US-based claims management group Crawford & Company has recorded first-quarter net income of $US8.6 million ($11.71 million), compared with $US3 million ($4.09 million) in the corresponding period last year.

Revenue was down 3.7% to $US277.2 million ($377.69 million), with the international sector suffering from decreasing claims.

Interim CEO Harsha Agadi says an expense reduction plan drove strong margin expansion and earnings growth.

“We remain focused on transforming Crawford into a business with more predictable financial results and growth, regardless of the market backdrop,” he said.

“Our performance this quarter is an early indication that the initiatives put in place through the second half of [last year] have positioned Crawford to successfully achieve our goals.”