Investor Relations
On 27 June 2024, a.s.r. organised a Capital Markets Day (CMD). Institutional investors and analysts were briefed on the strategy and new medium-term objectives. Jan Willem Bruintjes, Investor Relations Analyst, stated: ‘Even in times of major changes, the support from our shareholders is as strong as ever.’
The CMD was deliberately held at a.s.r.'s own office. Jan Willem Bruintjes said, ‘This way, the participants get a better feel for the company as they visit us 'at home'.’ Investors and analysts not only have the opportunity to speak to the Management Board in person, but all directors of the various business units are also available to engage in discussions and answer questions. Jan Willem added, ‘This dialogue is important for our shareholders to assess a.s.r.’. Furthermore, during the CMD, a.s.r.'s management has ample opportunity to clearly explain the strategy and objectives. ‘Engaging in and maintaining this dialogue is crucial because without capital providers a.s.r. cannot execute its strategy.’
These discussions are mainly about the content, but according to Jan Willem, other matters are discussed as well. ‘Prior to the CMD, we organised a dinner at an external location. The atmosphere during such an evening is very informal. This also applies to the contact I have with analysts on a daily basis; we talk about home life, sports, and holidays. Since we work so closely together, it is not surprising that we share personal things alongside business matters.’
Through the merger with Aegon NL, a.s.r. has nearly doubled in size. Additionally, a significant change in the IFRS reporting regulations has recently been implemented. ‘Especially during times of such changes, we at Investor Relations benefit from a stable, close relationship. We are always accessible to our shareholders via email and phone. We also ensure that our external publications are tailored to the needs of our target audience, where we try to present our own story as clearly as possible.’ According to Jan Willem, this approach is paying off. ‘We see that, since the IPO of a.s.r. in 2016, the support from our shareholders has remained consistently strong. And that is quite remarkable.’
This strong support is evident from recent research by Extel. In September 2024, Extel, which conducts independent surveys among investment professionals, published a study in which a.s.r. was ranked second among approximately 35 listed insurers in Europe. Jan Willem calls these scores ‘really very good’ for a.s.r. ‘A large part of our analysts and investors participate in this research, so it provides a good reflection of this group as stakeholders.’
Our own research – a survey conducted by Investor Relations after the CMD in 2021 and again after the CMD in 2024 – confirms Extel's results. Shareholders indicate that they have great confidence in the management team, the strategy, and the capital policy. ‘Year after year, we show that we do what we promise. We have now grown significantly and are evolving as a company, but our strategy has not changed much. Good products and the best service for our customers remain central, we maintain our focus on strict financial discipline, and we have a very strong relationship with our shareholders. In the coming years, we will continue to build on this foundation.’
