Latest news with #Santam
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Investors in Santam (JSE:SNT) have seen stellar returns of 102% over the past five years
If you buy and hold a stock for many years, you'd hope to be making a profit. Better yet, you'd like to see the share price move up more than the market average. But Santam Ltd (JSE:SNT) has fallen short of that second goal, with a share price rise of 54% over five years, which is below the market return. However, more recent buyers should be happy with the increase of 39% over the last year. Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns. Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit. While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS). During five years of share price growth, Santam achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 11% per year. This EPS growth is higher than the 9% average annual increase in the share price. So it seems the market isn't so enthusiastic about the stock these days. You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). We know that Santam has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? You could check out this free report showing analyst revenue forecasts. As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. As it happens, Santam's TSR for the last 5 years was 102%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! It's nice to see that Santam shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 45% over the last year. That's including the dividend. That gain is better than the annual TSR over five years, which is 15%. Therefore it seems like sentiment around the company has been positive lately. Someone with an optimistic perspective could view the recent improvement in TSR as indicating that the business itself is getting better with time. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Take risks, for example - Santam has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of. Of course Santam may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on South African exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Business chamber partners with experts to manage risks from weather and other disasters
Big businesses in the city have offered their support in the establishment of a risk management desk by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber to minimise the risk of service delivery woes. The partnership with Hollard Insurance, Santam Insurance and the Simah Group seeks to ensure that proactive measures are in place to minimise risks associated with weather and other disasters. The desk will focus on proactive maintenance of stormwater drains, alien vegetation removal and the functionality of fire hydrants. Chamber chief executive Denise van Huyssteen said the desk would leverage expert knowledge to proactively identify and mitigate risk factors in the metro, specifically those affecting local businesses. 'By using the expertise of key industry players like Hollard, Santam and Simah, the desk will be able to quickly assess risk areas, develop timely interventions and provide critical insights that help safeguard infrastructure, human life and the continuity of business operations,' she said. The desk's priorities include reducing the effect of weather-related disasters, mapping out risk areas, providing technical inputs and other support for the implementation of sustainable interventions. They also include co-ordinating business responses to natural disasters such as floods or fires, and collaborating with the chamber's geographical clusters and the municipality to ensure a proactive approach to identifying risks and developing mitigation plans. Hollard's head of environmental, social and governance, Deanne Bezuidenhout, said by bringing together expertise from diverse sectors, they were advancing a holistic strategy. 'Disaster prevention is far more effective and less costly than recovery,' Bezuidenhout said. Santam's head of market development, Neptal Khoza, said the initiative was important to ensure the continuity of business operations in the city, which in turn supported overall economic stability. 'The ability to minimise disruptions caused by weather-related incidents ensures that companies can maintain operations and continue contributing to the local economy. Simah's corporate account executive, Khanyisa Gogela, noted the importance of data-driven decision-making and stakeholder collaboration. 'Our involvement in the desk reflects our commitment to using data and innovation to support proactive risk identification and intervention.' The Herald
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How rising insurance fraud is reshaping the industry in South Africa
Explore the growing threat of insurance fraud in South Africa, its implications for insurers, and the innovative technologies being deployed to combat this rising tide. From impersonation and social engineering to leveraging generative AI and large-scale data breaches, insurance fraud has become increasingly organised and technically advanced. Global fraud losses totaled an estimated US$1.03 trillion in 2024, while South African insurers face potential losses of up to R3.5 billion. Fraudulent claims have a far-reaching knock-on effect. Insurance fraud is a criminal offence, and those who submit false claims face criminal prosecution and could end up with a criminal conviction against their name. Beyond the legal consequences, however, insurance fraud undermines the integrity of the community, diverts scarce police resources, and impacts the financial health of a critical industry. As fraud schemes become more complex, South African insurers have had to adopt stricter claim validation processes. Legitimate claimants now face longer processing times, more paperwork, and added stress as insurers work to verify the authenticity and quantum of each claim. From a fiduciary standpoint, insurers have a duty to protect the funds entrusted to them by honest policyholders. But with the rising prevalence of fraudulent claims, that responsibility now demands significant investment in technology, analytics, and human capital. At Santam, we're deploying AI and advanced data analytics to detect suspicious trends and behavioural anomalies. This includes overlaying transactional data with behavioural patterns. For example, identifying clients who submit multiple claims in a short period or who follow known fraud patterns. We're also seeing success in flagging anomalies using image recognition and deepfake detection technology. The fight against insurance fraud has become a digital arms race. Fraudsters now have access to powerful AI tools – many of which are readily available on the dark web. These tools are used to create synthetic identities, fake images and videos, clone voices, and script convincing phishing and smishing scams. Impersonation is one of the fastest-growing threats we're seeing. It often begins with a simple phone call or email, but is now bolstered by AI tools capable of replicating writing styles, creating realistic imagery, and cloning voices. This makes it far more difficult for individuals – and even businesses – to spot red flags. Social engineering attacks exploit human behaviour rather than technical vulnerabilities. Criminals use stolen data to craft highly convincing messages or scenarios, coaxing victims into revealing further personal information. This information is then used to commit fraud, often across multiple institutions. In many cases, a data breach will be the first step in a strategically orchestrated string of fraudulent activity. Once the necessary information has been exfiltrated, identities are synthesised, and claims are submitted using false or manipulated documentation. We are seeing a growing intolerance towards insurance fraud, which is crucial to restoring trust in the system. Where it was once seen as victimless, a low-risk, high-reward crime, there is increasing awareness of its seriousness. Submitting a false claim isn't clever – it's criminal. Community Police Forums are warning communities about the legal consequences associated with submitting false insurance claims. As insurers, we want to pay legitimate claims as quickly and efficiently as possible. But fraud complicates this. More checks mean more time, more resources, and more friction for everyone involved. Due to improving technological advancements, the insurance industry is directly affected by a growing and interconnected web of cyber and financial crime. As the world shifts towards digital and cashless transactions, we must be equally agile in how we detect, prevent, and respond to fraud. Our approach cannot be reactive or piecemeal. We need coordinated, cross-sector collaboration and continuous investment in technology. Most importantly, we must foster a culture of integrity – one where false claims are not just illegal, but socially unacceptable. As fraudsters evolve, so too must the insurance industry. By combining behavioural analysis with cutting-edge technology, and by raising awareness among policyholders, we can help safeguard South Africa's insurance industry – and the honest people it exists to protect. * Chetty is the head of business integrity at Santam. PERSONAL FINANCE
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Climate
- IOL News
Homeowners beware: how to shield your property from severe weather damage
Several roads and informal settlements were still flooded after heavy rain and wind lashed Cape Town. Image: Leon Lestrade As winter approaches, homeowners are warned to ensure that they are financially protected against the damage that can be done by severe weather systems. Last week, the South African Weather Service(SAWS) issued an advisory that said a cut-off low was expected to bring heavy rain and cold conditions for much of the country in the week. It said a cut-off low (COL) system is expected to make landfall over the western interior of South Africa. It was expected to move slowly eastwards and is likely to exit the country by the weekend. Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over the central and eastern parts of the country, with rainfall accumulations exceeding 50 mm in the eastern regions. The meteorological service warned of severe thunderstorms associated with flooding of roads and settlements, as well as damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihoods, and livestock. It added that there was also a distinct possibility of damaging hail occurring in association with the thunderstorms. Marius Kemp, the head of personal underwriting at South Africa's largest short-term insurer, Santam, says that flooding and storms can cause significant damage to your home and belongings, so it is critical to ensure you are prepared. He explains that in addition to ensuring you have sufficient cover, there are also risk mitigation steps you can take against winter-related risks to reduce damage to your home and valuables, as well as your car when driving. 'Now is the time to assess your property's vulnerability and take steps to minimise the impact of further seasonal changes and severe weather. Making these updates and adjustments now can help prevent serious damage in the long run, which may set you back financially,' Kemp said. According to Santam, the increased risk of fire in winter is borne out by insurance statistics, fire-related property insurance claims rose sharply during the colder months as people take steps to warm offices and buildings. In January, the Department of Human Settlements(DHS) told "Independent Media Property" that the housing sector is faced with the challenges of persistent rainfalls in various provinces and prevalent fires mainly within the Western Cape Province, thus increasing the demand for the human settlements emergency response. On Wednesday, DHS Minister Thembi Simelane would visit families affected by the recent mudslides because of prolonged rainfall that destroyed houses in P Section, Umlazi township. The minister will also use the day to launch the Zwelibomvu Vumazonke Rural Housing project in Ward 100, eMangangeni, under eThekwini Municipality.
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Climate
- IOL News
Homeowners beware: how to shield your property from severe weather damage
Several roads and informal settlements were still flooded after heavy rain and wind lashed Cape Town. Image: Leon Lestrade As winter approaches, homeowners are warned to ensure that they are financially protected against the damage that can be done by severe weather systems. Last week, the South African Weather Service(SAWS) issued an advisory that said a cut-off low was expected to bring heavy rain and cold conditions for much of the country in the week. It said a cut-off low (COL) system is expected to make landfall over the western interior of South Africa. It was expected to move slowly eastwards and is likely to exit the country by the weekend. Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over the central and eastern parts of the country, with rainfall accumulations exceeding 50 mm in the eastern regions. The meteorological service warned of severe thunderstorms associated with flooding of roads and settlements, as well as damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihoods, and livestock. It added that there was also a distinct possibility of damaging hail occurring in association with the thunderstorms. Marius Kemp, the head of personal underwriting at South Africa's largest short-term insurer, Santam, says that flooding and storms can cause significant damage to your home and belongings, so it is critical to ensure you are prepared. He explains that in addition to ensuring you have sufficient cover, there are also risk mitigation steps you can take against winter-related risks to reduce damage to your home and valuables, as well as your car when driving. 'Now is the time to assess your property's vulnerability and take steps to minimise the impact of further seasonal changes and severe weather. Making these updates and adjustments now can help prevent serious damage in the long run, which may set you back financially,' Kemp said. According to Santam, the increased risk of fire in winter is borne out by insurance statistics, fire-related property insurance claims rose sharply during the colder months as people take steps to warm offices and buildings. In January, the Department of Human Settlements(DHS) told "Independent Media Property" that the housing sector is faced with the challenges of persistent rainfalls in various provinces and prevalent fires mainly within the Western Cape Province, thus increasing the demand for the human settlements emergency response. On Wednesday, DHS Minister Thembi Simelane would visit families affected by the recent mudslides because of prolonged rainfall that destroyed houses in P Section, Umlazi township. The minister will also use the day to launch the Zwelibomvu Vumazonke Rural Housing project in Ward 100, eMangangeni, under eThekwini Municipality.
