Results for the year ended 31 December 2014
Solid results achieved through a disciplined approach in a challenging environment
Headlines
· In-force policies up 0.7% to 1.946 million (2013: 1.933 million)
· Gross written premiums down 3.4% to £517.8 million (2013: £535.8 million)
· Profit before tax down 12.8% to £103.3 million (2013: £118.4 million) impacted by current market conditions and costs associated with the acquisition of Gocompare1
· Combined operating ratio2 increased by 2.2ppts to 91.9% (2013: 89.7%)
· Additional Services Revenue ("ASR")3 broadly flat at £103.0 million (2013: £103.9 million)
- ASR excluding Claims Income3 up 1.7% to £97.3 million (2013: £95.7 million)
· Pro forma earnings per share4 down 11.6% to 19.8 pence (2013: 22.4 pence)
· Final dividend of 11.7 pence per share (2013: 13.3 pence). Full year dividend of 16.8 pence per share
(2013: 15.8 pence) represents a payout ratio of 85%. The payout ratio comprises a base dividend of 50%
and a special dividend of 35%.
· Strong financial position with IGD5 coverage of 377% after the final dividend
· Acquisition of the outstanding 50% of Gocompare1 for £95.0 million; expected to complete on 31 March
2015, funded by the issue of £125.0 million 6.75% ten year tier two Subordinated Notes