MMI HOLDINGS LIMITED - MMI boosts new business volumes and remains resilient in a challenging economic environment

MMI Holdings Limited Group
Incorporated in South Africa
(Registration number 2000/031756/06)
ISIN: ZAE000149902
NSX share code: MIM
JSE share code (primary listing): MMI
"MMI Holdings" or "the Company"

MMI Holdings Interim results to December 2015

MMI boosts new business volumes and remains resilient in a challenging economic environment


MMI Holdings Limited (MMI) today announced its results for the six months to 31 December 2015. The group reported a 14% increase in new business flows, an increase in total
diluted earnings of 14% to R1.5 billion and an annualised return on embedded value of 7%.


Core headline earnings decreased by 9% compared to the previous half-year, impacted by the economic environment and lower underwriting profits across the group (with more
claims received than expected). MMI expects underwriting profits to normalise over time.


Nicolaas Kruger, CEO of MMI, says: "MMI's performance demonstrates resilience given the difficult operating environment. We understand the pressure on households' disposable
income and remain committed to working with our clients to ensure they continue to enhance their lifetime financial wellness".


MMI's client-facing segments reported strong performance, with growth in new business (measured as present value of premiums) increasing by 14% to R27 billion. The value of new
business amounted to R361 million.


With profits of R705 million, Momentum Retail continued to be the biggest contributor to group profit. This business experienced higher than usual mortality claims in the first
quarter. Distribution capacity continues to increase and diversification into an omni-channel solution is making good progress.


Metropolitan Retail increased its profit contribution to the group by 14% to R311 million. "Metropolitan Retail implemented a new remuneration model for its financial planners
to support MMI's client-centric strategy that enhances the lifetime financial wellness of clients. The model is bearing fruit, as demonstrated by the significant increase in
productivity among our financial planners," says Kruger.


The Corporate and Public Sector segment (which includes specialist insurer Guardrisk) once again reported very good new business growth of 30% for the period under review.


MMI's International division has a presence in 16 countries across the globe and continues to focus on geographical diversification. Plans for expanding in India through the
launch of a health and wellness solution remain on track. New business volumes in the rest of Africa increased by 30%.


At 31 December 2015, MMI held a capital buffer of R4 billion, after setting money aside for investment in strategic growth initiatives. The balance sheet remains strong and
there is sufficient capital to meet the imminent Solvency Assessment and Management requirements.


The implementation of MMI's new client-centric operating model is enabling the group to streamline the business and achieve expense savings through optimisation projects that
are eliminating duplication and consolidating IT systems, as well as a conservative approach to new appointments. The group has established centres of excellence that provide
products and solutions for the benefit of the entire business. MMI has announced an expense savings target of R750 million up to the 2019 financial year.


"MMI's strategic focus areas remain growth, client centricity and excellence. We will continue to be driven by these focus areas, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the
lifetime financial wellness of our clients," concludes Kruger.

Six months to December 2015 numbers


New business (present value of premiums)  R27 billion

Value of new business                     R361 million
Annualised return on embedded value       7%

Total earnings                            R1.5 billion

Core headline earnings                    R1.7 billion

Interim dividend                          65 cents per share

Expense savings target                    R750 million

End

Notes to the editor:


MMI's client-centric strategy relies on four segment businesses that understand and fulfil the needs of specific client target markets, being Metropolitan Retail, Momentum
Retail, International, and Corporate and Public Sector. These businesses deliver solutions that meet clients' financial wellness needs through appropriate products,
distribution and service delivery channels.


MMI's Products and Solutions businesses develop appropriate value propositions for clients and deliver these through the segment businesses.


Momentum Retail focuses on middle to upper income retail clients and includes:
    - Momentum Life Insurance
    - Momentum Short-term Insurance
    - Momentum Health open scheme

Metropolitan Retail focuses on lower income retail clients and includes:
    - Metropolitan Life Insurance
MMI's International division
    - Africa excluding South Africa
    - Momentum Global Investments Management (UK)
    - Other selected countries

The MMI Corporate and Public Sector segment focusses on corporate clients and includes:
    - Guardrisk
    - Employee benefits
    - Metropolitan Health

All start-up initiatives are housed in the shareholder segment

Centurion
3 March 2016

On behalf of:          MMI Holdings
Contact:               Lerato Mametse
Telephone:             084 406 8272

Email:                 lerato.mametse@mmiholdings.co.za

Sponsor: Merrill Lynch South Africa (Pty) Ltd


Date: 03/03/2016 07:07:00 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za                     
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