Profit at Insurer Safeco Zooms on Higher Premiums

April 21, 2004

Safeco Corp. said April 20 that its first-quarter profit more than doubled from a year ago, as premiums rose in its property-casualty insurance operations.

The Seattle-based insurer reported net income of $236.2 million, or $1.69 a share, for the latest period, compared with $90 million, or 65 cents a share, a year earlier.

Operating earnings from continuing operations were $157.8 million, or $1.13 a share, in the first quarter, up from $74 million, or 53 cents a share, a year ago.

Wall Street analysts had expected the company to post earnings, excluding items, of 84 cents a share according to Thomson First Call.

The company reached an agreement last month to sell its Life & Investments business and is now reporting that business as discontinued operations.

Revenue for the latest quarter rose to $1.5 billion from $1.3 billion.

Net written premiums in Safeco’s property-casualty operations rose to $1.4 billion from $1.2 billion.

Net earned premiums increased to $1.3 billion from $1.2 billion.

Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Carriers Profit Loss

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Latest Comments

  • April 23, 2004 at 1:53 am
    Theresa says:
    I agree with Wally....Safeco has one of the best E&O coverage for insurance agents and you be assured they are in it for the long haul. This particular program just celebrate... read more
  • April 23, 2004 at 10:05 am
    Wally says:
    It's all about profit and production. As long as these companies are able to make a profit it allows the independent agency system more markets to choose from. Way to go Saf... read more
  • April 22, 2004 at 5:03 am
    Mark Miller says:
    Their rating system in Texas is a rip off of Allstate's SRM.

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