AEGON Announces Q2 2011 net Income of EUR 404 Million

By Aegon N.v., PRNE
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, August 11, 2011 -

  • Growth offset by unfavorable currency movements and anticipated exceptional charges
  • Underlying earnings before tax of EUR 401 million; growth offset by unfavorable currency movements
    (EUR 44 million), higher provisioning for longevity in the Netherlands (EUR 23 million) and UK customer redress charges (EUR 14 million)
  • Net income amounts to EUR 404 million, supported by realized gains on investments
  • Return on equity of 8.0% in the first half year of 2011

  • Continued strong sales in fee-based businesses in line with strategic focus
  • Total sales[1] decline to EUR 1.3 billion, due mainly to unfavorable currency movements
  • New life sales total EUR 431 million; declines in the Americas and the UK following repricing of products
  • Gross deposits amount to EUR 6.7 billion, supported by strong variable annuity and pension deposits

  • Strong capital position and healthy cash flows
  • Excess capital of EUR 1 billion at the holding after full repurchase of core capital securities from Dutch State
  • IGD solvency ratio of ~200% reflection of strong capitalization
  • Capital base ratio of 73%; full repurchase of core capital securities partly offset by retained earnings
  • Operational free cash flow of EUR 283 million

Statement of Alex Wynaendts, CEO

“During the second quarter, we made solid progress in delivering on AEGON’s key strategic priorities, not least of which was the completion of repayment to the Dutch State. The particularly strong sales of variable annuities and pension and retirement products in the United States are a result of the successful repositioning of our business toward more fee-generating income. Our pursuit of growth opportunities in AEGON’s new markets led to strong new life sales in Central & Eastern Europe, as well as expanded distribution in Spain, where we recently strengthened our life insurance and pension partnership with Unnim, a leading savings bank in the northeastern region of the country.

“The weakening of the US dollar had a notable impact on AEGON’s reported results. Net income was strong for the quarter, however, underlying earnings were negatively affected by anticipated exceptional items in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

“Clearly, the current economic environment poses considerable challenges. However, over the past years we have implemented measures to strengthen and protect AEGON’s balance sheet by reducing our exposure to equity and credit markets, as well as interest rate risks. At the same time, we are restructuring our businesses in our key markets. These actions, along with our very limited exposure to peripheral European countries, support our confidence in AEGON’s growth prospects going forward.”

    KEY PERFORMANCE

    INDICATORS

                                            Q2    Q1          Q2
    amounts in EUR millions [b)]   Notes  2011  2011    %   2010    % 

    Underlying earnings before tax     1   401   414   (3)   483  (17)
    Net income                         2   404   327   24    413   (2)
    Sales                              3 1,261 1,411  (11) 1,475  (15)
    Value of new business (VNB)        4   103   118  (13)   138  (25)
    Return on equity                   5   8.1%  7.8%   4  8.5%    (5)
    KEY PERFORMANCE

    INDICATORS

                                            YTD   YTD
    amounts in EUR millions [b)]   Notes    2011  2010   %

    Underlying earnings before tax     1     815   929 (12)
    Net income                         2     731   785  (7)
    Sales                              3   2,672 2,917  (8)
    Value of new business (VNB)        4     221   276 (20)
    Return on equity                   5     8.0%  8.4% (5)

For notes see page 22.

1 To reflect all of AEGON’s sales in one sales indicator, AEGON introduced a composite sales number consisting of new life sales, new premium production of both accident & health insurance and general insurance and 1/10 of gross deposits.

STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS

  • AEGON further detailed strategy and reiterated targets at Analyst & Investor Conference
  • Repayment to DutchState completed
  • Divestment of Transamerica Reinsurance concluded
  • Appointment of Jaime Kirkpatrick as CEO of AEGON Spain

Sustainable earnings growth with an improved risk-return profile

AEGON’s transformational process to deliver sustainable earnings growth with an improved risk-return profile is on track with the completion of full repayment to the Dutch State in June. The company reiterated its targets[1] at its recent Analyst & Investor Conference in London:

  • Grow underlying earnings before tax on average by 7%-10% per annum;
  • Achieve a return on equity of 10%-12% by 2015;
  • Increase fee businesses to 30%-35% of underlying earnings before tax by 2015; and
  • Increase 2010 normalized operating free cash flow by 30% by 2015.

AEGON also announced its intention to achieve structural cost reductions in its established markets. In the Netherlands, a 20% reduction in operating expenses as compared to the 2009 base is targeted by the end of 2012. In the United Kingdom, AEGON is on track to reduce costs by 25% by the end of 2011. In the United States, AEGON aims to grow its life and protection business faster than the industry, while keeping operating expenses flat throughout the period until 2015.

AEGONs ambition

AEGON’s ambition to be a leader in all of its chosen markets by 2015 is supported by four strategic objectives: Optimize Portfolio, Enhance Customer Loyalty, Deliver Operational Excellence and Empower Employees.

These key objectives have been embedded in all AEGON businesses and provide the strategic framework for the company’s ambition to become the most-recommended life insurance and pension provider by customers and distributors, as well as the most-preferred employer in the sector.

AEGON’s AMBITION

To be a leader in all our chosen markets by 2015

 

AEGON’s STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

  • Optimize portfolio
  • Enhance customer loyalty
  • Deliver operational excellence
  • Empower employees

Optimize portfolio

In Spain, AEGON has finalized an agreement to expand its life and health insurance and pension partnership with Unnim. The agreement includes the acquisition of a 50% stake in the life insurance business of Caixa Sabadell, expanding into the network of Caixa Manlleu and strengthening of AEGON’s existing partnership with Caixa Terrassa. These three savings banks joined together earlier this year to form Unnim. The agreement gives AEGON the exclusive right to distribute its life insurance and pension products through Unnim’s network of 623 branches. Unnim is a leading savings bank in the northeastern part of Spain, with a significant presence and more than one million customers.

Also, AEGON has closed an agreement to jointly develop health insurance business with Caja Navarra, part of Banca Cívica.

AEGON continues to closely monitor the process of consolidation and restructuring in the financial sector in Spain.

AEGON has appointed Jaime Kirkpatrick to the
role of CEO of AEGON Spain effective July 1, 2011. Mr. Kirkpatrick has played a key role in expanding AEGON’s presence across the Spanish market in his previous capacity of director of bancassurance for AEGON Spain.

On August 9, 2011, AEGON completed the divestment of its life reinsurance activities, Transamerica Reinsurance, to Scor. The total after-tax consideration amounted to USD 1.4 billion, consisting of cash proceeds of USD 0.9 billion from Scor and a further USD 0.5 billion of capital released. AEGON estimates that this transaction will have a positive impact on its IGD solvency ratio of approximately 13% in the third quarter of 2011.

1 Main economic assumptions embedded in targets: annual gross equity market return of 9%, 10-year US interest rate of 5.25% in 2015 and EUR/USD rate of 1.35.

Enhance customer loyalty

In its aim to develop a stronger and more consistent brand portfolio globally, with shared purposes and core values, AEGON has sharpened its brand proposition in the United States. The company will bring together its North American retail businesses under one name, Transamerica. A new advertising campaign will be launched in September.

AEGON has also decided to rebrand its asset management activities in the United Kingdom as Kames Capital to enhance its distinctive investment propositions while supporting accelerated growth of the business.

Deliver operational excellence

In the Netherlands, AEGON has decided to combine its pension service centre with its corporate & institutional clients sales unit into one pension business with the aim of increasing efficiency, providing better service and strengthening AEGON’s leading position in the Dutch pension market. The new unit will serve three customer groups - small and medium sized enterprises, institutional clients and pension plan participants.

AEGON has established a target to reduce the CO2 emissions of its offices by 10% by 2012. The goal is part of AEGON’s continuing efforts to manage all assets - including those that affect the environment - in a responsible way. In the long run, the changes that are implemented to meet the target will reduce costs as well as CO2 emissions. Setting a goal in this respect will also help the company meet the growing expectations of its stakeholders.

    FINANCIAL OVERVIEW c)

    EUR millions                       Notes Q2 2011  Q1 2011  %  Q2 2010  %
    Underlying earnings before tax
    Americas                                   325     347    (6)   398  (18)
    The Netherlands                             74      81    (9)    97  (24)
    United Kingdom                              10      12   (17)    22  (55)
    New markets                                 59      57     4     40   48
    Holding and other                          (67)    (83)   19    (74)   9
    Underlying earnings before tax             401     414    (3)   483  (17)  

    Fair value items                           (23)    (85)   73      3    -
    Realized gains / (losses) on
    investments                                204      91   124    148   38
    Impairment charges                        (100)    (62)  (61)   (77) (30)
    Other income / (charges)                   (16)     (3)    -    (60)  73
    Run-off businesses                          10      22   (55)   (10)   -
    Income before tax                          476     377    26    487   (2)
    Income tax                                 (72)    (50)  (44)   (74)   3
    Net income                                 404     327    24    413   (2)  

    Net income / (loss) attributable
    to:
    Equity holders of AEGON N.V.               403     327    23    413   (2)
    Non-controlling interests                    1       -     -      -    -  

    Net underlying earnings                    339     333     2    350   (3)  

    Commissions and expenses                 1,500   1,513    (1) 1,375    9
    of which operating expenses        11      847     837     1    841    1  

    New life sales
    Life single premiums                     1,189   1,726   (31) 1,922  (38)
    Life recurring premiums annualized         312     328    (5)   362  (14)
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single           431     501   (14)   554  (22)  

    New life sales
    Americas                           12     104     113  (8)     131 (21)
    The Netherlands                            40      65 (38)      41  (2)
    United Kingdom                            217     247 (12)     308 (30)
    New markets                        12      70      76  (8)      74  (5)
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single          431     501 (14)     554 (22)  

    New premium production accident and
    health insurance                          145     159  (9)     148  (2)
    New premium production general
    insurance                                  14      13   8       15  (7)

    Gross deposits (on and off balance)
    Americas                           12   5,014   5,629 (11)   5,154  (3)
    The Netherlands                           442     462  (4)     624 (29)
    United Kingdom                             17      19 (11)      19 (11)
    New markets                        12   1,242   1,267  (2)   1,787 (30)
    Total gross deposits                    6,715   7,377  (9)   7,584 (11)

    Net deposits (on and off balance)
    Americas                           12     426   (233)    -     758 (44)
    The Netherlands                          (113)  (115)    2      55   -
    United Kingdom                             14      2     -      10  40
    New markets                        12  (2,487)(1,719)  (45)    187   -
    Total net deposits excluding run-off
    businesses                             (2,160)(2,065)   (5)  1,010   -
    Run-off businesses                       (527)  (880)    40 (1,849) 71
    Total net deposits                     (2,687)(2,945)     9   (839)  -
    FINANCIAL OVERVIEW c)

    EUR millions                       Notes     YTD 2011  YTD 2010    %

    Underlying earnings before tax
    Americas                                        672      735      (9)
    The Netherlands                                 155      201     (23)
    United Kingdom                                   22       50     (56)
    New markets                                     116       86      35
    Holding and other                              (150)    (143)     (5)
    Underlying earnings before tax                  815      929     (12)

    Fair value items                               (108)     (13)      -
    Realized gains / (losses) on
    investments                                     295      274       8
    Impairment charges                             (162)    (227)     29
    Other income / (charges)                        (19)     (37)     49
    Run-off businesses                               32      (28)      -
    Income before tax                               853      898      (5)
    Income tax                                     (122)    (113)     (8)
    Net income                                      731      785      (7)

    Net income / (loss) attributable
    to:
    Equity holders of AEGON N.V.                    730      784      (7)
    Non-controlling interests                         1        1       -

    Net underlying earnings                         672      695      (3)

    Commissions and expenses                      3,013    2,961       2
    of which operating expenses        11         1,684    1,653       2

    New life sales
    Life single premiums                          2,915    3,841     (24)
    Life recurring premiums annualized              640      673      (5)
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                932    1,057     (12)

    New life sales
    Americas                           12          217       241     (10)
    The Netherlands                                105       103       2
    United Kingdom                                 464       573     (19)
    New markets                        12          146       140       4
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single               932     1,057     (12)

    New premium production accident and
    health insurance                               304       296       3
    New premium production general
    insurance                                       27        29      (7)

    Gross deposits (on and off balance)
    Americas                           12       10,643    10,556       1
    The Netherlands                                904     1,367     (34)
    United Kingdom                                  36        55     (35)
    New markets                        12        2,509     3,380     (26)
    Total gross deposits                        14,092    15,358      (8)

    Net deposits (on and off balance)
    Americas                           12          193     1,293     (85)
    The Netherlands                               (228)      122       -
    United Kingdom                                  16        39     (59)
    New markets                        12       (4,206)      308       -
    Total net deposits excluding run-off
    businesses                                  (4,225)    1,762       -
    Run-off businesses                          (1,407)   (4,059)     65
    Total net deposits                          (5,632)   (2,297)   (145)
    REVENUE-GENERATING INVESTMENTS

                                                   June 30, Mar. 31,
                                                       2011     2011   %
    Revenue-generating investments (total)          391,276  399,882 (2)
    Investments general account                     132,837  136,991 (3)
    Investments for account of policyholders        142,672  144,296 (1)
    Off balance sheet investments third parties     115,767  118,595 (2)

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Underlying earnings before tax

AEGON’s underlying earnings before tax amounted to EUR 401 million in the second quarter. The decline, compared with the same quarter last year, was mainly due to unfavorable currency exchange rate movements, higher provisioning for longevity in the Netherlands and charges related to the customer redress program in the United Kingdom.

Underlying earnings from the Americas decreased to EUR 325 million. The decline was the result of a weakening of the US dollar against the euro and a lower contribution from fixed annuities as balances are being managed lower. Lower earnings from Life & Protection were offset by higher fee-based earnings, consistent with AEGON’s strategy.

In the Netherlands, underlying earnings decreased to EUR 74 million as a result of higher provisioning for longevity of EUR 23 million and investments in developing new distribution capabilities. AEGON expects to provision on average EUR 20 million per quarter in 2011 in addition to previous levels of provisioning.

In the United Kingdom, underlying earnings declined to EUR 10 million. The decrease was mainly due to charges of EUR 14 million related to an ongoing program to correct historical issues within customer policy records. Expenses related to the execution of this program amounted to EUR 7 million. In addition, investments in developing new propositions amounted to EUR 8 million.

Underlying earnings from New Markets increased to EUR 59 million driven mainly by strong earnings in Central & Eastern Europe and AEGON Asset Management.

Costs for the holding amounted to EUR 67 million as lower interest income and increased expenses related to the preparation for implementation of Solvency II were more than offset by a one-time benefit of
EUR 14 million in the second quarter of 2011.

Net income

Net income decreased slightly to EUR 404 million. Higher net income for the Americas and New Markets was offset by lower net income for the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Fair value items

In the second quarter, fair value items recorded a loss of EUR 23 million. Negative results in the Americas, mainly related to lower interest rates and equity market volatility, were partly offset by positive fair value movements of derivatives related to debt issued by the holding.

Realized gains on investments

Realized gains on investments amounted to EUR 204 million for the quarter and were the result of a strategic reallocation of equities into fixed income in the Netherlands in addition to normal trading in the investment portfolio.

Impairment charges

Impairment charges amounted to EUR 100 million and were linked to residential mortgage-backed securities in the United States and the result of exchange offers on specific holdings of European banks in the United Kingdom.

Other charges

Other charges amounted to EUR 16 million and are mostly related to restructuring charges in the United Kingdom (EUR 15 million), the Netherlands (EUR 10 million) and New Markets (EUR 3 million).

Run-off businesses

The results of run-off businesses increased to
EUR 10 million, mainly as a result of a lower amortization yield paid on internally transferred assets related to the institutional spread-based business.

Income tax

Tax charges for the quarter amounted to EUR 72 million. These charges included EUR 4 million in tax benefits related to cross-border intercompany reinsurance transactions and a favorable tax settlement of EUR 15 million in the United States.

Return on equity

In the first half of 2011, AEGON’s return on equity declined to 8.0%, mainly the result of higher average shareholders’ equity excluding revaluation reserves.

The increase in average shareholders’ equity was mainly the result of an equity issue of EUR 0.9 billion in February 2011.

Operating expenses

As a result of movements in currency exchange rates, operating expenses remained level at EUR 847 million. Excluding restructuring charges and employee benefit plans and at constant currencies, operating expenses remained level as well.

Sales

AEGON’s total sales decreased 15% to EUR 1.3 billion due mainly to unfavorable currency movements. At constant currencies, total sales declined 7%. New life sales were mainly impacted by lower production in the United Kingdom and the Americas following repricing of products, only partly offset by growth in Central & Eastern Europe.

Gross deposits amounted to EUR 6.7 billion, or a decline of 2% at constant currencies. Strong variable annuity and stable value deposits in the United States were more than offset by the effects of a weaker US dollar, lower asset management inflows and less savings account deposits in the Netherlands.

Value of new business

Compared with the second quarter 2010, the value of new business declined considerably to EUR 103 million. This was the result of higher mortgage-related funding costs and updated mortality assumptions in the Netherlands, lower new business volumes in the United Kingdom and Spain, discontinuance of new mandatory pension sales in Hungary and unfavorable currency exchange rates.

Revenue-generating investments

Revenue-generating investments declined 2% compared with the end of the first quarter of 2011 to EUR 391 billion, the result of a weakening of the US dollar against the euro and the transfer of over EUR 2 billion of pension assets to the Hungarian State during the second quarter 2011.

Capital management

At the end of the second quarter, AEGON’s core capital, excluding revaluation reserves, amounted to EUR 15.9 billion, equivalent to 73%[6] of the company’s total capital base. The decline from the previous quarter was mainly due to the repurchase of all remaining convertible core capital securities from the Dutch State for an amount of EUR 750 million plus a premium of EUR 375 million. AEGON is on target to achieve the proportion of core capital to be at least 75% of total capital by the end of 2012

Shareholders’ equity remained level compared with first quarter-end 2011 at EUR 16.8 billion as net income in the second quarter was offset by the premium paid on the repurchase of the final tranche of convertible core capital securities from the Dutch State.

The revaluation reserves at June 30, 2011, increased to EUR 1 billion, mainly the result of a decrease in risk-free interest rates which had a positive effect on the value of fixed income securities. This positive effect was offset by a decline in the foreign currency translation reserve, primarily the result of a weakening of the US dollar against the euro.

AEGON aims to maintain at least 1.5 times holding expenses as a buffer at the holding, currently equivalent to approximately EUR 900 million. During the second quarter, excess capital in the holding decreased to EUR 1 billion. The EUR 1.125 billion payment to the Dutch State, holding costs, interest payments and the preferred dividend were partly offset by EUR 1.4 billion in dividends received from the company’s operating units.

At June 30, 2011, AEGON’s Insurance Group Directive (IGD) ratio amounted to ~200%, a slight decline from the level of ~210% at the end of the first quarter. Solvency ratios in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom were relatively flat, while the solvency ratio in the United States declined. The main driver of this decline was up-streaming of dividends to repurchase all remaining convertible core capital securities provided by the Dutch State for an amount of EUR 1.125 billion. The proceeds related to the divestment of Transamerica Reinsurance will be accounted for in the third quarter.

Cash flows

AEGON’s subsidiaries generated EUR 564 million in operational cash flows during the second quarter of 2011. Operational free cash flows, which reflect excess capital generation, were relatively stable as the impact of realized gains in the Netherlands was offset by increased capital requirements in the United States related to low interest rates.
After deduction of EUR 281 million for investments
in new business, operational free cash flow totaled EUR 283 million for the quarter. This brings the total for the first half year of 2011 to EUR 547 million of operational free cash flows.

APPENDIX I

    FINANCIAL OVERVIEW, Q2 2011

    GEOGRAPHICALLY  c)
                                                     The      United   New                                                                                                                                        The    United         New
    EUR millions                         Americas Netherlands Kingdom Markets
    Underlying earnings before tax by

    line of business
    Life                                    147       55        20        19
    Individual savings and retirement

    products                                119        -         -        (4)
    Pensions                                 58       16        (8)        4
    Non-life                                  -        -         -        11
    Distribution                              -       (1)       (2)        -
    Asset Management                          -        -         -        18
    Other                                     -        -         -         -
    Share in underlying earnings before tax

    of associates                             1        4         -        11
    Underlying earnings before tax          325       74        10        59              

    Fair value items                        (52)       2         -        (3)
    Realized gains / (losses) on

    investments                              51      142         11        -
    Impairment charges                      (53)      (3)       (40)      (4)
    Other income / (charges)                 (3)     (11)         1       (3)
    Run-off businesses                       10        -          -        -
    Income before tax                       278      204        (18)      49
    Income tax                              (41)     (35)                (10)
    Net income                              237      169        (18)      39               

    Net underlying earnings                 256       67         15       47

 

    FINANCIAL OVERVIEW, Q2 2011

    GEOGRAPHICALLY  c)
                                                    Holding,
                                                      other
                                               activities &
    EUR millions                               eliminations    Total

    Underlying earnings before tax by

    line of business
    Life                                                 -      241
    Individual savings and retirement

    products                                             -      115
    Pensions                                             -       70
    Non-life                                             -       11
    Distribution                                         -       (3)
    Asset Management                                     -       18
    Other                                              (67)     (67)
    Share in underlying earnings before tax

    of associates                                        -       16
    Underlying earnings before tax                    (67)      401

    Fair value items                                   30       (23)
    Realized gains / (losses) on

    investments                                         -       204
    Impairment charges                                  -      (100)
    Other income / (charges)                            -       (16)
    Run-off businesses                                  -        10
    Income before tax                                 (37)      476
    Income tax                                         14       (72)
    Net income                                        (23)      404

    Net underlying earnings                           (46)      339

 

    EMPLOYEE NUMBERS

                                                       June 30, Mar. 31,
                                                         2011     2011

    Employees excluding agents                          23,639   23,990
    Agents                                               2,892    2,990
    Total number of employees excluding Associates      26,531   26,980
    AEGON's share of employees (including agents)
    in Associates                                        3,561    3,932
    Total                                               30,092   30,912

AMERICAS

  • Underlying earnings before tax decline to USD 469 million; a result of lower fixed annuity earnings
  • Net income increases to USD 342 million
  • New life sales decline to USD 151 million as a result of lower universal life sales due to repricing
  • Gross deposits increase to USD 7.2 billion driven by strong variable annuity and stable value deposits

Underlying earnings before tax

Underlying earnings from the Americas decreased to USD 469 million for the second quarter 2011.

  • Earnings from Life & Protection in the Americas amounted to USD 194 million. The decrease, as compared to the same quarter last year, was mainly due to unfavorable persistency and lower spreads, while the comparable quarter last year included reserve releases.
  • Individual Savings & Retirement earnings amounted to USD 170 million. Fixed annuity earnings decreased to USD 77 million as a result of lower spreads and declining asset balances as the product is de-emphasized. Variable annuity earnings increased as a result of continued strong net inflows and higher asset balances to USD 87 million. Earnings from retail mutual funds also increased as a result of higher account balances and amounted to USD 6 million.
  • Earnings from Employer Solutions & Pensions increased to USD 83 million mainly as a result of continued growth of the business.
  • Earnings from Canada amounted to USD 19 million and included a one-time benefit of USD 7 million. The joint ventures in Latin America contributed USD 3 million.

Net income

Net income from AEGON’s businesses in the Americas increased to USD 342 million in the second quarter. Lower underlying earnings and lower earnings from fair value items were more than offset by higher realized gains on investments and a positive contribution from run-off businesses. In addition, the second quarter 2010 included a one-time charge of USD 140 million for settlement of a dispute related to a BOLI policy in the United States.

The loss of USD 72 million for fair value items in the Americas was mainly related to lower interest rates and equity market volatility.

Gains on investments of USD 71 million were realized as a result of normal trading activity. Net impairments amounted to USD 76 million and were largely linked to residential mortgage-backed securities.

The results of run-off businesses increased to
USD 15 million. This was mainly a result of a lower amortization yield paid on internally transferred assets related to the institutional spread-based business.

Net income contained a tax expense of USD 60 million in the second quarter, including a favorable tax settlement of USD 20 million and USD 6 million in tax benefits related to cross-border intercompany reinsurance transactions.

Return on capital

In the first half of 2011, the return on average capital, excluding revaluation reserves, invested in AEGON’s businesses in the Americas declined to 7.1%, mainly the result of lower net underlying earnings. Excluding the capital allocated to the run-off businesses, the return on capital in the Americas would amount to 9.3%. Return on capital of AEGON’s businesses excludes the benefit of leverage at the holding.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses increased 4% to USD 502 million, mainly as a result of higher employee benefit plan expenses. Operating expenses increased 2% excluding restructuring charges and employee benefit plan expenses.

Sales

New life sales declined to USD 151 million, mainly
the effect of the discontinuance of single premium universal life sales in the bank channel during the second half of 2010, as well as repricing of certain universal life products this year to reflect the current interest rate environment. New premium production for accident & health insurance increased to USD 201 million.

Gross deposits increased to USD 7.2 billion as a result of higher fee-based deposits. In addition to organic growth in traditional distribution channels,
the introduction during the first quarter of a new variable annuity rider, Retirement Income Max, drove an 8-year record level of variable annuity deposits of USD 1.4 billion in the second quarter. Stable value and retirement plan deposits also continued to be strong during the quarter.

Net deposits for the ongoing businesses totaled
USD 0.6 billion as continued net inflows for the pension and variable annuity businesses were only partly offset by fixed annuity outflows. AEGON is de-emphasizing sales of fixed annuities as part of a strategic repositioning and incurred net outflows for this business as a result.

Value of new business

Value of new business increased to USD 73 million, mainly as a result of improved margins on variable annuities. The internal rate of return on new business was 15%.

Revenue-generating investments

Revenue-generating investments were stable at USD 325 billion as compared to the first quarter of 2011. The decline in general account assets as a result of a fixed annuity coinsurance transaction of USD 1.5 billion and lower run-off balances was compensated for by higher variable annuity and pension account balances.

    AMERICAS c)

    USD millions                               Notes Q2 2011  Q1 2011  % 

    Underlying earnings before tax by line

    of business
    Life and protection                                  194     195   (1)
    Fixed annuities                                       77      90  (14)
    Variable annuities                                    87      93   (6)
    Retail mutual funds                                    6       6    -
    Individual savings and retirement products           170     189  (10)
    Employer solutions & pensions                         83      81    2
    Canada                                                19      11   73
    Latin America                                          3      (2)   -
    Underlying earnings before tax                       469     474   (1)    

    Fair value items                                     (72)    (17)   -
    Realized gains / (losses) on investments              71      35  103
    Impairment charges                                   (76)    (80)   5
    Other income / (charges)                              (5)      -    -
    Run- off businesses                                   15      30  (50)
    Income before tax                                    402     442   (9)
    Income tax                                           (60)    (83)  28
    Net income                                           342     359   (5)    

    Net income / (loss) attributable to:
    Equity holders of AEGON N.V.                         342     359   (5)
    Non-controlling interests                              -       -    -      

    Net underlying earnings                              368     346    6    

    Commissions and expenses                           1,210   1,209    -
    of which operating expenses                          502     492    2    

    New life sales                                12
    Life single premiums                                  78     147  (47)
    Life recurring premiums annualized                   143     139    3
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                     151     154   (2)    

    Life & protection                                    114     121   (6)
    Employer solutions & pensions                          7       6   17
    Canada                                                18      17    6
    Latin America                                         12      10   20
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                     151     154   (2)    

    New premium production accident and

    health insurance                                     201     199    1    

    Gross deposits (on and off balance)

    by line of business                           12
    Life & protection                                      3       3    -
    Fixed annuities                                       71      83  (14)
    Variable annuities                                 1,401   1,179   19
    Retail mutual funds                                  765     775   (1)
    Individual savings & retirement products           2,237   2,037   10
    Employer solutions & pensions                      4,913   5,554  (12)
    Canada                                                83      97  (14)
    Total gross deposits                               7,236   7,691   (6)  

    Net deposits (on and off balance)

    by line of business                           12
    Life & protection                                    (10)    (14)  29
    Fixed annuities                                     (810)   (801)  (1)
    Variable annuities                                   471     220  114
    Retail mutual funds                                   (5)    (50)  90
    Individual savings & retirement products            (344)   (631)  45
    Employer solutions & pensions                      1,048     485  116
    Canada                                              (105)   (158)  34
    Total net deposits excluding run-off

    businesses                                           589    (318)   -
    Run-off businesses                                  (772) (1,202)  36
    Total net deposits                                  (183) (1,520)  88

 

    AMERICAS c)

    USD millions                       Notes    Q2 2010 % YTD 2011 YTD 2010 %

    Underlying earnings before tax by
    line

    of business
    Life and protection                           241  (20)  389     435  (11)
    Fixed annuities                               125  (38)  167     246  (32)
    Variable annuities                             50   74   180     119   51
    Retail mutual funds                             -    -    12       -    -
    Individual savings and retirement
    products                                      175   (3)  359     365   (2)
    Employer solutions & pensions                  79    5   164     148   11
    Canada                                         15   27    30      26   15
    Latin America                                   1  200     1       2  (50)
    Underlying earnings before tax                511   (8)  943     976   (3)

    Fair value items                              (39) (85)  (89)   (159)  44
    Realized gains / (losses) on
    investments                                    21    -   106      54   96
    Impairment charges                            (73)  (4) (156)   (264)  41
    Other income / (charges)                     (140)  96    (5)   (140)  96
    Run- off businesses                           (13)   -    45     (37)   -
    Income before tax                             267   51   844     430   96
    Income tax                                    (12)   -  (143)     42    -
    Net income                                    255   34   701     472   49

    Net income / (loss) attributable to:
    Equity holders of AEGON N.V.                  255   34   701     472   49
    Non-controlling interests                       -    -     -       -    -

    Net underlying earnings                       361    2   714     719   (1)

    Commissions and expenses                      961   26 2,419   2,316    4
    of which operating expenses                   484    4   994     985    1

    New life sales                         12
    Life single premiums                          278 (72)   225     457  (51)
    Life recurring premiums annualized            138    4   282     274    3
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single              166  (9)   305     320   (5)

    Life & protection                             134 (15)   235     255   (8)
    Employer solutions & pensions                   4   75    13      12    8
    Canada                                         16   13    35      31   13
    Latin America                                  12    -    22      22    -
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single              166  (9)   305     320   (5)

    New premium production accident and

    health insurance                              180  12    400     364   10

    Gross deposits (on and off balance)

    by line of business                    12
    Life & protection                               3   -      6       6    -
    Fixed annuities                               124 (43)   154      309 (50)
    Variable annuities                          1,028  36  2,580    1,837  40
    Retail mutual funds                           957 (20) 1,540    1,933 (20)
    Individual savings & retirement
    products                                    2,109   6  4,274    4,079   5
    Employer solutions & pensions               4,311  14 10,467    9,528  10
    Canada                                        118 (30)   180      404 (55)
    Total gross deposits                        6,541  11 14,927   1 4,01   6

    Net deposits (on and off balance)

    by line of business                    12
    Life & protection                             (12) 17     (24)   (27) 11
    Fixed annuities                              (653)(24) (1,611)(1,196)(35)
    Variable annuities                            217 117     691    194   -
    Retail mutual funds                           357   -     (55)   775   -
    Individual savings & retirement
    products                                      (79)  -    (975)  (227)  -
    Employer solutions & pensions               1,264 (17)   1,533 2,650 (42)
    Canada                                       (197) 47    (263)  (679) 61
    Total net deposits excluding
    run-off businesses                            976 (40)    271  1,717 (84)    Run-off businesses                         (2,332) 67  (1,974)(5,390) 63
    Total net deposits                         (1,356) 87  (1,703)(3,673) 54

 

    REVENUE-GENERATING INVESTMENTS

                                                   June 30, Mar. 31,
                                                       2011     2011   %
    Revenue-generating investments (total)          324,919  324,849   -
    Investments general account                     121,723  124,185  (2)
    Investments for account of policyholders         83,383   82,459   1
    Off balance sheet investments third parties     119,813  118,205   1

THE NETHERLANDS

  • Underlying earnings before tax decrease to EUR 74 million due to higher provisioning for longevity
  • Net income amounts to EUR 169 million
  • New life sales were level at EUR 40 million

Underlying earnings before tax

Underlying earnings from AEGON’s operations in the Netherlands decreased to EUR 74 million as higher results in Life & Savings were more than offset by higher provisioning for longevity in Pensions and a decline in non-life results.

  • Earnings from AEGON’s Life & Savings operations in the Netherlands were strong and amounted to EUR 55 million as a result of favorable mortality and a higher contribution from mortgages compared to the second quarter of 2010.
  • Earnings from the Pension business declined to EUR 16 million primarily due to higher provisioning for longevity of EUR 23 million. AEGON expects to provision approximately EUR 20 million on average per quarter in 2011, in addition to 2010 levels of provisioning.
  • Earnings from Non-life were nil, a decrease from the comparable quarter of 2010 as a result of higher claims and investments made in the business to increase efficiency.
  • The Distribution businesses recorded a loss of EUR 1 million, while associates contributed EUR 4 million.

Net income

Net income from AEGON’s businesses in the Netherlands remained level and amounted to
EUR 169 million. Fair value items amounted to EUR 2 million, as the negative movement in market value of real estate was offset by other fair value items. Gains on investments totaled EUR 142 million for the quarter and were primarily a result of a strategic reallocation of equities into fixed income. Other charges of EUR 11 million included EUR 10 million of charges related to the restructuring of AEGON’s bank and distribution businesses. The reorganization is expected to save EUR 20 million per annum in costs when completed.

Return on capital

In the first half of 2011, the return on capital excluding revaluation reserves, invested in AEGON’s businesses in the Netherlands, remained level compared to the same period last year at 7.3%. Return on capital of AEGON’s businesses excludes the benefit of leverage at the holding.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses increased to EUR 201 million in the second quarter of 2011, mainly as a result of restructuring charges and investments in the further development of new distribution capabilities. Excluding restructuring charges, operating expenses would have been level with the second quarter of 2010.

Sales

New life sales remained level at EUR 40 million during the second quarter of 2011. Individual life sales increased 19% to EUR 25 million driven by mortgage-related product sales. Through successful mortgage production AEGON increased its market share in the individual life insurance market to above 11%. New mortgage production for the quarter amounted to
EUR 1.1 billion, equivalent to an estimated market share of approximately 9%. Pension sales were lower than in the comparable quarter last year as the market is waiting for a final outcome of the national pension debate and pricing became more competitive in this market. AEGON was one of the first parties to adjust its pricing policy to reflect updated mortality tables.

Premium production for accident & health and non-life products amounted to EUR 11 million and increased slightly compared with the second quarter of 2010.

Gross deposits decreased to EUR 442 million as AEGON offered less competitive interest rates on savings accounts. Following the transfer of activities, third-party pension deposits are included in AEGON Asset Management’s gross deposits from the second quarter of 2011.

Value of new business

The value of new business declined to EUR 20 million, mainly as a result of higher mortgage-related funding costs and updated mortality assumptions.
The internal rate of return on new business amounted to 17%.

Revenue-generating investments

Revenue-generating investments decreased 18%
to EUR 60 billion compared with the previous quarter. This was mainly driven by the transfer of EUR 12 billion of assets related to third-party pension
asset management operations from AEGON
The Netherlands to AEGON Asset Management.

    THE NETHERLANDS

    EUR millions                             Notes Q2 2011 Q1 2011 % Q2 2010   

    Underlying earnings before tax by line

    of business
    Life and Savings                                 55      43  28       42
    Pensions                                         16      22 (27)      29
    Non life                                          -       5   -       19
    Distribution                                     (1)     11   -        6
    Share in underlying earnings before tax

    of associates                                     4       -   -        1
    Underlying earnings before tax                   74      81  (9)     (23)

    Fair value items                                  2     (60)  -       68
    Realized gains / (losses) on investments        142      35   -       23
    Impairment charges                               (3)     (2) (5)      (6)
    Other income / (charges)                        (11)     (8)(38)      33
    Income before tax                               204      46          215
    Income tax                                      (35)     (7)  -      (45)
    Net income                                      169      39   -      170 

    Net income / (loss) attributable to:
    Equity holders of AEGON N.V.                    169      39   -      170 

    Net underlying earnings                          67      66   2       57  

    Commissions and expenses                        278     272   2      263
    of which operating expenses                     201     189   6      182  

    New life sales
    Life single premiums                            217     457 (53)     241
    Life recurring premiums annualized               18      19  (5)      18
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                 40      65 (38)      41 

    Life and Savings                                 25      26  (4)      21
    Pensions                                         15      39 (62)      20
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                 40      65 (38)      41 

    New premium production accident

    and health insurance                              4      10 (60)       4
    New premium production general

    insurance                                         7       8 (13)       6 

    Gross deposits (on and off balance) by line

    of business
    Life and Savings                                442     382   16     534
    Pensions                                          -      80    -      90
    Total gross deposits                            442     462   (4)    624

    Net deposits (on and off balance) by line

    of business
    Life and Savings                               (113)   (142) 20       50
    Pensions                                          -      27   -        5
    Total net deposits                             (113)   (115)  2       55

 

    THE NETHERLANDS

    EUR millions                                  %  YTD 2011 YTD 2010 %

    Underlying earnings before tax by line

    of business
    Life and Savings                              31       98       81   21
    Pensions                                     (45)      38       76  (50)
    Non life                                       -        5       26  (81)
    Distribution                                   -       10       17  (41)
    Share in underlying earnings before tax

    of associates                                  -        4        1    -
    Underlying earnings before tax               (24)     155      201  (23)

    Fair value items                             (97)     (58)     159    -
    Realized gains / (losses) on investments       -      177      119   49
    Impairment charges                            50       (5)      (7)  29
    Other income / (charges)                       -      (19)      33    -
    Income before tax                             (5)     250      505  (50)
    Income tax                                    22      (42)    (112)  63
    Net income                                    (1)     208      393  (47)

    Net income / (loss) attributable to:
    Equity holders of AEGON N.V.                  (1)     208      393  (47)

    Net underlying earnings                       18      133      134   (1)

    Commissions and expenses                       6      550      527    4
    of which operating expenses                   10      390      364    7

    New life sales
    Life single premiums                         (10)     674      638    6
    Life recurring premiums annualized             -       37       40   (8)
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single              (2)     105      103    2

    Life and Savings                              19       51       48    6
    Pensions                                     (25)      54       55   (2)
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single              (2)     105      103    2

    New premium production accident

    and health insurance                           -       14       15   (7)
    New premium production general

    insurance                                     17       15       14    7

    Gross deposits (on and off balance) by line

    of business
    Life and Savings                             (17)     824    1,217  (32)
    Pensions                                       -       80      150  (47)
    Total gross deposits                         (29)     904    1,367  (34)

    Net deposits (on and off balance) by line

    of business
    Life and Savings                               -     (255)     132    -
    Pensions                                       -       27      (10)   -
    Total net deposits                             -     (228)     122    -
    REVENUE-GENERATING INVESTMENTS

                                                   June 30, Mar. 31,
                                                       2011     2011    %
    Revenue-generating investments (total)           60,005   73,393 (18)
    Investments general account                      36,810   37,448  (2)
    Investments for account of policyholders         23,195   23,627  (2)
    Off balance sheet investments third parties           -   12,318    -

UNITED KINGDOM

  • Underlying earnings before tax of GBP 9 million due to anticipated exceptional charges and expenses
  • Net income amounts to GBP (15) million
  • New life sales decrease to GBP 191 million as a result of lower pension sales

Underlying earnings before tax

In the United Kingdom, underlying earnings before tax amounted to GBP 9 million as a result of charges relating to the customer redress program (GBP 12 million) and expenses related to the execution of this program (GBP 6 million), the development of new product propositions (GBP 7 million) and expenses related to regulatory changes. These exceptional expenses are expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2011.

  • Earnings from Life increased to GBP 17 million, mainly as a result of cost reductions.
  • Pensions recorded a loss of GBP 7 million as the benefits from further business growth and improved market conditions were more than offset by charges of GBP 12 million relating to the customer redress program, expenses related to the execution of this program of GBP 6 million and investments of GBP 7 million in the development of new propositions.
  • Distribution recorded a loss of GBP 1 million, level with the results in the same quarter last year.

In May 2009, AEGON began the implementation of a program to identify and correct historical issues within its customer policy records. The immediate priority of the program has been to deal with issues that resulted in financial detriment and to return affected customers to the financial position they would have been in had the issue not occurred. The program of determining the full scope of customer redress is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year and could lead to additional charges. AEGON is on track to resolve all issues and expects to have repaid the majority of the customer detriment by the end of 2011.

Net income

Net income declined to GBP (15) million, as lower underlying earnings and higher impairments were only partly offset by better results on fair value items and higher gains on investments.

Gains on investments amounted to GBP 10 million as a result of a continuing shift from corporate bonds into gilts. Impairments in the second quarter increased to
GBP 35 million as a result of exchange offers on specific holdings of European banks. Net income also contained a charge of GBP 13 million related to the restructuring of AEGON’s operations in the United Kingdom.

Return on capital

In the first half of 2011, the return on average capital invested in the United Kingdom, excluding the revaluation reserves, declined to 3.8%. The decrease was the result of higher average capital invested in the unit in combination with lower net underlying earnings. Return on capital of AEGON’s businesses excludes the benefit of leverage at the holding.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses increased to GBP 109 million, mainly driven by charges relating to the restructuring program of GBP 13 million, as well as investments in the new proposition development of GBP 7 million. Operating expenses in the second quarter of 2011 also include expenses of GBP 6 million relating to the execution of the customer redress program. The restructuring aims to reduce operating expenses by 25%, or GBP 80-85 million, by the end of 2011. It is expected that further restructuring charges will arise in coming quarters. To date, AEGON has enacted cost savings of GBP 58 million.

Sales

New life sales decreased to GBP 191 million during the quarter as a result of a planned decrease in sales of individual pensions, new group schemes and annuities following repricing, partially offset by an increase in group pension new entrants.

Value of new business

Value of new business in the United Kingdom declined to GBP 10 million, mainly driven by lower sales. The internal rate of return on new business for the second quarter was 11%.

Revenue-generating investments

Revenue-generating investments remained level at GBP 58 billion compared with the first quarter 2011.

    UNITED KINGDOM

    GBP millions                             Notes Q2 2011 Q1 2011 % Q2 2010   

    Underlying earnings before tax by line

    of business
    Life                                             17      21   (19)    15
    Pensions                                         (7)     (9)   22      5
    Distribution                                     (1)     (2)   50     (2)
    Underlying earnings before tax                    9      10   (10)    18                     

    Fair value items                                  -      (1)    -    (11)
    Realized gains / (losses) on investments         10      25   (60)     3
    Impairment charges                              (35)      -     -     (1)
    Other income / (charges)                    7     1      (5)    -     19
    Income before tax                               (15)     29     -     28
    Income tax attributable to policyholder
    return                                          (15)     (1)    -    (19)
    Income before income tax on

    shareholders return                             (30)      28    -      9
    Income tax on shareholders return                15       18  (17)    15
    Net income                                      (15)      46    -     24  

    Net income / (loss) attributable to:
    Equity holders of AEGON N.V.                    (15)      46    -     24  

    Net underlying earnings                          14       33  (58)    31

    Commissions and expenses                        193      172   12    181
    of which operating expenses                     109       98   11     95 

    New life sales                              8
    Life single premiums                            711     841   (15) 1,050
    Life recurring premiums annualized              120     127    (6)   158
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                191     211    (9)   263

    Life                                             15      16    (6)    23
    Pensions                                        176     195   (10)   240
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                191     211    (9)   263

    Gross deposits (on and off balance) by line

    of business
    Variable annuities                               14      17   (18)    16
    Total gross deposits                             14      17   (18)    16

    Net deposits (on and off balance) by line

    of business
    Variable annuities                               12       2     -      9
    Total net deposits                               12       2     -      9

 

    UNITED KINGDOM

    GBP millions                              Notes  % YTD 2011 YTD 2010   %

    Underlying earnings before tax by line

    of business
    Life                                             13       38     33   15
    Pensions                                          -      (16)    14    -
    Distribution                                     50       (3)    (4)  25
    Underlying earnings before tax                  (50)      19     43  (56)

    Fair value items                                  -       (1)    (9)  89
    Realized gains / (losses) on investments          -       35      5    -
    Impairment charges                                -      (35)    (8)   -
    Other income / (charges)                     7  (95)      (4)    40    -
    Income before tax                                 -       14     71  (80)
    Income tax attributable to policyholder
    return                                           21      (16)   (40)  60
    Income before income tax on

    shareholders return                               -       (2)    31   -
    Income tax on shareholders return                 -       33     13  154
    Net income                                        -       31     44  (30)

    Net income / (loss) attributable to:
    Equity holders of AEGON N.V.                      -       31     44  (30)

    Net underlying earnings                         (55)      47     53  (11)

    Commissions and expenses                          7      365    351    4
    of which operating expenses                      15      207    190    9

    New life sales                                8
    Life single premiums                            (32)   1,552  2,189  (29)
    Life recurring premiums annualized              (24)     247    279  (11)
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                (27)     402    498  (19)

    Life                                            (35)      31     49  (37)
    Pensions                                        (27)     371    449  (17)
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                (27)     402    498  (19)

    Gross deposits (on and off balance) by line

    of business
    Variable annuities                              (13)      31     48  (35)
    Total gross deposits                            (13)      31     48  (35)

    Net deposits (on and off balance) by line

    of business
    Variable annuities                               33       14     34  (59)
    Total net deposits                               33       14     34  (59)

 

    REVENUE-GENERATING INVESTMENTS

                                                June 30, Mar. 31,
                                                    2011     2011   %
    Revenue-generating investments (total)        58,319   57,717   1
    Investments general account                    7,952    7,855   1
    Investments for account of policyholders      50,367   49,862   1

NEW MARKETS

  • Underlying earnings before tax increase 48% to EUR 59 million mainly driven by higher results in CEE
  • Net income increases to EUR 39 million
  • New life sales decline to EUR 70 million driven by lower single premium sales in Poland and Spain

Underlying earnings before tax

In New Markets, AEGON reported underlying earnings before tax of EUR 59 million as a result of higher underlying earnings before tax from Central & Eastern Europe and AEGON Asset Management.

  • Earnings from Central & Eastern Europe increased to EUR 29 million, largely driven by higher earnings in Hungary, as an improvement in the claim experience more than offset the negative impact from pension legislation changes. The comparable quarter in 2010 included higher claims related to storms and floods in Hungary.
  • Results from AEGON’s operations in Asia improved to EUR (8) million. Higher contributions from the in-force business were only partly offset by continued investments in the company’s joint ventures in China, India and Japan. The results for the Asia regional office have been included in the Asia results since the first quarter of 2011, following the implementation of the new operational structure for the Asian operations.
  • Earnings from Spain & France increased to
    EUR 20 million as a result of business growth in Spain following the successful strategic focus on the bancassurance channel.
  • Earnings from Variable Annuities Europe amounted to nil as a result of a true up of deferred policy acquisition costs.
  • AEGON Asset Management reported increased earnings of EUR 18 million driven by higher performance fees and lower expenses.

In June, over EUR 2 billion of pension assets were transferred to the Hungarian State. As part of the new pension legislation in Hungary, asset management and administration fees have been reduced. In Poland, the government reduced contributions to private pension funds. AEGON expects the measures in Hungary and Poland to have a negative impact on underlying earnings of approximately EUR 20 million in 2011, much of which is expected to occur during the second half of the year.

Net income

Net income from New Markets increased to EUR 39 million during the quarter, primarily as a result of higher underlying earnings. In addition, lower realized gains were offset by lower other charges. Impairment charges declined to EUR 4 million and were mainly related to mortgages in the CEE.

Return on capital

In the first half of 2011, the return on capital invested in New Markets, excluding revaluation reserves, increased to 8.2%, mainly the result of higher net underlying earnings. AEGON’s businesses reported under New Markets are in different stages of development and therefore generate different returns. The majority of the capital is allocated to Central & Eastern Europe and Spain & France, which posted returns of 15.6% and 6.0% respectively. Return on capital of AEGON’s businesses excludes the benefit of leverage at the holding.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses increased to EUR 132 million in the second quarter, mainly as a result of higher operating expenses in Spain, Asia and Variable Annuities Europe as a result of growth of the business.

Sales

New life sales declined 5% to EUR 70 million.

  • In Central & Eastern Europe, new life sales increased by 25% to EUR 30 million driven by Hungary and Turkey. A decline in single premium production in Poland was offset by an increase in life recurring premium production, mainly as a result of increased focus on life insurance in Hungary and Poland.
  • In Asia, new life sales declined to EUR 7 million as growth in India was offset by lower new life sales in China, primarily as a result of new regulation.
  • New life sales in Spain & France declined 20% to EUR 33 million, largely as a result of lower production at one of the distribution partners in Spain.

New premium production from AEGON’s general insurance and accident & health businesses decreased to EUR 8 million, driven by lower motor insurance production due to increased competition.

Gross deposits in New Markets declined to EUR 1.2 billion, primarily driven by lower asset management deposits.

Value of new business

Value of new business in New Markets decreased to EUR 20 million as a result of combined negative effects of adverse pension legislation in Hungary, lower production at one of the distribution partners in Spain and margin pressure for Variable Annuities Europe.

Revenue-generating investments

Revenue-generating investments increased 31% compared with the first quarter of 2011 to EUR 42 billion, driven by the transfer of EUR 12 billion of assets related to third-party pension asset management operations from AEGON The Netherlands to AEGON Asset Management, which were only partly offset by net outflows in Hungary.

    NEW MARKETS

    EUR millions                             Notes Q2 2011 Q1 2011  % Q2 2010
    Underlying earnings before tax
    Central Eastern Europe                            29      26    12    19
    Asia                                              (8)    (11)   27   (11)
    Spain & France                                    20      23   (13)   19
    Variable Annuities Europe                          -       5     -     1
    AEGON Asset Management                            18      14    29    12
    Underlying earnings before tax                    59      57     4    40

    Fair value items                                  (3       -     -    (4)
    Realized gains / (losses) on investments           -       2     -     8
    Impairment charges                                (4)     (2) (100)   (9)
    Other income / (charges)                          (3)     11     -   (11)
    Income before tax                                 49      68   (28)   24
    Income tax                                       (10)    (26)   62    (9)
    Net income                                        39      42    (7)   15 

    Net income / (loss) attributable to:
    Equity holders of AEGON N.V.                      38      42   (10)   15
    Non-controlling interests                          1       -     -     -   

    Net underlying earnings                           47      38    24    30  

    Commissions and expenses                         175     180    (3)  169
    of which operating expenses                      132     141    (6)  127   

    New life sales                              12
    Life single premiums                             117     174   (33)  234
    Life recurring premiums annualized                58      59    (2)   51
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                  70      76    (8)   74 

    Life                                              64      62     3    66
    Associates                                         6      14   (57)    8
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                  70      76    (8)   74 

    Central Eastern Europe                            30      27    11    24
    Asia                                               7      11   (36)    9
    Spain & France                                    33      38   (13)   41
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single                  70      76    (8)   74 

    New premium production accident and

    health insurance                                   1       3   (67)    4
    New premium production general insurance           7       5    40     9

    Gross deposits (on and off balance)         12
    Central Eastern Europe                           167     182   (8)   249
    Asia                                               7      11  (36)    10
    Spain & France                                    11       8   38     12
    Variable Annuities Europe                        159     131   21    175
    AEGON Asset Management                           898     935   (4) 1,341
    Total gross deposits                           1,242   1,267   (2) 1,787

    Net deposits (on and off balance)           12
    Central Eastern Europe                        (1,972)    108    -   149
    Asia                                               4      11  (64)    9
    Spain & France                                   (43)    (11)   -     4
    Variable Annuities Europe                         63      26  142    47
    AEGON Asset Management                          (539) (1,853)  71   (22)
    Total net deposits                            (2,487) (1,719) (45)  187

 

    NEW MARKETS

    EUR millions                           Notes  %  YTD 2011   YTD 2010   %

    Underlying earnings before tax
    Central Eastern Europe                        53       55       46    20
    Asia                                          27      (19)     (17)  (12)
    Spain & France                                 5       43       39    10
    Variable Annuities Europe                      -        5      (1)     -
    AEGON Asset Management                        50       32       19    68
    Underlying earnings before tax                48      116       86    35

    Fair value items                              25       (3)      (1) (200)
    Realized gains / (losses) on investments       -        2       11   (82)
    Impairment charges                            56       (6)     (11)   45
    Other income / (charges)                      73        8      (11)    -
    Income before tax                            104      117       74    58
    Income tax                                   (11)     (36)     (22)  (64)
    Net income                                   160       81       52    56

    Net income / (loss) attributable to:
    Equity holders of AEGON N.V.                 153       80       51    57
    Non-controlling interests                      -        1        1     -

    Net underlying earnings                       57       85       62    37

    Commissions and expenses                       4      355      344     3
    of which operating expenses                    4      273      260     5

    New life sales                           12
    Life single premiums                         (50)     291      342   (15)
    Life recurring premiums annualized            14      117      106    10
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single              (5)     146      140     4

    Life                                          (3)     126      119     6
    Associates                                   (25)      20       21    (5)
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single              (5)     146      140     4

    Central Eastern Europe                        25       57       43    33
    Asia                                         (22)      18       19    (5)
    Spain & France                               (20)      71       78    (9)
    Total recurring plus 1/10 single              (5)     146      140     4

    New premium production accident and

    health insurance                             (75)       4        8   (50)
    New premium production general insurance     (22)      12       15   (20)

    Gross deposits (on and off balance)       12
    Central Eastern Europe                       (33)     349      475   (27)
    Asia                                         (30)      18       35   (49)
    Spain & France                                (8)      19       56   (66)
    Variable Annuities Europe                     (9)     290      363   (20)
    AEGON Asset Management                       (33)   1,833    2,451   (25)
    Total gross deposits                         (30)   2,509    3,380   (26)

    Net deposits (on and off balance)         12
    Central Eastern Europe                         -   (1,864)     218     -
    Asia                                         (56)      15       34   (56)
    Spain & France                                 -      (54)      29     -
    Variable Annuities Europe                     34       89      126   (29)
    AEGON Asset Management                         -   (2,392)     (99)    -
    Total net deposits                             -   (4,206)     308     -

 

    REVENUE-GENERATING INVESTMENTS

                                                   June 30, Mar. 31,
                                                       2011     2011   %
    Revenue-generating investments (total)           42,154   32,211  31
    Investments general account                       2,819    2,926  (4)
    Investments for account of policyholders          6,203    6,210   -
    Off balance sheet investments third parties      33,132   23,075  44
    FINANCIAL OVERVIEW, 2011 YEAR-TO-DATE

    GEOGRAPHICALLY c)

                                                                  The  United
    EUR millions                                 Americas Netherlands Kingdom

    Underlying earnings before tax by line

    of business
    Life                                             297          98      44
    Individual savings and retirement

    products                                         258           -       -
    Pensions                                         117          38     (18)
    Non-life                                           -           5       -
    Distribution                                       -          10      (4)
    Asset Management                                   -           -       -
    Other                                              -           -       -
    Associates                                         -           4       -
    Underlying earnings before tax                   672         155      22   

    Fair value items                                (64)        (58)      (1)
    Realized gains / (losses) on

    investments                                      76         177       40
    Impairment charges                             (111)         (5)     (40)
    Other income / (charges)                         (3)        (19)      (5)
    Run-off businesses                               32           -        -
    Income before tax                               602         250       16
    Income tax                                     (102)        (42)      20
    Net income                                      500         208       36   

    Net underlying earnings                         509         133       54
    FINANCIAL OVERVIEW, 2011 YEAR-TO-DATE

    GEOGRAPHICALLY c)
                                                       Holding,
                                                       other
                                               New     activities &
    EUR millions                               Markets eliminations    Total

    Underlying earnings before tax by line

    of business
    Life                                         38            -        477
    Individual savings and retirement

    products                                     (4)           -        254
    Pensions                                      7            -        144
    Non-life                                     22            -         27
    Distribution                                  -            -          6
    Asset Management                             32            -         32
    Other                                         -         (150)      (150)
    Associates                                   21            -         25
    Underlying earnings before tax              116         (150)       815

    Fair value items                             (3)          18       (108)
    Realized gains / (losses) on

    investments                                   2            -        295
    Impairment charges                           (6)           -       (162)
    Other income / (charges)                      8            -        (19)
    Run-off businesses                            -            -         32
    Income before tax                           117         (132)       853
    Income tax                                  (36)          38       (122)
    Net income                                   81          (94)       731

    Net underlying earnings                      85         (109)       672

 

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FIRST SIX MONTHS 2011

Underlying earnings before tax
AEGON’s underlying earnings before tax amounted to EUR 815 million for the first six months of 2011. The decline compared with the same period last year was mainly due to unfavorable currency exchange rates, higher provisioning for longevity in the Netherlands and charges related to the customer redress program in the United Kingdom.

Underlying earnings from the Americas decreased to EUR 672 million. The decline was the result of a weakening of the US dollar against the euro and a lower contribution from fixed annuities as balances are being managed lower. Lower earnings from Life & Protection were offset by higher fee-based earnings, consistent with AEGON’s strategy.

In the Netherlands, underlying earnings decreased to EUR 155 million as a result of higher provisioning for longevity of EUR 47 million and investments in developing new distribution capabilities. AEGON expects to provision on average EUR 20 million per quarter in 2011, in addition to 2010 levels of provisioning.

In the United Kingdom, underlying earnings declined to EUR 22 million. The decrease was mainly due to charges of EUR 39 million related to an ongoing program to correct historical issues within customer policy records.

Underlying earnings from New Markets increased to EUR 116 million driven mainly by growth in Central & Eastern Europe and AEGON Asset Management.

Higher funding costs and increased expenses related to the preparation for implementation of Solvency II increased costs for the holding company to EUR 150 million in the first six months of 2011.

Net income
Net income decreased to EUR 731 million. Higher net income for the Americas and New Markets was offset by lower net income for the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.  

Fair value items
In the first six months of 2011, fair value items recorded a loss of EUR 108 million. An improvement in the Americas related to strong results from real estate and private equity was more than offset by an exceptional loss on strategic allocation funds in the Netherlands. In addition, results related to the interest rate hedging program in the Netherlands contributed less than in the comparable period.

Realized gains on investments
Realized gains on investments increased to EUR 295 million for the first half of the year and were the result of normal trading in the investment portfolio and a reallocation of equities into fixed income in the Netherlands.

Impairment charges
Impairment charges improved considerably to

EUR 162 million and were linked to residential mortgage-backed securities in the United States and the result of exchange offers on specific European bank holdings in the United Kingdom.

Other charges
Other charges amounted to EUR 19 million and are mostly related to the annual Hungarian bank tax of EUR 20 million and restructuring charges in the United Kingdom (EUR 23 million), the Netherlands (EUR 18 million) and New Markets (EUR 9 million). These charges are partly offset by a EUR 37 million benefit related to the settlement of legal claims.

Run-off businesses
As of the first quarter of 2011, AEGON’s run-off line of business in the Americas comprises the institutional spread-based business, structured settlement pay-out annuities, BOLI/COLI and life reinsurance. The results of the combined run-off businesses for the first six months of 2011 increased to EUR 32 million, mainly as a result of a lower amortization yield paid on internally transferred assets related to the institutional spread-based business, favorable mortality results in the pay-out annuities block of business and strong BOLI/COLI earnings.

Income tax
Tax charges for the first six months of 2011 amounted to EUR 122 million. These charges included EUR 21 million in tax benefits related to cross-border intercompany reinsurance transactions and one-time tax credits the United States and the United Kingdom totaling EUR 38 million.  

Return on equity

In the first half of 2011, AEGON’s return on equity declined to 8.0%, mainly the result of higher average shareholders’ equity excluding revaluation reserves.

The increase in average shareholders’ equity was mainly the result of an equity issue of EUR 0.9 billion in February 2011.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses increased 2% to EUR 1,684 million. Cost savings in AEGON’s established markets were more than offset by restructuring charges in these businesses. At constant currencies and excluding restructuring charges and employee benefit plans, operating expenses remained level.

Sales

AEGON’s total sales decreased 8% to EUR 2.7 billion. New life sales declined mainly as a result of lower production in the United Kingdom and the Americas following repricing of products, only partly offset by growth in Central & Eastern Europe and the Netherlands. Growth of gross deposits in the Americas was offset mainly as a result of a weakening of the US dollar, lower asset management inflows and less savings account deposits in the Netherlands.

Value of new business

Compared with the first six months of 2010, the value of new business declined 20% to EUR 221 million. This was the result of higher mortgage-related funding costs and updated mortality assumptions in the Netherlands, lower new business volumes in the United Kingdom and Spain, discontinuance of new mandatory pension sales in Hungary and unfavorable currency exchange rates.

Revenue-generating investments

Revenue-generating investments declined compared with the end of 2010 to EUR 391 billion, the result primarily of weakening of the US dollar against the euro and over EUR 2 billion of pension assets that have been transferred to the Hungarian State during the second quarter 2011.

Capital management

At June 30, 2011, AEGON’s core capital position, excluding revaluation reserves, amounted to
EUR 15.9 billion, equivalent to 73% of the company’s total capital base. The decline from the year-end 2010 was mainly due to the repurchase of EUR 1,500 million of convertible core capital securities from the Dutch State, related premium of EUR 750 million and unfavorable currency movements, partly offset by net income of EUR 0.7 billion and an equity issue of
EUR 0.9 billion in February 2011. AEGON aims the proportion of core capital to be at least 75% of total capital by the end of 2012.

Shareholders’ equity declined compared with year-end 2010 at EUR 16.8 billion as net income and the proceeds of the equity issue were offset by the premium paid on the repurchase of the final tranche of convertible core capital securities from the Dutch State in addition to unfavorable currency movements.

The revaluation reserves at June 30, 2011 remained level compared with year-end 2010 at EUR 1 billion.

AEGON aims to maintain at least 1.5 times holding expenses as a buffer at the holding, equivalent to approximately EUR 900 million. During the first six months of 2011, excess capital in the holding decreased to EUR 1 billion as a result of a EUR 2.25 billion payment to the Dutch State only partly offset by dividends received from the company’s operating units and an equity issue of EUR 0.9 billion.

At June 30, 2011, AEGON’s Insurance Group Directive (IGD) ratio amounted to approximately 200%.

Cash flows

AEGON’s subsidiaries generated EUR 1,103 million in operational cash flows during the first half of 2011. After deduction of EUR 556 million for investments in new business, operational free cash flow totaled
EUR 547 million for the period.

APPENDIX II

    VALUE OF NEW BUSINESS

    AND IRR
                              VNB     VNB        VNB          VNB      VNB
    EUR millions, after
    tax                   Q2 2011 Q1 2011  % Q2 2010  % YTD 2011 YTD 2010  %

    Americas                   51      63 (19)   52  (2)    114      96   19
    The Netherlands            20      23 (13)   30 (33)     44      80  (45)
    United Kingdom             11       9  22    24 (54)     20      37  (46)
    New Markets                20      23 (13)   32 (38)     43      63  (32)
    Total                     103     118 (13)  138 (25)    221     276  (20)
                               IRR %    IRR%     IRR%
    EUR millions, after tax  Q2 2011 Q1 2011  Q2 2010

    Americas                    14.8  16.0     12.9
    The Netherlands             17.3  13.9     17.0
    United Kingdom              10.6  10.0     11.9
    New Markets                 36.5  35.1     35.3
    Total                       19.5  18.8     18.4
    MODELED NEW BUSINESS, APE AND

    DEPOSITS
                       Premium business                   Premium business
                             APE                                    APE
    EUR millions     Notes Q2 2011 Q1 2011 % Q2 2010 % YTD 2011  YTD 2010 %
                         9
    Americas                231      248  (7) 238   (3)   479       454   6
    The Netherlands          45       75 (40)  58  (22)   120       150 (20)
    United Kingdom          227      237  (4) 303  (25)   464       569 (18)
    New Markets              88       95  (7)  97   (9)   183       177   3
    Total                   592      655 (10) 696  (15) 1,247     1,351  (8)
                         Deposit business                 Deposit business
                         Deposits                                 Deposits
    EUR millions   Notes Q2 2011 Q1 2011   %  Q2 2010  % YTD 2011 YTD 2010  %
                       9
    Americas              4,223   4,636   (9)  4,325  (2)  8,859   8,250    7
    United Kingdom           17      19  (11)     17   -      36      51  (29)
    New Markets             258     216   19     303 (15)    474     610  (22)
    Total                 4,498   4,871   (8)  4,645  (3)  9,369   8,911    5
    VNB/PVNBP SUMMARY
                                    Premium business       Premium business
                                                   VNB                    VNB
                                             VNB /  /               VNB /  /
                                  VNB  PVNBP PVNBP APE   VNB  PVNBP PVNBP APE
    EUR millions           Notes   Q2 2011     %    %    YTD 2011     %    %
                              10
    Americas                     18    742   2.5  7.9  48    1,568  3.1 10.1
    The Netherlands              20    370   5.5 45.2  44    1,007  4.3 36.5
    United Kingdom               11  1,329   0.8  4.9  20    2,818  0.7  4.3
    New Markets                  21    641   3.3 23.6  42    1,335  3.2 23.2
    Total                        71  3,082   2.3 11.9 155    6,728  2.3 12.4
                               Deposit business           Deposit business
                                      VNB/  VNB/                VNB /  VNB /
                           VNB  PVNBP PVNBP Deposits VNB PVNBP PVNBP Deposits
    EUR millions    Notes   Q2 2011     %      %      YTD 2011   %      %
                       10
    Americas                32 5,240   0.6    0.8    65 11,717   0.6   0.7
    United Kingdom           0    17   0.6    0.6     0     36   0.5   0.5
    New Markets             (0)  312  (0.1)  (0.2)    1    629   0.1   0.1
    Total                   32 5,569   0.6    0.7    66 12,381   0.5   0.7

Notes

1) For segment reporting purposes underlying earnings before tax, net underlying earnings, commissions and expenses, operating expenses, income tax including associated companies, income before tax including associated companies and value of new business (VNB) are calculated by consolidating on a proportionate basis the revenues and expenses of certain of our associated companies in Spain, India, Brazil and Mexico.  We believe that our non-IFRS measures provide meaningful information about the underlying operating results of our business including insight into the financial measures that our senior management uses in managing our business. Among other things our senior management is compensated based in part on AEGON’s results against targets using the non-IFRS measures presented here. While other insurers in our peer group present substantially similar non-IFRS measures, the non-IFRS measures presented in this document may nevertheless differ from the non-IFRS measures presented by other insurers. There is no standardized meaning to these measures under IFRS or any other recognized set of accounting standards and readers are cautioned to consider carefully the different ways in which we and our peers present similar information before comparing them.

AEGON believes the non-IFRS measures shown herein, when read together with our reported IFRS financial statements, provide meaningful supplemental information for the investing public to evaluate AEGON’s business after eliminating the impact of current IFRS accounting policies for financial instruments and insurance contracts, which embed a number of accounting policy alternatives that companies may select in presenting their results (i.e. companies can use different local GAAPs) and that can make the comparability from period to period difficult.

For a definition of underlying earnings and the reconciliation from underlying earnings before tax to income before tax we refer to Note 3 “Segment information” of our Condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

2) Net income refers to net income attributable to equity holders of AEGON N.V. and minority interest.

3) Sales is defined as new recurring premiums plus 1/10 of single premiums plus 1/10 of gross deposits plus new premium production accident and health plus new premium production general insurance.

4) The present value of future distributable earnings on the block of business sold in the reporting period. Value of new business is calculated using beginning of year economic assumptions and assumptions outside of management control, and beginning of quarter operating assumptions

5) Return on equity is calculated by dividing the net underlying earnings after cost of leverage by the average shareholders’ equity excluding the preferred shares and the revaluation reserve.

6) Capital securities that are denominated in foreign currencies are, for purposes of calculating the capital base ratio, revalued to the period-end exchange rate. All ratios exclude AEGON’s revaluation reserve.

7) Included in other income/(charges) are charges made to policyholders with respect to income tax in the United Kingdom.

8) ‘Includes production on investment contracts without a discretionary participation feature of which the proceeds are not recognized as revenues but are directly added to our investment contract liabilities.

9) ‘APE = recurring premium + 1/10 single premium.

10) ‘PVNBP: Present Value New Business Premium.

11) ‘Reconciliation of operating expenses, used for segment reporting, to our IFRS based operating expenses.

                                                Q2 2011 YTD 2011

    Employee expenses                               517    1,054
    Administrative expenses                         313      597
    Operating expenses for IFRS reporting           830    1,651
    Operating expenses related to associates         17       33
    Operating expenses in earnings release          847    1,684

12) ‘New life sales, gross deposits and net deposits data include results of our associated companies in Spain, India, Brazil and Mexico which are consolidated on a proportionate basis.

13) ‘Operational free cash flow reflect the sum of the return on free surplus, earnings on in-force business, release of required surplus on in-force business reduced by new business first year strain and required surplus on new business. Refer to our Embedded Value 2010 report for further details.

a) The calculation of the IGD (Insurance Group Directive) capital surplus and ratio are based on Solvency I capital requirements on IFRS for entities within the EU (Pillar 1 for AEGON UK), and local regulatory solvency measurements for non-EU entities.

Specifically, required capital for the life insurance companies in the US is calculated as two times the upper end of the Company Action Level range (200%) as applied by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in the US. The calculation of the IGD ratio excludes the available and required capital of the UK With-Profit funds. In the UK solvency surplus calculation the local regulator only allows the available capital number of the With-Profit funds included in overall local available capital to be equal to the amount of With-Profit funds’ required capital.

b) The results in this release are unaudited.

c) The comparative 2010 earnings and sales information has been revised to reflect the transfer of the Life Reinsurance and BOLI/COLI businesses to the Run-off businesses line to make the information consistent with the current period figures.

Currencies

Income statement items: average rate 1 EUR = USD 1.4025 (2010: USD 1.3279).

Income statement items: average rate 1 EUR = GBP 0.8670 (2010: GBP 0.8696).

Balance sheet items: closing rate 1 EUR = USD 1.4499 (2010: USD 1.2271; year-end 2010: USD 1.3362).

Balance sheet items: closing rate 1 EUR = GBP 0.9031 (2010: GBP 0.8175; year-end 2010: GBP 0.8608).

DISCLAIMERS

Cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures

This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures: underlying earnings before tax, net underlying earnings, commission and expenses, operating expenses and value of new business (VNB). The reconciliation of underlying earnings before tax to the most comparable IFRS measure is provided in Note 3 “Segment information” of our Condensed consolidated interim financial statements. VNB is not based on IFRS, which are used to report AEGON’s primary financial statements, and should not be viewed as a substitute for IFRS financial measures. We may define and calculate VNB differently than other companies. Please see AEGON’s Embedded Value Report dated May 12, 2011 for an explanation of how we define and calculate VNB. AEGON believes that these non-GAAP measures, together with the IFRS information, provide meaningful supplemental information that our management uses to run our business as well as useful information for the investment community to evaluate AEGON’s business relative to the businesses of our peers.

Local currencies and constant currency exchange rates

This press release contains certain information about our results and financial condition in USD for the Americas and GBP for the United Kingdom, because those businesses operate and are managed primarily in those currencies. Certain comparative information presented on a constant currency basis eliminates the effects of changes in currency exchange rates. None of this information is a substitute for or superior to financial information about us presented in EUR, which is the currency of our primary financial statements.

Forward-looking statements

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following are words that identify such forward-looking statements: aim, believe, estimate, target, intend, may, expect, anticipate, predict, project, counting on, plan, continue, want, forecast, goal, should, would, is confident, will, and similar expressions as they relate to our company. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which merely reflect company expectations at the time of writing. Actual results may differ materially from expectations conveyed in forward-looking statements due to changes caused by various risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the following:

Changes in general economic conditions, particularly in the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom;

Changes in the performance of financial markets, including emerging markets, such as with regard to:

  • The frequency and severity of defaults by issuers in our fixed income investment portfolios; and
  • The effects of corporate bankruptcies and/or accounting restatements on the financial markets and the resulting decline in the value of equity and debt securities we hold;

The frequency and severity of insured loss events;

Changes affecting mortality, morbidity and other factors that may impact the profitability of our insurance products;

Changes affecting interest rate levels and continuing low or rapidly changing interest rate levels;

Changes affecting currency exchange rates, in particular the EUR/USD and EUR/GBP exchange rates;

Increasing levels of competition in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and emerging markets;

Changes in laws and regulations, particularly those affecting our operations, the products we sell, and the attractiveness of certain products to our consumers;

Regulatory changes relating to the insurance industry in the jurisdictions in which we operate;

Acts of God, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics;

Changes in the policies of central banks and/or governments;

Lowering of one or more of our debt ratings issued by recognized rating organizations and the adverse impact such action may have on our ability to raise capital and on our liquidity and financial condition;

Lowering of one or more of insurer financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries and the adverse impact such action may have on premium writings, policy retention, profitablity of its insurance subsidiaries and liquidity;

The effect of the European Union’s Solvency II requirements and other regulations in other jurisdictions affecting the capital we are required to maintain;

Litigation or regulatory action that could require us to pay significant damages or change the way we do business;

Customer responsiveness to both new products and distribution channels;

Competitive, legal, regulatory, or tax changes that affect the distribution cost of or demand for our products;

The impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructerings, product withdrawels and other unusual tems, including our ability to integrate acquisitions and to obtain the anticipated results and synergies from acquisitions;

Our failure to achieve anticipated levels of earnings or operational efficiencies as well as other cost saving initiatives; and

The impact our adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards may have on our reported financial results and financial condition.

Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the company are described in the company’s filings with Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 20-F. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Hague, August 11, 2011
Press conference call
8:00 am CET: Audio webcast on www.aegon.com
Analyst & investor presentation / conference call
9:00 am CET: Audio webcast on www.aegon.com

Call-in numbers
United States: +1-480-629-9673
United Kingdom: +44-207-153-2027
The Netherlands: +31-45-631-6902

Replay
Two hours after the conference call, a replay will be available on www.aegon.com and on the following phone numbers:
United Kingdom: +44-207-154-2833, access code: 4458655#
United Sates: +1-303-590-3030, access code: 4458655#

Supplements
AEGON’s Q2 2011 Financial Supplement and Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements are available on www.aegon.com.

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