earnings News

Argo Group Q1 Net Income Falls to $27 Million; Operating Income Rises

The Bermuda-based Argo Group International Holdings announced that its net income for the first quarter of 2009 was “$27.0 million or $0.88 per diluted share, which includes $11.8 million of net pre-tax realized investment losses and other than temporary impairment …

Zurich Q1 Net Income Down 75% to $362 Million

Zurich Financial Services reported that its first quarter net income decreased by 75 percent to $362 million, compared to the $1.427 billion it earned in the same quarter of 2008. Business operating profit fell by 40 percent to, $1.061 billion …

Munich Re Posts $560 Million Q1 Profit; Down 46% from Q1 2008

Munich Re announced first quarter 2009 profits of €420 million ($560 million), compared to €777 million ($1.035 billion) in the same period of 2008. However, the Group’s bulletin forecast premium increases in 2009. CFO JΓΆrg Schneider stated: “In view of …

Validus Q1 Net up 30% to $94.9 million

Bermuda-based Validus Holdings reported net income of $94.9 million, or $1.20 per diluted common share for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, compared with net income of $66.5 million, or $0.85 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended March …

Max Capital Group’s Q1 Net up 82% to $44.5 Million

The Bermuda-based Max Capital Group reported net income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 of $44.5 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, compared to net income of $7.7 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the three months …

Marsh Posts Q1 Profit As Lower Costs Offset Revenue Drop

Marsh & McLennan Cos Inc., the second-largest global insurance broker, posted a first-quarter profit on Wednesday, reversing a year-earlier loss, as lower costs helped offset a decline in revenue. Chief Executive Brian Duperreault said he expects revenue in the main …

Ratings Roundup: Harford Mutual, Hallmark, Rural Mutual, Salem

A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A-‘ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of The Harford Mutual Insurance Companies and its two P/C pool members, The Harford …

Insurance ‘Relatively Unaffected by Recession,’ Boasts Berkshire’s Buffett

Being a big insurer will cost Berkshire Hathaway Inc. dearly when severe catastrophes strike, but it is a good place to be in the midst of an economic downturn, Chairman Warren Buffett said. “We are lucky,” said Buffett, as he …

Mercury General Reports Implements Salary Freeze, 7% Workforce Reduction

Mercury General reported net income in the first quarter 2009 was $96.7 million compared with net loss of $4 million for the same period in 2008. Included in net income are net realized investment gains, net of tax, of $50.7 …

Don’t Expect Top Dollar if Your House is in Chaos

Get the Highest Bid When Selling Your Agency by Keeping Financials, Books in Order Whether one is looking to sell, buy or grow organically, the preparation and organization of an agency’s financial, book of business and corporate information as if …