PPS delivers second consecutive record-breaking year, allocating R6.88 billion to members in 2025

Johannesburg – The Professional Provident Society (PPS) has reported another landmark financial year, delivering a second consecutive record in value creation for its members for the year ended 31 December 2025. The organisation allocated a record R6.88 billion in Profit-Share to eligible members, surpassing the previous year’s R5.33 billion and reinforcing its position as one of South Africa’s leading mutual financial services organisations.

The latest results highlight the strength of PPS’s mutual model, where value is returned directly to members rather than external shareholders. According to the group, this performance reflects disciplined investment management, resilient business operations, and continued growth across its diversified financial services portfolio.

A standout feature of the 2025 results was the R2.05 billion paid to members exiting the life-risk phase, demonstrating tangible long-term wealth creation for professionals who remain invested throughout their working lives. Over the past decade, PPS has now allocated R35.29 billion to members’ Profit-Share Accounts, underscoring sustained value delivery.

Group Chief Executive Officer Izak Smit said the results reaffirm PPS’s member-first philosophy. “For some members, their 2025 Profit-Share allocation will exceed their total premiums paid. This is a clear demonstration of mutuality in action and our commitment to sharing in the success we create together,” he said.

The R6.88 billion allocation was driven by R1.32 billion in operating profit and a strong R5.56 billion contribution from investment returns, reflecting robust portfolio performance despite global market volatility and a challenging economic environment.

Total benefits paid to members also reached a new high of R6.67 billion, equating to approximately R26.7 million paid out every working day. This includes life cover, disability, critical illness, and sickness claims, highlighting PPS’s role as a financial safety net for professional members and their families.

Across its South African operations, PPS Life Solutions reported R6.89 billion in gross earned premium revenue, while lapses remained low at 4.6%, indicating strong member retention. Claims paid increased by 16.2%, largely driven by higher death and life cover claims.

PPS Investments continued its strong performance trajectory, introducing personalised portfolio solutions including retirement income strategies and Shari’ah-compliant investment options. Assets under management grew by 16.2% to R112.1 billion, supported by inflows of R11.5 billion and strong market performance.

The group’s short-term insurance and healthcare indemnity businesses also delivered strong results, with combined gross written premiums rising 22.7% to R517.3 million, supported by disciplined underwriting and growing demand.

International operations added further momentum. PPS Insurance Namibia reported increased premiums and higher member returns, while PPS Mutual Australia strengthened its position among the top life insurers for new inflows. The newly launched PPS Mutual New Zealand is also gaining early traction, signalling continued global expansion.

Looking ahead, PPS says it remains committed to sustainable, long-term value creation as it prepares to celebrate its 85th anniversary in 2026. The group emphasised its ongoing focus on innovation, member wellbeing, and expanding mutuality-driven benefits across new markets.

“As we celebrate this milestone, our purpose remains unchanged – to help our members live the lives they want to live in a world worth living in,” Smit concluded.