Assurant Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock. This represents a 19% increase above the quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share, declared on Jan. 11, 2013. The dividend will be payable on June 11, 2013 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 28, 2013.

Assurant Inc. provided earnings guidance for the year 2013. For the year, the company expects effective tax rate to remain very high during the rest of 2013. This is primarily due to higher nondeductible compensation expenses and comparatively lower pretax earnings in 2012. For 2013 overall, the company still expect net earned premiums and fees to be in line with 2012 due to continued growth in voluntary products. Expense and capital management will remain a focus throughout the year.

Assurant Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported total revenues of $2,150,623,000 against $2,072,924,000 a year ago. Income before provision for income taxes was $206,424,000 against $249,648,000 a year ago. Net income was $117,780,000 against $163,260,000 a year ago. Diluted income per share was $1.46 against $1.81 a year ago. Annual GAAP return on average equity was 9.1%. Net operating loss increased for first quarter 2013, primarily reflecting additional investment in areas targeted for growth and higher pension-related expenses. Net operating income decreased to $109.3 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, compared to first quarter 2012 net operating income of $158.4 million, or $1.76 per diluted share. Results were adversely affected by a $14.0 million settlement with the New York Department of financial services and $10.0 million from reportable catastrophe losses at Assurant Specialty Property. Also contributing to the decline was a $10.2 million increase in a tax liability at Assurant Health related to health care reform.