PartnerRe Ltd. Provides Preliminary Outlook on Third Quarter 2008 Results
10 October 2008 - 11:39PM
PR Newswire (US)
PEMBROKE, Bermuda, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PartnerRe Ltd.
(NYSE: PRE) (the Company) today announced preliminary estimates of
Non-Life combined ratios and shareholders' equity for the three and
nine months ending September 30, 2008. The Non-Life combined ratio
is estimated to be approximately 95%-96% for the three months ended
September 30, 2008 and 91%-92% for the nine months ended September
30, 2008. Shareholders' equity is estimated at approximately
$4.0-$4.1 billion at September 30, 2008 and common shareholders'
equity is estimated in the range of $3.5-$3.6 billion. PartnerRe
President & CEO Patrick Thiele said, "In advance of the start
of the January 2009 renewal season, we are releasing these numbers
early to demonstrate that our integrated approach to risk
management has worked in the most tumultuous period in recent
times. Despite being impacted by one of the worst hurricanes in
history, we were able to maintain underwriting profitability in the
quarter and year-to-date. And despite the dramatic decline of the
global stock markets, the collapse of a number of major financial
institutions, extreme volatility in foreign exchange rates, and a
significant increase in credit spreads which lead to 'mark to
market' declines in our fixed income investment holdings, our
capital and reserve positions remain on a par with levels at
September 30, 2007, even after share repurchases and dividends."
"With this financial strength and stability in hand, we are
prepared to offer continuity of capacity to our clients -- assuming
appropriate risk-adjusted rates and terms and conditions -- as they
deal with this new, more risky environment," Mr. Thiele said.
"PartnerRe has the risk appetite and the capital to respond to the
likely increasing demand for reinsurance." PartnerRe Ltd. expects
to release its third quarter results following the market close on
October 22, 2008 with a subsequent dial-in analyst conference call
on October 23, 2008 at 10 a.m. Eastern. PartnerRe Ltd. is a leading
global reinsurer, providing multi-line reinsurance to insurance
companies. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, also
offers alternative risk products that include weather and credit
protection to financial, industrial and service companies. Risks
reinsured include property, casualty, motor, agriculture,
aviation/space, catastrophe, credit/surety, engineering, energy,
marine, specialty property, specialty casualty, multiline and other
lines, life/annuity and health, and alternative risk products. For
the year ended December 31, 2007, total revenues were $4.2 billion.
At June 30, 2008, total assets were $17.2 billion, total capital
was $5.3 billion and total shareholders' equity was $4.4 billion.
PartnerRe on the Internet: http:///www.partnerre.com
Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are
based on the Company's assumptions and expectations concerning
future events and financial performance and are made pursuant to
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to significant
business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those
reflected in the forward-looking statements. PartnerRe's
forward-looking statements could be affected by numerous
foreseeable and unforeseeable events and developments such as
exposure to catastrophe, or other large property and casualty
losses, adequacy of reserves, risks associated with implementing
business strategies, levels and pricing of new and renewal business
achieved, credit, interest, currency and other risks associated
with the Company's investment portfolio, changes in accounting
policies, and other factors identified in the Company's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In light of the
significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking
information contained herein, readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the dates on which they are made. The Company disclaims
any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
information or statements. Contacts: PartnerRe Ltd. Sard Verbinnen
& Co (441) 292-0888 (212) 687-8080 Investor Contact: Robin
Sidders Drew Brown/Jane Simmons Media Contact: Celia Powell
DATASOURCE: PartnerRe Ltd. CONTACT: Investors, Robin Sidders, or
Media, Celia Powell, both of PartnerRe Ltd., +1-441-292-0888; or
Drew Brown, or Jane Simmons, both of Sard Verbinnen & Co,
+1-212-687-8080 Web Site: http://www.partnerre.com/
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