WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FBL Financial Group, Inc. (FBL), a holding company whose insurance companies go to market as Farm Bureau Financial Services, has again been named to Conning's Individual Life-Annuity Growth and Profit Leaders list. This is the second consecutive year FBL appears on the list in the midsized company category.
Companies were ranked based on their operating margin, return on surplus, premium growth and above-average sales in either life products, annuity products or both. Using data from 2005 to 2014, Conning analyzed data from more than 1,000 life and annuity companies, ultimately naming 20 small, midsized and large companies to their Leading Companies list.
The study found Leading Companies of all sizes shared certain characteristics. Each tended to have greater geographic diversification than companies not appearing on the list, as well as a committed focus on their core business. Leading Companies also had longer bond portfolios, lower investment expense ratios, and higher distributor productivity.
"We're committed to delivering sound financial results through diligent management of spreads, capital and expenses, and we're pleased to be included on Conning's list of Leading Companies," said FBL Financial Group Chief Executive Officer, James P. Brannen. "We continue to focus our efforts on building relationships in our Farm Bureau market niche, and this is key to our ongoing success."
FBL is one of just 12 companies named to the Leading Companies list in each of the last two years. These companies are considered by Conning to have a "Legacy of Leading."
About FBL Financial Group, Inc.
FBL Financial Group is a holding company whose primary operating subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, underwrites and markets a broad range of life insurance and annuities to individuals and businesses, which are distributed by multiline exclusive Farm Bureau agents. In addition, FBL Financial Group manages all aspects of two Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty insurance companies for a management fee. The company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FFG.
About Farm Bureau Financial Services
Through an exclusive, multi-state agent force, the companies affiliated with the Farm Bureau Financial Services brand underwrite, market and distribute a broad range of insurance and financial services products to individuals and businesses. Learn more at www.fbfs.com. Or, visit us at www.facebook.com/farmbureaufinancialservices, www.twitter.com/fbfs ; or www.youtube.com/FarmBureauFinclSvcs.
About Conning
Conning is a global provider of asset management, risk management, capital management and industry research services for insurance companies. The Individual Life-Annuity Growth and Profit Leaders study is currently in its sixth year.