ANNUAL RESULTS
Emerging-market growth gives Sanlam a lift over its rivals
The insurance group reports a 10% increase in net operating profit, boosted by strong performances from underlying businesses
Insurance group Sanlam outperformed peers in a tough domestic economy, posting double-digit earnings growth in its businesses both inside and outside SA, its 2016 financial results showed. "Given various external headwinds, Sanlam’s operational results were remarkably resilient," said Justin Floor, a portfolio manager at Kagiso Asset Management. For the year to December 2016, Sanlam reported a 10% increase in net operating profit, boosted by strong performances from underlying businesses. A decline in investment returns earned on its capital portfolio sent normalised headline earnings down 6% to R8.4bn. Sanlam Personal Finance, which constitutes almost half of group earnings, grew profit 7% to R4bn. Following large withdrawals from savings policies, which had hurt Sanlam’s rivals, CEO Ian Kirk said that there were no major concerns around customer persistency. "The issue there is how you sell and how you service. You have to sell the right product to the right client who has the fin...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.