NAIROBI, Kenya, March 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — UAP Group (http://www.uap-group.com) posted strong financial performance in 2013 driven by profitable growth of its core insurance business and execution of its regional diversification strategy.
Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/uap-2.png
Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=933 (UAP Holdings Group Managing Director – Mr. Dominic Kiarie, during the announcement)
Download 2013 Annual Review: http://www.apo-mail.org/140331.pdf
Speaking during a press briefing, UAP’s Group Managing Director, Mr Dominic Kiarie, said that the impressive results and ongoing performance improvement demonstrated that the Group’s strategy of enhancing performance of its businesses and growth into new markets is continuing to bear positive results.
Key Performance Highlights:
• Gross Insurance Premium revenue grew by 41% to KeS 12.7bn
• Life Insurance business grew by 55% to Kes 1.4bn
• General Insurance business grew by 39%
• Investment income grew by 10%
• Total income increased by 35% to 12.7bn
• Property business revenues grew by 30%
• Expense growth contained at 21%
• Profit before tax increased by 27% to KeS 2.2bn
• Dividend payment up 13% from KeS 317mn to KeS 359mn
Gross insurance premium revenue grew by 41% to KeS 12.7bn as a result of significant investment in customer experience, product innovation and expanded distribution across the region. General Insurance business grew by 39% and Life Insurance business had a 55% growth to Kes 1.4bn. Investment income grew by 10% on the back of execution of a robust investment strategy.
Total income increased by 35% to 12.7bn due to strong performance by the insurance and property businesses. Property business revenues grew by 30% following the completion of UAP Nakawa Business Park in Kampala, Uganda.
Profit before tax increased by 27% to KeS 2.2bn. “This is the highest profit ever reported by UAP, which evidences that our growth and diversification strategy is bearing results. Consequently, the Board will recommend to shareholders the payment of a first and final dividend of KeS 1.70 per share from KeS 1.50 paid in 2012” he added.
The regional business demonstrated marked improvement with a strong performance of 27% income growth year-on-year from KeS 2.5bn in December 2012 to KeS 3.5bn in December 2013, thus contributing 28% of the Group’s revenues. “We expanded our geographical coverage from 5 to 6 countries through the acquisition of a 60% stake in Century Insurance Tanzania Ltd and the business has since been rebranded to UAP Insurance Tanzania Ltd” said the Group Managing Director.
Year 2013 Achievements
UAP invested significantly in talent management for both Group and operating subsidiaries. In 2013, the Group launched a regional Graduate Development Program to provide a pipeline of future UAP business leaders. Other initiatives included strengthening of control processes and governance functions across the Group and expansion of the Group’s board to 12 members from the previous 7, to bring in additional skills and to support business growth and expansion.
UAP also enhanced its business distribution networks to improve convenience to its customers and also launched the UAP Information Centre. In our dedicated community outreach, UAP sponsored Ndakaini Marathon for the 10th year running to support UAPs conservation agenda.
Year 2014 Objectives
The strategy going forward in 2014 is to leverage on technology driven products and services to enhance customer experience. We see significant opportunities in the markets UAP operates in, and have invested in highly experienced management teams to enable UAP businesses design customer solutions that take advantage of these opportunities.
Key aspects of our strategy include: Continuously improving the efficiency of processes to enhance customer experience. This will be achieved through technology investments and business process simplification. Continuous investment in future UAP leaders through the GDP, MDP and LDP programs and completion of property projects across the various markets where we operate.
In concussion Mr. Kiarie said, “Despite a challenging business environment, the Group has achieved strong growth in revenues and profitability. We look forward to offering our current and future customers innovative products and services that will deliver peace of mind and financial freedom.”
Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of UAP Group.
For further information please contact
Pauline Ndirango
Group Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager
Email: pndirango@uap-group.com
About UAP Group
UAP Group (http://www.uap-group.com) is a pan-African Financial Services company with interests in Insurance, Investment Management, Property Investment, Financial Advisory and Securities Brokerage. Currently, UAP has 12 businesses operating in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania and DRC. UAP Holdings is the holding company for the various UAP businesses.
Achievements in 2013
• UAP Holdings Ltd – FiRE Award winner for best presented accounts.
• UAP Insurance Kenya –
o General Insurer of the Year (Kenya)
o Innovation Award (Kilimo Salama)
o Distribution Award (Salama Sure)
o Ft/IFC Innovation Wainner (Kilimo Salama)
• UAP Life Assurance Kenya
o Group Life Best Practices Winner – AKI Awards.
o Customer Satisfaction Award Winner – Think Business
o First insurance company to be ISO 9000 certified
• UAP Insurance Uganda
o Overall winners category for the year 2013
o Winner basic service delivery 2013
o Winner technical development 2013
o 2nd runner up claims handling and settlement 2013
o 2nd runner up product development 2013
• UAP Insurance Rwanda – Best Service Exhibitor Award at the Rwanda International Trade Fair
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