But increased pension deficit eats into broker’s net assets
Broking group Endsleigh made a profit before tax of £8.3m in 2014, up 33% on the £6.2m it reported in 2013.
The profit boost was driven in part by increased revenues from Endsleigh’s outsourcing activities.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 18.8% to £14.8m (2194: £12.5m).
But the Zurich-owned broker’s net assets fell by 74% to £2.8m (2014: £10.7m) because of a spike in its pension deficit.
Turnover growth
Endsleigh’s improved profitability was mainly driven by a 12.8% increase in turnover to £66.4m (2013: £58.9m).
The company attributed the turnover increase in part to its growth as an outsource provider.
Endsleigh took on additional claims handling services in 2014, and is now generating additional income by charging fees for providing IT, electronic data interchange transactions and motor claims handling services.
It also attributed the growth to a “strong performance” in the motor market.
Endsleigh said the 18% EBITDA growth was caused by increased sales, partly offset by expenditure directly linked to the sales growth.
But the company also warned of increasing competitive pressure. It said: “As the economic and trading environment remains difficult, particularly in the motor market, there is increasing pressure on commission income and also the impact of increasing regulatory pressures”.
Pension deficit
Endsleigh suffered a 45.7% jump in its pension deficit to £34.4m (2013: £23.6m), which pushed its net assets down to £2.8m (2013: £10.7m).
Excluding the pension deficit, net assets grew by 8.3% to £37.2m (2013: £34.3m).
Endsleigh said its pension liability had increased as a result of changes in assumptions used to value its pension assets and liabilities.
A spokesperson for the insurer said: “Our combined Zurich personal lines and Endsleigh business has clear plans to target niches within the retail insurance market. The fruits of this approach are showing in the Endsleigh business here as we continue to support students and young professionals and have improved our customer retention year on year.
“We’re obviously pleased that turnover has increased since 2013 but won’t rest on our laurels - it’s only part of the measures of success and the markets we’ve chosen to operate in remain tough.”
Endsleigh said the pension deficit, related to a final salary scheme that had been closed to new entrants from 2001.
“[It] has increased in the financial year due to changes in accounting assumptions most notably as a result of a movement in the discount factor as bond yields reduce. The change in the pension deficit is likely to be similar to that experienced by other companies with similar schemes.
“The Directors continue to take actions to reduce the deficit including additional contributions to the scheme assets.”
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