Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. today reported total operating revenue of $19.5 billion for the first three quarters of 2015, up 3 percent over the same period in 2014.

Total sales of $31 billion across all product lines through the third quarter were up $1.5 billion over the same period in 2014, the company said in a release.

“Our strong capital position and diverse product offerings enabled us to deliver solid results despite the challenges of the global economy, market volatility and continued low interest rates during the quarter,” said Mark Thresher, chief financial officer.

In a phone interview, Thresher said claims expenses from the California wildfires were an added factor affecting third-quarter operating income, which was $159 million, compared with $272 million for the year-ago quarter. More frequent and severe auto collision claims have also had an impact on claims expenses, he said.

Through Sept. 30, the company paid more than $12 billion in claims and other benefits to members and business partners, with $4.2 billion in payouts during the third quarter.  

For the nine months ended Sept. 30, net operating income totaled $1.03 billion, up from $806 million for the first nine months of 2014.

“We’re going to continue to focus on top-line (revenue) growth in order to grow capital,” Thresher said.