Crown Life is reporting improved earnings for the six months ended June 30. The life insurer says that net income in the first six months of 2001 was $18.9 million, compared with $18.1 million reported for the corresponding period in 2000. According to the company, the increase reflects continuing strong investment results and improved claims experience in its remaining insurance operations.

The company’s balance sheet continues to be strong. The ratio of liabilities, including insurance liabilities, to equity was 2.0 to 1 at June 30, 2001, slightly higher than the ratio of 1.8 to 1 at Dec. 31, 2000, as a result of the payment of dividends totalling $65.7 million to common shareholders in the first quarter of 2001.

At their meeting on August 8, the directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of 62.5¢ per share payable on the Class I Preferred Shares.