21st Century Insurance Posts Quarterly Profit

NU Online News Service, April 26, 10:32 a.m.EDT?The Woodland Hills, Calif.-based 21st CenturyInsurance Group reported a first-quarter return to profitabilitywith net income of $19.8 million, in contrast to a net loss of $6.7million for the period in 2003.[@@]

The company also reported that in its core personal-autolines:

? Direct premiums written rose 16 percent to $340.6 million inthe first quarter, up from $293.6 million reported one yearearlier.

? The combined ratio for personal-auto lines improved to 96.6 inthe quarter, compared with 97 percent reported one year ago.

? Underwriting profit increased 35 percent to $10.8 million,compared with $8 million reported one year earlier.

The company also said cash flow from its operations rose 48.5percent to $57.6 million, compared with $38.8 million reported ayear earlier. This resulted in an overall increase in total assetsto $1.798 billion for the first quarter, the company said, up from$1.738 billion reported at the end of 2003.

"We're achieving a strong balance of growth and improvedprofitability," said the company's chief executive, Bruce Marlow,commenting on the first-quarter results.

Founded in 1958, 21st Century provides personal automobileinsurance to customers in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon andWashington. The New York-based American International Group ownssome 60 percent of the company.