BY NKECHI NAECHE– ESEZOBOR–Despite the harsh economic challenges in the operating environment, Universal Insurance Plc has once again recorded an outstanding success.
Speaking at its 54th annual general meeting held today, the Chairman of the company, Barrister Jasper Osita Nduagwuike, said the company was able to grow its top and bottom lines, with an impressive insurance revenue of N8.02 billion, (gross written premium of N9.3 billion), surpassing the N4.8 billion insurance revenue of N5.7 billion gross written premium) recorded in the corresponding period of 2022.
He said profit for the year 2023 amounted to N514,673 million while total assets rose from N12.3bn in 2022 to N15.7bn in 2023, this he said made its shareholders’ fund to grow from N7 billion achieved in 2022 to N10.4billion in 2023.
On future outlook he said “this great achievement gives confirmation to the unwavering resilience of all stakeholders and their commitment to our corporate existence, surpassing expectations. Our unbroken streak of profitability in recent times is as a result of our collective efforts.
He added that “Universal Insurance remains resolute in delivering sustainable results amidst the challenges that the future may hold. With a solid financial foundation and a strategic approach, we are confident in our ability to navigate this dynamic landscape and continue providing value to our customers and stakeholders.
Shareholders at the meeting
” Despite the challenging times ahead, our company remains dedicated to navigating this turbulent economic landscape and achieving our business objectives. We intend to drastically change our cost structure to establish intermediate and long-term actions to essentially adjust in line with reality, actively engage the company in defining
the necessary behaviours to build on cultural strengths, own the actions to shape the future, and be clear about our must have in order to succeed in future regardless of the state of the economy.
Also, the Managing Director/ CEO, Dr. Benedict Ujoatuonu, noted that the insurance Service Result (underwriting profit) was N1.537 billion, down from N1.556 billion (Underwriting loss), primarily due to substantial claims payments during the period and the implementation changes of IFRS 17.
Profit Before Tax (PBT), according to him reached N526.7million, as against (N124.8) million in 2022, which represents 522% growth.
On its future strategic initiatives, he said the company will focus on Market expansion, Digital Transformation, Talent Development, while noting that its success is built on the dedication of its employees, and are committed to their development and well- being.
