FINAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006

Transcription

1 (Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability) (Stock Code: 966) FINAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 The Board of Directors of China Insurance International Holdings Company Limited is pleased to announce the audited consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2006 as follows: CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT For the year ended 31 December 2006 (Expressed in Hong Kong dollars) Note $ 000 $ 000 Revenue Gross premiums written and policy fees 3 12,373,454 8,611,673 Less: Premiums ceded to reinsurers (222,920) (267,726) Net premiums written and policy fees 12,150,534 8,343,947 Change in unearned premium provisions, net of reinsurance (216,961) (125,913) Net earned premiums and policy fees 11,933,573 8,218,034 Net investment income 4(a) 1,189, ,283 Net realised investment gains 4(b) 559,510 71,211 Net unrealised investment gains 4(c) 634,873 21,079 Net exchange gain/(loss) 22,836 (94,892) Other income 5 39,781 15,056 Total revenue 14,380,284 8,952,771 Benefits, losses and expenses Policyholders benefits 6 (2,365,092) (1,422,941) Net commission expenses (1,194,817) (809,157) Administrative and other expenses (1,466,531) (1,179,857) Change in life insurance funds, net of reinsurance (8,229,133) (5,785,225) Goodwill impairment - (250,000) Total benefits, losses and expenses (13,255,573) (9,447,180) Profit/(loss) from operations 1,124,711 (494,409) Share of profits/(losses) of associates 4,070 (48,728) Finance costs 7(a) (144,184) (88,299) Profit/(loss) before taxation 7 984,597 (631,436) Income tax (charge)/credit 8 (326,256) 36,083 Profit/(loss) after taxation 658,341 (595,353) Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 510,765 (433,763) Minority interests 147,576 (161,590) 658,341 (595,353) Earnings/(loss) per share attributable to the equity holders of the Company 10 cents cents Basic 38.1 (32.5) Diluted 37.7 (32.4) 1

2 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December 2006 (Expressed in Hong Kong dollars) Note $ 000 $ 000 Assets Statutory deposits 547, ,806 Fixed assets - Investment properties 106, ,480 - Other property, plant and equipment 1,034, ,027 1,140, ,507 Goodwill 228, ,185 Interest in associates 350, ,298 Deferred tax assets 2,697 3,298 Investments in debt and equity securities 25,553,330 18,122,506 Amounts due from group companies 7, Insurance debtors , ,060 Reinsurers share of insurance contract provisions 391, ,176 Other debtors 562, ,778 Tax recoverable 3,581 5,585 Pledged deposits at bank 93,676 97,980 Deposits at bank with original maturity more than three months 4,637,850 1,773,928 Cash and cash equivalents 6,081,010 4,216,360 40,053,667 27,333,781 Liabilities Life insurance funds 24,406,372 15,453,533 Unearned premium provisions 852, ,267 Provision for outstanding claims 2,186,166 2,149,978 Investment contract liabilities 115,681 75,857 Deferred tax liabilities 666,555 80,554 Interest-bearing notes 2,844,819 2,789,471 Securities sold under repurchase agreements 2,490,366 1,923,499 Amounts due to group companies Insurance creditors , ,171 Accrued charges and other creditors 601, ,507 Current taxation 56,141 37,470 Insurance protection fund 10,385 7,229 34,471,026 23,910,536 Net assets 5,582,641 3,423,245 Capital and reserves attributable to the Company s equity holders Share capital 70,313 66,824 Reserves 4,108,006 2,440,334 4,178,319 2,507,158 Minority interests 1,404, ,087 Total equity 5,582,641 3,423,245 2

3 NOTES TO THE FINAL FINANCIAL RESULTS (Expressed in Hong Kong dollars) 1 Basis of preparation These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with all applicable Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards ( HKFRSs ), which collective term includes all applicable individual Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards, Hong Kong Accounting Standards ( HKASs ) and Interpretations issued by the HKICPA, accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong and the requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. These financial statements also comply with the applicable disclosure provisions of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The accounting policies adopted in 2005 have been consistently applied to the 2006 financial results. 2 Segment reporting a. Segmental income statement for Corporate Life and other Reinsurance insurance businesses Total $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 Revenue Gross premiums written 1,541,568 10,823,201-12,364,769 Policy fees - 8,685-8,685 1,541,568 10,831,886-12,373,454 Less: Premiums ceded to reinsurers (164,565) (58,355) - (222,920) Net premiums written and policy fees 1,377,003 10,773,531-12,150,534 Change in unearned premium provisions, net of reinsurance (136,910) (80,051) - (216,961) Net earned premiums and policy fees 1,240,093 10,693,480-11,933,573 Net investment income 160, ,901 41,202 1,189,711 Net realised investment gains 133, ,170 54, ,510 Net unrealised investment gains 9, ,685 13, ,873 Net exchange gain/(loss) 66,971 (42,036) (2,099) 22,836 Other income 5,614 19,264 68,977 93,855 Inter-segment transactions - (12,219) (41,855) (54,074) 1,616,112 12,629, ,927 14,380,284 Benefits, losses and expenses Policyholders benefits (820,867) (1,544,225) - (2,365,092) Net commission expenses (326,213) (868,604) - (1,194,817) Administrative and other expenses (87,992) (1,321,052) (111,561) (1,520,605) Change in life insurance funds, net of reinsurance - (8,229,133) - (8,229,133) Inter-segment transactions 30,521 11,334 12,219 54,074 (1,204,551) (11,951,680) (99,342) (13,255,573) Profit from operations 411, ,565 35,585 1,124,711 Share of (losses)/profits of associates - (362) 4,432 4,070 Finance costs - (65,081) (79,103) (144,184) Profit/(loss) before taxation 411, ,122 (39,086) 984,597 Income tax charge (15,905) (298,836) (11,515) (326,256) Profit/(loss) after taxation 395, ,286 (50,601) 658,341 Minority interests - (156,685) 9,109 (147,576) Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders 395, ,601 (41,492) 510,765 3

4 2 Segment reporting (Continued) b. Segmental balance sheet for Corporate Life and other Reinsurance insurance businesses Total $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 Statutory deposits - 497,675 49, ,443 Investment properties 106, ,077 Other property, plant and equipment 2, ,025 61,880 1,034,690 Debt securities 1,383,586 18,257, ,717 19,828,055 Direct equity securities 710,972 1,956, ,080 3,159,093 Equity investment funds - 2,485,383 40,589 2,525,972 Composite investment funds 40, ,210 Cash and bank deposits 1,603,704 8,000,884 1,207,948 10,812,536 Goodwill - 154,909 73, ,185 Interest in associates - 3, , ,678 Reinsurers share of insurance contract provisions 353,462 38, ,907 Other segment assets 486, ,343 21,777 1,028,821 Total assets 4,687,497 32,885,425 2,480,745 40,053,667 Life insurance funds - 24,406,372-24,406,372 Unearned premium provisions 527, , ,968 Provision for outstanding claims 2,133,272 52,894-2,186,166 Investment contract liabilities - 115, ,681 Interest-bearing notes - 1,493,025 1,351,794 2,844,819 Securities sold under repurchase agreements - 2,490,366-2,490,366 Deferred tax liabilities 11, ,775 6, ,555 Other segment liabilities 128, ,791 66, ,099 Total liabilities 2,800,312 30,245,938 1,424,776 34,471,026 Minority interests - 1,326,727 77,595 1,404,322 Net assets attributable to the equity holders of the Company 1,887,185 1,312, ,374 4,178,319 4

5 2 Segment reporting (Continued) c. Segmental income statement for Corporate Life and other Reinsurance insurance businesses Total $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 Revenue Gross premiums written 1,256,403 7,351,092-8,607,495 Policy fees - 4,178-4,178 1,256,403 7,355,270-8,611,673 Less: Premiums ceded to reinsurers (218,557) (49,169) - (267,726) Net premiums written and policy fees 1,037,846 7,306,101-8,343,947 Change in unearned premium provisions, net of reinsurance (26,029) (99,884) - (125,913) Net earned premiums and policy fees 1,011,817 7,206,217-8,218,034 Net investment income 131, ,233 34, ,283 Net realised investment gains/(losses) 47,763 (4,914) 28,362 71,211 Net unrealised investment gains 12,673 6,377 2,029 21,079 Net exchange (loss)/gain (65,930) (30,147) 1,185 (94,892) Other income/(loss) 469 (1,862) 31,382 29,989 Inter-segment transactions (300) - (14,633) (14,933) 1,137,736 7,731,904 83,131 8,952,771 Benefits, losses and expenses Policyholders benefits (750,623) (672,318) - (1,422,941) Net commission expenses (235,554) (573,603) - (809,157) Administrative and other expenses (47,729) (1,091,112) (55,949) (1,194,790) Change in life insurance funds, net of reinsurance - (5,785,225) - (5,785,225) Goodwill impairment - - (250,000) (250,000) Inter-segment transactions 11,453-3,480 14,933 (1,022,453) (8,122,258) (302,469) (9,447,180) Profit/(loss) from operations 115,283 (390,354) (219,338) (494,409) Share of losses of associates - (616) (48,112) (48,728) Finance costs - (5,290) (83,009) (88,299) Profit/(loss) before taxation 115,283 (396,260) (350,459) (631,436) Income tax (charge)/credit (41,674) 75,382 2,375 36,083 Profit/(loss) after taxation 73,609 (320,878) (348,084) (595,353) Minority interests - 161, ,590 Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders 73,609 (159,288) (348,084) (433,763) 5

6 2 Segment reporting (Continued) d. Segmental balance sheet for Corporate Life and other Reinsurance insurance businesses Total $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 Statutory deposits - 439,756 48, ,806 Investment properties 105, ,480 Other property, plant and equipment 3, ,682 56, ,027 Debt securities 1,473,640 14,841, ,891 16,719,523 Direct equity securities 325, , , ,498 Equity investment funds - 745, ,105 Composite investment funds 8, ,380 Cash and bank deposits 1,191,774 4,523, ,667 6,088,268 Goodwill - 154,909 73, ,185 Interest in associates - 4, , ,298 Reinsurers share of insurance contract provisions 444,751 27, ,176 Other segment assets 437, ,267 32, ,035 Total assets 3,990,536 21,905,637 1,437,608 27,333,781 Life insurance funds - 15,453,533-15,453,533 Unearned premium provisions 369, , ,267 Provision for outstanding claims 2,106,450 43,528-2,149,978 Investment contract liabilities - 75,857-75,857 Interest-bearing notes - 1,441,500 1,347,971 2,789,471 Securities sold under repurchase agreements - 1,923,499-1,923,499 Deferred tax liabilities , ,554 Other segment liabilities 125, ,111 21, ,377 Total liabilities 2,602,103 19,939,017 1,369,416 23,910,536 Minority interests - 916, ,087 Net assets attributable to equity holders of the Company 1,388,433 1,050,533 68,192 2,507,158 6

7 3 Gross premiums written and policy fees Turnover represents gross premiums written and policy fees from reinsurance business and life insurance business Reinsurance Life insurance Investment contracts contracts contracts Total $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 Gross premiums written 1,541,568 10,823,201-12,364,769 Policy fees - - 8,685 8,685 1,541,568 10,823,201 8,685 12,373, Reinsurance Life insurance Investment contracts contracts contracts Total $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 Gross premiums written 1,256,403 7,351,092-8,607,495 Policy fees - - 4,178 4,178 1,256,403 7,351,092 4,178 8,611,673 4 Investment income $ 000 $ 000 Net investment income (note (a)) 1,189, ,283 Net realised investment gains (note (b)) 559,510 71,211 Net unrealised investment gains (note (c)) 634,873 21,079 2,384, ,573 (a) Net investment income Interest income from debt securities: - Held-to-maturity 64,802 71,653 - Available-for-sale 706, ,718 - Designated at fair value through profit or loss 32,685 30,532 Dividend income from direct equity securities: - Available-for-sale 7,259 2,447 - Designated at fair value through profit or loss 16,478 13,683 Dividend income from equity investment funds: - Available-for-sale 148, Designated at fair value through profit or loss 41,444 78,792 Dividend income from composite investment funds: - Designated at fair value through profit or loss 1, Bank deposits and other interest income 227, ,317 Rentals receivable from investment properties 2,094 2,207 Interest expenses on securities sold under repurchases agreements (59,300) (40,210) 1,189, ,283 7

8 4 Investment income (Continued) $ 000 $ 000 (b) Net realised investment gains Debt securities: - Available-for-sale 1,233 13,414 - Designated at fair value through profit or loss 6,156 10,635 Direct equity securities: - Available-for-sale 146,169 16,210 - Designated at fair value through profit or loss 194,826 44,135 Equity investment funds: - Designated at fair value through profit or loss 209,664 (16,023) Investment properties 1,462 - Derivative financial instruments - 2, ,510 71,211 (c) Net unrealised investment gains Debt securities: - Designated at fair value through profit or loss (6,310) 10,502 Direct equity securities: - Designated at fair value through profit or loss 204,667 11,842 Equity investment funds: - Designated at fair value through profit or loss 433,770 (11,477) Composite investment funds: - Designated at fair value through profit or loss Derivative financial instruments (1,244) - Surplus on revaluation of investment properties 3,597 9, ,873 21,079 5 Other income $ 000 $ 000 Income from asset management business 8,371 4,379 Income from insurance intermediary business 14,335 10,964 Income from pension business Net loss on sale of fixed assets (213) (295) Others 16, ,781 15,056 8

9 6 Policyholders benefits 2006 Reinsurance contracts Life insurance contracts Total $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 Claims and claim adjustment expenses 917, ,564 1,227,509 Less: Reinsurers share (97,078) (37,476) (134,554) 820, ,088 1,092,955 Surrenders - 1,159,625 1,159,625 Annuity and maturity payments - 72,959 72,959 Policy dividends - 39,553 39, ,867 1,544,225 2,365, Reinsurance Life insurance contracts contracts Total $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 Claims and claim adjustment expenses 923, ,158 1,111,327 Less: Reinsurers share (172,546) (27,853) (200,399) 750, , ,928 Surrenders - 483, ,210 Annuity and maturity payments - 22,523 22,523 Policy dividends - 6,280 6,280 7 Profit/(loss) before taxation 750, ,318 1,422,941 Profit/(loss) before taxation is arrived at after charging: $ 000 $ 000 (a) (b) Finance costs: Interest on interest-bearing notes 144,184 85,169 Interest on other loans - 3, ,184 88,299 Other items: Impairment of goodwill on a subsidiary - 250,000 Depreciation of fixed assets 47,666 40,353 9

10 8 Income tax charge/(credit) Taxation in the consolidated income statement represents: $ 000 $ 000 Current tax Provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax Tax for the year 29,655 8,861 (Over)/under-provision in respect of prior years (1,330) 30,168 Current tax Outside Hong Kong 28,325 39,029 Tax for the year 1, Deferred tax 1, Origination and reversal of temporary differences 296,232 (75,153) 296,232 (75,153) 326,256 (36,083) The provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax represents the Group s estimated Hong Kong Profits Tax liability calculated at the standard tax rate of 17.5% (2005: 17.5%) on its assessable profits from reinsurance, asset management and insurance intermediary businesses except for its assessable profits from the business of reinsurance of offshore risks, which is calculated at 8.75% (2005: 8.75%), one-half of the standard tax rate. Taxation outside Hong Kong for overseas subsidiaries is calculated at the rates prevailing in the relevant jurisdictions. 9 Dividends No interim nor final dividend was declared and paid for 2006 (2005: $Nil). 10 Earnings/(loss) per share (a) Basic earnings/(loss) per share The calculation of basic earnings/(loss) per share is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of $510,765,000 (2005: loss of $433,763,000) and the weighted average of 1,339,621,259 ordinary shares (2005: 1,332,716,925 shares) in issue during the year. (b) Diluted earnings/(loss) per share The calculation of diluted earnings/(loss) per share is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of $510,765,000 (2005: loss of $433,763,000) and the weighted average of 1,354,881,012 ordinary shares (2005: 1,339,790,581 shares) after adjusting for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares under the Company s share option scheme. 10

11 10 Earnings/(loss) per share (Continued) (c) Reconciliations Number of Number of shares shares Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic earnings/(loss) per share 1,339,621,259 1,332,716,925 Deemed issue of ordinary shares for no consideration 15,259,753 7,073,656 Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted earnings/(loss) per share 1,354,881,012 1,339,790, Insurance debtors The Group $ 000 $ 000 Amounts due from insurance customers and suppliers 352, ,408 Deposits retained by cedants 100, ,652 All of the insurance debtors are expected to be recovered within one year. 453, ,060 Amounts due from insurance customers and suppliers include amounts due from fellow subsidiaries of $8,219,000 (2005: $5,572,000) which are trade related in nature. The following is an ageing analysis of amounts due from insurance customers and suppliers (net of impairment loss): The Group $ 000 $ 000 Not yet due 275, ,013 Current 60,186 72,030 More than 3 months but less than 12 months 14,612 9,776 More than 12 months 2,213 5, , ,408 11

12 12 Insurance creditors The Group $ 000 $ 000 Amounts due to insurance customers and suppliers 33,706 89,339 Amounts due to insurance intermediaries 24,157 20,778 Deposits retained from retrocessionaires 23,855 25,382 Prepaid premiums received 158, ,672 All of the insurance creditors are expected to be settled within one year. 240, ,171 Amounts due to insurance customers and suppliers include amounts due to fellow subsidiaries of $752,000 (2005: $418,000) which are trade related in nature. The following is an ageing analysis of amounts due to insurance customers and suppliers: The Group $ 000 $ 000 Current 13,528 67,760 More than 3 months but less than 12 months 12,681 17,940 More than 12 months 7,497 3, Comparative figures 33,706 89,339 Certain comparative figures have been re-classified to conform with the current year s presentation. 14 Embedded Value of TPL The Group consists of three major business segments, which are the reinsurance business, life insurance business and property and casualty business. In particular, the life insurance segment operated by TPL, a 50.05%-owned subsidiary, has become an increasingly significant part of the Group in terms of gross premiums written, total assets and profitability. In order to provide investors with additional parameters to evaluate the profitability and valuation of TPL, the Group has decided to disclose the 2006 Embedded Value and 2006 Value of One Year s New Business of TPL. The calculations of embedded value and the value of one year s new business are based on certain assumptions with respect to future experience and thus the actual results could differ significantly from what is envisioned when these calculations are made. From an investor s perspective, the valuation of the Company is measured by the stock market price of the Company s shares on any particular day. In valuing the Company s shares, investors should take into account not only the embedded value and the value of one year s new business, but also other various considerations. In addition, TPL is 50.05%-owned by the Company. The embedded value and the value of one year s new business as at 31 December 2006 as disclosed below should therefore not be taken in full in the valuation of the Company. Investors are advised to pay particular attention to this factor, as well as the other assumptions underlying the calculations for the embedded value and value of one year s new business of TPL, if they believe such calculations are important and material to the valuation of the Company. 12

13 14 Embedded Value of TPL (Continued) Embedded Value At 31 December 2006, HK$ Million Adjusted net worth a 2,168 Value of in-force business before cost of capital and expense overrun b 2,789 Cost of capital c 295 Expense overrun d 44 Value of in-force business after cost of capital and expense overrun e=b-c-d 2,450 Embedded Value f=a+e 4,618 Adjusted net worth is equal to the sum of : (i) (ii) Shareholders net assets of TPL as measured on a PRC statutory basis; net of tax adjustment for the difference between the market value of certain investment assets and the carrying value reported on a PRC statutory basis. TPL s expense overrun is due to its significant investments in establishing a branch network infrastructure, initiating relationships with business partners, establishing computer systems and hiring a highly professional management team. As such expense overrun is due to the start-up costs of beginning and expanding upon TPL s business operations, the management of the Group and TPL believe that the expense overrun will diminish over time as TPL s scale of operations increases in the future. Value of One Year s New Business At 31 December 2006, HK$ Million Value of one year s new business before cost of capital and expense overrun a 1,133 Cost of capital b 161 Expense overrun c 543 Value of one year s new business after cost of capital and expense overrun d=a-b-c

14 MANAGEMENT REVIEW AND ANALYSIS CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS The performance highlights of the Group for the Year are as follows: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million Change Gross premiums written and policy fees 12, , % Net investment income 1, % Net realised investment gains Times Net unrealised investment gains Times Net exchange gain/(loss) (94.89) nm Goodwill impairment - (250.00) nm Profit/(loss) before taxation (631.44) nm Profit/(loss) after taxation (595.35) nm Net profit/(loss) attributable to the equity holders (433.76) nm Basic earnings/(loss) per share (HK cent) 38.1 (32.5) nm The net profit/(loss) attributable to the equity holders by each business line is summarised below: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million Change Reinsurance Times Life insurance (159.29) nm Property and casualty insurance (52.99) nm Corporate and other businesses (44.86) (45.09) (0.5%) (183.76) nm Goodwill impairment - (250.00) nm Net profit/(loss) attributable to the equity holders (433.76) nm 1 The property and casualty insurance business is operated by TPI which is an associate of the Group under the Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards and is not consolidated into the Group on a line-by-line basis. Therefore, the property and casualty insurance business does not constitute a separate segment of the Group. Instead, the share of results of TPI for the financial year is recognised and reported as Share of profits/(losses) of associates in the consolidated income statement. The equity interest of TPI held by the Group at the balance sheet date is recognised and reported as Interest in associates in the consolidated balance sheet. The gross premiums written and policy fees for the Year increased significantly to HK$12, million from HK$8, million in the Last Year. The increase was mainly due to the strong premium growth in the life insurance business in which premiums increased by 47.2% to HK$10, million from HK$7, million in the Last Year. The net profit attributable to the equity holders for the Year was HK$ million (2005: loss of HK$ million). The Group s results improved over that of the Last Year primarily because of improvements in profitability at each of our business segments. The reinsurance business contributed net profit to the equity holders of HK$ million (2005: HK$73.61 million). The improvement in net profit was mainly due to increased underwriting profits and strong investment returns during the Year. The life insurance business contributed net profit to the equity holders of HK$ million (2005: loss of HK$ million). The profit was mainly due to continued increases in premiums and strong investment returns during the Year. 14

15 The property and casualty business contributed a net profit to the equity holders of HK$3.37 million (2005: loss of HK$52.99 million). The profit represents a positive turnaround at the property and casualty business during the Year. BUSINESS REVIEW REINSURANCE BUSINESS The Group s reinsurance business is operated by CIRe, which is a Hong Kong-incorporated company and wholly-owned by the Group. CIRe is mainly engaged in the underwriting of all classes of reinsurance business except for casualty reinsurance business outside of Asia. CIRe s key markets are Hong Kong and Macau, China, Japan, the rest of Asia, Europe and other parts of the world. The key financial data and key performance indicators of the reinsurance business are summarised below: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million Change Gross premiums written 1, , % Net premiums written 1, , % Net earned premiums 1, , % Net claims incurred (820.87) (750.62) 9.4% Net commission expenses (326.21) (235.55) 38.5% Underwriting profit Times Total investment income % Net exchange gain/(loss) (65.93) nm Profit before taxation Times Profit attributable to the equity holders Times Solvency margin ratio 135.7% 133.8% 1.9pts Technical reserves ratio 186.1% 200.7% (14.6pts) Retained ratio 89.3% 82.6% 6.7pts Earned premiums ratio 80.4% 80.5% (0.1pt) Loss ratio 66.2% 74.2% (8.0pts) Expense ratio 28.8% 25.0% 3.8pts Combined ratio 95.0% 99.2% (4.2pts) Profit Attributable to the equity holders CIRe contributed net profit to the equity holders of HK$ million (2005: HK$73.61 million). This net profit attributable to the equity holders for the Year represents CIRe s best annual results ever. The positive performance during the Year was mainly due to higher equity investment income, positive exchange rate movements, and higher interest rates on cash deposits. The underwriting profit also increased to HK$61.51 million from HK$8.74 million in the Last Year. The higher underwriting profit was due to strong premium growth and the absence of major catastrophe claims during the Year. Gross Premiums Written CIRe s gross premiums written increased by 22.7% to HK$1, million from HK$1, million in the Last Year. The increase was primarily due to the continued growth of the underlying insurance markets within Asia. 15

16 CIRe s geographical distribution of gross premiums written is summarised as follows: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million 2006 % of Total 2005 % of Total Hong Kong & Macau % % Mainland China (& Taiwan) % % Japan % % Rest of Asia % % Europe % % Other % % 1, % 1, % The premiums from Asian markets constituted 76.3% of the total gross premiums written for 2006 (2005: 79.1%). During the Year, CIRe maintained its selective and strict underwriting strategy. CIRe has grown its top-line gross premiums while putting much emphasis and effort on underwriting and risk management. The diversity of CIRe s geographical exposure has increased over the Year. In the Hong Kong market, the underwriting profitability of the past few years has resulted in keener competition amongst the primary insurers and in the original policy premium rates. The Hong Kong primary insurers are also increasing their retention of insurance risks. This Hong Kong industry trend, in addition to the conservative underwriting strategy adopted by CIRe, has meant that CIRe s gross premiums written from the local market has decreased from that of Last Year. Net Claims Incurred CIRe s net claims incurred increased by 9.4% to HK$ million from HK$ million in the Last Year. The loss ratio decreased to 66.2% from 74.2% in the Last Year. The top three major claims in terms of gross losses during the Year were as follows: For the year ended 31 December 2006, HK$ million Gross loss incurred Net retained loss incurred % retention Typhoon "Bilis", China % Earthquake in Central Java % Motor Vessel "Hyundai Fortune" % During 2006, no major catastrophe impacted the insurance and reinsurance markets. Therefore, the trend of high frequency, severe catastrophes, which had been prevalent since 2004, did not occur during the Year. Due to absence of major catastrophes, as well as the normal development of prior years' claims settlements against loss reserve provisions, CIRe produced reasonable underwriting profit during the Year, registering a combined ratio of 95.0% (2005: 99.2%). Investment Performance The total investment income and the investment yield of CIRe on a pre-tax basis recognised in the consolidated income statement are summarised as follows: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million Change Net investment income % Net realised investment gains % Net unrealised investment gains (27.0%) Total investment income % Total investment yield 9.1% 5.9% 3.2pts 16

17 The strong investment income for the Year was a significant contributor to the performance of the reinsurance business. CIRe s net investment income increased significantly by 58.3% due to the strong performance of global equity markets, particularly in Hong Kong, improved net investment yields and a larger investment asset base, which resulted from premium growth. The above investment income and investment yield do not include a net exchange gain of HK$66.97 million (2005: loss of HK$65.93 million). LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS The Group s life insurance segment is operated by TPL, which is a PRC-incorporated company and is 50.05%-owned by the Group. TPL is principally engaged in the underwriting of life insurance policies in Mainland China. The key financial data of the life insurance business is summarised below: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million Change Gross premiums written (including investment contract premiums) under PRC GAAP 10, , % Less: Investment contract premiums (106.81) (98.19) 8.8% Gross premiums written under HK GAAP 10, , % Net premiums written and policy fees 10, , % Net earned premiums and policy fees 10, , % Total investment income 1, % Net exchange loss (42.04) (30.15) 39.4% Policyholders benefits (1,544.23) (672.32) 129.7% Net commission expenses (868.60) (573.60) 51.4% Change in life insurance funds, net of reinsurance (8,229.13) (5,785.23) 42.2% Administrative and other expenses (1,321.05) (1,091.11) 21.1% Finance costs (65.08) (5.29) 12.3 Times Profit/(loss) before taxation (396.26) nm Profit/(loss) after taxation (320.88) nm Profit/(loss) attributable to the equity holders (159.29) nm 17

18 The key operational data of the life insurance business is summarised below: Change Market share 1 2.7% 2.1% 0.6pt Number of provincial branches Number of sub-branches and marketing centres Number of in-force policies 3,866,820 2,232,160 1,634,660 Number of sales agents 25,742 18,413 7,329 Persistency ratio 13th month % 79.5% (1.3pts) Persistency ratio 25th month % 90.3% (0.8pt) Total investment yield 3 8.7% 4.3% 4.4pts Ratio of net commission expenses to gross premiums written and investment contract premiums 7.9% 7.7% 0.2pt Ratio of administrative and other expenses to gross premiums written and investment contract premiums 12.1% 14.6% (2.5pts) 1 Based on gross premiums written (including investment contract premiums) in accordance with PRC GAAP and published by the CIRC. 2 Based on the amount of premiums. 3 Excluding exchange gain/(loss) incurred from foreign currency capital assets. Profit Attributable to the equity holders The life insurance business contributed net profit to the equity holders of HK$ million (2005: loss of HK$ million). The life insurance business s profit during the Year is in line with our business plan and represents the achievement of a major long term and strategic goal of the Group for 2006, which was the attainment of breakeven in operating results in TPL s fifth full year of operation. This ambitious goal (usually, start-up insurance operations require six to eight years before breaking even) has been the target of the Group and TPL since the beginning of the life insurance operations five years ago. TPL s strong performance for the Year was mainly attributable to strong premium growth, strict controls on costs and expenses, as well as improved returns on investment assets. Gross Premiums Written TPL s gross premiums written increased by 47.2% to HK$10, million from HK$7, million in the Last Year. TPL s gross premiums written, by line of business, was as follows: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million 2006 % of Total 2005 % of Total Individual 1, % % Group 1, % 1, % Bancassurance 7, % 5, % 10, % 7, % Premium growth was mainly driven by the strong performance of the bancassurance channel, in which premiums increased by 49.3% to HK$7, million from HK$5, million in the Last Year. Premiums distributed through individual agents increased by 74.8% to HK$1, million from HK$ million in the Last Year, while premiums in group life increased by 18.2% to HK$1, million from HK$1, million in the Last Year. During the Year, TPL also increased the sales proportion of its regular premium products. The detailed breakdown between single premium and regular premium by line of business is summarised as follows: 18

19 Individual 2006 % of Total 2005 % of Total Single Premium % % Regular Premium First Year % % Regular Premium Renewal Year % % 1, % % Group 2006 % of Total 2005 % of Total Employee Benefit ( EB ) % % Annuity % % 1, % 1, % Bancassurance 2006 % of Total 2005 % of Total Single Premium 7, % 4, % Regular Premium First Year % % Regular Premium Renewal Year % % 7, % 5, % TPL s long-term strategy is to gradually increase the proportion of regular premium products in its overall sales. Regular premium products have relatively higher actuarial profit margins. In 2006, regular premium products accounted for 96.2% (Last Year: 93.2%) of the total premium produced by individual agents. Regular premium products in the bancassurance channel also recorded a significant increase of 100.4% to HK$ million from HK$ million in the Last Year. The higher proportion of regular premium products significantly enhances the quality and value of TPL s premium income from an actuarial, profit margin perspective. Financial Strength and Solvency Margin The solvency margin ratios of TPL under the CIRC regulations were as follows: At 31 December, RMB million Actual Solvency Margin 1,834 2, Minimum Statutory Solvency Margin 1, Solvency Margin Ratio 148% 255% Investment Performance The total investment income and the investment yield of TPL on a pre-tax basis recognised in the income statement are summarised as follows: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million Change Net investment income % Net realised investment gains/(losses) (4.91) nm Net unrealised investment gains Times Total investment income 1, % Total investment yield 8.7% 4.3% 4.4pts 19

20 TPL s strong increase in investment income in 2006 was primarily due to the strong performance of the equities market in the PRC, as well as the enlarged investment asset base from the rapid growth in premiums written. The above investment income and investment yield do not include a net exchange loss of HK$42.04 million (2005: HK$30.15 million). PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE BUSINESS The Group s property and casualty insurance business is operated by TPI, which is a PRC-incorporated company and is %-owned by the Group. It is principally engaged in the underwriting of motor, marine and non-marine insurance policies in Mainland China. As discussed in the Consolidated Financial Result section of the Management Review and Analysis, TPI is not consolidated into the Group on a line-by-line basis. Therefore, except for the profit/(loss) attributable to the equity holders, the following key financial data and ratios of TPI should not be applied to the consolidated financial statements. For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million Change Gross premiums written 2, , % Net premiums written 1, , % Net earned premiums 1, % Total investment income % Profit/(loss) after taxation 8.43 (132.40) nm Profit/(loss) attributable to the equity holders 3.37 (52.99) nm Technical reserves ratio 93.4% 112.3% (18.9pts) Retained ratio 79.4% 82.7% (3.3pts) Earned premiums ratio 69.2% 67.1% 2.1pts Loss ratio 56.6% 68.4% (11.8pts) Expense ratio 51.2% 54.6% (3.4pts) Combined ratio 107.8% 123.0% (15.2pts) Profit Attributable to the equity holders TPI contributed net profit to the equity holders of HK$3.37 million (2005: loss of million). As such, TPI has achieved its long-standing, strategic objective of attaining breakeven in operating result for the full year of 2006, which is TPI s fifth full year of operations. Gross Premiums Written TPI s gross premiums written increased by 51.2% to HK$2, million from HK$1, million in the Last Year. The detailed breakdown of TPI s gross premiums written was as follows: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million Business Line 2006 % of Total 2005 % of Total Motor 1, % % Marine % % Non-marine % % 2, % 1, % 20

21 Combined Ratio The combined ratio is one of the key performance indicators of the property and casualty insurance business. TPI s cautious expansion plan, together with strict cost controls and risk management, have significantly reduced its expense ratio to 51.2% from 54.6% in the Last Year. In addition to an improvement of the loss ratio to 56.6% from 68.4%, the combined ratio of TPI has effectively been reduced to 107.8% from 123.0% in the Last Year. The trend of TPI s loss ratio, expense ratio and combined ratio is as follows: For the year ended 31 December Loss ratio 56.6% 68.4% 56.4% Expense ratio 51.2% 54.6% 67.9% Combined ratio 107.8% 123.0% 124.3% TPI s improved combined ratio and strong investment income allowed TPI to achieve operating profitability in CORPORATE AND OTHER BUSINESSES The corporate and other businesses are mainly comprised of the corporate company, asset management business and insurance intermediary business. The corporate company is mainly responsible for overall group strategic planning, overall group capital management and deployment in support of the operating businesses, investor relations, credit ratings and research analysts relations, and compliance with the listing and other laws and regulations of Hong Kong. Asset management business at Hong Kong operated by CIGAML The Group s asset management business at Hong Kong is operated by CIGAML which is a Hong Kong-incorporated company and is wholly-owned by the Group. CIGAML is licensed with Hong Kong s Securities & Futures Commission, and is mainly engaged in the provision of investment consultancy services to the Group in managing its non-rmb investment portfolio. CIGAML currently is a cost centre of the Group because the asset management fee income received from the Group companies are eliminated at the consolidated level, while the corresponding expenses, such as salary and incentive compensation paid to fund managers, are absorbed in full at the consolidated level. Investors are advised to pay particular attention to this factor when evaluating the financial performance of CIGAML. In 2006, CIGAML made substantial contributions to the Group, as the investment returns on its non-rmb funds managed on behalf of CIRe and other companies of the Group were very strong. Please note that CIGAML s strong performance in the Year is not fully reflected by the following table due to inter-companies elimination as required by the Group s accounting policies. The key financial data of CIGAML is summarised below: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million Change Asset management fee income % Total investment income % Profit attributable to the equity holders (64.7%) Insurance intermediary business The Group s insurance intermediary business is substantially operated by SINO-RE, which is a Hong Kong-incorporated company and is wholly-owned by the Group. SINO-RE is mainly engaged in the rendering of brokering services for reinsurance and insurance companies. SINO-RE s key markets are Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China. 21

22 The key financial data of SINO-RE is summarised below: For the year ended 31 December, HK$ million Change Insurance intermediary income % Profit attributable to the equity holders % SINO-RE s profit attributable to the equity holders increased by 133.1% to HK$13.17 million from HK$5.65 million in the Last Year. SINO-RE s insurance intermediary income has produced strong and stable growth in 2006 as a result of its increasing number of clients and the strong business growth of its core clients. OUTLOOK Reinsurance business CIRe Entering into the January 2007 renewal season, the global reinsurance market has been stable. With the continued strong economic growth of many Asian and other major economies, in addition to strong investment markets and below-average catastrophe losses, most reinsurers around the world have registered very positive results in Therefore, the renewal terms and conditions for most reinsurance markets and most classes of reinsurance are relatively stable. Nevertheless, the softening of original insurance rates in many Asian markets continues unabated, due to intense competition by local as well as multi-national insurance players. Notwithstanding this softening trend in the markets, CIRe intends to strictly adhere to its conservative, yet progressive, underwriting strategy with the overall aim of achieving underwriting profitability. CIRe is continuing to expand into the Mainland China insurance markets through two representative offices in Beijing and Shanghai. CIRe believes that its growth prospects in Mainland China are very attractive, especially since CIRe possesses certain competitive advantages in this market relative to its peers. CIRe remains one of the few Asian based reinsurers which has secured strong credit ratings by international credit rating agencies (A- by S&P, Fitch, and A.M. Best). CIRe expects to produce solid results in 2007 in the absence of any unexpected market events. Life insurance business TPL After accomplishing its ambitious strategic objective of breaking even in its fifth full year of operations and delivering a very positive result in 2006, TPL is set to begin its next phase of development for the coming years. TPL plans to further develop its individual life business by recruiting more agents. TPL will also continue to enhance its bancassurance operations by exploring closer working models with its bancassurance partners. In the year ahead, TPL will add seven new branches in major provincial cities as well as further expand its sub-branches network to include areas with strong insurance potential. TPL s senior management will continue to emphasize the critical importance of increasing the actuarial profit value of its products sold. More efforts will be made to increase the proportion of regular premium products produced through the individual agency and bancassurance channels. TPL also aims to further improve its client service platform, cost controls, efficiency, underwriting and asset liability matching. Because of the need for further investment in expanding the branch network and individual agency force, as well as the other important operational measures described above, and because it may be very likely that the above-average investment returns produced in 2006 will not be replicated in 2007, the profitability of TPL in 2007 may not reach the levels achieved in However, the planned expansion and further bolstering of TPL s services platform will produce a very strong and solid foundation for the future. It is anticipated that these initiatives will substantially enhance shareholders value and profitability over the long term. 22

23 Property and casualty insurance business TPI After a successful year in 2006 in which TPI achieved its strategic objective of breaking even in operating profit in its fifth full year of operations, the senior management of TPI will continue to focus on profitably building up TPI s presence in Mainland China s property and casualty insurance industry. TPI will continue to expand its premium income in 2007 in order to obtain the necessary scale to optimize its expense ratio. At the same time, TPI will focus on enhancing its underwriting controls and standards in order to maintain a satisfactory loss ratio. TPI plans to establish three to four new provincial branches in the year to come. With the market conditions and competition in the PRC property and casualty insurance industry gradually improving, TPI is expected to move into a new phase of development in which it consistently produces reasonable returns to the Group. Investments In 2006, global financial and investment markets produced significantly-above-average returns, particularly in the equity markets of the PRC and Hong Kong. While it may be unlikely that the significantly-above-average investment returns in 2006 will be sustainable annually into the future, CIIH s focus on developing strong investment operations will allow the Group and its various operations to produce sustainable, attractive and stable investment returns on a yearly basis. This will continue to be a priority of CIIH in the years to come. PURCHASE, SALE OR REDEMPTION OF THE COMPANY S LISTED SECURITIES During the Year neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have purchased, sold or redeemed any of the Company s listed securities. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The annual financial report for the year has been reviewed by the audit committee of the board of directors of the Company. During the Year, the Company has adopted the Code Provisions set out in the Code as the corporate governance practices of the Company. During the Year, the Company has applied the principles and complied with the Code Provisions, with the following exceptions: (1) The Non-Executive Directors were not appointed for a specific term, but are subject to retirement by rotation and re-election at the Company s Annual General Meeting in accordance with the Company s Articles of Association; and (2) The Chairman of the Independent Board Committee has not attended the Extraordinary General Meetings of the Company held on 23 February 2006 and 18 August The Company will endeavor to ensure that the Chairman of the Independent Board Committee (if any) would also be available to answer questions at any future general meeting to approve a connected transaction or any other transaction that is subject to independent shareholders approval. REVIEW OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The figures in respect of the preliminary announcement of the Group s results for the year ended 31 December 2006 have been compared by the Company s auditors, KPMG, Certified Public Accountants, to the amounts set out in the Group s draft consolidated financial statements for the year and the amounts were found to be in agreement. This work performed by KPMG in this respect was limited and did not constitute an audit, review or other assurance engagement and consequently no assurance has been expressed by the auditors on this announcement. 23

24 DEFINITIONS In the Preliminary Final Results Announcement, the following expressions shall have the following meanings unless the context requires otherwise: CIGAML CIRC CIRe Code Directors HK GAAP HKICPA Independent shareholders China Insurance Group Assets Management Limited China Insurance Regulatory Commission China International Reinsurance Company Limited Code on Corporate Governance Practices as set out in Appendix 14 of the Listing Rules The directors of the Company, including the independent non-executive directors Accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants Shareholder(s) other than China Insurance (Holdings) Company Limited, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited and their respective associates Last Year The year ended 31 December 2005 Listing Rules nm PRC GAAP Share(s) SINO-RE the Company or CIIH the Group the PRC The Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited Not mentioned Accounting principles generally accepted in the PRC Share(s) of HK$0.05 each in the capital of the Company SINO-RE Reinsurance Brokers Limited China Insurance International Holdings Company Limited CIIH and its subsidiaries The People s Republic of China the Year The year ended 31 December 2006 TPI TPL RMB The Tai Ping Insurance Company, Limited Tai Ping Life Insurance Company, Limited Renminbi HKD Hong Kong, 26 March 2007 Hong Kong dollars By Order of the Board FENG Xiaozeng Chairman As at the date of this announcement, the Board comprises of 11 directors, of which Mr. FENG Xiaozeng, Mr. LIN Fan, Mr. SONG Shuguang, Mr. XIE Yiqun, Mr. NG Yu Lam Kenneth, Mr. SHEN Koping Michael and Mr. LAU Siu Mun Sammy, are executive directors of the Company, Mr. ZHENG Changyong is a non-executive director of the Company and Dr. WU Jiesi, Mr. CHE Shujian and Mr. LAU Wai Kit are independent non-executive directors of the Company. 24