Insular Life income hits P2.1 billion in 2008

MANILA, Philippines - Leading Filipino life insurer, The Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd., rode through the heightened challenges in the business environment, posting a consolidated net income of P2.1 billion in 2008. 

Consolidated revenues amounted to P12.4 billion, of which 58 percent came from insurance revenues of P7.2 billion, and investment and other income accounted for the remaining 42 percent at P5.4 billion. 

“Despite the slowdown in the economy which has affected many of our countrymen, we still managed to deliver commendable overall performance. While premium income dipped slightly compared to the previous year, investment income increased significantly by 27 percent on account of term loans to prime corporate borrowers, investments in Philippine government bonds, and dividends from strategic investments in blue-chip companies,” said Insular Life chairman of the board and CEO Vicente R. Ayllon.

The company also attributed its performance to its comprehensive product portfolio. While 2008 sales of investment-linked insurance policies posted a significant decline throughout the life insurance industry, in the case of Insular Life this was mitigated by positive growth in regular as well as group insurance product lines. “With a more balanced product mix we were able to readily adapt to shifting business conditions and even managed to raise our overall standing,” Ayllon said.

Insular Life’s total assets rose to P57.9 billion, cementing its claim to being the country’s largest Filipino life insurance company. Insular Life is the third largest life insurance company in terms of total premium income, as well as in assets in 2008.

Meanwhile, total policyholder benefits, claims, changes in insurance contract liabilities and other operating expenses amounted to P 10.3 billion. Dividends to individual life insurance policyholders increased to P 1.04 billion from P970.4 million in 2007.

Determined to serve the market even better in 2009, Insular Life registered a very auspicious first quarter sales performance with new business premiums increasing by 59 percent versus the first quarter of 2008 and all sales regions posting growth. “We thank our fellow Filipinos for continuing to bestow their trust in us, and because of this Insular Life will strive even harder to provide financial security to all families during these trying times,” Ayllon said.