By Ian Walker
Dutch life insurer and pension company Aegon N.V. (AGN.AE)
Thursday reported a rise in its second-quarter earnings, but still
below analysts forecasts.
However Aegon, which generates most of its revenue in the U.S.
through its Transamerica unit, raised its dividend to reflect its
strong capital position and growing cash flows.
For the quarter ended June 30 Aegon made a net profit of 350
million euros ($385.73 million), compared with EUR343 million a
year earlier. This compares with consensus forecast of EUR540
million, based on 15 analysts estimates taken from the company's
website.
Underlying earnings before tax, which strips out exceptional and
other one-off items, rose to EUR549 million, compared with EUR514
million for the first half of 2014 and analysts' expectations of
EUR561 million.
The company's insurance group directive ratio, a measure of
financial stability, fell to 206% in the second quarter, mainly
driven by negative market impact.
The interim dividend has been increased to EUR0.12 per share,
from EUR 0.11 for the first half of 2014.
-Write to Ian Walker at ian.walker@wsj.com; @IanWalk40289749
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