UAP Holdings Plc has recorded a loss before tax of KShs 3.229 Billion in 2019 compared to a loss before tax of KShs 480 million in the previous year.
The firm says the decline was mainly driven by once-off fair value write-downs on Group’s investment property portfolio due to the softening of the markets in Kenya and Uganda and prevailing operating environment challenges in South Sudan.
“Excluding the Property Business performance, the Profit Before Tax (PBT) for 2019 was KShs 1,651 million representing a substantial improvement compared to Profit Before Tax of KShs 847 million in 2018 on a like for like basis. This was in line with the actions we as a Group have been taking to improve the operating performance” said Arthur Oginga, Group CEO.
The General Insurance Business reported a profit before tax of KShs 2,330 million representing a 133% improvement over 2018. The Life Insurance Business reported a profit before tax of KShs 392 million representing an improvement of 113% over 2018. However, the properties business reported a loss before tax of KShs 4,880 million representing a decline of 268%.
Net Earned Premiums were up by 3.8% in 2019. Income contribution from the countries outside Kenya increased to 39% from 36% over a 5-year period in line with the Group’s strategy to geographically diversify its business. This is despite a reduced contribution from South Sudan owing to the adverse operating environment.
Mr. Oginga noted that the net claims payable increased by 11.8%, primarily driven by elevated claims experience in the Kenya Health business, due to the withdrawal of NHIF coverage from several private health institutions and increased reserving across all the Group’s Health businesses.
The Group’s operating expenses were up 9.1% largely due to a revaluation loss of the owner-occupied investment property portion. In line with accounting standards (IAS 16 and IAS 40) this portion is classified as Property Plant and Equipment and therefore any revaluation losses are accounted for under operating expenses rather than investment income. Excluding this impact, the expense growth was below inflation in line with UAP Holdings Plc focus to drive increased efficiency from its operations.
Investment income was down 78.3% driven by property valuation write-downs which were necessary in view of the prevailing market conditions. “Our occupancy has however improved and we expect this to drive improved performance going forward” said Mr. Oginga.
He added, “We remain focused on delivering an integrated financial services offering to our customers in East Africa to sustain and improve the performance from our core businesses which continue growing year on year. We will focus on optimizing operating expenses for the investment properties to support the execution of our strategy and improved performance of the overall business. Our occupancy at the UAP Old Mutual Tower stands at 95%.”
