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The North America Insurance Sectors : A Company and Industry Analysis (June 2003)
Mergent, June 2003, Pages: 28
Current Environment - Key Points
- In line with the sputtering economy and weak equity markets, the rate of return in the US insurance market is still very low
- Fitch Ratings Insurance Group downgraded 35 life insurance companies due to poor financial returns
Despite the downgrade, most major companies in the US still managed to increase their profits
- There have been fewer mergers and acquisitions in the industry since 1998
But a significant increase in M&A is expected as companies seek to reduce expenses, conserve capital and strengthen their positions
- The Canadian economy has posted strong growth; this has been reflected in the insurance industry's performance
- Although Canadian insurance shares were down, most major insurance companies had higher revenues in 2002 than in 2001
Industry Profile - Key Points - In the US, the insurance industry accounts for a large portion of the nation's economic activity and is growing significantly
- The sector is tightly regulated, with new laws regularly enacted to protect consumers and to adjust to new circumstances such as the heightened world risk of terrorist attack
- All direct commercial property and casualty (P&C) insurance companies must comply with the new Terrorist Risk Insurance Act and make terrorism coverage available in all their participating lines
- Canada's insurance industry plays a major role in the country's economy and is an important source of capital
- Canada's P&C market has attracted substantial competition from foreign companies
Market Trends and Outlook - Key Points - The terrorist attacks in the US in 2001 cost insurance companies billions, which they are trying to recover through higher premiums and reduced coverage
- Health care premiums will continue to rise due to the increased cost and consumption of pharmaceuticals
- The Iraq war and the SARS outbreak have created a high demand for life insurance
Most insurers have excluded SARS coverage and withdrawn cover from travel to countries affected by the SARS virus
- The North American insurance industry is expected to continue to show strong growth through 2003, with premium rates strengthening both domestically and internationally
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