UPDATE 1-Dutch insurer NN Group's third-quarter core profit stable

Dutch insurer NN Group said on Thursday its third-quarter core profit was roughly stable, as improving results from its casualty and property insurance businesses offset lower dividends from Dutch life insurances.

NN's operating results dropped 2% in June-September to 453 million euros ($499 million), from 463 million euros last year. Profit at NN's biggest operating unit, Dutch life insurance, fell 14%, which the company said was due to a lower investment margin.

But operating results at the Dutch and European non-life insurances and Japanese Life improved 12% to 20% on a yearly basis, while NN managed to further cut its costs. The solvency of the Netherlands' largest insurer under Europe's Solvency II regime improved to 217% from 210% in the same period a year ago, as the company generated more operating capital.

NN earlier this month saw its chief risk officer, Jan-Hendrik Erasmus, move to UK insurer Aviva, just three months after Chief Executive Officer Lard Friese stepped down to join U.S.-focused rival Aegon. NN appointed David Knibbe, the former leader of its Dutch activities, as Friese's successor in September.

($1 = 0.9074 euros)