Strong Core Income and Investment Performance
The company reported substantial core income of $443 million or $1.91 per diluted share, driven by outstanding underlying results, strong net favorable prior year reserve development, and higher investment income. Underlying underwriting income was $1.6 billion pretax, up more than 30% from the prior year quarter.
Improved Combined Ratios Across Segments
The consolidated underlying combined ratio improved by 2.9 points to 84.8%. Business insurance improved to an excellent 88.2%, bond and specialty business to 87.3%, and personal insurance improved by six points to 79.9%.
Record Net Earned Premiums and Shareholder Returns
Net earned premiums were $10.7 billion, with $600 million returned to shareholders, including $358 million in share repurchases. Adjusted book value per share increased by 11% compared to a year ago.
Dividend Increase
The Board of Directors declared a 5% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $1.10 per share, marking 21 consecutive years of dividend increases.
Positive Net Investment Income
After-tax net investment income of $763 million was driven by strong returns from the fixed income and alternative investment portfolios, with expectations for growth in subsequent quarters.