HAMILTON, Bermuda - November 16, 2006 - Everest Re Group, Ltd. (NYSE: RE) today announced that its Board of Directors increased its regular quarterly dividend to $0.24 per share, effectively doubling its current quarterly distribution. This dividend will be payable on or before December 15th, 2006 to shareholders of record as of November 27, 2006.
Mr. Joseph V. Taranto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said "The significant dividend increase demonstrates the Board's confidence in Everest's ability to continue to generate strong operating returns and excellent cash flows. We are pleased that these results enable us to continue building long-term value through our strong balance sheet while also funding an enhanced dividend return to our shareholders."
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. Federal securities laws. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made on behalf of the Company. These risks and uncertainties include the impact of general economic conditions and conditions affecting the insurance and reinsurance industry, the adequacy of our reserves, our ability to assess underwriting risk, trends in rates for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, competition, investment market fluctuations, trends in insured and paid losses, catastrophes, regulatory and legal uncertainties and other factors described in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Everest Re Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda holding company that operates through the following subsidiaries: Everest Reinsurance Company provides reinsurance to property and casualty insurers in both the U.S. and international markets. Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd., including through its branch in the United Kingdom, provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets and reinsurance to life insurers. Everest National Insurance Company and Everest Security Insurance Company provide property and casualty insurance to policyholders in the U.S. Everest Indemnity Insurance Company offers excess and surplus lines insurance in the U.S. Additional information on Everest Re Group companies can be found at the Group's web site at www.everestre.com.
