Suncorp Group reports “improved earnings”

Suncorp Group reports “improved earnings” | Insurance Business New Zealand

Insurance News

Suncorp Group reports “improved earnings”

Investment returns a significant factor

Insurance News

By
Daniel Wood

Suncorp Group has announced 1H24 financial results. The insurance and banking giant with operations across Australia and New Zealand reported “improved earnings” attributed to a “significant improvement” in investment returns.

“Net investment returns were up significantly from $167 million in 1H23 to $396 million and this has been a key contributor to our reported earnings and profit for the half,” said Group CEO Steve Johnston (pictured above) in an ASX announcement.

According to the announcement, the insurance division’s gross written premium (GWP) was nearly $7 billion, an increase of more than 16%. The Group’s net profit after tax was $582 million, up by 5.4%.

The announcement reported that total Group operating expenses increased 7.0% to $1.21 billion, “largely reflecting growth related expenditure and inflation.”

The CEO also said it was “a challenging half for customers and the Group amid ongoing inflationary pressures and the impact of six severe weather events that battered Australian communities in November and December.”

However, the release said the total cost of natural hazard events was $568 million, more than $100 million below the Group’s allowance for the half.

“The decision brings us one step closer to becoming a dedicated Trans-Tasman insurer proudly headquartered in Queensland,” said Johnston. “We look forward to continuing to engage constructively with the Queensland Government and Federal Treasurer on the remaining approvals and remain fully committed to Suncorp Bank while the process continues.”