Aegon N.V.'s (Aegon) net loss was much lower than our as well as market expectations in 1Q 09. Aegon has released €900 mn of capital in 1Q 09 and maintained an adequate capital position, with a solvency ratio of 170% at the end of 1Q 09. Furthermore, Management has reiterated that it is on schedule to achieve cost savings of €150 mn in FY 2009 and is striving to implement further costcutting measures. The sale of the life insurance business in Taiwan…

Aegon N.V. (Aegon) announced that it has agreed to sell its loss-making Taiwanese life insurance subsidiary to Zhongwei Company Ltd. in order to “optimize capital allocation and improve returns”. Aegon expects the sale of its life insurance activities in Taiwan to positively impact its future earnings. Following the completion of the transaction, the capital set aside for Aegon Taiwan will be freed up for other purposes. We believe the sale of its Taiwanese operations is a…

Aegon N.V.’s (Aegon) common stock price has declined significantly since our supplement to the 3Q 08 update report, reflecting speculation regarding further investment losses and impairments, rating downgrades, and the general downturn in global financial markets. We expect deteriorating economic conditions to continue to impact performance in the near-to-medium term, with realized/unrealized investment losses and impairments…