The Executive Board of the Hannover Re Group is satisfied with the development of business in 2014. Not only did the company achieve its targets for important key indicators such as the operating profit (EBIT) and Group net income, return on equity and combined ratio, in some cases it also clearly surpassed them. The investment income and the generated return on investment developed successfully bearing in mind the continued low level of interest rates. Group net income reached the highest level ever recorded in the company’s history. The company’s shareholders’ equity also showed a very pleasing increase, as a consequence of which the total policyholders’ surplus now stands at a new record high. At the time of preparing the management report, the business position of the Hannover Re Group remains highly favourable and its financial strength has been further strengthened.