Softlogic Life coasts to 9.2bn GWP in first half with 43% growth

• PAT amounted to Rs.920mn, an increase of 73% 
• PBT stands at Rs.1,454mn 
• Ranked as third largest in life insurance market 
• Company paid COVID claims of Rs.247mn 

Softlogic Life recorded a superior first half performance in a pandemic-affected business landscape, posting a gross written premium (GWP) of Rs.9,183 million during the six months ending on June 30, 2021, with an increase in the top line growth of 43 percent compared to the corresponding period of last year. The company has stood firmly with its policyholders in the face of the pandemic paying COVID claims of Rs.247 million for the period.

During the period in review, Softlogic Life’s market share is estimated at 16.3 percent, in comparison to 15.2 percent as of December, 31 2020. The market share increase continues to rank Softlogic Life as the third largest in the life insurance market, overtaking much older players to establish strong growth momentum. 

Compared to the estimated industry GWP growth, which was 30 percent during the first six months of 2021, Softlogic Life recorded a GWP growth of 43 percent. The company reported a 10-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29 percent of GWP, while the industry 10-year GWP CAGR growth was at 13 percent. Softlogic Life also notes that its contribution to increasing insurance penetration in the country has increased during the period in review with 130,613 policies issued, insuring more than 1.5 million Sri Lankan lives. 

Profit after tax (PAT) for the period in review rose to Rs.920 million, an increase of 73 percent YoY. The PAT includes Rs.232 million one off deferred tax asset reversal due to the tax rate change from 28 percent to 24 percent. Excluding this one-off item, the company recorded regular PAT of 1,152 million. Profit before tax (PBT) grew by 91 percent compared to last year at Rs.1,454 million. The company’s operating expense ratio decreased to 20 percent, where it stood at 27 percent a year ago, due to the prudent and efficient expense management initiatives adopted. 

Furthermore, Softlogic Life maintained a healthy capital adequacy ratio (CAR)of 298 percent, well above the regulatory CAR requirement of 120 percent. 

Commenting on the financial performance of the company, Softlogic Life Insurance PLC Chairman Ashok Pathirage stated, “Despite numerous challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, we have performed well to maintain our position as the third largest life insurance company in Sri Lanka, growing our market share further to 16.3 percent by the end of the second quarter. These accomplishments were facilitated by the strategies we deployed and the strong execution of those strategies that have enabled the company to sustain momentum in spite of the prevailing macro challenges.”

Softlogic Life PLC Managing Director Iftikar Ahamed commented, “The pandemic has been a true test for Softlogic Life for us to showcase resilience and the effectiveness of our strategies, responsiveness and innovation. Our process reengineering efforts backed by digital technologies to ensure overall efficiency and business continuity continue to help the company outdo each quarter and drive strong performance even during this quarter. But most importantly our commitment to honour the promise of paying every fair claim through technologies such as our ‘One Minute Claims Initiative’ and finding innovative product propositions to support Sri Lankans across different economic backgrounds to be able to afford insurance has enabled us to win the trust of over 1.5 million Sri Lankans. As an life insurer we have paid out Rs.2,618 million claims, including settlement of COVID-19 claims of Rs.247 million in the first six months of the year, which is a true testimony to the fact that we are always there for our customers. We are proud that the company has remained resilient in the face of difficulties and are confident of the measures we have taken to grow our business further in the coming months.” Softlogic Life Insurance PLC is a subsidiary of Softlogic Capital PLC and is part of the Softlogic group, which is recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s most diversified and fastest growing conglomerates with interests in healthcare, retail, ICT, leisure, automobiles and financial services. Significant stakeholders in the company include global investors leapfrog investments.