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JOHANNESBURG - Old Mutual (LON:OMU) Limited, a leading African financial services group, has released its voluntary operating update for the first quarter of 2025, revealing a mixed financial performance against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty and domestic challenges.
The insurer, which operates across key African markets, reported a slight 2% drop in life APE sales compared to the same period last year, primarily due to decreased annuity sales in its Personal Finance segment. This decline was partially offset by robust risk sales across distribution channels in its Mass and Foundation Cluster, along with strong corporate sales in Namibia and Malawi.
Gross flows rose by 6%, driven by strong inflows in Wealth Management and higher asset management inflows into Namibia’s international US dollar fund. However, Old Mutual experienced a significant net client cash outflow, primarily due to large indexation outflows from Old Mutual Investments and terminations in Old Mutual Corporate.
Despite these outflows, loans and advances remained stable, reflecting a cautious lending strategy. Gross written premiums grew by 7%, with Old Mutual Insure showing a 12% increase in gross written premiums and an underwriting margin above the target range. This performance was attributed to fee increases, particularly in the Specialty business.
The Group’s solvency ratios remained strong, with Old Mutual Life Assurance Company South Africa Limited (OMLACSA) at the upper end of the target range and the Group shareholder solvency ratio well within its target range.
The update also addressed the impact of economic factors on investor sentiment, noting that inflation in South Africa decelerated to 2.7% year-on-year in March 2025, but higher interest rates continued to strain consumer credit affordability. Additionally, the anticipated launch of OM Bank is progressing, with a public rollout expected later in the year.
Old Mutual ceased applying hyperinflation accounting for its Zimbabwe operations for FY2024, following a change in the functional currency to the US dollar, which is expected to reduce transfers to the foreign currency translation reserve and impact IFRS profits and headline earnings from Zimbabwe.
The company invites investors to a conference call on June 2, 2025, to discuss the details of this update.
This financial information, including forward-looking statements, is the responsibility of the Old Mutual Board of Directors and has not been reviewed by external auditors. The Group’s diverse operations and continued focus on strategic markets position it as an integral player in the financial services sector across the African continent.
This article is based on a press release statement.
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