Beazley PLC (LON:BEZ) said it expects to report 2017 pre-tax profit ahead of current market expectations, despite the insurance sector having faced hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfire bills of over US$135bn in the year.
In a brief post-close season trading update, the Lloyd's of London insurer said it anticipates that the group will report a combined ratio of 99% for the year ended 31 December 2017.
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In addition, the FTSE 250-listed company said it expects to report an investment return of 2.9% for the year on average invested assets of US$4.8bn.
Beazley also noted a reduction of approximately US$5mln in the value of its US deferred tax asset following the reduction in the US corporation tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The group plans to announce its 2017 full year results on 8 February 2018.