Max Capital Group Ltd., formerly Max Re Capital Ltd., reported a 6 percent increase in first-quarter net income.

The Bermuda-based primary and secondary insurer reported first-quarter net income of $80 million, or $1.24 per share, compared with $75.3 million, $1.19 per share, for the same period last year.

Gross written premiums for the quarter were $213.6 million, compared with $255.9 million for the same period last year.

Net premiums for the quarter were $139 million, compared with $159 million for the comparable year-ago period. The decrease reflected an increased use of reinsurance, the company said.

Net investment income for the quarter increased to $42 million from $34 million for the same period in 2006.

The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $.07 per share payable on May 31.

Max Capital Group Ltd. assumed its new name last Friday when it was known as Max Re Capital Ltd.

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