Hannover Rueck SE (HVRRY) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Surpassing Income Targets and ...

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Release Date: November 11, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Hannover Rueck SE (HVRRY) recorded a net positive one-off tax effect of EUR120 million in Q3, contributing to a nine-month group net income of over EUR1.8 billion.

  • The company updated its guidance for the group net income 2024 to around EUR2.3 billion, surpassing the initial target of EUR2.1 billion.

  • The combined ratio of 87.9% is well in line with the target of below 89%, reflecting strong underlying profitability in the P&C portfolio.

  • The return on investment of 3.1% is above the target, highlighting strong ordinary income and limited impact from impairments.

  • Shareholder equity increased by 10%, driven by group net income and limited impact from interest rate and currency movements.

Negative Points

  • The solvency ratio decreased by 15% compared to the end of Q2, largely due to foreseeable dividends and planned growth for the coming year.

  • The life and health reinsurance revenue was stable year-on-year but included non-recurring effects and an accelerated runoff of US mortality business.

  • The reinsurance service result of EUR668 million is only slightly above the pro-rata share of the full-year target, indicating limited growth.

  • The company recorded a moderate impact of EUR44 million from impairments on real estate, affecting the investment performance.

  • The large loss budget for the year increased, reflecting a higher frequency of natural catastrophe losses and reduced retrocession coverage.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide insights on capital deployment and growth expectations in P&C? A: We expect growth across all regions and product lines, with a focus on property catastrophe opportunities. We plan to reduce retrocession, particularly in our K transaction, which will support growth. (Respondent: Unidentified_6)

Q: How is the combined ratio expected to evolve, and what factors are influencing it? A: The combined ratio for the first nine months is 87.9%, reflecting cautious reserving and some runoff impacts. For 2025, we anticipate a reduction due to positive profitability outlook, maintaining prudency in reserving. (Respondent: Unidentified_3)

Q: What is driving the 2025 guidance for the combined ratio and large loss budget? A: The guidance reflects a stable risk-adjusted rate environment and less retrocession, contributing to a better combined ratio outlook. The large loss budget increase is due to business growth and reduced retrocession. (Respondent: Unidentified_6)