Prestige Assurance Plc has announced strong audited results for the year ended December 31, 2024, driven by resilience, operational efficiency, and a rebound in its investment portfolio. The performance reflects sustained topline growth, improved earnings, and a stronger balance sheet, making the stock an attractive pick within Nigeria’s non-life insurance sector.
In FY 2024, Gross Premium Written (GPW) soared by 50.5%, jumping from N14.93 billion in 2023 to N22.47 billion. This performance marks a significant stride in Prestige’s underwriting capacity and market penetration, especially in an increasingly competitive general insurance environment. Insurance revenue, which represents earned premiums, also grew robustly by 44.6% to N19.59 billion, up from N13.55 billion in the prior year.
Such expansion is reflective of a focused marketing push, product diversification, and better policyholder retention.
However, the growth story was partially offset by a steep rise in Insurance Service Expenses, which surged by over 62%, climbing from N12.33 billion to N20.04 billion. This significant cost escalation dragged down the Insurance Service Result (before reinsurance) to a loss of N458.4 million, compared to a profit of N1.22 billion in FY 2023.
While this initially appears discouraging, it is essential to contextualise it within the broader insurance dynamics where rising claims, inflationary pressure on settlements, and increased actuarial liabilities can weigh on service margins.
Crucially, Net Income from Reinsurance Contracts Held reversed from a loss of N598.3 million in 2023 to a gain of N586.1 million, representing a net positive swing of over N1.18 billion. This improved reinsurance outcome helped cushion the underwriting strain and reflects better alignment of risk portfolios with ceded treaties.
Furthermore, Net Investment Income more than doubled to N4.58 billion from N1.96 billion, bolstered by higher interest rates, strategic allocation to fixed-income securities, and overall improved returns on financial assets.
These dynamics culminated in a Profit After Tax of N3.24 billion, representing an increase of 147.3% over N1.31 billion in FY 2023. Earnings per share (EPS) grew significantly from 9.89 kobo to 24.42 kobo, reinforcing shareholder value creation and earnings quality.
On the balance sheet front, Total Assets expanded by 36.5% from N27.85 billion to N38.00 billion, while Net Assets rose from N15.95 billion to N19.37 billion, providing a solid foundation for future growth and risk underwriting.
Building on the momentum of 2024, Prestige posted a strong start to 2025 in terms of premium generation:
Q1 2025 Gross Premium Written rose to N8.03 billion, nearly doubling from the prior year’s level.
Insurance Revenue followed suit, increasing to N7.04 billion from N4.04 billion.
Net Insurance Financial Result edged up to N344 million from N307.7 million, indicating better cost containment and risk assessment.
However, Profit Before Tax for Q1 dipped to N649.37 million, down from N2.13 billion in the previous period. This is attributed to front-loaded operating and claims expenses and reduced fair value gains in Q1 compared to the bumper Q1 2024, which had a higher investment revaluation.
Still, the company continued to grow its capital base with Net Assets increasing to N19.95 billion and Total Assets rising to N38.51 billion, showing ongoing reinvestment and operational scale.
At a market price of N1.89 per share, Prestige trades at a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of just 7.74x, based on the FY 2024 EPS of 24.42 kobo. This valuation appears modest when benchmarked against the insurance sector average and Prestige’s historical earnings trajectory.
…Prestige has created a strong base for long-term value accretion. If current earnings momentum is sustained, particularly if underwriting profitability is restored by mid-2025, then a rerating of the stock is likely.
Investor Recommendation: “BUY”
From a market analyst’s lens, Prestige Assurance Plc represents a “BUY” at current levels. The counter is due to underlining parameters
Undervalued on a P/E basis,
Exhibiting strong earnings growth,
Reinforcing its financial base for scale,
And aligning positively with macro tailwinds (such as rising insurance awareness, new capital raise, and a favourable interest rate environment).
Prestige Assurance Plc is no longer a quiet performer in the insurance space. With its aggressive premium growth, recovering bottom line, and sturdy asset base, the company is well-positioned for continued momentum in 2025 and beyond. For value-oriented investors seeking medium to long-term exposure in Nigeria’s insurance sector, Prestige offers an attractive entry point at current market levels with a price target (12-Month) of N2.50 – N2.80 per share on a buy Recommendation and medium risk rating.
