Discovery's Quality Clients

Discovery is a company which attracts a lot of attention. It started out as just medical aid business, and then it morphed into life insurance, investments and short-term insurance and most lately, banking. Of course, it's gone global too.

Its high rates of growth and ambition have always afforded it a premium reputation and a high share price compared to its peer group. Its dynamic leadership is always out in the public eye, boosting its prospects. Its technology smarts maintains margins and sells new customers.

I'm a Discovery believer, and a customer of all of its business divisions (other than its investment unit which sells products that are too expensive and for people who can't be bothered to own stocks themselves).



This review by my friend Tim Cohen of the Business Maverick is a good read. Here are the two opening paragraphs to whet your appetite.

The healthcare, life insurance, banking, financial services and general all-round innovation group is heading for what could easily turn out to be the worst year in its history from a share-price point of view. It's currently down 24% this year, which puts it in the JSE Alsi-40 dogbox along with Sasol, Shoprite and Mr Price.

For Discovery, of all companies, to be in this position is remarkable. Arguably, the company is in full flight, doing what it has always done, branching out into new businesses with its normal high energy, astounding shareholders and customers with its creativity, grand savvy and ingenuity.

Click over to read it all. Reading Tim's prose is always a pleasure - Why Discovery needs to become boring