29 Feb 2008 13:07
Kiln Ltd29 February 2008 Kiln Ltd R J Kiln & Co Limited syndicate results and updated forecasts R J Kiln & Co Limited, the Lloyd's managing agency wholly owned by Kiln Ltd, hastoday released the final result for its managed syndicates for the 2005 year ofaccount, updated forecasts for the 2006 year of account and initial forecastsfor the 2007 year of account. The previous forecasts, which were announced originally in November 2007, havebeen rebased to the same exchange rate (US$1.99 and C$1.96 respectively). 2005 account results Previous forecastSyndicate Capacity Result (% of capacity) as at September 2007 £m % % Syndicate 510 545 0.3 (5.8) to (0.8) Syndicate 557 48 (13.9) (16.4) to (11.4) Syndicate 807 99 (2.0) (7.3) to (2.3) Syndicate 308 9 18.0 14.2 to 19.2 The 2005 year of account has closed ahead of our expectations, as set out in ourNovember 2007 estimates in respect of all four Kiln syndicates. In spite of 2005being the most expensive year for catastrophes on record, Kiln's flagshipSyndicate 510 has delivered a small profit on the year. The result for Syndicate557 is in line with recent forecasts and Syndicates 807 and 308 are at the highend of forecasts, with Life Syndicate 308 delivering an 18% profit on capacity. 2006 year of account forecasts Syndicate Capacity 2006 year of account Previous forecast forecast range as at September 2007 £m % % Syndicate 510 625 12.0 to 17.0 13.3 to 18.3 Syndicate 557 54 21.3 to 26.3 19.3 to 24.3 Syndicate 807 110 10.5 to 15.5 10.5 to 15.5 Syndicate 308 13 6.2 to 11.2 3.9 to 8.9 The 2006 year of account continues to develop extremely well and is now oncourse to produce a good return for all managed syndicates. 2007 year of account forecasts Syndicate Capacity 2007 year of account forecast range £m % Syndicate 510 734 3.7 to 13.7 Syndicate 557 120 4.9 to 14.9 Syndicate 807 120 7.9 to 17.9 Syndicate 308 15 0.2 to 10.2 Our initial forecasts for the 2007 year of account reflect the fact that,although it was a relatively benign underwriting year in terms of UScatastrophes, there were considerable weather-related losses around the world,particularly in the United Kingdom. In light of the large amounts of premium yetto be earned for the year, these figures should be regarded as preliminary onlyand are subject to no significant catastrophes or other adverse developmentsoccurring in the future which may have a detrimental effect on the Kilnportfolio. The forecasts set out above take into account all managing agency and Lloyd'scharges. The current forecasts are expressed at 31 December 2007 exchange rates.The previous forecasts, which were announced originally in November 2007, havebeen rebased to the same exchange rate (US$1.99 and C$1.96 respectively). R J Kiln & Co Limited Chief Executive, Charles Franks, commented: "I am delighted to report another strong performance by Kiln syndicates. Inparticular, for Syndicate 510 to deliver a profit for the 2005 year of accountis an excellent achievement and is a result of high quality, disciplinedunderwriting by the Kiln teams." 29 February 2008 Enquiries: Kiln 020 7886 9000Charles Franks, chief executive officerKate Rogers, group head of communications College Hill 020 7457 2020Tony FriendRoddy Watt Notes to Editors The Kiln Group Kiln is an international insurance and reinsurance underwriting group with aportfolio of specialist risks. Since 1962, it has built its business on thestrength of its underwriting and its relationships. R J Kiln & Co Limited has four syndicates at Lloyd's and, in terms of capacity,is one of the largest agencies trading in the Lloyd's insurance market. Inaddition to Bermuda and the UK, Kiln has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, SouthAfrica and Belgium. A recognised leader in each of the five main business areas in which itoperates: reinsurance, accident and health, aviation, marine and special risks,and property, Kiln syndicates enjoy a security rating of 'A+' (Strong) assignedto Lloyd's by Standard and Poor's. Further information is available at www.kilngroup.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange