HANOVER, Germany (Reuters) - Hannover Re , the world's third-largest reinsurer, beat analyst expectations for its 2012 net income and dividend on Thursday, helped by moderate damage claims and surging investment income.

Net income in 2012 rose 42 percent to 858.3 million euros, the highest level in the company's 46-year history, Hannover Re said. That topped an average of 836 million euros from a Reuters poll of 14 analysts.

Hannover Re said it would pay a dividend of 2.60 euros per share for 2012 plus a bonus of 0.40 euros per share, pipping the 2.95 euro dividend forecast by analysts.

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