who wants to be average

Guided by Ambition 2018

In 2014 we set an ambition for 2018 to be the best insurer in the world and a powerful force for social good.

This vision was created to develop stretch targets and ambitious goals for Discovery people. We continue to progress our own goals, and remain focussed on driving our strategy forward towards medium and long-term value creation. The plan is ambitious, but we are on track. Here is a breakdown of our progress at the end of 2016.

ambition

"Achieving our ambition will require each person in Discovery to take on a pioneer mentality, adopt focus, urgency and innovation in their area."

Adrian Gore

Objective

Scale and relevance

  • R10 billion in pre-tax earnings
    Be the top-two provider in the markets where we operate
2016 Progress

R6.4 billion

  • All businesses are on track to be a top-two provider
Objective

Business model

  • A unique business model delivering superior actuarial dynamics and a winning client position
2016 Progress

  • Lower mortality and morbidity rates
  • Lower lapse rates
  • Better selection
Objective

Financial excellence

  • 20% to 25% growth in operating earnings
    Return on capital of risk-free +10%
2016 Progress

  • 17% five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in operating earnings
  • Return on capital of 13% versus 17.5% in the prior year. The calendar year was impacted by the additional shares issued following the rights issue in April 2015
Objective

Social impact

  • Reach 15 million members and make them healthier
2016 Progress

6.9 million

  • lives impacted
Objective

Global positioning

  • International markets must contribute significantly to earnings (25% of total) and to the client footprint of the Group
2016 Progress

  • While not profitable yet, major investments in building The Global Vitality Network and a streamlined product offering for our Partner Markets have significantly boosted Discovery’s international position, profitability potential and client reach
Objective

Exceptional people

  • Recognition as employer of choice for all critical skills
2016 Progress
  • Significant work has been done during the year to improve our employer value proposition
  • Investment is made in strategies to attract and retain talent
  • Discovery was announced as winner in two categories in the 2016 South African Graduate Employers Association Awards
ambition

Working towards the impossible feels like you are being drawn towards your goal, not pushed towards it.

Although we are heading towards our goal, now is the time to push even further to ensure that our ambition becomes a reality.

Focussing on social impact, scale and relevance and financial excellence, driven by extraordinary people, will see us defy gravity and leave our targets far behind.

Defy gravity

Discovery's core purpose is to make people healthier and enhance and protect their lives through the provision of quality healthcare, financial services and life insurance that generate real value.
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