Arig records 1q profit backed by strong reinsurance performance

Published May 14th, 2009 - 07:47 GMT

Following a full-year loss in 2008, Arig returned to profitability posting a 1st Quarter Net Profit of US$ 1.5 million (1Q 2008: US$ 3.0 million) backed by strong Technical Result of US$ 8.6 million (1Q 2008: US$ 3.3 million) across its reinsurance portfolio. Investment returns remained flat with a marginal deficit of US$ 0.3 million reflecting current financial market conditions.

 

Gross Written Premium was down by 14% due to lower trading volumes in the cyclical Engineering and Marine lines as well as the selective acceptance policy exercised by the Company. The Group’s reinsurance portfolio reached US$ 111.8 million for the quarter.

 

All Life and Non-life classes produced a robust combined ratio of 93.8% (1st Quarter 2008: 101.3%) based on Net Earned Premiums.

 

Shareholders’ Equity increased to US$ 241.0 million on 31 March 2009 (December 2008: US$ 239.6 million). Book value per share stood at US$ 1.14 on 31 March 2009 (December 2008: US$ 1.13).

 

 

 

Financial Highlights as at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />31 March 2009

 

 

(US$’000)

 

31 March

Year
2008

2009

2008

Gross premium written

111,812

130,730

280,694

Technical Result

8,576

3,297

9,585

Underwriting result

3,678

994

(15,867)

Investment income

(273)

3,193

(26,129)

Operating expenses

8,472

8,180

32,394

Net profit

1,487

2,956

(28,568)

 

 

 

 

Investment assets

647,637

714,339

678,507

Net technical provisions

581,248

536,311

524,735

Shareholders’ equity

241,049

281,873

239,579

Total assets

1,111,059

1,142,800

1,079,761

Book value per share (US$)

1.14

1.33

1.13