With earnings season in gear, S&P Global Market Intelligence presents a snapshot of recently reported financial results for companies in the insurance space.

Life and health

Athene Holding Ltd. reported fourth-quarter 2017 adjusted operating income of $332 million, or $1.69 per adjusted operating share, an increase from $280 million, or $1.43 per adjusted operating share, in the prior-year period.

The increase in the company's adjusted operating income was driven largely by higher fixed and other investment income, lower liability costs and a spike to the company's German adjusted operating income year over year.

The S&P Capital IQ consensus normalized EPS estimate for the quarter was $1.29.

Net income for the period was $464 million, or $2.35 per class A share, up from $364 million, or $1.78 per class A share, in the same period a year earlier.

The company's fourth-quarter 2017 net income jumped thanks to the increased adjusted operating income, as well as a $7 million tax benefit from a decrease in its net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the recently overhauled U.S. tax code.

Property and casualty

Alleghany Corp. reported fourth-quarter 2017 operating income of $152.3 million, or $9.89 per share, compared with $109.1 million, or $7.02 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The company recorded net earnings attributable to shareholders of $153.3 million, or $9.96 per share, for the quarter, up from $69.5 million, or $4.45 per share, in the year-ago quarter.

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ProAssurance Corp. posted fourth-quarter 2017 operating income of $29.5 million, or 55 cents per share, compared with $44.4 million, or 83 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The S&P Capital IQ consensus normalized EPS estimate for the quarter was 62 cents.

The company recorded net income of $17.3 million, or 32 cents per share, down from $54.8 million, or $1.02 per share, in the prior-year quarter.

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United Insurance Holdings Corp. reported fourth-quarter 2017 core income of $33.0 million, or 77 cents per share, compared with a core loss of $8.5 million, or a loss of 39 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter.

Net income for the quarter was $27.0 million, or 63 cents per share, up from a net loss of $10.5 million, or a loss of 49 cents per share, in the prior-year period.

The company's net income was up year over year largely as a result of an increase to the company's gross premiums earned, as well as an improved underlying loss ratio in the quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2016.