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Business performance
In the 2016 financial year we generated gross premium income of EUR 16.4 billion, a decrease of 4.2% compared to the previous year. The operating profit (EBIT) stood at EUR 1.7 billion (previous year: EUR 1.8 billion). Earnings per share amounted to EUR 9.71.
Altogether, we distributed around 50% of Group net income to our shareholders. The total amount paid out came to EUR 603.0 million, split into a basic dividend of EUR 3.50 plus a special dividend of EUR 1.50 per share.
The equity attributable to our shareholders rose by 11.5% relative to the previous year to reach EUR 9.0 billion (previous year: EUR 8.1 billion). The total policyholders’ surplus (including non-controlling interests and hybrid capital) similarly grew by 9.4% to EUR 11.2 billion (previous year: EUR 10.3 billion). The book value per share increased accordingly to stand at EUR 74.61 (previous year: EUR 66.90). The return on equity declined slightly year-on-year to 13.7% (previous year: 14.7%).
Personnel expenditure on wages and salaries amounted to EUR 258.1 million (previous year: EUR 246.4 million) in the last financial year, a modest increase relative to the previous year.
Our indirect economic impacts are linked to the product-related goals and measures of our Sustainability Strategy and Group Strategy and fall within the scope of responsibility of the Executive Board.