GALVESTON, TX — American National Insurance Company (Nasdaq: ANAT) announced stronger after-tax operating income for the fourth quarter 2016 of $46.3 million or $1.72 per diluted share, an increase over the same period 2015 operating income of $45.8 million or $1.69 per diluted share. Operating income for the quarter benefited from strong annuity and property/casualty earnings.
Net income for the quarter was $59.8 million or $2.22 per diluted share compared with fourth quarter 2015 net income of $62.9 million or $2.33 per diluted share. Net income includes realized investment earnings, which is comprised of realized investment gains, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and income (loss) from non-controlling interests. The quarter’s net income was impacted by an increase in the tax provision of $20.6 million as well as a $3.6 million decrease in realized investment earnings compared to the same period in 2015.
Net income for 2016 was $181.0 million or $6.71 per diluted share compared to net income of $243.0 million or $9.02 per diluted share for 2015. Realized investment earnings for 2016 were $54.3 million or $2.01 per diluted share, $35.2 million lower compared to $89.6 million or $3.32 per diluted share in 2015. Book value per diluted share increased to $172.51 at December 31, 2016 from $165.20 at December 31, 2015. Revenue in the life insurance, annuity and property and casualty segments increased in 2016 compared to 2015.
After-tax operating income for 2016 of $126.7 million or $4.70 per diluted share decreased $26.7 million from $153.4 million or $5.70 per diluted share for 2015. Earnings in 2016 included a $22.3 million increase in net catastrophe losses in the property & casualty segment over the prior year.