Insurance agency owners say most saw greater profits in the first quarter than in the last year, according to the latest IFAwebnews.com poll.

The medical professional liability insurance (MPLI) sector is outpacing other property-casualty sectors in its ability to garner profits and generate returns.

Net losses from catastrophes last year hurt property-casualty insurers’ earnings last year, but they still remained profitable, according to a new analysis.

Property-casualty insurers should report “improved” operating results this year, after being hurt by heavy catastrophe-related losses and weak earnings in 2011, according to Fitch Ratings.

OneAmerica, based in Indianapolis, Ind., saw its retirement business have its most successful year in all major sales categories last year, as well as retain 95% of existing business.

OneAmerica Financial Partners says its enterprise sales growth for the year was 29% through the third quarter over the same period the prior year.

State Auto Financial Corp. estimates that its third quarter 2011 results will include between $60 million and $63 million in pre-tax catastrophe losses, some from second quarter catastrophes.

Net income for the U.S. property-casualty insurance sector fell 67% in the first half, sagging under the weight of catastrophic losses.

Eastern Insurance Holdings reported net income of $1.9 million for the three month period ending March 31, according to its latest financial statement.

Net premium written by property-casualty insurers grew 1.1% last year, the first increase since 2006, and policyholders’ surplus grew by 9%, marking the highest level for its capital, according to a new report.