Consolidated Hallmark Holdings showcases impressive results at first AGM
By Esther Agbo
Consolidated Hallmark Holdings (CHH) Plc held its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history.
CHH Chairman, Shuaibu Idris, In his address, highlighted the company’s impressive financial performance in the face of economic challenges.
He reported a 32 percent increase in insurance revenue, which rose from N11.9 billion in 2022 to N15.7 billion in 2023.
Total assets also saw substantial growth, jumping 44 percent from N18.2 billion in 2022 to N26.2 billion in 2023. Profit Before Tax (PBT) surged to N4.6 billion from N983 million, and total profit attributable to shareholders increased to N3.8 billion from N547 million in 2022.
Moreover, he stated the board’s commitment to shareholder returns was underscored by the announcement of a dividend of N0.05 per ordinary share, totaling N542 million.
Idris assured that qualifying shareholders who have updated their records with the Registrars would see their accounts credited by the end of the AGM.
Despite being a non-operating holding company, CHH is dedicated to maintaining control over its subsidiaries, making strategic investments, and protecting the Group’s assets.
He expressed optimism about the future, emphasising the role of technology in consolidating CHH’s position in the financial services sector.
“We remain optimistic of a more friendly operating environment in the years ahead, which we hope to take full advantage of and increase the market share of our member companies in all sectors where we are operational.
“The use of technology remains pivotal in our quest to continually consolidate our operations as one of the top players in the financial services sector and beyond,” he noted.
The Group Chief Executive Officer, CHH, Eddie Efekoha highlighted the company’s long-term growth, noting a 465 per cent increase in total assets of N4.6 billion since 2007. Profit After Tax (PAT) grew by 589 per cent, reaching N3.7 billion in 2023, driven by improved premium rates and compliance efforts in motor insurance.
Efekoha, reflecting the Group’s commitment to prompt settlements, reported that the Group paid out N5 billion in claims in 2023, up from N4.4 billion in 2022. He also noted that this represents a 2,485 per cent increase compared to the N197.2 million paid in claims in 2007.
He said, “As a Group, we remain committed to prompt claims settlement whether in Health Insurance, Micro life Assurance or in our General Business and Special Risks Insurance. Our quest to significantly grow our market would continually receive a boost with the faith of our customers in our ability and preparedness to meet their needs when claims arise.”
He further explained that raising the premium rate for Motor Insurance and rigorous compliance measures led to higher income in this business sector.
He added that increasing the third-party motor insurance rate for private cars from N5,000 to N15,000 was necessary due to inflation and the industry’s long-standing failure to adjust rates in line with economic conditions.
The AGM featured praise from shareholders, including Chairman Emeritus, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, ISAN, Sir Sunny Nwosu, who commended the seamless transition to a holding company and urged continued growth. Another shareholder, Nona Awo, echoed these sentiments, encouraging the board to build on its achievements.
