Assurant 2007 Annual Report Download - page 24

We believe the small businesses we have chosen to
focus on have more favorable risk characteristics than do
larger employers, especially in these times of economic
uncertainty. With every passing quarter, we’re gaining
more traction in the marketplace. With our sales force
now completely aligned around the small case strategy
and our attractive, growing portfolio of tailored products
for small business, we’re optimistic that we’ll see net
earned premium growth during the coming year.
Delivering “the Next”
We’ve accomplished a great deal since our initial public
offering in 2004. We’ve grown our revenues by more than
$1 billion and increased our operating earnings per share,
operating return on equity and book value per share
each year. In keeping with our commitment to improve
transparency and provide investors better insight into our
businesses, we have expanded our statistical supplement
several times, have held three investor days and, in
2007, our rst investor workshop at Assurant Specialty
Property’s facility in Springeld, Ohio. These all are
noteworthy achievements, but what has made Assurant
great, and will continue to drive our success, is that we
are already focused on “the next.” The next platform
for targeted growth that will build shareholder value for
the long term…the next product that will leverage our
core competencies in a specialty niche…the next market
where we can apply our expertise and disciplined risk
management. Like a powerful river, Assurant is always
moving forward—the strength of the current helping to
shape and create the strength of the future. On behalf
of Assurant’s 13,000 employees worldwide, thank you for
your continued support.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Pollock
President and Chief Executive Ofcer
Since Assurant went public in 2004, our dividend per share has increased 71%.
In 2007, strong operating performance and the Mayflower consolidation
allowed our subsidiaries to dividend more than $400 million. In keeping
with our disciplined approach to capital management, we made acquisitions
totaling approximately $200 million, increased our quarterly dividend, and
repurchased 5.7 million shares for $313 million.