CUNA Mutual Group Reports Strong Financial Results for 2016

Record Performance Enables Significant Reinvestment to Better Serve Credit Unions and Consumers

MADISON, Wis., March 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — CUNA Mutual Group today reported strong 2016 financial earnings and operating results, including record revenues and income for the third straight year. Total revenue rose to $3.3 billion, an increase of 4.7 percent from 2015. Net income increased 2.8 percent from the previous year to $223 million, which is attributed to growth in its core business units, positive claims experience and strong investment performance.

“Our strong earnings and financial standing enable us to continue to grow, invest, and innovate around our credit union customers and members,” said Robert N. Trunzo, president and CEO, CUNA Mutual Group. “As an innovative, data-driven company focused on superior customer experience, we will continue to transform our business to help credit unions make it easier for millions of consumers to plan, protect and invest in their future.”

CUNA Mutual Group continues to use its strong financial performance to invest in serving credit unions and consumers. In the past year, the company’s investments focused on new channels and solutions, consumer insights, advanced data analytics, emerging digital platforms, and the overall customer experience. CUNA Mutual Group also launched its venture capital entity, CMFG Ventures, which invests in startup companies that bring new technology to credit unions and their members.

A.M. Best Company recently announced it affirmed CUNA Mutual Group’s key insurance companies’ Financial Strength Ratings at “A” (Excellent) with a stable outlook. The ratings agency also assigned an Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb” to CUNA Mutual Financial Group, Inc., the intermediate holding company within the group. A.M. Best cited that the company’s ratings reflect its position as the leading provider of insurance and financial services to credit unions, their employees and members.

Thomas J. Merfeld, executive vice president and chief financial officer, CUNA Mutual Group said, “CUNA Mutual Group is a financially strong and growing organization. Serving credit unions and members is the core of our business, and our growth enables us to invest in new ways that help credit unions and their members build financial security.”

The company’s consolidated GAAP surplus ended the year at $2.9 billion, an increase of 8 percent from 2015, driven by solid operating and investment performance. Furthermore, CUNA Mutual Group delivered on its obligations to policyholders and their beneficiaries by paying $1.2 billion in benefits.

In addition, the company continued its vigorous investment in the credit union system, contributing $26 million to support credit union leagues, related organizations and other industry efforts. CUNA Mutual Group also contributed $2.1 million to important non-profit causes in the communities where the company operates.

For more information, see the company’s 2016 Annual Report.

About CUNA Mutual Group:
CUNA Mutual Group helps people plan, protect and invest for their future – regardless of their financial standing. The company was founded more than 80 years ago by credit union leaders who were looking for an insurance and investment partner they could trust. Today, CUNA Mutual Group helps credit unions and hardworking Americans build financial security through commercial and personal insurance products; lending and payment security solutions; and risk management, retirement, investment and marketing services. Additional information about the company can be found at www.cunamutual.com.

CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wis.

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