Union Assurance continues strong growth momentum
INSURANCE: Powered by the combined strengths of the John
Keells and Carsons Groups, Union Assurance reported that their focused
investments to enhance distribution, brand visibility and service
standards yielded good results, enabling them to achieve their revenue
and profit targets.
Consolidated gross written premium increased by 28% from Rs. 3.2
billion in 2005 to Rs. 4.1 billion in 2006 and consolidated profit after
tax amounted to Rs. 156 million.
They report that the profit is in line with the company’s profit
expectation for the year but lower than the profit earned in 2005 of Rs
262 million, as the company invested significantly in charting a new and
more aggressive course for both the life and general business to deliver
sustainable growth in the long term.
“The results are in line with our strategy to expand, and further
exploit the profitable opportunities in the retail, commercial and
corporate segments of the market,” noted Chairman Ajit Gunewardene,
adding that, “We believe we have laid solid foundations for the future
and will take full advantage of the momentum we have created to deliver
economic value.”
The directors have recommended a 20% first and final dividend for the
year on the existing share capital and thereafter a bonus issue of one
ordinary share for every two shares held to increase the share capital
to Rs. 375 million.
UAL won the award for the best annual report 2005/06 in the insurance
sector from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (ICASL)
and the best annual report in the non banking financial sector in the
South Asian Region awarded by the South Asia Federation of Accountants (SAFA)
demonstrating their commitment to transparency, corporate governance and
professional management with equal focus on all stakeholders.
In 2006 UAL invested heavily in distribution and initiatives to
enhance customer service. |