Canada employment insurance november 2012

best insurance stock - Canada employment insurance november 2012, canada insurance claims 2012 : The following is the text of Canada�s employment insurance report for Nov. released by Statistics Canada. Following little change in October, the number of people receiving regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits in November edged down 4,500 (-0.8%) to 528,000.

The number of beneficiaries decreased slightly in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. At the same time, there were slight increases in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador. There was virtually no change in the other provinces.

Claims declined in November 2012
To receive EI benefits, individuals must first submit a claim. The number of claims provides an indication of the number of people who could become beneficiaries.

Nationally, the number of initial and renewal claims fell by 4,400 (-1.9%) to 226,700 in November.

There were declines in eight provinces, with the most notable percentage decreases in Alberta (-6.7%), Nova Scotia (-4.1%), Saskatchewan (-3.7%) and Ontario (-3.1%). At the same time, the number of claims rose in Manitoba (+2.9%) and Quebec (+1.4%).

Slight decrease in beneficiaries in four provinces
The number of people receiving regular benefits in November fell slightly in four provinces. In Nova Scotia, the number of beneficiaries declined 1.6%, following small decreases in the two previous months.

The number of beneficiaries fell 1.2% in British Columbia, the third consecutive monthly decline. There were also fewer people receiving regular benefits in Ontario (-1.1%) in November, following little change the month before.

In Quebec, the number of beneficiaries decreased 1.0% in November, offsetting an increase in October. There were slightly more beneficiaries in three provinces in November: Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan.

In Alberta, the number of people receiving benefits was up 1.5%, the fifth consecutive monthly increase. The number of beneficiaries edged up 1.0% in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Saskatchewan.

Note to readers
Employment Insurance (EI) regular benefits are available to eligible individuals who lose their jobs and who are available for and able to work, but can�t find a job. The change in the number of regular beneficiaries reflects various situations, including people becoming beneficiaries, people going back to work, and people exhausting their regular benefits.

All data in this release are seasonally adjusted unless otherwise specified. For more information on seasonal adjustment, see Seasonal adjustment and identifying economic trends (http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/colc-cel?catno=11-010- X201000311141&lang=fra) .

EI statistics are produced from administrative data sources provided by Service Canada and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. These statistics may, from time to time, be affected by changes to the Employment Insurance Act or administrative procedures. Recent examples are the pilot project entitled �Working While on Claim,� introduced on August 5, 2012, and the regulation on search for suitable employment, that came into effect January 6, 2013.

The number of regular beneficiaries and the number of claims received for the current and previous month are subject to revision.

The number of beneficiaries is a measure of all people who received EI benefits from November 4 to 10. This period coincides with the reference week of the Labour Force Survey (LFS).

EI statistics indicate the number of people who received EI benefits, and should not be confused with LFS data, which provide information on the total number of unemployed people.

There is always a certain proportion of unemployed people who do not qualify for benefits. Some unemployed people have not contributed to the program because they have not worked in the past 12 months or their employment is not insured. Other unemployed people have contributed to the program but do not meet the eligibility criteria, such as workers who left their job voluntarily or those who did not accumulate enough hours of work to receive benefits.

New content and historical revision on the way
Over the next few months, data on people who receive regular EI benefits will be available for the first time by occupation and detailed age group.

New seasonally adjusted data by sex, age, census metropolitan area, census agglomeration and occupation will also be available.

Seasonally adjusted series will be revised back to January 1997 to reflect the most recent seasonal factors. Geography boundaries will be updated from the 2001 to the 2006 Standard Geographical Classification, which mainly affects boundaries of census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations.

In addition, the definition of regular beneficiaries will be expanded to include those receiving regular benefits while participating in employment benefit programs, such as training. Furthermore, self-employed people receiving special benefits will be included in the special benefits category.

Indonesia best insurance companies 2012

Best Insurance stock - Indonesia best insurance companies 2012 : Investor Magazine presented awards to nine national insurance company that won the title of Best Insurance 2012, includes 4 life insurance, general insurance and one 4 reinsurance.
 In the event the award conferment Best Insurance 2012 in Ballroom, Four Season Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday (4/7) evening, Investor magazine also gave special recognition to one of the general insurance and life insurance, and the Star Award to an insurance company.

In group insurance, PT Prudential Life Assurance won the best position for the category of assets above Rp 15 trillion. In the category of assets between Rp 5 trillion to Rp 15 trillion, an award given to PT AXA Mandiri Financial Services.

 Meanwhile, PT Panin Life won the top position in the category of assets of Rp 3 trillion to Rp 5 trillion, followed by PT Life Insurance Adisarana Wanaartha who won the best position for the category of assets above Rp 1 trillion to Rp 3 trillion.

 In the general insurance group, 4 companies of the year filled with new winners. Insurance PT Sinarmas won the award for the category of assets above Rp 3 trillion. Insurance Fund PT Bina Arta Tbk successfully become the best insurance companies in the category of assets between Rp 1 trillion to Rp 3 trillion. The best position for the category of assets of Rp 500 billion and Rp 1 trillion won PT Bangun Askrida 

Insurance, General Insurance while PT Mega achieve the best position in the category of assets between Rp 250 billion to Rp 500 billion.

 Meanwhile, in the category of reinsurance, Reinsurance Indonesia Tbk PT airline again defended his performance last year as Best Reinsurance.

 To-9 insurance companies chosen as the best insurance companies in the group, respectively, after passing the preliminary selection and ranking process Investor Magazine with a ranking criteria.

 Investors also gave a special award, for life insurance based on the highest investment growth over the next five years to PT Adisarana Wanaartha Life Insurance, and a special award for general insurance underwriting by the highest growth over the next five years to PT Jaya Protection Insurance.

 This year, Star Award is given back to PT Prudential Life Assurance Life Insurance in the best position to successfully defend for 10 consecutive years.

 The ranking criteria 

Chairman of Judges Herris Simandjuntak said, referring to this year's ranking of published financial statements in 2008 to 2011. Based on these data, and then do the calculation and assessment based on agreed criteria for life insurance and general insurance.

 "Determination of the best insurance refers to the publication of the results of financial statement data are then ranked by the ranking criteria are agreed," said Herris in the event.

 The ranking this time using 14 criteria, both for general insurance, life insurance, and reinsurance. Criteria for general insurance covers, the average asset growth of 3 years (2008-2011), growth in average total investment of 3 years (2008-2011), growth equity average of 3 years (2008-2011), the growth premium immediate closure 3 years (2008-2011), the growth of net premiums an average of 3 years (2008-2011), growth in underwriting an average of 3 years (2008-2011), the growth of investment returns average of 3 years (2008-2011), net profit growth of an average of 3 years (2008-2011), the market share of net premiums in 2011, the ratio of net premiums underwriting to 2011, TATTOO (Total Asset Turn Over) 2011, ROA (return on assets) 2011, ROE (return on equity ) 2011, and RBC (risk-based capital) 2011.

 Meanwhile, the 14 criteria for general insurance, life insurance equal to a majority, except for the immediate closure criteria premium growth of 3 years (2008-2011) that specifically applies to general insurance. Then the growth of the underwriting 3 years (2008-2011) and the ratio of net underwriting the premium applicable to general insurance and reinsurance. While the criteria for 3-year growth in gross premiums written specifically apply to reinsurance.

 Not all insurance companies participate rated. There are a number of companies do not pass the initial selection based on the requirements set jury. Initial selection of covers, 2011, published financial statements have been audited, the financial statements 2011 did not get a disclaimer opinion, a minimum of 120% RBC, still in operation until the ranking is made, not in the status of PKU (restrictions on business activity) by the Ministry of Finance, not the special conditions (run off, transition, etc.), at least $ 50 billion in equity, general insurance assets in 2011 over Rp 100 billion, assets of life insurance in 2010 more than Rp 1 trillion, did not suffer losses in 2011, as well as the complete data.

 Based on the initial selection, there are 22 life insurance companies and 53 general insurance that does not pass the initial selection.

 In addition, there are three Islamic insurance companies did not participate in consideration of incompatible rated rated with non-Islamic insurance. Thus, it can be rated as many as 57 companies, each with 4 reinsurance companies, 23 general insurance and 30 life insurance.

China Life Insurance stock rating prices target by zacks

China Life Insurance stock rating prices target by zacks, China Life Insurance stock rating 2013 : China Life Insurance (NYSE: LFC) was downgraded by Zacks from a �neutral� rating to an �underperform� rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday. They currently have a $46.00 price target on the stock.

Zacks� analyst wrote, �We are downgrading our recommendation on China Life to Underperform based on the constant decline in operating cash flow, which is affecting the financials. The gradual decline in premiums and increasing competition on the domestic front are the other downsides. The company also faces substantial interest rate and currency risks, which limit the upside. China Life also reported a net loss in the third quarter, due to a surge in operating expenses, which offset the operating income increases. However, total assets and shareholders� equity improved, although cash fund deteriorated. Meanwhile, the subordinated debt issue has improved the solvency ratio. The company has a strong brand name, an extensive domestic distribution channel, strong investments and stable ratings.�

Separately, analysts at Credit Suisse downgraded shares of China Life Insurance from a �neutral� rating to an �underperform� rating in a research note to investors on Wednesday.

Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, four have given an overweight rating, fourteen have given a hold rating, and one has given a sell rating to the company�s stock. The stock currently has a consensus rating of �overweight� and an average price target of $48.66.

Shares of China Life Insurance traded up 0.24% during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $51.17. China Life Insurance has a one year low of $33.00 and a one year high of $52.72. The stock�s 50-day moving average is currently $47.73. The company has a market cap of $94.110 billion and a P/E ratio of 66.73.

China Life Insurance Company Limited is an insurance company. The Company provides a range of insurance products, including individual life insurance, group life insurance, accident insurance and health insurance products. Source www.zacks.com

Assured Guaranty insurance financial strength rating by Moody

Assured Guaranty  insurance financial strength rating by Moody, Assured insurance rating 2013 : Assured Guaranty Ltd. (AGO), the bond insurer whose biggest investor is Wilbur Ross, had its municipal bond unit downgraded by Moody�s Investors Service, which cited the industry�s �dramatic decline� since the subprime crisis.

Moody�s lowered the insurance financial strength rating of Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. two levels to A2 from Aa3, Assured Guaranty Corp. three levels to A3 from Aa3, and Assured Guaranty Re Ltd. three levels to Baa1 from A1, the debt-rating company said in a statement today.

�Assured operates in an industry that has not recovered from the financial crisis,� Moody�s said. The Bermuda-based firm �will continue to struggle in the face of declining fundamentals, including a dramatic reduction in insurance usage, modest profitability and still-meaningful legacy risk.�

Assured was the only company left insuring municipal bonds after MBIA Inc. (MBI) and Ambac Assurance Corp. had their credit ratings slashed during the crisis amid losses on guarantees of subprime-mortgage-backed debt. Since then, U.S. municipalities have grown used to borrowing without the insurance that once kept their interest rates low, before the MBIA and Ambac downgrades sent floating rates soaring in 2007 and 2008.

While Assured avoided the losses that felled its rivals, its stock plunged 90 percent from June 2007 to March 2009. Ross bought $250 million worth of shares in February 2008 and committed $750 million in capital to the firm. The billionaire�s WL Ross & Co. now owns a 10.2 percent stake. Though the shares recovered later in 2009, they are little changed from their value in June of that year.

In 2011, 5.2 percent of the $290 billion of municipal debt sold in the U.S. was insured, all by Assured, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The protection once covered half the bonds offered by U.S. states and local governments.

Moody�s put the units of Assured Guaranty under review on March 20. Profitability over five and 10 years has �weakened notably,� lagging that of other specialty insurers, and will remain under pressure from low sales, Moody�s said today.

While Assured has modest debt, it may have �constrained� ability to access funds �on a cost-effective basis� if needed, said the Moody�s analysts, led by James Eck and Stanislas Rouyer.

Chubb Shares forecast 2013

best insurance stock - Chubb Shares forecast 2013, Chubb insurance plans 2013, Chubb's underwriting income :  Shares of Chubb closed at $77.97 Monday, trading for 12.5 times the consensus 2013 earnings per share estimate of $6.25. The consensus 2014 earnings per share estimate is $6.64. The shares returned 11 percent during 2012. Based on a quarterly payout of 41 cents, the shares have a dividend yield of 1.64 percent.

Chubb plans to announce its fourth-quarter results on Jan. 31, after the market close. The company on Dec. 11 announced that it had estimated that its losses from Hurricane Sandy would be $880 million, or $570 million after taxes. The losses are expected to lower the company's earnings by $2.14 a share.

When announcing the loss estimate, Chubb said it was suspending its share buyback program, but that it expected repurchases to resume, although it no longer expected "to complete repurchases under its current $1.2 billion authorization by the end of January 2013 as previously contemplated." The company also expects to announce an additional buyback program after it announces its fourth-quarter results.

For the first three quarters of 2012, Chubb's underwriting income totaled $880 million. During 2011, underwriting income totaled $574 million.

The consensus estimate for the fourth quarter is for the company to report a net loss of 45 cents a share, compared to earnings per share of $1.98 in the third quarter and $1.63 in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Travelers insurance stock outlook 2013

Travelers insurance stock forecast 2013 : Shares of The Travelers Companies closed at $74.95 Monday, trading for 10.9 times the consensus 2013 earnings per share estimate of $6.85. The consensus 2014 earnings per share estimate is $7.06. The shares returned 25 percent during 2012.

Based on a quarterly payout of 46 cents, the shares have a dividend yield of 2.45 percent.

Travelers on Dec. 5 announced that its preliminary estimate of losses related to Sandy was $1.135 billion, net of reinsurance. The after-tax loss estimate was $650 million. The company is scheduled announce its fourth-quarter results on Jan. 22, with a consensus earnings estimate of seven cents a share, compared to earnings per share of $2.22 during the third quarter, and $1.48 during the fourth quarter of 2011.

The company on Dec. 5 also said it intended to resume repurchasing common shares, which it had suspended temporarily after Sandy hit. For the first three quarters of 2012, Travelers reported an underwriting profit of $845 million. For 2011, the company reported an underwriting loss of $745 million.

Loss From Sandy
Catastrophe related losses account for about 10% of Travelers total claims and expenses. In 2011, natural disasters like Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, led to catastrophe related losses of around $1 billion. The operating margin for the business insurance division fell from 17% in 2010 to 12% in 2011, while the operating margin for personal insurance fell from 6% to a 4% loss.

The business insurance division reported catastrophe losses of $360 million for the first nine months of the calendar year. Given the estimate provided by the company, we expect an operating margin of around 15% for the fiscal year.

he catastrophe related losses reported by the personal insurance division through the first nine months of 2012 totaled $450 million. We expect an operating margin around 6% for the fiscal year. For a detailed analysis of the operating margins and the affect of Superstorm Sandy,

Revenue Growth
To mitigate the effects of the losses incurred by Travelers due to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, the company had to undertake several pricing initiatives. Insurance rates increased by almost 8% through the first nine months of 2012, but the company was still able to maintain high retention rates, close to 80% in the business insurance division. This allowed a 3% growth in business insurance premiums. Given the company�s historical performance, we expect it to maintain premium growth. However, there are more than 2,500 property and casualty insurers in the U.S. and the highly competitive nature of the market will lead to a slight decline in Travelers� market share in the coming years.

Importance Of Investments
Although Travelers earns just 12% of its revenues from returns on investments, it is important for the company to invest premiums earned. Looking at the 2011 figures, we can see that Travelers earned about $22 billion in premiums and had to pay around $24 billion in claims. The $3 billion it earned from investment income allowed the company to maintain a profit for the year.

Most of Travelers investments are in fixed maturity securities like government bonds, which account for 85% of the net investment income with a yield of around 4%. However as the Fed has stated that interest rates will be kept low for the next few years, we expect a slight decline in yield in the coming years, with a recovery coinciding with an improvement in macro-economic conditions.

Allstate Stock outlook 2013-2014

best insurance stock - Allstate insurance Stock outlook 2013-2014, Allstate stock performance 2013 ; Shares of Allstate closed at $42.93 Monday, trading for 9.5 times the consensus 2013 earnings per share estimate of $4.53. The consensus 2014 EPS estimate is $4.88.

The shares returned 50 percent during 2012.Based on a quarterly payout of 22 cents, the shares have a dividend yield of 2.05 percent.

Allstate announced on Nov. 28 estimated that its losses for October, net of reinsurance, totaled $1.1 billion before taxes. The company said that "autos represent approximately 40 percent of the total gross losses, with 78 percent in New York, 19 percent in New Jersey and 3 percent in other states."

For its property-liability unit, Allstate reported underwriting income of $1.316 billion for the first three quarters of 2012. During 2011, the unit had an underwriting loss of $874 million.

The company will announce its fourth-quarter results on Feb. 7, with analysts expecting a loss of 7 cents a share, compared to a profit of $1.46 a share the previous quarter, and earnings per share of $1.48 during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Allstate on Dec. 17 announced that its board of directors had "approved a share repurchase program of up to $1 billion to be funded by issuing a like amount of subordinated debentures," after its previous buyback program was completed.

Following the company's announcement, Credit Suisse analyst Michael Zaremski reiterated his "outperform" rating for Allstate, with a $42 price target, saying he expected the company's board of directors to approve an additional $1 billion worth of stock (equal to 5 percent of shares outstanding at today's stock price [on Dec. 1]) via the issuance of a like amount of hybrid debt." Zaremski estimates that Allstate will earn $4.35 a share in 2013 with earnings per share rising to $4.72 in 2014.

Allstate earnings per share outlook 2013-2014, Allstate EPS 2013, Allstate earnings estimate 2013, Allstate stock prices 2013