Beazley increases its 2014 full year dividend by 5.6% and pays another special

Beazley plc results for year ended 31^st December 2014

·      Profit before income tax of $261.9m (2013: $313.3m)

·      Return on equity of 17% (2013: 21%)

·      Gross premiums written increased by 3% to $2,021.8m (2013: $1,970.2m)

·      Combined ratio of 89% (2013: 84%)

·      Rate reduction on renewal portfolio of 2% (2013: increase of 1%)

·      Prior year reserve releases of $158.1m (2013: $218.0m)

·      Net investment income of $83.0m (2013: $43.3m)

·      Second interim dividend of 6.2p (2013: 5.9p), taking full year dividends for the year to 9.3p (2013: full year 8.8p). Special dividend of 11.8p (2013: 16.1p)