Original article by Ruth Liew
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 19 : 19-Aug-15

QBE Insurance Group has reported a 24 per cent rise in its first-half net profit to $US488 million ($A661 million). The group will raise its dividend payout ratio from the current level of 50 per cent of annual cash profits to 65 per cent in 2016. Announcing the results on 18 August 2015, QBE CEO John Neal spoke against the idea of government interference in Northern Australia’s insurance market. Exposure to a high risk of natural disasters in the region makes insurance cover expensive to residents.

CORPORATES
QBE INSURANCE GROUP LIMITED – ASX QBE, SUNCORP GROUP LIMITED – ASX SUN, INSURANCE AUSTRALIA GROUP LIMITED – ASX IAG, NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION, NIKKO ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP, COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA – ASX CBA