Hi-Alta Capital Inc. has announced its financial results for the first quarter, the three months ending March 31, 2001. Gains were made in all performance indicators compared to the same period in 2000. Earnings per share showed significant improvement.

In the first quarter, overall operating margins increased to 20% from 15% in the first quarter of 2000. Operating margins without gains on investments increased to 17%. The Company intends to continue to focus on margin expansion as an important priority.

The acquisition of insurance brokerage businesses in Saskatchewan and Alberta was also announced, bringing to 34 the total number of communities served by members of the Western Insurance Network.