The Achieved Profits Basis of Financial Reporting

The achieved profits basis of financial reporting is based on conventional accounting principles and recognises profit as it accrues over the life of an insurance contract. Although total profit from each contract calculated under this method is the same as under the modified statutory basis of reporting used for the main accounts, the timing of recognition of profit is advanced.

The achieved profits basis can be illustrated by considering an individual contract. Using prudent best estimate assumptions of the main elements of future income and expenditure – investment return, claims, lapses, surrenders and administration expenses – the total profit expected to be earned from the contract can be estimated at the time of its sale. The total profit expected to be earned is then allocated to individual financial years by application of a discount rate which allows for both the time value of money and the risks associated with the future shareholder cash flows.

Provided that the actual outcome is in line with the original assumptions, profits will be earned in each accounting period as the discount rate unwinds. The balance of profit not allocated to future years is recognised in the year of sale and is known as the profit from new business. The unwind of the discount rate and variances between actual and assumed experience during the remainder of the contract period produce the profit on business in force.

The additional profits recognised at an earlier stage under the achieved profits method are retained within the long-term funds and are known as the shareholders’ accrued interest in the long-term business.

The achieved profits basis is designed to report profits which reflect business performance during the year under review, particularly new business sales and fluctuations between actual and assumed experience.

The use of the achieved profits basis does not affect either the cash surpluses which are released to shareholders’ funds from the long-term funds, which continue to be determined by the directors following statutory actuarial valuations of the funds, or amounts available for dividend payments to shareholders.

The additional profit recognised using the achieved profits basis is represented by the shareholders’ accrued interest in the long-term business and, when combined with shareholders’ funds reported on the statutory basis, provides an improved measure of total shareholders’ funds of the Group.