Aegon N.V. SWOT and PESTLE Analysis

Strength

1. Global presence in key markets: Aegon N.V has operation in more than 20 countries. This group has a strong market presence in U.S, Canada, Mexico, UK and Netherlands. Aegon USA is one of biggest players in the US. In the emerging markets of Asia and Latin America, the group is gaining strength and moving ahead of its competitors.

2. Multi-Channel Distribution to reduce distribution risk: Aegon uses multiple sales and distribution network to sell its product. Its major distribution channel includes independent and career agents, financial planners and other registered and independent marketing organisations, banks, brokers, consultants and other institutional partners. Aegon also provides a range of products and services online and uses direct and worksite marketing. Multi-channel distribution helps the group weather downturns in specific regions or snags in certain distribution channels.

3. Strong Balance Sheet provides resilience for market developments: The group’s capital strength which declined during 2006-08 resumed increasing trend. Thereafter, the group’s Insurance Group Directive (IGD) ratio increased to 212% at the end of 2013 and 195% at the end of 2011. As a result, flexibility of the Group’s balance sheet improved. This flexibility allowed the group to complete acquisition of key insurance providers like Fyfe Group and Fidem Life. Strong balance sheet provides the group resilience to market developments. .

Weakness

1. Saturation in the American Market: This problem arises due to group over dependence on the American market for its profit. For example in FY15, America accounted for around 40% of its total revenues and 55% of its total revenues. This has exposed Aegon to market concentration risk.

2. Dependence on subsidiaries dividend contribution: Aegon is a holding group. So, corporate cash flows from operations, even before paying the dividends on the non-participating shares and on the participating shares, are principally made up of dividends received from its subsidiaries. Dividends received from subsidiaries represent a significant component of the group's corporate cash flows. So, it is dependent on its subsidiaries dividend contribution.

3. Market in Troubled European Countries: The group has significant market in Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Losses due to defaults by counterparties, which includes potential debt defaults or restructurings which could adversely have an impact on the value of the group's investments and reduce overall profitability and shareholders' wealth.

Opportunity

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Threat

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