• Assurant Finalizes Comprehensive 2011 Property Catastrophe Reinsurance Program

    Jun 20, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, June 20, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialized insurance and insurance-related products and services, today announced that it has finalized the structure of its 2011 Property Catastrophe Reinsurance (CAT) Program. "Assurant successfully placed the 2011 CAT Reinsurance Program, which provides comprehensive protection from catastrophic storm activity to our clients and shareholders," said Gene Mergelmeyer, president and CEO of Assurant Specialty Property.  "Using a disciplined risk management approach to structure the program, we were pleased that we were able to expand the coverage to recognize the growth in our catastrophe exposure." Multiple factors are considered in evaluating the estimated loss potential from various perils, including the cost efficiency of the reinsurance coverage purchased and the credit quality, financial strength and claims paying ability of the reinsurers in the program. Assurant placed its CAT program in January
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  • Assurant Announces Appointment of Paul J. Reilly to Board of Directors

    Jun 14, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, June 14, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, announces the appointment of Paul J. Reilly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Arrow Electronics, Inc. to its Board of Directors, effective June 15, 2011. "Paul Reilly is a seasoned financial executive with first-hand understanding of operating in the global marketplace," says Robert B. Pollock, Assurant's president and chief executive officer. "His 20 years at Arrow Electronics and prior role at KPMG Peat Marwick combine to offer the Board diverse perspective and additional risk management expertise." Reilly, 54, is a resident of Garden City, N.Y. and earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from St. John's University. Assurant is a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and select worldwide markets. Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P
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  • Assurant Foundation Contributes $50,000 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief Efforts

    Jun 6, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, June 6, 2011 - The Assurant Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Assurant, Inc., announced today that it will donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist residents of the communities in Alabama, Massachusetts and Missouri and other states devastated by tornadoes in recent weeks. "This donation reflects Assurant and its employees' long-standing commitment to the communities we live in and serve," said Robert B. Pollock, president and chief executive officer of Assurant. "It is our hope that this donation will provide much needed humanitarian relief to the people affected by the storms and help them as they work to rebuild their communities." For more than three decades, the Assurant Foundation has provided financial assistance to charitable organizations to help improve the quality of life for people through better education, health, nutrition and housing.  In recent years, those efforts have helped provide assistance to those affected by earthquakes in Haiti and
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  • Assurant Board of Directors Approves Eighth Dividend Increase

    May 13, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, May 13, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, announces that its board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $.18 per share of common stock. This represents a 13 percent increase above the quarterly dividend of $.16 per share, declared on Jan. 14, 2011. The dividend will be payable on June 7, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 23, 2011. "We are pleased to announce the eighth dividend increase since Assurant went public in 2004 and reaffirm our commitment to create value for Assurant shareholders," said Robert B. Pollock, Assurant's president and CEO. "Our disciplined capital management strategy offers us the financial flexibility to reinvest and grow our business even as we repurchase shares and pay dividends to our shareholders." Future dividend declarations will be made at the discretion of the Assurant board of directors and will be
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  • Assurant Reports First Quarter 2011 Financial Results

    Apr 27, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, April 27, 2011 -- Assurant, Inc., a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011.
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  • Assurant to Announce 2011 First Quarter Results

    Apr 4, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    News Release on April 27, 2011 and Live Audio Webcast on April 28, 2011 NEW YORK, April 4, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, will release 2011 first quarter results on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, after the market closes, with the news release available on Assurant's website at www.assurant.com . In conjunction with the earnings release, Assurant will host a conference call the next morning, Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. ET that is expected to last one hour. The call will be made available to the public via live audio webcast. Robert B. Pollock, president and chief executive officer; Michael J. Peninger, executive vice president and chief financial officer; Christopher J. Pagano, executive vice president, treasurer and chief investment officer; and Melissa Kivett, senior vice president, investor relations, will review 2011 first quarter results during the call. The live audio
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  • Assurant to Host Investor Day on Tuesday, March 29, 2011

    Mar 16, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, March 16, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, will host an Investor Day in New York City on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, beginning at 9 am ET. Assurant will host an invited audience of institutional investors and financial analysts and also will webcast the event. Members of Assurant's executive management team will discuss the company's long-term strategy for growth, operational improvement initiatives, and macroeconomic trends affecting the businesses. Speakers will include: Robert B. Pollock, president and chief executive officer; Michael J. Peninger, executive vice president and chief financial officer; Christopher J. Pagano, executive vice president, treasurer and chief investment officer; Melissa Kivett, senior vice president, investor relations; Gene E. Mergelmeyer, president and chief executive officer, Assurant Specialty Property; John S. Roberts, president and chief
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  • Assurant Foundation Contributes $50,000 to American Red Cross Japan Relief Efforts

    Mar 16, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, March 16, 2011 - The Assurant Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Assurant, Inc., announced today that it will donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Disaster Relief Efforts to help provide medical care and humanitarian relief to the people of Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. "Assurant and its employees have a strong tradition of helping those in need, which reflects our long-standing value and commitment to community outreach," said Robert B. Pollock, president and chief executive officer of Assurant. "It is our hope that this donation along with support from around the world will help those affected by the tragedy move toward recovery." For more than three decades, the Assurant Foundation has provided financial assistance to charitable organizations to help improve the quality of life for people through better education, health, nutrition and housing. In recent years, those efforts have helped provide assistance
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  • Assurant Announces Board Retirements

    Mar 14, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, March 14, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, announces that long-serving directors Beth L. Bronner, Allen R. Freedman and Dr. John M. Palms will retire from its Board of Directors effective at the conclusion of the company's annual meeting on May 12, 2011. "Our employees and our Board join me in expressing our gratitude for the dedicated service Beth, Allen and John have provided to Assurant over the years," said Robert B. Pollock, president and chief executive officer of Assurant. "Their insights and unwavering commitment combine to represent 70 years of Board service to our shareholders and our company." Ms. Bronner joined the Assurant Board in 1994 and has headed its compensation committee since 2006. Mr. Freedman initiated and supervised most aspects of the company's U.S. operations beginning in 1978 and served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman until 2000. Dr. Palms
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  • Alan Colberg Joins Assurant Executive Team

    Feb 14, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, announces the appointment of Alan Colberg to the newly created position of executive vice president, marketing and business development, reporting to president and CEO Robert B. Pollock, effective March 28, 2011. "Growth is a key priority for Assurant and Alan Colberg's business development capabilities, vast market knowledge and intimate understanding of our specialty strategy make him a strong addition to our leadership team," said Robert B. Pollock, president and chief executive officer of Assurant. "Alan's business acumen as a top-advisor to leading global companies, including Assurant, will allow us to accelerate opportunities to enhance strategic adjacencies and expand revenue streams." In this new corporate post, Colberg will be responsible for fully integrating Assurant's strategy with business-level innovation and growth
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  • Assurant Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2010 Financial Results

    Feb 2, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    4Q 2010 Net Operating Income of $115.8 million, $1.08 per diluted share Full-Year 2010 Net Operating Income of $560.1 million, $5.02 per diluted share 4Q 2010 Net Loss of $184.4 million, ($1.74) per diluted share Full-Year 2010 Net Income of $279.2 million, $2.50 per diluted share NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, today reported results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2010. "During 2010, we demonstrated our ability to adapt to changes affecting our business while delivering solid results to our shareholders," said Robert B. Pollock, president and CEO of Assurant. "We continued to improve operational efficiency and to demonstrate prudent management of our capital. At the same time, we were able to develop revenue opportunities that we can build upon in 2011." Fourth Quarter 2010 Results Net operating income1 for the fourth quarter 2010 increased
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  • Assurant Increases Share Repurchase Program Authorization

    Jan 18, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, announces that the Company's board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $600 million of its common stock. This is in addition to approximately $206 million remaining as of Jan. 14, 2011 from existing share repurchase authorizations. "Our share buyback program is part of our ongoing efforts to deliver greater value to our shareholders and reflects the strength of our capital position," said Robert B. Pollock, president and chief executive officer. "Consistent with our disciplined financial approach and ability to generate strong free cash flows, the company returned $533 million in the form of share repurchases to shareholders in 2010 while maintaining financial flexibility." The share repurchase program may use open market and/or private transactions. The timing of purchases will be subject to management evaluation of
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  • Assurant Board of Directors Declares Quarterly Dividend of $.16 per Common Share

    Jan 14, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, announces that its board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $.16 per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on March 14, 2011 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on Feb. 28, 2011. Future dividend declarations will be made at the discretion of the Assurant board of directors and will be based on the company's earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors. Assurant is a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and select worldwide markets. Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Assurant has more than $27 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue. www.assurant.com Media Contact: Vera Carley Director, Media
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  • Vehicle Service Contracts Help Keep Your Car on the Road

    Jan 4, 2011, 11:00 AM by User Not Found
    All automobiles may not be the same, but when it comes to car repairs most vehicles run into similar problems. "Electrical problems are the biggest issue across the board, whether turn signals go out or electric windows fail," said Joe Erdeman , president of Assurant Solutions extended service protection business.
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  • Assurant to Announce 2010 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results

    Jan 4, 2011, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    News Release on Feb. 2, 2011 and Conference Call on Feb. 3, 2011 NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2011 - Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, will release 2010 fourth quarter and full-year results on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, after the market closes, with the news release available on Assurant's website at www.assurant.com .  Assurant's 2010 fourth quarter and full-year conference call follows the next morning, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. ET and is expected to last one hour. Robert B. Pollock, president and chief executive officer, Michael J. Peninger, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Christopher J. Pagano, executive vice president, treasurer and chief investment officer, and Melissa Kivett, senior vice president, investor relations, will review the 2010 fourth quarter and full-year results, and will then take questions. Investors and analysts may participate in the live
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  • Assurant Announces Elaine Rosen as New Chair of Board of Directors

    Nov 15, 2010, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2010 -- Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, announces the election of its vice chair, Elaine D. Rosen, 57, as the company's new chair of the board of directors, effective Nov. 12, 2010. Ms. Rosen replaces Dr. John Palms, 75, who will remain on the board as a director until the company's annual meeting in May 2011.
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  • Assurant Board of Directors Declares Quarterly Dividend of $.16 per Common Share

    Nov 12, 2010, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2010 -- Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, announces that its board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $.16 per share of common stock.
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  • Assurant to Participate in Conference Call on Lender-Placed Insurance

    Nov 10, 2010, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2010 -- Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, will participate in a conference call co-hosted by Sterne Agee & Leach to discuss Assurant Specialty Property's lender-placed insurance business today, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Gene E. Mergelmeyer, president and chief executive officer, Assurant Specialty Property, and Melissa Kivett, senior vice president, investor relations, Assurant, will address questions about the company's lender-placed insurance business.
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  • Assurant Reports Third Quarter 2010 Financial Results

    Oct 27, 2010, 09:00 AM by User Not Found
    NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2010 -- Assurant, Inc. ("Assurant") (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, today reported results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2010. "Assurant's disciplined actions to grow revenues, manage expenses and become more efficient are yielding improved results," said Robert B. Pollock, Assurant's president and CEO.
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  • The Eyes Have Had It

    Oct 8, 2010, 16:36 PM by User Not Found
    Computers and advances in technology continue to make many aspects of our jobs easier, but they could be adversely affecting our eyes. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), American Eye-Q® survey, nearly half of all Americans spend five or more hours a day using a computer or a smart phone. And, all those hours behind the computer are taking a toll on people's eyesight and their performance.
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