Assurant 1Q profit rises 4 percent on higher premiums

Net income rose to $186.8 million, or $1.57 per share, from $179.5 million, or $1.45 per share, in the year-ago period. The latest quarter included an investment losses of $28.2 million.

Analysts expected earnings of $1.51 per share, according to Thomson Financial.

Operating income rose 22 percent to $214.9 million, or $1.80 per share.

That measure excludes investment results and is provided by insurers as the best indication of underwriting strength.

Net premiums rose 10 percent to $1.94 billion, boosted by sales in the company's specialty property unit.