Definition of "Statutory earnings"

Revenue based on conservative reserve requirements of various states. Statutory earnings do not meet generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). A role of state regulation is to make certain that insurers have enough money set aside in statutory reserves to pay all future claims and that the company will remain solvent. For this reason, regulators take a conservative approach to setting reserve requirements. But because an increase in reserves translates into lower earnings for a stock insurer, investors, and securities analysts argue that they are not helpful in gauging the health of a company for investment purposes. Therefore, insurers calculate statutory earnings for regulators and another set of earnings, based on natural reserves, for investors.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Bond guaranteeing that a contractor will pay fees owed for labor and materials necessary for construction of a project. If these fees are not paid, an owner who has paid the contractor ...

Privately formed insurance company whose objective is to make a profit. ...

HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION that restricts to a relatively small amount the number of medical providers from which an HMO member may seek services. Usually, HMO members may select the ...

In umbrella liability insurance clause that stipulates that in the event of a loss where there are no underlying policies providing coverage, the deductible will apply. ...

Dollar ceiling on a life insurance policy for applicants who are not given a medical examination. The insurer accepts a health questionnaire in the place of a physical examination. At one ...

Statement by an auditor or certified public accountant indicating if a company's financial statements fairly present its true financial condition. A statement of opinion may be unqualified, ...

Frequency and severity of accidents resulting from conditions and environment surrounding one's workplace. Occupation is an important underwriting factor when considering an applicant for ...

Expenses and damages incurred as the result of damage to a ship and its cargo and/or of taking direct action to prevent initial or further damage to the ship and its cargo. These expenses ...

Plan in which funds are currently allocated to purchase retirement benefits. An employee is thus assured of receiving retirement payments, even if the employer is no longer in business at ...

Popular Insurance Questions