The first half at a glance
• 8.3% growth in non-life premiums
• 34% growth in the bank's loans and advances
• DKK 80 million profit upgrade (more than 9%)
• Share buy-back programme increased by DKK 100 million to DKK 700 million for
the entire period, equal to pay-out ratio of 10
Highlights of the Alm. Brand Group's interim report for the first half of 2007.
• The group generated a H1 2007 profit before tax and minorities of DKK 508
million.
• The results were highly satisfactory and attributable to the positive
performance in all of the group's business areas.
• The consolidated profit is equivalent to an annualised return on equity of
21% before tax.
• The positive performance makes us upgrade the profit forecast for 2007 by DKK
80 million to DKK 930 million, or by just over 9%.
• Non-life operations generated a pre-tax profit of DKK 334 million, which was
highly satisfactory.
The performance was produced by a very strong normal claims experience, a
strong investment return as well a substantial weather-related claims
Weather-related claims impacted the group's results by DKK 90 million.
Premium growth in the non-life operations was 8.3%, which was highly
satisfactory and supports the group's ambitious strategy for growth. We are
generating growth while retaining the quality of our portfolio.
• The bank posted a satisfactory profit before tax and minorities of DKK 110
million for H1 2007.
The bank expanded all lines of operation. Loans and advances were up by 34%,
and the bank expanded its business operations to include lending to SMEs. In
addition, the banking results were supported by very low losses on loans and
advances.
• The group's life operations generated a profit of DKK 34 million. Due to the
rising level of interest rates, it was not possible to recognise the full risk
premium, which was transferred to the shadow account. However, we continue to
expect to receive the full risk premium for the 2007 financial year.
• The Alm. Brand A/S Group generated total income of DKK 3.7 billion in the
first half of 2007.
• At 30 June 2007, shareholders' equity was DKK 5.5 billion including minority
interests totalling DKK 0.5 billion.
Please direct any questions regarding this announcement to Søren Boe Mortensen,
Chief Executive, on tel. +45 35 47 47 47.
Yours sincerely,
Alm. Brand A/S
Søren Boe Mortensen
Chief Executive
The report is attached in pdf-format.
