Amendment No. 1 to Form 20-F
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 20-F/A

 


 

(Mark One)

 

¨   REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

x   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  

 

  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

 

OR

 

¨   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

  For the transition period from                        to                         

 

Commission file number  1-10882

 


 

AEGON N.V.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

The Netherlands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

AEGONplein 50, PO Box 202, 2501 CE The Hague, The Netherlands

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common shares, par value EUR 0.12 per share   New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act.

 

Not applicable

(Title of Class)

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

Not applicable

(Title of Class)

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 1,444,579,122 common shares

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirement for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

 

¨  Item 17    x  Item 18

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page

Item 3

 

Key Information

   4

Item 4

 

Information on the Company

   15

Item 5

 

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

   56

Item 6

 

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

   106

Item 7

 

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

   111

Item 10

 

Additional Information

   114

Item 18

 

Financial Statements

   125
   

Schedules to the Financial Statements

   125

Item 19

 

Exhibits

   230
   

Signatures

   230

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

This Form 20-F/A hereby amends Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 18 of AEGON N.V.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, which was filed on March 31, 2003. This amendment includes editorial changes and expanded discussions of information included in the original report in response to disclosure recommendations of the Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission made as part of a routine review. This amendment also includes certain changes in our U.S. GAAP reconciled figures as described in more detail in Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F/A. None of the changes included in this amendment affect any figures presented in accordance with Dutch generally accepted accounting principles.

 

This Form 20-F/A does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the original Form 20-F and does not modify or update the disclosure therein in any way other than as required to reflect the amendments discussed above.

 

PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION

 

AEGON N.V. is referred to in this Annual Report on Form 20-F as “AEGON,” “we”, “us” or “the Company” and AEGON N.V. together with its member companies are together referred to as the AEGON Group. For such purposes, “member companies” means, in relation to AEGON N.V., those companies that are required to be consolidated in accordance with legislative requirements of The Netherlands relating to consolidating accounts. References to “the Association” and to “Vereniging AEGON” are to Vereniging AEGON. References to the “NYSE” are to the New York Stock Exchange. References to the “SEC” are to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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In this Annual Report on Form 20-F, references to “EUR” and “euro” are to the lawful currency of the member states of the European Monetary Union that have adopted the single currency in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended by the Treaty on European Union. References to “$,” “USD,” “US$” and “US dollars” are to the lawful currency of the United States of America, references to “NLG” and “guilders” are to the up to January 1, 2002, lawful currency of The Netherlands, references to “GBP,” “pound sterling” and the “UK pound” are to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom, references to “CAD” and “Canadian dollars” are to the lawful currency of Canada and references to “CNY” are to the lawful currency of the People’s Republic of China.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The statements contained in this Annual Report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe”, “estimate”, “intend”, “may”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “predict”, “project”, “counting on”, “plan”, “continue”, “want”, “forecast”, “should”, “would”, “is confident” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to us are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. 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 speak only as of their dates.

 

All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including, but 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, including:

 

  the frequency and severity of defaults by issuers in our fixed income investment portfolios; and

 

  the effects of corporate bankruptcies and/or accounting restatements (such as Enron and WorldCom) on the financial markets and the resulting decline in 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 affect the profitability of our insurance products;

 

  changes affecting interest rate levels and continuing low interest levels;

 

  changes affecting currency exchange rates, including the euro/US dollar and euro/UK pound 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 and acts of war;

 

  changes in the policies of central banks and/or foreign governments;

 

  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; and

 

  competitive, legal, regulatory, or tax changes that affect the distribution cost of or demand for our products and our failure to achieve anticipated levels of earnings or operational efficiencies as well as other cost saving initiatives.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

 

Selected financial data

 

In the table below, we provide you with our summary historical financial data. We have prepared this information using our consolidated financial statements for each of the five years ended December 31, 2002.

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the Netherlands (Dutch accounting principles), which differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (US GAAP). You can find a description of the significant differences between Dutch accounting principles and US GAAP and a reconciliation of shareholders’ equity and net income based on Dutch accounting principles to US GAAP in note 5 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

When you read this summary historical financial data, it is important that you read it in conjunction with, and it is qualified by reference to, the historical financial statements and related notes in Item 18.

 

All per share amounts have been calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all stock dividends and stock splits through December 31, 2002.

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2002

    2001

   2000

   1999

   1998

     (in million EUR, except per share amounts)

Consolidated income statement information:

                         

Amounts based upon Dutch accounting principles1

                         

Premium income

   21,356     21,578    20,771    14,980    11,550

Investment income

   9,372     9,933    9,612    6,690    5,003

Total revenues3,4

   31,144     31,895    30,707    22,374    17,179

Income before tax

   1,849     3,243    2,839    2,181    1,634

Net income4

   1,547     2,397    2,066    1,570    1,247

Net income per common share5

                         

Net income

   1.08     1.76    1.57    1.28    1.08

Net income, fully diluted

   1.08     1.75    1.55    1.26    1.06

Amounts based upon US GAAP1,2

                         

Premium income

   10,191     10,214    7,509    5,784    4,928

Investment income

   8,640     11,001    12,773    7,013    5,656

Total revenues3,4

   19,247     21,599    20,654    13,501    11,210

Income from continuing operations before tax

   (841 )   1,158    3,492    1,950    1,928

Net income

   (2,328 )   632    2,716    1,601    1,471

Net income per common share5

                         

Basic

   (1.68 )   0.46    2.06    1.31    1.28

Diluted

   (1.68 )   0.46    2.04    1.29    1.25

 

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     Years ended December 31,

     2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

   1998

     (in million EUR, except per share amounts)

Consolidated balance sheet information:

                           

Amounts based upon Dutch accounting principles1

                           

Total assets

   238,206     264,061     244,216     228,808    131,196

Technical provisions

   197,642     220,523     206,097     190,145    102,959

Long-term liabilities (including current portion)

   6,480     7,855     6,528     5,735    3,891

Shareholders’ equity6

   14,231     15,923     12,844     13,543    7,934

Amounts based upon US GAAP1, 2

                           

Total assets

   268,316     299,603     281,580     262,694    138,083

Technical provisions

   217,022     240,297     225,602     206,007    108,355

Long-term liabilities (including current portion)

   7,220     10,462     15,749     14,770    3,804

Trust pass-through securities (TRUPS) and monthly income preferred stock (MIPS)

   491     584     553     512    87

Shareholders’ equity

   17,554     20,831     18,965     17,050    9,612

Other:

                           

Life insurance in force

   1,244,741     1,248,452     1,163,443     972,560    300,466

Investment income for the account of policyholders3

   (11,524 )   (9,515 )   (3,495 )   13,533    8,466

Annuity deposits, including GIC/funding agreements3

   28,419     26,381     25,506     17,445    6,723

Share capital

   226     224     215     216    185
     (in thousands)

Number of common shares:

    

Balance at January 1

   1,422,253     1,350,524     668,426     583,180    289,863

Stock split

   —       —       668,426     —      289,863

Issuance of shares

   —       55,000     —       82,546    —  

Stock dividends

   22,326     16,484     13,194     2,319    2,195

Exercise of options

   —       245     478     381    1,259

Balance at end of period

   1,444,579     1,422,253     1,350,524     668,426    583,180

1 Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Dutch accounting principles, which differ in certain respects from US GAAP. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report for information concerning the differences between Dutch accounting principles and US GAAP.
2 Reflects adjustments made to certain income statement amounts based on US GAAP in 2002 and 2000 and to certain balance sheet amounts based on US GAAP at December 31, 2001. The adjustments are described in more detail in Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report.

 

3 Excluded from the income statements prepared in accordance with Dutch accounting principles are receipts related to investment-type annuity products and investment income for the account of policyholders. In addition, universal life-type deposits are excluded from premium revenue in the income statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

 

4 Foreign currency items in the consolidated income statements have been converted at weighted average annual rates.

 

5 Per share data have been calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all stock dividends and stock splits through December 31, 2002. Diluted per share data give effect to all dilutive securities.

 

6 The figures for 1998 through 2000 have not been adjusted for the change in accounting for dividends.

 

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Dividends

 

AEGON has declared interim and final dividends for the years 1998 through 2002 in the amounts set forth in the table below. Dividends in US dollars are calculated based on the Midpoint Rate (the rate settled each working day at 14:15 hours by the Dutch Central Bank) on the business day following the shareholder meeting approving the relevant interim and final dividend.

 

     EUR per common share1

  USD per common share1

Year


   Interim

   Final

  Total

  Interim

   Final

  Total

1998

   0.21    0.30   0.51   0.23    0.31   0.54

1999

   0.25    0.35   0.60   0.27    0.31   0.58

2000

   0.30    0.44   0.74   0.27    0.39   0.66

2001

   0.37    0.46   0.83   0.33    0.41   0.74

2002

   0.37    0.372   0.742   0.36    0.342   0.702

1 Paid, at each shareholder’s option, in cash or in stock, except 2002 final dividend.

 

2 The final dividend for 2002 has been proposed to be paid entirely in common shares at the rate of one new common share for every 25 common shares held on the record date.

 

On August 8, 2002, AEGON declared an interim dividend for 2002 of EUR 0.37 per common share. AEGON has proposed to its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled to occur on April 17, 2003, that the full year 2002 dividend be set at EUR 0.74 per common shares, resulting in a final dividend for 2002 of EUR 0.37 per common share.

 

AEGON has proposed that the EUR 0.37 final dividend for 2002 be paid entirely in common shares. The final dividend will entitle holders of common shares on the record date to receive one new common share for each 25 common shares held. AEGON announced on March 6, 2003 that it is currently considering proposing a dividend for 2003 of EUR 0.40 to be paid in cash or common shares depending on its capital position at that time.

 

Annual dividends on AEGON’s preferred shares are calculated as a percentage of the paid-in capital on the preferred shares using a rate equal to the European Central Bank’s fixed interest percentage for basic refinancing transactions plus 1.75%, as determined on the first Euronext Amsterdam working day of the financial year to which the dividend relates, resulting in a rate of 5.0% for 2002. Applying this rate to the weighted average paid-in capital of our preferred shares during 2002, taking into account the increase in paid-in capital on the preferred shares as a result of the September 2002 restructuring described in “Item 4. Information on the Company—Recent Developments and Capital Expenditures and Divestments”, the annual dividend on our preferred shares payable for 2002 will be EUR 30 million, as compared to an annual dividend in 2001 prior to such restructuring of EUR 3 million. The rate for annual dividends on preferred shares in 2003, as determined on January 2, 2003, is 4.5% and the annual dividend on preferred shares for 2003, based on the paid-in capital on the preferred shares on January 2, 2003, will be EUR 95 million.

 

Exchange Rates

 

On January 1, 1999, the Dutch guilder became a component of the euro. The exchange rate at which the guilder has been irrevocably fixed against the euro is EUR 1 = NLG 2.20371.

 

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the US dollar will affect the dollar equivalent of the euro price of our common shares traded on Euronext Amsterdam and, as a result, are likely to affect the market price of our common shares in the United States. Such fluctuations will also affect any dollar amounts received by holders of common shares on conversion of any cash dividends paid in euros on our common shares.

 

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As at March 25, 2003 the USD exchange rate1 was EUR 1 = USD 1.0673

 

The high and low exchange rates1 for the US dollar per euro for each of the last six months through February 2003 are set forth below:

 

     Sept. 2002

   Oct. 2002

   Nov. 2002

   Dec. 2002

   Jan. 2003

   Feb. 2003

High (USD per EUR)

   0.9959    0.9881    1.0139    1.0485    1.0861    1.0875

Low (USD per EUR)

   0.9685    0.9708    0.9895    0.9927    1.0361    1.0708

 

The average exchange rates1 for the US dollar per euro for the five years ended December 31, 2002, calculated by using the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period, are set forth below:

 

Year ended December 31,


   Average
rate


1998

   1.1116

1999

   1.0588

2000

   0.9207

2001

   0.8909

2002

   0.9495

1 The US dollar exchange rates are the noon buying rates in New York City for cable transfers in euro as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

Risk Factors

 

Relating to AEGON’s Business

 

Interest rate volatility in the form of rapid increases or sustained high or low interest rate levels may adversely affect our profitability and shareholders’ equity

 

In periods of rapidly increasing or sustained high interest rates, policy loans and surrenders and withdrawals may tend to increase as policyholders seek investments with higher perceived returns. This activity may result in cash payments by us requiring that we sell invested assets at a time when the prices of those assets are adversely affected by the increase in market interest rates, which may result in realized investment losses. Regardless of whether we realize an investment loss, these cash payments would result in a decrease in our total invested assets and a decrease in our net income. Among other things, premature withdrawals may also cause us to accelerate amortization of policy acquisition costs, which would also reduce our net income.

 

Conversely, during periods of sustained low interest rates, life insurance and annuity products may be relatively more attractive to consumers, resulting in increased premium payments on products with flexible premium features, and a higher percentage of insurance policies remaining in force from year to year. During such a period, investment earnings may be lower because the interest earnings on new fixed income investments will likely have declined with the market interest rates. In addition, mortgages and redeemable bonds in the investment portfolio are more likely to be repaid as borrowers seek to borrow at lower interest rates, and we may be required to reinvest the proceeds in securities bearing lower interest rates. Accordingly, during periods of sustained low interest rates, our net income may decline as a result of a decrease in the spread between either the interest rates credited to policyholders or the rates assumed in reserves, and returns on the investment portfolio. See Item 11, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk”, of this Annual Report for a detailed sensitivity analysis discussion.

 

The profitability of spread-based business depends in large part upon the ability to manage interest rate spreads, and the credit and other risks inherent in the investment portfolio. Investment income from general account fixed income investments for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 was EUR 8.7 billion, EUR 8.8 billion and EUR 8.3 billion, respectively. The value of the related general account fixed income investment portfolio at the

 

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end of the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 was EUR 109 billion, EUR 128 billion and EUR 124 billion, respectively. We may not be able to successfully manage interest rate spreads or the potential negative impact of those risks.

 

A decline in the equity securities markets may adversely affect our profitability and shareholders’ equity as well as our sales of savings and investment products and the amount of assets under management

 

Fluctuations in the equity securities markets and other economic factors have adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our profitability as well as our sales of our separate account unit linked products, pension products, variable annuities, variable life insurance, and mutual funds. The level of volatility in the markets in which we invest and the overall investment returns earned in those markets also affect our profitability and can reduce our shareholders’ equity. Significant terrorist actions, as well as general economic conditions, have led to and may continue to result in significant decreases in the value of the equity securities in which we invest. Realized losses or impairment losses are, under Dutch accounting principles, transferred from the unrealized part of the revaluation account to the realized part of the revaluation account. In 2002 and 2001, declines in equity securities held in our general account resulted in the recognition of impairment losses of EUR 1.057 billion and EUR 36 million, respectively.

 

Additionally, equity market declines have required and may continue to require us to accelerate amortization of policy acquisition costs and to establish additional reserves for minimum guaranteed benefits, which reduces our net income and shareholders’ equity. These market conditions may also significantly reduce the popularity of our savings and investment products, which could lead to lower sales and net income. During 2002, AEGON recognized accelerated amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs of EUR 450 million and increased provisions for products with guaranteed minimum benefit reserves of EUR 482 million.

 

Differences between actual claims experience and underwriting and reserve assumptions may require liabilities to be increased

 

Our earnings depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we use in setting the prices for products and establishing the liabilities for obligations for technical provisions and claims. To the extent that our actual claims experience is less favorable than the underlying assumptions used in establishing such liabilities, we may be required to increase our liabilities, which may reduce our net income. In addition, certain acquisition costs related to the sale of new policies and the purchase of policies already in force have been recorded as assets on the balance sheet and are being amortized into income over time. If the assumptions relating to the future profitability of these policies (such as future claims, investment income and expenses) are not realized, the amortization of these costs could be accelerated and may even require write-offs due to unrecoverability. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may affect our reported results of operations

 

As an international life insurance company, we are subject to currency risk. Equity held in subsidiaries is kept in local currencies to the extent shareholders’ equity is required to satisfy regulatory and self-imposed capital requirements. We hold the remainder of our capital base (capital securities, subordinated and senior debt) in various currencies in amounts we believe correspond approximately to the book value of our activities in those currencies to minimize any impact on our equity ratios. Currency risk in the investment portfolios is managed using asset/liability matching principles. In 2000, we discontinued hedging the income streams from the main non-Dutch units and, as a result, our earnings may fluctuate due to currency translation. As we have significant business segments in the Americas and in the United Kingdom, the principal sources of exposure we have to currency fluctuations are from the differences between the U.S. dollar and the euro and between the UK pound and the euro. We may experience significant changes in our net income and equity because of the fluctuations in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the euro and the UK pound and the euro. For the Americas segment (which primarily conducts its business in U.S. dollars), our total revenues and net income in 2002

 

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amounted to EUR 17.4 billion and EUR 967 million, respectively. For the United Kingdom segment (which primarily conducts its business in UK pounds), our total revenues and net income in 2002 amounted to EUR 6.6 billion and EUR 178 million, respectively. On a consolidated basis, these two segments represented 77% of the total revenues and 74% of the net income for the year 2002. Additionally, we borrow in various currencies to hedge the currency exposure arising from our operations. We seek to align our borrowings to our capital in units. At December 31, 2002 and at June 30, 2003 we had borrowed amounts in proportion to the currency mix of our capital in units, which was denominated approximately 72% in U.S. dollars, 14% in UK pounds and 14% in euro.

 

A downgrade in ratings may increase policy surrenders and withdrawals, adversely affect relationships with distributors and negatively affect our results of operations

 

Claims paying ability and financial strength ratings are factors in establishing the competitive position of insurers. A rating downgrade (or the potential for such a downgrade) of us or any of our rated insurance subsidiaries could, among other things, materially increase the number of policy surrenders and withdrawals by policyholders of cash values from their policies, adversely affect relationships with broker-dealers, banks, agents, wholesalers and other distributors of our products and services, negatively impact new sales, and adversely affect our ability to compete and thereby have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Negative changes in credit ratings may increase our cost of funding. On April 8, 2003, Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services lowered its counterparty credit rating on AEGON’s senior debt from “AA-” to “A+”, with a stable outlook. Standard and Poor’s credit rating of AEGON’s subordinated debt is “A”. On December 12, 2002, Moody’s lowered its rating on AEGON’s senior unsecured debt from “Aa3” to “A2” with a negative outlook.

 

Changes in government regulations in the countries in which we operate may affect our profitability

 

Our insurance business is subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision in all countries in which we operate. The primary purpose of such regulation is to protect policyholders, not holders of our securities. Changes in existing insurance laws and regulations may affect the way in which we conduct our business and the products we may offer. For example, we expect our U.S. sales to be affected by the new amendments to the Federal Trade Commission Telemarketing Sales Rule as approximately 17% of AEGON USA new health insurance sales in 2002 were generated by telemarketing in the United States. The amendments to the rule, the majority of which went into effect on March 31, 2003, prevent telemarketers from targeting potential customers who have elected to be included in a national “do not call” list. Moreover, some states also have state-wide “do not call” lists. In addition, changes in pension and employee benefit regulation, social security regulation, financial services regulation, taxation and the regulation of securities products and transactions may also adversely affect our ability to sell new policies or our claims exposure on existing policies. Additionally, the insurance laws or regulations adopted or amended from time to time may be more restrictive or may result in higher costs than current requirements.

 

Litigation and regulatory investigations may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition

 

We face significant risks of litigation and regulatory investigations and actions in connection with our activities as an insurer, securities issuer, employer, investment advisor, investor and taxpayer. Lawsuits, including class actions and regulatory actions may be difficult to assess or quantify, may seek recovery of very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, and their existence and magnitude may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Defaults in our fixed maturity and mortgage loan portfolios may adversely affect profitability

 

Issuers of fixed maturity securities and mortgage loan borrowers have defaulted and may continue to default on principal and interest payments with respect to securities we hold. These issuers have defaulted and may

 

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continue to default on their obligations to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, downturns in the economy or real estate values, operational failure or other reasons. Recent poor economic and investment climate in our major markets have resulted in an increase in investment impairments on our investment assets due to defaults and overall declines in the securities markets. A continuation of or increase in defaults on, or other reductions in the value of, these securities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Liquidity risk of certain investment assets

 

Our investments in privately placed securities, mortgage loans, real estate, including real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests are relatively illiquid. If we require significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of our normal cash requirements, we may have difficulty selling these investments at attractive prices, in a timely manner, or both. These assets amounted to EUR 45.5 billion or 34.9% of general account investments at the end of 2002 (and EUR 53.0 billion, or 38.3% in 2001). Investment income from these assets amounted to EUR 3.1 billion, EUR 3.5 billion and EUR 3.3 billion, representing 32.6%, 34.9% and 34.0% of total general account investment income for the years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. We realized impairment losses of EUR 217.4 million, EUR 162.4 million and EUR 27.3 million on these assets in the years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

We may be unable to manage our risks successfully through derivatives

 

We are exposed to currency fluctuations, changes in the fair value of our investments, the impact of interest rate changes and changes in mortality and longevity. We use common derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps, options, futures and foreign exchange contracts to hedge our exposures related to both investments backing our insurance products and company borrowings. We may not be able to manage successfully through the use of derivatives the risks to which we are exposed. In addition, a counterparty may fail to honor the terms of its derivatives contracts with us. Our inability to manage our risks successfully through derivatives or a counterparty’s failure to honor its obligations to us could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

State statutes and/or foreign country regulators may limit the aggregate amount of dividends payable by our subsidiaries to us, thereby limiting our ability to make payments on debt obligations

 

Our ability to make payments on debt obligations and pay certain operating expenses is dependent upon the receipt of dividends from our subsidiaries. Certain of these subsidiaries have regulatory restrictions which can limit the payment of dividends.

 

Tax law changes may adversely affect the sale and ownership of insurance products

 

Insurance products enjoy certain tax advantages, particularly in the United States and The Netherlands, which permit the tax-deferred accumulation of earnings on the premiums paid by the holders of annuities and life insurance products. Taxes, if any, are payable on accumulated tax-deferred earnings when earnings are actually paid. The US Congress has, from time to time, considered possible legislation that would eliminate the deferral of taxation on the accretion of value within certain annuities and life insurance products. In addition, the US Congress passed legislation in 2001 that provided for reductions in the estate tax and the possibility of permanent repeal of the estate tax continues to be discussed, which could have an impact on insurance products and sales in the United States. Recent changes in tax laws in The Netherlands have reduced the attractiveness of certain of our individual life products. The current administration in The Netherlands has indicated that it is contemplating further changes in law that would eliminate the tax advantages of certain of our products, including group savings products. Any changes in US or Dutch tax law affecting our products could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

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Competitive factors may adversely affect our market share

 

Competition in our business segments is based on service, product features, price, commission structure, financial strength, claims paying ability, ratings and name recognition. We face intense competition from a large number of other insurers, as well as non-insurance financial services companies such as banks, broker-dealers and asset managers, for individual customers, employer and other group customers and agents and other distributors of insurance and investment products. The recent consolidation in the global financial service industry has also enhanced the competitive position of some of our competitors by broadening the range of their products and services, and increasing their distribution channels and their access to capital. In addition, development of alternative distribution channels for certain types of insurance and securities products, including through the Internet, may result in increasing competition as well as pressure on margins for certain types of products. These competitive pressures could result in increased pricing pressures on a number of our products and services, particularly as competitors seek to win market share, and may harm our ability to maintain or increase our profitability.

 

AEGON ranks fifth overall in the U.S. life insurance market based upon total life net written premiums. AEGON ranks third in individual annuities, fourth in group annuities, seventh in ordinary life and first in synthetic Guaranteed Investment Contracts. Our major competitors in the United States include AIG, Hartford, ING, Metropolitan, John Hancock, Jefferson-Pilot, Nationwide and Prudential. In Canada, AEGON ranks second in the universal life market, third in the traditional life market and fourth in the segregated funding insurance market based upon new sales. Our primary competitors in Canada are AIG, Industrial Alliance, Clarica, Great West Life, Sun Life and Manulife. In the Netherlands, AEGON is the second largest life insurer based on gross life premium income with a 14% market share compared to a 21% market share for ING. Our other major competitors include ASR Fortis, Interpolis and Delta Lloyd. In the United Kingdom, AEGON has a top five position in the independent financial advisor channel for group and individual pensions. AEGON UK faces strong competition in all its markets from two key sources: life and pension companies and investment management houses. Our key competitors in the U.K. primary pension market are Standard Life, Aviva, Prudential UK, Friends Provident and AXA. Our main competitors in the U.K. retail investment market are typically the investment management houses (e.g., Fidelity, Merrill Lynch, Henderson etc). In Hungary, our major competitors include Allianz, Generali-Providencia, ING and OPT Garancia.

 

We may be unable to retain personnel who are key to our business

 

As a global financial services enterprise with a decentralized management structure, we rely, to a considerable extent, on the quality of local management in the various countries in which we operate. The success of our operations is dependent, among other things, on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified professional personnel. Competition for key personnel in most countries in which we operate is intense. Our ability to attract and retain key personnel, and in particular senior officers, experienced portfolio managers, mutual fund managers and sales executives, is dependent on a number of factors, including prevailing market conditions and compensation packages offered by companies competing for the same talent, which may offer compensation packages that include considerable equity-based incentives through stock option or similar programs.

 

Judgments of US courts may not be enforceable against us

 

Judgments of US courts, including those predicated on the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States, may not be enforceable in Dutch courts. As a result, our shareholders that obtain a judgment against us in the United States may not be able to require us to pay the amount of the judgment. It may, however, be possible for a U.S. investor to bring an original action in a Netherlands court to enforce liabilities against us, or our affiliates, directors, officers or any expert named herein, who reside outside the United States, based upon the U.S. federal securities laws.

 

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Reinsurers to whom we have ceded risk may fail to meet their obligations

 

Our insurance subsidiaries cede premiums to other insurers under various agreements that cover individual risks, group risks or defined blocks of business, on a co-insurance, yearly renewable term, excess or catastrophe excess basis. These reinsurance agreements spread the risk and minimize the effect of losses. The amount of each risk retained depends on evaluation of the specific risk, subject, in certain circumstances, to maximum limits based on characteristics of coverage. Under the terms of the reinsurance agreements, the reinsurer agrees to reimburse for the ceded amount in the event the claim is paid. However, our insurance subsidiaries remain liable to their policyholders with respect to ceded insurance if any reinsurer fails to meet the obligations assumed by it. See Item 18, “Financial Statements”—“Schedule to Financial Statements”—“Reinsurance”, of this annual report for a table showing life insurance in force amounts on a direct, assumed and ceded basis for 2000, 2001 and 2002. See also Item 18, “Financial Statements”, Notes 1.14 and 1.15 of this annual report for the amount of reserve reduction taken at each balance sheet date for reinsurance ceded.

 

In accordance with industry practices, AEGON reinsures a portion of its life insurance exposure with unaffiliated insurance companies under traditional indemnity reinsurance arrangements. Approximately 33% of our total direct and assumed (for which we act as a reinsurer for others) life insurance in force is ceded to other insurers. In the United States, Transamerica Reinsurance retrocedes a significant portion of the risk it assumes. The major reinsurers of AEGON USA are Manulife Reinsurance Limited, RGA Reinsurance Company, Clarica Life Insurance Company, Munich American Reassurance Company, European Re of Zurich, Security Life of Denver and Swiss Re. The major reinsurers of AEGON UK include GE Frankona, Merrill Lynch Pensions, Invesco Pensions, Braillie Gifford Life, Barclays Global Investors Pensions and Deutsche Asset Management Life and Pensions. The major reinsurers for non-life insurance for AEGON The Netherlands are Partners Re, Parijs, Swiss Re, Zurich, A’veen and GE Frankona. The major reinsurers of ÁB-AEGON, in Hungary, are Swiss Re and Münich Re. AEGON Spain’s major reinsurers are Muchener, Nacional, General Re and Frankona.

 

We may have difficulty managing our expanding operations and we may not be successful in acquiring new businesses or divesting existing operations

 

In recent years we have effected a number of acquisitions and divestitures around the world and we may make further acquisitions and divestitures in the future. Growth by acquisition involves risks that could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition, including the diversion of financial and management resources from existing operations, difficulties in assimilating the operations, technologies, products and personnel of the acquired company, significant delays in completing the integration of acquired companies, the potential loss of key employees or customers of the acquired company, potential losses from unanticipated litigation, and tax and accounting issues.

 

Our acquisitions could result in the incurrence of additional indebtedness, costs, contingent liabilities and amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets. Divestitures of existing operations could result in our assuming or retaining certain contingent liabilities. All of the foregoing could materially adversely affect our businesses, financial condition and results of operations. Future acquisitions may also have a dilutive effect on the ownership and voting percentages of existing shareholders.

 

There can be no assurance that we will successfully identify suitable acquisition candidates or that we will properly value acquisitions we make. We are unable to predict whether or when any prospective acquisition candidate will become available or the likelihood that any acquisition will be completed once negotiations have commenced.

 

Risks Relating to our Common Shares

 

Our share price could be volatile and could drop unexpectedly, and you may not be able to resell your common shares at or above the price you paid

 

The price at which our common shares will trade will be influenced by a large number of factors, some of which will be specific to us and our operations and some of which will be related to the insurance industry and equity markets generally. As a result of these factors, you may not be able to resell your common shares at or

 

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above the price which you paid for them. In particular, the following factors, in addition to other risk factors described in this section, may have a significant impact on the market price of our common shares:

 

  investor perception of our company, including actual or anticipated variations in our revenues or operating results;

 

  announcement by us of intended acquisitions, disposals or financings or speculation about such acquisitions, disposals or financings;

 

  changes in our dividend policy, which could result from changes in our cash flow and capital position;

 

  sales of blocks of our shares by significant shareholders, including Vereniging AEGON;

 

  a downgrade or rumored downgrade of our credit or financial strength ratings, including placement on credit watch;

 

  potential litigation involving us or the insurance industry generally;

 

  changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities research analysts;

 

  fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates;

 

  the performance of other companies in the insurance sector;

 

  regulatory developments in The Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries;

 

  international political and economic conditions, including the effects of terrorist attacks, military operations and other developments stemming from such events and the uncertainty related to these developments;

 

  news or analyst reports related to our markets or industries in which we operate; and

 

  general market conditions.

 

The high and low sales prices of our common shares on Euronext Amsterdam were EUR 29.23 and EUR 9.04 respectively in 2002 and EUR 13.47 and EUR 5.87 respectively in the first nine months of 2003. The high and low sales prices of our common shares on the NYSE were U.S.$ 26.00 and U.S.$ 8.88 respectively in 2002 and U.S.$ 14.27 and U.S. $ 6.46 respectively in the first nine months of 2003. All share prices have been adjusted for the 2002 share dividend.

 

We and our significant shareholders may offer additional common shares in the future, and these and other sales may adversely affect the market price of our outstanding common shares

 

It is possible that we may decide to offer additional common shares in the future, for example to effect an acquisition. In connection with Vereniging AEGON’s refinancing in September 2002, it entered into an equity repurchase facility (“Repo Facility”) and a back-up credit facility (“Back-up Facility”). As is customary in these repurchase agreements, if sufficient collateral is not maintained by Vereniging AEGON (which in this case is based on the number of common shares and the prevailing share price) and amounts are not available under the Back-up Facility, the lenders under the Repo Facility may dispose of our common shares held by them under the Repo Facility in order to satisfy amounts outstanding. An additional offering of common shares by us, sales of common shares by significant shareholders or by lenders to Vereniging AEGON, or the public perception that an offering or such sales may occur, could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common shares. As of September 30, 2003, the total authorized share capital of AEGON consisted of 3,000,000,000 common shares, par value euro 0.12 per share, and 1,000,000,000 preferred shares A and B, par value euro 0.25 per share. All AEGON’s outstanding common shares are freely tradable in The Netherlands, and all shareholders, including large shareholders such as Vereniging AEGON, are free to resell their shares in The Netherlands at any time.

 

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Our largest shareholder, Vereniging AEGON, holds a large percentage of our voting shares and therefore has significant influence over our corporate actions

 

Prior to September 2002, Vereniging AEGON, our largest shareholder, beneficially owned approximately 52% of our voting shares and thus held voting control over us. In September 2002, Vereniging AEGON reduced its beneficial ownership to approximately 33% of our voting shares (excluding treasury shares). Pursuant to the 1983 Merger Amendment between AEGON and Vereniging AEGON, as amended, Vereniging AEGON may purchase as many class B preferred shares as would enable it to prevent or correct a dilution to below 33% of our voting shares caused by a new issuance of shares by AEGON. The option granted to Vereniging AEGON permits it to purchase up to a maximum of the non-issued part of the class B preferred shares included from time to time in AEGON’s authorized capital if necessary to prevent or correct such dilution below 33% of our voting shares. The class B preferred shares will be issued at an exercise price equal to their par value (euro 0.25), unless otherwise agreed. On September 19, 2003, Vereniging AEGON exercised its option to purchase 10,220,000 preferred shares at par value to correct dilution caused by AEGON’s recent share dividend.

 

In addition, we have implemented certain changes to our corporate governance structure and our relationship with Vereniging AEGON pursuant to which Vereniging AEGON’s voting power under normal circumstances, based on the current numbers of outstanding and voting shares, was reduced to approximately 23%, including the 10,220,000 shares purchased on September 19, 2003, of the votes exercisable in our general meeting of shareholders. However, this reduction in voting percentage is not applicable in all circumstances. In certain limited circumstances (such as the acquisition of 15% of our voting shares, a tender offer for our shares or a proposed business combination, each by any person or group of persons whether individually or acting as a group, other than in a transaction approved by the Executive Board and Supervisory Board), Vereniging AEGON’s voting rights will increase to approximately 33%.

 

Consequently, Vereniging AEGON may have substantial influence on the outcome of corporate actions requiring shareholder approval, including:

 

  adopting amendments to our articles of incorporation;

 

  approving a consolidation or liquidation;

 

  approving a tender offer, merger, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other business combination;

 

  in particular during the periods when the Association is entitled to exercise its increased voting rights, it will have sufficient voting power to veto any proposal relating to the following matters:

 

    rejecting Supervisory Board nominations for membership on the Supervisory Board and Executive Board;

 

    appointing an Executive Board or Supervisory Board member other than pursuant to Supervisory Board nomination; and

 

    suspending or removing an Executive Board or Supervisory Board member other than pursuant to a Supervisory Board proposal.

 

Currency fluctuations may adversely affect the trading prices of our common shares and the value of any cash distributions we make

 

Because our common shares listed on Euronext Amsterdam are quoted in euro and our common shares listed on the NYSE are quoted in US dollars, fluctuations in exchange rates between the euro and the US dollar may affect the value of your investment. In addition, we declare cash dividends in euro, but pay cash dividends, if any, on our New York Shares in US dollars based on an exchange rate set the business day following the shareholder meeting approving the dividend. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may affect the value of any cash dividends you receive.

 

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Convertible securities (or other securities that permit or require us to satisfy our obligations by issuing common shares) that we have issued or may issue may influence the market price for our common shares

 

Any market that develops for convertible securities or other securities that permit or require us to satisfy our obligations by issuing common shares that we have issued or may issue in the future would be likely to influence, and be influenced by, the market for our common shares. For example, the price of our common shares could become more volatile and could be depressed by investors’ anticipation of the potential resale in the market of substantial amounts of our common shares received at the maturity or acceleration of any convertible securities (or other such securities) we have issued by investors who view such convertible securities (or other such securities) as a more attractive means of participation in our equity and by hedging or arbitrage trading activity that may develop involving such convertible securities (or other such securities) and our common shares. Any such developments could negatively affect the value of our common shares.

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

History and Development of the AEGON Group

 

AEGON N.V., domiciled in the Netherlands, is a limited liability stock company organized under Dutch law.

 

AEGON N.V. was formed in 1983 through the merger of AGO and Ennia, both of which were successors to insurance companies founded in the 1800’s.

 

Our headquarters are located at:

AEGONplein 50

PO Box 202

2501 CE The Hague

The Netherlands

Telephone number: + 31 70 344 3210

Internet site: www.aegon.com

 

The AEGON Group, through its member companies, is a leading international insurance group with its headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands. The principal market for AEGON’s common shares is Euronext Amsterdam. AEGON’s common shares are also listed on the NYSE and the Frankfurt, London, and Tokyo exchanges as well as the SWX Swiss Exchange. Ranked by total assets as at December 31, 2001 (source: The Wall Street Journal, October 14, 2002), the AEGON Group is one of the world’s ten largest listed insurance groups. The AEGON Group has major operations in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Canada. The AEGON Group is also present in Hungary, Spain, Taiwan, Germany, Belgium and China and has representative offices in India and Japan. With roots dating back 150 years, the AEGON Group has extensive experience in the insurance industry. Crucial differences exist in local markets and for this reason the AEGON Group emphasizes a decentralized organization structure. Our operating companies, with knowledgeable and experienced local management and employees, market their own unique products using tailored distribution channels.

 

AEGON faces intense competition from a large number of other issuers, as well as non-insurance financial services companies such as banks, broker-dealers and asset managers, for individual customers, employer and other group customers and agents and other distributors of insurance and investment products.

 

Close to 90% of the AEGON Group’s core business is life insurance and pension-related savings and investment products. The AEGON Group is also active in accident and health insurance, property and casualty insurance and limited banking activities. Consistent with a policy of spreading risks to achieve reliable performance, we seek to maintain a good balance of business within the AEGON Group, both geographically and among product groups.

 

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The AEGON Group has the following reportable geographic segments: Americas, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Other countries, which include Hungary, Spain, Taiwan and a number of other smaller countries (Germany and Belgium).

 

For information on our business segments, see Note 3, “Segment Information”, to our financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report. The business activities of our principal subsidiaries are more fully described within the country sections that follow.

 

Strategy

 

Our strategy can be summarized as follows:

 

Commitment to Core Business

 

Insurance with a strong emphasis on life insurance, pensions and related savings and investment products. AEGON (AEGON NV or its subsidiaries as appropriate) focuses on the financial protection and asset accumulation needs of its clients.

 

Decentralized Organization

 

Multi-domestic and multi-branded approach, giving a high degree of autonomy to the management of the individual country and business units, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit and action. AEGON requires local management to run local businesses.

 

Emphasis on Profitability

 

Earnings per share growth of on average 10% per annum; the minimum return on investment is set to earn adequate returns well in excess of the cost of capital on the pricing of new business and acquisitions. Divestments of non-core activities and underperformers, and disciplined expense management are key to the achievement of these objectives.

 

International Expansion

 

AEGON supplements its autonomous growth with selective acquisitions and partnerships, which are preferred in countries where AEGON already has a presence in order to build scale and enhance distribution.

 

Recent Developments and Capital Expenditures and Divestments

 

Restructuring of Relationship with the Association

 

In September 2002, AEGON effected a non-dilutive capital restructuring whereby the Association sold 350 million common shares, of which 143.6 million common shares were sold by the Association directly in a secondary offering outside the United States and 206.4 million shares were purchased by AEGON from the Association and subsequently sold by AEGON in a global offering. The purchase price for the 206,400,000 common shares sold by the Association to AEGON was EUR 2,064,000,000, which amount the Association contributed as additional paid-in capital on AEGON’s existing preferred shares, all of which the Association holds. The Association and AEGON agreed to set off their respective payment obligations to each other; accordingly, no cash was exchanged between the Association and AEGON as part of these transactions. As a result of these transactions, the Association’s beneficial ownership interest in our common shares decreased from approximately 37% to approximately 12% and its beneficial ownership interest in our voting shares (which includes our common shares and preferred shares) decreased from approximately 52% to approximately 33% (excluding treasury shares).

 

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On May 9, 2003, AEGON’s shareholders approved certain changes to AEGON’s corporate governance structure and AEGON’s relationship with the Association in an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders. AEGON’s articles of incorporation were subsequently amended on May 26, 2003. The Association’s interest in AEGON’s voting share capital has changed in the following ways:

 

  The 440,000,000 preferred shares in AEGON’s share capital formerly held by the Association have been converted into 211,680,000 new preferred shares and re-denominated as class A preferred shares. The nominal value of the class A preferred shares has been adjusted proportionately per preferred share from EUR 0.12 to EUR 0.25. The paid-in capital per share has been adjusted proportionally per new class A preferred share so that the aggregate paid-in capital remains unchanged.

 

  The voting power associated with each remaining preferred share (including the class A preferred shares held by the Association and the class B preferred shares issuable to the Association under the option agreement discussed below) has been adjusted proportionately to 2.08 votes per preferred share.

 

  AEGON and the Association have entered into a voting rights agreement, pursuant to which the Association has voluntarily relinquished its right to cast 2.08 votes per class A preferred share or class B preferred share. Instead, the Association has agreed to cast one vote per preferred share, except in the event of a “special cause” (such as the acquisition of 15% of our voting shares, a tender offer for our shares or a proposed business combination by any person or group of persons whether individually or as a group, other than in a transaction approved by the Executive Board and Supervisory Board). In the event a “special cause” has occurred, the Association will retain its right to exercise the full voting power of 2.08 votes per preferred share. Accordingly, the Association’s voting powers under normal circumstances, based on the number of outstanding and voting shares on September 19, 2003, is approximately 23%, including the 10,220,000 shares purchased on September 19, 2003 (discussed below), of the votes exercisable in AEGON’s general meeting of shareholders. In the event of a “special cause”, the Association’s voting rights will increase to approximately 33% for up to six months per “special cause”. The Association will determine in its sole discretion whether a “special cause” exists and if it is of the opinion that a “special cause” exists, it will communicate this to the general meeting of shareholders. The voting rights agreement can be amended only with the approval of AEGON’s general meeting of shareholders.

 

  AEGON and the Association have amended their existing option agreement, which formerly gave the Association the right to acquire additional preferred shares to prevent dilution of interest in AEGON’s voting share capital to below 50% as a result of a new share issuance by AEGON. Under the option agreement, as amended on May 26, 2003, the Association may purchase as many class B preferred shares as would enable it to prevent or correct a dilution to below 33% of AEGON’s voting shares caused by a new issuance of shares by AEGON. The option granted to the Association permits it to purchase up to a maximum of the non-issued part of the class B preferred shares included from time to time in AEGON’s authorized capital if necessary to prevent or correct such dilution below 33% of AEGON’s voting shares. The class B preferred shares will be issued at an exercise price equal to their par value (euro 0.25), unless otherwise agreed. On September 19, 2003, the Association exercised its option to purchase 10,220,000 preferred shares at par value to correct dilution caused by AEGON’s recent share dividend.

 

Capital Expenditures and Divestitures

 

In the course of 2002, AEGON announced the acquisition in whole or in part of several independent advisory companies in the United Kingdom. The purchases were realized through AEGON UK plc and form part of the strategic goal to invest in distribution capability in the UK market.

 

On December 2, 2002 AEGON announced that an agreement had been reached with Paramount Life & General Insurance Corporation in the Philippines for the immediate transfer of AEGON’s activities in the

 

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Philippines. The agreement includes the transfer of the existing book of business. Approval of the relevant regulatory authorities has been received for this transaction.

 

On September 5, 2002, AEGON and La Mondiale, a French mutual life insurance company that specializes in life insurance and pensions, announced that they had entered into an alliance for the development of new pension ventures in Europe. To effectuate this alliance, AEGON on December 26, 2002 acquired a 20% participation in La Mondiale Participations, the holding company under which the non-mutual activities of La Mondiale have been grouped. The agreement provides for extension of the participation to 35% in the next few years.

 

On May 9, 2002, AEGON and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced the establishment of a joint venture for life insurance activities in China. CNOOC and AEGON entered this joint venture as equal partners and will each contribute 50% to the joint venture’s initial capital base of approximately EUR 27 million. The joint venture’s headquarters will be located in Shanghai and, subject to receiving regulatory approval, will commence operations in the course of 2003.

 

Effective December 31, 2001 the AEGON Group sold its partnership interests in two Mexican companies, Seguros Banamex AEGON (a provider of life insurance) and Afore Banamex AEGON (a provider of pension fund management) for USD 1.24 billion to Citigroup’s Grupo Financiero Banamex in Mexico. In addition, AEGON received USD 40 million as dividends on the 2001 profits of the joint venture companies.

 

AEGON’s subsidiary, Life Insurance (Taiwan) Inc. and AXA National Mutual in Taiwan reached an agreement on October 10, 2001 for the acquisition by Life Insurance (Taiwan) Inc. of AXA’s Taiwanese life insurance activities. The acquisition was completed at the end of 2001.

 

In March 2001, the AEGON Group announced the acquisition through a US subsidiary of J.C. Penney’s Direct Marketing Services operations for USD 1.3 billion in cash. As part of the agreement, J.C. Penney and AEGON, through its Commonwealth General subsidiary, entered into a 15-year strategic marketing alliance designed to offer an expanded range of financial and membership services products to J.C. Penney customers. The J.C. Penney Direct Marketing Services businesses operate as a part of the AEGON USA companies. AEGON paid for the acquisition in cash. The transaction was financed with the proceeds of an equity offering of 55 million AEGON common shares on May 30, 2001.

 

In March 2000, AEGON announced the sale of its banking subsidiary, Labouchere, to Dexia for approximately EUR 900 million. The transaction was completed in August 2000. Only the first quarter net earnings from Labouchere, totalling EUR 31 million, were included in AEGON’s results for 2000.

 

Business Overview

 

Product-line Overview

 

General Account Products

 

With general account life insurance products, AEGON carries the investment risk, earns a spread (the difference between investment performance and crediting rates to the customers) and realizes mortality results

 

Traditional Life Products. Traditional life products contributed 79% of AEGON’s income before tax in 2002. These products are marketed to individuals, pension funds, companies and banks, through (independent) agents, brokers, direct response, worksite marketing and financial institutions in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hungary, Spain and Taiwan.

 

Permanent life insurance provides life-long financial protection. Most permanent policies have a cash value feature with minimum rate guarantee that accumulates tax-deferred over the life of the policy and can be used to

 

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help fund financial goals, particularly in retirement. Whole life insurance is a common form of permanent life insurance where premiums generally remain constant over the life of the policy. Universal life insurance is another form of permanent life insurance that has either a flexible or single premium. The contract has an adjustable benefit feature that allows the customer great flexibility on when to pay premiums and the amount of the premium, subject to a minimum and a maximum. In general, the more the customer pays in premium, the greater the cash value will be. The interest rate at which the cash value accumulates is adjusted periodically. Universal life insurance has a stated minimum interest rate that will be paid on the policy’s cash value. An indexed version of universal life is also offered where the credited rate is tied to the change, either positive or negative, in a designated stock market index. There is no minimum interest for indexed universal life. Universal life products are sold to individuals, pension funds, companies, and banks.

 

Term life insurance provides protection for a certain period of time and allows the customer to select the duration of coverage and the amount of protection. The policy pays death benefits only if the customer dies during the specified term. Term policies do not accumulate a cash value. The policies can usually be renewed upon expiration and premiums normally increase upon renewal. Certain term life insurance products sold in the United States (such as mortgage insurance and credit life insurance) provide a death benefit that decreases over the term period, based on a stated method. The rate of decrease usually corresponds with the decrease in the principal balance of the loan.

 

Traditional life products also include life insurance sold as part of defined benefit pension plans, endowment policies and post-retirement annuity products. Bank- or company-owned life insurance (BOLI/COLI) funds the costs of employee benefits, usually with key employees of the company as the insured persons.

 

Fixed Annuities. Fixed annuities contributed 9% of AEGON’s income before tax in 2002. Fixed annuities are marketed to individuals and pension funds through financial institutions, (independent) agents, brokers and direct response in the United States and Canada.

 

A fixed annuity is an annuity contract guaranteeing the customer a fixed minimum payout. The fixed annuity products AEGON offers include deferred or immediate annuities, which may be purchased on either a flexible or single premium basis. An immediate annuity is usually purchased with a single lump sum premium payment and the benefit payments begin within a year after the purchase. Deferred annuities are offered on a fixed or indexed basis and the benefit payments will begin at a future date. Upon maturity of the annuity, the customer can select payout options, including a lump sum payment or income for life or for a period of time. Should the customer die prior to receiving the benefits of the policy, the beneficiary receives the accumulated cash value death benefit. The customer can surrender the annuity prior to maturity and receive the cash value less surrender charges. Fixed annuities have a specified rate of interest that can be reset periodically by AEGON.

 

A multi-strategy annuity allows a customer a choice of investment strategies to allocate funds and provides an accumulative lifetime minimum guaranteed interest rate. Early withdrawal by the customer of the cash value of the annuity is subject to surrender charges.

 

GICs and Funding Agreements. Guaranteed Investment Contracts (GICs) and Funding Agreements (FAs) contributed 15% of AEGON’s income before tax in 2002. GICs and FAs are marketed to tax qualified pension funds and financial institutions and non-tax qualified money market funds, municipalities and oversees investors. GICs are primarily sold to tax qualified plans while FAs are typically sold to non-tax qualified institutional investors. The products are marketed through brokers, direct and (independent) agents in the United States and internationally from the United States.

 

GICs and FAs are spread-based insurance products that are generally issued on a fixed or floating rate basis and provide the customer a return of principal and a guaranteed rate of interest. For some of the products, the customer receives a return based on a change in a published index, such as the S&P 500. The term of the contract can be fixed (primarily from 6 months up to 10 years) or it can have an indefinite maturity. Contracts with an

 

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indefinite maturity provide the customer with a put option whereby the contract will be terminated with advance notice ranging from 3 to 13 months.

 

Products for the Account of Policyholders

 

Products for the account of policyholders are those where the policyholders carry the investment risk. AEGON earns management and administration fees and mortality results on these products.

 

Life Products for the Account of Policyholders. Life products for the account of policyholders contributed 20% of AEGON’s income before tax in 2002. These products are sold to individuals through (independent) agents, marketing organizations, financial institutions, worksite marketing, franchise organizations and brokers in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, Hungary and Taiwan.

 

Life products for the account of policyholders include several forms of life insurance and pension products whereby death benefits and cash values vary with the performance of a portfolio of investments. Premiums can be allocated among a variety of investments that offer different degrees of risk and reward, including stocks, bonds, combinations of both, or investment products that guarantee interest and principal. The customer retains the investment risk and AEGON earns a return from investment management fees, cost of insurance and expense charges. The contract account balance varies with the performance of the investments chosen by the policyholder.

 

These products also include variable universal life (North America), tontine plans (the Netherlands) and unit-linked life insurance (Europe).

 

Variable universal life products are similar to universal life products, but include investment options and the maintenance of investment assets in separate accounts (also known as investments for the account of policyholders) that segregate the assets and liabilities from the general account.

 

Tontine plans are linked pure endowment savings contracts, with a tontine bonus structure. On death before maturity, the tontine plans pay a death benefit equal to the premiums accumulated at 4% compound interest, subject to a minimum of 110% of the fund value during the first half of the contract term. This death benefit is charged for on a yearly risk premium basis. The amount of death benefit that is charged for is equal to the total benefit paid to the policyholder plus any unrecouped acquisition costs. On death the balance in the investment account is not paid out to the policyholder’s estate, but is shared out at the end of the year to the surviving policyholders of the specific series (a new series starts at the beginning of each calendar year) to which the deceased policyholder belonged. On survival to the maturity date, a benefit equal to the fund value, inclusive of tontine bonuses, is paid out. This is subject to a minimum of the premiums paid, if the Mix-fund was chosen.

 

Unit-linked products are contracts whereby the policyholder is able to choose initially, and change subsequently, the proportion of the premium that is invested in certain funds. The benefits on death or maturity are equal to the value of the units, in certain cases subject to a minimum of the guaranteed benefits. Unit-linked products generally have variable maturities and variable premiums.

 

Variable Annuities. Variable annuities contributed minus EUR 462 million to AEGON’s income before tax in 2002. Variable annuities are sold to individuals and pension funds through (independent) agents, marketing organizations, brokers and financial institutions in the United States and Canada.

 

Annuities allow a customer to save for the future on a tax-deferred basis and to select payout options that meet the customer’s need for income upon maturity, including lump sum payment or income for life or for a period of time.

 

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Premiums paid on variable annuity contracts are invested in funds offered by AEGON, including bond and stock funds and selected by a client based on the client’s preferred level of risk. The account value of the variable annuities reflects the performance of the funds. AEGON earns mortality charges for providing a minimum guaranteed death benefit and may also provide guaranteed income benefits upon annuitization. This category includes segregated funds (Canada).

 

Fee Business. Fee business contributed EUR 2 million (or 0.1%) to AEGON’s income before tax in 2002. The products are sold to individuals, pension funds, asset managers through (independent) agents, marketing organizations and financial institutions and direct marketing in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Hungary.

 

Our fee business comprises products that generate fee income for AEGON by providing management, administrative or risk services related to off-balance sheet assets (i.e. equity or bond funds, third-party managed assets and collective investment trusts). Our operations in the United States provide investment products and administrative services, including group fixed annuities and (retirement planning) services for various group variable annuities, mutual funds, collective investment trusts, and asset allocation types of pension arrangements. AEGON serves the following retirement plan markets:

 

  corporate defined benefit plans;

 

  corporate defined contribution plans (401(k) plans);

 

  not-for-profit organizations qualifying for tax qualified annuities under section 403(b) of the US Internal Revenue Code; and

 

  non-qualified 457 plans available to government and tax-exempt organizations.

 

Our US operations sell group and individual fixed annuity and 401(k) contracts to small and medium-sized institutions. Group fixed annuities are purchased with a single premium that funds the annuities for a group of employees. The single premium includes a fee for the administrative services to be provided by AEGON after the annuity is purchased. 401(k) contracts sold to small employers are principally sold on separate accounts and allow the purchaser access to the family of mutual funds offered by AEGON.

 

Bundled retirement plans are sold to mid-sized and large employers. A “manager of managers” investment approach is used specifically for the retirement plans market, which approach allows clients to access institutional investment managers across the major asset classes. These funds are available in a “core-and-feeder” structure, in which the core is similar to a mutual fund and the feeder provides an institutional customer with a choice of products that are directly linked to the performance of the mutual fund, such as a registered or non-registered variable annuity, a collective investment trust (off-balance sheet) or mutual funds (off-balance sheet).

 

The US operations provide the fund manager oversight for the IDEX and Diversified Investors Funds Group family of mutual funds. AEGON builds alliances with investment companies and selects and retains external managers based upon performance from a variety of investment firms. The external manager remains with the investment company and acts as a sub-advisor for AEGON’s mutual funds. AEGON earns investment management fees on these investment products.

 

A synthetic GIC is an off-balance sheet fee-based product sold primarily to tax qualified plans. The plan sponsor retains ownership and control of the invested assets. AEGON provides book value benefit responsiveness in the event that qualified plan benefit requests exceed plan cash flows. In certain contracts, AEGON agrees to make advances to meet benefit payment needs and earns a market interest rate on these advances. The periodically adjusted contract-crediting rate is the means by which investment and benefit responsive experience is passed through to participants.

 

In Canada, fees are earned through several special service and fund management companies. Fees are earned by providing administrative back office services that facilitate the sale of mutual funds and segregated fund

 

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products. In addition, a national network of financial planning franchises and representatives earn fees when products of non-affiliated companies are sold. Investment management fees are also earned by providing portfolio management and investment advisory services.

 

Accident and Health Insurance. Accident and health insurance contributed 15% to AEGON’s income before tax in 2002. Accident and health products are sold to individuals and companies through (independent) agents, brokers and direct marketing in the United States, the Netherlands, Spain and Hungary.

 

AEGON offers limited forms of health insurance, including disability insurance in the Netherlands and accidental death and dismemberment insurance in the United States, but does not offer major medical coverage.

 

AEGON also offers cancer treatment, heart disease and intensive care policies that are sold to individuals on a voluntary basis at their place of employment with premium payment made through payroll deduction. These plans provide specified income payments during hospitalization, scheduled benefits for specific hospital/surgical expenses and cancer treatments, hospice care, and cover deductible and co-payment amounts not covered by other health insurance and Medicare supplement products.

 

Long-term care products provide benefits to a customer who because of their advanced age or a serious illness require continuous care. Long-term care policies offered include nursing home coverage, home health care, assisted living and adult day-care services and protect the insured’s income and retirement savings from the costs of long-term nursing home or home health care.

 

General Insurance. General insurance contributed 3% to AEGON’s income before tax in 2002. General insurance is sold to individuals and companies through (independent) agents and brokers in the Netherlands, Hungary and Spain.

 

AEGON offers limited forms of general insurance in selected markets, such as automobile insurance, liability insurance, household insurance and fire protection.

 

Banking Products. Banking products contributed EUR 8 million (or 0.4%) to AEGON’s income before tax in 2002. Customers include individuals and companies in the Netherlands. Distribution channels are direct marketing, (independent) agents, retailers and franchise organizations.

 

AEGON’s banking products include savings accounts and investment contracts (i.e. share lease products). Both products generate investment-spread income for AEGON. Savings accounts offer attractive interest rates while retaining flexibility to withdraw cash with limited restrictions. Security lease products provide a combination of monthly interest payments on a loan and a final payment based on the performance of the investments. Banking products also include investment products that offer index-linked returns and generate fee income on the performance of the investments.

 

Supervision

 

Individual entities in the AEGON Group are each subject to solvency supervision in their respective home countries. Based on EC legislation (Directive 98/79/EC) adopted in 1998, the supervisory authorities in the Netherlands (Pensioen en Verzekeringskamer, or PVK) are, as lead supervisors, also required to carry out “supplementary supervision”. The supplementary supervision of insurance companies in an insurance group enables the supervisors to form a more sound opinion on the financial position of insurance companies that are part of that group. The Directive requires the PVK to take into account the relevant financial affiliations between the insurance companies and other entities in the group. In this respect, AEGON is required to submit to the PVK biannual reports setting forth all significant transactions and positions between the insurance and non-insurance companies in the AEGON Group.

 

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Both the insurance and banking companies in the AEGON Group are also required to maintain a minimum solvency margin based on local requirements. The required solvency margin is the sum of the margins of each of AEGON’s insurance and banking subsidiaries, based on the requirements of European directives. Available liability capital includes shareholders’ equity, capital securities and subordinated loans.

 

Organizational Structure

 

The main operating units of the AEGON Group are separate legal entities organized under the laws of their respective countries. The shares of those legal entities are directly or indirectly held by two intermediate holding companies incorporated under Dutch law: AEGON Nederland N.V., parent company of the Dutch operations as well as the German venture, and AEGON International N.V., which holds the Group companies (all of which are wholly-owned, unless otherwise indicated) in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Spain (99.98%) and Taiwan.

 

AEGON USA

 

General History

 

AEGON’s life insurance operations in the United States are referred to collectively as AEGON USA.

 

AEGON USA was formed in 1989 when AEGON decided to consolidate the U.S. holding companies under one financial services holding company. Business operations are conducted through life insurance subsidiaries of AEGON USA Inc., Commonwealth General and Transamerica Corporation. Products are offered through several primary life insurance subsidiaries, with licenses in every state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam and Canada.

 

Total employment of AEGON USA as at December 31, 2002 was 14,536, including 3,074 agents.

 

The primary insurance subsidiaries in the United States, all of which are wholly-owned, are:

 

  AUSA Life Insurance Company, Inc., Purchase (New York USA)

 

  Life Investors Insurance Company of America, Cedar Rapids (Iowa USA)

 

  Monumental Life Insurance Company, Baltimore (Maryland USA)

 

  Peoples Benefit Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids (Iowa USA)

 

  Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus (Ohio USA)

 

  Stonebridge Life Insurance Company, Rutland (Vermont USA). (formerly J.C.Penney)

 

  Transamerica Life Insurance & Annuity Company, Charlotte (North Carolina USA)

 

  Transamerica Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids (Iowa USA)

 

  Transamerica Life Insurance Company of New York (New York USA)

 

  Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids (Iowa USA)

 

  Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio, Columbus (Ohio USA)

 

  Veterans Life Insurance Company, Springfield (Illinois USA)

 

  First AUSA Life Insurance Company, Baltimore (Maryland USA)

 

Our US operations (carried out by our collective group of US operating companies) primarily sell life insurance products, including traditional life insurance, universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, funding agreements, fixed annuities and variable annuities. AEGON’s US

 

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operations also sell accident and health insurance, but made the strategic decision to move away from primary health coverage a number of years ago, and to concentrate health operations in the supplemental coverage sector. The majority of earnings contributions from AEGON’s US operations are derived from traditional life and universal life products.

 

Operationally, our US subsidiary companies contain five operating groups acting through one or more of the AEGON USA life insurance companies: Agency, Direct Marketing Services, Financial Markets, Institutional Products and Services, and Pension and Reinsurance. The group structure enables AEGON USA to look across the organization more easily to reduce redundancies, identify business synergies, pursue cross-selling opportunities and improve operating efficiencies. Coordinated support services provide expertise in systems technology, investment management, regulatory compliance and various corporate functions to complement operations.

 

The expansion of product portfolio and distribution through targeted acquisitions continues to be an integral part of AEGON USA’s long-term strategy. Building on competitive products, strong distribution and talented people, the operations that have joined AEGON USA through acquisitions are successful additions that continue to deliver strong performance and foster new growth opportunities.

 

Recent Developments and Capital Expenditures and Divestments

 

In 2001 the AEGON USA companies took a major step to extend expertise in direct marketing, a targeted marketing approach that is well suited to the life and supplementary insurance products, and database management with the acquisition of J.C. Penney’s direct marketing insurance operations. The integration of the J.C. Penney activities with the AEGON USA direct marketing unit has established AEGON as a large direct marketing organization of life and health products in the U.S.

 

AEGON USA acquired Transamerica in 1999. The addition of Transamerica’s US life reinsurance operations represented an immediate leadership position in this market (source: Munich Re report on U.S. life reinsurers) The acquisition also significantly strengthened AEGON USA’s agent penetration among higher income customer segments and enhanced the size and efficiency scale of its fixed annuity, long-term care, worksite marketing, 401(k) pension and structured settlements businesses, while also bringing breadth and depth to distribution, enhanced product offerings, and brand recognition. The acquisition also created cost reduction opportunities for AEGON USA and contributed valuable expertise, extensive market knowledge and successful business practices.

 

AEGON terminated its Mexican joint ventures, Seguros Banamex AEGON and AFORE Banamex AEGON in 2001 with Citigroup’s acquisition of parent company Grupo Financiero Banamex (Banacci). AEGON was an early entrant in the underserved Mexican insurance market in 1995, and together with Banacci, became a leading provider of insurance and retirement savings products

 

Key Priorities for 2003

 

For 2003, AEGON Americas will pursue growth in our core business at an acceptable risk profile. In addition, the various cost saving initiatives will be vigorously pursued. Broadening and growing distribution relationships will accelerate, as enhanced technology capabilities and management emphasis will bring more of AEGON USA’s product offerings to each distribution channel.

 

Products and Distribution

 

Agency Group

 

The Agency Group divisions offer a wide range of insurance products through career and independent agents, registered representatives, financial advisors and specialized marketing organizations, and target distinct

 

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market segments ranging from home service to the advanced market that serves clients with higher net worth by providing various tax and estate planning products. The Agency Group consists of AEGON Financial Partners, LIICA Agency/Intersecurities, Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group, World Financial Group, Monumental Division and Long Term Care.

 

AEGON Financial Partners (AFP) was formed in early 2002 as a new internal service organization to enable the Agency Group to take better advantage of its combined size and strength by integrating the operations, technology and service functions of the former Equity Group, Individual Division and Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group. AFP provides services to LIICA Agency/Intersecurities (formerly sales and marketing for the Individual Division), Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group and World Financial Group (formerly sales and distribution for the Equity Group).

 

LIICA Agency/Intersecurities targets middle to upper-income markets, selling primarily interest-sensitive and ordinary life insurance. For more than 40 years, LIICA Agency has focused on creating value for individuals, families and businesses by providing personalized insurance and financial products, resources and services. Through its agency-building system, LIICA Agency has carried outs its mission by providing its more than 2,200 sales representatives with quality products, technology tools, and high levels of home office training and support.

 

During the past few years, the Independent Producer Group has seen tremendous growth in both recruiting and sales. This unit, which is focused on developing relationships with independent marketing organizations and managing general agents throughout the United States, has grown to nearly 13,000 appointed representatives.

 

Intersecurities, Inc. (ISI) is a fully licensed, independent broker-dealer and registered investment advisor. ISI’s 2,500 registered representatives are focused on helping clients meet their investment objectives through an array of financial products, including mutual funds, fixed and variable life insurance, annuities, and securities. ISI is positioning itself for growth by building an internal wholesaling unit for life products within already existing channels and leveraging the wholesaling expertise of its affiliate, Transamerica Capital, Inc., for variable products.

 

Other distribution groups include National Bond & Trust Company, a licensed US Savings Bond issuing agent for the US Treasury Department, has provided access to the payroll deduction market. Zahorik Company, a registered broker-dealer based in Pasadena, California, specializes in retirement planning, deferred compensation programs and insurance and employee benefit programs for corporate and non-profit organizations. The NOL distribution group provides final expense coverage to the senior market.

 

Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group (TIIG) distributes term, universal life, fixed and variable life insurance; fixed and variable annuities; and other products to its targeted niche market of older, affluent customers. TIIG maintains a unique relationship with its primary distribution channel, the General Agencies. This wholesale distribution system connects TIIG with over 45,000 licensed and active producers. Sales of TIIG’s variable products are supported by a network of broker-dealers, including the broker-dealer channel, which includes Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc., an affiliated broker-dealer with 950 representatives. TIIG currently has a National Accounts initiative underway for its fixed and variable products, focusing on establishing and maintaining business relationships with key national accounts and driving marketing programs aimed at increasing production from sales representatives. TIIG Distributors have been formed to penetrate this market and is made up of general agencies, with wholesalers dedicated to serving this channel with Transamerica’s programs and products.

 

World Financial Group (WFG) targets the middle-income market, selling variable universal life insurance, variable annuities and mutual funds. WFG was formed in June 2001 by purchasing the distribution assets, including contractual arrangements with distribution channels, of former partner World Marketing Alliance, Inc. WFG affords its more than 50,000 associates, (8,500 of whom are securities registered with World Group Securities, Inc., a registered broker-dealer), the opportunity to build financial services and insurance businesses

 

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on their own terms. Through its alignment with many of the most respected product provider companies, including Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio, WFG’s associates work with individual clients to create a program of products that meet their financial goals.

 

Monumental Division targets the underserved, lower and middle-income markets, selling individual life and supplemental health insurance through three distinct distribution systems: Career Agency, PreNeed and Military. Approximately 2,600 career agents and 170 field leadership teams in 22 states reflect the diversity found in the communities they serve. The PreNeed unit sells life insurance products through funeral directors and their agents to prefund funerals. In the Military unit, former military officers market life insurance and retirement savings products to commissioned and non-commissioned officers based in the United States and abroad.

 

The Long Term Care Division provides insurance products designed to meet the long-term health care needs of consumers during retirement. Long-term care insurance products provide coverage primarily for care services provided at home, in an assisted living facility or in a nursing home. This division has been active in the market since the late 1980’s and with the integration of the Transamerica Long Term Care operations, it is now among the top six US providers of long-term care insurance products (Life Plan 2002 annual survey of Long Term Care Insurers). Products are sold directly through independent brokerage agents, captive/career agents and general agents. The division continues to develop new and existing relationships with employers, financial institutions, teacher associations and other entities where a third-party endorsement is valuable. The division has also expanded into web-based direct sales.

 

Direct Marketing Services Group

 

AEGON Direct Marketing Services (ADMS) is focused on customers that might not be reached by AEGON USA’s other distribution channels, or might prefer to buy insurance products directly and not through an agent or intermediary. ADMS has developed to a highly targeted approach using sophisticated database technology to increase its ability to develop niche markets and design products positioned to meet specific customers’ needs. Customers can purchase an extensive portfolio of products through direct mail, point-of-service, the Internet and telemarketing. Products are also marketed using the endorsement of sponsoring organizations such as financial institutions, auto dealers and various membership associations. Although the direct delivery insurance market is a relatively small and mature sector, ADMS produces very strong earnings and returns, primarily through an expense-efficient infrastructure and successful integration of two significant acquisitions (Providian’s direct marketing operations in 1997 and the J.C. Penney direct marketing operations in 2001) that reduced redundancies and leveraged complementary strengths. The unit counterbalances AEGON USA’s interest-sensitive business and can potentially complement the Agency Group with sales leads.

 

Financial Markets Group

 

AEGON USA’s Financial Markets Group (FMG) consists of Transamerica Financial Institutions, Transamerica Capital, Transamerica Investment Management, LLC, Advisor Resources, Extraordinary Markets and Transamerica Worksite Marketing.

 

Transamerica Financial Institutions (TFI) works in partnership with many of the largest banks in the United States to market fixed and variable annuities and life insurance through the banking channel. TFI was an early entrant into the bank-sold annuity market and now ranks as the number two producer of annuities sold through banks (Kehrer Report, YTD 2002 rankings). Recent product focus has been on the “50 years and older” segment and “proprietary” bank annuities, whereby AEGON USA develops an annuity specifically branded for the individual financial institution and the financial institution earns fee income from the marketing and investment management functions. Transamerica Capital (TCI) serves as the wholesale marketing and sales arm to the competitive brokerage firm distribution channel. TCI works directly with leading New York wirehouse firms, regional and independent broker-dealers and independent financial planners to help them market, promote and sell mutual fund and variable annuity products to their clients. Transamerica Investment Management is a

 

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registered investment advisor and provides investment management services to mutual funds, institutional accounts, pension funds, variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts.

 

Extraordinary Markets offers fixed and variable life insurance products to the bank and corporate-owned life insurance market through top-level independent brokers. Extraordinary Markets’ specialized team of product development, financial, actuarial and investment professionals has helped some of the world’s leading financial institutions and corporations fund employee and executive benefit and compensation programs through innovative insurance and investment solutions. The market is approached opportunistically and thus sales results can vary dramatically from year to year.

 

Transamerica Worksite Marketing offers a wide range of voluntary, payroll deduction life and supplemental health insurance products for groups ranging in size from as few as five employees to more than 150,000 employees. Products marketed to employees at their workplace are designed to supplement benefit plans that they may already have, both through their employers and on their own.

 

Institutional Products and Services Group

 

The Institutional Products and Services Group includes AEGON Institutional Markets Division, Structured Settlements and AEGON USA Investment Management, LLC.

 

AEGON Institutional Markets Division (IMD) is the combined institutional asset accumulation operation of Commonwealth General and institutional markets operation of Transamerica. IMD is well positioned and long established in the competitive and mature institutional retirement and savings products market. IMD entered the GIC market with a distinctive floating-rate GIC and has expanded into traditional fixed-rate GICs, funding agreements and fee-based businesses like synthetic GICs, in which IMD is the largest insurance company issuer (source: reports of LIMRA International). While new entrants in this market have increased competition and margin compression, IMD has been able to enhance its leadership position (source: LIMRA International, “U.S. Institutional Pension Sales and Assets” (2002)) through product customization, strong service capabilities and profitable pricing. IMD’s skills in product development, distribution and investment and risk management have resulted in a diversified customer and market base and multi-channel distribution.

 

The Structured Settlements division develops immediate annuity and structured annuity products that provide a stream of tax-free payments tailored to the needs of personal injury victims and their families. These annuities are issued in settlement of lawsuits and workers’ compensation claims. Ratings, financial strength, service and property/casualty-approved lists are key to the structured settlements market.

 

AEGON USA Investment Management, LLC provides investment management and reporting services for over 96% of the investment assets of AEGON USA and its insurance company subsidiaries. Assets supporting each major product group are managed as a separate portfolio, each with its own investment policy tailored to the respective liability. Liability characteristics that are considered when forming the investment policy include interest rate sensitivity, optionality and liquidity needs. The match between assets and liabilities is monitored at both the product portfolio level and the aggregate level.

 

Pension and Reinsurance Group

 

The Pension and Reinsurance Group includes Diversified Investment Advisors, Transamerica Retirement Services and Transamerica Reinsurance.

 

Diversified Investment Advisor (DIA) includes the annuity and pension operations purchased from Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York in 1993. DIA markets pension and retirement plans through its own specialist field force, focusing on mid-size to large plans in the defined contribution market, the not-for-profit and government markets and the investment advisory market. For competitive advantages in these markets, DIA

 

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focuses on participant education and its proprietary products, utilizing sub-advisors in an oversight role. DIA has used technology initiatives to provided 24/7 access to plan and account information through Diversified Direct Online and speech recognition capabilities at call centers.

 

Transamerica Retirement Services uses independent agents to market small 401(k) business, profit sharing, money purchase and defined benefit plans. The operation targets employers with 300 to 4,000 employees and outsources record keeping.

 

Transamerica Reinsurance is among the top professional life reinsurers, ranking fourth in life reinsurance in-force and fifth in assumed new business (source: Munich Re report on U.S. life reinsurers). Transamerica Reinsurance continues to advance international efforts, with a primary focus on South American and Asian markets, and provides various product development, risk management, term insurance wholesaling and asset/liability management consulting services to its reinsurance clients. The focus on large, primary insurance carriers aides in controlling expenses through economies of scale. Transamerica Reinsurance writes reinsurance directly with its ceding companies rather than through brokers. This direct relationship produces an expense advantage and a more complete understanding of risks while contributing to more favorable underwriting results and deeper, longer-lasting client relationships. In today’s highly competitive reinsurance environment, Transamerica Reinsurance distinguishes itself through its consultation services. Foreign offices have been established in Taipei (Taiwan), Seoul (Korea) and Santiago (Chile). A web-based distribution capability for private label business needs and an Irish reinsurance facility were established in 2001. An offshore affiliate, Transamerica International Re, is located in Bermuda.

 

Asset Liability Management

 

AEGON’s US subsidiaries are subject to regulation under the laws of the states in which they are domiciled. Each state’s law prescribes the nature, quality and percentage of various types of investments that may be made by the subsidiaries. Such laws generally permit investments in qualified state, municipal and federal government obligations, corporate debt, preferred and common stock, real estate and real estate mortgages for less than the value of the mortgaged property.

 

The key investment strategy for traditional insurance-linked portfolios is asset liability management, whereby high-quality investment assets are matched in an optimal way to the corresponding insurance liability, taking into account currency, yield and maturity characteristics as well as asset diversification and quality considerations on the one hand and the policyholders’ guaranteed or reasonably expected excess interest sharing on the other hand. Investment-grade fixed income securities are the main vehicle for asset liability management and AEGON USA’s investment personnel are highly skilled and experienced in these investments. However, the fastest growing portion of AEGON USA’s investment portfolio is money managed for the account of third parties, where the client’s performance objectives frequently call for higher risk, higher return investment strategies.

 

The AEGON USA companies manage their asset liability management process through the work of several committees. These committees review strategies, define risk measures, define and review asset liability management studies, examine risk hedging techniques, including the use of derivatives, and analyze the potential use of new asset classes. Cash flow testing analysis is performed using computer simulations, which model assets, and liabilities under stochastically projected interest rate scenarios and commonly used stress-test interest rate scenarios. Based on the results of these computer simulations, the investment portfolio is structured to maintain a desired investment spread between the yield on the portfolio assets and the rate credited on the policy liabilities. Interest rate scenario testing is a continual process and the analysis of the expected values and variability for three critical risk measures (cash flows, present value of profits and interest rate spreads) forms the foundation for modifying investment strategies, adjusting asset duration and mix and exploring hedging opportunities. On the liability side, AEGON USA has some offsetting risks: some liabilities perform better in

 

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rising rate environments while others perform well in a falling rate environment. On the asset side, hedging instruments are continuously studied to determine if their cost is commensurate to the risk reduction they offer.

 

Reinsurance

 

Ceded Reinsurance

 

In accordance with industry practices, AEGON USA reinsures portions of its life insurance exposure with unaffiliated insurance companies under traditional indemnity reinsurance arrangements. Such reinsurance arrangements are in accordance with standard reinsurance practices within the industry. AEGON USA enters into these arrangements to assist in diversifying its risks and to limit the maximum loss on risks that exceed policy retention limits. The maximum retention limit on any one life is generally USD 500,000 with certain companies retaining up to USD 2,000,000. AEGON USA remains contingently liable with respect to the amounts ceded if the reinsurer fails to meet the obligations it assumed. AEGON USA annually monitors the creditworthiness of its primary reinsurers, and has experienced no material reinsurance recoverability problems in recent years.

 

Assumed Reinsurance

 

The Transamerica Reinsurance Division through the Transamerica life companies has solicited life reinsurance from other companies for many years. Reinsurance is written on a facultative basis or an automatic treaty basis. Facultative reinsurance is individually underwritten by the reinsurer for each policy to be reinsured. Factors taken into account in underwriting facultative reinsurance are medical history, impairments, employment, hobbies and financial information. An automatic reinsurance treaty provides that risks will be ceded on specified blocks of business where the underlying policies meet the ceding company’s underwriting criteria. In contrast to facultative reinsurance, the reinsurer does not approve each individual risk. Automatic reinsurance treaties generally provide that the reinsurer will be liable for a portion of the risk associated with specified policies written by the ceding company. Factors considered in underwriting automatic reinsurance are the product’s underwriting, pricing, distribution and optionality, as well as the ceding company’s retention and financial strength.

 

Competition

 

AEGON USA faces significant competition in all of its businesses. Its competitors include other large and highly rated insurance carriers, as well as certain banks, securities brokerage firms, investment advisors and other financial intermediaries marketing insurance products, annuities and mutual funds. Some of these competitors have greater financial strength and resources and have penetrated more markets. Many of AEGON USA’s competitors in the mutual fund industry are larger, have been established for a longer period of time, offer less expensive products, have deeper penetration in key distribution channels and have more resources than AEGON USA.

 

The congress passed legislation in 2001 that provided for reductions in the estate tax and the possibility of permanent repeal continues to be discussed which could have an impact on insurance products and sales in the U.S.

 

The Financial Services Modernization Act was passed in November 1999. It repeals the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 and expands the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, allowing cross-ownership by banks, securities firms and insurance companies. As a result, there have been and in the future may be additional business combinations among banks, securities firms and insurance companies. For additional information, see “—Regulation” below.

 

In the institutional product market, AEGON USA’s competitors include insurance companies, domestic and foreign banks and institutional investment advisors. AEGON USA’s ability to compete in this market depends on maintaining superior or excellent financial ratings and combining investment management expertise with flexible product design and competitive pricing.

 

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Regulation

 

AEGON’s US insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulation and supervision in the states in which they transact business. Supervisory agencies in the various states have broad powers to grant or revoke licenses to transact business, regulate trade and marketing practices, license agents, approve policy forms and certain premium rates, set reserve and capital requirements, determine the form and content of required financial reports, examine the insurance companies and prescribe the type and amount of investments permitted. Insurance companies are subject to a mandatory audit every three to five years by the regulatory authorities and every year by their independent auditors. Substantial liability has been incurred by insurance companies based upon their past sales and marketing practices. AEGON has focused and continues to focus on these compliance issues.

 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners adopted, in December 1992, the Risk Based Capital for Life and/or Health Insurers Model Act (the “Model Act”), which was designed to identify inadequately capitalized life and health insurers. The Model Act provides for various actions, should an insurer’s Adjusted Capital, based upon statutory accounting principles, fall below certain prescribed levels (defined in terms of its Risk Based Capital). The Adjusted Capital levels of AEGON’s US insurance subsidiaries currently exceed all of the regulatory action levels as defined by the Model Act. Adjustments of adjusted capital levels by the regulators can impact AEGON.

 

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “Act”), which was passed into law in November 1999, permits financial services companies, such as banks, insurers and securities firms, to affiliate. The Act, however, restricts the ability of these financial services companies in the United States to use and share consumer and customers’ non-public personal information with non-affiliated third parties. Specifically, financial services companies must disclose their privacy policies to customers and permit these individuals to prohibit disclosure of their non-public personal information to third parties. However, exceptions to such restrictions on the use and disclosure of information do currently exist for certain marketing activities and business functions such as servicing and underwriting of products. States are required to implement the Act’s provisions with respect to insurers and are also permitted to impose stricter privacy standards. These privacy standards are in addition to existing privacy laws to which insurers are subject. Various proposed Federal, state or local laws if passed, may further restrict the use of customer information and impact sales.

 

Insurance holding company statutes and the regulations of each insurer’s domiciliary state in the United States require periodic disclosure concerning each insurance company’s ultimate controlling person (i.e., the corporation or individual which controls the domiciled insurer in each state). Such statutes also impose various limitations on investments in affiliates and may require prior approval of the payment of certain dividends by the registered insurer to AEGON or certain of its affiliates. AEGON is subject, by virtue of its ownership of insurance companies, to certain of these statutes and regulations. Since AEGON’s primary source of income is dividends from its insurance company subsidiaries, its ability to meet its obligations and pay dividends to its shareholders may be affected by any such required approval.

 

Some of AEGON USA’s investment advisory activities are subject to federal and state securities laws and regulations. AEGON USA’s mutual funds are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”). With the exception of its investment accounts which fund private placement investment options that are exempt from registration, or support fixed rate investment options that are also exempt from registration, all of AEGON USA’s separate investment accounts that fund retail variable annuity contracts and retail variable life insurance products issued by us are registered both under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act. Institutional products such as group annuity contracts, guaranteed investment contracts and funding agreements are sold to tax qualified pension plans or are sold to other sophisticated investors as “private placements” and are exempt from registration under both acts. Some of AEGON USA’s subsidiaries are registered as broker-dealers under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Securities Exchange Act”), and with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. A number of AEGON USA’s subsidiaries are also registered as

 

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investment advisers under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. AEGON USA’s insurance companies or other subsidiaries also own or manage other investment vehicles that are exempt from registration under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act but may be subject to other requirements of those laws, such as antifraud provisions and the terms of applicable exemptions.

 

AEGON Canada

 

General History

 

AEGON Canada Inc. (ACI) is the holding company for AEGON’s Canadian operations. Through its subsidiary companies, ACI operates multiple insurance, financial services, investment portfolio management and fund management businesses and provides wealth management solutions. Operations are divided into five business segments:

 

  life insurance;

 

  segregated funds;

 

  retail mutual funds;

 

  mutual fund dealership services; and

 

  investment portfolio management and counselling services.

 

The primary operating companies that comprise ACI are:

 

  Transamerica Life Canada;

 

  Money Concepts (Canada) Limited;

 

  AEGON Dealer Services Inc.;

 

  AEGON Capital Management Inc.; and

 

  AEGON Fund Management Inc.

 

ACI is a Canadian corporation that maintains its principal offices at 300 Consilium Place, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Total employment of AEGON Canada as at December 31, 2002, was 856.

 

Transamerica Life Canada (TLC) offers term and tax-sheltered universal life insurance, segregated funds, guaranteed interest accounts and annuities. In a recent survey of 20 major Canadian Life Insurers TLC is ranked second in sales of individual life insurance (source: LIMRA International, Canadian Individual Life Insurance Sales, Year to Date Fourth Quarter 2002 results. Based on annualized paid premiums). As at December 31, 2002, TLC also ranks among the top four companies for segregated fund assets under management (source: Investor Economics, 2003 Annual Industry Review, Market Share of 20 Largest Individual Segregated Fund Insuring Companies.). Money Concepts (Canada) Limited (MCC) is an independent Canadian financial planning company with an association of franchised planning centers, offering a diverse spectrum of planning, products and services to investors. AEGON Dealer Services Inc. (ADSCI) provides advisors and distributors with mutual fund and segregated fund dealership capability to the benefit of the MCC franchises and representatives, as well as to TLC’s and AEGON Fund Management Inc. (AFM)’s advisors across Canada. AEGON Capital Management Inc. (ACM) was created in November 2001 through the spin off of the investment management division of TLC. ACM’s mandate is to develop products and services for the institutional, high net-worth individual, pension and retail markets. AFM is the mutual fund subsidiary of ACI, offering the imaxx brand of mutual funds to Canadian investors seeking customized portfolio solutions, as well as core fund portfolios featuring select investment managers from around the world.

 

Recent Developments and Capital Expenditures and Divestments

 

In April 2000, ACI acquired NN Life Insurance Company of Canada (NN Life). NN Life’s products were complementary to those of Transamerica Life Canada.

 

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Key priorities for 2003

 

For 2003, the diversification of AEGON Canada’s distribution channels will be a key priority. AEGON Canada will continue to emphasize advise-based independent advisor distribution while aggressively expanding into other channels through strategic alliances and acquisitions.

 

Products and Distribution

 

Investment Products

 

Approximately one-third of AEGON Canada’s profits are derived from its individual investment products, which currently include segregated funds, mutual funds, segregated funds offered through strategic alliances with investment management companies, guaranteed investment accounts, single premium annuities and a leverage- lending program. The imaxxFunds range of mutual funds is offered by AFM. TLC offers all of AEGON Canada’s other investment products.

 

Segregated Funds. The sale of segregated funds continues to be the key focus of TLC’s investment products unit. The Transamerica Investment Portfolio offers a wide selection of segregated funds with diverse risk/reward factors similar to mutual funds except that deposits are guaranteed at maturity and at death.

 

The fee revenue related to segregated funds is tied to the market values of the assets under management and, consequently, this portion of AEGON Canada’s earnings varies with market volatility. The initial guarantee period is 10 years, however the period may be re-set at the clients’ option. Management expense ratios are not guaranteed and can be increased at TLC’s discretion. A small portion of the portfolio is reinsured.

 

Transamerica Investment Portfolio funds, along with AEGON Canada’s segregated fund alliances with three of Canada’s top mutual fund companies, AIC Limited, CI Funds and TD Asset Management Inc., make up TLC’s comprehensive offering of 128 segregated funds in the Canadian market.

 

The segregated fund marketplace experienced significant growth over the 1990s. However, in 2001 volatile equity markets, combined with new regulatory capital requirements that resulted in price increases and a significant scaling back of features, slowed the growth dramatically. The poor equity markets of 2002 have further reduced the market for segregated funds.

 

Mutual Funds. AEGON Canada launched AFM, along with the imaxx brand in June 2002. imaxx is a comprehensive wealth management solution for Canadian advisors, incorporating investment processes, tools and training. At the core of imaxx lies the imaxxFunds family of fifteen income and equity mutual funds.

 

Life Insurance Products

 

The Life Products business unit of TLC provides life insurance products for individuals and businesses across Canada. The portfolio includes universal life and traditional life insurance, predominately term life and permanent life insurance.

 

Universal Life. TLC’s universal life insurance products combine life insurance protection with a variety of investment options. Canadian income tax law allows funds to grow within the universal life plan on a tax-deferred basis. The premiums are allocated to a set of different investment options that are selected by the policy owner. Many of these investment options are currently tied to equity market indices such as S&P 500. Some of the investment choices are the same as those offered in the Transamerica Investment Portfolio variable annuity contracts. In addition, TLC’s universal life products offer fixed rate interest options with a guaranteed minimum return. Investment risk is borne by the customer on all but the fixed rate interest options; no minimum guaranteed return is available for investment options that tie to the equity and bond indices. TLC charges fees for mortality costs and administrative expenses, as well as investment management fees.

 

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TLC’s universal life products also offer a full complement of term life insurance riders and optional benefits. These include Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Business Guaranteed Insurability Option, Children’s Insurance Rider, Waiver and Payor Waiver.

 

Profitability is driven by mortality margins, reinsurance, investment margins (spreads and fees), the general level of interest rates, expenses and surrender charges. Mortality margins represent the difference between amounts charged the customer to cover the mortality risk and the death benefits paid. Another important source of earnings from life insurance contracts is investment margins and the earning of the underlying general assets versus what is credited to the policy owner.

 

The Canadian universal life market has been experiencing significant growth over the past ten years, gradually replacing the whole life insurance market. Until the mid-1990’s, most Canadian universal life plans focused on insurance protection. As universal life plan design evolved throughout the years, the focus shifted to tax-deferred accumulation and included product features specifically for this purpose.

 

In November 2001, TLC introduced two universal life plans to appeal to the two primary universal life insurance markets: the accumulation and insurance protection markets.

 

TLC’s core market has been universal life insurance that is primarily used as an investment vehicle for tax-deferred accumulation. TLC’s WealthAdvantage universal life plan is designed for this market and is also attractive for businesses. It combines many of the features previously developed by Transamerica and NN Life, along with several other innovative product features.

 

TLC’s EstateAdvantage universal life plan is designed for estate preservation purposes and also provides life insurance protection for families and businesses.

 

Currently the split of business is about 60% WealthAdvantage and 40% EstateAdvantage.

 

Term Insurance. In the survey of 20 major Canadian Life Insurers TLC is ranked second in term insurance sales with a 13.6% market share, securing its position as a dominant player in the Canadian term insurance market (source: LIMRA International, Canadian Individual Life Insurance Sales, Year to Date Fourth Quarter 2002 results. Based on annualized paid premium).

 

TLC’s TermSelect product has been particularly strong in the family and business insurance markets due its wide range of coverage options and the flexibility to make future changes and enhancements. It provides renewable and convertible term insurance protection with a choice of five-, ten-, or twenty-year term periods. One of the more unique features is the ability for policyholders to convert, at any time, to TLC’s universal life products, WealthAdvantage and EstateAdvantage.

 

TLC closely monitors sales against its competitors, tracking volumes of business and growth as well as market share, average face amount and average premiums. In 2002, TLC’s average universal life premium was CAD 4,938, as compared to the average of the 20 companies that participated in a recent survey, which was CAD 2,627 (source: LIMRA International, Canadian Individual Life Insurance Sales, Year to Date Fourth Quarter 2002 results. Based on annualized paid premium divided by number of new policies issued). TLC’s average universal life face amount was CAD 363,900, in comparison with an amount of CAD 189,978, which was the average for the same 20 companies surveyed above (source: LIMRA International, Canadian Individual Life Insurance Sales, Year to Date Fourth Quarter 2002 results. Based on face amounts issued divided by number of new policies issued).

 

ACI’s principle means of distribution include a number of networks that are almost exclusively supported by independent advisors. The key channels of distribution are:

 

  independent managing general agencies (predominantly insurance-based with a wide ranging number of contracted producers and with multiple carrier capacity);

 

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  TLC owned and operated Profit Center Agencies (traditional ‘brokerage’ operations with 200 to 600 non-housed independent insurance/segregated funds brokers);

 

  bank-owned national broker-dealers (six large key accounts with tied investment advisors predominantly investment focused, but with rapidly expanding insurance);

 

  World Financial Group/AEGON USA-owned or operated multi-level marketing group of wealth management advisor networks that have only recently started to aggressively grow in the Canadian marketplace and are now evolving into a more direct producer model for ACI products and services; and

 

  other national, regional and local/niche broker-dealers of various sizes and level of complexity.

 

ACI’s total advisor network consists of approximately 36,000 open advisor accounts, of which approximately 18,000 have been active with the company in terms of sales in the last 12 to 18 months.

 

Asset Liability Management

 

TLC manages its investments in accordance with an investment policy approved by the Investment Committee of its Board of Directors. TLC monitors duration and cash flow matching positions, asset-liability management risk in products, interest rate risk, credit risk, equity risk, derivative risk and liquidity risk through various reports which are reviewed by an asset liability management committee which has representation from various departments within TLC. The committee also examines the risk/return ratio of various investments, develops and monitors various asset liability management policies and monitors regulatory capital requirements. TLC actively manages the credit risk in its portfolios on a daily basis. More than one quarter of TLC’s total bond portfolio backs its Term to 100 life insurance product. The Term to 100 portfolio has very little corporate risk and is comprised primarily of provincial strip bonds and residuals.

 

TLC uses various derivative financial instruments to manage and reduce its exposure to fluctuations in risk, including interest rate, foreign exchange rate, equity and liquidity risk, as part of an asset-liability management program.

 

TLC mitigates counterparty credit risk arising from derivative activities by limiting exposure to any single counterparty. TLC’s policy requires a minimum counterparty credit rating and sets out limits per transaction and credit exposure to a single counterparty.

 

Certain universal life insurance policies issued by TLC allow policyholders to select an interest-credited rate that is tied to the movement of certain stock exchange indices. TLC uses a swaps and a futures/cash investment strategy to earn a return sufficient to cover the interest credited based on the movement of these indices.

 

Reinsurance

 

TLC manages its reinsurance in accordance with a reinsurance policy approved by its Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. TLC uses reinsurance to manage mortality, morbidity and lapse risk. The Canadian reinsurance market has been very competitive over the last few years and TLC has entered into reinsurance on in force business when it makes economic sense to do so. The various reinsurance arrangements are primarily yearly renewal term, along with some funds withheld and modified coinsurance arrangements. These arrangements allow TLC to maintain the assets of and to utilize the expertise within ACM.

 

TLC limits the amount of loss on any one life, and on certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure, by reinsuring these risks with other insurers. The maximum life insurance exposure retained on any one individual is CAD 1.25 million.

 

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Competition

 

Consolidation in the Canadian life insurance industry continues at a rapid rate. In most individual life product categories, the top 10 life insurance companies control in excess of 90% of the Canadian market (source: LIMRA International, Canadian Individual Life Insurance Sales, Year to Date Fourth Quarter 2002 results). Transamerica Life Canada is well positioned in the universal life market, with the number two position and a 12.9% market share among the 20 companies that participated in a recent survey, for new first year universal life annualized premiums (source: LIMRA International, Canadian Individual Life Insurance Sales, Year to Date Fourth Quarter 2002 results. Based on annualized paid premium). In 2002, many competitors started diversifying their product offerings and entered the growing term insurance market, which increased the number of insurance companies competing in this market. Transamerica Life Canada in 2002 maintained its strong position in the term insurance market with a 13.6% market share and was the second largest writer of term insurance insurance among the 20 companies that participated in a recent survey. (source: LIMRA International, Canadian Individual Life Insurance Sales, Year to Date Fourth Quarter 2002 results. Based on annualized paid premium).

 

Transamerica Life Canada also continues to be a strong player in the Canadian segregated fund marketplace through its diversified multi-product approach. At December 31, 2002, Transamerica Life Canada was the fourth largest segregated fund insuring company with CAD 4.1 billion in assets under management and market share of 10.6% (source: Investor Economics Insight, 2003 Annual Industry Review, “Market Share of 20 Largest Individual Segregated Fund Insuring Companies” (2003)).

 

Regulation

 

TLC is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and is regulated by the laws established in the Insurance Companies Act of Canada. In addition, TLC is subject to the laws, regulations and insurance commissions of each of Canada’s ten provinces. The laws of these jurisdictions generally establish supervisory agencies with broad administrative powers relative to granting and revoking licenses to transact business, regulating trade practices, licensing agents, establishing reserve requirements, determining permitted investments and establishing minimum levels of capital. TLC’s ability to continue to conduct its insurance business is dependent upon the maintenance of its licenses, at both a federal and provincial level. The primary regulator for TLC is the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. TLC is required under the Insurance Companies Act of Canada to have at least seven directors, 50% of whom must be residents of Canada and not more than two-thirds of whom can be affiliated with TLC.

 

The life insurance and securities operations of ACI are also governed by policy statements and guidelines established by industry associations such as the Canadian Life & Health Insurance Associations, Mutual Fund Dealers Association and Investment Funds Institute of Canada.

 

AEGON The Netherlands

 

General History

 

AEGON Nederland N.V. (AEGON The Netherlands) was incorporated under the name AGO Holding N.V. on December 27, 1972. AEGON The Netherlands became the holding for all Dutch insurance and banking activities after the merger between Ennia and AGO in 1983 and was renamed AEGON Nederland N.V. in 1986. The history of AEGON’s activities in the Netherlands goes back to 1759, when the oldest legal predecessor of the group, the “Begrafenisbus De Broederlijke Liefde-beurs”, started its activities in Haarlem.

 

The head office of AEGON The Netherlands is located in The Hague, with additional offices in Leeuwarden, Groningen, Nieuwegein, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf (Germany), Diegem (Belgium) and Milan (Italy).

 

Total employment of AEGON The Netherlands as at December 31, 2002, was 3,030, including agents.

 

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The primary operating subsidiaries in the Netherlands are:

 

  AEGON Levensverzekering N.V., The Hague;

 

  AEGON Schadeverzekering N.V., The Hague;

 

  AEGON Nabestaanden Zorg N.V., Groningen;

 

  AEGON Financiële Diensten B.V., The Hague;

 

  AEGON Spaarkas N.V., The Hague;

 

  AEGON Bank N.V., Utrecht; and

 

  Spaarbeleg Kas N.V., Utrecht.

 

AEGON The Netherlands is involved in both life and non-life insurance businesses and provides financial services and asset management. AEGON The Netherlands’ operating activities are organized into the following business units:

 

Pensions:

 

  AEGON Pensioen en Advies; and

 

  AEGON Bedrijfspensioenen.

 

Life:

 

  AEGON Particulieren;

 

  Spaarbeleg;

 

  AEGON Van Nierop;

 

  AXENT/AEGON;

 

  AEGON Nabestaandenzorg (NBZ); and

 

  Moneymaxx.

 

Non-Life:

 

  AEGON Schade Bedrijven; and

 

  AEGON Particulieren.

 

Asset Management:

 

  AEGON Asset Management.

 

Banking

 

  Spaarbeleg;

 

  AEGON Particulieren (AEGON Financiële Diensten—AFD).

 

AEGON The Netherlands’ pension business accounts for approximately 51% of its revenues, life business for approximately 32%, non-life business for approximately 11% and banking for approximately 6%.

 

Recent Developments and Capital Expenditures and Divestments

 

On December 23, 2002 AEGON The Netherlands acquired TPG KPN Pensioen B.V. (TKP Pensioen), an administrator of pension funds, which include approximately 150,000 participants at the end of 2002.

 

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On July 2, 2002, AEGON Schadeverzekering N.V. reached an agreement for the sale of its glasshouse insurance activities to Achmea.

 

Nederlandsche Verzekerings Groep (N.V.G.) was transformed into AEGON Nabestaandenzorg N.V in 2002 to manage all funeral-related insurance business, which previously was spread over various business units. All life products previously managed by N.V.G. were transferred to AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. and AEGON Spaarkas N.V.

 

On February 29, 2000, AMVEST Vastgoed B.V., a 50%-50% joint venture of AEGON The Netherlands and PGGM (one of the largest pension funds in The Netherlands), reached an agreement with Rodamco Continental Europe N.V. regarding the sale of office buildings and shopping centers.

 

To help minimize distribution bottlenecks and reduce costs, the organization of Van Nierop Assuradeuren was merged with the AEGON Vermogensperspectief business unit and renamed AEGON Van Nierop, serving high worth individuals. AEGON Van Nierop’s distribution was streamlined and the unit is positioned to benefit from future opportunities for further growth.

 

Key Priorities for 2003

 

Without losing sight of the strategic commitment to local responsibility or to proven business principles, such as reliability, teamwork and responsiveness, AEGON The Netherlands will continue during 2003 to modernize and enhance links with distribution channels and consolidate brand perception and back offices, while focusing partnering both inside and outside the organization as the key to strengthening and speeding business flow.

 

Products and Distribution

 

AEGON The Netherlands offers five product lines:

 

  pensions;

 

  life insurance;

 

  Moneymaxx;

 

  non-life insurance; and

 

  banking.

 

Pensions

 

Pension products are sold by the AEGON Pensioen en Advies and AEGON Bedrijfspensioenen business units.

 

AEGON Pensioen en Advies services large companies as well as company pension funds (ondernemingspensioenfondsen) and industry pension funds (bedrijfstakpensioenfondsen). Its main products are:

 

  products for the account of policyholders with guarantees (GB garantiecontract);

 

  products for the account of policyholders without guarantees (GB kapitaalcontract);

 

  MKB growth pensions (MKB groei pensioen);

 

  MKB guarantee pensions (MKB garantie pensioen);

 

  the AEGON pension package (defined contribution); and

 

  the AEGON Garantie Pensioen.

 

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GB garantiecontract and GB kapitaalcontract are defined benefit products with both single and recurring premiums and a disability rider. Profit sharing is based on the return of a pool of investments. Large group contracts also share technical results (mortality risk and disability risk). The assets are owned by AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. but earmarked to form the basis for profit sharing for these contracts. The contract period is typically five years and the premiums tariffs are fixed over this period. GB kapitaalcontract products are only sold to company pension funds (ondernemingspensioenfondsen) and AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. has the option not to renew a contract at the end of the contract period, so that the longevity risk lies with the pension fund. GB garantiecontract provide a guarantee on the benefits paid. The longevity risk therefore lies with AEGON Levensverzekering N.V.

 

AEGON Garantie Pensioen and MKB garantie pensioen are also defined benefit products with single and recurring premiums. The initial contract period is ten years, with renewals for five-year periods. Profit sharing is based on excess interest earned on the general account investment portfolio. Premiums tariffs are fixed over the contract period and the longevity risk lies with AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. Minimum interest guarantees are given for nominal benefits, based on the 3% or 4% actuarial interest, after retirement of the employee.

 

AEGON The Netherlands expects that the trend in the Dutch pension market will shift from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans. Consequently, AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. introduced two new products in 2002 to accommodate this change in the market: the AEGON PensioenBeleggingsplan (Pension Investment Plan) and the Pensioenversneller (Pension Accelerator).

 

Pensioen en Advies does not sell products through intermediaries but rather directly to clients. AEGON Bedrijfspensioenen sells pensions to small and medium sized companies through intermediaries.

 

In 2002, AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. entered into an agreement with the TotalFina oil company to create a loyalty program for truck drivers who can earn supplementary pension plan contributions by refuelling at TotalFina stations.

 

Life Insurance

 

AEGON Particulieren principally sells standard financial products in bulk. Its most important products are discussed below.

 

The Fund Plan and Save Plan Products. These products are mainly endowment and saving type products, both single premium and recurring premiums with profit sharing based on the selected fund performance. A client may choose to invest in a wide variety of AEGON funds. For investments in the mix fund and/or in the fixed income fund, AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. has issued a guarantee of 3% (4% on policies sold before the end of 1999), at the maturity date if the policyholder has paid the premium for a consecutive period of at least ten years, or on the death of the insured.

 

Endowment and Saving Products. These types of products have recurring premiums with contractual surplus interest profit sharing.

 

Mortgage Saving Products. The insured typically takes out a mortgage loan from AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. for a period of twenty or thirty years. The loan is repaid in full at the redemption date with the proceeds from a saving policy. In principle, in case of surrender, the policyholder loses the tax benefit. Upon the death of the policyholder within the policy contract period, the benefit payment is used to repay the mortgage loan. The interest paid on the loan is tax deductible and the customer retains the full income tax benefit over the contract period as there is no early redemption. The interest paid on the mortgage loan usually equals the interest accumulated on the account balance under the savings policy. To benefit from the growth in the mortgage market, AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. has introduced a new mortgage investment product. This product is based on the same principles as the original mortgage saving products, except that the client can

 

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choose the funds in which to invest the saving premiums. The ultimate amount available at the maturity date will therefore vary depending on the performances of the underlying funds.

 

Spaarbeleg Kas N.V. and AEGON Spaarkas N.V. sell Spaarbeurs products, which are life products with both single and recurring premiums and profit sharing based on a tontine system. The main characteristic of a tontine product is that the short life risk lies with the issuer and the longevity risk lies with the insured. Spaarbeleg Kas N.V. is the market leader in this business segment in The Netherlands (source: Pensioen en Verzekeringskamer—AM Jaarboek, Kluwer edition 2002/2003, “Minder geld in spaarkassen”). In addition to the tontine products, Spaarbeleg Kas N.V. sells a number of tax driven products like Toekomstplan and Koersplan and has provided intermediaries in 2002 with better access to products and services in order to meet consumers’ requirements with respect to pension issues. Spaarbeleg Kas N.V. is based in Nieuwegein and has a branch office in Diegem Belgium. Products are sold through a number of intermediaries and by direct marketing.

 

AEGON Van Nierop was formed in 2002 following the merger between the business unit VermogensPerpectief and the organisation Van Nierop Assuradeuren. AEGON Van Nierop caters to the high income and high net-worth segment of the market. Customers are served directly or through a network of high-quality intermediaries. AEGON Van Nierop’s products relate to capital accumulation, capital protection, capital consumption and estate planning and are customized to this specific segment.

 

AXENT/AEGON transferred its group life business to the Pensions business unit, the funeral business to NBZ and the administration of its life and savings portfolio to AEGON Particulieren. AXENT/AEGON now acts as a selling unit, selling products which have been developed by other units in AEGON The Netherlands.

 

Following the merger of the funeral insurance portfolios of N.V.G., AEGON Particulieren and the AXENT/AEGON subsidiary LPU Verzekeringen N.V. in 2002 into NBZ, NBZ now manages more than two million policies in this market, placing it among the top three (source: Pensioen en Verzekeringskamer—AM Jaarboek, Kluwer edition 2002/2003, “Brutopremie-inkomen” Funeral insurance portfolios) providers of funeral insurance in the Netherlands. The four aspects of this product portfolio are funeral, income protection, inheritance and related services. Further growth potential in this market is achievable by introducing new distribution methods and new products that enable clients to ensure their family’s financial situation in the event of their deaths. NBZ seeks to distinguish itself from its competitors through a broad approach to financial care for surviving relatives and accessible estate planning.

 

Moneymaxx

 

Moneymaxx products are simple saving and insurance unit-linked types of products designed for the mass market. In 2002, AEGON The Netherlands decided to incorporate the Moneymaxx activities in existing local AEGON units, unless the activities were large enough to operate independently. AEGON Lebensversicherung-AG in Germany and AEGON Belgium continue to operate independently. Moneymaxx products were initially sold via direct marketing only. However, distribution via intermediaries is becoming increasingly important. In Italy, AEGON The Netherlands decided to cease offering Moneymaxx products as direct sales results failed to meet expectations.

 

Non-life Products

 

AEGON Schade (Non-Life Commercial Lines) targets approximately 500,000 small and medium-sized companies with a maximum of 100 employees. AEGON Schade’s aim is to shift from a focus on business continuity to providing a range of products for the asset and life protection of employers and employees, covering both business capital (property and cash assets) and the risk of employees’ inability to work.

 

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Banking

 

AEGON Bank N.V. supplies saving accounts with simple conditions. The products are sold under the Spaarbeleg name through a multiple channel strategy, with independent brokers and franchise organizations contributing the majority of AEGON Bank N.V. total sales but with internet sales consistently growing.

 

In addition, AEGON Bank N.V. sells a number of share lease products. AEGON Financiële Diensten B.V. sells share lease products through agents under the AEGON name.

 

In 2002 it became clear that under existing market conditions short-term equity saving plans or share lease plans were currently not attractive to customers.

 

During 2002, AEGON Asset Management (AAM) won EUR 1.2 billion of asset management mandates. AAM’s approach is to further develop the institutional market by winning asset management customers in cooperation with Pensioen en Advies, while also assisting AEGON The Netherlands retail units in developing banking expertise. In 2002, AAM launched eight mutual funds and plans to expand product development further in order to offer a complete range of funds. AAM is also the asset manager for AEGON The Netherlands’ insurance subsidiaries.

 

AEGON The Netherlands has a very simple distribution strategy. All AEGON The Netherlands’ products are sold through agents. Spaarbeleg Kas N.V., AXENT/AEGON and AEGON Nabestaandenzorg sell branded products under their own names through multiple channels, including direct marketing, specialized agents and tied agents.

 

Asset Liability Management

 

The management of the investment portfolio of AEGON The Netherlands is based on the following asset liability management principles. Most liabilities are nominal and long term. Based on their characteristics a long-term, liability-driven benchmark is derived for the fixed income portfolio, based on which scenarios and optimization analyses are conducted with respect to asset classes such as equities, fixed income and real estate, but also for various sub-classes such as private equity, hedge funds and credits. The result is an optimal asset allocation representing different equity risk-return profiles. Constraints like the minimum required return on equity and maximum solvency risk determine alternative strategic investment policies.

 

The strategic investment strategy for AEGON The Netherlands is determined and monitored by the Investment Committee and the asset allocation for the subsidiaries and business units is determined by the Asset Liability Committee in line with the risk profile determined by the Investment Committee.

 

Most of AEGON The Netherlands’ investments are managed in-house by AEGON Asset Management. For certain specialized investments, such as hedge funds, AEGON The Netherlands hires external managers.

 

Portfolio managers are allowed to deviate from the strategic composition based on their short-term and medium-term investment outlook. Risk based restrictions are in place to monitor and control the actual portfolio compared to the strategic portfolio.

 

At the end of 2001, AEGON The Netherlands’ existing asset liability management approach was upgraded. Although the basic principles are the same, in the new concept financial risks are managed and monitored following a more top-down approach. The revised asset liability management concept comprises a coherent set of rules regarding capital allocation, dividend policy and strategic asset allocation for business units, statutory entities and AEGON Netherlands N.V.

 

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Reinsurance

 

Life

 

The life entities have a two-prong reinsurance strategy. The first prong is a profit sharing contract between AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. and Swiss Re with retention of EUR 900,000 per policy. Under the second prong facultative reinsurance of AEGON The Netherlands’ mortality and morbidity risk lies with a small number of reinsurers of which “De Hoop” is the most significant.

 

Non-life

 

AEGON The Netherlands maintains reinsurance on an excess of loss basis for its fire insurance businesses with a retention of EUR 4.5 million per risk and EUR 13.7 million per event. AEGON The Netherlands’ motor business is also reinsured on an excess of loss basis.

 

Competition

 

Competition in the Dutch insurance market is strong due to a large number of active companies. The top five companies in terms of gross life premium income comprised approximately 65% of the total market in 2001 (source: annual accounts—AM Jaarboek, Kluwer edition 2002/2003, “Life Insurance Premiums in the Netherlands”). In terms of gross life premium income over 2001, AEGON The Netherlands was in the top three. In terms of non-life premium income, AEGON The Netherlands was in to the top ten in 2001 (source: VVP-magazine 2002—AM Jaarboek, Kluwer edition 2002/2003, “Top-150 Brutopremie Maatschappijen” General Insurance Premiums).

 

Regulation

 

The regulation and supervision of financial institutions in The Netherlands changed significantly in 2002. As of September 2002, three institutions are responsible for the supervision of financial institutions in The Netherlands:

 

  Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM);

 

  De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB); and

 

  Pensioen & Verzekeringskamer (PVK).

 

The allocation of responsibilities between these three entities is formalised in a convenant. The AFM is responsible for supervising corporate governance and the provision of information to consumers (supervision on market conduct) and the DNB and PVK supervise solvency. More detailed guidance on market conduct supervision is set out in “Nadere Regeling gedragstoezicht effectenverkeer 2002” and “Nadere Regeling prudentieel toezicht effectenverkeer 2002”.

 

The PVK supervises insurance companies under the mandate of the Wet Toezicht Verzekeringsbedrijf 1993 (WTV). The PVK and DNB have expressed an intention to merge into a single authority for supervising the solvency of financial institutions. The merger is expected to be finalized in early 2005.

 

The 1992 European Union Insurance Directives were incorporated into Dutch law in 1994. The Directives are based on the “home country control” principle, pursuant to which an insurance company that has a license issued by a regulatory body in its home country can conduct business, either directly or through a foreign branch, in any member country of the European Union. An insurance company must be licensed to conduct each type of business in which it participates. The regulatory body that originally issued the license is responsible for monitoring the solvency of the insurer.

 

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Insurance companies in The Netherlands fall under the supervision of the PVK pursuant to the Wet Toezicht Verzekeringsbedrijf 1993 mandate. Under this mandates all life and non-life insurance companies that fall under the PVK’s supervision must file audited regulatory reports before July 1 of the year following the end of the reporting year (before May 1, 2004 for bookyear 2003 and after). These reports are primarily designed to enable the PVK to monitor the solvency of the entity involved. They include a consolidated balance sheet, a consolidated income statement, extensive actuarial information and detailed information on investments.

 

The PVK may request any additional information it considers necessary and conduct an audit at any time. The PVK may also make recommendations for improvements and publish these recommendations if they are not followed. Finally, the PVK can appoint a trustee for an insurance company or, ultimately, withdraw the company’s license.

 

In The Netherlands, the same legal entity cannot conduct both life insurance and non-life insurance businesses. Nor is one legal entity allowed to operate both insurance and banking businesses.

 

The following Dutch entities in the AEGON Group fall under the supervision of the PVK:

 

  AEGON Levensverzekering N.V.;

 

  AEGON Schadeverzekering N.V.;

 

  AEGON Spaarkas N.V.;

 

  Spaarbeleg Kas N.V.;

 

  AXENT/AEGON Leven N.V.;

 

  AEGON Nabestaanden Zorg N.V.;

 

  Axent/AEGON Uitvaartverzekeringen N.V.;

 

  Axent/AEGON Sparen N.V.; and

 

  Axent/AEGON Schade N.V.

 

Dutch life insurance companies are required to maintain equity equal to approximately 5% of their general account technical provisions or, if these companies do not provide an interest guarantee, an amount of equity equal to approximately 1% of the technical provisions with investments for the account of policyholders.

 

General insurance companies are required to maintain shareholders’ equity equal to the greater of 18% of gross written premiums in the year or 23% of the three-year average of gross claims.

 

AEGON Bank N.V. falls under the supervision of the DNB, pursuant to the Wet Toezicht Kredietwezen 1992 mandate. The bank must file monthly regulatory reports and an annual report. The annual report and one of the monthly reports must be audited.

 

AEGON Financiële Diensten N.V. falls under the supervision of both the AFM and the DNB.

 

United Kingdom

 

General History

 

The principal holding company within the AEGON UK plc group of companies is AEGON UK plc (AEGON UK), incorporated as a public limited company under the Companies Act 1985 and having its registered office in England. It is a company limited by shares, incorporated on December 1, 1998, and has its principal place of business at AEGON House, Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh EH12 9XX (telephone 00 44 131 339 9191).

 

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The primary operating subsidiaries of AEGON UK are:

 

  Scottish Equitable plc, Scotland;

 

  Scottish Equitable (Managed Funds) Limited, Scotland;

 

  Guardian Assurance plc, England;

 

  Guardian Linked Life Assurance Limited, England;

 

  Guardian Pensions Management Limited, England;

 

  AEGON Asset Management UK plc, England;

 

  AEGON Fund Management UK Ltd, England;

 

  Guardian Unit Managers Ltd, England;

 

  HS Administrative Services Limited, England;

 

  Scottish Equitable International SA, Luxembourg; and

 

  Scottish Equitable International (Dublin), Ireland.

 

Recent Developments and Capital Expenditures and Divestments

 

In anticipation of the major changes impacting the UK market, namely regulatory changes and the move to the 1% annual management charges price cap introduced by legislation in the United Kingdom, Scottish Equitable plc has invested GBP 130 million over the last three years in a Business Change Program. The Business Change Program involves new systems, improved processes, web based processing and the creation of a more customer-orientated organization and focuses on delivering improved customer service, lower unit costs, increased controls and improved speed to market.

 

On November 21, 2002 AEGON UK purchased 60% of Positive Solutions, a National Financial Advisory company specializing in the provision of management services to Registered Individuals.

 

On August 20, 2002, AEGON UK plc purchased 100% of Momentum, one of the largest independent financial advising firms in the United Kingdom.

 

On August 13, 2002, AEGON UK plc purchased 100% of Advisory & Brokerage Services Ltd., an independent advisory company specializing in high net-worth private clients and the corporate sector.

 

On June 25, 2002, AEGON UK plc purchased a 50% share in Wentworth Rose, an Independent Financial Advisory firm established in 1989.

 

On September 5, 2000, AEGON UK plc acquired the business of HS Administrative Services Ltd., a privately owned company that was a leading provider of third party administration services to corporate pension schemes. This acquisition added to the financial services offered by AEGON UK and allowed HS Administrative Services to maintain and extend its core business.

 

Key Priorities for 2003

 

AEGON UK remains confident that the market for savings, pensions and insurance has significant growth potential and is strongly positioned to benefit from expected consolidation as weaker life companies withdraw from active market participation. AEGON UK will focus on delivery of cost savings in 2003, while continuing to invest in delivering excellence to its target markets of corporate pensions, employee benefit packages, pre- and post-retirement investment and insurance business.

 

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Finally, management and process improvements in AEGON UK’s investment management are expected to deliver strong future performance in the equity and managed fund arena and to sustain growth in the institutional marketplace.

 

Products and Distribution

 

AEGON UK is a major financial services organization specializing in the pensions, investments and protection markets. Over half of AEGON UK’s sales relate to corporate business. AEGON UK has prominent positions in group pensions, individual pensions, offshore bonds, group risk and individual protection products through the independent financial adviser channel. In addition to manufacturing these life and pension products, AEGON UK also has a growing asset management business and administrative services business and has recently acquired distribution businesses.

 

Most of AEGON UK’s products provide it with policy charges, which increasingly relate to a management charge for funds under management. Older contracts continue to have other policy-based or transaction-based charges such as bid/offer spread. Protection products provide a profit, which is the difference between the price less mortality experience and costs.

 

Pensions

 

The pensions market experienced significant growth in gross sales during 2000 and 2001 following the launch of stakeholder pensions, which are a government-led product with a 1% annual management charge limit aimed at widening the number of individuals with a pension. As a result of the launch of the stakeholder pension product, many other pension products were pressured to reduce charges, which led to a high level of sales activity in terms of both new schemes and transfers of existing schemes. It has also been necessary to protect existing business by reducing the charge structure in force. There is expected to be potential for some relaxation of price cap levels if government targets for higher private provision are to be met.

 

The market has stabilized at this higher level during 2002 as the trend towards defined contribution schemes, away from defined benefit schemes has intensified.

 

Sales of more specialized pensions have also grown significantly over the last few years, particularly in the area of income drawdown and phased retirement products which allow individuals up to the age of 75 to access part of their pension income without having to fully purchase an annuity until a later date.

 

Scottish Equitable plc has maintained a top-five position in the independent financial advisor channel for group and individual pensions throughout 2001 and 2002 based on ABI market statistics.

 

Group Pensions. The sale of group pensions is the primary focus of Scottish Equitable plc (SE). These are pension funds for the employees of corporate customers and cover a range of benefit options, but which are predominately defined contribution. At retirement, the accumulated pension fund is used to purchase an annuity. SE also sells and administers defined benefit pensions, although the market for these types of products has decreased in recent years.

 

Group pension products include flexible features such as access to a range of both internal and external funds, with premiums primarily paid monthly based on a pre-agreed proportion of salary costs. Single premium transfers are also common following the initial sale.

 

Technology plays an increasingly important role in both the initial sale and the on-going provision of services related to these products. SE has developed a market-leading technology solution called Smartscheme, which allows the customer and the intermediary to interact with SE on the Internet throughout the process.

 

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Individual Pensions. SE also offers a comprehensive range of pension products for individuals. These include stakeholder pensions, pensions for executives and transfers from other schemes and policies allowing an individual to supplement corporate pensions, called free standing additional voluntary contributions. In addition, SE has been among the top three market leaders (based on ABI Industry data) in income drawdown and phased retirement products aimed at individuals with significant pension funds who do not want to invest in an annuity immediately upon retirement.

 

UK and Offshore Bonds

 

AEGON UK distributes both UK and offshore bonds. The difference between these bonds lies in the tax-advantages related to each type of bond, as offshore bonds allow gross rollup of assets allowing personal tax to be deferred until the monies are repatriated to the UK.

 

UK Bonds. With Profit bonds are life products, which provide a wrapper on the UK bonds and give access to the With Profits Fund of the life-company. The SE With Profits Fund allows policyholders to share the risk of market volatility through a smoothing mechanism. This fund is ring-fenced for the benefit of policyholders, so that AEGON shareholders are not exposed to any risk or benefit relating to this smoothing. The bond wrapper provides a tax efficient means of investing, as withdrawals to a certain limit are deemed capital reductions rather than income.

 

This kind of product has received a large amount of regulatory attention over the past two years. The primary focus has been on increasing the transparency of the product in order to clarify how the bonuses applied relate to the underlying fund returns. Also, a recent report sponsored by the UK government questioned the tax breaks applied to the bond wrapper.

 

During 2002, SE launched a with profit fund that represents the next generation of the product. This fund continues to provide smoothing protection against market volatility but has no guarantees. The calculation of value is based on a published formula, thus achieving the transparency required by the public and regulators.

 

SE also offers unit-linked bond products, which allow access to a range of internal and external funds through the bond wrapper mechanism described above.

 

Offshore Bonds. Scottish Equitable International Holdings (SEIH) provides sophisticated packaged investment products with tax advantages for UK and overseas clients.

 

SEIH has launched two new products: the Money Market Portfolio and the delegated custodian private client product (the “Dublin Private Client Portfolio”). The Money Market Portfolio allows access to low-risk money market fund investments within the tax-efficient structure of an offshore bond. This is distributed through independent financial advisors to both corporate investors and high net-worth individuals. The Dublin Private Client Portfolio caters to investment managers and private banks and allows the aggregation of a custom-made portfolio of assets.

 

In addition, SEIH sells unit-linked bonds and has an inheritance tax planning product.

 

Individual Protection

 

AEGON Individual Protection (AIP) provides an innovative individual protection product under the collective brand name of Scottish Equitable Protect. The first offering of the Scottish Equitable Protect product was made in 2001 and consists of three menu-based products catering to the personal, mortgage and business protection markets, respectively.

 

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One of the core strengths of this product is market-leading underwriting capability that allows a comprehensive array of cover to be provided without the complexity usually associated with this type of insurance. Intermediaries are provided with direct access to underwriters together with underwriting help desks, newsletters and field underwriting techniques.

 

The individual protection market is segmented between “price-led” and “value-led” sales, the former relating to a strong re-brokering market. AIP focuses on the “value-led” portion of the market where demand is less price sensitive due to the importance to consumers of flexibility and of the ability to combine benefits in one place.

 

The product range was further enhanced in 2002 with the introduction of income protection products that provide insurance for unemployment due to illness or accident.

 

Group Risk

 

Scottish Equitable Employee Benefits (SEEB) deals exclusively through independent financial advisors and offers a range of flexible corporate protection products to fulfil the needs of employers and employees. SEEB offers these group risk contracts through its Corporate and Employee Protection Menus.

 

The Corporate Protection Menu allows companies to create tailored employee benefits packages. The menu offers a number of different coverages, which can be mixed and matched including group life coverage, income protection and critical illness as well as group private medical coverage. The Employee Protection Menu adds an additional layer of flexibility where the individual employees can choose benefits within a pre-defined menu at the employer’s cost.

 

Mutual Funds

 

AEGON Asset Management UK (AAM) is a major provider of fund management services both within the AEGON UK group and to institutional customers and individuals. At December 31, 2002, AAM managed approximately GBP 30 billion of funds, providing both mutual and segregated funds for clients.

 

With more than GBP 10 billion invested, AAM has proved to be a strong party in the institutional market. A dedicated sales force has been established to exploit this capability and AAM continued to win new mandates during 2002.

 

Distribution Channels

 

AEGON UK’s principal means of distribution has been through the independent financial adviser (IFA) channel in the UK market. These advisers provide their clients access to all available products and must demonstrate that the best advice is given to their client.

 

There are approximately 26,000 active registered independent financial advisors in the United Kingdom, many of whom are grouped into networks of advisers, who act as large national distributors. The thirty largest of the 4,300 IFA firms employ 80% of the registered independent financial advisors. AEGON UK has strong relationships with independent financial advisors across the market, but is particularly involved with the networks and with large local firms.

 

To support this activity, there are approximately 330 broker-consultants based in the United Kingdom, operating out of over thirty local branch offices. Relationship management is a core element of achieving success in the intermediate channel. Scottish Equitable plc is able to support local independent investment advisors through this branch network in areas such as business development and training.

 

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The opportunity to invest in distribution has only recently been created by proposed regulatory change to the UK market. In 2002, AEGON UK established a new business unit, AEGON UK Distribution Holdings, to invest in and develop AEGON UK holding’s intermediary distribution companies. To date, AEGON UK has taken majority interests in four distribution companies and minority stakes in three others.

 

Asset Liability Management

 

At December 31, 2002, assets under management by AEGON UK amounted to GBP 30 billion. Of this GBP 30 billion, GBP 12.5 billion is covered by unit-linked policies where both the decision regarding which sector of the market to invest in and the risk of over/under performance rests with the policyholder. Of this GBP 12.5 billion, GBP 12 billion is managed by AEGON UK’s internal investment company and GBP 0.5 billion by a range of external investment organizations. Of the GBP 17.5 billion balance, the majority (GBP 15.7 billion) represents investment in with profits policies. Investment committees are in place for each of the statutory entities and these committees, which report to the appropriate Boards of Directors, meet quarterly to set benchmarks/risk profiles for the investment managers and to monitor performance against these benchmarks. Additionally the investment committee of the Board of Directors of AEGON UK reviews the policies and processes of its internal manager on a quarterly basis.

 

With respect to asset liability management, committees are in place to focus on monitoring regulatory capital requirements and ensuring close matching of assets and liabilities for the corporate risk business. Asset liability management committees meet monthly to agree to any changes required for close matching. For the with profits business, AEGON UK’s general philosophy is to match guarantees with appropriate investments. However, the nature of with profits business prevents perfect matching and the role of the committee is then to monitor the solvency/capital implications of any mismatching on a monthly basis. On an annual basis, detailed reports are produced for the relevant subsidiary Boards and the AEGON UK Board covering the impact of a range of investment scenarios on the solvency of each of the funds. These reports allow a central investment strategy to be agreed to and established for the With Profits Funds.

 

Guaranteed annuity options (GAOs) are a major source of potential risk in the UK market. Scottish Equitable plc is the only company in the AEGON UK group with significant exposure to GAOs. This exposure has been capped by the purchase of a range of swaptions designed to match both the interest and mortality risk inherent within the GAOs.

 

AEGON UK uses derivatives as part of the asset management process in both the unit-linked and With Profits Funds. The principle derivatives used are exchange-traded equity and bond futures. The decisions to implement and execute are carried out by separate bodies. Trades and standing positions are reviewed on a daily basis by a specialist team and circulated for confirmation by the relevant fund managers on a weekly basis.

 

The use of exchange-traded derivatives within the With Profits Funds is consistent with efficient portfolio management: it is done either as a strategic overlay that is cheaper to implement by derivatives or to establish a strategic position in advance of implementation in physical securities. The main exception is the swaption purchased in relation to GAOs. Exchange-traded derivative positions are cleared through a central clearer and margining is reviewed daily.

 

Investment exposure to any single counterparty is limited by an internal framework that reflects the limits set by the regulatory regime. This applies both within asset classes (equities, bonds and cash) and across all investments. The standing positions against these limits are reviewed monthly.

 

Reinsurance

 

AEGON UK reinsures mortality and morbidity risk, resulting in limited exposure to these risks. AEGON UK’s policy is to reinsure 90% of the risk for new mortality and morbidity business and to reinsure 100% of longevity

 

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risk for annuities. The quality of the reinsurer is monitored by setting a minimum credit rating of AA by Standard & Poor’s. Any decision to use a reinsurer with a lower credit rating requires the agreement of AEGON’s reinsurance committee. All reinsurance to date has been with companies external to the AEGON Group.

 

A detailed summary of all risk agreements is provided annually to the AEGON Group Risk Committee.

 

AEGON UK also uses reinsurance as a means of providing investment management, via a number of external fund management organizations, in respect of part of its unit-linked business.

 

Competition

 

AEGON UK faces strong competition in all its markets from two key sources—life and pension companies and investment management houses.

 

The life and pension market has been concentrating over the past few years amongst the largest companies and those perceived to be financially strong. Consolidation has been a much less significant factor in recent years. In addition, AEGON UK has faced significant pressure from the largest two players in the market who have been seen as a safe haven by intermediaries.

 

The retail investment market is very fragmented with the leading positions changing on a fairly regular basis. This is particularly influenced by performance figures. Competition is very intense and leading market shares are typically below 10%.

 

On the institutional side, the market has been moving towards more specialist mandates away from mixed funds. There is a relatively small number of distributors and competition surrounds the quality of internal processes and brand.

 

Regulation

 

Most of AEGON’s UK companies are regulated by the Financial Services Authority under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

 

The Financial Services Authority acts as both a prudential and conduct-of-business supervisor. As such, it sets minimum standards for capital adequacy and solvency, and regulates the sales and marketing activities of the regulated companies.

 

All directors and some senior managers of AEGON UK undertaking particular roles (for example as Appointed Actuary, Fund Managers and Dealers and Salesmen) enter into direct contracts with the Financial Services Authority as Approved Persons. As such, they are subject to rigorous pre-appointment checks on their integrity and competence, and are subject to ongoing supervision throughout their mandate as Approved Persons and for a limited period afterwards.

 

SE international business contains four corporations: a Luxembourg-based life insurance company (Scottish Equitable International société anonyme), a Bermuda-based life insurance company (Scottish Equitable International (Bermuda) Ltd.), a Luxembourg-based mutual fund management company (Scottish Equitable Advisers société anonyme) and an Italian sales and marketing company (Scottish Equitable Italia Sarl). These companies are regulated by their local authorities.

 

AEGON Ireland Holdings BV is a holding company having its head-office at AEGONplein 50, The Hague, the Netherlands. This company comprises three corporations, an Irish life insurance company (Scottish Equitable International (Dublin) plc), a services company (Scottish Equitable International Services) and a reinsurance company (Transamerica International Reinsurance Ireland). The Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and

 

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Employment regulates Scottish Equitable International (Dublin) plc, which is subject to all Irish corporate and insurance regulations. Scottish Equitable International Services is governed by Irish corporate legislation and submits annual accounts to the company registrar.

 

Other Countries

 

Hungary

 

General History

 

The ÁB-AEGON General Insurance Company (ÁB-AEGON) has been a member of the AEGON Group since 1992, celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2002. The legal predecessor of the company was the state-owned ÁB, which was incorporated in the 1940’s under the former socialist regime. In the last ten years, ÁB-AEGON has been transformed into one of the most profitable insurance companies in Hungary (source: income statement of the Hungarian insurance sector, 2001, www.mabisz.hu).

 

ÁB-AEGON is a limited liability company. It operates in Hungary and has its head office in Budapest at 1091, Budapest Ülloi út 1. phone: +36-1-4-765-765. ÁB-AEGON’s main operations are life insurance, general insurance and asset management. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEGON.

 

ÁB-AEGON has four subsidiaries, all located in Hungary:

 

  AEGON Securities;

 

  AEGON Real Estates;

 

  AEGON Pension Fund Management Co.; and

 

  AEGON Hungary Fund Management Co.

 

ÁB-AEGON operated in a divisional structure until it was restructured in 2000. Operations are currently divided by sales channels and functional areas.

 

The main strategic goals are to:

 

  increase profit and premium income;

 

  maintain the number-one position in new sales of life insurance products;

 

  maintain client satisfaction and loyalty;

 

  win the institutional investor of the year award for excellent investment performance again;

 

  retain market share in household insurance above 50%; and

 

  obtain a significant market share in the fast growing mortgage market.

 

Products and Distribution

 

ÁB-AEGON is a composite insurance company offering both life insurance and non-life insurance products. The core business products are life, pension, mortgage and household insurance. The life insurance product portfolio consists of traditional general account products and unit-linked products, although in recent years unit-linked sales have been much more significant than general account product sales. For general account products, profits on the investments are shared with the client. For unit-linked products, the customers’ money is managed in a separate account invested in investment fund units and only a management fee is deducted from the return. In the case of non-life insurance products, the company has a conservative underwriting policy, limiting ÁB AEGON’S risk. ÁB AEGON insures over half of the household market. The profitability of household insurance is very high and presents ÁB-AEGON with positive opportunities for cross-selling life insurance products.

 

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Property and car insurance are also represented in the portfolio but are not core products. Due to portfolio protection, motor insurance will gain more attention this year.

 

Pension Insurance. Pension insurance is a core business product of ÁB-AEGON, therefore pension fund services are also offered. The mandatory and voluntary pension funds of ÁB-AEGON are among the largest in the country in terms of managed assets and number of members (source: Hungarian Financial Supervisory Authority). The pension fund business concentrates its growth strategy in recruiting new members and purchasing other pension funds.

 

Traditional General Account Products. These products consist of small life policies that were issued before ÁB became part of the AEGON Group. The premium income from these policies is small and the profit margin is very low. Traditional general account products also include indexed life products that are not unit-linked but have guaranteed interest. ÁB-AEGON no longer offers either of these products.

 

Unit-linked Products. These products are the most recent and most important products sold by ÁB-AEGON. Unit-linked products are connected to a mutual fund and the investment company buys units of the mutual fund with the policyholder’s funds. ÁB-AEGON deducts only an asset management fee. The unit-linked products cover all types of life insurance (pension, endowment, savings, etc.). They are very popular in Hungary and the largest part of ÁB-AEGON’s new sales is derived from unit-linked life products.

 

Group Life Products. These products are mostly identical to unit-linked products, but some of them have guaranteed interest. They are sold to companies covering large groups of employees, not individuals.

 

ÁB-AEGON also provides asset management services through its subsidiary, AEGON Securities. It offers five mutual funds to the public: domestic bond, domestic equity, international bond, international equity and money market.

 

ÁB-AEGON’s distribution channels are the composite network, the life network, independent agencies, brokers and Moneymaxx.

 

ÁB-AEGON’s two main distribution channels (the composite and life networks) work with agents but the company also uses alternative channels and partners to increase the number of sales in this sector. That enabled us to keep a strong position in life insurance new sales in 2001 and 2002.

 

The composite network is ÁB-AEGON’s main distribution channel. It sells all types of insurance products through agents, who are organized under the direction of territorial directorates.

 

Independent agencies are special composite brokers. They work on behalf of ÁB-AEGON and can only sell AEGON products. The company has contracts with a few agencies. The independent agencies mainly sell life and mortgage insurance products.

 

The life network is a special alternative to the composite network. Although it also distributes through products agents, the agents only sell life and pension insurance products. The life network is slightly smaller than the composite network. The life network agents are qualified investment advisors who cater to the upper-income segments of the population.

 

Brokers are independent intermediaries that work on behalf of the customer. ÁB-AEGON has relationships with several brokers, but these brokers can also sell the products of other insurance companies. The brokers’ main product line is non-life, but ÁB-AEGON would like to expand their sales capacity to include life and pension products as well.

 

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Moneymaxx sells a very simple savings product mainly through direct sales. Their share in the new sales of ÁB-AEGON is presently less significant than other methods of distribution (and products).

 

ÁB-AEGON also endeavors to develop relationships with banks. ÁB-AEGON’s current partner banks offer mortgage products, simple savings products and units of AEGON Securities’ mutual funds to the public.

 

Asset Liability Management

 

ÁB-AEGON has a centralized investment organization. The investment department makes all strategic and tactical decisions related to investments. ÁB-AEGON has its own security, fund management and real estate subsidiaries, which are coordinated by the investment department. Portfolio management services are provided by AEGON Hungary Fund Management Company under the direction of the investment department. AEGON Hungary Fund Management Company handles its own account and unit-linked portfolio, as well as the portfolio of the four mutual funds and the assets of the pension fund.

 

The AEGON Pension Fund Management Co. is responsible for the operation and management of the voluntary and mandatory pension funds. Its two main sources of income are the management fee and the investment fee it charges. The investment fee is shared with AEGON Hungary Fund Management Company, which is the asset manager of the AEGON pension funds.

 

The Hungarian Insurance Act imposes very strict requirements on investments by insurance companies. The laws protect the interest of the public and provide guidelines for portfolio composition as well as minimal capital and reserve requirements. The assets backing the reserves must be invested within strict limits established to reduce risk and assure liquidity.

 

Most investment activities fall under the scope of the Security Act. This Act regulates all operations related to securities in Hungary and the organization and capital adequacy of Hungarian security companies.

 

ÁB-AEGON follows a very conservative investment policy. The main part of the portfolio consists of government issues. Shares, mortgage bonds and real estate play a very marginal role. ÁB-AEGON’s asset liability management model is based on duration management. The investment department is responsible for the duration management and determines the portfolio of assets required to match the characteristics of product liabilities. ÁB-AEGON’S assets under management amounted to EUR 1.3 billion at December 31, 2002.

 

Reinsurance

 

ÁB-AEGON’s reinsurance partners are among the most significant European reinsurers in the European and London markets. In accordance with ÁB-AEGON’s security guidelines, only reinsurers with a minimum rating of A+ (Standard & Poor’s) are utilized. The three most important programs in force in the last ten years are the Catastrophe Excess of Loss Treaty, the Motor Third Party Liability Excess of Loss Treaty and the Property per Risk Excess of Loss Treaty. ÁB-AEGON’s catastrophe cover, which protects private homeowners, is quite significant in the Hungarian market. In addition, ÁB-AEGON has smaller treaties for other business lines, such as General Third Party Liability, Marine Cargo, and Life & Group Life Business. The majority of ÁB-AEGON’s programs are non-proportional Excess of Loss programs.

 

Competition

 

The Hungarian insurance market is very concentrated, with five to six major companies comprising 80 to 85% of the market, based on premium income. However, the income share concentration in the market is slowly decreasing: there are now twelve to fifteen insurance companies active in the market. In the first quarter of 2002, ÁB-AEGON had the second largest life insurance premium income and portfolio premium and in 2001 the largest new sales income. ÁB-AEGON is the market leader in household insurance premiums and has the largest

 

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portfolio (source: annual and quarterly reports of the Hungarian insurance sector, 2000, www.mabisz.hu). ÁB-AEGON’s market share in motor and property insurance is less significant.

 

ÁB-AEGON is one of the largest institutional investors in Hungary (source: Hungarian Financial Supervisory Authority), with more than EUR 1.3 billion in assets under management. In 2001, ÁB-AEGON won the “Institutional Investor of the Year” award for excellent investment performance and in 2002 our portfolio managers shared the “Most Sophisticated Portfolios Manager” award.

 

ÁB-AEGON had the highest profit in the Hungarian market in 2001. In 2001, ÁB-AEGON’s net profit after tax exceeded 46% of the total profit of the sector ( source: income statement of the Hungarian insurance sector, 2001, www.mabisz.hu).

 

Regulation

 

In Hungary, the Insurance Act (XCVI. 1995) regulates the foundation, operation and reporting obligations of insurance companies. Since 1995, insurance companies can be licensed only for separate businesses: a company can conduct either life insurance or non-life insurance businesses but cannot operate both businesses together (although insurance companies established before 1995, including ÁB-AEGON, are exempted from this rule).

 

The main supervisory institution is the Hungarian Financial Supervisory Authority, which has a department that deals with the insurance sector. It can investigate insurance companies’ activities and relationships.

 

In addition to legal regulation, insurance companies have a self-regulatory body called the Hungarian Insurance Association. It is the main forum for discussion amongst insurance companies. Its specialized departments (including actuarial, financial and legal departments) meet periodically. The Hungarian Insurance Association also engages in lobbying activities.

 

As one of the largest institutional investors in Hungary, the investment operations of ÁB-AEGON are also regulated by the Security Act. The Security Act affects all investment activities related to securities. The strict requirements of the Security Act protect the interests of the public and ensure a transparent and reliable investment environment.

 

Spain

 

General History

 

In Spain, AEGON operates through AEGON Union Aseguradora SA (AEGON Spain), a non-life insurance company headquartered in Madrid, which is also the parent company of two life insurance subsidiaries: AEGON Seguros Vida, Ahorro e Inversion SA and AEGON Moneymaxx SA. As of January 1, 2003, AEGON Union Aseguradora SA became the holding company of four operating companies: AEGON Seguros Generales, AEGON Seguros Salud, AEGON Seguros de Vida and AEGON Moneymaxx SA.

 

AEGON entered the Spanish market in 1980 by acquiring Seguros Galicia. AEGON also acquired Union Levantina in 1987, Union Previsora in 1988, Labor Medica in 1996, La Sanitaria in 1997, Caja de Prevision y Socorro in 1997 and Covadonga at the of 1999.

 

Twenty-four percent of AEGON Spain’s 2002 premium income was derived from life insurance, 62% was derived from property and casualty insurance and 14% was derived from health insurance. As at December 31, 2002, AEGON Spain had 701 employees.

 

Products and Distribution

 

Over the several past years, AEGON Spain has focused its growth on the life insurance business and particularly unit-linked products. By marketing unit-linked variable life products to younger professionals

 

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through multiple distribution channels, it has made significant inroads into a market traditionally dominated by banks.

 

With respect to life insurance, AEGON Spain’s principal products are traditional life and unit-linked insurance. Traditional life insurance is comprised of permanent and term life insurance. Permanent life insurance provides life-long financial protection. The policy has a cash value feature with a minimum tax-deferred rate guarantee that accumulates over the life of the policy and can be used to fund financial goals, particularly in retirement. Term insurance covers the insured for a specific period of time. The policy pays death benefits only if the insured dies during the term. Policies can usually be renewed upon expiration and premiums normally increase upon renewal. Unit-linked insurance is a form of life insurance whereby death benefits and cash values vary with the performance of a portfolio of investments. Premiums can be allocated among a variety of investments that offer different degrees of risk and reward, including stocks, bonds or combinations of both.

 

For distribution purposes, AEGON Spain makes a distinction between individual life and group life. Individual life products are sold in urban centers by specialized agents and brokers and in rural areas by specialized agents and on a direct marketing basis using the Moneymaxx concept. Group life products are distributed through banks and financial institutions as well as through brokers and specialized agents. A new law has been approved by Parliament that increases the fiscal advantages for retirement products and will offer opportunities for insurance companies.

 

Having strengthened its central data processing systems to improve measurement and control, AEGON Spain’s general insurance division is delegating more responsibilities to agents, branch offices and regional headquarters. The objective of this decentralization is to lower costs and to continue to provide adequate service in a difficult and volatile market climate.

 

The main general insurance products are motor and fire insurance. These products are distributed exclusively through the agency channel, using a network of more than 3,000 agents and brokers.

 

In 2002, the health unit reorganized its commercial management to increase responsiveness. A centralized health division back office for underwriting, separate from the general insurance activities, has been established.

 

Under the National Social Security System, the Spanish workforce is automatically insured for health expenses and the purchase of private insurance policies therefore means a duplication of expenses.

 

AEGON Spain’s main health product is Salud Premier Gold, which is an annually renewable product for medical services. It accounted for 83% of AEGON Spain’s health premium income in 2002. Health policies are distributed through agents, directly to customers and through specialized health agents.

 

Asset Liability Management

 

AEGON Spain’s approach to asset liability management is based on the projection of both asset and liability cash flows, the calculation of their present values using a market yield curve and the calculation of the main parameters affecting these cash flows, such as duration and convexity, among others. The target is to lock in the spread by making the duration of assets and liabilities equal to each other.

 

Part of AEGON Spain’s investment portfolio is managed by AEGON UK, but closely supervised by AEGON Spain.

 

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Reinsurance

 

AEGON Spain has both proportional and non-proportional reinsurance protection, primarily for fire and general liability insurance. In line with AEGON’s policy, AEGON Spain’s reinsurers are generally at least AA-rated by Standard & Poor’s.

 

Competition

 

Competition in Spain is significant. Among AEGON Spain’s major competitors are the bank-owned insurance companies for life and pension products, foreign insurance companies for all product lines and foreign and local companies for health insurance products.

 

Regulation

 

Dirección General de Seguros (DGS) is the regulatory authority for the Spanish insurance business. Insurance companies have to report to DGS quarterly. The Spanish legal requirements incorporate the requirements of the European Community Directives. In terms of solvency margin, local requirements are based on a percentage of the reserves for the life insurance business and on a percentage of premiums for the non-life insurance business. AEGON Spain exceeds both solvency requirements.

 

AEGON Spain’s investment portfolio is regulated under Spanish law, which is based on the third EU directive (92/96/EEC). The regulation requires the proper matching of investments and technical provisions and also establishes the main characteristics of the assets that can be used for asset liability management. There are limitations on the amounts that can be invested in unsecured loans, unquoted stock, single investments in real estate and a single loan or debtor.

 

Taiwan

 

General History

 

AEGON Life Insurance (Taiwan) Inc. (AEGON Taiwan) is a life insurance company that was formed in 2001 to conduct life insurance business in the Republic of China. AEGON Taiwan’s operations began in 1994 as a branch office of Life Investors Insurance Company of America, an AEGON USA life insurance company. In 1998, AEGON Taiwan took over a block of business comprised of 55,000 policies of American Family Life Assurance Company Taiwan. In 1999, the Transamerica Taiwan branch was added as a result of the Transamerica acquisition and its integration with the existing operation was completed in 2001. At the end of 2001, AEGON Taiwan acquired a block of business comprised of 57,000 policies of National Mutual Life Association of Australia, AXA’s Taiwan life operation. In 2001, AEGON Taiwan moved into a new head office in Taipei.

 

Based on total premium income for 2002, AEGON Taiwan ranked sixth out of the 13 foreign life insurance companies operating in Taiwan (Source: The Life Insurance Association of the Republic of China, released January 15, 2003). AEGON Taiwan’s total employment as of December 31, 2002 was 801. Of this total, 569 employees are agent-employees.

 

Products and Distribution

 

The product portfolio consists primarily of increasing/level whole life, female whole life, coupon whole life, whole life cancer, endowment life, term life, dread disease whole life rider, one-year term health/accident rider and waiver of premium rider products. A new variable universal life product was introduced in April 2002.

 

Life, traditional whole life and term life products continue to be AEGON Taiwan’s main products. With some variations in benefit features and premium payment patterns, such as graded whole life and inflation

 

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adjustment, increasing death benefit whole life is designed to meet various consumer needs. All survival benefits and cash surrender value, including embedded interest earned, are tax-exempt. Endowment life products and coupon whole life products with periodical survival benefit payments are also selling well in the Taiwanese market.

 

Female whole life is a unique product, which has life protection, female specific illness benefits and a survival benefit.

 

Dread disease whole life riders, yearly renewable health and accident benefit riders and waiver of premium riders provide popular supplementary coverage for most of AEGON Taiwan’s policyholders.

 

AEGON Taiwan distributes its products primarily through the agency channel, but also uses insurance brokerage firms and banks (bancassurance). Agencies provide the main distribution channel. This distribution channel consists of a network of professional career agents located in 32 offices nation-wide. Due to training and strong back office support, agent productivity for 2002 was on average 3.5 new base policies per agent per month, which is more than double the industry average of 1.26 policies per agent per month (Source: The Life Insurance Association of the Republic of China).

 

Asset Liability Management

 

Asset liability management is an integral part of AEGON Taiwan’s newly instituted risk management process. AEGON Taiwan’s asset liability management policy aims to match assets and liabilities and reduce total risk while maximizing investment yield. To achieve these objectives, broad risk limits are established for the investment portfolio given the general account liabilities as defined by a baseline investment policy statement. The calculation also takes into account the duration of assets and liabilities and the capital at risk. The long-term duration mismatch goal is plus or minus 0.75 years. At year-end 2002, the mismatch is above that level and amounts to 2.17 years assets shorter than liabilities.

 

Competition

 

The life insurance industry in Taiwan has shown significant growth in recent years. Between 1997 and 2002, life insurance premium income in Taiwan grew at an annual growth rate of 16% based on statistics released by the Life Insurance Association of the Republic of China. As at the end of 2002, there were 28 life insurance companies in Taiwan, 19 of which were domestic companies and 9 were foreign-branch offices. In 2002, insurance premium totalled NTD 889 billion with the top five companies accounting for around 73%.

 

With the introduction of new regulations to facilitate the formation of financial holding companies, which allow banks to broaden their activities into insurance, the bancassurance channel is forecasted to develop very rapidly. Owing to the increase in competition with bancassurance, direct marketing and brokers, the number of career agents was reduced by 40,000 (12%) in 2002.

 

Regulation

 

AEGON Taiwan is subject to regulation and supervision by the Minister of Finance. The regulation covers the licensing of agents, the approval of the insurance policies, the regulation of premium rates, the establishment of reserve requirements, the regulation of the type and amount of investments permitted and prescribing of minimum levels of capital.

 

Transamerica Finance Corporation

 

Transamerica Finance Corporation conducts business in commercial lending, intermodal leasing and real estate information services operations.

 

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The commercial lending operation makes commercial loans through four businesses: distribution finance, business capital, equipment financial services and specialty finance. It has offices in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe and India. The intermodal leasing operation provides service, rentals and term operating leases through a worldwide network of offices, third party depots and other facilities. The intermodal leasing operation offers a wide variety of equipment used in international and domestic commerce around the world. Its fleet consists of over 674,000 marine containers (consisting of units that are owned along with managed for and leased from others) and over 19,000 European trailers. Real estate information services provides property tax payment and reporting, flood certification and other real estate information services to its customers.

 

Due to their dissimilarity in operations in relation to the operations of AEGON, these group companies have not been consolidated.

 

Description of Property

 

In the United States, we own predominantly all of the buildings which we use in the normal course of our business, primarily as offices. We own 15 offices located throughout the United States with a total square footage of 3.2 million. We also lease office space for various offices located throughout the United State under long-term leases for a total square footage of 1.1 million. Our principal offices are located in Los Angeles, California, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Frazer, Pennsylvania, St Petersburg, Florida, Plano, Texas and Baltimore, Maryland.

 

Other principal offices owned are located in Budapest, Hungary and Madrid, Spain. AEGON leases its headquarters and principal offices in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom under long-term leases. The Company believes that its properties are adequate to meet is current needs.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

Introduction

 

AEGON is committed to providing information on key factors that drive its business and affect its financial condition, results and value. Our disclosure practices have been developed over many years with due consideration of the needs and requirements of our stakeholders, including regulators, investors and research analysts. We have substantive supplemental information in our annual and quarterly accounts to provide transparency of our financial results. We have provided insight into our critical accounting policies and the methodologies we apply to manage our risks. For a discussion of critical accounting policies see “—Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Dutch Accounting Policies” and “—Application of Critical Accounting Policies—US GAAP”. For a discussion of our risk management methodologies see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk”.

 

Outlook 2003

 

AEGON remains strongly positioned and capitalized in the markets in which it operates. Business operations are sound and we look forward to profitable new business growth and lower expense levels. Nonetheless, weak and volatile financial markets and geo-political uncertainty continue to create a difficult operating environment for out business. AEGON’s Executive Board remains cautious in its outlook for 2003 and has not provided an earnings forecast for 2003.

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Dutch Accounting Principles

 

The Operating and Financial Review and Prospects are based upon AEGON’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with Dutch accounting principles. The application of Dutch accounting principles requires our management to use judgements involving assumptions and estimates concerning future results or other developments including the likelihood, timing or amount of one or more future transactions or events. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Senior

 

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management reviews these judgements frequently and an understanding of these judgements may enhance the reader’s understanding of the AEGON’s financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report.

 

We have summarized below the Dutch accounting policies that we feel are most critical to the financial statement presentation and that require significant judgement or involve complex estimates.

 

Technical Provisions—Life Insurance

 

Actuarial assumptions and their sensitivities underlie the calculation of technical provisions, which are based on generally accepted reserve valuation standards. In the ordinary course of business, our management makes assumptions for and estimates of future premiums, mortality, morbidity, investment returns, lapses, surrenders and expenses. These assumptions are initially based on best estimates of future experience at the policy inception date, in some instances taking into account a margin for the risk of adverse deviation from these assumptions. The assumptions used are regularly reviewed, compared to actual experience and, if necessary, depending on the type of products, updated.

 

Assumptions are made regarding future investment yields for both the pricing and the assessment of profitability of many general account products and products for the account of policyholders. Assumed yields are based on management’s best estimates. Periodically, AEGON assesses the impact of fluctuations of future investment yields on pricing and profitability. For products where AEGON offers explicit benefit guarantees to its clients, product pricing reflects these guarantees.

 

Reserve for Guaranteed Minimum Benefits (GMBs)

 

Guaranteed minimum benefits are contained in certain products offered in the United States, Canada and the Netherlands. An additional technical provision is recognized in the income statement to the extent that products contain a guaranteed minimum benefit. For these products the regular technical provision is recognized under technical provisions with investments for account of policyholders. The life insurance technical provision includes provisions for guaranteed minimum benefits related to contracts where the policyholders otherwise bear the investment risk. The main products are summarized below:

 

  guaranteed minimum benefits on variable products, primarily variable annuities, in the United States;

 

  guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits on segregated funds in Canada; and

 

  guaranteed return on certain unit-linked products in The Netherlands.

 

In the United States a common feature of variable annuities is a guaranteed minimum death benefit, under which, the beneficiaries receive the greater of the account balance or the guaranteed amount when the insured dies. The guaranteed amount is calculated using the total deposits made by the contract holder, less any withdrawals and sometimes includes a roll-up or step-up feature that increases the value of the guarantee with interest or with increases in the account value, respectively. Our technical provision for life insurance includes a provision in connection with the guarantees issued. A cap and a floor for this provision is calculated using stochastic prospective methods (probability weighted calculation using multiple future scenarios) and current assumptions. See the following section on the accounting policy for deferred policy acquisition costs for a discussion of the various assumptions involved in the calculation. Within the cap and floor corridor, we use the accrual method based on pricing assumptions with valuation interest less actual claims incurred. Outside the cap and floor corridor, a surplus or shortfall of the provision will cause an extra charge or credit to the income statement.

 

In Canada, variable products sold are known as “segregated funds”. Segregated funds are similar to mutual funds except they include a “capital protection guarantee” for mortality and maturity. The initial guarantee period is 10 years. The 10-year period may be reset at the contractholder’s option to lock in market gains. The reset feature cannot be exercised in the final decade of the contract and for many products can only be exercised a

 

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limited number of times per year. The management expense ratio (“MER”) charged to the funds is not guaranteed and can be increased at management’s discretion. Our provisions for the minimum guarantees on segregated funds are established consistent with the method described above for minimum guarantees on variable annuity contracts sold in the United States.

 

In the Netherlands Fundplan policies have a guaranteed return of 3% or 4% at maturity or upon the death of the insured if the premium is paid for a consecutive period of 10 years and is invested in the Mixed Fund and/or Fixed Income Fund. For this guaranteed return, we establish a provision based on stochastic modelling methods. If the provision develops outside the corridor, a charge or credit to the income statement is recorded. Minimum interest guarantees on group pension contracts in The Netherlands are given for nominal benefits, based on the 3% or 4% actuarial interest, after retirement of the employees. Due to the nature of the products, these guarantees have a long-term horizon of approximately 30 to 60 years. The provision is developed applying the accrual method based on pricing assumptions less actual deductions.

 

The US variable annuity account balance at December 31, 2002 was EUR 27.3 billion (EUR 34.1 billion at December 31, 2001), and the GMDB reserve balance totalled EUR 257 million at December 31, 2002, with an addition of EUR 214 million during 2002.

 

For the Canadian Segregated funds the account balance at December 31, 2002 was EUR 2.5 billion (EUR 0.7 billion at December 31, 2001) and the GMB reserve balance totalled EUR 76 million at December 31, 2002, with an addition of EUR 59 million during 2002.

 

The Netherlands unit linked polices, including group contracts had an account balance of EUR 7.5 billion at December 31, 2002 (EUR 8 billion at December 31, 2001) and the GMB reserve totalled EUR 236 million at December 31, 2002, with an addition of EUR 209 million during 2002.

 

The total Net Amount at Risk (excess of guaranteed amount over account values) at December 31, 2002 amounted to EUR 8.3 billion (2001: EUR 5.4 billion). It should be noted that the net amount at risk (NAR) is a gross exposure and does not take into account the impact of mortality and lapse decrements nor does it recognize future premium income and investment returns.

 

Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, including Value of Business Acquired

 

AEGON defers policy acquisition costs (DPAC) that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new or renewal life insurance contracts. Such costs consist principally of commissions, certain underwriting and contract issue expenses. Policy acquisition costs are deferred to the extent that they are recoverable from future expense charges in the premiums or from expected gross profits, depending on the nature of the contract. DPAC is deducted from the technical provision life insurance. Included in DPAC is an amount of value of business acquired (VOBA) resulting from acquisitions, which is equal to the present value of estimated future profits of insurance policies in force related to business acquired at the time of the acquisition and is in its nature the same as DPAC.

 

Fixed Premium Products

 

For fixed premium products, DPAC are amortized to the income statement in proportion to the premium revenue recognized. The amortization of DPAC is based on management’s best estimate assumptions established at policy issue, including assumptions for mortality, lapses, expenses and investment returns. A margin for adverse deviation is included in the assumptions. DPAC are tested by country unit and product line to assess recoverability at least annually. The portion of DPAC that is determined to be not recoverable will be recognized as an expense in the income statement in the period of determination.

 

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Flexible Premium Products

 

For flexible premium products, including fixed and variable annuities, variable universal life and unit-linked contracts, amortization of DPAC is based on expected gross profits, which are determined based on management’s best estimates as to future expectations. These estimates include but are not limited to: an economic perspective in terms of long-term bonds and equity returns, mortality, disability and lapse assumptions, maintenance expenses, and future expected inflation rates. DPAC for flexible premium insurance contracts and investment type contracts are amortized in proportion to the emergence of estimated gross profits over the life of the contracts.

 

Movements in equity markets can have a significant impact on the value of the flexible contract accounts and the fees earned on these accounts. As a result estimated future gross profits increase or decrease with these movements. Similarly, changes in interest rate spreads for fixed annuity products (interest credited less interest earned) will affect management’s assumptions with respect to estimated gross profits.

 

In the United States (and Canada), DPAC are amortized at a constant rate based on the present value of the estimated gross profit amounts expected to be realized over the life of the policies. If appropriate, the assumptions included in the determination of estimated gross profits are adjusted. A significant assumption related to estimated gross profits on variable annuities and life insurance products is the annual net long-term growth rate of the underlying assets. As equity markets do not move in a systematic manner, assumptions are made as to the net long-term growth rate after considering the net effects of short-term variances from the long-term assumptions (a “reversion to the mean” assumption). At December 31, 2002 the U.S. reversion to the mean assumptions for variable products, primarily annuities, were as follows: gross long-term equity growth rate was 9%, gross short term growth rate was 12%, the reversion period for the short term rate is five years, the gross short and long term fixed security growth rate was 6% and the gross short and long term growth rate for money market funds was 3.5%. The reconsideration of assumptions may affect the original DPAC amortization schedule, referred to as DPAC unlocking. The difference between the original DPAC amortization schedule and the revised schedule, which is based upon estimates of actual and future gross profits, is recognized in the income statement as an expense or a benefit in the period of determination.

 

In the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and other countries, the impact of equity market movements on estimated gross profits is covered by the yearly or, if appropriate, quarterly recoverability testing; a negative outcome is charged to the income statement in the period of determination. If appropriate, the assumptions included in the determination of estimated gross profits are adjusted for future periods.

 

As a result of the general equity market decline in 2002 AEGON recorded an accelerated DPAC amortization charge of EUR 450 million, primarily related to the Americas, compared to an income statement benefit of EUR 22 million for 2001.

 

The movement in DPAC (life insurance) over 2002 can be summarized as follows:

 

     2002

    2001

 

Balance at January 1

   15,264     13,459  

Deferred during the year

   2,486     2,256  

Amortization charged to the income statement

   (1,520 )   (1,203 )

Other changes¹

   (2,141 )   752  
    

 

Balance at December 31

   14,089     15,264  

1 Mainly caused by currency exchange rate differences.

 

Included in our DPAC is a substantial amount of Value of Business Acquired (VOBA) resulting from acquisitions, which in its nature is similar to DPAC and is subject to the same testing and amortization

 

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requirements. At December 31, 2002, the VOBA amounted to approximately EUR 5.3 billion (2001: EUR 7.2 billion).

 

The movement in DPAC (non-life insurance) over 2002 can be summarized as follows:

 

     2002

    2001

 

Balance at January 1

   1,202     545  

Deferred during the year

   401     302  

Amortization charged to the income statement

   (328 )   (219 )

Other changes1

   (166 )   574  
    

 

Balance at December 31

   1,109     1,202  

1 Mainly caused by currency exchange rate differences.

 

DPAC balances at December 31, 2002 by product and geographic segment are as follows:

 

     Americas

   The
Netherlands


   United
Kingdom


   Other
countries


   Total

     Amounts in EUR million

Traditional life

   4,788    248    149    68    5,253

Fixed annuities

   1,863    —      —      —      1,863

Fixed GIC’s

   54    —      —      —      54

Policyholder

   741    831    3,718    29    5,319

Variable annuities

   1,492    —      —      —      1,492

Fee income

   102    —      6    —      108

Accident and health

   1,073    36    —      —      1,109

Total

   10,113    1,115    3,873    97    15,198
    
  
  
  
  

of which VOBA

   4,002    —      1,345    —      5,347

 

The following table illustrates certain sensitivities of our DPAC and guaranteed benefits provisioning on a DAP basis to equity market returns:

 

One-time effect of changes in long-term assumptions:

 

  effect on net earnings of lowering

long-term equity assumptions by 1%

:approx. USD -110 million

 

  effect on net earnings of eliminating the higher

short-term equity growth rate assumptions

:approx. USD -230 million

 

  effect on net earnings of lowering

long term fixed income assumptions 1%

:approx. USD -30 million

 

Default Reserve and Impairment of Debt Securities

 

Provisions for future losses on fixed income investments (bonds, mortgage loans and private placements) are established as a result of default or other credit related issues. The provision reflects our management’s judgement about future defaults and is based upon a variety of factors, including expectations for long-term default rates and pricing assumptions.

 

AEGON regularly monitors industry sectors and individual debt securities for signs of impairment, including length of time and extent to which the market value of debt securities has been less than cost; industry risk factors; financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and nationally recognized credit rating agency rating changes. Additionally for asset-backed securities, cash flow trends and underlying levels of collateral are monitored. A specific security is considered to be impaired when it is determined that it is probable

 

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that not all amounts due (both principal and interest) will be collected as scheduled. Consideration is also given to management’s intent and ability to hold a security until maturity or until fair value will recover.

 

In the United States a reduction in the carrying value is made for Bonds and Other loans that are considered impaired. Such reductions are charged against the default provision. The determination of the amount of the write-down is based upon management’s best estimate of the future recoverable value of the debt security and takes into account underlying collateral or estimations of the liquidation values of the issuers. In the other countries, the provision is accrued until the receivable has legally ceased to exist.

 

Realized losses on debt securities considered default losses are charged against the default reserve. All other losses are deferred in accordance with Dutch accounting principles.

 

The default reserve balance for Bonds and other fixed rate securities and Other loans at January 1, 2002 was EUR 313 million. It was increased in 2002 by a charge to the income statement of EUR 826 million and reduced by default losses on specific assets of EUR 747 million. At December 31, 2002 the balance was EUR 281 million.

 

Impact on Future Earnings

 

There are a number of significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of monitoring impairments and determining if an impairment exists. These risks and uncertainties include:

 

  the risk that our assessment of an issuer’s ability to meet all of its contractual obligations will change based on changes in the credit characteristics of that issuer;

 

  the risk that the economic outlook will be worse than expected or have more of an impact on the issuer than anticipated; and

 

  the risk that new information obtained by us or changes in other facts and circumstances lead us to change our intent to hold the security to maturity or until it recovers in value.

 

Any of these situations could result in a charge against earnings in a future period to the extent of the impairment charge recorded.

 

Unrealized Bond Gains and Losses by Investment Type

 

The carrying value and fair value of Bonds and other fixed rate securities and Private placements are as follows at December 31, 2002:

 

     Carrying
value


   Unrealized
gains


   Unrealized
losses


    Fair
value


     in million EUR

US Government

   4,517    104    (17 )   4,604

Dutch Government

   1,958    125    (10 )   2,073

Other Government

   5,238    323    (36 )   5,525

Mortgage backed securities

   23,179    669    (654 )   23,194

Corporate bonds

   62,437    4,096    (1,435 )   65,098
    
  
  

 

Total

   97,329    5,317    (2,152 )   100,494

of which held by AEGON USA

   84,021    4,566    (2,024 )   86,563

 

The unrealized loss at December 31, 2002 of AEGON USA represents 94% of the AEGON Group’s total unrealized losses. The following tables and information relate to AEGON USA only and excludes moneymarket investments and redeemable preferred shares held by AEGON USA.

 

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The composition by investment type of all Bonds and Other loans in unrealized gain and loss status held by AEGON USA at December 31, 2002 is presented in the table below.

 

    

DAP
basis

Carrying

Value


  

Market

Value


  

Net
Unrealized

Gain (loss)


  

Carrying
Value

of Securities

with Gross

Unrealized
Gains


  

Gross
Unrealized

Gains


  

Carrying
Value of
Securities

with Gross

Unrealized
Losses


  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses


 
     in million USD  

US Government

   4,592    4,655    63    3,336    80    1,256    (17 )

Foreign Government

   1,177    1,252    75    1,019    107    158    (32 )

Mortgage backed securities

   24,249    24,264    15    15,126    699    9,123    (684 )

Corporate bonds

   54,265    56,821    2,556    45,499    3,895    8,766    (1,339 )
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total bonds and Other loans

   84,283    86,992    2,709    64,980    4,781    19,303    (2,072 )

 

Unrealized Bond Losses by Sector

 

The composition by industry categories of bonds and other loans in an unrealized loss position held by AEGON USA at December 31, 2002 is presented in the table below.

 

Sector


  

Carrying Value 

of Securities

with Gross
Unrealized Losses


  

Gross 

Unrealized 

Loss


 
     in millions USD  

Electric

   1,379    (358 )

Transportation

   765    (202 )

Asset Backed Housing Related

   3,493    (188 )

Communications

   857    (164 )

Asset Backed CBO

   1,060    (162 )

Natural Gas

   459    (155 )

Banking

   1,192    (132 )

Asset Backed Credit Cards

   1,382    (128 )

Non-Cyclical Consumer Goods

   939    (107 )

Asset Backed Transportation

   471    (107 )

Cyclical Consumer Goods

   651    (91 )

Other

   6,655    (278 )
    
  

     19,303    (2,072 )

 

The information presented above is subject to rapidly changing conditions. As such, AEGON USA expects that the level of securities with overall unrealized losses will fluctuate. The recent volatility of financial market conditions has resulted in increased recognition of both investment gains and losses, as portfolio risks are adjusted through sales and purchases. The discussion of unrealized loss positions below is presented as of December 31, 2002.

 

As of December 31, 2002, there are USD 4.8 billion of gross unrealized gains and USD 2.1 billion of gross unrealized losses on the fixed maturities portfolio. Gross unrealized losses of USD 1.2 billion or 60%, are concentrated in the asset backed housing related and CBOs, electric and natural gas, transportation, and communications industries.

 

Asset Backed Securities (ABS) and Collateralized Bond and Loan Obligations (CBOs): CBOs are collateralized by a diversified pool of corporate bonds or loans. The pool is financed by senior tranches, mezzanine tranches and equity. AEGON USA’s portfolio consists of 64% senior classes of securities and 35% mezzanine classes that were rated investment grade at the time of purchase. The overall weak market for corporate bonds has caused a significant increase in CBO bond downgrades by the rating agencies. This

 

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environment has caused the secondary market for such bonds to be very illiquid. AEGON USA evaluates each transaction by modelling the expected cash flows assuming various scenarios for defaults and recoveries on the underlying bonds or loans. In cases where AEGON USA has not taken an impairment loss, these models indicate full recovery of principal and interest.

 

Debt securities discussed individually in this sector below are rated below investment grade.

 

Enterprise Mortgage Acceptance Company, LLC (EMAC)’s sole business was to source loans from its franchise loan business. EMAC has been replaced by General Mortgage Acceptance Company (GMAC) as master servicer. AEGON owns USD 54 million in carrying value of class A debt securities and USD 8 million in carrying value of subordinated debt securities. The carrying value refers to the amortized cost of a security less any impairment that has been taken on that security. The unrealized loss position of the debt securities is USD 22 million and USD 6 million, respectively. Of the total unrealized loss position, USD 8 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months and USD 20 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. AEGON has not taken an impairment on these debt securities because they are secured by a portfolio of franchise loans that AEGON believes is currently capable of meeting scheduled principal and interest payments. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

Asset Backed Housing-Related: Housing-related ABS bonds are collateralized by diversified pools of first and second-lien residential mortgage loans which are generally secured by 1-4 family residential housing properties or manufactured homes. Approximately 85% of AEGON USA’s housing-related asset backed portfolio is backed by 1-4 family residential properties and 15% is backed by manufactured housing properties. The 1-4 family residential market has been relatively stable. The manufactured housing sector has and continues to experience significant weakness as a result of poor underwriting practices in the late 1990s which have resulted in higher than expected defaults and losses on the underlying collateral. This has resulted in a number of lenders to the industry pulling out of the sector or filing for bankruptcy.

 

These lenders have also increased their use of wholesale channels to liquidate repossessed collateral, thus causing recovery rates to fall at a time when defaults are rising. These events have caused risk premiums for manufactured housing bonds and rating downgrades to rise to unprecedented levels. AEGON USA evaluates each transaction by modelling the expected cash flows assuming various scenarios for defaults and recoveries on the underlying collateral. In cases where AEGON USA has not taken an impairment loss, these models indicate full recovery of principal and interest. Due to their illiquid nature, these assets are generally bought to hold to maturity.

 

Electric & Natural Gas (Utilities): The utility sector has faced a number of significant challenges in recent years including the California energy crisis, Enron bankruptcy, and the rapid financial deterioration of several leading companies in the merchant energy industry. Bondholders are experiencing extreme volatility as the increased financial and business risk associated with non-regulated activities has led to a substantial number of ratings downgrades. In fact, a majority of merchant energy companies have seen their rating lowered to below investment grade, reflecting their limited financial flexibility and increased probability of default. These companies are seeking to improve their financial situation primarily through asset sales, and using the proceeds to reduce debt. While de-leveraging is positive from a credit standpoint, the scale, scope, and timing of these asset sales may make it difficult to realize the sellers’ desired value in many cases.

 

AEGON USA believes there will be continued volatility in bond values as companies work through their individual restructuring plans. On the other hand, companies with solid regulated operations (either electric or natural gas) have exhibited much less volatility due to the protection afforded by state and/or federal regulation. AEGON USA has taken impairment losses on those companies in this sector that it believes will not be successful in bridging liquidity needs.

 

Debt securities discussed individually in this sector below are rated below investment grade.

 

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AEGON owns debt securities of subsidiaries of Dynegy, Inc. (Dynegy), an integrated natural gas pipeline company with a significant merchant energy operation and a regulated utility operation. AEGON owns USD 56 million in carrying value of trust preferred securities of NGC Corporation and USD 35 million in carrying value of Roseton Danskammer secured lease obligations (for which Dynegy Holdings, Inc. guarantees the lease payments on the facilities). These debt securities have been in an unrealized loss position for six months or less. The NGC trust preferred securities are debt securities of Dynegy Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Dynegy that holds all of the generating, marketing and trading and midstream assets of Dynegy. Roseton and Danskammer are power generation facilities. Dynegy’s failed acquisition of Enron at the end of 2001, weak power markets, evaporation of wholesale trading markets and numerous regulatory investigations have led to a deterioration of Dynegy’s credit profile.

 

Dynegy announced a restructuring plan aimed at (i) improving liquidity, (ii) reducing debt, (iii) improving transparency and (iv) putting more focus on its asset-based businesses. As of the middle of November 2002, Dynegy stated that it had a net liquidity position of nearly USD 1.5 billion and anticipated freeing an additional USD 500 million over the following six months as the trading book was wound down. The debt securities are in an unrealized loss position of USD 53 million and USD 20 million, respectively. AEGON has not taken an impairment on these debt securities because, based on Dynegy’s announced cash position and amount of unencumbered assets, AEGON believes that Dynegy will be able to refinance its bank lines and its Chevron preferred debt obligations, and as a result be able to remain current on principal and interest payments of debt securities at its subsidiary level. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns debt securities of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of PG&E Corporation. PG&E National Energy Group, Inc. (NEG) is a wholly owned subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. NEG’s principal operating subsidiaries are PG&E Gas Transmission Northwest Corporation (GTN; natural gas pipelines) and USGen New England, Inc. (USGen; power generation and marketing). AEGON owns USD 34 million in carrying value of NEG debt securities, USD 40 million in carrying value of GTN debt securities and USD 20 million in carrying value of USGen debt securities. These debt securities have been in an unrealized loss position for six months or less. AEGON also owns USD 84 million in carrying value in two financings of generation projects where NEG is the contractual counter-party. NEG is in default on its debt securities and is currently pursuing a consensual restructuring. GTN and USGen debt securities remain current. The debt securities are in an unrealized loss position of USD 17 million, USD 2 million and USD 12 million, respectively. The carrying value of the NEG debt securities reflects an impairment of USD 11 million taken in 2002, bringing the carrying value of the NEG debt securities down to the expected recovery level, which is the level of expected cash flow. AEGON believes, based on currently available information about asset values and/or deficiency claims, that USGen and GTN are capable of meeting scheduled principal and interest payments. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns debt securities of subsidiaries of TXU Corporation. TXU Europe Limited (TXU Europe) was the European energy generation and trading business of TXU Corporation. Credit support from TXU Corporation had allowed TXU Europe to hold investment grade ratings until the fourth quarter of 2002, despite continued weakness in UK power markets. In October 2002, TXU Corporation withdrew its support and TXU Europe was downgraded to below investment grade shortly thereafter. In November 2002, TXU Europe filed for administration in the UK following an unsuccessful attempt to strike an out-of-court settlement. TXU Europe is now controlled by UK administrators overseeing its liquidation. AEGON owns USD 66 million and USD 10 million in carrying value of debt securities of each of Energy Group Overseas B.V. (a TXU Corporation subsidiary) and TXU Eastern Funding Company, respectively. The debt securities are in an unrealized loss position of USD 45 million and USD 8 million, respectively, and have been in an unrealized loss position for six months or less. The carrying value of TXU Eastern Funding Company debt securities reflects an impairment of USD 14 million taken in 2002. This amount corresponds to their expected recovery levels, which is the level of expected cash flow. The Energy Group Overseas B.V. debt securities have not been impaired because AEGON

 

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believes these debt securities will have preferential treatment due to intercompany loans sufficient to allow full recovery. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns USD 62 million in carrying value of Calpine Corporation (Calpine) debt securities and USD 19 million in carrying value of Tiverton Power secured lease obligations, where Calpine is the contractual counterparty. Calpine owns and operates a fleet of generation assets. Calpine indicated that weak power markets, a considerable debt load and weak cash flows caused it to reduce its capital spending program and to work to secure longer-term financing as a replacement for bank debt. AEGON believes Calpine has a reasonable plan for raising necessary capital through asset sales and non-operating financing activities. The debt securities are in an unrealized loss position of USD 35 million and USD 9 million, respectively. Of the total unrealized loss position, USD 41 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months and USD 3 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. AEGON has not taken an impairment on these debt securities because AEGON believes Calpine’s plans, if executed, should provide adequate liquidity to support these debt obligations until power prices recover. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns debt securities of subsidiaries of Mirant Corporation (Mirant), a merchant energy company with regionally-based businesses in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. AEGON owns USD 42 million and USD 35 million in carrying value of Mirant Americas Generation (MAGI) unsecured debt securities and Mirant Mid-Atlantic (MIRMA) secured lease obligations, respectively. MAGI is a subsidiary of Mirant and holds much of Mirant’s U.S. generating assets. MAGI owns 12,500 megawatt (MW) of generating capacity. MIRMA is a subsidiary of Mirant and controls nearly 4,300 MW of generating capacity. The debt securities of MAGI and MIRMA are in unrealized loss positions of USD 23 million and USD 11 million, respectively, and have been in an unrealized loss position of six months or less. AEGON believes that MAGI is solvent on a stand-alone basis and that the MAGI debtholders’ priority claim on the assets is currently sufficient to support a full recovery of its principal and interest. In addition, AEGON believes the plants securing the MIRMA debt securities are currently generating sufficient cash flow to service the MIRMA debt securities and have sufficient value to fully cover the debt securities. Therefore, AEGON has not taken an impairment on either of these debt securities. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns debt securities of direct and indirect subsidiaries of Edison International. AEGON owns USD 58 million in carrying value of Edison Mission Energy (EME) debt securities, USD 25 million in carrying value of Edison Mission Energy Funding debt securities (secured by Homer City Plant), and USD 21 million in carrying value of Midwest Generation debt securities (secured by the Powerton and Joliet plants). EME is a power generator with a portfolio of assets with a net generating capacity of nearly 19,000 MW. EME and other related entities were downgraded by the rating agencies during the fourth quarter of 2002. EME’s financial flexibility was limited by a cash trap in its largest subsidiary, precluding upstreaming dividends to EME, and generally weak power markets. The debt securities are in unrealized loss positions of USD 16 million, USD 5 million and USD 7 million, respectively, and have been in an unrealized loss position for six months or less. Nonetheless, AEGON believes, based on the cash flows from other subsidiaries, that liquidity appears sufficient throughout EME’s capital structure to meet principal and interest payments on its debt securities. Edison Mission Energy Funding and Midwest Generation debt securities are both secured lease obligations whose asset values are currently expected to allow a full recovery and AEGON believes they will remain current on interest and principal payments. For these reasons, AEGON has not taken any impairment on any of these debt securities. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns debt securities of Enron Corp. (Enron) and its subsidiaries. The carrying value of these debt securities is USD 34 million and these debt securities have a principal amount of USD 142 million. In addition, AEGON holds USD 28 million in carrying value of debt securities of an Enron-related blind trust called Osprey. Enron filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December 2001. Osprey is an off-balance sheet blind trust owned by Enron and comprising energy-related assets. Osprey debt securities are secured by a subordinated equity interest in the assets of the blind trust. Any deficiency in the equity value to the par value of the outstanding debt

 

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securities is required to be made up for with Enron stock or with an unsecured claim on the Enron bankruptcy estate. Osprey debt holders are actively pursuing their rights to the assets in the blind trust and are resisting substantive consolidation of their claims in the Enron Chapter 11 proceeding. The unrealized loss position on these debt securities is USD 14 million (Enron debt securities) and USD 11 million (Osprey debt securities). The carrying values of these debt securities reflect impairments taken in 2001 by an amount of USD 90 million and USD 65 million for the Enron debt securities and the Osprey debt securities, respectively. These debt securities have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. AEGON believes that the current carrying values fairly reflect the amounts expected to be realized on these debt securities. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery.

 

AEGON owns USD 35 million in carrying value of XCEL Energy Inc. (NRG) senior unsecured debt securities, USD 7 million in carrying value of NRG Northeast Generating LLC (NRG Northeast) secured lease obligations and USD 15 million in carrying value of NRG South Central Generating LLC (NRG South Central) secured lease obligations. NRG is engaged in the merchant power generation business and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy. NRG is an independent power producer in the U.S. and in some other countries. The NRG Northeast debt securities are jointly and severally guaranteed by 11 subsidiaries of NRG with generating assets in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Following a series of downward ratings revisions and associated collateral calls due to ratings triggers, NRG’s deteriorating liquidity situation prompted it to begin negotiations with debt holders and lenders in pursuit of a consensual restructuring. The debt securities are in an unrealized loss position of USD 17 million, USD 1 million and USD 6 million, respectively. The NRG senior unsecured debt securities have been in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months. The NRG Northeast debt securities and the NRG South Central debt securities have been in an unrealized loss position for six months or less. The carrying value of the NRG senior unsecured debt securities reflects an impairment to its expected recovery level by an amount of USD 35 million taken in 2002. AEGON believes the collateral value of the NRG Northeast debt securities is currently sufficient to support full recoveries on the NRG Northeast debt securities. NRG South Central debt securities are secured by ownership interests in the Big Cajun generating assets in Louisiana. AEGON believes the collateral value of the NRG South Central debt securities is currently sufficient to support full recoveries on the NRG South Central debt securities. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns USD 45 million in carrying value of Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams) senior unsecured debt securities, USD 41 million in carrying value of the AES Red Oak generating facility debt securities, USD 13 million in carrying value of Texas Gas Transmission Corporation debt securities, USD 12 million in carrying value of Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation senior unsecured debt securities and USD 6 million in carrying value of Northwest Pipeline Corporation debt securities. Williams transports, manages and markets a variety of energy products, including natural gas, liquid hydrocarbons, petroleum and electricity. The AES Red Oak debt securities are a project finance bond secured by generating assets, with Williams being the counter-party guaranteeing the lease payments. Texas Gas Transmission Corporation and Northwest Pipeline are gas pipeline operating companies. Following a liquidity crisis, Williams announced that it had implemented an asset rationalization program to generate cash and pay down debt. Williams also announced that it had halted activity in its marketing and trading groups in an effort to stabilize its business risk profile and that it had renegotiated its bank lines. The debt securities held by AEGON are in an unrealized loss positions of USD 16 million, USD 11 million, USD 0 million, USD 6 million and USD 1 million, respectively, and have been in an unrealized loss position for six months or less. Based on Williams’ considerable pipeline assets, AEGON believes Williams and its subsidiaries will remain current on principal and interest payments on their debt securities. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

Transportation: The airline industry was severely impacted by the fallout from September 11 and a continued weak economy. Industry revenues remain depressed due mainly to a continued weak pricing environment. Most major airlines continue to lose money and have shown balance sheet deterioration. An unstable geopolitical environment, especially related to the war with Iraq, makes a quick industry recovery unlikely. AEGON USA lends to this industry almost exclusively on a secured basis. These secured aircraft financings are of two types: Equipment Trust Certificates (ETC) and Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates

 

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(EETC). The ETC initially have an 80% loan-to-value ratio and the EETC senior tranches initially have a 40-50% loan-to-value ratio and include a provision for a third party to pay interest for eighteen months after default. In order to lose money on these secured transactions, three things typically must happen: the airline must default, the airline must determine that it will no longer lease the specific aircraft, and the aircraft must be worth less than AEGON USA’s loan (losses may also arise in re-negotiation of lease terms if AEGON USA anticipates this chain of events).

 

Both of the debt securities discussed individually in this sector below are rated below investment grade.

 

AEGON owns USD 80 million in carrying value of debt securities associated with United Airlines Inc. (UAL). UAL, the second largest airline by revenues in the U.S., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on December 9, 2002. A USD 1.5 billion debtor-in-possession financing is being put in place and UAL is projecting that it will emerge from bankruptcy within 18 months. Most of AEGON’s exposure comprises both public and private equipment trust certificates (ETC’s) and enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETC’s), both of which are secured by aircraft. AEGON owns USD 43 million par of EETC’s, USD 17 million par of ETC’s, USD 14 million par of private lease obligations and an additional USD 6 million in par of private lease obligations of Wilmington Trust. ETC’s were one of the first types of secured financing. The initial loan to value on a typical ETC was 80% and the certificate holders have a first security interest in one or a small group of aircraft. EETC’s were first utilized in 1994. These certificates are secured by multiple aircraft. The EETC’s usually consist of an A tranche certificate, a B tranche certificate, a C tranche certificate and a D tranche certificate. The A tranche certificate normally has an original loan to value around 40%, the B tranche certificate 50% and the C tranche certificate 60%. In the event of a default on an underlying lease, the aircraft would be liquidated and proceeds would go down a waterfall with the A tranche certificates getting paid first. If any money from the aircraft sale were left over, the cash would go to the B tranche certificates, then the C tranche certificates and so on. EETC’s also have a liquidity facility that provides for 18 months of interest payments. The aircraft that serve as collateral include large passenger aircraft and popular models that are heavily utilized by numerous operators. These pools of aircraft are well diversified and the majority of AEGON holdings are in higher grade tranches. UAL remains in discussion with its creditors with respect to restructuring lease terms on its aircraft fleet. Debt securities that have not been impaired are secured with aircraft. UAL has not rejected any of the leases and the debt securities are current on principal and interest. AEGON believes that the cash flows generated from the leases exceed the book value of the debt securities. The debt securities held by AEGON are in an unrealized loss position of USD 54 million. Of the total unrealized loss position, USD 20 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months and USD 34 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. The carrying value in the UAL debt securities reflects an impairment of USD 2 million taken in 2002 down to expected recovery value, which is the level of expected cash flow. The impairment decisions are based on publicly available information about asset sales, lease payments and claims. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns USD 72 million in carrying value of debt securities of American Air Co. Inc. (AMR). AMR is the largest airline by revenue in the U.S. AMR has encountered difficulties primarily due to problems experienced by the airline industry after September 11, 2001. Costs remain high compared to peers and cash flow generation remains weak. In December, AMR asked unions to forgo wage increases in 2003 and will likely attempt to restructure labor agreements in the future. AEGON owns public and private ETC’s and public EETC’s. Both ETC’s and EETC’s are secured by aircraft. AEGON has no unsecured AMR debt securities. The debt securities held by AEGON are in an unrealized loss position of USD 28 million. Of the total unrealized loss position, USD 17 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months and USD 12 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. AEGON has not taken an impairment on these debt securities because, based on AMR’s cash of USD 2.8 billion in cash and unencumbered assets of USD 4.2 billion, AEGON believes AMR’s liquidity should be sufficient in the near-term if there are no major events adversely impacting the airline sector. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

Communications: The communications sector faced a number of challenges in 2002 including over-capacity in the telecom sector leading to downward pricing pressure, weaker demand due to a deteriorating economy,

 

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technical substitution, liquidity concerns and SEC investigations. In addition, the massive accounting fraud at several companies and the subsequent bankruptcy filings dramatically impacted trading levels for many companies in the communications sector. With the increased emphasis on improving management credibility, controlling costs, generating free cash flow and deleveraging, AEGON USA expects gradually improving credit trends in the communications sector.

 

Both of the debt securities discussed individually in this sector below are rated below investment grade.

 

AEGON owns debt securities of subsidiaries of Qwest Communications International Inc. (Qwest), a provider of local telecommunications and related services, wireless services and directory services in a 14-state local service area. AEGON owns USD 49 million, USD 46 million, USD 44 million and USD 27 million in carrying value of debt securities of each of KMC Telecom Holdings, Inc., US West Capital Funding, Inc., US West Communications Group, and LCI International, Inc. In April 2002, the SEC opened a formal investigation into Qwest’s accounting treatment of certain equipment sales and fiber-optic capacity swaps with other companies. In July 2002, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Denver confirmed that it was conducting a criminal probe of Qwest. Both investigations remain open. In August 2002, Qwest announced that it had agreed to sell its directory business for USD 7.05 billion in a two-pronged deal.

 

These debt securities are in unrealized loss positions of USD 10 million, USD 18 million, USD 8 million and USD 14 million, respectively. The US West Capital Funding, Inc. debt securities and the LCI International, Inc. debt securities have been in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months. The KMC Telecom Holdings, Inc. debt securities and the US West Communications Group debt securities have been in an unrealized loss position for six months or less. An impairment has not been taken on these debt securities, as AEGON believes that all scheduled principal and interest payments will be met, based on continued strong cash flows from the local telephone business and the planned sale of the Dex yellow pages business. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns debt securities of subsidiaries of Charter Communications, Inc. (Charter Communications), a provider of cable television and related services, primarily to residential customers, throughout the United States. AEGON holds USD 45 million in carrying value of debt securities of Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC, USD 35 million in carrying value of debt securities of Charter Communications Operating, LLC and USD 16 million in carrying value of debt securities of Falcon Holding Group, Inc., all of which are subsidiaries of Charter Communications.

 

Charter Communications has experienced pressure on a number of interrelated issues: SEC investigations into the way Charter Communications accounted for its number of subscribers, disappointing third quarter cash flow, weakness in basic subscribers and changes at the senior management level. The debt securities held by AEGON are in unrealized loss positions of USD 26 million, USD 6 million and USD 3 million, respectively. Of the total unrealized loss position, USD 3 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for six months or less, USD 11 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months and USD 21 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. AEGON has not taken an impairment on these debt securities because the asset value of Charter Communications’ upgraded network and subscriber base appears sufficient to allow for full recoveries on the debt securities. Charter Communications appears to have adequate liquidity to meet all scheduled principal and interest payments. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

Three additional non investment grade securities that are in sectors not discussed above are discussed individually below:

 

AEGON owns USD 37 million in carrying value of Petroleum Geo-Services ASA (PGS) senior unsecured debt securities and USD 19 million in carrying value of Oslo Seismic First Mortgage (Oslo Seismic) debt securities, which are issued by a PGS subsidiary. The debt securities are in unrealized loss positions of USD 22 million and USD 9 million, respectively. The PGS senior unsecured debt securities have been in an

 

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unrealized loss position for more than 12 months and the Oslo Seismic debt securities have been in an unrealized loss position for six months or less. The carrying value of the PGS senior unsecured debt securities reflects an impairment by an amount of USD 10 million taken during 2002. AEGON has not taken an impairment on the Oslo Seismic debt securities as they are secured by two seismic vessels, and AEGON believes the collateral value is sufficient to support full recoveries and that all scheduled principal and interest payments will continue to be met. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns debt securities of subsidiaries of Elan Corporation, plc (Elan) is an Ireland-based specialty pharmaceutical company. AEGON holds USD 70 million in carrying value of debt securities of Elan Pharmaceutical Investments II & III, Ltd. structures, of which Elan is responsible for any deficiencies should the value of the investments in public and private biotech businesses supporting the structure prove insufficient, and USD 35 million in carrying value of Athena Neuroscience Finance, LLC senior unsecured debt securities. Both of the issuers are subsidiaries of Elan. Poor operating performance and a significant drop in value of investments have eroded credit statistics. In addition, Elan announced that its off-balance sheet financing is being investigated by the SEC. A decline in Elan’s stock price has limited its capital markets access.

 

Elan has raised cash by selling non-core businesses and concentrating its development efforts. To date, these actions have resulted in a cash position of approximately USD 1 billion that AEGON believes will provide ample liquidity, at least until the middle of 2004. The debt securities have unrealized loss positions of USD 35 million and USD 16 million, respectively, and have been in an unrealized loss position for six months or less. AEGON has not taken an impairment on these debt securities because the current cash position in addition to the existence of other readily saleable businesses and pipeline development products are currently expected to allow Elan to fully meet all scheduled principal and interest payments. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

AEGON owns USD 59 million in carrying value of the Class B tranche debt securities of Airplanes Pass Through Trust. The debt securities represent a beneficial interest in a diversified portfolio of pooled aircraft leases. The rental proceeds from leasing the aircraft are used to pay interest and principal on the debt. There exist two classes of debt securities that are subordinated to AEGON’s holdings. Recent difficulties in the global aviation market and a reduction in the value of aircraft have put pressure on lease renewal rates. In addition, because this debt security is not a traded security and is of long duration, the market bids received are heavily discounted due to its uniqueness and illiquidity. The debt securities held by AEGON are in an unrealized loss position of USD 42 million. Of the total unrealized loss, USD 32 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for six months or less and USD 10 million relates to debt securities in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. AEGON has not taken an impairment on these debt securities because, based on collateral values that are provided to the holders of debt certificates, AEGON believes Airplanes Pass Through Trust will meet all scheduled principal and interest payments for the Class B notes. AEGON has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until recovery or maturity.

 

Unrealized Loss by Maturity

 

The table below shows the composition by maturity of all Bonds and Other loans in an unrealized loss position held by AEGON USA at December 31, 2002.

 

Maturity Level


  

Carrying Value 

of Securities

With Gross
Unrealized Losses


  

Gross 

Unrealized

Losses


 
     in millions USD  

One year or less

   606    (33 )

Over 1 thru 5 years

   5,365    (371 )

Over 5 thru 10 years

   5,515    (549 )

Over 10 years

   7,817    (1,119 )
    
  

     19,303    (2,072 )

 

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Unrealized Loss by Credit Quality

 

The table below shows the composition by credit quality of all Bonds and Other loans in an unrealized loss position held by AEGON USA at December 31, 2002.

 

Credit quality


  

Carrying Value 

of Securities

With Gross
Unrealized Losses


  

Gross 

Unrealized

Losses


 
     in millions USD  

Treasury Agency

   1,332    (18 )

AAA

   2,449    (49 )

AA

   2,733    (129 )

A

   3,914    (280 )

BBB

   5,112    (559 )

BB

   1,437    (280 )

B

   1,206    (358 )

BELOW B

   1,120    (399 )
    
  

     19,303    (2,072 )

 

For clarity purposes, unrealized losses at year-end have been shown in two separate tables. The first table shows the magnitude of unrealized losses that materialized on these securities over various time periods (in millions).

 

Time Period


   Unrealized
Losses


 
     in millions USD  

0-6 months

   (1,293 )

> 6 months to 12 months

   (462 )

> 12 months

   (317 )
    

     (2,072 )

 

In the table above, if a security was in an unrealized loss position 12 months ago of $1 but at December 31, 2002, it was in an unrealized loss position of $10, then $1 would be presented in the greater than 12 month category.

 

The table below provides the length of time a security has been below cost and the respective unrealized loss at year-end.

 

Time Period


  

Investment Grade

Carrying Value


  

Below Investment
Grade

Carrying Value


  

Investment
Grade

Unrealized Loss


   

Below Investment
Grade

Unrealized Loss


 
     in millions USD  

0-6 months

   8,940    2,065    (350 )   (386 )

> 6 months to 12 months

   2,009    897    (147 )   (250 )

> 12 months

   4,591    801    (538 )   (401 )
    
  
  

 

     15,540    3,763    (1,035 )   (1,037 )

 

In the table above, if a security was in an unrealized loss position 12 months ago of $1 but at December 31, 2002, it was in an unrealized loss position of $10, then $10 would be presented in the greater than 12 month category.

 

Asset Backed Securities represent 50% of the $538m of investment grade and 28% of the $401 million of the below investment grade unrealized loss in the greater than 12 month period. These assets are priced similar to

 

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a forced sale, therefore large discounts are included for liquidity premiums and the uniqueness of each deal. Due to their illiquid nature, these assets are generally bought to hold to maturity. In cases where AEGON USA has not taken an impairment loss, these models indicate full recovery of principal and interest.

 

Realized gains and losses by AEGON USA in 2002 (representing 71% of the realized gains and 86% of the realized losses of the AEGON Group):

 

    

Gross 

Realized
Gains


  

Gross 

Realized

Losses


 
     in millions USD  

Total Bonds and Private Placements/Other Loans

   816    (1,576 )

 

The gross realized losses of USD 1,576 million include USD 780 million of bond impairment losses. USD 816 million of gross realized gains and USD 796 million of gross realized losses, related to assets not considered impaired, have been deferred by AEGON USA in accordance with Dutch accounting principles and will be amortized into income over the estimated average remaining maturity term of the investments sold.

 

The table below provides the length of time the security was below cost prior to the sale and the respective realized loss for assets not considered impaired at December 31, 2002.

 

Time Period


   0-6 months

    6-12 months

    >12 months

    Total

 
                       in million USD  

Bonds/Other Loans

   (497 )   (205 )   (94 )   (796 )

 

The fixed maturity securities to which these realized bond impairment losses apply were generally of investment grade quality at the time of purchase, but were subsequently downgraded by rating agencies to “below-investment grade”. Based upon consideration of all available information certain fixed maturity securities were deemed to be impaired and accordingly they were written down to management’s best estimate of their future recoverable value. Impairment losses of USD 564 million, or 72%, were concentrated in asset-backed securities, electric and natural gas, transportation, and communications industries.

 

Default losses

 

The composition of our default losses by issuer, according to DAP, for the year ended December 31, 2002 is presented in the table below.

 

Issuer Name


   Default Loss

 
     in million USD  

Worldcom

   (151 )

NRG Energy

   (50 )

Other (103 unique issuers)

   (579 )
    

Total

   (780 )

 

Impairment losses for fixed maturity securities were highly concentrated in the Communications sector and in the Electric and Natural Gas sector.

 

Communications:

 

In 2002, the Communications sector represented EUR 457 million of the impairment losses. This sector faced a number of challenges in 2002, including overcapacity in the telecom sector leading to downward pricing pressure, weaker demand due to a deteriorating economy, technical substitution, liquidity concerns and SEC investigations. In addition, the massive accounting fraud at several companies and subsequent bankruptcy filings

 

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dramatically impacted trading levels for many companies in the Communications sector. With the increased emphasis on improving management credibility, controlling costs, generating free cash flow and de-leveraging, AEGON expects to see gradually improving credit trends in the Communications sector.

 

In 2002, Worldcom accounted for EUR 151 million of the losses in the Communications sector. Worldcom’s debt securities were in an unrealized loss position for six months or less before the impairment occurred. After beginning the year 2002 as a highly rated company (A3/BBB+), Worldcom experienced a series of damaging revelations of financial wrongdoings and executive improprieties that ultimately led to the company’s filing for Chapter 11. Worldcom’s travails began in March with the announcement of an SEC inquiry into a range of accounting practices, as well as the treatment of loans to company officers and directors, most notably to the CEO. In the ensuing months, events quickly progressed to a formal SEC investigation, the resignation of the CEO and the removal and subsequent filing of criminal and SEC charges against several former finance and accounting officers, including the CFO. On June 25th, 2002, the company issued a press release stating its intention to restate financials for 2001 and the first quarter of 2002. The following day, the SEC charged Worldcom with fraud and violation of other federal securities laws. The SEC charges effectively extinguished any hopes the company had for pursuing a refinancing and Worldcom was forced to file for bankruptcy shortly thereafter.

 

Electric & Natural Gas (Utility):

 

The Electric & Natural gas sector represented EUR 116 million of the impairment loss. This sector faced a number of significant challenges in recent years including the California energy crisis, the Enron bankruptcy, and the rapid financial deterioration of several leading companies in the energy merchant industry. Bondholders are experiencing extreme volatility as the increased financial and business risk associated with non-regulated activities has led to a substantial number of ratings downgrades. In fact, a majority of energy merchant companies have seen their ratings lowered to below investment grade, reflecting their limited financial flexibility and increased probability of default. These companies are seeking to improve their financial situation primarily through asset sales, and using the proceeds to reduce debt. While de-leveraging is positive from a credit standpoint, the scale, scope and timing of these asset sales will make it difficult to realize the sellers’ desired value in many cases.

 

AEGON believes there will be continued volatility in bond values as companies work through their individual restructuring plans. However, companies with solid regulated operations (either electric or natural gas) have exhibited much less volatility due to the protection afforded by state and/or federal regulations. The registrants have taken impairment losses on those companies in this sector that they believe will not be successful in bridging liquidity needs.

 

In 2002, NRG Energy constituted EUR 50 million of the losses in the Electrical & Natural Gas sector. The NRG senior unsecured bonds were in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months before the impairment occurred. Beginning in February 2002, weak power markets and impending debt maturities prompted Xcel Energy (NRG’s parent) to pursue a range of actions designed to streamline NRG Energy’s operations and improve its liquidity position. Among the actions taken were the infusion of USD 500 million in cash, the completion of a tender offer for the 25% of NRG Energy shares it did not already own, the scaling back of capital expenditures, and the marketing of international and non-core assets. Through the summer, the pace of negotiations and the potential proceeds from asset sales failed to meet the initial expectations of the management. At the same time, ratings downgrades triggered obligations of NRG Energy to post cash collateral. Absent further parent support or asset sale, the company did not possess sufficient liquidity to meet these collateral requirements. In late August, NRG Energy hired restructuring advisors and approached creditors to begin pursuing a consensual restructuring. an involuntary bankruptcy petition was filed in Minnesota on November 23rd, 2002 and remained open pending court consideration at year’s end. AEGON has been serving on the bondholders’ creditor committee.

 

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Mortgage Loans:

 

The table below summarizes key information on mortgage loans held by AEGON USA and AEGON The Netherlands as at December 31, 2002, representing 99% of the mortgage loans of the AEGON Group.

 

    

in millions 

EUR

 

Total Mortgage Loans

   18,434  

Impaired Mortgage Loans (loans subject to any kind of impairment)

   43  

Impaired Mortgage Loans as a Percentage of Total Loans

   0.2 %

Mortgage Loans Two or More Payments Delinquent

   146  

Restructured Loans in Good Standing

   63  

Reserves for Mortgage Loans

   38  

 

Indirect return method

 

AEGON accounts for capital gains and losses on investments in shares and real estate by applying the indirect return method. In the income statement the structural total return on investments in real estate and shares is recognized. The total return includes the direct income (rents and dividends) during the reporting period and an amount of indirect income (capital gains and losses). Under AEGON’s accounting policy, unrealized and realized capital gains and losses are recognized in a revaluation reserve (a component of shareholders’ equity), which is carried on the balance sheet and does not flow directly through the income statement. Unrealized gains and losses on shares and real estate investments are due to changes in stock exchange quotations (if unquoted then at estimated market value) and reappraisal of real estate (at least every five years). The total return on equity investments for a given period is calculated by determining the average of the total historic return yield over the last 30 years and multiplying this average yield by the average value of these investments over the last seven years, adjusted for investment purchases and sales. The indirect income from these investments is then calculated as the difference between the total return and the direct income actually earned in the period. The indirect income is released from the revaluation reserve to the income statement, provided the balance of this account remains positive. In addition, AEGON is required by Dutch law to maintain a minimum reserve. This minimum reserve consists of the unrealized difference between the market value and the cost price of real estate and shares. The revaluation account balance at December 31, 2002 was EUR 2,598 million, consisting of realized gains of EUR 2,056 million and unrealized gains of EUR 542 million. The indirect income included in investment income was EUR 758 million and EUR 723 million for 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

With International Accounting Standards (IAS) becoming AEGON’s required reporting standard in 2005, it is AEGON’s intention to discontinue the indirect return system of accounting for capital gains after 2003. Beginning with the first quarter of 2004 capital gains and losses will be reported as earnings in the income statement when realized. AEGON expects to recognize indirect income in 2003 of approximately EUR 450 million. Any remaining realized portion of the revaluation reserve not recognized in 2003 will be transferred directly the surplus fund at year-end 2003.

 

Impairment of equity securities

 

Shares are generally considered to be other than temporarily impaired if the market value is below cost for a period of at least six months.

 

However, independent third party documentation about the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer are also important factors taken into account. These factors typically require significant management judgement. For equity securities considered to have an other-than-temporary impairment during 2002, a realized loss was recognized. The impairment for the financial year amounted to EUR 1,057 million (2001: EUR 36 million). Within the application of the indirect return method this loss has been recognized in the realized part of

 

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the revaluation account with offset in the unrealized part of the revaluation account. There was no immediate income impact for the impairment loss. However, the realized part of the revaluation reserve must be positive for an indirect return to be reported.

 

Some of the equity asset portfolios held by AEGON USA are designated as trading for US GAAP purposes. These investments are carried on the balance sheet at market value and the change in market value is reported in net income. These securities have been excluded from the tables and discussions below.

 

The composition of equities held in the ‘available for sale’ portfolio in an unrealized gain and loss status for US GAAP purposes held by AEGON the Netherlands and AEGON USA at December 31, 2002 is presented in the table below:

 

    

Cost

Basis


  

Carrying

Value*


  

Net
Unrealized

Gains/
(Losses)


  

Carrying
Value
of Securities

with Gross

Unrealized
Gains


  

Gross
Unrealized

Gains


  

Carrying
Value of
Securities

with Gross

Unrealized
Losses


  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses


 
                                   in million EUR  

Equities

   3,990    4,095    105    1,867    385    2,228    (280 )

* In every instance where there was a quoted market value for one of these securities, quoted market value was used as carrying value for US GAAP purposes.

 

The composition of equities by industry sector in an unrealized loss position held by AEGON the Netherlands and AEGON USA at December 31, 2002 is presented in the table below.

 

Sector


  

Carrying Value

of Equities
with Gross
Unrealized Losses


   Gross
Unrealized
Loss


 
     in million EUR  

Information Technology

   66    (9 )

Non-Cyclical Consumer Goods

   829    (82 )

Cyclical Consumer Goods

   61    (7 )

Non-Cyclical Services

   126    (24 )

General Industries

   120    (20 )

Cyclical Services

   257    (47 )

Financials

   488    (48 )

Resources

   74    (15 )

Communications

   25    (4 )

Funds

   47    (5 )

Other

   135    (19 )
    
  

Total

   2,228    (280 )

 

The table below provides the unrealized loss on equities at December 31, 2002 broken down by the period of time they have been below cost.

 

Time Period


   0-6 months

    6-12 months

    > 12 months

    Total

 
                       in million EUR  

Equities

   (117 )   (133 )   (30 )   (280 )

 

As of December 31, 2002, there are EUR 352 million of gross unrealized gains and EUR 256 million of gross unrealized losses in the equity portfolio of AEGON the Netherlands. The following describes securities held by AEGON the Netherlands with an unrealized loss of more than EUR 5 million. None of these securities

 

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meet the characteristics for impairment taken into account in the impairment procedure. None of the equities in the AEGON USA portfolio are in a loss position of more than USD 5 million.

 

Rodamco Europe N.V. (Rodamco Europe) is a continental European property ownership and management company. At the end of 2002, AEGON the Netherlands had an unrealized loss of EUR 52.9 million, on an cost basis of EUR 615 million, and equity holdings in Rodamco Europe had been in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months. Shares of Rodamco Europe closed 2002 at a price of EUR 40.25, which was 8.6% below AEGON’s cost price of EUR 44.03. Given the amount of money invested in Rodamco Europe, the unrealized loss was significant in euros, but a relatively low percentage of the cost basis. With a dividend yield of more than 6%, compared to a bond yield of 4%, and a property occupancy rate of 96.7%, AEGON the Netherlands believed the value of this holding would recover back to cost within 12 months or less.

 

At the end of 2002, AEGON the Netherlands had an unrealized loss of EUR 7.1 million on an investment of approximately EUR 30.9 million in Exxon Mobil Corporation (ExxonMobil), which represented a 23.04% fall below cost price, and equity holdings in ExxonMobil had been in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months. The decline in the US dollar during 2002 of 16% contributed to this decline.

 

ExxonMobil has an excellent record of increasing shareholder value (through share repurchases and dividend increases). At the end of 2002, ExxonMobil was one of the most favored integrated oil stocks by analysts. Based on our strong outlook for ExxonMobil as well as similar positive sentiment from analysts, AEGON the Netherlands expected that it would recover back to cost within 12 months or less.

 

Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer) is the largest US pharmaceutical company by sales. At the end of 2002, AEGON the Netherlands had an unrealized loss of EUR 8.8 million on a cost basis of EUR 33.4 million, which represents a fall of 26.24% below cost price, and equity holdings in Pfizer had been in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months. The decline in the US dollar during 2002 of 16% contributed to this decline. Pfizer’s share price suffered in 2002 due to patent expiration and delays in regulatory approvals of new products, but we believe Pfizer has a series of promising products under development. Furthermore, Pfizer announced in 2002 that its acquisition of Pharmacia was expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2003. Based on our strong outlook for Pfizer as well as similar positive sentiment from analysts, AEGON the Netherlands decided to continue to hold this security as an investment with the expectation that it would recover back to cost within 12 months or less.

 

At the end of 2002, AEGON the Netherlands had an unrealized loss of EUR 6.2 million on securities of American International Group Inc. (AIG) on a cost basis of EUR 21.2 million, which represented a fall of 29.40% below cost price, and equity holdings in AIG had been in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months. The decline in the US dollar during 2002 of 16% contributed to this decline. AIG suffered in 2002 like virtually all insurance and financial companies, when the stock market was nervous about the declines in bond and equity portfolio values and concerned about AIG’s aircraft leasing business. AIG wrote down the value of a portion of its holding at the end of 2002, but remains one of the best managed insurance companies, with substantial growth prospects in overseas markets. Based on our strong outlook for AIG as well as similar positive sentiment from analysts, AEGON the Netherlands decided to continue to hold this security as an investment with the expectation that it would recover back to cost within 12 months or less.

 

The unrealized loss of EUR 5.2 million in the AEGON International SICAV Mix Fund (SICAV Mix Fund) is on a cost basis of EUR 26.4 million and represents a 19.69% decline from the cost basis as of December 31, 2002. At this date, equity holdings in the SICAV Mix Fund had been in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months. The unrealized loss was related predominantly to the equity portion of the mixed fund. This decline was less than the overall decline of the equity markets in the previous 12 to 18 months. The SICAV Mix fund was established at the end of 1995 and had large investment inflows while the stock markets were rising rapidly. Investor interest in the mutual fund slowed substantially when stock markets declined, and there was little opportunity to cost-average with declining stock prices. Based on the outlook for general market improvements for bonds and equities in 2003 and the history of strong performance of this fund, AEGON the Netherlands decided to continue to hold this security as an investment with the expectation that it would recover back to cost within 12 months or less.

 

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The table below provides the length of time the equities held by AEGON the Netherlands and AEGON USA were below cost prior to the sale and the respective realized loss for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Time Period


   0-6 months

    6-12 months

    >12 months

    Total

 
                       in million EUR  

Equities

   (574 )   (227 )   (50 )   (851 )

 

Impairment decisions typically require significant management judgment. For equity securities considered to have an other-than-temporary impairment during 2002, a realized loss was recognized. The impairment review process has resulted for the year ended December 31, 2002 in EUR 912 million of impairment charges for AEGON the Netherlands and EUR 145 million of impairment charges for AEGON USA.

 

Impairment losses under US GAAP for equities were concentrated in the following sectors:

 

Sector


   Amounts of
Impairments


     in million EUR

Information Technology

   199

Non-Cyclical Consumer Goods

   90

Cyclical Consumer Goods

   35

Financials

   80

General Industrials

   93

Funds

   81

Cyclical Services

   198

Non-Cyclical Services

   156

Other

   125
    

Total

   1,057

 

The majority of the impairment of equities related to the portfolio of AEGON the Netherlands. Equity impairments occurred in several large companies (companies with large market capitalizations) and also in smaller companies in which AEGON the Netherlands holds large positions (companies in which AEGON the Netherlands owns more than 5% of the outstanding stock). A 5%-ownership fund is maintained whereby special tax advantages are received by AEGON the Netherlands when it holds 5% or more of the outstanding stock of a portfolio company.

 

Information Technology:

 

Virtually the entire Information Technology (IT) sector was affected by substantial declines in equity prices throughout 2002. Five equity holdings were responsible for almost 80% of the impairment of AEGON’s holdings in the IT sector: PinkRoccade, Microsoft, Cisco, Intel and Newconomy. AEGON’s equity holdings in these companies were in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months before the impairment occurred. The most significant was PinkRoccade, with an impairment of EUR 68 million. Most technology stocks declined from their highs in early 2000, and the largest (and best quality) companies caused some of the largest absolute impairments. The NASDAQ index, a broad measurement of the IT sector, reached 6-year lows in September 2002.

 

Non-Cyclical Services:

 

AEGON’s share holdings in Ahold, a large food retail and services company in the Netherlands and the U.S., produced an impairment of EUR 99 million (69% of the impairment in the Non-Cyclical Services sector). AEGON’s equity holdings in Ahold were in an unrealized loss position for six months or less before the impairment occurred. Concerns about slowing growth rates and market share erosion dragged Ahold’s share price down in 2002 to EUR 12.10 at year end 2002 (with cost price of EUR 26.15). AEGON holds Ahold in its 5%-ownership fund. Other significant impairments in the Non-Cyclical Services sector are in large market capitalization telecommunications companies such as AT&T, Vodafone, Verizon and Bell South. AEGON’s equity holdings in Bell South were in an unrealized loss position for 6 months or less before the impairment occurred. AEGON’s equity holdings in AT&T, Vodafone and Verizon were in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months before the impairment occurred. Like IT companies, the share prices

 

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of telecommunications companies in 2002 continued their slide from record highs in 2000, as the stock markets worried about the ability of the telecommunications companies to service their high debt levels in an environment of stiff price competition.

 

Cyclical Services:

 

Four equity holdings were responsible for almost 80% of the impairment of AEGON’s holdings in the Cyclical Services sector: Getronics, AOLTimeWarner, Buhrmann and ImTech. AEGON’s equity holdings in ImTech were in an unrealized loss position for more than 6 months and up to 12 months before the impairment occurred. AEGON’s equity holdings in Getronics, AOLTimeWarner and Buhrmann were in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months before the impairment occurred. AEGON had large positions in Getronics (EUR 123 million impairment), Buhrmann (EUR 25 million impairment) and Imtech (EUR 13 million impairment), because they comprised part of AEGON’s 5%-ownership fund. These three companies all suffered from high debt levels from earlier acquisitions and the general economic slowdown. The impairment of AOLTimeWarner (EUR 17 million impairment) was large because the company was one of the largest market capitalization companies within the Cyclical Services sector. AOLTimeWarner’s share price fell in 2002, as the markets showed concern for the high debt level and the company’s overvalued acquisitions.

 

General Industrials:

 

Notable impairments in the General Industrials sector are the holdings of Stork (EUR 35 million impairment), General Electric (EUR 19 million impairment), Micron Technology (EUR 14 million impairment) and Tyco (EUR 7 million impairment). AEGON’s equity holdings in Micron Technology and in Tyco were in an unrealized loss position for more than six months and up to 12 months before the impairment occurred. AEGON’s equity holdings in General Electric and in Stork were in an unrealized position for more than 12 months before the impairment occurred. Shares in Stork, a Dutch machinery and engineering company, were hit hard by the economic downturn. The General Electric share price fell almost 40% over 2002, as the market showed concerns about the company’s future growth rates and the company valuation in light of the economic slowdown. Micron Technology, a computer chip manufacturer, declined in value like all technology companies. Tyco’s impairment was caused by the discovery of accounting fraud and eventual criminal prosecution of company officials.

 

Funds:

 

In order to invest more efficiently in small market capitalization stocks, AEGON had participated in the Scudder DevelAct fund (EUR 81 million impairment) for a number of years. AEGON’s equity holdings in the Scudder DevelAct fund were in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months before the impairment occurred. The fund, focused on investment in small market capitalization growth companies, performed very poorly in the bear market since 2000. AEGON sold its holdings in this fund in the beginning of 2003.

 

Financials:

 

The EUR 70 million impairment in the Financials sector is spread fairly evenly among almost two dozen financial companies, predominantly European insurance companies and American investment banks.

 

European insurance companies saw their shares tumble in response to concerns about their exposure to telecommunications company debt and the decline of their equity portfolio values. American investment banks were affected by the fall-off in mergers and acquisitions and initial public offerings activities.

 

Non-Cyclical Consumer Goods:

 

Nutreco (EUR 54 million impairment) is responsible for 79% of the impairment of AEGON’s holdings in the Non-Cyclical Consumer Goods sector. AEGON held a large position in this farm fish producer in the AEGON 5%-ownership fund. The share price of Nutreco came under considerable pressure in 2002, as competition from Chilean and Norwegian fish farmers increased. The large market capitalization pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (EUR 7 million impairment) had the second largest impairment in AEGON’s holdings in the Non-Cyclical Consumer Goods sector. The company was adversely affected in 2002 by declines in sales of its antidepressant drug and the invalidation of patents for its “Augmentin” antibiotic. AEGON’s equity holdings in Nutreco and GlaxoSmithKline were in an unrealized loss position for 6 months or less before the impairment occurred.

 

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Pension expense

 

We have defined benefit plans and defined contributions plans covering substantially all of our employees. In a number of countries, including the Netherlands, retirement benefits are insured with our life insurance companies based on the appropriate actuarial formulas and assumptions. In other countries, the provisions for pensions are vested in separate legal entities that are not a part of the AEGON Group.

 

In the Netherlands employees participate in a defined benefit scheme based on average salary and for the part of salaries exceeding a certain level, employees, may opt for a defined contribution scheme. Indexation of vested rights are fully funded yearly and immediately charged to the income statements.

 

In the United Kingdom benefits are based on past and future service, taking into account future salary and benefit levels as well as estimated inflation in future years. Regular improvements of benefits are allocated to future service years.

 

In the Other countries pension costs are fully charged to the income statements in the years in which they are earned by the employees.

 

US GAAP SFAS 87 is applied to our US pension plans. SFAS 87 calculations require several assumptions, including future performance of financial markets, future composition of the work force and best estimates of long-term actuarial assumptions. The expected return on plan assets is calculated using a five-year moving average for the plan assets. In a period of market decline, such as recently experienced, this moving average is higher than the fair value of the assets. The difference between the expected return reflected in the income statements and the actual return on the assets in a certain year is deferred. Deferred gains or losses are amortized to the income statement applying a corridor approach. The corridor is defined as 10% of the greater of the moving average value of the plan assets or the projected benefit obligation. To the extent that the prepaid pension costs at the beginning of the year exceeds the moving average asset value less the pension benefit obligation by more than the 10% corridor, the excess is amortized over the employees’ average future years of service (approximately seven years). The assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis and changes are made for the following year, if required.

 

In the United States, the present over-funding of the pension plans and the related interest benefit on pension plan assets cause pension expense to be a credit.

 

For 2003, AEGON USA will lower the expected long-term rate of return assumption from 9.0% to 8.25%. In 2002, the discount rate was lowered from 7.25% to 6.75%. AEGON USA expects that its pension benefit credit in 2003 will be lower than in 2002 by approximately USD 90 million as a result of these assumption changes and the decline in the moving average of the plan assets. Unless there is a significant recovery in the equity markets in the next few years, the pension benefit credit is expected to continue to decline until the fair value of the plan assets equals or exceeds the moving average.

 

Pension plan contributions will not be required for AEGON USA in 2003, but will be required for AEGON The Netherlands’ and AEGON UK’s defined benefit plans.

 

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Results of Operations—2002 compared to 2001

 

Summary

     2002

   2001

   %
change


     in million EUR

Income by product segment

              

Traditional life

   1,457    1,557    -6

Fixed annuities

   174    358    -51

GICs and funding agreements

   272    215    27

Life for account policyholders

   371    632    -41

Variable annuities

   -462    120     

Fee business

   2    94    -98

Book profit Mexico

   —      343     
    
  
    

Total Life insurance

   1,814    3,319    -45

Accident and health insurance

   278    209    33

General insurance

   62    67    -7
    
  
    

Total insurance activities

   2,154    3,595    -40

Banking activities

   8    45    -82

Interest charges and other

   -313    -397    -21
    
  
    

Income before tax

   1,849    3,243    -43

Corporation tax

   -353    -918    -62

Transamerica Finance Corporation

   51    72    -29
    
  
    

Net income

   1,547    2,397    -35

Income geographically

              

Americas

   1,206    2,272    -47

The Netherlands

   659    924    -29

United Kingdom

   233    372    -37

Other countries

   64    72    -11
    
  
    

Income before tax business units

   2,162    3,640    -41

Interest charges and other

   -313    -397    -21
    
  
    

Income before tax

   1,849    3,243    -43

Corporation tax

   -353    -918    -62

Transamerica Finance Corporation

   51    72    -29
    
  
    

Net income

   1,547    2,397    -35

 

     Americas

   The
Netherlands


   United
Kingdom


   Other
countries


   Total

     amounts in millions EUR

2002

                        

Total life insurance gross premiums

   7,218    3,573    6,433    517    17.741

Accident and health insurance premiums

   2,608    162    —      78    2,848

General insurance premiums

   0    447    —      320    767
    
  
  
  
  

Total gross premiums

   9,826    4,182    6,433    915    21,356

Investment income insurance activities

   7,546    1,454    176    149    9,325

Income from banking activities

   —      416    —      —      416
    
  
  
  
  

Total revenues business units

   17,372    6,052    6,609    1,064    31,097

Income from other activities

                       47
                        

Total revenues

                       31,144

Number of employees, including agents

   15,392    3,030    6,018    2,219    26,659

 

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Net income for 2002 of EUR 1,547 million was 35% lower than last year and gross income for 2002 of EUR 1,849 million was 43% lower than last year. Results were adversely affected by additions to the provision for bond defaults (EUR 817 million, an increase of EUR 186 million compared to 2001), accelerated amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (EUR 450 million) and increased provisions for products with guaranteed minimum benefit (EUR 482 million). Comparison with the prior year’s result is positively influenced by the additional earnings from acquired J.C. Penney insurance operations (EUR 94 million). The 2001 gain on the sale of operations in Mexico (EUR 343 million) and the loss of earnings on these divested operations (EUR 81 million) negatively influences the comparison with the prior year. Adjusting for the above items, pre-tax earnings would have been marginally higher in 2002 than in 2001. The influence of currency exchange rates on net income was –2%. The strengthening of the euro relative to the US dollar and UK pound throughout 2002 and continuing in 2003 will have a negative impact on the 2003 reported net income of AEGON when converting the activity of operations outside the Netherlands to euros.

 

Total revenues were 2% lower (1% higher, excluding currency influence) and gross margin was 10% lower (excluding currency influence 6% lower). The decline in gross margin is due primarily to lower investment returns, higher bond default provisions and provisions for guaranteed minimum benefits. Commissions and expenses were 14% above last year (19%, excluding currency influence), which includes the higher DPAC amortization and the expenses of acquired operations. Excluding the acquired operations and the additional DPAC amortization, commissions and expenses were 3% higher.

 

The effective tax rate for 2002 was 19% compared to 28% for 2001. The lower effective tax rate is largely due to a reduction of the deferred tax liability in the US, lower taxable income relative to tax preferred investments and tax-exempt income in the Netherlands and US and the use of tax losses in the UK. In the United States the reduction in the deferred tax liability and the corresponding reduction in tax expense consisted of a USD 219 million change in estimate as additional information and refinements of prior year deferred tax liability became available during 2002. This was partially offset by the establishment of an additional provision of USD 129 million, including a valuation allowance of USD 85 million for loss carryforwards.

 

In light of the recent highly volatile financial market environment, we are re-examining our insurance product portfolio and pricing strategies in terms of risk and reward, which may lead to modifications in product benefits and pricing.

 

Further deterioration in the economic outlook could reduce levels of business activity due to a decline in customer confidence. Reduced equity market and fixed income market returns would impact earnings and capital requirements. Even if equity markets improve it is possible that consumer confidence has been so significantly damaged that the sale of equity-based products may not reach the levels of the late 1990s in the near to medium term.

 

While difficult to predict, we believe that the difficult credit environment may continue for some time causing default losses to remain at higher than historical levels.

 

A prolonged low interest environment will gradually reduce reinvestment income over time, potentially compressing spreads on some general account business. In addition, due to current minimum crediting rate guarantee requirements, new individual spread business such as deferred annuities may no longer be feasible to sell. Any sharp movements upward in new money interest rates will place competitive pressure on existing deferred annuity business, potentially causing some spread compression and/ or disintermediation.

 

The fiscal or other policies adopted by the US, Dutch or UK government or the European Union can affect our business outlook and earnings. We cannot predict the impact or nature of these future changes in policy.

 

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report. Our discussion of our full year results for 2002 includes comparative information presented in USD for our results in the Americas and in GBP for our results in the United Kingdom, which management believes is useful to investors because those businesses operate and are managed primarily in those currencies.

 

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Americas (includes AEGON USA and AEGON Canada)

 

     in million USD

   in million EUR

     2002

   2001

   %

   2002

   2001

   %

Income by product segment

                             

Traditional life

   813    792    3    859    884    -3

Fixed annuities

   165    321    -49    174    358    -51

GICs and funding agreements

   257    193    33    272    215    27

Life for account policyholders

   106    93    14    112    104    8

Variable annuities

   -437    107         -462    120     

Fee business

   5    74    -93    5    83    -94

Book profit Mexico

   —      307         —      343     
    
  
       
  
    

Life insurance

   909    1,887    -52    960    2,107    -54

Accident and health insurance

   233    146    60    246    164    50

General insurance

   0    1    —      0    1    —  
    
  
       
  
    

Income before tax

   1,142    2,034    -44    1,206    2,272    -47

Corporation tax

   -226    -606    -63    -239    -677    -65
    
  
       
  
    

Net income

   916    1,428    -36    967    1,595    -39

 

Income before tax

 

Income before tax of USD 1,142 million declined 44% from 2001, or 34% after adjustment for the USD 307 million gain on sale of the Mexico joint ventures in 2001. Strong institutional spread based product performance and a full year of earnings from the J.C. Penney insurance operations were more than offset by asset default provisions of USD 774 million (an increase of USD 209 million compared to 2001), accelerated variable annuity DPAC amortization of USD 327 million and increased minimum guaranteed benefit reserves of USD 203 million. Invested assets are segmented by product and the higher default losses have impacted all lines of business.

 

Traditional life products generated income before tax of USD 813 million, an increase of 3% over 2001. These products were negatively impacted by USD 160 million of bond default provisions and lower investment yields. Fixed annuity products generated income before tax of USD 165 million, a decline of 49% from 2001. These products experienced the brunt of bond defaults with USD 401 million. Efforts taken to reduce credit exposure early in the year also reduced investment income causing spreads to narrow, although a lower lapse rate and reduced DPAC amortization provided some positive relief. Fixed annuity interest crediting rates may be adjusted, subject to minimum guarantees, on policy anniversary dates, allowing for improved spreads. GICs and funding agreements generated income before tax of USD 257 million, an increase of 33% from 2001. The investment portfolio for these products utilizes swaps to effectively convert these liabilities to a floating rate. The investment strategy includes primarily floating rate instruments but utilizes a mismatch strategy where the matched assets have a slightly longer (about 1/4 of a year) maturity than the liabilities. This provided increased investment spread during 2002 that helped to offset USD 174 million of default losses on these products. Life for account of policyholders generated USD 106 million of income before tax, an increase of 14% over 2001. The policyholder bears the investment risk while the company earns fees and cost of insurance charges. Variable annuity products generated a loss of USD 437 million before tax compared to income of USD 107 million last year. This loss resulted from the additional DPAC amortization and the provisions for guaranteed minimum benefits discussed previously. Fee business included USD 74 million of income in 2001 from the Mexico joint ventures, which were sold at the end of 2001.

 

Net income

 

Net income of USD 916 million reflects a decline of 36% from 2001, or 22% when adjusted for the after-tax gain in 2001 of USD 260 million on the sale of the Mexico joint ventures. The corporate tax provision reflects an

 

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effective rate of 20% compared to an effective rate of 28% in 2001, adjusted for the tax impact of the Mexico joint venture sale in 2001. The lower effective tax rate is largely due to a reduction of the deferred tax liability and lower taxable income relative to tax preferred investments and tax-exempt income. The reduction in the deferred tax liability and the corresponding reduction in tax expense consisted of a USD 219 million change in estimate as additional information and refinements of prior year deferred tax liability became available during 2002. This was partially offset by the establishment of an additional provision of USD 129 million, including a valuation allowance of USD 85 million for loss carryforwards.

 

Revenues

 

Revenues of USD 16,448 million increased 1% compared to 2001. Life insurance gross premiums of USD 6.8 billion decreased 2%, accident and health insurance premiums of USD 2.5 billion increased 18%, while investment income of USD 7.1 billion decreased 1%. Life general account premiums of USD 5.4 billion increased 4%. Existing distribution channels along with new agency relationships have consistently increased life sales. Life policyholders’ account premiums of USD 1.4 billion decreased 17% due to lower sales of variable life insurance. A full year of activity from the J.C. Penney insurance operations, acquired in mid 2001, provided the significant increase in accident and health premium. Investment income has been negatively impacted by declining market interest rates and lost income on defaulted assets. The indirect return from equity and real estate investments increased USD 45 million.

 

Commissions and expenses

 

Commissions and expenses increased 16% from 2001. Included in the increased expenses was accelerated DPAC amortization of USD 327 million related to variable annuity products and USD 80 million related to fixed annuity products (see “—Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Dutch Accounting Principles” for a detailed discussion of this item). Operating expenses decreased 4% after adjusting for acquired businesses, including the J.C. Penney insurance operations. Leveraging administrative and marketing operations across the organization, such as the creation of AEGON Financial Partners, contributed to the expense improvement. Despite the focus on cost controls, technology investments were maintained to advance service and efficiency as evidenced by the ongoing development of the Enterprise Client System, which provides efficient access to customer accounts.

 

The gross margin of USD 4,676 million decreased 8% from 2001 or 2% when adjusted for the gain in 2001 on the sale of the Mexico joint ventures. The gross margin is after deduction of benefits to policyholders, technical provisions and the bond default provision, but before deduction of commissions and operating expenses. Aggressive efforts were taken early in 2002 to anticipate problem credits in the bond portfolio, reduce credit limits, and tighten controls. While these actions mitigated the effect of unprecedented levels of corporate bond defaults, elevated losses were nonetheless incurred. Accordingly, USD 774 million was added to the default provision during 2002, while impairments of USD 791 million were charged against existing provisions, leaving a balance at December 31, 2002 of USD 281 million (see “— Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Dutch Accounting Principles” for a detailed discussion of this item).

 

Production

 

New life single premium production was about 18% lower in 2002 as compared to 2001 primarily due to lower sales of Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) and Corporate Owned Life Insurance (COLI). The BOLI/COLI insurance was severely affected by negative economic conditions, including low interest rates, and we look for a gradual strengthening of production in 2003. Recurring life premium production increased 4% over 2001 due to solid contributions from multiple sales channels. Deposits into fixed and variable annuity contracts and institutional spread based products (GICs and funding agreements) are recorded directly to the balance sheet as a deposit liability and not reported in revenue. Fixed annuity deposits of USD 7.2 billion reflected an increase of 6% over 2001. The solid increase in fixed annuity product sales was due to continued expansion in the bank sales

 

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channel and from the combination of poor equity market performance and declining interest rates offered on CDs and other interest bearing deposits. In late 2002 AEGON USA introduced new products with a minimum interest rate guarantee of 2% in any particular year subject to nonforfeiture requirements of earning a cumulative rate of 3% on 90% of the original premium, consistent with many competitors. Institutional spread based deposits decreased 10% from 2001 to USD 9.8 billion, while assets under management increased 5% to USD 26.0 billion reflecting AEGON USA’s continued transition to longer-term products. Variable annuity deposits of USD 9.9 billion increased a very strong 67% following a decline in 2001. The continued development of preferred relationships with wire houses, regional brokerage firms and independent producers were the primary contributors to this growth. Beginning in 2003, AEGON USA discontinued offering a minimum income annuitization option; this was a popular feature and is expected to negatively impact new sales of variable annuities.

 

Off balance sheet products include managed assets such as mutual funds and collective investment trusts and synthetic GICs. Managed asset deposits increased 4% from 2001 to USD 6.6 billion due to strong growth in retirement product sales. Synthetic GIC deposits also increased 4% to USD 12.2 billion as pension plan sponsors preferred stable value alternatives. AEGON USA does not manage the assets underlying a synthetic GIC but receives a fee for providing a guarantee to benefit plan sponsors that it will provide cash advances, to be re-paid with interest, in the event that plan benefit requests exceed plan cash flows.

 

Other

 

In the 2003 Budget proposal, President Bush proposed an economic stimulus package to retirement savings. The centerpiece of the stimulus proposal is the elimination of the double taxation on corporate dividends. Both the Bush administration and Congress have expressed concerns regarding the impact of the proposal on variable annuities. The life insurance industry has proposed that dividends in equity securities held in separate accounts flow through to increase the basis in the variable annuity contract. The overall impact of these proposals on AEGON USA’s products and corporate tax burden cannot be accurately predicted at this time. Initial legislative language has been introduced to implement certain aspects of the President’ proposals, which is currently the subject of debate and testimony before Congress. It is too early to predict the final form of the legislation that Congress will pass, if any. The tax legislation could increase or reduce tax-advantages for some of AEGON USA’s life insurance and annuity products.

 

The Netherlands

 

     2002

   2001

   %
change


     in million EUR

Income by product segment

              

Traditional life

   552    614    -10

Life for account of policyholders

   49    192    -74
    
  
    

Life insurance

   601    806    -25

Accident and health insurance

   26    36    -28

General insurance

   24    37    -35
    
  
  

Total insurance activities

   651    879    -26

Banking activities

   8    45    -82
    
  
  

Income before tax

   659    924    -29

Corporation tax

   -136    -228    -40
    
  
    

Net income

   523    696    -25

 

Income before tax

 

Income before tax of EUR 659 million decreased 29% compared to 2001. The depressed equity markets had a significant negative effect on 2002 income before tax and also led to an addition to the provision for guaranteed minimum benefits of EUR 209 million.

 

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Income before tax from traditional life products decreased 10% from 2001 to EUR 552 million, mainly due to lower interest results, additional write-offs of DPAC because of higher than expected lapses and lower contribution margins as a consequence of lower production.

 

Income before tax from life for account of policyholders decreased 74% from 2001 to EUR 49 million, reflecting the EUR 209 million strengthening of the provisions for guarantees on unit-linked products, which was partly offset by the EUR 39 profit on the divestiture of the VGGM portfolio (Verzekeringsgroup Gezond en Geestelijke Maatschappelijke Belangen—a large Dutch pension fund) and the release of a part of the provision for benefit-payment costs.

 

Income before tax from accident and health insurance decreased 28% from 2001 to EUR 26 million, reflecting negative run-off results on previous underwriting years in the portfolio. During 2002 it was decided to switch from investment in equities to fixed income securities for solvency and asset-liability matching reasons. This had a negative effect on investment income in this product segment.

 

General insurance income before tax decreased 35% from 2001 to EUR 24 million, mainly due to increased policy claims from the effects of the October storm in the Netherlands, the worst storm in ten years, and a switch from equity investments to fixed income investments resulting in lower investment returns.

 

Income before tax from banking activities decreased 82% from 2001 to EUR 8 million. The lower results reflect lower production, the lower spread on saving accounts and the addition to the provision for credit risk. AEGON’s banking activities consist of saving accounts and share lease products.

 

Net income

 

Net income decreased by 25% from 2001 to EUR 523 million, reflecting a reduction in the effective tax rate from 25% to 21% due to the increased share of tax exempt items and indirect return in income before tax.

 

Revenues

 

Revenues of EUR 6,052 million in 2002 approximately equalled 2001. Life insurance gross premiums of EUR 3,573 million decreased by 2% from 2001. Single premiums increased by 6% from 2001, despite the divestiture of the VGGM contract, which had a negative effect of EUR 181 million. The increase in 2002 single premiums was primarily from the pension business. Recurring premiums decreased 8% from 2001, as the continuous process of restructuring the Dutch fiscal system caused a large number of customers to pay up their policies or terminate their contracts. Also the austerity of the employee’s savings scheme by the government, the abolishment of the premium savings scheme by the government and a decline in basic life annuity premiums caused lower sales in 2002 as intermediaries invested primarily in pension products. Premium income in accident and health and general insurance business showed an increase of 11% and 6% from 2001, respectively. Premiums for a broad range of non-life products were increased in 2002 to cover increasing claims. Investment income for insurance activities decreased by 2% from 2001, due primarily to the shift in sales of life insurance products from traditional life to life for account of policyholders, for which investment income is not recognized in this line item. Due to the establishment of AEGON Asset Management as a separate business unit instead of a cost center, the management fees earned in 2002 are presented on a gross basis, which had an effect on Other Income and expenses in 2002 of EUR 60 million. Prior year amounts were relatively small and allocated to the various business units. Revenues from banking activities increased 8% over 2001 to EUR 416 million, due largely to a change in presentation of the results of AEGON Asset Management. In prior years, these results were allocated to various business units whereas this year all results are included in Income from banking activities. Investment income for the account of policyholders represents the change in market value in 2002 of the investments for the account of policyholders.

 

Commissions and expenses

 

Commissions and expenses amounted to EUR 666 million, a 20% increase from 2001. This includes EUR 60 million in investment costs that were recognized on a gross instead of a net basis and which were offset by an

 

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equal amount of revenues. Another portion of the increase resulted from the additional write-off of DPAC caused by higher than expected lapses.

 

Production

 

Saving deposits of EUR 3,386 million represent only the incoming cash flow. The balance of the savings deposits was EUR 6.3 billion at December 31, 2002, which was approximately the same as at the end of 2001.

 

Off balance sheet managed assets produced an inflow in the asset management segment of EUR 1,223 million. The balance at December 31, 2002 amounted to EUR 1,689 million.

 

Other

 

On December 23, 2002 AEGON The Netherlands acquired 100% of the shares of TKP Pensioenen B.V (TPG and KPN pension funds), which administers pension schemes of a number of Dutch companies. The consolidation of the acquisition increased total assets by EUR 3 million.

 

As of January 1, 2002 the effective tax rate in the Netherlands has been lowered from 35% to 34.5%. The minor change had no material impact on liquidity, financial condition or operations.

 

As discussed above, the austerity of the employee’s savings scheme, the abolishment of the premium savings scheme and a decline in the tax deductible basic life annuity premiums caused intermediaries to seek temporary safe harbors in pension products. Employers are searching for alternative remuneration systems via additional pension rights on an individual basis. We plan to benefit from strong cooperation between AEGON business units, using each other’s expertise, to introduce new products to meet customers’ demands.

 

United Kingdom

 

     2002

   2001

   %

   2002

   2001

    % 

     in million GBP    in million EUR

Income by product segment

                             

Traditional life

   12    14    -14    19    22    -14

Life for account policyholders

   140    215    -35    224    346    -35

Fee business

   -6    2         -10    4     
    
  
       
  
    

Income before tax

   146    231    -37    233    372    -37

Corporation tax

   -34    -66    -48    -55    -107    -49
    
  
       
  
    

Net income

   112    165    -32    178    265    -33

 

Income before tax

 

Income before tax of GBP 146 million in 2002 decreased 37% compared to 2001. The income before tax in the Traditional life product segment was GBP 12 million in 2002 a decline of 14.3% compared to 2001. Although the movement in profit of GBP 2 million was quite small, there are a number of offsetting items. In particular, we have set up provisions to cover costs associated with the expense management program to cover redundancy and associated costs. The total cost of implementing the program, which is targeted to deliver a significant amount of annualized savings, is budgeted to be GBP 25 million: GBP 18 million relates to the period to December 31, 2002, the remainder will be incurred in 2003. These costs have been largely offset by the release of reserves from certain closed blocks of business.

 

Income before tax in the Life for account of policyholder product segment was GBP 140 million for 2002 a decline of 35% compared to 2001. The profitability of this product segment is heavily related to the level of the equity markets, as the main source of income is charges on unit-linked business. The significant decline in equity

 

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markets during 2002 has had a markedly negative effect on earnings. AEGON UK has experienced approximately GBP 40 million of lower income due to lower policy charges, which are directly related to equity market movements. Reserves have been increased to cover mortgage endowment compensation payments associated with shortfalls on policies sold to cover mortgage repayment within our Guardian business unit. During 2002 the Business Change Program (BCP), which involved major systems development was substantially completed, incurring additional costs of GBP 8 million. AEGON UK has also seen lower profits from policy surrenders and from lower initial margins as its amount of stakeholder friendly business increases. Stakeholder friendly business has no exit penalties and lower initial margins.

 

During 2002 AEGON UK entered into a contract with Merrill Lynch, Baillie Gifford and Deutsche Bank to manage pension funds as part of its external fund links offering. This allows policyholders to access our fund managers in addition to our in-house managers. The contracts have been structured as reinsurance contracts at the request of the three fund managers to allow them to offer stakeholder terms. As these are pension contracts there is no risk transfer. The credit risk is borne by the pension contractholders. There is no income effect from these contracts, but it did result in a GBP 511 million impact on premiums to reinsurers, with an offsetting change in technical provisions.

 

During 2002 AEGON UK acquired stakes in a number of distribution companies. The increase in income and expenses in the Fee product segment is primarily due to the inclusion of these businesses. The overall reduction to gross income in the fee business segment is primarily due to lower fee income on our asset management products as a result of lower equity markets in 2002.

 

Net income

 

Net income for 2002 of GBP 112 million declined 32% compared to 2001. Contributing to the decrease in net income is a reduction in the effective tax rate to 23% from 29% in 2001 due to the utilization of tax losses as a result of a settlement with the UK Inland Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2002.

 

Revenues

 

Revenues of GBP 4,152 increased 3% from 2001, primarily due to a 57% increase in premiums from life general account products, although these products only provided about 6% of total premiums in 2002. Investment income of GBP 110 million increased 38% from 2001 due to growth of the general account assets.

 

Production

 

AEGON UK experienced a substantial increase in new business in its individual protection business unit (AEGON Individual Protection) with premium income growing from GBP 6 million in 2001 to GBP 23 million in 2002 reflecting the growth in this business line. This business unit was launched in 2001.

 

AEGON UK has also experienced an increase of GBP 61 million in the premiums on immediate annuities, which arise from the increasing maturity of the Scottish Equitable pension book.

 

Other

 

The UK Group has developed strategic plans for its organic growth given the changing regulatory and economic environment in which we operate. If these plans are not in line with market developments or are implemented badly, there could be a negative impact on earnings.

 

The introduction of the “1% charge cap” on Stakeholder pension price (a 1% annual management charge limit aimed at widening the number of individuals with a pension) has reduced gross margins on pension products in the United Kingdom, and although this has substantially been reflected in 2002 trading conditions, it has the potential to further erode gross margins in the future.

 

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The Financial Services Authority is proposing significant change to the regulation of distribution firms in the United Kingdom, which is currently expected to take effect during 2004. The impact on AEGON UK’s business is uncertain at this stage.

 

New rules on prudential regulation in the United Kingdom will increase the focus on risk management within organizations such as AEGON UK. Failure to demonstrate sound risk management procedures could lead to increased capital requirements from 2005 onwards.

 

Acquisitions

 

The UK Group acquired a number of independent financial advisor (IFA) businesses in 2002, the full financial impact of which will only be seen in the 2003 results.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

The UK Group administers a closed book of business in respect of the Guardian Royal Exchange business acquired in 1999. There are two uncertainties related to this book of business:

 

  further change in the approach of regulators to compensation of endowment mortgage customers could negatively impact net income; and

 

  failure to manage the run off of the closed book well could lead to increased unit costs and a decline in profitability.

 

Other Countries

 

     2002

   2001

   %

     in million EUR

Income by product segment

              

Traditional life

   27    37    -27

Life for account of policyholders

   -14    -10    -40

Fee business

   7    7    0
    
  
    

Life insurance

   20    34    -41

Accident and health insurance

   6    9    -33

General insurance

   38    29    31
    
  
    

Income before tax

   64    72    -11

Corporation tax

   -12    -11    9
    
  
    

Net income

   52    61    -15

 

Please note that the Other countries segment is accounted for in our financial statements in euros, but the operating results for the individual country units within Other countries are accounted for in, and are discussed below in terms of, local currencies of those country units.

 

Hungary

 

Income before tax. ÁB-AEGON reported income before tax of Hungarian Forint (HUF) 14.3 billion for 2002 a decline of 7% compared to 2001. Life income was level with 2001 while non-life income decreased 18%. Income before tax from fee business increased more than 15% (HUF 270 million) from 2001 due to a 26% increase in assets under management to EUR 1.3 billion.

 

Premiums to reinsurers increased by more than 50% (HUF 600 million) from 2001. Most of the increase relates to the household business due to the unfavorable trends in the international reinsurance markets and the increases in reinsurance premiums following the floods in Hungary in prior years. Non-life claims developed favorably in 2002. ÁB-AEGON’s strict underwriting and claim control and the absence of a flood in 2002

 

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positively impacted results in the household and car insurance business. Non-life technical provisions increased by 5%, partly as a result of a strengthening of technical provisions in household and car insurance businesses.

 

Higher expenses caused by IT upgrading projects were partly offset by higher premium loadings due to high sales volumes.

 

Revenues. Total revenues increased by HUF 3.2 billion over 2001. Premium income increased by HUF 2.5 billion from 2001, including HUF 2 billion in life, mainly unit linked products, and HUF 500 million in non-life. The non-life growth was due primarily to a HUF 1.2 billion increase in the household portfolio, partly offset by a HUF 700 million decrease in the car portfolio (Motor Third Party Liability and other motor). The renewed successful product and improved sales efficiency are the main factors in the high performance of the household branch. Investment income grew by almost HUF 500 million despite a 2% decrease in the 12-month Hungarian Treasury coupon rates.

 

Other. The decelerating Hungarian life insurance market accompanied by the general decline in the investment markets, the steady decline of yields on Hungarian bonds and shares and the rapidly growing non-life market constituted an unfavourable environment for ÁB-AEGON. The adverse trends imposed substantial challenges on all enterprises of the life insurance sector. Although the trends prevailing in the market constituted substantial hindrances to ÁB-AEGON’s growth, it retained the strong market-position in the area of regular life sales. Single premiums sales were lower in 2002 than in prior years, but the profit contribution from these products is small.

 

Successful innovations were introduced in 2002 in both sales and administration/customer service, such as renewed pricing structure, introduction of the franchise system for sales management, reform of the education system for independent agents, claim settlement by telephone, geographic information technology solutions, successful smooth consolidation and insourcing of the Call Center handling questions from customers. A comprehensive modernization of the corporate IT environment also commenced in 2002.

 

Spain

 

Income before tax. AEGON Spain reported income before tax of EUR 12 million for 2002 a decrease of 25% compared to 2001. Pre-tax results in the life business showed a loss of EUR 11 million, a decrease of EUR 12 million compared to last year. The main reasons for the decrease are the loss of Moenymaxx because of low production as a result of the current equity market situation and a write-off of unrecoverable DPAC.

 

General insurance reported a gain of EUR 17 million in 2002 compared to EUR 6 million in 2001, which is mainly due to the very low claim ratio in Motor, Legal Liability and other motor risks. The non-life claims ratio improved in all the lines of business, except in “Marine, aviation, transport”, which worsened in 2002 due primarily to a coinsurance accepted marine policy already cancelled by AEGON Spain because of the very high claim ratio. The improvement in the non-life claims ratio is primarily due to a decrease in the number of claims. This trend started in 1999, when measures were implemented to improve the quality of the portfolio.

 

Accident & health reported a pre-tax result of EUR 6 million in 2002, a 33% decline compared to 2001, mainly due to increased expenses and lower investment income in 2002.

 

Revenues. The uncertain economic climate and the negative performance of the stock markets negatively impacted the sale of unit-linked products. The Traditional life line of business premium suffered from more competitive pricing.

 

Compared to 2001, life premiums showed a further decrease of EUR 30 million from a single premium pension contract that was reported in 2001.

 

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Non-life revenues were negatively affected by the cancellation of certain general liability policies where the risks were considered too high. AEGON Spain in 2002 concentrated on personal lines and small companies, while de-emphasizing products whose risks are not considered as strategic. This is the case for “Other General Liability” and “Marine, aviation, transport”, which showed decreases in premium income from 2001 of 25% and 42% respectively.

 

Commissions and expenses. The 2002 results were negatively impacted by EUR 4 million of additional DPAC amortization and by increased marketing costs in connection with the Moneymaxx business.

 

Taiwan

 

Income before tax. AEGON Taiwan reported income before taxes of New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) 6.5 million for 2002, its first profitable year since it began operations in 1994, primarily due to the re-pricing of products and higher new business production.

 

Revenues. Premium income increased 120% to NTD 5,073 million for 2002 compared to NTD 2,302 million for 2001. The acquisition of the AXA Taiwan operations, introduction of new distribution channels (bancassurance and brokers) and launch of new products (investment-linked VUL and 104 whole life) contributed to this tremendous growth. New business premiums increased 229% to NTD 2,595 million in 2002.

 

Investment income decreased 2.5% to NTD 438 million in 2002, mainly due to declining interest rates and depressed equity markets. Investment assets increased from NTD 10.5 billion in 2001 to NTD 13 billion as of December 31, 2002 but the investment yield of 4.2% in 2002 declined from 6.2% in 2001.

 

Commissions and expenses. Expenses incurred in 2002 increased 12% to NTD 643 million for 2002 compared with NTD 575 million in 2001. The major reasons for the increase were higher personnel and occupancy expenses due to the integration of the AXA businesses and development of new distribution channels.

 

Production. Production on a standardized basis increased by 188% mainly due to the launch of new products.

 

Unconsolidated Group Companies

 

Transamerica Finance Corporation conducts business in commercial lending, intermodal leasing and real estate information services operations. Due to the dissimilarity between its operations in relation to the operations of AEGON, AEGON considers Transamerica Finance Corporation to be a non-core operation and Transamerica Finance Corporation’s results are not consolidated.

 

Results for Transamerica Finance Corporation were USD 48 million (EUR 51 million) as compared to USD 64 million (EUR 72 million) last year. This reflects lower asset balances for 2002 as well as tax benefits and investment gains included in 2001 results, which were non-recurring. The commercial lending unit’s net finance receivable decreased USD 900 million (12%) from 2001, primarily due to the slowdown in the economy which lead to a reduction in customer utilization of available credit lines. The allowance for losses was increased to 2.93% of net finance receivables from 1.93% with the addition primarily related to the aircraft portfolio. Revenues declined 6% in the intermodal leasing unit due to declines in per diem rates for maritime containers and fewer European trailers on-hire. Higher levels of mortgage refinancing activity lead to increased flood certification and property payment and reporting fees for the real estate information services unit.

 

Investments

 

AEGON country units are responsible for the management of their own investment portfolios. The asset and liability management policies employed in the units specify the level of risk and exposure that can be assumed by

 

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the relevant country unit based on changes in interest rates, credit quality, equity markets and exchange rates. Those policies are also monitored at AEGON Group level. During 2003 we will continue the ongoing process of integrating asset and liability risk management with capital management.

 

In 2002, AEGON’s general account investment assets decreased 5.8% from 2001 to EUR 123.1 billion. These assets represent 44.4% of AEGON’s total managed assets. On general account assets, AEGON carries the investment risk and earns a spread.

 

The general account assets in the Americas and the Netherlands represented 97% of AEGON’s general account assets at December 31, 2002. The decrease during 2002 was mainly driven by currency exchange rate differences. In local currencies, the general account asset base of AEGON Americas grew 12.5% to USD 109 billion due to strong new production in traditional life products and fixed annuities. In the Netherlands, the total general account asset base decreased by 11.1%, mainly as a result of the decline of a 17.4% decrease in the value of our equity investments in 2002. In 2002, AEGON also rebalanced its portfolio from equities to fixed income investments while increasing slightly the credit quality of the fixed income portfolio despite the further deterioration of credit markets during the year by reinvesting at a slightly higher average credit quality.

 

Investments for the account of policyholders (34.2% of AEGON’s total managed assets at December 31, 2002) decreased by 16.4% in 2002 to EUR 94.7 billion, driven by currency exchange rate changes and declines in equity markets. Strong new production in variable annuities in the Americas of USD 9.9 billion partially offset the impact of equity market declines. On investments for the account of policyholders, the investment risk is generally borne by the policyholders, in certain cases subject to minimum benefit guarantees provided by AEGON, and AEGON earns fee income through policy expense charges. For these investments, the shift toward fixed income allocations already apparent in the past two years continued in 2002, as the allocation in fixed income securities (49%) was brought almost equal to the allocation in equities (51%).

 

Assets related to banking activities increased 1.7% in 2002 to EUR 7.2 billion.

 

Off-balance sheet investments (third party asset management, mutual funds and synthetic GICs), on which we also earn fees, represented 18.8% of total managed assets and declined slightly in 2002 to EUR 52 billion as a result of the lower US dollar exchange rate, more than offsetting increased new production in third-party asset management and synthetic GICs.

 

Certain Effects of US GAAP

 

A net loss of EUR 2,328 million was reported over 2002 based on US GAAP accounting principles, compared to a net profit of EUR 632 million in 2001. The US GAAP net loss reflects the same financial statement impacts that were previously described on a Dutch accounting basis.

 

See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report for a complete discussion of the differences for net income and shareholders’ equity under Dutch accounting principles and US GAAP. The most significant differences in 2002 related to the treatment of realized capital gains and losses and goodwill.

 

Capital losses on shares and real estate realized on a US GAAP basis totalled EUR 1,493 million (including EUR 1,057 million “other-than-temporary impairment” write downs—2001:EUR 36 million) compared to indirect return income of EUR 758 million under Dutch accounting principles. Capital gains (losses) are recognized when they are realized pursuant to US GAAP while the indirect return methodology is applied under Dutch accounting principles. See “—Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Dutch Accounting Principles”.

 

Goodwill impairment charges are recorded on a US GAAP basis while goodwill is charged off to equity on a Dutch accounting basis at the time of acquisition. A cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of

 

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EUR (1,295) million was recorded as of January 1, 2002 from adoption of SFAS 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (see Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report for more information on the adoption of SFAS 142). This non-cash goodwill impairment charge related primarily to the Transamerica non-insurance business. Factors resulting in the impairment charge were the down turn in the economic environment, particularly in the technology sector of the commercial lending segment, and increased price competition from other financial institutions. The required annual goodwill impairment test under SFAS 142 was performed in the fourth quarter of 2002 and resulted in an additional goodwill impairment charge of EUR 670 million in the AEGON USA reporting unit. This impairment charge has been reported as a 2002 US GAAP operating expense. The primary factor resulting in the non-cash impairment charge for AEGON USA during the fourth quarter was due to the uncertainty in the current economic environment. The uncertainties include among others a continuation of the low interest rate environment resulting in compressed spreads, reduced expectations for total return rates in equity markets, an uncertain level of defaults in the fixed maturity markets and a reduction in the anticipated new business. In 2001 an amount of EUR 496 million was recorded as goodwill amortization expense.

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies—US GAAP

 

Reserve for Guaranteed Minimum Benefits and Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, including value of business acquired

 

The application of these accounting policies is discussed in “—Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Dutch Accounting Principles”. The primary difference in applying these accounting principles for US GAAP accounting purposes is that for the flexible premium insurance products and investment contracts in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, an annual unlocking as described for the Americas is performed and the reserves in the United Kingdom are adjusted to equal the contractholder balance. The net impact of these two elements in 2002 was an additional charge of EUR 156 million under US GAAP.

 

Impairment of debt securities

 

US GAAP does not provide for a default reserve but rather requires all realized losses including impairments to be recognized in the income statement. The same monitoring practices and evaluation process as described in “—Application of Critical Accounting Principles—Dutch Accounting Principles” are followed. For US GAAP accounting purposes, however, an impaired debt security is written down to fair value, which is generally based on quoted market value if available, at the time impairment is determined to have occurred. This resulted in an additional write-down for US GAAP accounting purposes of EUR 49 million in 2002.

 

Impairment of equities

 

The same monitoring practices and evaluation process as described in “Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Dutch Accounting Principles” are followed. For US GAAP accounting purposes, however, any realized losses or impairments are reported immediately in the income statement.

 

Valuation of Fixed Maturity Securities

 

The book value of non traded securities under DAP was EUR 18.9 billion and the market value was EUR 19.1 billion at December 31, 2002. Private asset-backed securities are priced by outside brokers and private corporates are matrix priced primarily with spreads and interest rates from outside sources. In isolated instances, spreads or prices may be adjusted for credit specific issues. These assets are priced similarly to a forced sale, therefore large discounts are included for liquidity premiums and the uniqueness of each deal.

 

Preferred shares are valued similarly to private corporate debt securities. The dividend is discounted against the risk free rate (10-year Dutch Government bond reported by Bloomberg) plus a credit spread. The credit

 

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spread is estimated by the portfolio managers of AEGON the Netherlands on the basis of public loans, the credit rating, time to maturity and sector. For private equity funds, net asset values are provided by fund managers.

 

Pension expense

 

Under Dutch accounting principles, SFAS No. 87 as described in “—Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Dutch accounting principles” is applied only to our pension plans in the United States. Under US GAAP, SFAS No. 87 is also applied to our defined benefit pension plans in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Other countries, which resulted in an additional charge of EUR 51 million in 2002.

 

Goodwill

 

Pursuant to SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, goodwill is reviewed and tested for impairment under a fair value approach. Goodwill must be tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently as a result of an event or change in circumstances that would indicate an impairment may be necessary. Impairment testing requires the determination of the fair value for each of our identified reporting units. The reporting units identified for AEGON based upon the SFAS No. 142 rules include; AEGON USA, AEGON Canada, AEGON The Netherlands, AEGON UK insurance companies and AEGON UK distribution companies, Other Countries and Transamerica Finance. The fair value of the insurance operations is determined using valuation techniques consistent with market appraisals for insurance companies, a discounted cash flow model requiring assumptions as to a discount rate, the value of existing business and expectations with respect to future growth rates and term. For our non-insurance operations, fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. The valuation utilized the best available information, including assumptions and projections considered reasonable and supportable by management. The assumptions used in the determination of fair value involve significant judgments and estimates. The discount rates used are believed to represent market discount rates, which would be used to value businesses of similar size and nature.

 

The goodwill impairments recorded by AEGON in 2002 under US GAAP are discussed in detail in “—Certain Effects of US GAAP”.

 

Results of Operations—2001 compared to 2000

 

Net income per share increased 12% to EUR 1.76 reflecting the 16% increase in net income and the additional 55 million shares issued to acquire J.C. Penney’s direct marketing insurance operations.

 

Net income from AEGON’s major country units, namely the Americas, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, increased in local currency by 15%, 7%, and 3% respectively. Total gross margin increased by 13%, while commissions and expenses increased by 12%.

 

Due to increased bond default activity in the United States, EUR 631 million (USD 565 million) was added to the default provisions while impairments totalling EUR 608 million (USD 545 million) were charged against these provisions. The default provision balance at year-end was EUR 338 million (USD 298 million) for the USA investment portfolio.

 

Net income of EUR 31 million from the divested Labouchere operations was included in the 2000 results.

 

In previous years, AEGON put a cap of 7% after tax on the indirect return. This cap was removed in 2001.

 

The effect on net income growth of the J.C. Penney’s direct marketing insurance operations acquisition, the removal of the cap on indirect return and currency translation amounts to 4%, 3% and 2% respectively. On net income per share, the effect is 2% each.

 

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Net income increased 16% to EUR 2,397 million for 2001. The earnings comparison with the prior year has been positively influenced by the additional EUR 132 million of income before tax from the acquired J.C. Penney’s direct marketing insurance operations and the EUR 343 million of income before tax (EUR 294 million after tax) from the sale of our joint ventures in Mexico. Earnings were adversely influenced by higher additions to the provisions for default losses, as well as the influence of depressed equity markets on sales, account balances and fees.

 

Standardized new life production increased 2% for the year, including 17% and 16% increases in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, respectively. Increased group life market share in the Netherlands and higher group personal pension sales in the United Kingdom contributed to this growth. The Americas’ new life production was 13% lower due to expected lower term life and institutional single premium sales. The United States, however, reversed this trend and produced a 16% increase in standardized life production in the fourth quarter. Lower traditional life results include EUR 28 million (USD 25 million) of acquired J.C. Penney’s direct marketing insurance operations’ earnings and an addition to the default provision of EUR 174 million for 2001 compared to EUR 19 million for 2000. Total September 11 World Trade Center claims were EUR 34 million (USD 30 million), net of reinsurance.

 

Life for account of policyholders results reflect higher recurring premium revenues and an increase in in-force business. Earnings also benefited from the positive development of the equity market in the fourth quarter. Improved cost efficiency in the Netherlands also contributed to the earnings increase, while in the United Kingdom a contribution to the earnings increase was attributable to higher surrender charges as individuals reassessed their options for taking retirement income.

 

Lower fixed annuity results include an addition to the default provision of EUR 256 million for 2001, compared to EUR 30 million for 2000. The addition to the default provision more than offset higher account balance earnings. Deposits almost doubled in the fourth quarter as a result of strong production in the banking channel benefiting from the continued shift to fixed products.

 

Higher GIC and funding agreement results include an addition to the default provision of EUR 178 million for 2001, compared to EUR 32 million for 2000. The higher addition to the default provision was more than offset by income from higher balances and from increased investment spreads.

 

Lower variable annuity results are due to lower account balances which reduces fee income and increases amortization of acquisition costs. Variable annuity deposits decreased 28% but were up 12% in the fourth quarter in the United States reflecting strong production from new partnerships with financial institutions. In Canada segregated fund deposits continued to lag last year’s sales substantially as a result of the depressed equity markets and changes in product design due to regulatory requirements.

 

Lower income before tax on fee business reflects lower fees on account balances.

 

Higher accident and health results include EUR 104 million of acquired J.C. Penney’s direct marketing insurance operations’ earnings and an addition to the default provision of EUR 23 million. There was no addition to the default provision in 2000.

 

Higher income before tax on general insurance was due to favorable claims levels.

 

Lower income before tax from banking activities was due to depressed equity market performance, lower interest spreads and additional risk provisions. The shift in consumer preference away from equity-linked products continues to drive substantial increases in savings deposits at the expense of investment contract sales.

 

Reduced interest charges and Other are due to the inclusion of EUR 40 million of profit from run-off UK general insurance, as well as lower interest rates on debt allocated to insurance activities.

 

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Corporation tax expense decreased to 28% from 29% in the prior year. Higher rates in the Netherlands and United Kingdom were more than offset by a low rate on the gain from the sale of the Mexican operations.

 

The increase in Transamerica Finance Corporation (TFC) net income is due to inclusion of results for 12 months in 2001 and six months in 2000. Additionally, a lower allocation of interest on debt more than offset the lower net income from operations. TFCs lower operating income is due in part to a lower asset base due to asset sales, lower production of new receivables and increased credit losses.

 

During 2001, EUR 723 million, including EUR 72 million from removal of the cap, was recognized as indirect return in AEGON’s income before tax. This compares with EUR 595 million for the prior year. The revaluation account balance as of December 31, 2001, was EUR 4,640 million, including realized gains of EUR 3,901 million and unrealized gains of EUR 739 million.

 

The macro-economic factors driving the life and pension markets, such as demographic trends, changes in traditional social security systems and a reaffirmation of the value of insurance protection, continued to create opportunities in 2001, throughout the Group companies. The shift by customers toward more risk-averse fixed return instruments and away from unit-linked products was especially noteworthy. AEGON’s well-balanced product portfolio and flexible, responsive marketing enabled it to adjust to and profit from these changes. Similarly, balance and flexibility should allow AEGON to benefit from the underlying growth in life and pension demand, particularly with a return to better economic times.

 

The direct effects of the September 11 , 2001 attacks on AEGON were limited. Claims on life insurance policies following the attacks in New York and Washington were lower than originally estimated and the effect on earnings is confirmed at EUR 34 million (USD 30 million) net of reinsurance. The secondary effects, most notably the price changes in equity markets following the events, also had a negative impact on AEGON, both on its general account equity investments and on the fee income derived from unit-linked and variable products. Even though the financial markets were closed in the US for several days, AEGON’s liquidity position was not substantially affected during the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. AEGON’s 2001 balance sheet liquidity is strongly supported by available committed credit lines. In the period shortly after September 11, 2001, AEGON maintained excellent liquidity without accessing liquidity under these committed facilities.

 

Americas

 

AEGON Americas maintained its balance and forward momentum in an unsettled market climate. Its group-wide focus on profitable growth, coupled with the acquisition of the J.C. Penney direct marketing insurance operations and the gain on the sale of the Mexico joint ventures, led to double-digit net income growth.

 

Consistent performance and income was achieved despite a weak economy, declining equity markets and consumer uncertainty over the repeal of an important estate tax law. AEGON was deeply saddened by the tragic events of September 11, but we are thankful not to have lost any of our employees. AEGON USA acted swiftly and responsibly, taking care to verify the safety of its employees and working to ensure continuity of service throughout the market interruption. Financially, we weathered the effects better than many of its peers, due to the fact that AEGON does not offer property and casualty products and insurance and investment losses were moderate. The pre-tax amount reported for all insurance claims, net of reinsurance, was EUR 34 million (USD 30 million), with the majority of claims attributable to reinsurance losses. During the following days and weeks, AEGON USA pulled together to respond to the tragedies in a number of ways, including participating in industry-wide initiatives to assist victims and beneficiaries, reviewing business continuity procedures and strengthening policies protecting workplace security.

 

Despite these testing circumstances, AEGON USA showed its true resilience thanks to its balanced product offerings and diverse channels of distribution. In 2001 demographic trends continued to drive strong growth in the insurance, savings and pension markets, spurred by additional demand for protection products following the events in the fall.

 

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After successfully integrating several major acquisitions in recent years, AEGON USA’s decentralized operating structure has allowed it to effectively manage the complexity that can often accompany size. Key to its success has been creating an infrastructure that gives distinct business groups the autonomy to fully capitalize on market opportunities and customer needs. To this end, AEGON USA made progress in 2001 expanding its channels of distribution, improving services to customers, and capitalizing on internal synergies. In 2002 AEGON USA will take additional steps to improve its flexibility for growth by streamlining operations and leveraging scale. Overall, AEGON’s multi-branded, multi-channel distribution strategy proved well-suited to the volatile environment.

 

Activities were reorganized into five groups last year:

 

  Agency;

 

  Alternative Markets;

 

  Financial Markets;

 

  Institutional Products; and

 

  Services and Pension.

 

Agency Group

 

Offering a broad range of insurance and investment products through independent agents, financial advisors, marketing companies and registered representatives, the Agency Group and its four divisions continued to be major contributors to revenues. Each channel serves distinct market segments, from home service to high net-worth individuals. Products offered through professional agents and intermediaries remains the Agency Group’s dominant method of delivery.

 

Monumental achieved steady growth and excellent profitability in 2001, reaffirming its role as one of the leaders in the home service market. Known for its operational efficiency, Monumental is now extending this same discipline to the field, where agents are strengthening their sales skills and overall consistency of service.

 

Strong recruiting and sales efforts in 2001 contributed to solid growth for the Individual Division. The year saw substantial production in its bank and corporate-owned life insurance markets. Transamerica Insurance & Investments Group continues to be a strong contributor to the Agency Group’s performance. Sales were positive, and two new variable universal life products were added to its slate of product offerings in 2001.

 

The Equity Group, suffering its first downturn in variable life sales in over a decade because of the market decline, focused on helping their clientele understand the long-term aspects of their investment options and position their investment strategies to meet their personal financial goals. With markets stabilizing and additional attention directed to marketing priorities in 2002, variable product sales should rebound modestly provided there are no major market disruptions.

 

Alternative Markets Group

 

This group is led by AEGON Direct Marketing Services (ADMS), which markets life insurance and supplemental products to consumers through direct channels. The acquisition of J.C. Penney’s direct marketing insurance operations in June 2001 has made AEGON USA the largest direct marketing organization of life and supplemental insurance in the United States, with USD 2.3 billion in revenues and 15.5 million customers. Customers who might not be reached through AEGON USA’s other channels—such as the underserved middle market or customers who prefer to buy direct—can purchase ADMS’s comprehensive product portfolio via direct mail, point of service, the Internet, telemarketing or direct response advertising. Products are marketed through the endorsement of sponsoring organizations, such as financial institutions, associations, credit unions or motor dealers, as well as directly to consumers.

 

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The Worksite Marketing division enjoyed more of the growth initiated in 2000 with its re-branding as Transamerica Worksite Marketing. This unit offers employees a wide variety of voluntary programs to supplement existing benefits offered through employers.

 

Financial Markets Group

 

The Financial Markets Group enjoyed a record year in 2001. Partnerships with large banks through its Transamerica Financial Institutions business unit benefited from conservative investors’ flight to more guaranteed fixed interest rate annuities. Investor concerns over the equity market also contributed to record sales of structured settlement annuities during the year. Transamerica Capital also bucked the industry’s weak equity sales trend in the brokerage channel through strong wholesaling efforts, quality products and a highly recognizable brand. Finally, Transamerica Investment Management realized record sales of its equity funds.

 

Institutional Products and Services Group

 

AEGON Institutional Markets enjoyed another year of solid growth, with product balances increasing by 24% over 2000. This business, which provides a range of guaranteed savings and investment products to institutional retirement and savings clients, continued to expand an already diversified product and market base by more than doubling balances in its euro and global medium term note program, as well as adding USD 6.5 billion in fee-based synthetic GICs sold to retirement plans.

 

Transamerica Reinsurance maintained its strong position in life reinsurance, though this division bore the brunt of the AEGON USA’s direct losses from September 11. The year’s extraordinary circumstances demonstrated Transamerica Reinsurance’s resilience. AEGON USA quickly adapted standard claims processing procedures to meet exceptional client needs created by the tragic events.

 

In 2001 Transamerica Reinsurance focused on growth and profitability through product innovation, developing new markets and disciplined risk analysis. During the year, Transamerica Reinsurance advanced a number of initiatives to position it for growth, including web-based distribution capability for private label business needs and an Irish reinsurance facility. Transamerica Reinsurance continued its thoughtful international expansion efforts, opening offices in Santiago, Chile and building its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Pension Group

 

Both Diversified Investment Advisors (DIA), serving medium and large pension sponsors, and Transamerica Retirement Services, serving the smaller corporate market, achieved good results despite the challenges of the volatile equity markets and an unsettled climate. Both are well-positioned to take advantage of the long-term, sustainable growth opportunities in the retirement market. DIA, for example, is one of the few organizations of its kind making the necessary investment in technology to address the growth that lies ahead. This allows DIA to partner with many other distribution channels that have made the decision to outsource their pension activities. New web-based information platforms for personalized advice, including Retiretek, were welcomed by agents, intermediaries and pension plan holders alike.

 

AEGON USA Investment Management

 

AEGON USA Investment Management is responsible for managing over 96% of AEGON USA’s USD 94.9 billion of invested assets. Bonds constitute the great majority of invested assets. Commercial mortgage loans, alternative investments, and equities comprise the balance.

 

Despite the high quality investment grade bond portfolio held in the United States, an expected level of credit losses is anticipated and priced for all products. Due to the current poor credit cycle, EUR 631 million (USD 565 million) was added to default provisions during 2001, while impairments totaling EUR 608 million

 

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(USD 545 million) were charged against these provisions. However, AEGON USA finished the year with less than 0.5% non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets. Moreover, the portfolio achieved a total return of 7.96%, which exceeded comparable benchmarks.

 

Mexico

 

AEGON’s highly successful joint insurance and pension fund management ventures with Seguros Banamex AEGON and Afore Banamex AEGON came to a close in 2001 following Citigroup’s acquisition of parent company Grupo Financiero Banamex (Banacci).

 

At year-end 2001, AEGON agreed to the sale of its 48% partnership interests for USD 1.24 billion, plus USD 40 million in dividends on the companies’ 2001 profits.

 

AEGON Canada

 

Transamerica Life Canada, AEGON Canada’s key operating subsidiary, succeeded in maintaining a leadership position in the sales of life insurance and segregated fund products. Through 18,000 independent distributors, representing the largest independent network for the distribution of life and savings products, Transamerica Life Canada performed well and aggressively pursued growth in a challenging marketplace. Product innovation formed the cornerstone of growth in 2001, with the launch of a new universal life product and the introduction of a ‘best-of-breed’ segregated fund offering.

 

AEGON Canada fulfilled its growth mandate throughout 2001 with the acquisition of Money Concepts (Canada) Ltd., a financial planning franchisee with 97 offices and 348 franchisees, to expand its distribution capabilities. November 2001 heralded the successful launch of AEGON Dealer Services Canada Inc, a broker-dealer network to bolster the expanded distribution capability of AEGON products and services for distributors across all AEGON Canada businesses. On the investment side, AEGON Canada transformed the investment division of Transamerica Life Canada into AEGON Capital Management Inc, an investment management company positioned to compete in the Canadian marketplace for pension funds, third-party mandates and high net-worth clients.

 

The Netherlands

 

The strongest performers were the group pension units, of which Pensioen en Advies, a traditional flagship division, has undergone extensive reorganization and revitalization. As a result of significant improvements in competitiveness and customer service, AEGON The Netherlands is experiencing strong growth and renewals by plan sponsors. More efficient administration and a skilful use of outsourcing have cut-back error rates and response times, while a broad portfolio of supplementary financial and investment products and the support our corporate pension customers receive from Financieel Compleet’s worksite marketing specialists have all contributed to revenue growth.

 

On-line information and communications tools, such as Pensioen Kompas, also help group plan members and agents to receive on-the-spot-advice. Facing increasing regulatory and technological burdens, large plan sponsors and industry organizations that have traditionally self-insured and managed their pensions in-house are now looking to AEGON The Netherlands to deliver bundled or unbundled packages, reinforced with individual attention for their employees. These packages, backed by IT resources, are increasingly helping provide self-directed solutions for group plan members.

 

The individual insurance market, served by AEGON Personal Lines, AEGON Nabestaandenzorg, Spaarbeleg, AXENT/AEGON and Van Nierop, continued to adjust to recent tax reforms. Emphasis has shifted from the more traditional life insurance products to sophisticated products, leading to a series of new product introductions.

 

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Among the more successful new offerings were a unit-linked mortgage/life product, AEGON Beleggingshypotheek, ToekomstPlan, RenteRetourVliegwiel and long-term investment contracts, which allow customers to acquire a stock portfolio through installment purchasing. Consumers of AEGON Personal Lines products widely demand advice from independent intermediaries. During the first two quarters of the year, activity was somewhat depressed as both customers and agents adjusted to the changes in the tax laws. AEGON The Netherlands cooperated closely to educate agents and intermediaries about newly-introduced products designed to create better futures for customers, within the new taxation framework. As a consequence of the new tax legislation, insurers and intermediaries also had to amend existing policies, a major operation for AEGON The Netherlands that was concluded within a relatively short period. An important innovation was the expanded contribution of Adfis, an internal consultancy providing sophisticated tax and legal advice to distribution partners and high net-worth individuals.

 

The sales force of N.V.G was merged into AXENT/AEGON. AEGON Nabestaandenzorg is the new unit into which the funeral insurance portfolios of AEGON Personal Lines, N.V.G and AXENT/AEGON will be merged.

 

Non-life lines, such as the motor portfolio, again produced good profit growth, as the focus on loss prevention and careful risk acceptance continued to pay off. Such strong profit growth is exceptional for this market.

 

The satellite activities in Germany and Belgium, which both use direct marketing to offer simple variable insurance and savings products under the Moneymaxx name, had contrasting results. While Moneymaxx Germany increased its sales sharply and reinforced its position as one of the top five firms in its segment, Moneymaxx Belgium is re-evaluating its direct marketing strategy.

 

Preparations for the introduction of the euro were skilfully managed and completed well before the end of the year. This substantial and complex project not only aimed to safeguard business continuity but also to strengthen relationships with independent intermediaries across the country, providing expertise and support. Smooth introduction of the euro within AEGON The Netherlands was achieved thanks to the dedication of all those involved in the implementation project.

 

The growing appeal of saving was reflected in a 24% increase of entrusted savings at Spaarbeleg Bank that provides customers with a convenient savings system. Another asset-accumulating success was the innovative collaboration with Albert Heijn, the Netherlands’ leading supermarket chain. Products such as Moneymaxx are ideally suited to web-based distribution and marketing. AEGON The Netherlands resources help establish and develop Moneymaxx activities in a number of countries.

 

The cost/revenue ratio again improved in 2001, thanks to the streamlining of the back office system, outsourcing and integration of IT and Internet into the business activities of all business units. To help improve efficiency and reduce costs, AEGON The Netherlands business units make increasing use of centralized back-office support for IT, administration and policy issuance.

 

AEGON Asset Management The Netherlands

 

In the asset management field AEGON The Netherlands was, like all other investment institutions, affected by depressed equity markets. But its relative performance was strong and AEGON Asset Management The Netherlands continued to increase the volume of internal and third party funds under management. It entered the retail investment market with the launch of six mutual funds. The proven track record of its fixed income department over the years has increasingly become a marketing point with institutions.

 

AEGON The Netherlands will continue to consolidate common activities on production platforms to achieve cost leadership and improved customer service. IT and on-line services will be standardized and utilized to extend and develop the agent network. Domestically, the product line will be expanded with emphasis on savings, specialized insurance and pension products.

 

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United Kingdom

 

AEGON UK performed well in challenging markets. Although there was a decline in asset gathering and though margins were under pressure, profitability remained good.

 

In 2001, a year of market uncertainty in which the number of major players again declined, the strong reputation of AEGON UK’s largest company, Scottish Equitable (with Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs)) bore fruit. With a flight to quality stimulated by some well-publicized insurance failures, and with the stakeholder pensions program off to an uncertain start, Scottish Equitable emerged as just one of a handful of providers in the UK corporate pensions market perceived as offering top quality products and services, a reliable commitment to its business partners and superior financial strength. Scottish Equitable’s commitment to being at the forefront of industry developments was reinforced when it was one of the first five companies to have succeeded in achieving accreditation under the Association of British Insurers ‘Raising Standards’ initiative—an industry initiative aimed at increasing consumer confidence by addressing the industry’s poor image. As Britain enters a period of regulatory change, AEGON UK contributed actively to the ongoing debate about the future shape of the pensions and investment industry.

 

Scottish Equitable continued to focus on IFAs as its preferred distribution channel for investment and protection sales. Despite a slow start and tight controls on charges, the stakeholder pensions initiative provided a strong stimulus for the group pensions market.

 

Group risk or employee benefits emerged as an important activity following the integration of the Guardian Employee Benefits business and re-branding under the Scottish Equitable banner. Parallel to the group protection activities, AEGON Individual Protection—selling individual lines—was formed in the beginning of 2001 and achieved early success, with results more than doubling the sales forecast. The objective is to build a top five positioning in this GBP 1 billion a year market segment.

 

Following the full integration of Guardian, AEGON UK began a process of increased utilization of the low cost administrative capabilities of Lytham St Annes, renaming the unit AEGON UK Services. The complementary business HS Administrative Services, acquired in 2000, is one of the largest third party pension scheme administrators, and opens the door to many new business opportunities for AEGON UK.

 

Scottish Equitable International, the unit responsible for marketing overseas products to UK customers, experienced a difficult year due to the slowdown in single premium investment products.

 

AEGON Asset Management UK

 

With government encouragement, defined benefit plan sponsors began to reduce the traditionally high exposure to equities in favor of more risk-averse assets with higher yields. A surge in pension fund demand for corporate bonds has been fuelled by fears of a slowdown, impending regulation and demographic shifts.

 

AEGON Asset Management UK won the Fixed Interest Manager of the Year award from a prestigious trade publication. This enhanced its established reputation as a manager of balanced investment mandates. Over 65 professional portfolio managers oversee GBP 33 billion in assets for a variety of institutions and individual investors, a five-fold increase since 1994.

 

As the regulatory debate concerning pension and regulatory reform moves into higher gear with new proposals to liberalize the way pensions, investments and savings plans are sold in Britain, AEGON UK will continue to work with partners to ensure a healthy industry. AEGON UK will continue to grow and fully integrate the IT-systems to improve efficiency and industry accessibility of services and reduce expenses. As customers and advisors seek out strong, well-capitalized providers in anticipation of these changes, AEGON UK will seek to take full advantage of growth opportunities. Finally, continued focus on cost control during a period of further growth will enhance our cost competitiveness.

 

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Hungary

 

In 2001, AEGON Hungary established itself as one of the country’s top sellers of new life policies and delivered good profits growth with the help of its stable, high-quality sales force. As a result of extensive investment and reorganization, AEGON Hungary has now consolidated a dominant market position in both the life and non-life sectors.

 

In the life sector, production rose as the rationale for private pensions continued to gain wider acceptance despite some backtracking on pension reform by the government. The majority of life sales came through the Composite sales channel, focusing on the mass market.

 

With variable products selling strongly, AEGON Hungary launched a number of innovative products including a fast-growing endowment-type mortgage. AEGON Hungary is already the country’s largest institutional investor and is, in partnership with a leading Austrian bank, playing an innovative role in local mortgage financing with the provision of tied insurance products. AEGON Hungary is well placed to expand market share in private sector group pensions once there is greater clarity in reforms to the social security system. In the meantime, it continues to acquire group pension customers including the 7,000-person group pension plan of a major European industrial group.

 

In the non-life sector, AEGON Hungary retained its market-leading position in household insurance, and continued to scale back the motor portfolio to improve returns. Market share in the corporate non-life sector was maintained at nearly 50%.

 

During 2001, AEGON Hungary took a number of steps to boost profitability, including reducing emphasis on low-margin single premium life and unprofitable general insurance segments.

 

Notwithstanding substantial flood loss claims in 2001, AEGON Hungary now enjoys a dominant share of insurance industry profits in Hungary. To improve customer service and leverage the high morale and effectiveness of sales staff, the call center was taken in-house after extensive staff retraining.

 

Spain

 

AEGON Spain’s life insurance results declined due to a turbulent year caused by a shifting of assets away from falling equities, results in general and health were good in 2001. All three units continued to focus on portfolio quality, more targeted sales and greater process efficiency. National market coverage was extended using the multi-channel strategy and by focusing on the quality of agent relationships.

 

As in other markets, unit-linked sales slowed sharply as consumers sought more traditional savings and investment products. This caused a dramatic fall-off in single premium sales volumes, especially through banks, which used the falling stock market to encourage clients to select other investment and savings alternatives. To offset this volume loss, AEGON Spain is emphasizing a targeted sales approach focused on generating recurring premium sales from three market segments: highly-educated urban professionals, owners and employees of small to medium enterprises and on the increasingly prosperous and relatively underserved rural sector.

 

Non-life activities exceeded the previous year’s gains, because of revamped property and casualty insurance. Vigorous efforts to improve the motor insurance portfolio’s quality bore fruit, thanks to process efficiencies and upgraded IT systems. Agents are more accountable for the policies they write and for evaluating risks but they enjoy greater branch support. As a result, handling routine functions at the head office was improved by using powerful IT support.

 

The health sector yielded good returns, benefiting from cross-selling by general insurance agents. Problems with the state-funded national health program did not, however, make matters easier for the private sector. For this sector to enjoy really rapid growth, tax laws will need to be changed, or compulsory health cover phased out.

 

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During its first full year, Moneymaxx Spain grew with around 1,000 new contracts per month.

 

AEGON Spain will focus on educating consumers and growing life insurance sales. Significant energy will again be devoted to improving process efficiency through training and better customer risk profiling for agents. AEGON Spain will continue to support agents and financial advisors as they respond to customer needs for greater flexibility and performance.

 

Taiwan

 

AEGON Taiwan, the Group’s first ‘greenfield’ operation in Asia, enjoyed a productive year, increasing scale through organic growth and acquisition, while achieving industry-leading agent productivity.

 

The productivity of AEGON sales agents was well above the national average, thanks to training and strong back-office support. Operations in Taiwan are growing quickly and expected to move into profit in 2002.

 

China

 

Plans to tap the huge potential of mainland China’s market received a welcome boost on September 25, 2001, when AEGON received an operating license from Chinese government authorities. Subsequently, AEGON is negotiating with a local joint venture partner as a prelude to opening up operations in a leading city within this highly promising new market.

 

AEGON believes China’s huge potential can best be realized by mobilizing the resources within the entire Group to create a distinctive offer and build significant market share in what is expected to become a competitive environment.

 

Unconsolidated Group Companies

 

Transamerica Finance Corporation is a non-core operation. Management has spent the last year concentrating the business on market segments where there is a clear competency and strategic advantage in terms of market position. Nearly a dozen smaller businesses representing approximately 15% of total assets have been sold or liquidated. The operations are now clearly directed towards three key segments: commercial finance, leasing activities and real estate information services.

 

During 2001 the operating results were negatively affected by the exiting business lines, the slowing economy and the events of 11 September. However, the remaining clearly focused businesses are expected to profit from fundamental improvements and developments.

 

Certain Effects of US GAAP

 

Net income based upon US GAAP accounting principles was EUR 632 million for 2001 compared to EUR 2,716 million for 2000. The decline is mainly caused by realized gains and losses on real estate and shares. In the reconciliation there was a positive effect of EUR 999 million in 2000 compared to a negative effect of EUR 1,160 million in 2001. Included in these numbers is the reversal of the indirect return as well.

 

The US GAAP earnings for 2001 are EUR 1,765 million lower than those based upon Dutch accounting principles. The most significant differences between earnings based upon Dutch accounting principles and US GAAP accounting principles include: EUR (1,160) million of realized losses on real estate and shares; EUR (496) million of goodwill amortization; and EUR (343) gain on sale of Mexico joint ventures not recognized for US GAAP until 2002. A more complete reconciliation, with explanations of the differences between the accounting policies, can be found in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Capital Management

 

Shareholders equity was EUR 14,231 million at December 31, 2002 compared to EUR 15,923 million at December 31, 2001, which has been retroactively increased by EUR 631 million for a change in accounting policy under Dutch law. The change in policy is that dividends are no longer accrued until declared. The EUR 1,692 million decrease is primarily due to negative exchange rate differences of EUR 2,100 million, a reduction in the revaluation reserve of EUR 2,042 million, net income after preferred dividend of EUR 1,517 million, dividend payments of EUR 731 million, paid-in capital on preferred stock of EUR 2,064 million contributed on our existing preferred shares by Vereniging AEGON, our largest shareholder, as part of the capital realignment effected in September 2002, and the revaluation of the total return swaps with Vereniging AEGON of minus EUR 318 million. Shareholders’ equity as a percentage of the capital base increased from 70% at December 31, 2001 to 71% at December 31, 2002.

 

In September 2002, AEGON effected a non-dilutive capital realignment whereby Vereniging AEGON sold 350 million of the common shares, of which 143.6 million common shares were sold directly by Vereniging AEGON in a secondary offering outside the United States and 206.4 million common shares were purchased by AEGON from Vereniging AEGON. AEGON subsequently sold these common shares in a global offering. The purchase price for the 206,400,000 common shares sold by Vereniging AEGON to AEGON was EUR 2,064 million which amount Vereniging AEGON contributed as additional paid-in capital on AEGON’s existing preferred shares, all held by Vereniging AEGON. Through these transactions AEGON was able to raise equity capital without ownership dilution and to increase the free-float of AEGON’s common shares substantially.

 

AEGON is committed to a strategy of continued financial strength as reflected by the development of AEGON’s capital base, which has kept leverage within our proscribed tolerances. At December 31, 2002, equity capital represented 71% of our total capital, while senior and dated subordinated debt raised to support insurance operations comprised 19% of our total capital base. The remaining 10% comprised capital securities, consisting primarily of perpetual subordinated securities.

 

The capital adequacy of our operating units continues to be strong. Although we do not believe this to be a very meaningful measure, capital in our operating units is approximately double the minimum EU capital requirements. However, as the majority of our capital is invested in the United States, we believe local US measures offer a more useful analytical metric. Relative to relevant minimum requirements in the United States, we also hold in excess of twice the minimum required capital. Other indicators we use to assure strong levels of capitalization include capital adequacy models developed by rating agencies.

 

Liquidity

 

Liquidity in the insurance industry generally refers to the ability of a company to meet all of its cash requirements with funds provided from normal cash flow from operations. AEGON’s net cash provided by operating activities, calculated in accordance with International Accounting Standard 7, for the three years ended December 31, 2002 amounted to EUR 16.4 billion, EUR 19.1 billion and EUR 10.3 billion respectively. Net cash used in investing activities was EUR 16.2 billion, EUR 21.1 billion and EUR 10.1 billion, respectively, while net cash provided by financing activities amounted to EUR 0.5 billion (including the EUR 2,064 million capital contribution from Vereniging AEGON in September 2002), EUR 2.1 billion and minus EUR 0.4 billion, respectively.

 

Cash flows from operations have been sufficient to fund normal operating needs. Due to continuous positive cash flows, AEGON has never encountered difficulties in arranging desired short-term borrowings. AEGON anticipates that cash flow will continue to be sufficient to service its fixed and other obligations as they become due. When capital market circumstances are attractive, AEGON periodically borrows short term funds to invest in anticipation of premium receipts expected in the near future from interest-sharing policies in order to fix a positive spread between the yield earned on the investment and the interest to be paid on the related policies.

 

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AEGON’s long-term liabilities decreased from EUR 5,084 million at December 31, 2001 to EUR 3,856 million at December 31, 2002. Subordinated loans decreased to EUR 616 million at December 31, 2002 from EUR 670 million at year-end 2001 and capital securities and trust pass-through securities decreased to EUR 2,008 million at December 31, 2002 from EUR 2,101 million at December 31, 2001.

 

To facilitate the debt funding related to the Transamerica acquisition, AEGON founded AEGON Funding Corp. in 1999 and AEGON Funding Corp. II in 2000. Funding raised by these entities enjoys a full and unconditional guarantee from AEGON N.V. AEGON Funding Corp raises funds through a USD 4.5 billion Global Commercial Paper program. At December 31, 2002 AEGON Funding Corp has issued EUR 2.0 billion under the Commercial Paper program. In addition, AEGON Funding Corp. II issued EUR 350 million of 4.75% Bonds due in 2005.

 

AEGON has further accessed the capital markets through private placements under its USD 6 billion Euro Medium Term Notes program. A USD 2 billion Euro Commercial Paper Program facilitates access to international and domestic money markets when required. Additionally, AEGON utilizes a USD 300 million US Domestic Commercial Paper program and a CHF (Swiss Franc) 400 million Payment Rights Program. As of December 31, 2002 AEGON N.V. has issued EUR 1.2 billion under the Medium Term Note program (see Note 4.4.6 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 18 of the Annual Report) and EUR 0.4 million under the Commercial Paper program. AEGON maintains back-up credit facilities for outstanding debt under its Commercial Paper programs. Its committed facilities with banks of excellent standing and credit quality exceed USD 3.1 billion. In addition, AEGON enjoys an extensive amount of additional credit lines, while TFC has access to USD 3.25 billion of committed facilities.

 

AEGON’s capital base reflects the capital employed in its core activities. The composition of the capital base was relatively stable during 2002 despite the continued decrease in worldwide equity markets. As a percentage of total capital, shareholders’equity increased to 71% at December 31, 2002 from 70% at December 31, 2001. AEGON will continue to target shareholders’ equity to be at least 70% of total capital base, while limiting the portion of subordinated and senior debt to 25% of total capital. The remaining portion—between 5% and 15%—consists of capital securities. Additionally, AEGON applies capital adequacy measures for its operating units, which are aimed at maintaining strong capitalization. AEGON remains committed to a strategy that assures continued financial strength. In addition to strong credit ratings, this is reflected in the excellent insurance financial strength ratings assigned by both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s to the operating units in the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

 

During 2002, Standard and Poor’s maintained AEGON’s ratings at AA level with a negative outlook, while Moody’s Investors Service lowered AEGON’s long-term credit ratings. AEGON’s senior debt is now rated A2 by Moody’s and the important financial strength rating of the AEGON USA companies remained unchanged at Aa3 with a stable outlook.

 

Ratings:


   Standard & Poor’s

   Moody’s

Credit ratings

         

Commercial paper

   A-1+    P-1

Senior debt

   AA-    A2

Subordinated debt

   A+    A3

Insurance financial strength

         

AEGON USA

   AA+    Aa3

AEGON The Netherlands

   AA+     

Scottish Equitable

   AA+    A1

Outlook

   Negative    Negative

 

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Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

     Payments due by period

Contractual Obligations


   Total

   Less than
1 year


   1-3
years


   3-5
years


   More than
5 years


     in million EUR

Long-term debt

   6,480    851    2,368    485    2,776

Operating leases

   624    64    114    104    342

Deferred and immediate annuities with and without life contingencies

   27,491    683    1,365    1,295    24,148

GICs and funding agreements

   23,605    4,696    6,295    4,087    8,527

Other long term obligations

   214    76    23    23    92
    
  
  
  
  

Total contractual obligations

   58,414    6,370    10,165    5,994    35,885

 

A significant portion of operating leases is for agency and administration offices.

 

Other long-term obligations include contractual obligations for exclusive direct marketing advisory services worldwide, licensing arrangements to access customer information to sell approved products, and obligations to Mutual of New York related to the acquisition of Diversified Investment Advisors.

 

     Payments due by period

Other Commercial Commitments


   Total

   Less than
1 year


   1-3
years


   3-5
years


   More than
5 years


     in million EUR
                          

Standby letters of credit

   1,022    830    143         49

Guarantees

   316    36    43    187    50

Standby repurchase obligations

   2,237    2,237               

Other commercial commitments

   955    587    195    18    155
    
  
  
  
  

Total commercial commitments

   4,530    3,690    381    205    254

 

A synthetic GIC is an off-balance sheet fee-based product primarily sold to tax qualified plans. The plan sponsor retains ownership and control of the invested assets. It is typically issued with an evergreen maturity and is cancelable by the plan sponsor under certain conditions. AEGON provides book value benefit responsiveness in the event that qualified plan benefit requests exceed plan cash flows. In certain contracts, AEGON agrees to make advances to meet benefit payment needs and earns a market interest rate on these advances. At December 31, 2002, synthetic GICs have been issued on EUR 32 billion of off-balance sheet assets. Funding requirements to date have been minimal. In addition, periodically adjusting the contract-crediting rate passes through the investment and benefit responsive experience. In addition, AEGON has the option to wind down the contract at any time, so management does not anticipate any future funding requirements that would have a material effect on reported financial results. Therefore, these are not disclosed in the above table.

 

A significant portion of the guarantees represent an agreement with a hedge “fund of funds” manager to pay 50% of the excess of the amount of principal protection over the value of the hedge fund assets at the maturity of the principal protection instrument. The underlying fund portfolios are restricted as to investment instruments held and are required, through monitoring and triggers, to replace the assets with fixed income instruments in order to defease the principal protection liability. Management does not anticipate any future funding requirements with respect to the principal protection that would have a material effect on reported financial results.

 

Standby letters of credit payment amounts reflected above are the liquidity commitment notional amounts categorized by their relevant expiration period. AEGON enters into agreements to provide liquidity for high quality multi-seller asset backed commercial paper conduits and municipal variable rate demand note facilities.

 

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Management does not anticipate any future funding requirements that would have a material effect on reported financial results.

 

Other commercial commitments include private placement commitments, mortgage loan commitments, and limited partnership commitments.

 

Certain insurance and investment products have minimum guarantees for which adequate provision has been made in the technical reserves and therefore are not included in the above table.

 

AEGON has also guaranteed certain credit lines and commercial paper of Transamerica Finance Corporation. These guarantees are not included in the above table. Transamerica Finance Corporation had Euro 2,144 million in commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2002.

 

AEGON USA utilizes a special purpose entity (SPE) for the issuance of asset backed commercial paper rated A-1+/P-1. The current program has a USD 2 billion cap (USD 300 million outstanding at December 31, 2002) and is supported by funding agreements with a 365-day put option. The program has a USD 1,500 million liquidity facility backstop with a consortium of banks.

 

AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. completed two private placed securitisation programmes in 2002 whereby the economical ownership of in total EUR 1.7 billion of mortgage receivables is conveyed to third parties. The transfer of the ownership title will take place upon notification of the borrowers by either AEGON or the third parties. The third parties have the right to notify the borrowers upon the occurrence of certain pre-defined ‘notification events’. A first preferred ‘silent’ right of pledge on the mortgage receivables has been given to the third parties. At the same time AEGON entered into a fixed-floating swap agreement with the contract parties under which AEGON agreed to pay the floating rate (EURIBOR based) and receive the fixed rate (scheduled yield from the mortgage receivables). Under both programmes AEGON has the right to repurchase all of the mortgage receivables at a price equal to the then current portfolio market value of the receivables provided that AEGON simultaneously terminates the swap upon payment of the market value of the swap. For one programme that right exists for the remainder of the term. The other programme only allows AEGON to repurchase the receivables between March 2003 and September 2003. There was no impact on the income statement from the transaction since the gain on the transaction, being the positive difference between the market value and the book value of the mortgage loans was equal to the amount paid by AEGON Levensverzekering N.V. for the swap. The gain on the transaction was deferred in accordance with DAP and the swap is valued at market value.

 

Subsequent Events

 

In January and February 2003, AEGON and certain (former) members of the Executive Board and directors were named in a series of similar class action complaints filed in US federal court alleging various violations of US securities laws involving the issuance of false and misleading statements during the period between August 9, 2001 and July 22, 2002, when AEGON issued an update to its earnings guidance for 2002. AEGON believes these allegations are without merit and intends to defend vigorously against these actions. AEGON does not believe that these claims, either individually or in the aggregate, will result in a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

On February 24, 2003, a proposal of law has been submitted to Dutch Parliament regarding changes in the rules for financial reporting of insurance companies. One element of this proposal might necessitate, if and when adopted, AEGON to discontinue the indirect return method for capital gains prior to the reporting year 2004.

 

On April 17, 2003, AEGON’s Supervisory Board approved certain changes to AEGON’s corporate governance with the purpose to modernize AEGON’s corporate governance structure and to give more authority to AEGON’s shareholders. For more information on this amendment, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Recent Developments and Capital Expenditures and Divestments” and “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Effect of Certain Amendments of AEGON’s Articles of Incorporation”.

 

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On April 17, 2003 AEGON’s Supervisory Board appointed Mr. Alexander R. Wynaendts as a member of AEGON’s Executive Board. He is responsible for business development and Asia.

 

ITEM 6.   DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

Dutch Large Company Regime

 

Since AEGON was formed through the merger between AGO Holding N.V. and Ennia N.V. in 1983, it has applied the so-called large company regime. This regime was introduced in Dutch corporate law in the early nineteen seventies to apply to large companies in the Netherlands. The main characteristic of the large company regime is that certain authority normally vested with shareholders is vested with the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board has the right to appoint and remove its own members and the members of the Executive Board, and to adopt the annual accounts (which are subsequently approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders).

 

Although in 1983 AEGON already had businesses outside the Netherlands, it was largely a Dutch company at that time, for which the large company regime was appropriate. During the past twenty years AEGON has developed into a leading global life insurance provider, with well over 60% of its activities outside the Netherlands and more than 85% of its employees working outside the Netherlands. Therefore, AEGON has considered whether the large company regime is still appropriate to it.

 

Following internal discussions, AEGON has decided to adopt a number of changes to its corporate governance with the purpose to modernize AEGON’s corporate governance structure and to give more authority to shareholders. AEGON believes these changes to be consistent with emerging global best practices in corporate governance.

 

Supervisory Board

 

In the performance of their duties, the members of the Supervisory Board under the large company regime shall follow the interests of the company and its business. The Supervisory Board consists of ten members and acts as a body with collective responsibility and accountability. Under the large company regime, the members of the Board are (re)appointed by the Board itself, each time for a term of office of four years. They must retire at the latest at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) in the year in which they reach the age of 70 years. Shareholders, the Central Works Council in the Netherlands (CWC) and the Executive Board have the legal right to recommend candidates for the Supervisory Board. Moreover, shareholders and the CWC have the legal right to object to any candidate. The requirements, which the composition of the Board and the individual members have to meet, are outlined in the Profile. This Profile is available for shareholders at the secretariat of the Executive Board. According to the Profile, a total of ten Supervisory Board members is considered to be a suitable number, considering that the Executive Board is composed of four to five members; only one of the Supervisory Board members may be a former member of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board members may not be dependent on any interests associated with the company and must fulfill their duties without mandate. (Re)Appointments have to be prepared and advised on by the Nominating Committee. Supervisory Board members are entitled to a fixed fee and an expense allowance. Under the large company regime, the Supervisory Board is the body that is authorized to appoint or discharge members of the Executive Board and to adopt the annual accounts. Moreover, certain important Executive Board resolutions, among which those concerning securities issues, are subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board. Rules and Regulations have been adopted, for internal use, in which procedures and the Board’s duties, activities and allocation of tasks are laid down.

 

Certain changes to the role and authority of the Supervisory Board have been adopted in an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on May 9, 2003. See “—Effect of Certain Amendments to AEGON’s Articles of Incorporation” below.

 

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Executive Board

 

The Executive Board, as a body, is charged with the management of the company, whereby each individual member has specific areas of interest, within an allocation of duties as approved by the Supervisory Board. In principle, Executive Board members will be appointed for an indefinite period of time and shareholders have to be informed of an intended appointment. They can retire at the age of 60 and have to retire at the age of 62. The Supervisory Board determines the conditions of employment.

 

Certain changes to the role and authority of the Executive Board have been adopted in an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on May 9, 2003. See “—Effect of Certain Amendments to AEGON’s Articles of Incorporation” below.

 

Effect of Certain Amendments to AEGON’s Articles of Incorporation

 

The amendments to AEGON’s Articles of Incorporation, as effected on May 26, 2003, affect the management of and supervision over AEGON in the following ways:

 

Appointment of members of the Supervisory Board and of the Executive Board

 

As stated above, under the large company regime as formerly applied by us, Supervisory Board members are appointed by the Supervisory Board itself and involuntary removal of members of the Supervisory Board requires court intervention, while members of the Executive Board are both appointed and removed by the Supervisory Board.

 

Under AEGON’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, members of both the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board are appointed, and can only be removed, by the general meeting of shareholders. The amendment also provides that if a seat on the Supervisory Board or the Executive Board is vacant, the Supervisory Board will nominate one or more candidates for appointment. If the nomination consists of a list of two or more candidates, such list shall be binding. A resolution of the general meeting of shareholders to appoint a person who has not been nominated by a binding recommendation of the Supervisory Board or to suspend or remove a member of the Supervisory Board or of the Executive Board other than pursuant to proposal of the Supervisory Board will require a two-thirds majority representing more than one-half of AEGON’s issued share capital.

 

The period for which Supervisory Board members are appointed remains four years without prejudice to the opportunity for re-appointment.

 

Approval of certain resolutions of the Executive Board

 

As stated above, under the large company regime as formerly applied by us, a number of resolutions of the Executive Board are subject by law to the approval of the Supervisory Board. As a consequence of the termination of the application of the large company regime, this statutory requirement does no longer apply to AEGON. Under the Articles of Incorporation as amended, however, the resolutions concerned remain subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board. In addition, the Supervisory Board is given the authority to require Supervisory Board approval for other resolutions of the Executive Board.

 

Adoption of the annual accounts

 

As stated above, under the large company regime as formerly applied by us, annual accounts are adopted by the Supervisory Board and approved by the general meeting of shareholders. Following our termination of the application of the large company regime, the annual accounts are adopted directly by the general meeting of shareholders.

 

Set forth below is certain information concerning the members of AEGON’s Executive and Supervisory Boards.

 

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Executive Board

 

Donald J. Shepard (American), 56, started his career with Life Investors in 1970. Serving in various management and executive functions with Life Investors, he became Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer in 1985, a position he held until AEGON consolidated its other US operations with Life Investors to form AEGON USA in 1989. He became a member of the Executive Board in 1992. As per 18 April 2002 he became Chairman of the Executive Board of AEGON N.V.

 

Paul van de Geijn (Dutch), 56, started his career at one of AEGON’s predecessors in 1971 at the legal department. In 1984 he became Senior Vice-President and in 1986 a member of the Management Board of AEGON The Netherlands. From 1991 till 2002 he was the CEO. As from 1992 he became also a member of the Executive Board of AEGON N.V.

 

Joseph B.M. Streppel (Dutch), 53, started his career in 1973 at one of AEGON’s predecessors in several treasury and investment positions. In 1986 he became CFO of FGH Bank and in 1987 he joined the Executive Board of FGH Bank. In 1991 he became CEO and Chairman of Labouchere and in 1995 also of FGH Bank. In 1998 he became CFO of AEGON N.V. Since May 2000 he has been a member of the Executive Board of AEGON N.V.

 

Johan G. van der Werf (Dutch), 50, started his career in 1973 as a First Officer in the Merchant Marine. In 1981 he joined one of the predecessors of AEGON as a district sales manager. From 1987 till 1992 he was chairman of the management team of Spaarbeleg and in 1992 he became a member of the management board of AEGON The Netherlands. As from 2002 he is a member of the Executive Board of AEGON N.V. and CEO of AEGON The Netherlands.

 

Alexander R. Wynaendts, 42, joined the Executive Board of AEGON N.V. on April 17, 2003. He began his career with AEGON in 1997 and was appointed Executive Vice-President of Group Business Development in 1998. In the Executive Board he will be responsible for business development and Asia. He will continue his memberships of the Boards of AEGON UK and La Mondiale Participations and of the Supervisory Boards of AEGON Hungary and AEGON Spain.

 

In line with current market practice the members of the Executive Board under circumstances are entitled to certain severance payments. These payments are either based on age and years of employment with the Company or fixed to an amount not exceeding three years remuneration upon termination of the employment agreement under certain specific circumstances, such as a change of control, a fundamental change in policy or early retirement upon reaching the age of 60.

 

Ownership of AEGON Common Shares

 

At March 15, 2003, members of the Executive Board held an aggregate number of 619,814 AEGON common shares and 2,036,000 options and stock appreciation rights on AEGON common shares (for further information see Note 2.7. to our consolidated financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report).

 

Supervisory Board

 

Mr. D.G. Eustace (1936), British nationality, is Chairman of Smith & Nephew plc (London, UK) and former Vice-Chairman of Royal Philips Electronics. He was appointed in 1997. He is also a member of the Supervisory Boards of a number of Dutch companies, among which Royal KLM and Royal KPN. He is the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

 

Mr. O.J. Olcay (1936), American nationality, is Vice-Chairman and managing Director of Fischer, Francis, Trees and Watts, Inc. (New York, USA). He was appointed in 1993; his current term of office will end in 2004. He is Chairman of FFTW Funds Inc. in New York (USA), FFTW Funds Selection in Luxembourg and FFTW Funds in Dublin (Ireland). He is a member of the Nominating and Strategy Committees.

 

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Mrs. K.M.H. Peijs (1944), Dutch nationality, is a member of the European Parliament. She was appointed in 1992; her current term will end in 2004. She is also a Supervisory Board member of, among others, Royal Vendex KBB and Daimler Chrysler Nederland. She is a member of the Nominating Committee. On May 27, 2003, Mrs. Peijs resigned as a member of the Supervisory Board upon her appointment as Minister of Transport and Water Management in the Dutch Government.

 

Mr. G.A. Posthumus (1933), Dutch nationality, is a member of the Council of State in the Netherlands. He was appointed in 1997 and will retire in 2003, then having reached the retirement age of 70. He is also a former member of the Executive Board of IMF. He is a member of the Audit Committee. In order to fill the vacancy following his retirement from the Board, the Supervisory Board intends to appoint Mr. L.M. van Wijk (see details below).

 

Mrs. T. Rembe (1936), American nationality, is a partner of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP (San Francisco, USA). She was appointed in 2000; her current term will end in 2004. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Potlach Corporation (USA) and SBC Communications (USA). She is a member of the Audit Committee.

 

Mr. H. de Ruiter (1934), Vice-Chairman and Dutch nationality, is a retired Managing Director of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and Group managing director of Royal Dutch/Shell group of Companies. He was appointed in 1993; he will retire in 2004, then having reached the retirement age of 70. He is a member of the Supervisory Boards of a number of Dutch companies, among which Royal Dutch Petroleum Company, Royal Ahold, Wolters Kluwer and Univar N.V He is also a member of the Executive Committee of Vereniging AEGON and of Trust offices on behalf of some Dutch companies. He is a member of the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Strategy Committees.

 

Mr. W.F.C. Stevens (1938), Dutch nationality, is a senator in the Dutch Parliament and a retired partner/senior counsel of Baker & McKenzie. He was appointed in 1997; his current term will end in 2005. He is a member of the Supervisory Boards of a number of Dutch companies, among which NIB Capital, Schiphol Groep and TBI Holdings. He is a member of the Compensation Committee.

 

Mr. K.J. Storm (1942), Dutch nationality, is a former Chairman of the Executive Board of AEGON. He was appointed in 2002; his current term will end in 2006. He is a Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of Royal Wessanen and Laurus and a member of the Supervisory Boards of Interbrew (Leuven, Belgium), Royal KLM and Pon Holdings.

 

Mr. M. Tabaksblat (1937), Chairman and Dutch nationality, is Chairman of Reed Elsevier plc and a retired Chairman and CEO of Unilever. He was appointed in 1990; his current term will end in 2005. He is also Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TNT Post Group and a member of the International Advisory Boards of Salomon Smith Barney (USA) and Renault Nissan (France). He is also a member of the Executive Committee of Vereniging AEGON. He is the Chairman of the Compensation, Nominating and the Strategy Committees.

 

Mr. F.J. de Wit (1939), Dutch nationality, is a former Chairman of the Executive Board of Koninklijke KNP BT. He was appointed in 1990; his current term will end in 2004. He is also a member of the Supervisory Boards of Océ and PontEecen. He is a member of the Compensation and Strategy Committees.

 

The Supervisory Board appointed Mr. L.M. van Wijk to the Supervisory Board as of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on April 17, 2003. Mr. L.M. van Wijk, 56, of Dutch nationality, is chairman of the Executive Board of Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) and a member of the Board of Directors of Northwest Airlines. He is also a member of the Supervisory Boards of Randstad Holding, Martinair, TUI Nederland and the Dutch Bureau of Tourism (“Nederlands Bureau voor Toerisme”).

 

Ownership of AEGON N.V. shares

 

At March 15, 2003, members of our Supervisory Board held an aggregate of 282,764 of our common shares. In addition, Mr. K.J. Storm held 700,000 stock options, including stock appreciation rights, at March 15, 2003.

 

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These options were granted to Mr. Storm during his membership on our Executive Board. No other Supervisory Board member holds any options, including stock appreciation rights, on AEGON common shares (for further information, see note 2.7 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report).

 

Supervisory Board Committees

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee held four meetings in 2002. All Executive Board members, the directors of AEGON’s Group Finance and the Corporate Actuarial departments and Ernst & Young, AEGON’s external auditor, attended the meetings of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a charter approved by the Supervisory Board and in compliance with the rules and regulations of Euronext Amsterdam, the New York Stock Exchange and any implementing rules of relevant supervisory authorities.

 

Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee is responsible, among other things, for reviewing AEGON’s quarterly results, annual accounts and the auditing of the results and annual accounts by AEGON’s external auditor; evaluating AEGON’s internal control systems and its selected accounting principles; reviewing the actuarial analyses, “Funding Plan”, “Currency Exposure” report and Group Wide Risk Report prepared by AEGON; assessing the independence and fees, and advising on the appointment, of AEGON’s external auditor; and advising the Supervisory Board on its findings with respect to the foregoing.

 

Mr. Eustace, as chairman, Messrs. De Ruiter and Posthumus and Mrs. Rembe served as members of the Audit Committee in 2002. Under its charter, all members of the Audit Committee must be financially literate.

 

The Supervisory Board is currently considering for adoption a revised Audit Committee charter in view of the proposed SEC rules.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee held one meeting in 2002, which meeting was also attended by the chairman of the Executive Board. The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and advising on the compensation and terms of employment of the members of the Executive Board, including the granting of stock options to Executive Board members, and on the fees paid to members of the Supervisory Board. The Compensation Committee in 2002 was composed of Mr. Tabaksblat, as chairman, and Messrs. de Ruiter, Stevens and De Wit.

 

Nominating Committee

 

The Nominating Committee held two meetings in 2002, which meetings were also attended by the chairman of the Executive Board, to discuss the composition of the Executive Board following the retirement of Mr. Storm and the proposed composition of the Supervisory Board following the future retirement of Mr. Posthumus in 2003. The Nominating Committee’s responsibilities include proposing candidates to fill vacancies on the Supervisory Board, advising on the reappointment of Supervisory Board members upon the expiration of their terms and proposing and advising on the members of the Executive Board, including its chairman. The Nominating Committee in 2002 was composed of Mr. Tabaksblat, as chairman, and Messrs. De Ruiter and Olcay and Mrs. Peijs.

 

Strategy Committee

 

In 2002, the Supervisory Board established a Strategy Committee responsible for reviewing the principal features of the strategy proposed by the Executive Board, preparing presentations of this strategy to the Supervisory Board, suggesting options and alternative approaches to this strategy and assessing material factors relevant to the implementation of the strategy once agreed. The Strategy Committee in 2002 held two meetings and was composed of Mr. Tabaksblat, as chairman, and Messrs. De Ruiter, Olcay and De Wit.

 

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Compensation of Directors and Officers

 

See Note 2.7 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 18 of this Annual Report.

 

Employees and Labor Relations

 

At the end of 2002, AEGON had 26,659 employees. Approximately 58% are employed in America, 11% in The Netherlands, 23% in the United Kingdom and 8% in other countries. All of AEGON’s employees in The Netherlands, other than senior management, are covered by collective labor agreements, which are generally renegotiated annually on an industry wide basis. In The Netherlands, employment agreements are generally negotiated collectively by all companies within a particular industry. Individual companies then enter into employment agreements with their employees based on the relevant collective agreement. Since its founding, AEGON has participated in collective negotiations in the insurance industry and has based its employment agreements with its employees on the relevant collective agreement. The collective agreements are generally for a duration of one year. AEGON has experienced no significant strike, work stoppage or labor dispute in recent years.

 

Under Dutch law, members of the Central Works Council responsible for AEGON in The Netherlands are elected by AEGON The Netherlands’ employees. The Central Works Council has certain defined powers, including the right to make non-binding recommendations for appointments to AEGON’s Supervisory Board and the right to enter objections against proposals for appointments to the Supervisory Board.

 

The average number of employees per geographical area was:

 

     2002

   2001

   2000

Americas

   15,628    16,007    14,987

The Netherlands

   2,986    3,073    3,059

United Kingdom

   5,013    4,574    4,0404

Other countries

   2,374    2,136    1,927
    
  
  
     25,974    25,790    24,377

Of which agent-employees

   4,039    4,298    4,112

 

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

As of December 31, 2002, our total authorized share capital consisted of 2,600,000,000 common shares and 1,400,000,000 preferred shares, each with a par value of EUR 0.12 per share. At the same date, there were 1,444,579,122 common shares and 440,000,000 preferred shares issued, of which 30,918,580 common shares were held by us as treasury shares. All of our common shares are fully paid and not subject to calls for additional payments of any kind. Our common shares are held by shareholders worldwide in bearer or registered form. Holders of shares of New York registry hold their common shares in registered form (New York Shares) issued by our New York transfer agent on our behalf. New York shares and bearer shares are exchangeable on a one-to-one basis and are entitled to the same rights, except that cash dividends are paid in US dollars on New York Shares.

 

As of December 31, 2002, in The Netherlands 204.7 million common shares were held in registered form. As of December 31, 2002, 122.5 million common shares were held in the form of New York Shares. As of December 31, 2002, there were 35,279 record holders, resident in the United States, of our New York shares and our ordinary shares.

 

Major Shareholders

 

Vereniging AEGON

 

As of the date of this Annual Report AEGON’s largest shareholder is the Dutch association Vereniging AEGON.

 

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Vereniging AEGON is the continuation of the former mutual insurer AGO. In 1978, AGO demutualized and Vereniging AGO became the only shareholder of AGO Holding N.V., which was the holding company for its insurance operations. In 1983, AGO Holding N.V. and Ennia N.V. merged into AEGON. Vereniging AGO initially received approximately 49% of the common shares (which gradually was reduced to 40%) and all of the preferred shares in AEGON, giving it voting majority in AEGON, and changed its name to Vereniging AEGON.

 

The objective of Vereniging AEGON is the balanced representation of the interests of AEGON N.V. and all of its stakeholders, including shareholders, AEGON group companies, insured parties, employees and other relations of the companies.

 

As of December 31, 2001, Vereniging AEGON owned approximately 37% of the outstanding common shares and 52% of the total outstanding voting shares in AEGON.

 

In September 2002, AEGON effected a non-dilutive capital restructuring whereby Vereniging AEGON sold 350 million common shares, of which 143.6 million common shares were sold directly by Vereniging AEGON directly in a secondary offering outside the United States and 206.4 million common shares were purchased by AEGON from Vereniging AEGON. AEGON subsequently sold these common shares in a global offering. The purchase price for the 206,400,000 common shares sold by Vereniging AEGON to AEGON was EUR 2,064,000,000, which amount Vereniging AEGON contributed as additional paid-in capital on AEGON’s existing preferred shares, all held by Vereniging AEGON. As a result of these transactions, Vereniging AEGON’s beneficial ownership interest in AEGON’s common shares decreased from approximately 37% to approximately 12% and its beneficial ownership interest in AEGON’s voting shares (which includes common shares and preferred shares) decreased from approximately 52% to approximately 33%.

 

The table below sets forth the changes in Vereniging AEGON’s ownership of AEGON’s preferred shares and common shares for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 (which ownership amounts remain unchanged as of the date of this Annual Report).

 

Number of shares


  

Number of

preferred

Shares owned


  

%

of class


   Number of
common shares
owned


   

%

of class


At January 1, 2002

   440,000,000    100    517,271,586     37

Stock dividends received

             4,702,469      

Offering price of EUR 10.00 per share

             (350,000,000 )    
    
       

   

At December 31, 2002

   440,000,000    100    171,974,055     12

 

On May 9, 2003, AEGON’s shareholders approved certain changes to AEGON’s corporate governance structure and AEGON’s relationship with Vereniging AEGON in an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders. AEGON’s articles of incorporation were subsequently amended on May 26, 2003. These changes have resulted in the conversion of the 440,000,000 preferred shares in AEGON’s share capital currently held by Vereniging AEGON into 211,680,000 new class A preferred shares. Pursuant to this conversion and certain other agreements changing AEGON’s relationship with Vereniging AEGON, Vereniging AEGON’s voting power under normal circumstances, based on the number of outstanding voting shares on September 19, 2003, is approximately 23%, including the 10,220,000 shares purchased on September 19, 2003, of the votes exercisable in our general meeting of shareholders, although in certain limited circumstances (such as the acquisition of 15% of our voting shares, a tender offer for our shares or a proposed business combination, each by any person or group of persons whether individually or acting as a group, other than in a transaction approved by the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board) Vereniging AEGON’s voting rights will increase to approximately 33%. AEGON and Vereniging AEGON have also amended their existing option agreement, which formerly gave Vereniging AEGON the right to acquire additional preferred shares to prevent dilution of interest in AEGON’s voting share capital to below 50% as a result of new share issuances by AEGON, to limit the anti-dilution protection to a level at which, whenever Vereniging AEGON exercises the full voting power

 

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attached to its preferred shares, the voting power of its common and preferred shares taken together will be 33%. For a detailed discussion of these changes and their effects, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Recent Developments and Capital Expenditures and Divestments”.

 

As of December 31, 2002, the General Meeting of Members of Vereniging AEGON consisted of 23 members. Nineteen of the members are not employees or former employees of AEGON or of one of the AEGON Group companies, nor former members of the Supervisory Board or the Executive Board of AEGON. They hold the majority of the voting rights. Of the four other members, two are elected by the General Meeting of Members from among the members of AEGON’s Supervisory Board and two from among the members of AEGON’s Executive Board.

 

Vereniging AEGON has an Executive Committee consisting of eight members, half of whom, including the chairman and the vice-chairman, are not, nor have ever been, associated with the AEGON Group. The other half of the members consists of the four above-mentioned members who hold a position within AEGON. When a vote in the Executive Committee results in a tie, the general meeting of members of Vereniging AEGON has the deciding vote.

 

Vereniging AEGON adopted certain changes to its Articles of Association at its annual general meeting of members. These amendments have the following principal effects:

 

  Vereniging AEGON is no longer required to have as members two AEGON Supervisory Board members. Two members of Vereniging AEGON are still required to be elected from among the members of AEGON’s Executive Board, and the number of elected members is required to be at least three more than twice the number of members that are members of AEGON’s Executive Board; and

 

  the composition of Vereniging AEGON’s Executive Committee was altered to allow between five and eight members, of which two are required to be members of AEGON’s Executive Board.

 

Other Major Shareholders

 

Based on a Schedule 13G dated December 9, 2002 (as amended February 10, 2003), filed with the SEC by Capital Group International, Inc. on behalf of itself and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (Capital International Limited, Capital International S.A., Capital International Research and Management, Inc. dba Capital International, Inc., an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and Capital Guardian Trust, a bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Securities Act of 1933 and an investment adviser registered under the Investment Adviser Act of 1940), Capital International Group may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 152,315,550, or approximately 10.5%, of our outstanding common shares, as a result of its being the parent holding company of a group of investment management companies that hold investment power and, in some cases, voting power over our common shares. The Schedule 13G reports that Capital Group International, Inc. does not itself have investment power or voting power over our common shares. The Schedule 13G also reports that Capital Guardian Trust Company is deemed to be the beneficial owner of 94,187,350 of our common shares, or approximately 6.5% of our outstanding common shares, as a result of its serving as the investment manager of various institutional accounts. Both Capital Group International, Inc. and Capital Guardian Trust in the Schedule 13G disclaimed beneficial ownership of our common shares pursuant to Rule 13d-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

On June 29, 2001 AEGON NV entered into a Total Return Swap (TRS) with Vereniging AEGON in order to hedge the stock option plan for 2001. The TRS gives AEGON NV effectively the right to the capital gains on 11,288,800 AEGON NV shares at the termination date and to the dividends on these shares during the contract period. The capital gains are calculated based on an exercise price of EUR 32.04. Any losses compared to the exercise price will be paid by AEGON NV to Vereniging AEGON upon termination. AEGON NV in return will

 

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pay interest to Vereniging AEGON on a quarterly basis over the (remaining) amount outstanding under the TRS. The interest rate is equal to the 3 month EURIBOR plus a spread. The TRS ends on March 12, 2006 but may be terminated earlier, either partly or entirely, at the option of AEGON NV. The total return swap is carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in equity.