United Insurance has emerged as a powerhouse in the private insurance industry, boasting a notable surge in net profits, making it second only to Awash Insurance. The robust financial performance was supported by a substantial increase in earnings per share (EPS), outpacing competitors. The firm's focus on retaining a high percentage of its premiums is evident in its retention rate and increased gross written premiums.

United Insurance's ability to diversify its income streams through investments has paid off, with income from dividends, interest, and rent rising by 47.3pc to 255.6 million Br in its operation of the fiscal year 2023/24. It maintained a steady profitable pace amid industry forerunners while tripling its growth. United Insurance has recorded an 80.1pc net profit surge to 327.02 million Br, trailing Awash Insurance at 509.12 million Br. Its success has also been reflected in its industry-leading EPS, which jumped by 29.4pc to 479.85 Br.

The figure is higher than the private insurance industry average (34.2pc) and boasts a lead over generational peer Global Insurance (30pc). The dominance extends further, with a 12 percentage point advantage over Nyala and an eight percent lead compared to Nile. According to Board Chairperson Wondwossen Teshome, United's success came despite an economic climate marked by persistent inflation and foreign currency shortages.

"It had never been easy to navigate through such a testing operating environment," he said.

The growth was mainly driven by improved insurance business and investment activities. Total gross written premium soared by 58.4pc to 1.51 billion Br, of which 74pc was retained, marking a 3.5pc increase from the prior year.

"This is impressive," said the London-based financial analyst Abdulmenan Mohammed (PhD).

However, the company's success is tempered by surging expenses, as evidenced by a 47.6pc jump in direct underwriting expenses to 75.2 million Br and a 38pc rise in wages and general administration costs to 299.81 million Br. The increased retention rate was followed by more claims paid and provided for, which increased by 32.8pc to 463.54 million Br, resulting in a substantial amount of gross written premium used. United's claim expense was surpassed only by Awash, which led the private insurance industry with 836.3 million Br, while Africa and Nile ranked third and fourth with 447 million Br and 443.5 million Br.

"Management should pay close attention to risk management practices," cautioned Abdulmenan.

While United's operating expenses exceeded the industry average of 249 million Br, it remains competitive with peers. Nile Insurance's expenses were 207 million Br, and Nyala Insurance's at 266.2 million Br. However, a gap exists compared to Global Insurance, whose expenses were much lower, at 171.6 million Br, indicating that while United Insurance might need to address expense control, they are still within range of their primary competitors.

The industry recorded a loss ratio of 59pc as net earned premiums reached 12.8 billion Br against substantial net claims of 7.5 billion Br.

Soaring claims do little to faze the 12-year CEO Meseret Bezabih. A seasoned insurance professional with 26 years of experience, she attributed the rising operating costs partly to galloping inflation but emphasised her management's approach to balancing efficient customer service with prudent expense management.

"We're still working to lower costs," she told Fortune. "Our claims are also not excessively high."