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CSN Chesnara Plc

252.00
-0.50 (-0.20%)
Last Updated: 08:29:27
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Chesnara Plc LSE:CSN London Ordinary Share GB00B00FPT80 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -0.50 -0.20% 252.00 250.00 252.50 252.00 252.00 252.00 3,633 08:29:27
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Life Insurance -1.11B -98.33M -0.6537 -3.86 379.84M

Chesnara PLC Half-year Report (2038Z)

30/08/2018 7:01am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 2038Z

Chesnara PLC

30 August 2018

Chesnara plc

Strength in numbers: Strong cash generation in UK, supported by positive contributions from Sweden and the Netherlands

During the first half of 2018, a period in which equity markets remained broadly unchanged, we continued to generate more than sufficient cash to fund the dividend strategy, though we saw a fall in our Economic Value following the payment of the final 2017 dividend and foreign exchange losses as a result of a weakening of the Swedish krona.

Financial Highlights

   --        3.00% increase in interim dividend compared with 2017 

The results in the period support the continued growth of the dividend to 7.21p per share (2017 interim: 7.00p per share).

   --        Group cash generation of GBP48.6m (six months ended 30 June 2017: GBP(2.7)m (Note 1) ) 

It is useful to note that both the 2018 figure and the prior year comparison were impacted by particularly material items. The 2018 result benefits from a GBP26.8m release of surplus previously constrained in the UK with-profits funds. The 2017 comparison includes a GBP55.3m adverse effect of completing the acquisition of L&G Netherland.

   --        Divisional cash generation of GBP53.1m (six months ended 30 June 2017: GBP54.8m) (Note 2) 

All divisions have made positive contributions, with the exception of Scildon, where operational gains were offset by the impact of losses on Italian bond holdings. The 2018 UK divisional result benefits from a GBP26.8m release of surplus previously constrained in the with profit fund.

   --        Group solvency ratio of 157% (31 December 2017: 146%) 

We continue to be well capitalised at both group and subsidiary level.

   --        Economic Value (EcV) of GBP700.8m (31 December 2017: GBP723.1m) (Note 3) 

The movement is stated after recognising GBP19.6m of dividend payments and a foreign exchange loss of GBP16.4m during the period.

   --        EcV earnings net of tax of GBP13.6m (six months ended 30 June 2017: GBP105.8m) 

The 2017 result includes a non-recurring GBP65.4m gain arising from the L&G Netherland acquisition.

   --        EcV new business contribution of GBP5.3m (six months ended 30 June 2017: GBP7.1m) 

Solid new business profits have emerged from Movestic. Scildon's new business operation is not generating sufficient profit although positive volume trends and the recent launch of a new mortgage term product should begin to address this issue.

   --        IFRS profit before tax of GBP26.5m (six months ended 30 June 2017: GBP51.6m) 

The 2017 result includes a GBP20.7m gain on the acquisition of L&G Netherland. The underlying core operating profit improved to GBP27.3m (2017 interims: GBP16.6m). Economic loss of GBP0.8m compared to a corresponding profit of GBP14.3m in the first half of 2017.

   --        IFRS Total Comprehensive Income of GBP14.9m (six months ended 30 June 2017: GBP53.8m) 

This includes a foreign exchange loss of GBP6.9m (2017: GBP7.1m gain). The 2017 result includes the aforementioned GBP20.7m gain on the acquisition of L&G Netherland.

Strategic delivery highlights

   --        Good progress with Scildon development programme 

We have made good progress with the post-acquisition development programme.

John Deane, Chief Executive said:

"I am pleased to report that during the first half of 2018, a period in which equity markets remained broadly unchanged, we continued to generate more than sufficient cash to fund the dividend strategy, though we saw a fall in our Economic Value following the payment of the final 2017 dividend and foreign exchange losses as a result of a weakening of the Swedish krona.

The strong 2017 results were most welcome as they reflected the benefits that can arise from successful acquisitions and from positive market conditions, but it is equally important that the business, as in the first half of this year, can generate sufficient cash in the absence of acquisitions and without the assistance of economic tailwinds.

We have made good progress with the Scildon development programme and I am pleased to report a 29% increase in the sales of Term contracts compared to the first half of 2017. There is more to do and time is required but I am encouraged by the improvements during the year."

Note 1 A GBP48.9m one-off positive impact in respect of equity raised ahead of completion of the acquisition of L&G Netherland, was included in the 2016 result. We highlighted this as a temporary impact in our 2016 accounts. As expected, on completion, the 2017 result included a consequential negative impact of GBP55.3m. The end to end impact of the acquisition of L&G Netherland resulted in a day 1 surplus cash reduction of GBP6.4m. Our reported group cash generation of GBP46.2m for the six months to 30 June 2017 was reported on an adjusted basis. The 2017 comparative has subsequently been re-stated to reflect the reversal of the GBP48.9m positive equity raise impact and aligns the half-year result with the basis presented in our 2017 Annual Report and Accounts.

Note 2 Cash generation represents the movement in distributable surplus during the period. Distributable surplus is defined as being the excess of Solvency II own funds over and above the group's internal capital management policies, which have been prepared in the context of the solvency capital requirements imposed by our regulators.

Note 3 Economic Value is based on the Solvency II "Own funds" valuation with adjustments for contract boundaries, risk margin and adding back the impact of restrictions placed on the value of certain ring-fenced with-profit funds. We consider the Solvency II rules understate the commercial value of these items. Contract boundary rules require Solvency II Own Funds to assume no future regular premiums on certain contracts and the Solvency II risk margin rules, in our view, overstate the cost of capital.

The Board approved this statement on 29 August 2018.

Enquiries

John Deane, Chief Executive, Chesnara plc - 01772 972079

Roddy Watt, fwd Consulting - 0207 623 2368 / 07714 770493

Notes to Editors

Chesnara plc ('Chesnara'), which listed on the London Stock Exchange in May 2004, is the owner of Countrywide Assured plc ('CA plc'), Movestic Livförsäkringar AB ('Movestic') and Chesnara Holdings BV, the intermediate holding company of the 'Waard Group' and Scildon NV ('Scildon').

CA plc is a UK life assurance subsidiary that is closed to new business. In June 2005 Chesnara acquired a further closed life insurance company - City of Westminster Assurance - for GBP47.8m. With effect from 30 June 2006, CWA's policies and assets were transferred into CA plc. Save & Prosper Insurance Limited and its subsidiary, Save & Prosper Pensions Limited, were acquired on 20 December 2010 for GBP63.5m. With effect from 31 December 2011, the business of Save & Prosper was transferred into CA plc. On 28 November 2013 Chesnara acquired Direct Line Life Insurance Company Limited (subsequently renamed Protection Life Company Limited) from Direct Line Group plc for GBP39.3m. On 31 December 2014 the Protection Life business transferred into CA plc. CA plc operates an outsourced business model.

Movestic, a Swedish life assurance company which originally focused on pensions and savings, was acquired on 23 July 2009 for GBP20 million. The company is open to new business and seeks to grow its position in the Swedish unit-linked market. Its proposition was strengthened in February 2010 with the acquisition of the operations of Aspis Försäkringar Liv AB which has a risk and health product bias.

The Waard Group, a Netherlands-based group comprising three closed book insurance companies and a servicing company, was acquired on 19 May 2015 for EUR69.9m. The Waard Group, comprising Waard Leven N.V., Hollands Welvaren Leven N.V., Waard Schade N.V. and Tadas Verzekeringen B.V. was previously owned by DSB Beheer B.V., a Dutch financial services group. The policy base of the Waard Group is predominantly term life policies, with some unit linked policies and some non-life policies.

Scildon (previously L&G Netherland) is a leading provider in the Dutch market of risk and investment-linked products, sold through brokers to high net worth customers. It also offers a defined contribution group pension platform focussing on Dutch SMEs. The company was acquired in April 2017 from Legal and General.

Further details are available on the Company's website (www.chesnara.co.uk).

 
                          CAUTIONARY STATEMENT 
 This document may contain forward-looking statements with respect 
  to certain of the plans and current expectations relating to 
  the future financial condition, business performance and results 
  of Chesnara plc. By their nature, all forward-looking statements 
  involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events 
  and circumstances that are beyond the control of Chesnara plc 
  including, amongst other things, UK domestic, Swedish domestic, 
  Dutch domestic and global economic and business conditions, 
  market-related risks such as fluctuations in interest rates, 
  currency exchange rates, inflation, deflation, the impact of 
  competition, changes in customer preferences, delays in implementing 
  proposals, the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future 
  acquisitions or other combinations within relevant industries, 
  the policies and actions of regulatory authorities, the impact 
  of tax or other legislation and other regulations in the jurisdictions 
  in which Chesnara plc and its subsidiaries operate. As a result, 
  Chesnara plc's actual future condition, business performance 
  and results may differ materially from the plans, goals and 
  expectations expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. 
 

HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL

IFRS PRE-TAX PROFIT GBP26.5M SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017 GBP51.6M

The 2017 result includes a GBP20.7m gain on acquisition of Legal & General Nederland.

IFRS TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME GBP14.9M SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017 GBP53.8M

The 2018 result includes a foreign exchange loss of GBP6.9m (2017: gain of GBP7.1m). The 2017 result includes a GBP20.7m gain on acquisition of Legal & General Nederland.

GROUP SOLVENCY 157% 31 DECEMBER 2017 146%

We are well capitalised at both group and subsidiary level and under Solvency II have not used any elements of the long term guarantee package, including transitional arrangements.

ECONOMIC VALUE GBP700.8M 31 DECEMBER 2017 GBP723.1M

Movement in the period is stated after dividend distributions of GBP19.6m and includes a foreign exchange loss of GBP16.4m.

ECONOMIC VALUE EARNINGS GBP13.6M SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017 GBP105.8M

The 2017 result includes a non-recurring GBP65.4m gain arising on the acquisition of Legal & General Nederland.

NEW BUSINESS PROFIT GBP5.3M SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017 GBP7.1M

GROUP CASH GENERATION GBP48.6M SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017 GBP(2.7)M*

The cash generation figures can be impacted by one-off items. The 2018 result benefits from a GBP26.8m release of surplus previously constrained in the UK with-profit fund. The 2017 comparison includes a GBP55.3m adverse effect of completing the acquisition of Legal & General Nederland.

* restated - see "Cash generation" section below for further detail.

DIVISIONAL CASH GENERATION GBP53.1M SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017 GBP54.8M

The 2018 group cash result benefits from a GBP26.8m release of previously constrained surplus within the UK with-profit fund.

OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC

INTERIM DIVID INCREASE

Interim dividend increased by 3.00% to 7.21p per share (2017: 7.00p interim and 13.07p final).

LIMITED EQUITY GROWTH AND WEAKENING SWEDISH KRONA

A more subdued equity market performance in the period compared with the same period in 2017. Falling Italian bond values have adversely impacted Scildon investment performance. Swedish krona has weakened against Sterling by 6% since the start of the year.

GROUP-WIDE IFRS 17 PROGRAMME IS PROGRESSING TO PLAN

The 'impact assessment' phase of the group and divisional IFRS 17 programme is in progress and will complete in Q3. The multi-year design and implementation phase will begin later in 2018.

MEASURING OUR PERFORMANCE

HOW WE MEASURE PERFORMANCE WITHIN THIS HALF YEAR REPORT

Throughout this Half Year Report, we use measures to assess and report how well we have performed. The range of measures is broad and includes many measures that are not based on IFRS. The financial analysis of a life and pensions business also needs to recognise the importance of Solvency II figures, the basis of regulatory solvency. In addition the measures aim to assess performance from the perspective of all stakeholders.

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF A LIFE AND PENSION BUSINESS

Whilst the IFRS results form the core of the Half Year Report and hence retain prominence as a key financial performance metric, there is a general acceptance that the IFRS results in isolation do not adequately recognise the wider financial performance of a typical life and pensions business.

In light of the limitations of IFRS reporting, this Half Year Report adopts several Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) to present a more meaningful view of the financial position and performance. The non-IFRS APMs have at their heart the Solvency II valuation known as Own Funds and as such, all major financial APMs are derived from a defined rules-based regime. The list below shows the core financial metrics that sit alongside the IFRS results, together with their associated KPIs and interested parties.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT KPIS:

   -   IFRS profits 
   -   IFRS net assets 

ADDITIONAL METRICS:

   -   Solvency 
   --     Own funds 
   --     Solvency capital requirement (SCR) 
   --     SCR plus management buffer 
   --     Solvency position (absolute value) 
   --     Solvency position ratio 
   -   Cash generation 
   --     Group cash generation 
   --     Divisional cash generation 
   -   Economic Value 
   --     Balance sheet 
   --     Earnings 

SOLVENCY

Solvency is a fundamental financial measure which is of paramount importance to investors and policyholders. It represents the relationship between the value of the business as measured on a Solvency II basis and the capital the business is required to hold - the Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR). Solvency can be reported as an absolute surplus value or as a ratio.

Solvency gives policyholders comfort regarding the security of their provider. This is also the case for investors together with giving them a sense of the level of potential surplus available to invest in the business or distribute as dividends (subject to other considerations and approvals).

ECONOMIC VALUE

Economic Value (EcV) is deemed to be a more meaningful measure of the long term value of the group and it generally approximates to Embedded Value reporting, which was used before the introduction of SII. In essence, the IFRS balance sheet is not generally deemed to represent a fair commercial value of our business as it does not fully recognise the impact of future profit expectations of long term policies.

EcV is derived from Solvency II Own Funds and recognises the impact of future profit expectations from existing business.

CASH GENERATION

Cash generation is a measure of how much distributable surplus has been generated in the period, which supports the ability of the group to pay its dividends. It is driven by the change in solvency surplus, taking into account board-approved capital management policies.

OPERATIONAL AND OTHER PERFORMANCE MEASURES

In addition to the financial performance measures, the Half Year Report includes measures that consider and assess performance all of our key stakeholder groups. The table below summarises the performance measures adopted throughout this report.

 
       MEASURE                         WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? 
 Customer              How well we service our customers is of paramount importance 
  service levels        and so through various means we aim to assess customer service 
                        levels. The business reviews within the Half Year Report 
                        refer to a number of indicators of customer service levels. 
                      ==================================================================== 
 Broker satisfaction   Broker satisfaction is important because they sell new policies, 
                        provide ongoing service to their customers and influence 
                        book persistency. We include several measures within the 
                        Half Year Report, including direct broker assessment ratings 
                        for Movestic and general assessment of how our brands fair 
                        in industry performance awards in the Netherlands. 
                      ==================================================================== 
 Policy investment     This is a measure of how the assets are performing that 
  performance           underpin policyholder returns. It is important as it indicates 
                        to the customer the returns that their contributions are 
                        generating. 
                      ==================================================================== 
 Industry              This is a comparative measure of how well our investments 
  performance           are performing against the rest of the industry, which provides 
  assessments           valuable context to our performance. 
                      ==================================================================== 
 Funds under           This shows the value of the investments that the business 
  management            manages. This is important because scale influences operational 
                        sustainability in run-off books and operational efficiency 
                        in growing books. Funds under management are also a strong 
                        indicator of fee income. 
                      ==================================================================== 
 Policy count          Policy count is the number of policies that the group manages 
                        on behalf of customers. This is important to show the scale 
                        of the business, particularly to provide context to the 
                        rate at which the closed book business is maturing. In our 
                        open businesses, the policy count shows the net impact of 
                        new business versus policy attrition. 
                      ==================================================================== 
 Total shareholder     This includes dividend growth and yield and shows the return 
  returns               that an investor is generating on the shares that they hold. 
                        It is highly important as it shows the success of the business 
                        in translating its operations into a return for shareholders. 
                      ==================================================================== 
 New business          This shows our ability to write profitable new business 
  profitability         which increases the value of the group. This is an important 
                        indicator given one of our core objectives is to "enhance 
                        value through profitable new business". 
                      ==================================================================== 
 New business          This shows our success at writing new business relative 
  market share          to the rest of the market and is important context for considering 
                        our success at writing new business against our target market 
                        shares. 
                      ==================================================================== 
 Gearing ratio         The gearing is a ratio of debt to IFRS net assets and shows 
                        the extent to which the business is funded by external debt 
                        versus internal resources. The appropriate use of debt is 
                        an efficient source of funding but in general Chesnara seeks 
                        to avoid becoming overly dependent on permanent debt on 
                        the balance sheet. 
                      ==================================================================== 
 Knowledge,            This is a key measure given our view that the quality, balance 
  skills and            and effectiveness of the Board of Directors has a direct 
  experience            bearing on delivering positive outcomes to all stakeholders. 
  of the Board 
  of Directors 
                      ==================================================================== 
 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

I am pleased to report that during the first half of 2018, a period in which equity markets remained broadly unchanged, we continued to generate more than sufficient cash to fund the dividend strategy, though we saw a fall in our Economic Value following the payment of the final 2017 dividend and foreign exchange losses as a result of a weakening of the Swedish krona.

The strong 2017 results were most welcome as they reflected the benefits that can arise from successful acquisitions and from positive market conditions, but it is equally important that the business, as in the first half of this year, can generate sufficient cash in the absence of acquisitions and without the assistance of economic tailwinds.

We have made good progress with the Scildon development programme and I am pleased to report a 29% increase in the sales of term contracts compared to the first half of 2017. There is more to do and time is required but I am encouraged by the improvements during the year.

Against a backdrop of continuing political uncertainty, economic volatility and during a period of significant operational development, the Chesnara business model has held up well.

At the heart of Chesnara's position as a reliable income stock, the UK book has continued to generate sufficient cash to fund the Chesnara dividend and the recent trend of Movestic making meaningful positive cash contributions continues. Movestic's new business profits have remained within their target range.

As we have previously reported, Scildon remains in transition and this is reflected in its short term financial results. The successful launch of a new mortgage term assurance product was too late during the period to have a meaningful impact on the results. Although a slight increase in new business volumes was reassuring, the fact that the new business operation only made modest profits serves to highlight the importance of successfully implementing the Scildon improvement initiatives.

The resilience of the established business units creates a strong foundation to support the continued improvement programme in Scildon.

The headline results for the first half of 2018 generally suffer by comparison to the first half of 2017. The 2017 results were unusually strong due to a combination of non-recurring items (including the completion of the acquisition of Legal & General Nederland) and highly beneficial economic conditions. However, total cash generated exceeds the cost of the full annual 2017 dividend.

In addition to funding an attractive dividend strategy, we have a long-term objective to at least protect the post dividend Economic Value of the group. This means that over time we aim to create value at least to the level of the annual dividend. Due to the sensitivity of the Economic Value to key investment market variables, it can be particularly difficult to meet this Economic Value protection objective in periods where conditions are adverse. Also, the dividend outflow strain is concentrated to the first half of the year. Economic Value profits during the period were insufficient to cover the payment of the final 2017 dividend, largely due to the adverse impact of a Swedish Krona weakening against Sterling. This does not give rise to any particular undue concern, with management's focus primarily being on managing the core operating results of the group.

 
  MAXIMISE VALUE FROM EXISTING BUSINESS 
========================================= 
  Divisional cash generation of GBP53.1m. 
 

When assessed in terms of levels of cash generated in the period we have, with the exception of Scildon, delivered broadly in line with expectations. GBP16.1m of cash emerged from the UK division during the period which, together with GBP26.8m of previously constrained surplus released from the with-profits fund, resulted in total cash significantly in excess of recent dividend payments. Movestic has increased its level of surplus resulting in a further GBP7.3m of cash generation. Scildon has reported negative cash generation of GBP2.3m. This is primarily due to the impact of valuation pressures on its fixed interest investments. The result in the period does not in itself impact our view regarding the future cash generation of the business.

Value growth in the period has been more muted. EcV earnings of GBP13.6m have been delivered, which includes a loss of GBP6.5m arising in Scildon due to the aforementioned investment value movements. Foreign exchange losses of GBP16.4m have also emerged in the period, largely as a result of a weakening of Swedish krona. These factors, coupled with the payment of the year end dividend of GBP19.6m have resulted in a reduction in EcV since the start of the year of 3%.

 
  ACQUIRE LIFE AND PENSIONS BUSINESSES 
============================================================================================= 
  Our post acquisition plans with Scildon are continuing to be delivered and remain on track. 
 

THE OUTLOOK REMAINS POSITIVE. ACQUISITION ACTIVITY CONTINUES TO TAKE PLACE IN OUR TARGET MARKETS, WITH OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUING TO EMERGE.

During the period we finalised arrangements to form a broader debt syndicate and this, together with increases in solvency surplus, means we are in a strong position to fund future acquisitions where they meet our assessment criteria.

 
  ENHANCE VALUE THROUGH PROFITABLE NEW BUSINESS 
========================================================================= 
  New business profits from Movestic of GBP4.7m and GBP0.6m from Scildon. 
 

Chesnara writes new business in both Sweden and the Netherlands. The ultimate aim is to create sufficient annual profits, either through returns on the existing business, or through writing new business, to replace the proportion of Economic Value lost by way of dividend payments. Movestic continues to deliver within its target profit range with a profit for the six months to 30 June 2018 of GBP4.7m. This represents a slight reduction compared to 2017 mainly due to adopting a more prudent assessment of the profitability of increments to existing policies. Profits from new contracts remain broadly consistent with 2017.

Scildon are not currently generating sufficient new business profits. This is very much in line with our expectation at this stage and the need to drive profitability improvements over the coming years was factored into our acquisition price and has been clearly reported to shareholders. The expected cost of the improvement programme has been fully provided for.

I will take this opportunity to provide a little more detail about Scildon's recent performance and importantly the status of transition plans. Whilst new business volumes have actually increased slightly compared to the same period of 2017, the associated modest new business result has yet to reflect the expected positive impact of the improvement programme. Scildon successfully launched a new mortgage term assurance product towards the back end of the half year period.

SOLID NEW BUSINESS PROFITS HAVE EMERGED FROM MOVESTIC IN A CHALLENGING MARKET. SCILDON'S NEW BUSINESS OPERATION IS NOT GENERATING SUFFICIENT PROFIT AND THE FOCUS OVER THE COMING YEARS IS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.

The successful launch of a new mortgage term assurance product is a first positive step on our Scildon improvement plan.

Solvency

The group continues to show a robust solvency position, with a solvency ratio of 157% at 30 June 2018 (31 December 2017: 146%). A large contributing factor to this increase is a GBP26.8m release of capital from the UK's with profit funds, which positively benefitted own funds in the period. The closing solvency position is stated after recognising the GBP10.8m cost of the interim dividend, which will be paid in October 2018.

Regulation and governance

IFRS 17

I have previously commented on the scale of the task, to both Chesnara and the wider industry, associated with delivering the new insurance accounting standard, IFRS 17. Our programme has progressed well in the period, with our immediate focus being on delivering an impact assessment. This deals with an initial early view on the technical application of the standard to the group and its associated financial and operational impacts. This initial work is expected to conclude during Q3 this year, and then transition to the implementation phase. We have previously provided for the cost of delivering the programme within our actuarial expense reserves, and these estimates have remained unchanged.

We continue to be of the view that IFRS 17 should not have any significant bearing on the commercial assessment of Chesnara, with our expectation that capital management decision making will continue to be driven by regulatory solvency and Economic Value as opposed to our IFRS results and position.

Regulatory compliance

Compliance with regulation remains a priority for the group. We have continued to maintain a positive and constructive relationship with regulatory bodies across the group. During the period we have delivered our GDPR readiness programmes, with the new rules coming into force on 25 May 2018.

The investigation into how Countrywide Assured disclosed exit fees to customers, initially announced on 3 March 2016, is ongoing. We have provided the FCA with all information requested. Discussions continue and given the narrow scope of the investigation we retain our opinion that the outcome from the investigation will not have a material impact on the company.

Governance framework

We continue to place great importance on ensuring our risk and governance system is fit for purpose. Work has continued to progress on ensuring that Scildon's risk and governance monitoring and reporting routines are in line with the wider group's.

AT CHESNARA WE HAVE ALWAYS MANAGED OUR BUSINESS IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY AND HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF ACTING IN A FAIR MANNER, GIVING FULL REGARD TO THE RELATIVE INTERESTS OF ALL STAKEHOLDERS.

Corporate purpose

We assess our corporate purpose by considering eight aspects of our business and by looking at the business from the perspective of all stakeholders.

Business model

- Our acquisition strategy is built upon long term commitments to any markets we operate in. Our consolidation model therefore offers a genuine solution to the challenges certain insurance markets face.

The products and services we provide

- We help protect people and their dependants through the provision of life, health and disability cover or by providing savings and pensions which help customers with their financial needs in the future. We seek to provide customers and their advisers with helpful and reliable support.

Sustainability

- Driven in part by consumer demand, especially in our Dutch and Swedish operations, there is a continued positive shift towards an increased focus of sustainable fund investments.

   -    The nature of our business is such that in general we have a relatively low carbon footprint. 

Shareholder proposition

- Investors, especially in a low interest rate environment do have a genuine need for income and hence our investor proposition, track record and responsible approach provides an investment opportunity for individuals seeking sustainable equity based income.

I AM PLEASED TO REPORT A 3% INCREASE IN THE INTERIM DIVID

Taxation

- As detailed in our tax strategy, we adopt a responsible and open approach to taxation and, as a consequence, pay the appropriate taxes throughout the group.

Staff

- We provide high quality jobs with competitive remuneration and good working conditions both directly and through outsourced arrangements.

Suppliers and partners

- We seek mutually respectful and sustainable relationships with our suppliers. We believe that supplier relationships only work in the long term if the terms and conditions are mutually beneficial. Our instinct and natural preference is to maintain established long term supplier relationships where they remain commercially competitive and operationally viable.

Local community

- In the UK our investment and continued commitment to the North West and Preston in particular creates high quality financial services roles outside of London.

- All divisions support local community initiatives to the extent deemed appropriate given our financial responsibilities as a PLC.

OUR VIEW IS THAT CHESNARA FULFILS A POSITIVE CORPORATE PURPOSE.

Outlook and Brexit

I remain optimistic that Chesnara can continue to deliver against its strategic objectives, which in turn fund our well established dividend strategy. The ability to generate cash in less economically beneficial conditions, as has been the case during the first half of 2018, further supports my optimism.

In particular, the UK business remains a robust source of cash, with additional potential to take management actions to enhance the core cash if required. Movestic now has the scale to continue contributing to the cash position. Scildon has significant surplus capital and despite the negative cash emerging during the period, is also expected to be cash generative on an ongoing basis.

We now have sufficient scale and presence in both the UK and the Netherlands to continue our focus on acquisition activity in those territories in a disciplined manner. We also remain open minded about new territories but the benefits would need to outweigh the inherent challenge of adding another regulatory environment into our business model. Our balance sheet has further capacity for debt and having completed a debt syndication process, we are in a strong position to take advantage of the balance sheet capacity. We have significant levels of surplus capital and recent experience suggests we retain shareholder support for further equity for the right deal. This together with operational capacity means we remain well positioned to act should an opportunity arise that meets our stringent price and risk profile criteria.

Movestic has become an established profitable new business operation. We recognise that current new business profits from Scildon are not sufficient. However, the fact that we have recorded a modest profit calculated on a suitably stringent basis of assessment, together with the expected positive impact of the newly launched mortgage term protection contract does create an improved platform upon which we aim to deliver further profit growth over the coming years.

The structure of the group, with established regulated entities in several European countries, together with the fact we do not trade or share resource across territories, means I remain of the view that whatever the outcome from the Brexit negotiations, we expect it to have little direct impact on our business model.

In light of the above I remain confident that Chesnara is well positioned to continue to provide value to policyholders and shareholders.

Peter Mason

Chairman

29 August 2018

BUSINESS REVIEW

OVERVIEW OF STRATEGY

Our strategy focuses on delivering value to policyholders and shareholders. The strategy is delivered through a proven business model underpinned by a robust risk management and governance framework and our established culture & values.

 
  MAXIMISE VALUE FROM EXISTING         ACQUIRE LIFE AND PENSION        ENHANCE VALUE THROUGH PROFITABLE 
             BUSINESS                         BUSINESSES                         NEW BUSINESS 
                                             Business Model 
    Maintain adequate        Fair treatment        Provide a competitive          Robust regulatory 
   financial resources        of customers         return to shareholders             compliance 
                          ===================  ============================  =========================== 
                                       Responsible risk based management 
 
 

BUSINESS REVIEW | UK

The UK division manages c287,000 policies and is in run-off. The division follows an outsourcer-based operating model, with functions such as customer services, investment management and accounting and actuarial services being outsourced. A central governance team is responsible for managing all outsourced operations.

The UK has continued to progress its objectives in line with plans - the customer strategy implementation plan continues to be delivered and the division remains focused on good governance of the business. The results for the period show strong cash generation and underlying Economic Value growth. Management will continue to focus on these areas, coupled with identifying and delivering capital management initiatives and supporting the group in relation to any UK-based acquisitions.

MAXIMISE VALUE FROM EXISTING BUSINESS

CAPITAL AND VALUE MANAGEMENT

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- As a closed book, the division creates value through managing the following key value drivers: costs; policy attrition; investment return; and reinsurance strategy.

- In general, surplus regulatory capital emerges as the book runs off. The level of required capital is closely linked to the level of risk to which the division is exposed. Management's risk-based decision-making process seeks to continually manage and monitor the balance of making value enhancing decisions whilst maintaining a risk profile in line with the board's risk appetite.

- At the heart of maintaining value is ensuring that the division is governed well from a regulatory and customer perspective.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

   -    EcV earnings of GBP8.4m in the period. 

- Cash of GBP42.9m has been generated. This includes an exceptional cash generation of GBP26.8m arising from releasing trapped capital from the division's two ring-fenced with profit funds. Full consideration was given to the protection of the company's with-profit customers prior to this capital release, which was approved by the Financial Conduct Authority.

- IFRS profit of GBP27.6m. This includes the positive impact of GBP8.6m arising from a refinement to the way policyholder tax obligations are reserved for.

- The results have benefitted from improvements in the look-through of our asset holdings, resulting in a reduction in required capital in the period.

FUTURE PRIORITIES

- Continue to focus on initiatives to optimise the balance between value growth and surplus capital availability.

KPIs

Continued underlying growth in economic value after removing the impact of dividends

 
 GBPm                     2014    2015    2016    2017   Jun 2018 
======================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ========= 
 
 Reported EEV / EcV      271.8   232.2   239.6   255.5      231.9 
 Cumulative dividends             65.0    95.5   125.5      157.5 
======================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ========= 
 Total                   271.8   297.2   335.1   381.0      389.4 
======================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ========= 
 
 

Cash generation of GBP42.9m, which includes a one-off surplus transfer from WP funds, continues to support the group's dividend strategy.

 
 GBPm               2014   2015   2016   2017   Jun 2018 
=================  =====  =====  =====  =====  ========= 
 
 Cash generation    50.9   42.5   21.3   34.5       42.9 
 
 

CUSTOMER OUTCOMES

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- Treating customers fairly is one of our primary responsibilities. We seek to do this by having effective customer service operations together with competitive fund performance whilst giving full regard to all regulatory matters. This supports our aim to ensure policyholders receive good returns, appropriate communication, and service in line with customer expectations.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

- The division's customer strategy implementation programme has progressed well and is on track. The programme focuses on developing our business as usual processes to ensure they remain up to date with the expectations of policyholders and regulators. Specific activity has included developing enhanced policyholder communications, such as pension annual statements, ready for implementation later this year. The refreshed communications have drawn from a combination of customer research and expert guidance.

- A refreshed Countrywide Assured website was launched during the period. A second phase update is expected later this year.

- Our Vulnerable Customer Strategy has been implemented, providing additional support and reasonable adjustments to policy and processes in order to ensure fair customer outcomes.

- As part of our customer engagement programme we have been progressing our 'goneaways' programme to help re-connect with our customers.

   -       Our main managed funds have out-performed benchmarks. 

FUTURE PRIORITIES

   -       Implement and deliver updated customer communications. 
   -       Deliver identified improvements to customer claims processes. 
   -       Continue with customer 'goneaways' work. 

- Implement the second phase of the CA website development, enhancing both engagement with customers and also their access to information.

KPIs

Policyholder fund performance

 
                                             12 months ended 30 Jun 2018  12 months ended 30 Jun 2017 
CA Pension Managed                                                  6.4%                         9.8% 
CWA Balanced Managed Pension                                        6.3%                         9.5% 
S&P Managed Pension                                                 8.4%                        13.6% 
Benchmark - ABI Mixed Inv 40%-85% shares                            4.5%                         9.5% 
 

Our main managed funds continue to out-perform their benchmark.

GOVERNANCE

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- Maintaining effective governance and a constructive relationship with regulators underpins the delivery of the division's strategic plans.

- Having robust governance processes provides management with a platform to deliver the other aspects of the business strategy. As a result, a significant proportion of management's time and attention continues to be focused on ensuring that both the existing governance processes, coupled with future developments, are delivered.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

- The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) project was completed prior to the rules coming into force on 25 May 2018.

- The division's IFRS 17 project is underway, with the initial impact assessment expected to conclude in Q3.

- The FCA's investigation into the level of disclosure of exit charges to customers, which was announced in March 2016, remains open. Full ongoing support has been provided to the FCA. We have completed nine separate information requests to date and understand that the FCA is reviewing these. We believe that our disclosures to customers were consistent with that of the industry and met the regulatory requirements for the period covered by the investigation.

FUTURE PRIORITIES

- Ensure we continue to stay on top of the regulatory change agenda. For example, there remains ongoing regulatory focus on the pensions and retirement income sectors, and the team is monitoring developments to ensure that we respond to any future consultation papers and/or policy statements as appropriate. The new Senior Managers & Certification Regime, designed to strengthen individual accountability in insurance, will apply to the business from December 2018.

   -       Delivery of the IFRS 17 programme will continue and will require significant resource. 

KPIs

SOLVENCY RATIO: 168%

Solvency remains robust. The surplus generated in the period increases the solvency position from 130% to 168%.

 
                           GBPm   Solvency 
                                     Ratio 
=====================     =====  ========= 
 
 31 Dec 2017 surplus       38.6       130% 
 Surplus generation        40.6 
 30 Jun 2018 surplus       79.2       168% 
========================  =====  ========= 
 
 

BUSINESS REVIEW | SWEDEN

Movestic is a life and pensions business based in Sweden, and is open to new business. From its Stockholm base, Movestic operates as a challenger brand in the Swedish life insurance market. It offers transparent unit linked pension and savings solutions through brokers and is well-rated within the broker community.

Movestic has delivered a positive set of results across key financial metrics. Its new business operation continues to add value to the group and assets under management growth continues to support the division in achieving its ambitions on scale. The division will continue to focus on it's IT streamlining plans, which are anticipated to bring cost efficiencies and improvements in broker and policyholder experience.

MAXIMISE VALUE FROM EXISTING BUSINESS

CAPITAL AND VALUE MANAGEMENT

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- Movestic creates value predominantly by generating growth in the unit linked assets under management (AuM) and by optimising the income that the assets generate, whilst assuring a high quality customer proposition. AuM growth is dependent upon positive client cash flows and positive investment performance. Capital surplus is a factor of both the value and capital requirements and hence surplus can also be optimised by effective management of capital.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

   -       EcV earnings of GBP10.6m in the period. 

- Cash of GBP10.6m has been generated, on constant exchange rates (GBP7.3m post foreign exchange retranslation).

   -       IFRS profit of GBP4.7m. 
   -       Assets under management have grown by 6.7% in the period, on constant exchange rates. 

- The transfer market remains intense. Policy transfers in and out being higher than expected with transfers in 20% higher than transfers out.

- The division has embarked on an operational 'right-sizing' programme, designed to improve efficiencies within the business and hence combat the impact of price pressure. This has progressed according to plan and is expected to deliver future expense savings which are not as yet recognised in the financial results.

- The Swedish Krona has weakened by 6.2% during the period, resulting in retranslation losses being reported in EcV and cash generation. During 2017 the Swedish Krona strengthened by 0.6%.

- While equity markets closed in line with the start of the year, they have been relatively volatile during the period.

FUTURE PRIORITIES

- Continue the journey of digitising and automating processes, with a view to improving both efficiency and control.

- Continue with the re-launch of risk and health business, including a new claims system being launched later in the year.

KPIs (all comparatives have been presented using 2018 exchange rates)

Growth in assets under management

 
 GBPbn                            2014   2015   2016   2017   Jun 2018 
===============================  =====  =====  =====  =====  ========= 
 Total assets under management     1.9    2.1    2.4    2.7        2.9 
===============================  =====  =====  =====  =====  ========= 
 
 
 
                            GBPbn 
=====================      ====== 
 31 December 2017             2.7 
 New client cashflow         0.08 
 Investment growth           0.10 
 30 June 2018                 2.9 
=========================  ====== 
 

IFRS profit

 
 GBPm           2014   2015   2016   2017   Jun 2018 
=============  =====  =====  =====  =====  ========= 
 
 IFRS profit     3.7    7.5    9.2    9.4        4.7 
 
 

Underlying value growth

 
 GBPm                     2014    2015    2016    2017   Jun 2018 
======================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ========= 
 
 Reported EEV / EcV      140.6   177.9   213.3   232.5      241.7 
 Cumulative dividends        -       -       -     2.7        5.5 
 Total                   140.6   177.9   213.3   235.2      247.2 
 
 

CUSTOMER OUTCOMES

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- Movestic places great importance on providing quality service to both customers and brokers, with simple, clear unit linked products, supported by an attractive and broad investment fund range. The aim of Movestic is to offer policyholders a range of the best funds and management services on the market.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

- Policyholder average investment return of 3.5% in the year to date (H1 2017: 4.8%), ahead of the market average return of 2.6%.

- Fees have been lowered in Movestic's funds from 1 May to strengthen its customer proposition.

- The division introduced three new funds during the period, thus improving the choice available to its customers.

FUTURE PRIORITIES

- Introduce a new fund switching process, expected to be delivered during the second half of the year.

KPIs (all comparatives have been presented using 2018 exchange rates)

Broker assessment rating (out of 5)

 
            2014   2015   2016   2017 
========   =====  =====  =====  ===== 
 
 Rating      3.6    3.7    3.8    3.7 
 
 

POLICYHOLDER AVERAGE INVESTMENT RETURN:

3.5%

(SWEDISH STOCK MARKET 2.6%)

GOVERNANCE

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- Movestic operates to exacting regulatory standards and adopts a robust approach to risk management.

- Maintaining strong governance is a critical platform to delivering the various value-enhancing initiatives planned by the division.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

- The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) project was completed prior to the rules coming into force on 25 May 2018.

- Significant progress has been made on ensuring that the business is ready for the Insurance Distribution Directive, which applies from 1 October 2018.

- The IFRS 17 project has progressed well, with the initial impact assessment study expected to be completed during Q3.

FUTURE PRIORITIES

   -       Deliver on plans to outsource IT operations with a view to increasing efficiency. 

- Deliver compliance with the new Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD). The IDD seeks to strengthen consumer protection and transparency within the distribution of insurance-based products.

   -       Deliver IFRS 17 implementation plans. 

KPIs (all comparatives have been presented using 2018 exchange rates)

SOLVENCY RATIO: 160%

Solvency remains strong at 160%. Solvency surplus of GBP10.8m has been generated in the period.

 
                           GBPm   Solvency 
                                     Ratio 
=====================     =====  ========= 
 
 31 Dec 2017 surplus       73.9       153% 
 Surplus generation        10.8 
 30 Jun 2018 surplus       84.7       160% 
========================  =====  ========= 
 
 

ENHANCE VALUE THROUGH PROFITABLE NEW BUSINESS

PROFITABLE NEW BUSINESS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- As an "open" business, Movestic not only adds value from sales but as it gains scale, it will become increasingly cash generative which will fund further growth or contribute towards the group's dividend strategy. Movestic has a clear sales focus and targets a market share of 10 -15% of the advised occupational pension market. This focus ensures we are able to adopt a profitable pricing strategy.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

   -       Movestic continues to operate within its target market share range of between 10% and 15%. 

- Volumes of new contracts sold have decreased compared with the same period in 2017, although gross margin rates have improved.

- Overall new business profits have reduced compared with the prior year. This is largely as a result of lower regular premium increments being received compared with the same period in 2017.

FUTURE PRIORITIES

   -       Continue to focus on writing new business within our target range. 
   -       Ongoing digitalisation of processes to improve broker experience. 
   -       Focus on increasing brand awareness. 

KPIs (all comparatives have been presented using 2018 exchange rates)

Occupational pension market share %

 
 %                2014   2015   2016   2017 
==============   =====  =====  =====  ===== 
 
 Market share     12.6   11.7   13.2   11.6 
 
 

New business profit

 
 GBPm                   2014   2015   2016   2017   Jun 2018 
=====================  =====  =====  =====  =====  ========= 
 
 New business profit     8.7    6.4   11.7   11.3        4.7 
 
 

BUSINESS REVIEW | NETHERLANDS

Our Dutch division consists of two separate businesses; Scildon and Waard. Scildon, acquired in 2017, is an open business, writing new policies focusing on three product markets via a broker network. Scildon is a well-established player in the term assurance market, the current market leader in unit-linked savings insurance and is a challenger brand in the Dutch defined contribution pension insurance market. Waard manages c108,000 policies and is in run-off, focusing on the efficient administration of its existing book of business.

2018 has seen positives for the Dutch division, including dividends payments to Chesnara from both Scildon and Waard. The integration of Scildon into the group has continued in line with its improvement plan, with key steps taken including key organisational changes and the launch of its new mortgage term product. Due to timing, the steps have had minimal impact on the results thus far and in line with our expectations on acquisition, there remains further work to do. Economic conditions in 2018 have impacted results; however, these results do not have any bearing on the ongoing view of the cash and profit potential from the Scildon business.

MAXIMISE VALUE FROM EXISTING BUSINESS

CAPITAL AND VALUE MANAGEMENT

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- Both Waard and Scildon have a common aim to make capital available to the Chesnara group to fund further acquisitions or to contribute to the dividend funding. Whilst their aims are common, the dynamics by which the businesses add value differ:

o Waard is in run-off and has the benefit that the capital requirements reduce over time in-line with the attrition of the book.

o As an "open business" Scildon's capital position does not benefit from book run-off. It therefore adds value and creates surplus capital through writing new business and by efficient operational management and capital optimisation.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

- Waard and Scildon paid dividends to Chesnara, in respect of 2017, of GBP12.9m and GBP21.7m and ended the period with healthy solvency ratios of 602% and 228%.

- Scildon has reported an EcV loss of GBP6.5m with Waard delivering a profit of GBP1.8m. The loss in Scildon is driven by adverse asset valuation movements from widening credit spreads on Italian government bonds.

- Cash generation of GBP2.9m, with GBP5.2m from Waard due to SCR reductions, offset by a cash loss of GBP2.3m from Scildon due to adverse market movements.

- IFRS loss of GBP1.1m largely caused by a GBP2.8m loss in Scildon due to asset value movements.

- Developed a focused plan for Scildon to drive the improvements in new business development, cost management and organisational structure.

- Aligned some functions between the two Dutch businesses to provide operational efficiencies.

FUTURE PRIORITIES

   -       Continue dividends from both divisions to support the group dividend. 

- Continuation of the Scildon improvement plan which will strengthen future cash generation and value growth. The two year plans include:

o Process and value for money improvements, such as increased levels of "straight through" processing;

   o   Continuation of existing IT infrastructure developments to facilitate efficient processes; 

o Continual assessment of the business model to ensure an optimal balance between returns generated versus solvency capital requirements.

KPIs (all comparatives have been presented using 2018 exchange rates)

Scildon has a track record of delivering value growth enabling dividend distribution to the parent company and paid its first dividend to Chesnara plc in April 2018.

Scildon value growth

 
 GBPm                     2014    2015    2016    2017   Jun 2018 
======================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ========= 
 
 Reported EEV / EcV      268.4   240.6   223.4   220.4      191.8 
 Cumulative dividends        -    36.3    73.4    73.4       95.5 
======================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ========= 
 Total                   268.4   276.9   296.8   293.8      287.3 
======================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ========= 
 
 

CUSTOMER OUTCOMES

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

   -       Updated the Scildon service desk to enhance the 'customer journey' for IFAs and consumers. 

- Great importance is placed on providing customers with high quality service and positive outcomes.

- Whilst the ultimate priority is the end customer, in Scildon we also see the brokers who distribute our products as being customers and hence developing processes to best support their needs is a key focus.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

- Scildon received awards for "Best occupational pension insurer" and "Best annuity insurer" for 2017, according to the broker organisation (Adfiz).

   -       The annual performance research for consumers shows high scores. 
   -       Scildon updated the group pension offering to maximise value transfers and premium levels. 

FUTURE PRIORITIES

- Continuing to enhance and develop existing processes, customer experiences and the underlying infrastructure.

- Engage with brokers to support the development of our processes in conjunction with their requirements.

   -       Regular customer assessment, with the outcome used to improve service quality. 

KPIs (all comparatives have been presented using 2018 exchange rates)

Scildon client satisfaction rating (out of 10)

 
           2014   2015   2016   2017 
========  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
 
 Rating     7.3    7.5    7.4    7.6 
 
 

GOVERNANCE

BACKGROUND

- Waard and Scildon operate in a regulated environment and comply with rules and regulations both from a prudential and from a financial conduct point of view.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

   -       Scildon has aligned its governance and risk management framework to Chesnara practices. 

- The business strengthened the governance framework during the first half of 2018 through changes in structure and personnel.

- The IFRS 17 project is underway for both companies, with the initial impact assessment expected to conclude in Q3.

   -       Implemented GDPR in both companies. 

FUTURE PRIORITIES

- The focus during the second half of the year and into 2019 is to further embed the governance and risk management framework.

KPIs (all comparatives have been presented using 2018 exchange rates)

SOLVENCY RATIO: SCILDON 228%; WAARD 602%

Solvency is strong in both businesses. Scildon has reported a reduction in surplus of GBP3.8m, largely due to increasing spreads reducing asset values. Waard has generated surplus capital of GBP3.7m.

Scildon

 
                            GBPm   Solvency 
                                      Ratio 
=====================     ======  ========= 
 
 31 Dec 2017 surplus       106.0       231% 
 Surplus generation        (3.8) 
 30 Jun 2018 surplus       102.2       228% 
========================  ======  ========= 
 
 

Waard

 
                           GBPm   Solvency 
                                     Ratio 
=====================     =====  ========= 
 
 31 Dec 2017 surplus       38.1       483% 
 Surplus generation         3.7 
 30 Jun 2018 surplus       41.8       602% 
========================  =====  ========= 
 
 

ENHANCE VALUE THROUGH PROFITABLE NEW BUSINESS

PROFITABLE NEW BUSINESS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- Scildon brings a "New business" dimension to the Dutch division. Scildon sell protection, individual savings and group pensions contracts via a broker-led distribution model. The aim is to deliver meaningful value growth from realistic market share. Having realistic aspirations regarding volumes means we are able to adopt a profitable pricing strategy. New business also helps the business maintain scale and hence contributes to unit cost management.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS IN 2018

- Scildon generated new business profits of GBP0.6m. This is in line with expectations and was factored into our acquisition pricing but it is not currently generating sufficient new business profits and this is therefore a focus of our two year improvement plans.

- As part of those plans, Scildon successfully launched a new mortgage term product towards the end of the period. The product has been well received by the market.

- Market share for the core protection business is at the top end of the 5-10% target range but we have further work to do to

strengthen the proposition and reduce costs.

   -       Scildon updated the group pension offering to maximise value transfers and premium levels. 

FUTURE PRIORITIES

- Management actions are planned as part of the two year improvement plans to generate a more commercially meaningful level of new business profit.

- An objective of the improvement programme is to deliver cost reductions whilst strengthening the proposition and maintaining market share.

KPIs (all comparatives have been presented using 2018 exchange rates)

Scildon - term assurance market share %

 
 %               2014   2015   2016   2017    Jun 2018 
==============  =====  =====  =====  =====  ========== 
 
 Market share     5.0    6.6    5.9    7.3        10.4 
 
 

Scildon - new business profit

 
 GBPm                           2014   2015   2016   2017    Jun 2018 
============================  ======  =====  =====  =====  ========== 
 
 New business profit/(loss)    (3.5)    0.1    2.0    1.9         0.6 
 
 

BUSINESS REVIEW | acquire life and pension businesses

Well considered and appropriately priced acquisitions maintain the effectiveness of the operating model, create a source of value enhancement and sustain the cash generation potential of the group.

HOW WE DELIVER OUR ACQUISITION STRATEGY

- Identify potential deals through an effective network of advisers and industry associates, utilising both group and divisional management expertise as appropriate.

- We primarily focus on acquisitions in the UK and Netherlands, although will consider other territories should the opportunity arise.

- We assess deals applying well established criteria which consider the impact on cash generation and Economic Value under best estimate and stressed scenarios.

   -       We work cooperatively with regulators. 

- The financial benefits are viewed in the context of the impact the deal will have on the enlarged group's risk profile.

- Transaction risk is minimised through stringent risk-based due diligence procedures and the senior management team's acquisition experience and positive track record.

- We fund deals with a combination of debt, equity or cash depending on the size and cash flows of each opportunity.

HOW WE ASSESS DEALS

Cash generation

- Collectively our future acquisitions must be suitably cash generative to continue to fund the Chesnara dividend strategy.

Value enhancement

- Acquisitions are required to have a positive impact on the Economic Value per share under best estimate and certain more adverse scenarios.

Customer outcomes

   -       Acquisitions must ensure we protect, or ideally enhance, customer interests. 

Risk appetite

- Acquisitions should normally align with the group's documented risk appetite. If a deal is deemed to sit outside our risk appetite the financial returns must be suitably compelling.

RISKS

- There is the risk that if a lack of suitable acquisition opportunities come to market at a realistic valuation, the investment case for Chesnara diminishes over time.

- There is the risk that we make an inappropriate acquisition that adversely impacts the financial strength of the group.

   -       Our acquisition strategy includes both UK and non-UK markets. 

WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT THIS

- Operating in three territories increases our options thereby reducing the risk that no further value adding deals are done.

- A broader target market also increases the potential for deals that meet our strategic objectives.

- Flexibility over the timing of subsequent capital extractions and dividend flows provide an element of management control over the sterling value of cash inflows.

- Each acquisition is supported by a financial deal assessment model which includes high quality financial analysis. This is reviewed and challenged by management and the board, mitigating the risk of a bad deal being pursued.

ACQUISITION OUTLOOK

- In the UK, we have seen a continued gradual increase in closed book market activity which, in our view, is driven in part at a global level by regulatory developments and, at a company level, strategic developments. We expect these drivers to continue to be relevant going forward.

- Regarding the Netherlands, we have also seen a gradual increase in market activity which we are well positioned to take advantage of, given our scale and presence. Again, regulatory and strategic developments are the drivers, and we expect these themes to continue into the future.

- We continue to assess opportunities within Western Europe that are outside of Chesnara's current territories. All opportunities and territories considered are assessed on the basis that these do not compromise the well-established Chesnara's acquisition assessment model, as well as ensuring that these fit within Chesnara's governance framework and that they are able to support Chesnara's strategy and business model. There has been a reasonable level of market activity in Western Europe.

- The environment in which European life insurance companies operate continues to increase in complexity. For example, "IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts" was issued in 2017, which is a fundamental overhaul of the way in which insurance contracts are accounted for. We believe this additional complexity will potentially drive further consolidation as institutions seek to remove operational complexity and potentially release capital or generate funds from capital intensive life and pension businesses.

- Chesnara is a well-established life and pensions consolidator with a proven track record. Our financial foundations are strong, we have an established and stringent acquisition assessment model, and we continue to have strong support from shareholders and lending institutions to progress our acquisition strategy. We believe our operating model has the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of potential target books. Our good network of contacts in the adviser community, who understand the Chesnara acquisition model, ensures we are aware of most viable opportunities in the UK and Western Europe. With this in mind, we are confident that we are well positioned to continue the successful acquisition track record in the future.

- In April 2018 we converted our existing debt arrangement with RBS into a syndicated facility. This will provide access to higher levels of debt financing from a wider panel of lenders, which in turn will enable us to fulfill our appetite of financing future deals up to the maximum levels of gearing set out in our debt and leverage policy, without being restricted by the lending capacity of one individual institution. This facility enables Chesnara to access an increased level of funds efficiently, which in turn supports our acquisition strategy.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT - Solvency II

WHAT IS SOLVENCY AND CAPITAL SURPLUS?

- Solvency is a measure of how much the value of the company exceeds the level of capital it is required to hold.

- The value of the company is referred to as its "Own Funds" (OF) and this is measured in accordance with the rules of the newly adopted Solvency II regime.

- The capital requirement is again defined by Solvency II rules and the primary requirement is referred to as the Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR).

   -       Solvency is expressed as either a ratio:    OF/SCR % or as an absolute surplus OF less SCR 

SOLVENCY SURPLUS TO CASH GENERATION

Subject to ensuring other constraints are managed, surplus capital is a useful proxy measure for liquid resources available to fund items such as dividends, acquisitions or business investment. As such, Chesnara defines cash generation as the movement in surplus, above management buffers, during the period.

MORE ABOUT OWN FUNDS

WHAT ARE OWN FUNDS?

A valuation which reflects the net assets of the company and includes a value for future profits expected to arise from in-force policies.

The own fund valuation is deemed to represent a commercially meaningful figure with the exception of:

- Contract boundaries: Solvency II rules do not allow for the recognition of future cash flows on certain policies despite a high probability of receipt.

- Risk margin: The Solvency II rules require a "risk margin" liability which is deemed to be above the realistic cost.

- Restricted with profit surpluses: Surpluses in the group's with-profit funds are not recognised in Solvency II Own Funds despite their commercial value.

We define Economic Value (EcV) as being the Own Funds adjusted for the items above. As such our Own Funds and EcV have many common characteristics and tend to be impacted by the same factors.

Transitional measures, introduced as part of the long-term guarantee package when Solvency II was introduced, are available to temporarily increase Own Funds. Chesnara does not take advantage of such measures.

HOW DO OWN FUNDS CHANGE?

Own Funds (and Economic Value) are sensitive to economic conditions. In general, positive equity markets and increasing yields lead to OF growth and vice versa. Other factors that improve Own Funds include writing profitable new business, reducing the expense base and improvements to lapse rates.

MORE ABOUT THE CAPITAL REQUIREMENT

WHAT IS CAPITAL REQUIREMENT?

The solvency capital requirement can be calculated using a "Standard formula" or "internal model". Chesnara adopts the "Standard formula".

The standard formula requires capital to be held against a range of risk categories. The following chart shows the categories and their relative weighting for Chesnara:

 
 GBP                                  30 Jun 2018 
===================================  ============ 
 
 Total market risk                    309,488,468 
 Counterparty default risk             19,691,841 
 Total life underwriting risk         205,472,441 
 Total health underwriting risk        18,266,697 
 Capital requirement for other sub        294,780 
 Operational risk                      13,734,918 
===================================  ============ 
 SCR                                  566,949,145 
 
 

Note: The table above does not include the impact of diversification and the loss absorbing capacity of deferred tax.

There are three levels of capital requirement:

- Min dividend paying requirement: The board sets a solvency level above the SCR which means a more prudent level is applied when making dividend decisions.

- Solvency capital requirement: Amount of capital required to withstand a 1 in 200 event. The SCR acts as an intervention point for supervisory action including cancellation or the deferral of distributions to investors.

- Min capital requirement: The MCR is between 45% and 25% of the SCR. At this point Chesnara would need to submit a recovery plan which if not effective within three months may result in authorisation being withdrawn.

HOW DOES THE SCR CHANGE?

Given the largest component of Chesnara's SCR is market risk, changes in investment mix or changes in the overall value of our assets has the greatest impact on the SCR. For example, equity assets require more capital than low risk bonds. Also, positive investment growth in general creates an increase in SCR. Book run-off will tend to reduce SCR but this will be partially offset by an increase as a result of new business.

CHESNARA GROUP SOLVENCY METRICS

 
 GBPm                30 Jun 2018   31 Dec 2017   30 Jun 2017 
==================  ============  ============  ============ 
 
 Own funds                   628           615           607 
 SCR                         399           422           425 
 Solvency surplus            229           193           182 
 Solvency ratio %           157%          146%          143% 
 
 

WE ARE WELL CAPITALISED AT BOTH A GROUP AND SUBSIDIARY LEVEL, AND WE HAVE NOT USED ANY ELEMENTS OF THE LONG TERM GUARANTEE PACKAGE.

CHESNARA GROUP

SOLVENCY POSITION

 
 GBPm                          30 Jun 2018   31 Dec 2017 
===========================   ============  ============ 
 
 Own funds (post dividend)             628           615 
 SCR                                   399           422 
 Buffer                                 40            42 
 Surplus above buffer                  189           151 
 Solvency ratio %                     157%          146% 
 
 

SOLVENCY SURPLUS MOVEMENT

 
 GBPm 
============================  ======= 
 
 Group solvency 31 Dec 2017     193.4 
 CA                              40.6 
 Movestic                        11.1 
 Waard                            3.7 
 Scildon                        (3.8) 
 Chesnara / consol adj            0.4 
 Exchange rates                 (5.6) 
 Dividends                     (10.8) 
 Total surplus 30 Jun 2018      228.9 
============================  ======= 
 
 

THE COMMENTARY BELOW HIGHLIGHTS KEY POINTS IN THE YEAR TO DATE.

Surplus: The solvency position of the group has improved considerably from 146% to 157%. The group now has GBP189m of surplus over and above the internal capital management policy, compared to GBP151m at the end of 2017. The growth in surplus has arisen from a growth in Own Funds, coupled with a reduction in capital requirements.

Dividends: The closing solvency position is stated after deducting the GBP10.8m proposed interim dividend (31 December 2017: GBP19.6m).

Own funds: Own Funds have increased by GBP23.6m, before the impact of the interim dividend. A large contributor to this growth is a GBP26.8m capital extraction from the with-profit funds within the UK division. Additional Own Funds growth has been curbed by rising spreads which affected Scildon and the depreciating Swedish krona, which has caused a reduction in the Sterling value of the Swedish business.

SCR: The SCR has fallen by GBP22.7m so far this year. The key movements underlying this are reductions in equity risk, spread risk, currency risk and lapse risk.

The numbers that follow present a divisional view of the solvency position which may differ to the position of the individual insurance company(ies) within that division. Note that prior year figures have been restated using 30 June 2018 exchange rates.

UK

SOLVENCY POSITION

 
 GBPm                         30 Jun 2018   31 Dec 2017 
===========================  ============  ============ 
 
 Own funds (post dividend)            196           167 
 SCR                                  117           128 
 Buffer                                23            26 
 Surplus above buffer                  56            13 
 Solvency ratio %                    168%          130% 
 
 

Surplus: GBP56m above board's capital management policy.

Dividends: Dividend of GBP32.0m paid to Chesnara in May 2018.

Own Funds: Positive growth of GBP29.2m, driven largely by extraction of GBP26.8m capital from WP funds.

SCR: Reduced by GBP11.4m. Market risk has fallen due to improved quality of asset data and slightly reduced exposure to equities and corporate bonds, whilst insurance risk capital has reduced in line with book run off.

SWEDEN

 
 GBPm                         30 Jun 2018   31 Dec 2017 
===========================  ============  ============ 
 
 Own funds (post dividend)            227           214 
 SCR                                  142           140 
 Buffer                                28            28 
 Surplus above buffer                  56            46 
 Solvency ratio %                    160%          153% 
 

Surplus: GBP56m above board's capital management policy.

Dividends: Dividend of GBP2.7m was paid to Chesnara in May 2018.

Own Funds: Growth has been positive due to moderate investment growth and new business profits.

SCR: Capital requirements have risen due to growth in assets under management.

NETHERLANDS - WAARD

 
 GBPm                         30 Jun 2018   31 Dec 2017 
===========================  ============  ============ 
 
 Own funds (post dividend)             50            48 
 SCR                                    8            10 
 Buffer                                 8            10 
 Surplus above buffer                  33            28 
 Solvency ratio %                    602%          483% 
 

Surplus: GBP33m above board's capital management policy.

Dividends: Dividend of GBP12.9m was paid to Chesnara in March 2018.

Own Funds: Positive growth of GBP1.9m, driven by a change in assumptions, most notably a reduction in assumed mortality rates.

SCR: Reduced by GBP1.7m, due to reduced underwriting risk following change in demographic assumptions, and reduced equity exposure to fund payment of dividend to Chesnara.

NETHERLANDS - SCILDON

 
 GBPm                         30 Jun 2018   31 Dec 2017 
===========================  ============  ============ 
 
 Own funds (post dividend)            182           187 
 SCR                                   80            81 
 Buffer                                80            81 
 Surplus above buffer                  22            25 
 Solvency ratio %                    228%          231% 
 

Surplus: GBP23m above board's capital management policy.

Dividends: Dividend of GBP21.7m was paid to Chesnara in April 2018.

Own Funds: Reduction of GBP5.4m, principally due to rising spreads, although favourable interest rate movements have offset some of this.

SCR: Decreased by GBP1.4m. Spread risk has fallen due to a fall in corporate bond values (caused by rising spreads) and lapse risk has fallen due to rising interest rates, however currency risk has risen due to an increase in foreign currency exposure in look-through data.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT - Sensitivities

The group's solvency position can be affected by a number of factors over time. As a consequence, the group's EcV and cash generation, both of which are derived from the group's solvency calculations, are also sensitive to these factors.

The table below provides some insight into the immediate and longer term impact of certain sensitivities that the group is exposed to, covering solvency, cash generation and Economic Value. As can be seen, EcV tends to take the 'full force' of adverse conditions whereas cash generation is often protected in the short term and, to a certain extent, in the longer term due to compensating impacts on our required capital.

 
                   Sensitivity                      Solvency surplus              Cash generation               EcV 
                                                         Impact                    5 year impact               Impact 
======================================  ============================  ===========================  ================== 
            20% Sterling appreciation                     (2)                           (4)                     (5) 
            25% equity fall                               (1)                           (4)                     (5) 
            25% equity rise                               (2)                            4                       5 
            10% equity fall                                1                            (2)                     (3) 
            10% equity rise                               (1)                            2                       3 
            1% interest rate rise                          2                             3                       2 
            50bps credit spread rise                      (2)                           (2)                     (2) 
            25bps swap rate fall                          (2)                           (2)                     (2) 
            10% mass lapse                                (1)                           (1)                     (3) 
            10% expense rise 
             + 1% inflation rise                          (3)                           (4)                     (4) 
 

Key:

 
            Category                                                Range 
            1 / (1)                   GBP0m to GBP15m / (GBP0m to GBP15m) 
                      =================================================== 
            2 / (2)                 GBP15m to GBP30m / (GBP15m to GBP30m) 
                      =================================================== 
            3 / (3)                 GBP30m to GBP50m / (GBP30m to GBP50m) 
                      =================================================== 
            4 / (4)                 GBP50m to GBP90m / (GBP50m to GBP90m) 
                      =================================================== 
            5 / (5)               GBP90m to GBP140m / (GBP90m to GBP140m) 
                      =================================================== 
 

INSIGHT*

20% Sterling appreciation: A material Sterling appreciation reduces the value of surplus in our overseas divisions, and hence has an immediate day 1 impact on group cash generation. It also reduces the value of projected Own Funds growth in our overseas divisions and also reduces the value of overseas investments in CA.

Equity sensitivities: The impact of an equity fall causes the Own Funds to fall and the SCR also falls as the value of the funds exposed to risk is lower. Since the two movements largely offset each other, the net impact on surplus is small. In an equity rise, the Own Funds and SCR both rise and, again, the impact on balance sheet surplus is small. The impacts are not symmetrical due to the use of management actions and differences in the application of tax depending on the direction of the stress. The EcV impacts are more intuitive as they are more directly linked to the Own Funds impact. The impact on future growth builds on the immediate impact as future returns are directly impacted by the rise/fall in fund values.

1 % interest rate rise: An interest rate rise is generally positive across the group. CA, Movestic and Scildon all contribute significantly towards the total group cash generation impact.

50bps credit spread rise: A credit spread rise has a notable adverse impact on day 1 cash surplus and future cash generation in Scildon, largely as a result of the extent of corporate bond holdings that form part of the asset portfolios backing non-linked insurance liabilities. The impact on the other divisions is far less severe.

25bps swap rate fall: This sensitivity measures the impact of a fall in the swap discount curve with no change in the value of assets. The result is that liability values increase in isolation. The most material impacts are on CA and Scildon due to the size of the non-linked book.

10% mass lapse: For this sensitivity, there is only a small immediate impact on surplus as any the reduction in Own Funds is negated by a reduction in the SCR. However, with fewer policies on the books there is less potential for future profits. The division most affected is Movestic, largely because as a unit-linked business the loss in future AMCs following a mass lapse hits Own Funds by more than the associated reduction in SCR.

10% expense rise + 1% inflation rise: The expense sensitivity hits the solvency position immediately as the increase in future expenses and inflation is capitalised into the balance sheet.

*BASIS OF PREPARATION ON REPORTING:

Although it is not a precise exercise, the general aim is that the sensitivities modelled are deemed to be broadly similar (with the exception that the 10% equity movements are naturally more likely to arise) in terms of likelihood. Whilst the sensitivities provide a useful guide, in practice, how our results react to changing conditions is complex and the exact level of impact can vary due to the interactions of events and starting position.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The key performance indicators are a reflection of how we have performed in delivering our three strategic objectives and our core culture and values. The first half of 2018 has seen solid results across all metrics, despite pressure from a weakening Swedish Krona, volatile equity markets and a widening of spreads on fixed income assets held by our Dutch business.

Summary of each KPI:

IFRS

PRE-TAX PROFIT: GBP26.5M (30 JUN 2017: GBP51.6M)

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: GBP14.9M (30 JUN 2017: GBP53.8M)

What is it?

Presentation of the results in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) aims to recognise the profit arising from the longer-term insurance and investment contracts over the life of the policy.

Why is it important?

IFRS profit is a statutory measure used both internally and by our external stakeholders in assessing the performance of the business. IFRS profit is an indicator of how we are performing against our stated strategic objective of 'maximising value from the existing business' and can also be impacted by one-off gains arising from delivering against our stated objective of 'acquiring life and pensions businesses'. Whilst the IFRS results form the core of reporting and hence retain prominence as a key financial performance metric, there is a general acceptance that the IFRS results in isolation do not adequately recognise the wider financial performance of a typical life and pensions business.

Risks

The IFRS profit can be affected by a number of our principal risks and uncertainties. In particular, volatility in equity markets and bond yields can result in volatility in the IFRS pre-tax profit, and foreign currency fluctuations can affect total comprehensive income. The IFRS results of Scildon are potentially relatively volatile, in part, due to the different approach used by the division for valuing assets and liabilities, as permitted under IFRS 4.

 
 GBPm                     Jun 2018   Jun 2017 
=======================  =========  ========= 
 
 CA                           27.6       23.1 
 Movestic                      4.7        7.1 
 Waard                         2.0        2.3 
 Scildon                     (2.8)        7.0 
 Group & consol adj.         (4.9)      (8.6) 
 Profit on acquisition           -       20.7 
 Taxation                    (4.7)      (4.9) 
 Forex impact*               (6.9)        7.1 
=======================  =========  ========= 
 Total                        14.9       53.8 
 

*includes other comprehensive income

   -       Strong pre-tax performance in the UK drives results. 

- IFRS pre-tax profit of GBP26.5m is lower than in the same period in prior year, owing to profit on acquisition in 2017 and economic losses suffered in Scildon.

- Operating profits of GBP27.3m are the foundation of the result, demonstrating the strength and stability of the underlying business, offsetting the small economic loss, driven by markets conditions.

   -       Total comprehensive income includes a foreign exchange loss of GBP6.9m (2017: GBP7.1m gain) predominantly relating to sterling's appreciation against the Swedish Krona. 

CASH GENERATION

GROUP CASH GENERATION GBP48.6M (30 JUN 2017: GBP(2.7)M)

DIVISIONAL CASH GENERATION GBP53.1M (30 JUN 2017: GBP54.8M)

What is it?

Cash generation is a measure of how much distributable cash has been generated in the period. Cash generation is driven by the change in solvency surplus in the period, taking into account board-approved capital management policies.

Why is it important?

Cash generation is a key measure, because it is the net cash flows to Chesnara from its life and pensions businesses which support Chesnara's dividend-paying capacity and acquisition strategy. Cash generation can be a strong indicator of how we are performing against our stated objective of 'maximising value from the existing business'. However, our cash generation is always managed in the context of our stated value of maintaining strong solvency positions within the regulated entities of the group.

Risks

The ability of the underlying regulated subsidiaries within the group to generate cash is affected by a number of our principal risks and uncertainties. Whilst cash generation is a function of the regulatory surplus, as opposed to the IFRS surplus, they are impacted by similar drivers, and therefore factors such as yields on fixed interest securities and equity and property performance contribute significantly to the level of cash generation within the group.

 
 GBPm                           30 Jun 2018 
=============================  ============ 
 
 UK                                    42.9 
 Sweden                                 7.3 
 Netherlands - Waard                    5.2 
 Netherlands - Scildon                (2.3) 
=============================  ============ 
 Divisional cash generation            53.1 
 Other group activities               (4.5) 
 Total group cash generation           48.6 
=============================  ============ 
 
 

Divisional cash generation

- Significant cash generation from the UK, with positive contributions from Movestic and Waard. Volatility in European market conditions resulted in an economic loss in Scildon, more than offsetting the division's operational gains.

- The result includes the non-recurring benefit of a GBP26.8m capital extraction from restricted with profit funds in the UK.

Total cash generation

- Total group cash generation includes the impact of other group activities, primarily the impact of group expenses on own funds and changes to capital requirements upon consolidation of divisions.

- Total cash generation in 2017 included the negative impact of the completion of the LGN acquisition (GBP55.3m).

- Excluding the aforementioned non-recurring items, the underlying group cash generation is GBP21.8m compared to GBP52.6m.

ECONOMIC VALUE (EcV)

GBP700.8M (31 DEC 2017: GBP723.1M)

What is it?

Economic value (EcV) was introduced following the introduction of Solvency II at the start of 2016, with EcV being derived from Solvency II Own Funds. Conceptually, EcV is broadly similar to EEV in that both reflect a market-consistent assessment of the value of existing insurance business, plus adjusted net asset value of the non-insurance business within the group.

Why is it important?

EcV aims to reflect the market-related value of in-force business and net assets of the non-insurance business and hence is an important reference point by which to assess Chesnara's intrinsic value. A life and pensions group may typically be characterised as trading at a discount or premium to its Economic Value. Analysis of EcV provides additional insight into the development of the business over time.

The EcV development of the Chesnara group over time can be a strong indicator of how we have delivered to our strategic objectives, in particular the value created from acquiring life and pensions businesses and enhancing our value through writing profitable new business. It ignores the potential of new business to be written in the future (the franchise value of our Swedish and Dutch businesses) and the value of the company's ability to acquire further businesses.

Risks

The Economic Value of the group is affected by economic factors such as equity and property markets and yields on fixed interest securities. In addition, the EcV position of the group can be materially affected by exchange rate fluctuations. For example a 20.0% weakening of the Swedish krona and euro against sterling would reduce the EcV of the group by 6.8%, based on the composition of the group's EcV at 30 June 2018.

 
 GBPm 
================  ======= 
 
 2017 Group EcV     723.1 
 EcV earnings        13.6 
 Dividends         (19.6) 
 Forex             (16.3) 
================  ======= 
 2018 Group EcV     700.8 
================  ======= 
 
 
   -       Economic value at the end of the June of GBP700.8m. 
   -       Underlying earnings of GBP13.6m have been generated in the first half year. 

- The movement in EcV since the start of the year includes the impact of the payment of the year end 2017 dividend.

- Foreign exchange losses arising on re-translating of the Dutch and Swedish divisions have contributed to the overall reduction, primarily representing the strengthening of sterling against the Swedish krona since the start of the year.

ECV EARNINGS NET OF TAX

GBP13.6M (30 JUN 2017: GBP108.5M includes GBP65.4 gain on acquisition)

What is it?

In recognition of the longer-term nature of the group's insurance and investment contracts, supplementary information is presented that provides information on the Economic Value of our business.

The principal underlying components of the Economic Value result are:

- The expected return from existing business (being the effect of the unwind of the rates used to discount the value in-force);

   -       Value added by the writing of new business; 
   -       Variations in actual experience from that assumed in the opening valuation; 

- The impact of restating assumptions underlying the determination of expected cash flows; and

   -       The impact of acquisitions. 

Why is it important?

By recognising the market-related value of in-force business (in-force value), a different perspective is provided in the performance of the group and on the valuation of the business. Economic Value earnings are an important KPI as they provide a longer-term measure of the value generated during a period. The Economic Value earnings of the group can be a strong indicator of how we have delivered against all three of our core strategic objectives. This includes new business profits generated from writing profitable new business, Economic Value profit emergence from our existing businesses, and the Economic Value impact of acquisitions.

Risks

The EcV earnings of the group can be affected by a number of factors, including those highlighted within our principal risks and uncertainties and sensitivities analysis. In addition to the factors that affect the IFRS pre-tax profit and cash generation of the group, the EcV earnings can be more sensitive to other factors such as the expense base and persistency assumptions. This is primarily due to the fact that assumption changes in EcV affect our long-term view of the future cash flows arising from our books of business.

 
 GBPm                   2018 
====================  ====== 
 
 Operating earnings      9.6 
 Economic earnings       6.6 
 Other                 (2.6) 
====================  ====== 
 Total EcV earnings     13.6 
====================  ====== 
 
 
   -       EcV earnings of GBP13.6m have been generated in the first half of the year. 
   -       Underlying operating earnings have continued to emerge across all divisions. 

- Economic earnings are more muted than the same period in 2017 (GBP36.6m) largely as a result of comparably lower growth in equity markets.

- EcV earnings in the prior period benefitted from a one off gain of GBP65.4m arising as a result of the completion of the acquisition of Scildon.

IFRS

IFRS PRE-TAX PROFIT

GBP26.5M (30 JUN 2017: GBP51.6M)

IFRS TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

GBP14.9M (30 JUN 2017: GBP53.8M)

Executive summary

The group IFRS results reflect the natural dynamics of the segments of the group, which can be characterised in three major components:

(1) Stable core: At the heart of surplus, and hence cash generation, are the core CA and Waard Group segments. The requirements of these books are to provide a predictable and stable platform for the financial model and dividend strategy. As closed books, the key is to sustain this income source as effectively as possible. The IFRS results below show that the stable core continues to deliver against these requirements.

(2) Variable element: Included within the CA segment is the Save & Prosper book. This can bring an element of short-term earnings volatility to the group, with the results being particularly sensitive to investment market movements due to product guarantees. The IFRS results of Scildon are potentially relatively volatile although this is, in part, due to reserving methodology rather than 'real world' value movements.

(3) Growth operation: The long-term financial models of Movestic and Scildon are based on growth, with levels of new business and premiums from existing business being targeted to more than offset the impact of policy attrition, leading to a general increase in assets under management and, hence, management fee income.

IFRS results

The financial dynamics of Chesnara, as described above, are reflected in the following IFRS results:

 
UNAUDITED                         6 months ended 30 Jun 2018  6 months ended 30 Jun 2017  Year ended 31 Dec 2017 
                                                        GBPm                        GBPm                    GBPm  Note 
================================  ==========================  ==========================  ======================  ==== 
CA                                                      27.6                        23.1                    50.6     1 
Movestic                                                 4.6                         7.1                     9.8     2 
Waard Group                                              2.0                         2.3                     5.2     3 
Scildon                                                (2.8)                         7.0                    18.4     4 
Chesnara                                               (2.0)                       (6.6)                  (12.1)     5 
Consolidation adjustments                              (2.9)                       (2.0)                   (2.6)     6 
================================  ==========================  ==========================  ======================  ==== 
Profit before tax and profit on 
 acquisition                                            26.5                        30.9                    69.3 
Profit on acquisition of Scildon                           -                        20.7                    20.3 
================================  ==========================  ==========================  ======================  ==== 
Profit before tax                                       26.5                        51.6                    89.6 
 
 
                                  6 months ended 30 Jun 2018  6 months ended 30 Jun 2017  Year ended 31 Dec 2017 
                                                        GBPm                        GBPm                    GBPm  Note 
================================  ==========================  ==========================  ======================  ==== 
Operating profit                                        27.3                        16.6                    38.4     8 
Economic profit                                        (0.8)                        14.3                    30.9     9 
Profit before tax and profit on 
 acquisition                                            26.5                        30.9                    69.3 
Profit on acquisition of LGN                               -                        20.7                    20.3 
================================  ==========================  ==========================  ======================  ==== 
Profit before tax                                       26.5                        51.6                    89.6 
Tax                                                    (4.7)                       (4.9)                  (11.2) 
================================  ==========================  ==========================  ======================  ==== 
Profit after tax                                        21.8                        46.7                    78.4 
Foreign exchange translation 
 differences                                           (6.9)                         7.1                     8.3     7 
Other comprehensive income                                 -                           -                     0.2 
================================  ==========================  ==========================  ======================  ==== 
Total comprehensive income                              14.9                        53.8                    86.9 
================================  ==========================  ==========================  ======================  ==== 
 

Note 1: The CA segment has reported strong results for the half-year, in excess of those for the same period in 2017. Positive economic conditions contributed GBP8.0m to the result, of which GBP4.6m related to a reduction in the cost of guarantees within the S&P book. This was mainly driven by favourable valuation interest rate movements in the period. Operating profits at GBP19.6m were also strong in the period, reflecting the positive impact arising from a change to annuitant mortality rate assumptions and a one-off gain resulting from the refinement of a reserving approach in respect of tax charges arising on unrealised gains.

Note 2: Movestic continues to contribute positively to the overall group IFRS result despite a reduction in profits when compared to the same period in 2017. Lower fund performance fees and a fall in the profits generated by its associate, Modernac, were the main drivers.

Note 3: The Waard Group result is in line with expectations, with profits emerging in line with the run-off book profile.

Note 4: Although Scildon has delivered a strong operating profit, the division has posted an overall loss due to adverse market movements. This arises from the fact that Scildon measures the majority of its insurance contract liabilities using historical rates of interest, as is customary in the Netherlands. This can lead to increased volatility in IFRS profits by virtue of the assets that back the liabilities being reported and measured on a fair value basis. In addition, new business volumes have been below expectations, resulting in weaker than expected new business contribution.

Note 5: The Chesnara result represents holding company expenses. It includes a foreign exchange gain in the period of GBP0.6m, compared to a loss of GBP2.6m in the prior year, in respect of the euro denominated loan taken out to part-fund the Scildon acquisition.

Note 6: Consolidation adjustments relate to items such as the amortisation of intangible assets. These are higher than previous periods, due to the impact of the Scildon acquisition.

Note 7: Sterling strengthened against both the euro and Swedish krona in the period, reversing most of the exchange gains in 2017.

Note 8: The operating result demonstrates the strength and stability of the underlying business, driving the generation of profit. Product based income and favourable movements in operating experience in the UK, were offset slightly by the marginal strengthening of expense reserves to support future developments. Strong premium growth and higher fund rebates, offset by unfavourable claims experience in the period supported the Movestic operating result. Whilst the Waard operating results were in line with expectation, the Scildon operating result was better than expected.

Note 9: Economic profit represents the components of the earnings that are directly driven by movements in economic variables, e.g. the impact of yield movements on the cost of guarantees reserves. During 2018, the economic result is mainly driven by the impact on Scildon of widening credit spreads, whereas 2017 benefitted from positive equity market growth which has not been witnessed in the same period in 2018.

CASH GENERATION

GROUP CASH GENERATION

GBP48.6M (30 JUN 2017: GBP(2.7)M)

DIVISIONAL CASH GENERATION

GBP53.1M (30 JUN 2017: GBP54.8M)

Strong cash generation in the UK has driven a total divisional cash result of GBP48.6m in the period, with supporting contributions from the overseas territories. Cash in the business is generated from increases in the group's surplus funds. Surplus funds represent the excess of assets held over management's internal capital needs, as reflected in the capital management policies across the group. These are based on regulatory capital requirements, with the inclusion of additional "management buffers".

GROUP

- Sufficient group cash has been generated in the year to date to cover the cost of last year's dividend.

- 2017 group cash generation included the impact of the completion of the Legal & General Nederland (Scildon) acquisition. In line with expectations, this was a GBP55.3m negative impact on cash generation.

- Other group activities reflect group expenses and the impact of consolidation routines, specifically movements in capital requirements determined at a group level. From a capital requirement perspective, this is driven by movements in required capital at a Chesnara holding company level coupled with consolidation adjustments. At a Chesnara holding company level, additional capital is principally required to be held for the currency risk associated with the Movestic, Scildon and Waard Group surplus assets.

UK

   -       The UK has continued to deliver significant cash generation. 

- Own Funds growth is the main driver of cash generation in the UK. The result includes the benefit of a GBP26.8m release of restricted surplus form the with-profit funds.

- At 30 June 2018 a further GBP6.6m of surplus capital exists within the with profit funds that has not been recognised in the results.

- Investment return and yield curve movements in Q2 have also contributed to increase in Own Funds.

- There has also been a reduction in required capital, with reduced equity risk and spread risk, following the capital extraction.

SWEDEN

   -       Sweden generated GBP7.3m of cash in the first half of the year, due to growth in Own Funds. 

- Own Funds have benefitted from growth in assets under management, particularly in equity markets and unit linked contracts where positive returns have driven higher SEK fund values.

- Conversely, growth in assets also had the consequential impact of having to hold a higher level of capital within the business

   -       SEK depreciation against sterling saw an exchange loss of GBP3.3m. 

NETHERLANDS - WAARD

- The Waard Group has continued to supply stable cash generation, with positive underlying movements in both Own Funds and capital requirements.

- Positive movement in Own Funds was driven primarily by reductions in assumed mortality and lapse rates.

- Falls in counterparty default risk and market risk underpins the reduction in the capital requirement.

NETHERLANDS - SCILDON

   -       Scildon has reported a loss in the period, largely due to a reduction in Own Funds. 

- Positive operating performance has been offset by economic losses in the second quarter of the year, owing to volatility in European markets.

- Capital requirements moved favourably in the period, with the market conditions driving a reduction in spread risk.

 
GBPm                                                              Jun 2018                               Jun 2017 
========================  ============  ============================================================  ============== 
 
                                         Movement         Movement in         Forex   Cash generated  Cash generated 
                                            in           management's         impact 
                                         own funds          capital 
                                                          Requirement 
========================  ============  ==========  =======================  =======  ==============  ============== 
 UK                                           29.2                     13.7        -            42.9            30.4 
Sweden                                        13.8                    (3.2)    (3.3)             7.3            13.8 
Netherlands               Waard Group          2.0                      3.3    (0.1)             5.2             7.4 
 Scildon                                     (5.4)                      3.2    (0.1)           (2.3)             3.2 
 =====================================  ==========  =======================  =======  ==============  ============== 
Divisional cash                               39.6                     16.9    (3.4)            53.1            54.8 
Other group activities                       (0.7)                    (3.8)        -           (4.5)           (2.2) 
======================================  ==========  =======================  =======  ==============  ============== 
Group cash pre-Scildon 
 acquisition                                  38.9                     13.1    (3.4)            48.6            52.6 
Impact of Scildon acquisition                    -                                 -               -          (55.3) 
======================================  ==========  =======================  =======  ==============  ============== 
Total group cash                              38.9                     13.1    (3.4)            48.6           (2.7) 
 
 

A GBP48.9m one-off positive impact in respect of equity raised ahead of completion of the acquisition of Legal and General Nederland, was included in the 2016 result. We highlighted this as a temporary impact in our 2016 accounts. As expected, on completion, the 2017 result included a consequential negative impact of GBP55.3m. The end to end impact of the acquisition of LGN resulted in a day 1 surplus cash reduction of GBP6.4m. Our reported group cash generation of GBP46.2m for the six months to 30 June 2017 was reported on an adjusted basis. The 2017 comparative has subsequently been re-stated to reflect the reversal of the GBP48.9m positive equity raise impact and aligns the half-year result with the basis presented in our 2017 Annual Report and Accounts.

EcV EARNINGS

GBP13.6M (30 JUN 2017: GBP105.8M includes GBP65.4m gain on acquisition)

The group's EcV earnings in the period are largely driven by operating profits. Economic earnings have contributed less than in the prior period as a consequence of more muted equity market performance.

Analysis of the EcV result in the period by earnings source:

 
                                      30 Jun  30 Jun  31 Dec  Note 
                                        2018    2017    2017 
                                        GBPm    GBPm    GBPm 
====================================  ======  ======  ======  ==== 
Expected movement in period              3.8     5.0    12.0 
New business                             5.3     7.1    12.4 
Operating variances                    (7.0)     4.4     1.2 
Operating assumption changes             8.9   (6.4)   (3.6) 
Other operating variances              (1.3)       -     0.5 
====================================  ======  ======  ======  ==== 
Total underlying operating earnings      9.6    10.1    22.5 
Exceptional operating variances            -  (11.4)  (19.2)     2 
====================================  ======  ======  ======  ==== 
Total operating earnings                 9.6   (1.4)     3.3 
Economic experience variances            0.6    35.7    74.6     1 
Economic assumption changes              5.9     7.6     2.2 
====================================  ======  ======  ======  ==== 
Total economic earnings                  6.6    43.3    76.8 
Other non-operating variances          (0.3)     5.0     1.2 
Risk margin movement                   (0.5)             4.0 
Gain on acquisition                        -    65.4    65.4     3 
Tax                                    (1.8)   (6.5)  (11.1) 
Total EcV earnings                      13.6   105.8   139.5 
====================================  ======  ======  ======  ==== 
 

Analysis of the EcV result in the year by business segment:

 
                              30 Jun  30 Jun  31 Dec  Note 
                                2018    2017    2017 
                                GBPm    GBPm    GBPm 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ==== 
UK                              10.9    26.2    54.5     4 
Sweden                          10.6    15.8    24.0     5 
Netherlands                    (5.8)    14.8    21.8     6 
Gain on acquisition                -    65.4    65.4 
Group and group adjustments    (0.3)   (9.9)  (15.1)     7 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ==== 
EcV earnings before tax         15.4   112.3   150.6 
Tax                            (1.8)   (6.5)  (11.1)     8 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ==== 
EcV earnings after tax          13.6   105.8   139.5 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ==== 
 

Note 1 - Economic conditions: The EcV result is sensitive to investment market conditions. Key investment market conditions in the period are as follows:

- The FTSE All share index has decreased by 0.5% (6 months to 30 June 2017: increased by 3.3%);

- The Swedish OMX all share index has increased by 0.9% (6 months to 30 June 2017: increased by 7.2%); and

- 10 year UK gilt yields have increased from 1.26% at the start of the year to 1.39% (2017: 1.28% at the start and end of the period).

Note 2 - 2017 Exceptional operating items: The Movestic result included an GBP11.4m impact relating to changes in future charge assumptions if, as expected, commercial pressures were to drive fee changes in the future. Also included was a GBP7.8m provision to cover the future Scildon development programme.

Note 3 - Gain on acquisition of LGN: The acquisition of LGN in April 2017 resulted in a 'day 1' gain of GBP65.4m, representing the difference between the purchase price of GBP137.6m and the EcV of LGN at the point of acquisition of GBP203.0m.

Note 4 - UK: The UK delivered pre-tax earnings of GBP10.9m in the first half of the year. Solid operating earnings of GBP2.8m were driven by favourable movements in both mortality and lapse assumptions. This was supported by lower than expected rates of attrition across the books of business, resulting in higher assumed future fee income. Economic profits of GBP7.7m underpin the result, supported by market conditions. Key items driving the economic result include investment return movements and subsequent impact on future reserves; returns driven by the higher unit prices versus static guarantees on claims and fee income; and the impact of the rise in yield curve.

Note 5 - Sweden: The Swedish division has continued to deliver stable EcV growth into 2018. New business profits of GBP4.6m were the consequence of a combination of increased sales volumes (both transfers and single premiums) in Q2, and a higher margin rates throughout the period. This was partially offset by adverse movement in future fund management fee and fund rebate assumptions, resulting in a total operating earnings of GBP1.0m. An economic profit of GBP10.7m was reported, driven by equity market performance in the second quarter and strong returns on the unit linked investment portfolio. The weakening of the Swedish krona during the period also contributed, with foreign currency investments having higher SEK fund values.

Note 6 - Netherlands: The Dutch division has reported a pre-tax loss of GBP5.8m in the period. Waard delivered earnings of GBP2.4m, largely due to the impact of a reduction in assumed mortality and lapse rates. This was offset by a pre-tax loss of GBP8.2m in Scildon. Underlying operating earnings of GBP4.5m were offset by economic performance. Volatility in European market conditions saw significant adverse movement in spreads, driving the economic loss.

Note 7 - Group: In line with expectations, a loss has been reported in the group component. This includes costs incurred at group level, dividend payments and the impact of consolidation activities.

Note 8 - Tax: The business is reporting a tax expense of GBP1.8m in the year. This is driven by a combination of current tax on the profit in the period and movements in deferred tax relating to group level activities.

EcV position

GBP700.8M (31 DEC 2017: GBP723.1M)

The Economic Value of Chesnara represents the present value of future profits of the existing insurance business, plus the adjusted net asset value of the non-insurance business within the group. EcV is an important reference point by which to assess Chesnara's intrinsic value.

Value movement: 1 Jan 2018 to 30 Jun 2018:

 
 GBPm 
================  ======= 
 
 2017 Group EcV     723.1 
 EcV earnings        13.6 
 Dividends         (19.6) 
 Forex gain        (16.3) 
================  ======= 
 2018 Group EcV     700.8 
================  ======= 
 
 

EcV earnings: EcV earnings of GBP13.6m have been reported in the first half of the year.

Dividends: Under EcV, dividends are recognised in the period in which they are paid. Dividends of GBP19.6m were paid during the period, being the final dividend from 2017.

Foreign exchange: The EcV of the group suffered a foreign exchange loss in the period, largely driven by the strengthening of sterling against the Swedish krona.

EcV by segment at 30 Jun 2018:

 
 GBPm 
========================  ======= 
 
 UK                         231.9 
 Sweden                     241.7 
 Netherlands                243.2 
 Other group activities    (16.0) 
 
 

The above table shows that the EcV of the group is diversified across its different markets, demonstrating that we are well-balanced and not over-exposed to one particular geographic market.

EcV to Solvency II:

 
 GBPm 
========================  ======= 
 
 2018 Group EcV             700.8 
 Risk margin               (46.6) 
 Contract boundaries        (8.7) 
 Own funds restrictions     (6.7) 
 Dividends                 (10.8) 
========================  ======= 
 2018 SII own funds         628.0 
========================  ======= 
 
 

Our reported EcV is based on a Solvency II assessment of the value of the business, but adjusted for certain items where it is deemed that Solvency II does not reflect the commercial value of the business. The above table shows the key difference between EcV and SII, with explanations for each item below.

Risk margin: Solvency II rules require a significant 'risk margin' which is held on the Solvency II balance sheet as a liability, and this is considered to be materially above a realistic cost. We therefore reduce this margin for risk for EcV valuation purposes from being based on a 6% cost of capital to a 3.25% cost of capital.

Contract boundaries: Solvency II rules do not allow for the recognition of future cash flows on certain in-force contracts, despite the high probability of receipt. We therefore make an adjustment to reflect the realistic value of the cash flows under EcV.

Ring-fenced fund restrictions: Solvency II rules require a restriction to be placed on the value of certain ring-fenced funds. These restrictions are reversed for EcV valuation purposes as they are deemed to be temporary in nature.

Dividends: The proposed interim dividend of GBP10.8m is recognised for SII regulatory reporting purposes. It is not recognised within EcV until it is actually paid.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Managing risk is a key part of our business model. We achieve this by understanding the current and emerging risks to the business, mitigating them where appropriate and ensuring they are appropriately monitored and managed at all times.

HOW WE MANAGE RISK

RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The risk management system supports the identification, assessment, and reporting of risks along with coordinated and economical application of resources to monitor and control the probability and/ or impact of adverse outcomes within the board's risk appetite or to maximise realisation of opportunities

Strategy: The risk management strategy contains the objectives and principles of risk management, the risk appetite, risk preferences and risk tolerance limits.

Policies: The risk management policies implement the risk management strategy and provide a set of principles (and mandated activities) for control mechanisms that take into account the materiality of risks.

Processes: The risk management processes ensure that risks are identified, measured/ assessed, monitored and reported to support decision making.

Reporting: The risk management reports deliver information on the material risks faced by the business and evidence that principal risks are actively monitored and analysed and managed against risk appetite.

RISK PROCESSES

Risk management processes are applied at a group, divisional and business unit level and are documented within a set of board approved risk policies, for each category of risk.

Chesnara adopts the "three lines of defence" model across the group taking into account size, nature and complexity, with a single set of risk and governance principles applied consistently across the business.

In all Divisions we maintain processes for identifying, evaluating and managing all material risks faced by the group, which are regularly reviewed by the divisional and group Audit & Risk Committees. Our risk assessment processes have regard to the significance of risks, the likelihood of their occurrence and take account of the controls in place to manage them. The processes are designed to manage the risk profile within the board's approved risk appetite.

Group and divisional risk management processes are enhanced by stress and scenario testing, which evaluates the impact on the group of certain adverse events occurring separately or in combination. The results, conclusions and any recommended actions are included within Divisional and group ORSA Reports to the relevant boards. There is a strong correlation between these adverse events and the risks identified in 'Principal risks and uncertainties'. The outcome of this testing provides context against which the group can assess whether any changes to its risk appetite or to its management processes are required.

CHESNARA RISK PREFERENCES

The Chesnara Board has approved a set of risk preferences which articulate, in simple terms, the desire to increase, maintain, or reduce the level of risk taking for each main category of risk. The risk position of the business is monitored against these preferences using risk tolerance limits, where appropriate, and they are taken into account by the management teams across the group when taking strategic or operational decisions that affect the risk profile.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The following table outlines the principal risks and uncertainties of the group and the controls in place to mitigate or manage their impact. It has been drawn together following regular assessment performed by the Audit and Risk Committee of the principal risks facing the group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.

The impacts are not quantified in the table. However, by virtue of the risks being defined as principal, the impacts are potentially significant. Although this is a matter of judgement, the risks described in the table have been ordered based on probabilities and impacts, putting the risk with the biggest potential impact first.

 
 RISK                           IMPACT 
=============================  ============================================================== 
 Exposure to financial          Market risk results from fluctuations in asset values, 
  losses or value                foreign exchange rates and interest rates and has 
  reduction arising              the potential to affect the group's ability to fund 
  from adverse movements         its commitments to customers and other creditors, 
  in investment markets,         as well as pay a return to shareholders. 
  counterparty defaults,         Chesnara and each of its subsidiaries have obligations 
  or through inadequate          to make future payments, which are not always known 
  asset liability                with certainty in terms of timing or amounts, prior 
  matching                       to the payment date. This includes primarily the 
                                 payment of policyholder claims, reinsurance premiums, 
                                 debt repayments and dividends. The uncertainty of 
                                 timing and amounts to be paid gives rise to potential 
                                 liquidity risk, should the funds not be available 
                                 to make payment. 
                                 Other liquidity issues could arise from counterparty 
                                 failures/credit defaults, a large spike in the level 
                                 of claims or other significant unexpected expenses. 
=============================  ============================================================== 
 Adverse changes                 Chesnara currently operates in four regulatory domains 
  in industry practice/           and is therefore exposed to inconsistent application 
  regulation, or inconsistent     of regulatory standards across divisions, such as 
  application of regulation       the imposition of higher capital buffers over and 
  across territories              above regulatory minimum requirements. Potential 
                                  consequences of this risk for Chesnara would include 
                                  the constraining of efficient and fluid use of capital 
                                  within the group, or creating a non-level playing 
                                  field with respect to future new business/acquisitions. 
                                  The jurisdictions which Chesnara operates in are 
                                  currently subject to significant change arising from 
                                  political, regulatory and legal change. These may 
                                  either be localised or may apply more widely, following 
                                  from EU-based regulation and law, or the potential 
                                  unwinding of this following the UK's decision to 
                                  leave the EU. 
                                  The group is therefore exposed to the risk of: 
                                   *    incurring one-off costs of addressing regulatory 
                                        change as well as any permanent increases in the cost 
                                        base in order to meet enhanced standards; 
 
 
                                   *    erosion in value arising from pressure or enforcement 
                                        to reduce future policy charges; 
 
 
                                   *    erosion in value arising from pressure or enforcement 
                                        to financially compensate for past practice; and 
 
 
                                   *    regulatory fines or censure in the event that it is 
                                        considered to have breached standards, or fails to 
                                        deliver changes to the required regulatory standards 
                                        on a timely basis. 
=============================  ============================================================== 
 Failure to source              A key element of Chesnara's inorganic growth strategy 
  acquisitions that              is to grow the business through acquisitions. Clearly, 
  meet Chesnara's                this is dependent on the availability of attractive 
  criteria or the                future acquisition opportunities. Hence, the business 
  execution of acquisitions      model is exposed to the risk of a reduction in the 
  with subsequent                availability of suitable acquisition opportunities 
  unexpected financial           within Chesnara's current target markets, for example 
  loses or value reduction       arising as a result of a change in competition in 
                                 the consolidation market or from regulatory change 
                                 influencing the extent of life company strategic 
                                 restructuring. 
                                 Through the execution of acquisitions, Chesnara is 
                                 also exposed to the risk of erosion of value or financial 
                                 losses arising from risks inherent within businesses 
                                 or funds acquired which are not adequately priced 
                                 for or mitigated as part of the transaction. 
=============================  ============================================================== 
 Adverse demographic            In the event that demographic experience (rates of 
  experience compared            mortality, morbidity, persistency etc.) varies from 
  with assumptions               the assumptions underlying product pricing and subsequent 
                                 reserving, more or less profit will accrue to the 
                                 group. 
                                 If mortality or morbidity experience is higher than 
                                 that assumed in pricing contracts (I.e. more death 
                                 and sickness claims are made than expected), this 
                                 will typically result in less profit accruing to 
                                 the group. 
                                 If persistency is significantly lower than that assumed 
                                 in product pricing and subsequent reserving, this 
                                 will typically lead to reduced group profitability 
                                 in the medium to long-term, as a result of a reduction 
                                 in future income arising from charges on those products. 
                                 The effects of this could be more severe in the case 
                                 of a one-off event resulting in multiple withdrawals 
                                 over a short period of time (a "mass lapse" event). 
=============================  ============================================================== 
 Significant operational        The group and its subsidiaries are exposed to operational 
  failure / business             risks which arise through daily activities and running 
  continuity event               of the business. Operational risks may, for example, 
                                 arise due to technical or human errors, failed internal 
                                 processes, insufficient personnel resources or fraud 
                                 caused by internal or external persons. As a result, 
                                 the group may suffer financial losses, poor customer 
                                 outcomes, reputational damage, regulatory intervention 
                                 or business plan failure. 
                                 Part of the group's operating model is to outsource 
                                 support activities to specialist service providers. 
                                 Consequently, a material element of the operational 
                                 risk arises within its outsourced providers. 
=============================  ============================================================== 
 Expense overruns               The group is exposed to expenses being higher than 
  and unsustainable              expected as a result of one-off increases in the 
  unit cost growth               underlying cost of performing key functions, or through 
                                 higher inflation of variable expenses. 
                                 For the closed funds, the group is exposed to the 
                                 impact on profitability of fixed and semi-fixed expenses, 
                                 in conjunction with a diminishing policy base. 
                                 For the companies open to new businesses, the group 
                                 is exposed to the impact of expense levels varying 
                                 adversely from those assumed in product pricing. 
=============================  ============================================================== 
 IT/data security               Cyber risk is a growing risk affecting all companies, 
  failures or cyber              particularly those who are custodians of customer 
  crime                          data. The most pertinent risk exposure relates to 
                                 information security (i.e. protecting business sensitive 
                                 and personal data) and can arise from failure of 
                                 internal processes and standards, but increasingly 
                                 companies are becoming exposed to potential malicious 
                                 cyber attacks, organisation specific malware designed 
                                 to exploit vulnerabilities, phishing attacks etc. 
                                 The extent of Chesnara's exposure to such threats 
                                 also includes third party service providers. 
                                 The potential impact of this risk includes financial 
                                 losses, inability to perform critical functions, 
                                 disruption to policyholder services, loss of sensitive 
                                 data and corresponding reputational damage or fines. 
 

GOING CONCERN

The directors have considered the ability of the group to continue on a going concern basis. As such the board has performed an assessment as to whether the group can meet its liabilities as they fall due for a period of at least 12 months from which this half year report has been signed.

In performing this work, the board has considered the current cash position of the group and company, coupled with the group's and company's expected cash generation as highlighted in its most recent business plan, which covers a three year period. The business plan considers the financial projections of the group and its subsidiaries on both a base case and a range of stressed scenarios, covering projected IFRS, EcV and solvency positions. These projections also focus on the cash generation of the life insurance divisions and how these flow up into the Chesnara parent company balance sheet, with these cash flows being used to fund debt repayments, shareholder dividends and the head office function of the parent company.

The information set out under the capital management section indicates a strong Solvency II position as at 30 June 2018 as measured at both the individual regulated life company levels and at the group level. As well as being well-capitalised the group also has a healthy level of cash reserves to be able to meet its debt obligations as they fall due, and does not rely on the renewal or extension of bank facilities to continue trading. The group's subsidiaries do, however, rely on cash flows from the maturity or sale of fixed interest securities which match certain obligations to policyholders, which brings with it the risk of bond default. In order to manage this risk we ensure that our bond portfolio is actively monitored and well diversified. Other significant counterparty default risk relates to our principal reinsurers. We monitor their financial position and are satisfied that any associated credit default risk is low.

In light of this information, the board has concluded that the group and company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least 12 months from the date of approval of this half year report, and as a result the IFRS Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

- the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting';

- the management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

- the management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein).

By order of the Board

   Peter Mason                         John Deane 
   Chairman                              Chief Executive Officer 
   29 August 2018                   29 August 2018 

INDEPENT AUDITOR'S REVIEW REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CHESNARA PLC

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of consolidated financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2018 which comprises the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity and related notes 1 to 8. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2018 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Deloitte LLP

Statutory Auditor

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

29 August 2018

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
                                                                                     Unaudited 
                                                                              Six months ended 
                                                                                       30 June  Year ended 31 December 
                                                                               2018       2017                    2017 
                                                                             GBP000     GBP000                  GBP000 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Insurance premium revenue                                                   144,422     91,643                 231,515 
Insurance premium ceded to reinsurers                                      (28,372)   (25,274)                (54,191) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Net insurance premium revenue                                               116,050     66,369                 177,324 
Fee and commission income                                                    62,353     51,833                 113,848 
Net investment return                                                       139,185    245,734                 531,817 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Total revenue net of reinsurance payable                                    317,588    363,936                 822,989 
Other operating income                                                        9,524      9,377                  17,242 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Total income net of investment return                                       327,112    373,313                 840,231 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Insurance contract claims and benefits incurred 
 Claims and benefits paid to insurance contract holders                   (246,130)  (204,085)               (465,729) 
 Net increase in insurance contract provisions                               91,276     47,368                  51,033 
 Reinsurers' share of claims and benefits                                    26,137     22,640                  49,449 
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Net insurance contract claims and benefits                                (128,717)  (134,077)               (365,247) 
                                                                          ---------             ---------------------- 
Change in investment contract liabilities                                 (114,931)  (156,783)               (293,603) 
Reinsurers' share of investment contract liabilities                          1,016      1,762                   3,681 
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Net change in investment contract liabilities                             (113,915)  (155,021)               (289,922) 
                                                                          ---------             ---------------------- 
Fees, commission and other acquisition costs                               (12,396)   (10,600)                (24,405) 
Administrative expenses                                                    (33,584)   (33,229)                (70,269) 
Other operating expenses 
 Charge for amortisation of acquired value of in-force business             (6,298)    (5,225)                (13,271) 
 Charge for amortisation of acquired value of customer relationships           (42)       (50)                   (101) 
 Other                                                                      (3,366)    (2,894)                 (4,239) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Total expenses net of change in insurance contract provisions and 
 investment contract liabilities                                          (298,318)  (341,096)               (767,454) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Total income less expenses                                                   28,794     32,217                  72,777 
Share of (loss)/profit of associate                                            (13)        682                     949 
Profit recognised on business combination                                         -     20,742                  20,319 
Financing costs                                                             (2,269)    (2,011)                 (4,443) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Profit before income taxes                                                   26,512     51,630                  89,602 
Income tax expense                                                          (4,718)    (4,878)                (11,168) 
Profit for the period                                                        21,794     46,752                  78,434 
Foreign exchange translation differences arising on the revaluation of 
 foreign operations                                                         (6,920)      7,084                   8,274 
Revaluation of pension obligations                                               47       (71)                     124 
Revaluation of investment property                                                -          -                      90 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Total comprehensive income for the period                                    14,921     53,765                  86,922 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Basic earnings per share (based on profit for the period)                    14.55p     31.22p                  52.38p 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Diluted earnings per share (based on profit for the period)                  14.46p     31.04p                  52.13p 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 
                                                                                     Unaudited 
                                                                              Six months ended 
                                                                                       30 June  Year ended 31 December 
                                                                               2018       2017                    2017 
                                                                             GBP000     GBP000                  GBP000 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Assets 
Intangible assets 
 Deferred acquisition costs                                                  63,115     55,281                  61,858 
 Acquired value of in-force business                                        110,493    126,659                 119,039 
 Acquired value of customer relationships                                       561        698                     641 
 Goodwill                                                                       756          -                     806 
 Software assets                                                              6,080      7,123                   6,358 
Property and equipment                                                        4,102      4,684                   4,327 
Investment in associates                                                      6,247      6,221                   6,407 
Investment properties                                                         1,196      1,255                   1,199 
Reinsurers' share of insurance contract provisions                          221,223    244,459                 233,154 
Amounts deposited with reinsurers                                            38,185     38,147                  38,776 
Financial assets 
   Equity securities at fair value through income                           506,221    497,569                 512,724 
   Holdings in collective investment schemes at fair value through 
    income                                                                5,158,002  5,043,537               5,202,772 
   Debt securities at fair value through income                           1,533,256  1,611,176               1,628,817 
   Policyholders' funds held by the group                                   271,461    245,687                 265,729 
   Mortgage loan portfolio                                                   43,754     52,624                  48,106 
   Insurance and other receivables                                           74,185     86,383                  59,448 
   Prepayments                                                                5,891     21,143                   7,325 
   Derivative financial instruments                                             897      2,414                   1,682 
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Total financial assets                                                    7,593,667  7,560,533               7,726,603 
                                                                          ---------             ---------------------- 
Defined benefit pension scheme funding prepayment                             1,019        416                       - 
Reinsurers' share of accrued policyholder claims                             29,937     18,026                  25,888 
Income taxes                                                                  9,931      3,497                   7,681 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                   200,031    244,760                 210,647 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Total assets                                                              8,286,543  8,311,759               8,443,384 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Liabilities 
Insurance contract provisions                                             3,831,118  3,971,521               3,962,279 
Other provisions                                                              1,463      1,857                   1,098 
Financial liabilities 
   Investment contracts at fair value through income                      3,404,364  3,281,368               3,420,273 
   Liabilities relating to policyholders' funds held by the group           271,461    245,687                 265,729 
   Borrowings                                                               114,482    139,622                 129,202 
   Derivative financial instruments                                          22,598     23,188                  22,494 
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Total financial liabilities                                               3,812,905  3,689,865               3,837,698 
                                                                          ---------             ---------------------- 
Deferred tax liabilities                                                     21,552     22,688                  22,794 
Reinsurance payables                                                         13,845      5,461                  11,406 
Payables related to direct insurance and investment contracts                90,046     97,187                  97,163 
Deferred income                                                               4,336      5,071                   4,701 
Income taxes                                                                  8,640      3,445                   8,514 
Other payables                                                               53,076     84,511                  44,984 
Bank overdrafts                                                               2,194      1,469                   1,091 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Total liabilities                                                         7,839,175  7,883,075               7,991,728 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Net assets                                                                  447,368    428,684                 451,656 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Shareholders' equity 
Share capital                                                                43,766     43,766                  43,766 
Share premium                                                               141,993    142,064                 141,983 
Treasury shares                                                                (92)      (157)                    (98) 
Other reserves                                                               20,744     26,384                  27,664 
Retained earnings                                                           240,957    216,627                 238,341 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Total shareholders' equity                                                  447,368    428,684                 451,656 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 
                                                                                   Unaudited 
                                                                            Six months ended 
                                                                                     30 June  Year ended 31 December 
                                                                             2018       2017                    2017 
                                                                           GBP000     GBP000                  GBP000 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Profit for the period                                                      21,794     46,752                  78,434 
Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation of property and equipment                                       366        203                     698 
 Amortisation of deferred acquisition costs                                 7,806      5,228                  14,506 
 Amortisation of acquired value of in-force business                        6,298      5,225                  13,271 
 Amortisation of acquired value of customer relationships                      42         50                     101 
 Amortisation of software assets                                              738      1,032                   2,218 
 Share based payment                                                          354        350                   (159) 
 Tax paid                                                                   4,842      4,488                  11,209 
 Interest receivable                                                        (392)    (4,400)                 (4,785) 
  Dividends receivable                                                    (3,606)   (15,458)                 (4,619) 
Interest expense                                                            2,269      2,011                   4,443 
Fair value gains on financial assets                                    (205,869)  (209,345)               (210,706) 
Profit arising on business combination                                          -   (20,742)                (20,319) 
Share of loss /(profit) of associate                                           13      (682)                   (949) 
Interest received                                                             899      3,788                   4,560 
Dividends received                                                          3,468     14,695                   4,336 
Increase in intangible assets related to insurance and investment 
 contracts                                                               (12,814)   (10,903)                (28,634) 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (excluding the effect of 
 acquisitions)                                                                 47          -                     124 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 
 Decrease/(increase) in financial assets                                  153,160     78,496               (145,613) 
 Decrease in reinsurers share of insurance contract provisions              4,405     14,111                  17,074 
 Decrease/(increase) in amounts deposited with reinsurers                     591      (710)                 (1,339) 
 (Increase)/decrease in insurance and other receivables                  (11,450)   (27,031)                  11,317 
 Decrease/(increase) in prepayments                                         1,172    (2,851)                  12,722 
 Decrease in defined benefit pension scheme surplus                             -        765                       - 
 (Decrease)/increase in insurance contract provisions                   (119,257)   (61,584)                (91,110) 
 Increase in investment contract liabilities                              173,664    220,932                 414,014 
 Increase in provisions                                                       442      1,020                     272 
 Increase/(decrease) in reinsurance payables                                2,778    (1,515)                   4,424 
 (Decrease)/increase in payables related to direct insurance and 
  investment contracts                                                    (6,590)      2,738                   2,432 
 Increase/(decrease) in other payables                                      8,573     46,069                   (935) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Cash generated from operations                                             33,743     92,732                  86,987 
Income tax paid                                                           (7,602)   (22,287)                (27,480) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Net cash generated from operating activities                               26,141     70,445                  59,507 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Business combination                                                            -  (117,993)               (117,993) 
Development of software                                                     (807)      (462)                   (928) 
Purchases of property and equipment                                         (168)      (220)                   (314) 
Net cash utilised by investing activities                                   (975)  (118,675)               (119,235) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of share premium                                           10          6                    (75) 
Proceeds from borrowings                                                        -    100,591                 100,591 
Repayment of borrowings                                                  (12,240)   (48,633)                (58,569) 
Sales of treasury shares                                                        6          4                      63 
Dividends paid                                                           (19,579)   (19,002)                (29,484) 
Interest paid                                                             (2,269)    (1,834)                 (4,266) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Net cash (utilised by)/generated from financing activities               (34,072)     31,132                   8,260 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Net decrease in net cash and cash equivalents                             (8,906)   (17,098)                (51,468) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                          209,556    258,731                 258,731 
Effect of exchange rate changes on net cash and cash equivalents          (2,813)      1,658                   2,293 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
Net cash and cash equivalents at end of the period                        197,837    243,291                 209,556 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------------------- 
 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 
Unaudited six months ended 
30 June 2018 
                            Share capital  Share premium  Other reserves  Treasury shares  Retained earnings     Total 
                                   GBP000         GBP000          GBP000           GBP000             GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------  -----------------  -------- 
Equity shareholders' funds 
 at 1 January 2018                 43,766        141,983          27,664             (98)            238,341   451,656 
Profit for the period                   -              -               -                -             21,794    21,794 
Dividends paid                          -              -               -                -           (19,579)  (19,579) 
Foreign exchange 
 translation differences                -              -         (6,920)                -                  -   (6,920) 
Revaluation of pension 
 obligations                            -              -               -                -                 47        47 
Sale of treasury shares                 -             10               -                6                  -        16 
Share based payment                     -              -               -                -                354       354 
--------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------  -----------------  -------- 
Equity shareholders' funds 
 at 30 June 2018                   43,766        141,993          20,744             (92)            240,957   447,368 
--------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 
Unaudited six months ended 
30 June 2017 
                            Share capital  Share premium  Other reserves  Treasury shares  Retained earnings     Total 
                                   GBP000         GBP000          GBP000           GBP000             GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------  -----------------  -------- 
Equity shareholders' funds 
 at 1 January 2017                 43,766        142,058          19,300            (161)            188,598   393,561 
Profit for the period                   -              -               -                -             46,752    46,752 
Dividends paid                          -              -               -                -           (19,002)  (19,002) 
Foreign exchange 
 translation differences                -              -           7,084                -                  -     7,084 
Revaluation of pension 
 obligations                            -              -               -                -               (71)      (71) 
Sale of treasury shares                 -              6               -                4                  -        10 
Share based payment                     -              -               -                -                350       350 
Equity shareholders' funds 
 at 30 June 2017                   43,766        142,064          26,384            (157)            216,627   428,684 
--------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 
Year ended 31 December 
2017 
                            Share capital  Share premium  Other reserves  Treasury shares  Retained earnings     Total 
                                   GBP000         GBP000          GBP000           GBP000             GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------  -----------------  -------- 
Equity shareholders' funds 
 at 1 January 2017                 43,766        142,058          19,300            (161)            188,598   393,561 
Profit for the year                     -              -               -                -             78,434    78,434 
Dividends paid                          -              -               -                -           (29,484)  (29,484) 
Foreign exchange 
 translation differences                -              -           8,274                -                  -     8,274 
Revaluation of pension 
 obligations                            -              -               -                -                124       124 
Revaluation of investment 
 property                               -              -              90                -                  -        90 
Share based payment                     -              -               -                -                669       669 
Sale of treasury shares                 -           (75)               -               63                  -      (12) 
--------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------  -----------------  -------- 
Equity shareholders' funds 
 at 31 December 2017               43,766        141,983          27,664             (98)            238,341   451,656 
--------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------  -----------------  -------- 
 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - IFRS BASIS

   1.   Basis of presentation 

This condensed set of consolidated financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the EU. As required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, the condensed set of consolidated financial statements has been prepared applying the accounting policies and presentation which were applied in the preparation of the Group's published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, with the following exceptions.

Within the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, financial instruments were valued in line with the mandatory requirements of IAS 39 - Financial Instruments. With effect from 1 January 2018, IAS 39 was superseded by IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments (2018 - Deferred to 2021). IFRS 9 introduces new classification and measurement requirements for financial assets and liabilities. It also requires the use of an expected credit loss model, as opposed to the incurred credit loss model required under IAS 39. The expected credit loss model will require the group to account for expected credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses at each reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition. The standard also requires enhanced disclosures in the financial statements.

The group has taken advantage of the temporary exemption granted to insurers in IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts from applying IFRS 9 until 1 January 2021 as a result of meeting the exemption criteria as at 31 December 2017. As at this date, the group's activities were considered to be predominantly connected with insurance as the percentage of the total carrying amount of its liabilities in relation to insurance relative to the total carrying amount of all its liabilities was greater than 90%. There have been no changes to the activities of the group that require this assessment to be re-performed. IFRS 9 will instead be implemented at the same time as the new insurance contracts standard (IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts). The group expects to continue to value the majority of its financial assets as at fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition, so as to eliminate or reduce any potential accounting mismatch. When applying the exemption, IFRS 4 requires that a number of disclosures be made in 2018 to provide information to allow comparison with entities adopting the standard in 2018.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers became effective with effect from 1 January 2018. The standard establishes a single comprehensive framework for determining how and when revenue is recognised. IFRS 15 does not apply to insurance contracts or financial instruments within the scope of IAS 39 Financial Instruments. As such, the introduction of the standard has not had a significant impact on the financial position or financial performance of the group.

The group's published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 were prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU. Any judgements and estimates applied in the condensed set of financial statements are consistent with those applied in the preparation of the group's published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

The financial information shown in these interim financial statements is unaudited and does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 December 2017 are not the company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the company's auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did not contain a statements under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Scildon reports under IFRS and its accounting policies have been assessed as being in compliance with those of the group. As part of this assessment, it has been identified that the basis for measuring insurance contract liabilities differs to other parts of the group. In particular, Scildon measures the majority of its insurance contract liabilities using historical market rates of interest, as is customary in the Netherlands. This approach can lead to increased volatility in IFRS profits by virtue of the assets that back the insurance contract provisions being reported on a fair value basis (i.e. incorporating current market rates of interest) but with the liabilities using historical rates. In light of the introduction of the new insurance standard IFRS17, which will align the measurement of insurance contracts across the group from 1 January 2021, the group has taken the decision to accept the current measurement basis adopted by Scildon in the short term.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty remain unchanged from those described in Note 3 of the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts.

   2.   Earnings per share 

Earnings per share are based on the following:

 
                                                                             Unaudited 
                                                                      Six months ended 
                                                                               30 June  Year ended 31 December 
                                                                     2018         2017                      2017 
                                                                   GBP000       GBP000                    GBP000 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------------------ 
Profit for the period attributable to shareholders (GBP000)        21,794       46,752                    78,434 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares                    149,820,942  149,741,550               149,749,517 
Basic earnings per share                                           14.55p       31.22p                    52.38p 
Diluted earnings per share                                         14.46p       31.04p                    52.13p 
 

The weighted average number of ordinary shares in respect of the six months ended 30 June 2018 is based upon 149,885,761 shares in issue, less 24,980 own shares held in treasury.

The six months ended 30 June 2017 is based upon 149,885,761 shares in issue, less 144,211 own shares held in treasury at the beginning of the period, and 149,885,761 shares in issue less 144,211 own shares held in treasury at the end of the period.

The weighted average number of ordinary shares in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 is based upon 149,885,761 shares in issue less 86,040 own shares held in treasury.

There were 948,003 share options outstanding at 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017: 876,926). Accordingly, there is dilution of the average number of ordinary shares in issue in respect of 2018. There were 877,000 share options outstanding as at 31 December 2017.

   3.   Retained earnings 
 
                                                                                   Unaudited 
                                                                            Six months ended 
                                                                                     30 June  Year ended 31 December 
                                                                              2018      2017                      2017 
                                                                            GBP000    GBP000                    GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------------------------ 
Retained earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent company 
comprise: 
Balance at 1 January                                                       238,341   188,598                   188,598 
Profit for the period                                                       21,794    46,752                    78,434 
Revaluation obligations                                                         47      (71)                       124 
Share based payment                                                            354       350                       669 
Dividends 
  Final approved and paid for 2016                                               -  (19,002)                  (19,002) 
  Interim approved and paid for 2017                                             -         -                  (10,482) 
  Final approved and paid for 2017                                        (19,579)         -                         - 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------------------------ 
Balance at period end                                                      240,957   216,627                   238,341 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------------------------ 
 

The interim dividend in respect of 2017, approved and paid in 2017 was paid at the rate of 7.00 per share.

The final dividend in respect of 2017, approved and paid in 2018, was paid at the rate of 13.07p per share so that the total dividend paid to the equity shareholders of the company in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 was made at the rate of 20.07p per share.

An interim dividend of 7.21p per share in respect of the year ending 31 December 2018 payable on 12 October 2018 to equity shareholders of the company registered at the close of business on 07 September 2018, the dividend record date, was approved by the Directors after the balance sheet date. The resulting dividend of GBP10.8m has not been provided for in these financial statements and there are no income tax consequences.

The following table summarises dividends per share in respect of the six month period ended 30 June 2018 and the year ended 31 December 2017:

 
                                  Unaudited 
                           Six months ended 
                                    30 June  Year ended 31 December 
                                       2018                    2017 
                                      Pence                   Pence 
------------------------  -----------------  ---------------------- 
Interim - approved/paid                7.21                    7.00 
Final - proposed/paid                     -                   13.07 
------------------------  -----------------  ---------------------- 
Total                                  7.21                   20.07 
------------------------  -----------------  ---------------------- 
 
   4.   Operating segments 

The group considers that it has no product or distribution-based business segments. It reports segmental information on the same basis as reported internally to the Chief Operating Decision Maker, which is the Board of Directors of Chesnara plc.

The segments of the group as at 30 June 2018 comprise:

CA: This segment represents the group's UK life insurance and pensions run-off portfolio and comprises the original business of Countrywide Assured plc, the group's principal UK operating subsidiary, and of City of Westminster Assurance Company Limited which was acquired in 2005 and the long-term business of which was transferred to Countrywide Assured plc during 2006. This segment also contains Save & Prosper Insurance Limited which was acquired on 20 December 2010 and its then subsidiary Save & Prosper Pensions Limited. The S&P business was transferred to CA during 2011. This segment also contains the business of Protection Life, which was purchased on 28 November 2013 and the business of which was transferred to CA effective from 1 January 2015. CA is responsible for conducting unit-linked and non-linked business, including a with-profits portfolio, which carries significant additional market risk, as described in note 6 'Management of financial risk' of the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts.

Movestic: This segment comprises the Group's Swedish life and pensions business, Movestic Livförsäkring AB ('Movestic') and its subsidiary and associated companies, which are open to new business and which are responsible for conducting both unit-linked and non-linked business.

Waard Group: This segment represents the Group's first Dutch life and general insurance business, which was acquired on 19 May 2015 and comprises the three insurance companies Waard Leven N.V., Hollands Welvaren Leven N.V. and Waard Schade N.V., and a servicing company, Waard Verzekeringen B.V.. The Waard Group's policy base is predominantly made up of term life policies, although also includes unit-linked policies and some non-life policies, covering risks such as occupational disability and unemployment. This segment is closed to new business.

Scildon: This segment represents the Group's latest Dutch life insurance business, which was acquired on 5 April 2017. Scildon's policy base is predominantly made up of individual protection and savings contracts. It is open to new business and sells protection, individual savings and group pension contracts via a broker-led distribution model.

Other Group Activities: The functions performed by the ultimate holding company within the group, Chesnara plc, are defined under the operating segment analysis as Other Group Activities. Also included therein are consolidation and elimination adjustments.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those for the group as a whole. Any transactions between the business segments are on normal commercial terms in normal market conditions. The group evaluates performance of operating segments on the basis of the profit before tax attributable to shareholders and on the total assets and liabilities of the reporting segments and the group. There were no changes to the measurement basis for segment profit during the six months ended 30 June 2018.

   (i)   Segmental income statement for the six months ended 30 June 2018 
 
 
 
                                           CA    Movestic    Waard Group    Scildon  Other Group Activities      Total 
                                       GBP000      GBP000         GBP000     GBP000                  GBP000     GBP000 
-----------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Net insurance premium revenue          17,753       6,711            756     90,830                       -    116,050 
Fee and commission income              13,981      24,834             10     23,528                       -     62,353 
Net investment return                  34,673     101,124          1,870      1,440                      78    139,185 
-----------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Total revenue (net of reinsurance 
 payable)                              66,407     132,669          2,636    115,798                      78    317,588 
Other operating income                  6,536       2,988              -          -                       -      9,524 
-----------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Segmental income                       72,943     135,657          2,636    115,798                      78    327,112 
-----------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Net insurance contract claims and 
 benefits incurred                   (20,428)     (4,299)            964  (104,954)                       -  (128,717) 
Net change in investment contract 
 liabilities                         (12,538)   (101,377)              -          -                       -  (113,915) 
Fees, commission and other 
 acquisition costs                      (649)    (14,064)          (150)      (880)                       -   (15,743) 
Administrative expenses: 
  Amortisation charge on software 
   assets                                   -     (1,955)              -      (124)                       -    (2,079) 
  Depreciation charge on property 
   and equipment                            -       (278)           (52)      (230)                       -      (560) 
  Other                              (11,313)     (5,228)        (1,426)   (12,382)                   (596)   (30,945) 
Operating (expenses)/income             (422)     (2,938)              -          1                     (7)    (3,366) 
Financing costs                           (2)       (851)              -          -                 (1,416)    (2,269) 
Share of loss from associates               -        (13)              -          -                       -       (13) 
-----------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Profit/(loss) before tax and 
 consolidation adjustments             27,591       4,654          1,972    (2,771)                 (1,941)     29,505 
-----------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Other operating expenses: 
  Charge for amortisation of 
   acquired value of in-force 
   business                           (2,507)     (1,560)          (332)    (1,899)                       -    (6,298) 
  Charge for amortisation of 
   acquired value of customer 
   relationships                            -        (42)              -          -                       -       (42) 
  Fees, commission and other 
   acquisition costs                        -       1,609              -      1,738                       -      3,347 
Segmental income less expenses         25,084       4,661          1,640    (2,932)                 (1,941)     26,512 
Profit arising on business 
combination                                 -           -              -          -                       -          - 
Profit/(loss) before tax               25,084       4,661          1,640    (2,932)                 (1,941)     26,512 
Income tax (expense)/credit           (4,890)       (436)          (401)        707                     302    (4,718) 
Profit/(loss) after tax                20,194       4,225          1,239    (2,225)                 (1,639)     21,794 
                                     --------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
 

(ii) Segmental balance sheet as at 30 June 2018

 
 
                                      CA     Movestic    Waard Group      Scildon  Other Group Activities        Total 
                                  GBP000       GBP000         GBP000       GBP000                  GBP000       GBP000 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Total assets                   2,907,606    3,138,624        143,041    2,016,417                  80,855    8,286,543 
Total liabilities            (2,748,480)  (3,052,314)       (97,609)  (1,862,051)                (78,721)  (7,839,175) 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Net assets                       159,126       86,310         45,432      154,366                   2,134      447,368 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Investment in associates               -        6,247              -            -                       -        6,247 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Additions to non-current 
 assets                                -       10,233              -        3,287                       -       13,520 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
 

(iii) Segmental income statement for the six months ended 30 June 2017

 
 
 
                                            CA    Movestic    Waard Group   Scildon  Other Group Activities      Total 
                                        GBP000      GBP000         GBP000    GBP000                  GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  --------  ----------------------  --------- 
Net insurance premium revenue           20,359       7,681          1,303    37,026                       -     66,369 
Fee and commission income               14,733      24,032             10    13,058                       -     51,833 
Net investment return                  115,520     125,026          3,309     1,831                      48    245,734 
------------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  --------  ----------------------  --------- 
Total revenue (net of reinsurance 
 payable)                              150,612     156,739          4,622    51,915                      48    363,936 
Other operating income                   7,114       2,393             36     (166)                       -      9,377 
------------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  --------  ----------------------  --------- 
Segmental income                       157,726     159,132          4,658    51,749                      48    373,313 
------------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  --------  ----------------------  --------- 
Net insurance contract claims and 
 benefits incurred                    (92,203)     (3,154)          (674)  (38,046)                       -  (134,077) 
Net change in investment contract 
 liabilities                          (30,282)   (124,739)              -         -                       -  (155,021) 
Fees, commission and other 
 acquisition costs                       (721)    (13,634)          (168)       686                       -   (13,837) 
Administrative expenses: 
  Amortisation charge on software 
   assets                                    -     (1,032)              -      (54)                       -    (1,086) 
  Depreciation charge on property 
   and equipment                             -        (84)           (21)     (118)                       -      (223) 
  Other                               (10,980)     (6,358)        (1,479)   (7,254)                 (5,849)   (31,920) 
Operating expenses                       (472)     (2,434)              -         -                      12    (2,894) 
Financing costs                            (2)     (1,238)              -         -                   (771)    (2,011) 
Share of profit from associates              -         682              -         -                       -        682 
------------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  --------  ----------------------  --------- 
Profit/(loss) before tax and 
 consolidation adjustments              23,066       7,141          2,316     6,963                 (6,560)     32,926 
------------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------  --------  ----------------------  --------- 
Other operating expenses: 
  Charge for amortisation of 
   acquired value of in-force 
   business                            (3,112)     (1,739)          (325)      (49)                       -    (5,225) 
  Charge for amortisation of 
   acquired value of customer 
   relationships                             -        (50)              -         -                       -       (50) 
  Fees, commission and other 
   acquisition costs                         -       1,681          1,556         -                       -      3,237 
Segmental income less expenses          19,954       7,033          3,547     6,914                 (6,560)     30,888 
Profit arising on business 
 combination                                 -           -              -         -                  20,742     20,742 
Profit/(loss) before tax                19,954       7,033          3,547     6,914                  14,182     51,630 
Income tax (expense)/credit            (3,235)       (311)          (838)   (1,757)                   1,263    (4,878) 
Profit/(loss) after tax                 16,719       6,722          2,709     5,157                  15,445     46,752 
                                      --------  ----------  -------------  --------  ----------------------  --------- 
 

(iv) Segmental balance sheet as at 30 June 2017

 
 
                                      CA     Movestic    Waard Group      Scildon  Other Group Activities        Total 
                                  GBP000       GBP000         GBP000       GBP000                  GBP000       GBP000 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Total assets                   3,000,392    2,991,394        170,234    2,077,154                  72,585    8,311,759 
Total liabilities            (2,849,925)  (2,906,248)      (115,367)  (1,907,710)               (103,825)  (7,883,075) 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Net assets                       150,467       85,146         54,867      169,444                (31,240)      428,684 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Investment in associates               -        6,221              -            -                       -        6,221 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Additions to non-current 
 assets                                -       11,525            134        1,360                       -       13,019 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
 

(v) Segmental income statement for the year ended 31 December 2017

 
 
 
                                           CA    Movestic    Waard Group    Scildon  Other Group Activities      Total 
                                       GBP000      GBP000         GBP000     GBP000                  GBP000     GBP000 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Net insurance premium revenue          39,036      15,438          2,227    120,623                       -    177,324 
Fee and commission income              29,009      49,155             20     35,664                       -    113,848 
Net investment return                 251,041     223,310          7,349     50,016                     101    531,817 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Total revenue (net of reinsurance 
 payable)                             319,086     287,903          9,596    206,303                     101    822,989 
Other operating income                 13,985       3,215             42          -                       -     17,242 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Segmental income                      333,071     291,118          9,638    206,303                     101    840,231 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Net insurance contract claims and 
 benefits incurred                  (191,524)     (5,447)        (1,051)  (167,225)                       -  (365,247) 
Net change in investment contract 
 liabilities                         (66,969)   (222,953)              -          -                       -  (289,922) 
Fees, commission and other 
 acquisition costs                    (1,368)    (31,959)          (331)    (1,494)                       -   (35,152) 
Administrative expenses: 
  Amortisation charge on software 
   assets                                   -     (2,052)              -      (124)                       -    (2,176) 
  Depreciation charge on property 
   and equipment                            -       (292)           (52)      (229)                       -      (573) 
  Other                              (21,678)    (13,485)        (3,015)   (18,813)                (10,528)   (67,520) 
Operating expenses                      (952)     (3,302)              -          1                      14    (4,239) 
Financing costs                           (4)     (2,756)              -          -                 (1,683)    (4,443) 
Share of profit from associates             -         949              -          -                       -        949 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Profit/(loss) before tax and 
 consolidation adjustments             50,576       9,821          5,189     18,419                (12,096)     71,908 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
Other operating expenses: 
  Charge for amortisation of 
   acquired value of in-force 
   business                           (6,224)     (3,527)          (662)    (2,858)                       -   (13,271) 
  Charge for amortisation of 
   acquired value of customer 
   relationships                            -       (101)              -          -                       -      (101) 
  Fees, commission and other 
   acquisition costs                        -       6,601              -      4,146                       -     10,747 
Segmental income less expenses         44,352      12,794          4,527     19,707                (12,096)     69,283 
Profit arising on business 
 combination                                -           -              -          -                  20,319     20,319 
Profit before tax                      44,352      12,794          4,527     19,707                   8,223     89,602 
Income tax (expense)/credit           (7,085)          71        (1,068)    (4,946)                   1,860   (11,168) 
Profit after tax                       37,267      12,865          3,459     14,761                  10,083     78,434 
                                    ---------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------------------  --------- 
 

(vi) Segmental balance sheet as at 31 December 2017

 
 
                                      CA     Movestic    Waard Group      Scildon  Other Group Activities        Total 
                                  GBP000       GBP000         GBP000       GBP000                  GBP000       GBP000 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Total assets                   3,020,489    3,148,135        166,803    2,060,569                  47,388    8,443,384 
Total liabilities            (2,849,557)  (3,057,934)      (109,421)  (1,881,301)                (93,515)  (7,991,728) 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Net assets                       170,932       90,201         57,382      179,268                (46,127)      451,656 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Investment in associates               -        6,407              -            -                       -        6,407 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Additions to non-current 
 assets                                -       23,836            313        3,719                       -       27,868 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------------  ----------- 
 
   5.   Borrowings 
 
                                                            Unaudited 
                                                     Six months ended 
                                                              30 June  Year ended 31 December 
                                                       2018      2017                    2017 
                                                     GBP000    GBP000                  GBP000 
------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------------------- 
Bank loan                                            76,491   101,665                  89,457 
Amount due in relation to financial reinsurance      37,991    37,957                  39,745 
------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------------------- 
Total                                               114,482   139,622                 129,202 
------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------------------- 
 

The bank loan subsisting at 30 June 2018 comprises the following:

- on 3 April 2017 tranche one of a new facility was drawn down, amounting to GBP40.0m. This facility is unsecured and is repayable in ten six-monthly instalments on the anniversary of the draw down date. The outstanding principal on the loan bears interest at a rate of 2.00 percentage points above the London Inter-Bank Offer Rate and is repayable over a period which varies between one and six months at the option of the borrower. The proceeds of this loan facility were utilised, together with existing group cash, to repay in full, the pre-existing loan facilities totalling GBP52.8m. On 5 April 2018, GBP5.0m was repaid, taking total repayments made on this facility to GBP10.0m.

- on 3 April 2017 tranche two of the new loan facility was drawn down, amounting to EUR71.0m. As with tranche one, this facility is unsecured and is repayable in ten six-monthly instalments on the anniversary of the draw down date. The outstanding principal on the loan bears interest at a rate of 2.00 percentage points above the European Inter-Bank Offer Rate and is repayable over a period which varies between one and six months at the option of the borrower. On 5 April 2018, EUR9.0m was repaid, taking total repayments made on this facility to EUR18.0m.

The fair value of the sterling bank loan at 30 June 2018 was GBP30.0m (31 December 2017: GBP35.0m).

The fair value of the euro denominated bank loan at 30 June 2018 was GBP46.9m (31 December 2017: GBP55.0m).

The fair value of amounts due in relation to financial reinsurance was GBP40.2m (31 December 2017: GBP42.2m).

Bank loans are presented net of unamortised arrangement fees. Arrangement fees are recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest rate method.

   6.   Financial instruments fair value disclosures 

The table below shows the determination of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities according to a three-level valuation hierarchy. Fair values are generally determined at prices quoted in active markets (Level 1). However, where such information is not available, the Group applies valuation techniques to measure such instruments. These valuation techniques make use of market-observable data for all significant inputs where possible (Level 2), but, in some cases it may be necessary to estimate other than market-observable data within a valuation model for significant inputs (Level 3).

The Group held the following financial instruments at fair value at 30 June 2018. There have not been any transfers of assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy. There are no non-recurring fair value measurements.

 
Fair value measurement at 30 June 2018 using 
                                                                    Level 1    Level 2  Level 3      Total 
Financial assets                                                     GBP000     GBP000   GBP000     GBP000 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------- 
Equities 
  Listed                                                            506,221          -        -    506,221 
Holdings in collective investment schemes                         5,158,002          -        -  5,158,002 
Debt securities - fixed rate 
  Government Bonds                                                  908,126          -        -    908,126 
  Corporate Bonds                                                   619,125          -        -    619,125 
Debt securities - floating rate 
  Listed                                                              6,005          -        -      6,005 
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -------  --------- 
Total debt securities                                             1,533,256          -        -  1,533,256 
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -------  --------- 
Policyholders' funds held by the group                              271,461          -        -    271,461 
Derivative financial instruments                                          -        897        -        897 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------- 
Total                                                             7,468,940        897        -  7,469,837 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------- 
Current                                                                                          2,834,054 
Non-current                                                                                      4,635,783 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------- 
Total                                                                                            7,469,837 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------- 
 
Financial liabilities 
  Investment contracts at fair value through income                       -  3,404,364        -  3,404,364 
  Liabilities related to policyholders' funds held by the group     271,461          -        -    271,461 
  Derivative financial instruments                                        -     22,598        -     22,598 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------- 
Total                                                               271,461  3,426,962        -  3,698,423 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------- 
 
 

Derivative financial instruments

Within derivative financial instruments is a financial reinsurance embedded derivative related to our Movestic operation. The Group has entered into a reinsurance contract with a third party that has a section that is deemed to transfer significant insurance risk and a section that is deemed not to transfer significant insurance risk. The element of the contract that does not transfer significant insurance risk has two components and has been accounted for as a financial liability at amortised cost and an embedded derivative asset at fair value.

The embedded derivative represents an option to repay the amounts due under the contract early at a discount to the amortised cost, with its fair value being determined by reference to market interest rate at the balance sheet date. It is, accordingly, determined at Level 2 in the three-level fair value determination hierarchy set out above.

The derivative balance classified as a Level 2 liability, predominantly relates to interest rate swaps held within our Scildon operation, to hedge some of the risk of changes in the value of its obligations under insurance contract liabilities. The valuation of these derivatives is modelled using market observable variables and are hence classified as Level 2.

Investment contract liabilities

The Investment contract liabilities in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy represent the fair value of non-linked and guaranteed income and growth bonds liabilities valued using established actuarial techniques utilising market observable data for all significant inputs, such as investment yields.

Except as detailed in the following table, the Directors consider that the carrying value amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded at amortised cost in the financial statements are approximately equal to their fair values:

 
 
                                Carrying amount                   Fair value 
                         30 June  30 June  31 December   30 June  30 June    31 December 
                            2018     2017         2017      2018     2017           2017 
                          GBP000   GBP000       GBP000    GBP000   GBP000         GBP000 
=======================  =======  =======  ===========   =======  =======  ============= 
 
Financial liabilities: 
    Borrowings           114,482  139,622      129,202   117,072  140,233        132,204 
 
 

Borrowings consist of bank loans and an amount due in relation to financial reinsurance.

The fair value of the bank loans are taken as the principal outstanding at the balance sheet date.

The amount due in relation to financial reinsurance is fair valued with reference to market interest rates at the balance sheet date.

There were no transfers between levels 1, 2 and 3 during the period.

The group holds no Level 3 liabilities as at the balance sheet date.

   7.   Defined benefit pension scheme obligations 

Scildon has a defined benefit plan, the costs of which are calculated using the projected unit credit method. This means that the cost of providing pensions charged to the profit and loss account are placed over the service lives of employees, according to actuarial calculations. The obligations are calculated as the difference between the present value of pension obligations, net of the fair value of the existing plan assets. The present value of pension liabilities is determined by discounting the expected future retirement benefits at the rate of return on high quality corporate bonds in euros, which have a similar remaining period to when the pension payments are expected to be incurred. Any deficiency is recognised as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet, and any surplus is recognised as an asset. Actuarial gains and losses arising from deviations from expected outcomes are recognised as revaluations through other comprehensive income and are recognised directly in equity.

Scildon is required to contribute a cost covering premium. This cost covering premium contains the actuarial cost of newly arising unconditional benefits (using the pension fund's assumptions), the related administration cost and related buffer requirements. The pension fund does not guarantee the nominal benefits. In case of underfunding the nominal benefits can be reduced. Scildon is not obliged to pay for:

   --     Past service benefit increases due to wage increases; 

-- Past service benefit increases due to (full) indexation of past service benefits to active participants;

-- Past service benefit increases due to (full) indexation of past service benefits to deferred participants and participants receiving benefits;

   --     Catch up contributions (e.g. for a transitory plan); and 
   --     Fund deficits. 

Vested benefits have been funded with the pension fund which manages the assets. Newly arising benefits are funded through contributions to the pension fund. The agreement between Scildon and the pension fund contains provisions that the pension fund may grant discounts and/or restitutions to Scildon, if the funding position of the pension fund exceeds a certain level and outlooks are positive.

The assets and liabilities of the defined benefit scheme are shown below.

 
                                                       Unaudited 
                                                    30 June   30 June  31 December 
                                                       2017      2017         2017 
                                                     GBP000    GBP000       GBP000 
=================================================  ========  ========  =========== 
Total fair value of assets                           50,096    46,217       48,354 
Present value of scheme liabilities                (48,125)  (45,802)     (47,459) 
=================================================  ========  ========  =========== 
Surplus of scheme assets over scheme liabilities      1,971       415          895 
Effect of asset ceiling test                          (952)         -        (895) 
=================================================  ========  ========  =========== 
Net surplus in the scheme                             1,019       415            - 
=================================================  ========  ========  =========== 
 

The amount shown above as net surplus in the scheme represents the prepayment of scheme funding as at each respective balance sheet date.

   8.   Approval of consolidated report for the six months ended 30 June 2018 

This condensed consolidated report was approved by the Board of Directors on 29 August 2018. A copy of the report will be available to the public at the Company's registered office, 2nd Floor, Building 4, West Strand Business Park, West Strand Road, Preston, PR1 8UY and at www.chesnara.co.uk.

FINANCIAL CALAR

30 August 2018

Half year results for the 6 months ending 30 June 2018 announced.

06 September 2018

Interim ex-dividend date.

07 September 2018

Interim dividend record date.

21 September 2018

Final date for Dividend ReInvestment Plan (DRIP) Elections

12 October 2018

Interim dividend payment date.

KEY CONTACTS

Registered and Head Office

2(nd) Floor, Building 4

West Strand Business Park

West Strand Road

Preston

Lancashire

PR1 8UY

Tel: 01772 972050

www.chesnara.co.uk

Advisors

Ashurst LLP

Broadwalk House

5 Appold Street

London

EC2A 2HA

Addleshaw Goddard LLP

One St Peter's Square

Manchester

M2 3DE

Auditor

Deloitte LLP

Statutory Auditor

Saltire Court

20 Castle Terrace

Edinburgh

EH1 2DB

Registrars

Link Asset Services

The Registry

34 Beckenham Road

Beckenham

Kent

BR3 4TU

Joint Stockbrokers

Panmure Gordon

One New Change

London

EC4M 9AF

Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited

Bond Street House

14 Clifford Street

London

W1S 4JU

Bankers

National Westminster Bank plc

135 Bishopsgate

London

EC2M 3UR

The Royal Bank of Scotland

8(th) Floor, 135 Bishopsgate

London

EC2M 3UR

Lloyds Bank plc

3(rd) Floor, Black Horse House

Medway Wharf Road

Tonbridge

Kent

TN9 1QS

Public Relations Consultants

FWD

145 Leadenhall Street

London

EC3V 4QT

Corporate Advisors

Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited

Bond Street House

14 Clifford Street

London

W1S 4JU

GLOSSARY

 
 AGM                          Annual General Meeting. 
 ALM                          Asset Liability Management - management of risks that arise due to mismatches between 
                              assets 
                              and liabilities. 
 APE                          Annual Premium Equivalent - an industry wide measure that is used for measuring the 
                              annual 
                              equivalent of regular and single premium policies. 
 CA                           Countrywide Assured plc. 
 CALH                         Countrywide Assured Life Holdings Limited and its subsidiary companies. 
 BAU Cash Generation          This represents divisional cash generation plus the impact of non-exceptional group 
                              activity. 
 Cash Generation              This represents the operational cash that has been generated in the period. The cash 
                              generating 
                              capacity of the group is largely a function of the movement in the solvency position of 
                              the 
                              insurance subsidiaries within the group, and takes account of the buffers that 
                              management 
                              has set to hold over and above the solvency requirements imposed by our regulators. Cash 
                              generation 
                              is reported at a group level and also at an underlying divisional level reflective of 
                              the 
                              collective performance of each of the divisions prior to any group level activity. 
 Divisional Cash Generation   This represents the cash generated by the three operating divisions of Chesnara (UK, 
                              Sweden 
                              and the Netherlands), exclusive of group level activity. 
 DNB                          De Nederlandsche Bank is the central bank of the Netherlands and is the regulator of our 
                              Dutch 
                              subsidiaries. 
 DPF                          Discretionary Participation Feature - A contractual right under an insurance contract to 
                              receive, 
                              as a supplement to guaranteed benefits, additional benefits whose amount or timing is 
                              contractually 
                              at the discretion of the issuer. 
 Dutch Business               Scildon and the Waard Group, consisting of Waard Leven N.V., Hollands Welvaren Leven 
                              N.V., 
                              Waard Schade N.V. and Waard Verzekeringen B.V. 
 EcV                          Economic Value is a financial metric that is derived from Solvency II own funds that is 
                              broadly 
                              similar in concept to European Embedded Value. It provides a market consistent 
                              assessment 
                              of the value of existing insurance businesses, plus adjusted net asset value of the 
                              non-insurance 
                              business within the group. 
 FCA                          Financial Conduct Authority. 
 FI                           Finansinspektionen, being the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. 
 Form of Proxy                The form of proxy relating to the General Meeting being sent to Shareholders with this 
                              document. 
 FSMA                         The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of England and Wales, as amended. 
 Group                        The company and its existing subsidiary undertakings. 
 Group Own Funds              In accordance with the UK's regulatory regime for insurers it is the sum of the 
                              individual 
                              capital resources for each of the regulated related undertakings less the book-value of 
                              investments 
                              by the group in those capital resources. 
 Group SCR                    In accordance with the UK's regulatory regime for insurers it is the sum of individual 
                              capital 
                              resource requirements for the insurer and each of its regulated undertakings. 
 Group Solvency               Group solvency is a measure of how much the value of the company exceeds the level of 
                              capital 
                              it is required to hold in accordance with Solvency II regulations. 
 HCL                          HCL Insurance BPO Services Limited. 
 IFRS                         International Financial Reporting Standards. 
 IFA                          Independent Financial Adviser. 
 KPI                          Key performance indicator. 
 LGN                          LGN or Legal & General Nederland refers to the legal entity Legal & General Nederland 
                              Levensverzekering 
                              Maatschappij N.V acquired by Chesnara in April 2017. 
 London Stock Exchange        London Stock Exchange plc. 
 LTI                          Long-Term Incentive Scheme - A reward system designed to incentivise executive 
                              directors' 
                              long-term performance. 
 Movestic                     Movestic Livförsäkring AB. 
 Modernac                     Modernac SA, an associated company which is 49% owned by Movestic. 
 New business                 The present value of the expected future cash inflows arising from business written in 
                              the 
                              reporting period. 
 Official List                The Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority. 
 Ordinary Shares              Ordinary shares of five pence each in the capital of the company. 
 Own Funds                    Own Funds - in accordance with the UK's regulatory regime for insurers it is the sum of 
                              the 
                              individual capital resources for each of the regulated related undertakings less the 
                              book-value 
                              of investments by the company in those capital resources. 
 ORSA                         Own Risk and Solvency Assessment 
 PRA                          Prudential Regulation Authority. 
 QRT                          Quantitative Reporting Template. 
 ReAssure                     ReAssure Limited. 
 Resolution                   The resolution set out in the notice of General Meeting set out in this document. 
 RMF                          Risk Management Framework. 
 Scildon                      Scildon 
 Shareholder(s)               Holder(s) of Ordinary Shares. 
 Solvency II                  A fundamental review of the capital adequacy regime for the European insurance industry. 
                              Solvency 
                              II aims to establish a set of EU-wide capital requirements and risk management standards 
                              and 
                              has replaced the Solvency I requirements. 
 SICAV                        A type of open-ended investment fund in which the amount of capital in the fund varies 
                              according 
                              to the number of investors. Shares in the fund are bought and sold based on the fund's 
                              current 
                              net asset value. 
 STI                          Short-Term Incentive Scheme - A reward system designed to incentivise executive 
                              directors' 
                              short-term performance. 
 SCR                          In accordance with the UK's regulatory regime for insurers it is the sum of individual 
                              capital 
                              resource requirements for the insurer and each of its regulated undertakings. 
 Swedish Business             Movestic and its subsidiaries and associated companies. 
 S&P                          Save & Prosper Insurance Limited and Save & Prosper Pensions Limited. 
 TCF                          Treating Customers Fairly - a central PRA principle that aims to ensure an efficient and 
                              effective 
                              market and thereby help policyholders achieve fair outcomes. 
 Total Cash Generation        This represents the absolute cash generation for the period at total group level, 
                              comprising 
                              divisional cash generation as well as both exceptional and non-exceptional group 
                              activity. 
 TSR                          Total Shareholder Return, measured with reference to both dividends and capital growth. 
 UK or United Kingdom         The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 
 UK Business                  CA and S&P 
 

NOTE ON TERMINOLOGY

 
As explained in Note 8 to the IFRS financial statements, the principal reporting segments 
 of the group are: 
====================================================================================================================== 
CA                      which comprises the original business of Countrywide Assured plc, the group's original UK 
                        operating subsidiary; City of Westminster Assurance Company Limited, which was acquired by 
                        the group in 2005, the long-term business of which was transferred to Countrywide Assured 
                        plc during 2006; S&P which was acquired on 20 December 2010. This business was transferred 
                        from Save & Prosper Insurance Limited and Save & Prosper Pensions Limited to Countrywide 
                        Assured 
                        plc on 31 December; and Protection Life Company Limited which was acquired by the group in 
                        2013, the long-term business of which was transferred into Countrywide Assured plc in 2014; 
======================  ============================================================================================== 
Movestic                which was purchased on 23 July 2009 and comprises the group's Swedish business, Movestic 
                        Livförsäkring 
                        AB and its subsidiary and associated companies; 
======================  ============================================================================================== 
The Waard Group         which was acquired on 19 May 2015 and comprises three insurance companies; Waard Leven N.V., 
                         Hollands Welvaren Leven N.V. and Waard Schade N.V.; and a service company, Tadas Verzekering; 
                         and 
======================  ============================================================================================== 
Scildon                 which was acquired on 5 April 2017; and 
======================  ============================================================================================== 
Other group Activities  which represents the functions performed by the parent company, Chesnara plc. Also included 
                         in this segment are consolidation adjustments. 
 

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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