Munich Re says profits quadrupled in 2012
Market watch top headlines
Australian reports
- Aust markets: Market sharply down at noon
- Aust dollar report: $A dives after Fed comments, Chinese data
- Aust credit close: Aust bonds weaken on US Fed stance
World reports
- World commodities: Commodities markets summary
- World markets: International markets roundup
FRANKFURT, Feb 5 AFP
February 05 2013, 6:40PM
Munich Re, the world's biggest reinsurer, says its profit increased more than four fold in 2012 on lower losses from natural catastrophes.
Munich Re said in a statement on Tuesday it booked net profit of 3.2 billion euros ($A4.18 billion) in 2012, compared with 0.71 billion euros a year earlier.
Operating profit also more than quadrupled, soaring to 5.4 billion euros in 2012 from 1.2 billion euros in 2011 and gross premium income was up 5.1 per cent at 52 billion euros, the statement said.
"This very pleasing profit is founded on our rigorous risk management, disciplined underwriting policy and the realisation of profitable business opportunities," said chief financial officer Joerg Schneider.
"Our core business in insurance and reinsurance is healthy, while the claims burden from major losses was slightly below average. We also achieved a good investment result," Schneider said.
He said the dividend would be "substantially increased" to seven euros a share for 2012 from 6.25 euros a year earlier.
