FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE GROUP

Control system
 

The MLP Group employs comprehensive planning and control systems. Starting from our strategy and the estimates regarding future external framework conditions, we draw up targets for key controlling figures in the strategic and operating planning process. Any deviations from our targets then become transparent within the scope of ongoing controlling processes. Based on these developments we then derive actions for our corporate management. We also continually monitor developments in the market and the competitive environment.

Corporate management 

EBIT and sales revenue as the most crucial key performance indicators

The Executive Board at MLP AG assesses the performance of the various business segments and reaches decisions regarding resource allocation on this basis. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) and total revenue (sales revenue) represent the central benchmark at MLP for overall business development in the individual business segments. Alongside this, the Executive Board also receives regular information on the relevant macroeconomic, political and legislative factors that influence developments in the individual consulting fields. Analysis of the old-age provision, wealth management, health insurance and non-life insurance, loans & mortgages and real estate brokerage consulting fields is performed with the objective of explaining the performance of the consulting fields in the past, anticipating changes in the environment and exerting targeted influence on the future development. In line with MLP’s comprehensive consulting approach, which focuses on the views and expectations of the client, the Executive Board does not manage the Group on the basis of the contribution margin of the individual consulting fields.

The following overview clarifies which key fields of consulting contribute to the development of revenue in the respective business segments.

We require profitable growth and sustainable development of earnings in order to achieve a sustainable increase in company value and expand our market position.

Beside the important key performance indicators of EBIT and revenue, other KPIs include administrative expenses (defined as the sum of personnel expenses, other operating expenses, as well as depreciation and impairments), the return on equity, assets under management, brokered new business in the old-age provision area, the existing non-life insurance policy portfolio and the number and turnover rate of consultants.

The objective of our corporate management is for all consultants and employees to actively support MLP’s strategic goals and pledge to meet our service commitment. Our established central, strategic control instrument is the so-called “ISA” (Integrated Strategic Agenda). This way, the Group objectives are broken down across all Group companies and the key segments, thereby allowing each business unit to make its own contribution to meeting the defined targets. This ensures end-to-end incorporation of all organizational units and integration into the planning and management process. The ISA grants all business segments the opportunity to get actively involved in planning targets. This promotes motivation among everyone involved and increases planning quality throughout the organisation. At the end of the obligatory ISA process (applied consistently throughout the Group), the target achievement level of each unit is defined through our established planning and reporting processes. ISA provides the Executive Board with a high degree of transparency in the value-added process.

Risk management: Important management and control element

Risk management is permanently anchored in MLP’s corporate management strategy. The members of the Executive Board, general managers of Group companies and departmental heads are responsible for detecting and classifying risks as quickly as possible. Since ISA managers also bear risk and cost responsibility, we are able to establish a practical link between risk management and controlling. You can find further information on risk management in the chapter entitled “Risk report”.

Key figures and early indicators used by corporate controlling

We regularly use simulation scenarios to be able to assess the success of our business. Important early indicators include assets under management, which reflect developments in the wealth management area, and brokered new business in the field of old-age provision, as these two areas represent a significant portion of commission income.

Keeping consultant turnover low

Our objective is not only to win over the best consultants in the industry to our business model, but also to keep them loyal to our company in the long term. We therefore continually monitor our employee turnover rate and aim for a maximum annual turnover rate for self-employed consultants of 10%.

You can find further information on this in the chapters entitled “Performance” and “Anticipated business development”.