemented cost reduction initiatives.
Net income
Net income from Aegons businesses in the Netherlands amounted to EUR 424 million. Realized gains on investments totaled
EUR 342 million and were primarily the result of adjustments to the asset mix to bring it in line with the new regulatory yield curve and selective de-risking activities. Results on fair value items amounted to a loss of EUR 65 million,
which was primarily driven by adverse real estate revaluations of EUR 74 million and a loss in the guarantee portfolio of EUR 118 million. This loss in the guarantee portfolio was mainly the result of the tightening of Aegons credit
spread and model refinements. 2013 impairment charges amounted to EUR 32 million and other charges were EUR 36 million, which mainly included charges of EUR 25 million related to Koersplan (compared to a charge of EUR 265 million
related to the acceleration of product improvements for unit-linked insurance products in 2012).
Underlying
earnings before tax
Underlying earnings from Aegons operations in the Netherlands increased 9% to EUR
355 million compared to 2012 as higher earnings in Pensions more than offset lower earnings in Life & Savings.
|
¿ |
|
Earnings from Life & Savings declined 9% to EUR 243 million compared to 2012 and was impacted by EUR 28 million from reduced policy charges on unit-linked products, as part of
the acceleration of product improvements for unit-linked insurance policies. |
|
¿ |
|
Earnings from Pensions increased 66% to EUR 111 million compared to 2012, mainly driven by a benefit resulting from observed mortality of EUR 25 million and higher income on mortgage loan
investments allocated to the investment portfolio of the Pension business. |
|
¿ |
|
Non-life earnings improved to a loss of EUR 20 million in 2013. Higher investment income and lower claims on disability products more than compensated for lower profitability of the general
insurance business. Distribution recorded a profit of EUR 18 million, up 13% from 2012. This was primarily driven by a continued focus on cost control.
|
Commissions and expenses
Commissions and expenses decreased by 4% in 2013 compared to 2012. Operating expenses decreased by 2% compared to 2012, to EUR
732 million, as realized cost savings and lower employee benefit expenses offset investments in the business.
Production
Total new life sales decreased 16% in 2013 to EUR 206 million. Individual life sales declined 13% to EUR 40 million in
2013, as the ongoing shift to banksparen products more than offset higher term life sales related to new mortgage production. Pensions sales declined 17% compared to 2012 as signing multiple new contracts was more than offset by the non-recurrence
of a very large transaction in 2012. Production of mortgage loans in 2013 amounted to EUR 3.2 billion, up EUR 2.7 billion from 2012.
Premium production for accident & health amounted to EUR 24 million up from EUR 21 million in 2012. General insurance production declined 13% to EUR 26 million. Production was negatively impacted by the focus on
profitable business.
Gross deposits decreased to EUR 1.3 billion, as a higher production of banksparen
products was more than offset by a decline in traditional savings deposits.
|
1 |
Throughout this report, Aegon the Netherlands refers to all Aegon companies operating in the Netherlands. |
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
45
Results 2012 the Netherlands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
Net underlying earnings |
|
|
260 |
|
|
|
238 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
Tax on underlying earnings |
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
8% |
|
Underlying earnings before tax by product segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life & Savings |
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
185 |
|
|
|
44% |
|
Pensions |
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
(32%) |
|
Non-life |
|
|
(27) |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Distribution |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
100% |
|
Share in underlying earnings before tax of associates |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
100% |
|
Underlying earnings before tax |
|
|
325 |
|
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
9% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net fair value items |
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
156 |
|
|
|
(54%) |
|
Gains / (losses) on investments |
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
269 |
|
|
|
(49%) |
|
Impairment charges |
|
|
(29) |
|
|
|
(15) |
|
|
|
(93%) |
|
Other income / (charges) |
|
|
(279) |
|
|
|
(164) |
|
|
|
(70%) |
|
Income before tax |
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
544 |
|
|
|
(58%) |
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(125) |
|
|
|
- |
|
Net income |
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
419 |
|
|
|
(46%) |
|
|
|
|
|
Life insurance gross premiums |
|
|
3,004 |
|
|
|
3,213 |
|
|
|
(7%) |
|
Accident and health insurance premiums |
|
|
220 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
2% |
|
General insurance premiums |
|
|
475 |
|
|
|
452 |
|
|
|
5% |
|
Total gross premiums |
|
|
3,699 |
|
|
|
3,881 |
|
|
|
(5%) |
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income |
|
|
2,273 |
|
|
|
2,192 |
|
|
|
4% |
|
Fees and commission income |
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total revenues |
|
|
6,301 |
|
|
|
6,402 |
|
|
|
(2%) |
|
|
|
|
|
Commissions and expenses |
|
|
1,036 |
|
|
|
1,122 |
|
|
|
(8%) |
|
of which operating expenses |
|
|
746 |
|
|
|
823 |
|
|
|
(9%) |
|
|
|
|
|
New life sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR millions |
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
Life & Savings |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
(43%) |
|
Pensions |
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
173 |
|
|
|
16% |
|
Total recurring plus 1/10 single |
|
|
246 |
|
|
|
254 |
|
|
|
(3%) |
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in EUR million |
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
New premium production accident and health insurance |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
(22%) |
|
New premium production general insurance |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
11% |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross deposits (on and off balance) |
|
2012 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
% |
|
Life & Savings |
|
|
1,484 |
|
|
|
1,968 |
|
|
|
(25%) |
|
Pensions |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total gross deposits |
|
|
1,484 |
|
|
|
2,048 |
|
|
|
(28%) |
|
|
|
|
46
|
|
Business overview Results of operations the Netherlands |
Results 2012 the Netherlands
Higher underlying earnings before tax in the Netherlands were driven by improved Life & Savings earnings
and lower operating expenses following implemented cost reduction initiatives in 2011. Aegons business in the Netherlands realized EUR 89 million of the targeted EUR 100 million reduction in operating expenses. Net income was
impacted by a one-off charge of EUR 265 million related to the acceleration of product improvement for unit-linked insurance products.
Net income
Net income from Aegons businesses in the Netherlands amounted to EUR 228 million and included a charge of EUR
265 million before tax related to the acceleration of product improvements for unit-linked insurance products. Realized gains on investments totaled EUR 138 million for the year and were mainly the result of asset liability management
related trading activity and selective de-risking. Results on fair value items amounted to a gain of EUR 71 million and impairments amounted to EUR 29 million.
Underlying earnings before tax
Underlying earnings before tax from Aegons operations in the Netherlands increased 9% in 2012 to EUR 325 million as
higher earnings in Life & Savings more than offset lower earnings in Pension and Non-life. Recurring charges for Corporate Center expenses amounted to EUR 16 million.
|
¿ |
|
Underlying earnings before tax from Aegons Life & Savings operations in the Netherlands increased to EUR 267 million, up 44% compared to 2011. This increase was driven by cost
savings, a higher contribution from Aegons growing mortgage portfolio on lower funding costs, the non-recurrence of certain expenses and a benefit in the fourth quarter resulting from updated mortality tables of EUR 24 million.
|
|
¿ |
|
Underlying earnings before tax from the Pension business declined to EUR 67 million as the benefit of cost savings and the wind up of several contracts were more than offset by lower interest
income, the non-recurrence of a employee benefit release in 2011 and a charge in 2012 of EUR 17 million resulting from updated mortality tables. |
|
¿ |
|
Non-life recorded an underlying loss before tax of EUR 27 million in 2012 as a result of adverse claim experience on disability and general insurance products. Losses on these products led to
the implementation of actions to improve future results with disability insurance products already showing improvements in 2012.
|
|
¿ |
|
In 2012, the distribution businesses recorded underlying earnings before tax of EUR 16 million, an improvement compared to 2011 due to cost savings and lower amortization of value of business
acquired following an impairment in 2011. |
Production
New life sales decreased by 3% in 2012 to EUR 246 million. The decline in Individual life sales to EUR 46 million,
primarily driven by a shrinking Dutch life insurance market, more than offset the 16% increase in pension sales. Production of mortgages in 2012 amounted to EUR 2.7 billion down from EUR 3.3 billion in 2011.
Premium production for accident & health amounted to EUR 21 million, down from EUR 27 million in 2011.
Sales in income insurance products were negatively impacted by strong competition and price increases to maintain margins. General insurance production amounted to EUR 30 million, up 11% for the year, resulting from successful new distribution
initiatives.
Gross deposits declined to EUR 1,484 million, driven by strong competition on the Dutch savings
market and a reduction of the rate offered on savings accounts to protect margins.
Commissions and expenses
Commissions and expenses decreased by 8% in 2012 compared to 2011 driven by lower operating expenses. Operating
expenses decreased by 9%, to EUR 746 million, as realized cost savings and the non-recurrence of restructuring charges offset investments in new distribution capabilities and recurring charges for Corporate Center expenses.
Aegon was on track to reduce operating expenses by EUR 100 million in comparison to the cost base for 2010, of which the
majority was in 2012. Over the years, Aegon has implemented cost savings of EUR 89 million.
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
47
Overview of the Netherlands
Aegon has operated in the Netherlands for more than 150 years, and is today known as Aegon the Netherlands, one
of the countrys leading1 providers of life insurance and pensions, with approximately 4,300 employees. Aegon the Netherlands is headquartered in The Hague, has offices in Leeuwarden and
Groningen, and owns the Unirobe Meeùs Group, one of the largest2 intermediaries in the Netherlands.
Organizational structure
Aegon the Netherlands operates through a number of brands, including TKP Pensioen, Optas and Unirobe Meeùs. Aegon itself
is one of the most widely recognized brands in the Dutch financial services sector3.
Aegon the Netherlands primary subsidiaries are:
|
¿ |
|
Aegon Levensverzekering N.V. |
|
¿ |
|
Aegon Schadeverzekering N.V. |
|
¿ |
|
Unirobe Meeùs Groep B.V. |
Aegon the Netherlands has four
lines of business:
Overview of sales and
distribution channels
Aegon the Netherlands sells through several channels. The Pensions business line includes
Sales and account management, which serves large corporations and financial institutions such as company and industry pension funds. In general all business lines use the intermediary channel, which focuses on independent agents and retail sales
organizations in the Netherlands. Aegon Bank uses the direct channel, primarily for savings, and Aegon Schadeverzekering has strategic partnerships for the sale of its products and uses an online channel. Aegon the Netherlands launched online bank
Knab in 2012 and online insurer Kroodle in 2013, in line with its drive to embrace technology to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Furthermore, Aegon the Netherlands has made significant investments in the direct online channel, which is
starting to generate results.
|
1 |
Source: DNB/CVS Reports 2012. |
|
2 |
Source: AM 2012 Jaarboek, published by Assurantie Magazine. |
|
3 |
Source: Tracking Report Motivaction+.
|
Overview of business lines
Life & Savings
Aegon the Netherlands provides a range of individual savings products, mortgage loans and life insurance and personal
protection products and services, including traditional, universal and term life. Based on underlying earnings before tax, Life & Savings is Aegon the Netherlands largest line of business.
Products
Endowment insurance
Endowment insurance includes several products that accumulate a cash value.
Premiums are paid at inception or over the term of the contract.
Accumulation products pay benefits on the policy
maturity date, subject to survival of the insured. Most policies also pay death benefits should the insured die during the term of the contract. Death benefits may be stipulated in the policy or depend on the gross premiums paid to date. Premiums
and amounts insured are established at inception of the contract. The amount insured can be increased as a result of profit sharing, if provided for under the terms and conditions of the product.
Minimum interest guarantees exist for all generations of accumulation products written, except for universal life type
products for which premiums are invested solely in equity funds. Older generations contain a 4% guarantee; in 1999 the guarantee decreased to 3% and in 2013 the guarantee decreased to 0%.
There are various profit-sharing arrangements. Bonuses are either paid in cash (usually for a pension, as described later) or
used to increase the sum insured. A common form of profit sharing is to set bonus levels by reference to external indices that are based on pre-defined portfolios of Dutch government bonds. The bonds included in the portfolios have differing
remaining maturities and interest rates. Together they are considered an approximation of the long-term rate of return on Dutch high-quality financial investments.
|
|
|
48
|
|
Business overview Results of operations the Netherlands |
Term and whole life insurance
Term life insurance pays out death benefits should the insured die during the term of the contract. Whole life insurance pays
out death benefits in the event of death, regardless of when this occurs. Premiums and amounts insured are established at inception of the contract and are guaranteed. The amount insured may be adjusted at the request of the policyholder. Term life
insurance policies do not include profit-sharing arrangements. Part of the whole life insurance portfolio has profit-sharing features, which are based on external indices or the return of related assets.
Annuity insurance
Annuity insurance includes products in the accumulation phase and products in the payout phase. Payout commences at a date
determined in the policy and usually continues until death of the insured or the beneficiary. Premiums are paid at inception of the policy or during the accumulation phase of the policy. The contracts contain minimum guarantees of 3%, or 4% and
prior to 1999 of 4%. Interest rebates are given on both single and regular premium annuity insurance, and may be based on a portfolio of Dutch government bonds, although other calculation benchmarks may also be applied. There are also profit-sharing
schemes set by reference to external indices that are based on pre-defined portfolios of Dutch government bonds.
Variable unit-linked products
These products have a minimum benefit guarantee, except for premiums invested in equity funds. The initial guarantee period is
ten years.
Tontine plans
Tontine plans are unit-linked contracts with a specific bonus structure. At the end of the year in which the insured dies, the
policy balance is distributed to the surviving policyholders who belong to the same tontine series, rather than to the policyholders estate. Should the policyholder die before the policy matures, a death benefit is paid to the dependants.
Tontine policyholders may invest premiums in a number of Aegon funds. Aegon the Netherlands manages but no longer sells tontine plans.
Mortgage loans
Since 2013, Aegon the Netherlands has offered annuity and linear residential
mortgage loans, either individually or in combination. Previously the business also offered interest-only, unit-linked and savings mortgage loans.
Savings accounts
Aegon the Netherlands offers flexible savings accounts with cash withdrawal with limited restrictions, and deposit accounts
with a predetermined maturity.
Investment contracts
Investment contracts are investment products that offer index-linked returns and generate fee income from the performance of
the investments.
Long-term deposits (Banksparen)
Banksparen is a saving product for which amounts are deposited in a locked bank account exempt from capital gains
tax. The amount saved is available for specific purposes after a certain time period.
Knab
Aegon the Netherlands launched online bank Knab in 2012. The platform provides customers with insights into their financial
future and uses a fee-based model to empower informed decision making by customers. A product of collaboration with customers, experts and critics, Knab is designed to meet contemporary customer needs.
Kroodle
In the first quarter of 2013, Aegon the Netherlands launched Kroodle, one of the worlds first insurance companies to operate primarily through Facebook allowing customers in the Netherlands to purchase insurance and manage
their accounts through their Facebook profile.
Sales and distribution
Aegon the Netherlands life and savings products are sold through Aegons intermediary and direct channels.
Pensions
The Pensions business provides a variety of full service pension products to pension funds and companies.
Products
Aegon the Netherlands provides full-service pension solutions and administration-only services to company and industry pension funds and large companies. The full-service pension products for account of policyholders are separate
account group contracts with and without guarantees.
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F 2013 |
49
Separate account group contracts are large group contracts that have an
individually determined asset investment underlying the pension contract. A guarantee usually consists of profit sharing, and is the highest of either the market interest rate or the contractual interest rate, 3% or 4%. If profit sharing turns into
a loss, the minimum guarantee becomes effective, but the loss in any given year is carried forward to be offset against future surpluses. In general, the guarantee is dependent on the life of the insured so that their pension benefit is guaranteed.
Large group contracts also receive part of the technical results for mortality risk and disability risk. The contract period is typically five years and the tariffs, cost loadings and risk premiums are generally fixed over this period.
Separate account guaranteed group contracts provide a guarantee on the benefits paid. The longevity risk therefore lies with
Aegon the Netherlands. Non-guaranteed separate account group contracts provide little guarantee on the benefits. Aegon the Netherlands may not renew a contract at the end of a contract period.
Aegon offers all customers a defined benefit product with guaranteed benefits. The expected profit is paid to the customer
upfront, with the premium adjusted for anticipated investment returns. Customers may contribute funds for future pension increases to a separate account. Aegon the Netherlands also offers defined contribution products with single and recurring
premiums to all customers. Profit sharing is based on investment returns on specified funds, and all positive and negative risks, such as investment risk and longevity risk, are attributed to the employees.
A decrease in the number of company and industry pension funds in the Netherlands will continue over the next few years. By
law, the assets and liabilities of a terminated pension fund must be transferred to another pension provider. Aegon the Netherlands offers a pension fund buy-out product for its terminating pension funds, for which it takes on the guaranteed or
non-guaranteed liabilities, with or without annual pension increases, and receives a lump-sum premium. All risks related to the transferred benefits are carried by Aegon the Netherlands.
Sales and distribution
Most of Aegon the Netherlands pensions are sold through Sales and account management and Aegons intermediary
channel. Customers include individuals, company and industry pension funds, and small, medium and large corporations. Aegon the Netherlands is one of the countrys leading providers of
pensions1.
For the majority of company and industry
customers, Aegon the Netherlands provides a full range of pension products and services. In addition, TKP Pensioen specializes in pension administration for company and industry pension funds and provides defined contribution plans to corporate and
institutional clients, Aegon PPI offers defined contribution plans for small and medium companies.
Non-life
The Non-life business consists of general insurance and accident and health insurance.
Products
General insurance
Aegon the Netherlands offers general insurance products in the corporate and
retail markets. These include house, inventory, car, fire and travel insurance.
Accident and health insurance
Aegon the Netherlands offers disability and sick leave products to employers that cover sick leave payments to
employees not covered by social security and for which the employer bears the risk.
Sales and distribution
Aegon the Netherlands offers non-life insurance products primarily through the Aegon intermediary channel, and
through the direct channel Aegon Online and strategic partnerships, such as with local retailer Kruidvat. Aegon also uses the co-assurance market for the corporate sector, and Sales and account management provides products for larger corporations in
the Netherlands.
Distribution
Unirobe Meeùs Group is the main distribution channel owned by Aegon the Netherlands, through which it offers financial
advice to its customers, including the sale of insurance, pensions, mortgage loans, financing, savings and investment products.
|
1 |
Source: DNB/CVS Reports 2012. |
|
|
|
50
|
|
Business overview Results of operations the Netherlands |
Competition
Aegon the Netherlands faces strong competition in all of its markets from insurers, banks and investment management companies.
The main competitors are ING Group, Eureko (Achmea), ASR, SNS Reaal (including Zwitserleven) and Delta Lloyd/OHRA. This market is, however, subject to quickly changing market dynamics, including the growing use of online channels and a slowly
changing pensions landscape (PPI).
Aegon the Netherlands has been a key player in the total life market for many
years and is ranked second based on gross premium income in 2012, after ING. The life insurance market in the Netherlands comprises pensions and life insurance. The top six companies by gross premium income accounted for approximately 90% of the
total premium income in 20121. Based on gross premium income in 20121, Aegon the Netherlands ranks first in the pension market and sixth in the
individual life insurance market. Aegon the Netherlands is one of the smaller players in the non-life market. Aegon the Netherlands non-life market share is around 4%1, measured in premium
income.
In the mortgage loans market, Aegon the Netherlands market share is growing and the company now holds
a market share of approximately 9,1% based on new sales2. Rabobank, ING and ABN AMRO are the largest mortgage loan providers in this market.
Aegon the Netherlands holds approximately 1.3%3 of Dutch households
savings and is small in comparison to banks Rabobank, ING, ABN AMRO and SNS Bank.
In recent years, several changes
in regulations have limited opportunities in the Dutch insurance market, notably in the life insurance market where the tax deductibility of certain products has been reduced, such as for company savings plans. Furthermore, low economic growth and
financial market volatility has made customers more reluctant to commit to long-term contracts. These changes have increased competition, resulting in a greater focus on competitive pricing, improved customer service and retention, and product
innovation. Since 2011, Aegon the Netherlands has accelerated its response through organizational restructuring accompanied by significant cost savings.
In the pension market, funds face pressure on their coverage ratios, and increased regulatory and governance