STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Aug. 22, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Skandia: first-half result according to IFRS strongly affected by one-time effects:
-The result for the period was SEK -1,047 million (1,290). Goodwill in Bankhall was written down by SEK -1,135 million. The result was charged with SEK -471 million for discontinued operations.
The result for the first half of 2004 was favourably affected by SEK 833 million pertaining to the sale of the Japanese operation.
- Revenues rose 15%, to SEK 7,829 million (6,821). Expenses increased to SEK -8,401 million (-6,487). Excluding the goodwill write-down of SEK -1,135 million, expenses rose 12%.
- Earnings per share before dilution were SEK -1.03 (1.26), of which SEK -0.46 (0.81) pertained to discontinued operations. The return on shareholders' equity was -9% (7%).
- Cash flow from operating activities (excluding changes in deposits and lending in the banking operation) amounted to SEK -0.2 billion (-1.6).
Improved Embedded Value Result For Unit Linked Assurance During First-Half
- The group's result of operations (including financial effects) was SEK 2,129 million (1,937).
- The result of operations for unit linked assurance increased to SEK 2,320 million (1,860).
- The present value of new business (VNB) for unit linked assurance grew by 34% in local currency, to SEK 1,082 million (812). VNB for the second quarter alone was up slightly compared with the same period a year ago.
- The calculated profit margin for new sales increased during the first half of the year to 19.2% (17.2%). During the second quarter alone, the profit margin was 14.9% (17.8%). The decline is mainly due to the dramatically changed market conditions for the German operation. The profit margin increased in Sweden and was essentially unchanged in the U.K.
- Net asset value per share increased to SEK 31.19, compared with SEK 29.44 at the start of the year.
Rate Of Growth For Operations Increased During Second Quarter
- Premiums and deposits rose 24% in local currency during the first half of the year. New sales of unit linked assurance rose 20% in local currency. New sales during the second quarter rose 25%.
- The U.K. showed continued growth with an increase in new sales.
- Actions taken in Sweden are beginning to generate results. During the second quarter, new sales of unit linked assurance rose 27% compared with the same period a year ago.
- In Germany, operations have moved into a transitional period following a period of exceptional demand.
Funds under management grew by 17% in local currency, to SEK 481,641 million as per 30 June 2005, thanks to a larger inflow and favourable growth in value
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