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Travelers Reports Record Fourth Quarter 2020 Net Income per Diluted Share of $5.10 and Return on Equity of 18.4%

January 21, 2021 6:57 AM

Record Core Income per Diluted Share of $4.91 and Core Return on Equity of 20.5%

Full Year Net Income of $2.697 billion, up 3%, and Return on Equity of 10.0%

Full Year Core Income of $2.686 billion, up 6%, and Core Return on Equity of 11.3%

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Travelers Companies, Inc. today reported net income of $1.310 billion, or $5.10 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, compared to $873 million, or $3.35 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Core income in the current quarter was $1.262 billion, or $4.91 per diluted share, compared to $867 million, or $3.32 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Core income increased primarily due to a higher underlying underwriting gain (i.e., excluding net prior year reserve development and catastrophe losses), higher net favorable prior year reserve development, higher net investment income and lower catastrophe losses. Net realized investment gains in the current quarter were $50 million pre-tax ($48 million after-tax), compared to $12 million pre-tax ($6 million after-tax) in the prior year quarter. Per diluted share amounts benefited from the impact of share repurchases.

Consolidated Highlights

($ in millions, except for per share amounts, and after-tax, except for premiums and revenues)

Three Months Ended December 31,

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

2020

2019

Change

2020

2019

Change

Net written premiums

$

7,269

$

7,075

3

%

$

29,732

$

29,151

2

%

Total revenues

$

8,397

$

8,063

4

$

31,981

$

31,581

1

Net income

$

1,310

$

873

50

$

2,697

$

2,622

3

per diluted share

$

5.10

$

3.35

52

$

10.52

$

9.92

6

Core income

$

1,262

$

867

46

$

2,686

$

2,537

6

per diluted share

$

4.91

$

3.32

48

$

10.48

$

9.60

9

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

254.8

259.0

(2

)

254.6

262.3

(3

)

Combined ratio

86.7

%

92.4

%

(5.7

)

pts

95.0

%

96.5

%

(1.5

)

pts

Underlying combined ratio

88.7

%

92.1

%

(3.4

)

pts

90.7

%

93.2

%

(2.5

)

pts

Return on equity

18.4

%

13.5

%

4.9

pts

10.0

%

10.5

%

(0.5

)

pts

Core return on equity

20.5

%

14.8

%

5.7

pts

11.3

%

10.9

%

0.4

pts

As of

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

Change

Book value per share

$

115.68

$

101.55

14

%

Adjusted book value per share

99.54

92.76

7

%

See Glossary of Financial Measures for definitions and the statistical supplement for additional financial data.

“We are very pleased to report fourth quarter core income of $1.3 billion, or $4.91 per diluted share, and core return on equity of 21%,” said Alan Schnitzer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The results benefited from strong underlying underwriting income, driven by record net earned premiums of $7.5 billion and an underlying combined ratio which improved 3.4 points from the prior year quarter to an excellent 88.7%. That brings full year core income to $2.7 billion, or $10.48 per diluted share, and full year core return on equity exceeding 11%, a terrific result in a challenging economic and operating environment. Full year core income includes record underlying underwriting profit of $2 billion. Our high-quality investment portfolio also performed well, generating net investment income of $572 million after-tax. Our operating results, together with our strong balance sheet, enabled us to grow adjusted book value per share by 7% during the year, after returning $1.5 billion of excess capital to shareholders, including $672 million of share repurchases, which we resumed in the fourth quarter.

“Our top line remained remarkably resilient this quarter and throughout the year. For the quarter, net written premiums grew 3%, driven by continued strong renewal rate change and retention in each of our three segments. In Business Insurance, we achieved record renewal rate change of 8.4%, nearly 4 points higher than the prior year quarter, while retention remained strong. In Bond & Specialty Insurance, net written premiums increased by 12%, driven by record renewal premium change of 10.9% in our domestic management liability business, including record renewal rate change. In Personal Insurance, net written premiums increased by 7%, driven by strong renewal premium change of 8.2% in our Agency Homeowners business and strong retention and new business in both Agency Auto and Agency Homeowners.

“Our ability to deliver strong results over this past year in the face of an historic pandemic, a record number of PCS catastrophe events and historically low interest rates reflects the value of underwriting excellence, our leading data and analytics, the dedication of our highly engaged and talented workforce and the significant value we bring to our customers and distribution partners. Looking forward, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead as the economy reopens and to continue to deliver meaningful shareholder value over time.”

Consolidated Results

Three Months Ended December 31,

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

($ in millions and pre-tax, unless noted otherwise)

2020

2019

Change

2020

2019

Change

Underwriting gain:

$

955

$

513

$

442

$

1,302

$

833

$

469

Underwriting gain includes:

Net favorable (unfavorable) prior year reserve development

180

60

120

351

(60

)

411

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

(29

)

(85

)

56

(1,613

)

(886

)

(727

)

Net investment income

677

616

61

2,227

2,468

(241

)

Other income (expense), including interest expense

(66

)

(67

)

1

(294

)

(276

)

(18

)

Core income before income taxes

1,566

1,062

504

3,235

3,025

210

Income tax expense

304

195

109

549

488

61

Core income

1,262

867

395

2,686

2,537

149

Net realized investment gains after income taxes

48

6

42

11

85

(74

)

Net income

$

1,310

$

873

$

437

$

2,697

$

2,622

$

75

Combined ratio

86.7

%

92.4

%

(5.7

)

pts

95.0

%

96.5

%

(1.5

)

pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net (favorable) unfavorable prior year reserve development

(2.4

)

pts

(0.8

)

pts

(1.6

)

pts

(1.2

)

pts

0.2

pts

(1.4

)

pts

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

0.4

pts

1.1

pts

(0.7

)

pts

5.5

pts

3.1

pts

2.4

pts

Underlying combined ratio

88.7

%

92.1

%

(3.4

)

pts

90.7

%

93.2

%

(2.5

)

pts

Net written premiums

Business Insurance

$

3,631

$

3,703

(2

)

%

$

15,431

$

15,629

(1

)

%

Bond & Specialty Insurance

800

714

12

2,951

2,739

8

Personal Insurance

2,838

2,658

7

11,350

10,783

5

Total

$

7,269

$

7,075

3

%

$

29,732

$

29,151

2

%

Fourth Quarter 2020 Results
(All comparisons vs. fourth quarter 2019, unless noted otherwise)

Net income of $1.310 billion increased $437 million due to higher core income and higher net realized investment gains. Core income of $1.262 billion increased $395 million, primarily due to a higher underlying underwriting gain, higher net favorable prior year reserve development, higher net investment income and lower catastrophe losses. The underlying underwriting gain benefited from higher business volumes and a lower underlying combined ratio. Net realized investment gains were $50 million pre-tax ($48 million after-tax), compared to $12 million pre-tax ($6 million after-tax) in the prior year quarter.

Combined ratio:

Net investment income of $677 million pre-tax ($572 million after-tax) increased 10%. Income from the fixed income investment portfolio decreased from the prior year quarter, primarily due to lower interest rates, partially offset by a higher average level of fixed maturity investments. Income from the non-fixed income investment portfolio increased over the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher private equity partnership returns.

Net written premiums of $7.269 billion increased 3%. See below for further details by segment.

Full Year 2020 Results
(All comparisons vs. full year 2019, unless noted otherwise)

Net income of $2.697 billion increased $75 million due to higher core income, partially offset by lower net realized investment gains. Core income of $2.686 billion increased by $149 million, primarily due to a higher underlying underwriting gain and net favorable prior year reserve development in the current year compared to net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the prior year, partially offset by higher catastrophe losses and lower net investment income. The underlying underwriting gain benefited from higher business volumes and a lower underlying combined ratio. Catastrophe and non-catastrophe weather-related losses in 2020 were reduced by the full $280 million of recoveries available under the Company’s 2020 Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance Treaty in the third quarter of 2020. Catastrophe and non-catastrophe weather-related losses in 2019 were reduced by $135 million of recoveries available under the Company’s 2019 Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance Treaty in the fourth quarter of 2019. Net realized investment gains were $2 million pre-tax ($11 million after-tax), compared to $113 million pre-tax ($85 million after-tax) in the prior year.

Combined ratio:

Net investment income of $2.227 billion pre-tax ($1.908 billion after-tax) decreased 10%. Income from the fixed income investment portfolio decreased from the prior year, primarily due to lower interest rates, partially offset by a higher average level of fixed maturity investments. Income from the non-fixed income investment portfolio decreased from the prior year, primarily due to lower private equity partnership returns which reflected the impact of the disruption in global financial markets in the first quarter of 2020 associated with COVID-19.

Net written premiums of $29.732 billion increased 2%. See below for further details by segment.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity of $29.201 billion increased 13% over year-end 2019, driven by net income of $2.697 billion and higher net unrealized investment gains resulting from lower interest rates, partially offset by dividends to shareholders and common share repurchases. Net unrealized investment gains included in shareholders’ equity were $5.175 billion pre-tax ($4.074 billion after-tax), compared to net unrealized investment gains of $2.853 billion pre-tax ($2.246 billion after-tax) at year-end 2019. Book value per share of $115.68 increased 14% from year-end 2019, driven by the increase in shareholders’ equity and lower common shares outstanding as a result of share repurchases. Adjusted book value per share of $99.54, which excludes net unrealized investment gains, increased 7% from year-end 2019.

The Company repurchased 1.4 million shares during the fourth quarter at an average price of $136.78 per share for a total of $201 million. Capacity remaining under the existing share repurchase authorization was $1.161 billion at the end of the quarter. Also at the end of the quarter, statutory capital and surplus was $22.180 billion, and the ratio of debt-to-capital was 18.3%. The ratio of debt-to-capital excluding after-tax net unrealized investment gains included in shareholders’ equity was 20.7%, within the Company’s target range of 15% to 25%.

The Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.85 per share. The dividend is payable on March 31, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2021.

Business Insurance Segment Financial Results

Three Months Ended December 31,

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

($ in millions and pre-tax, unless noted otherwise)

2020

2019

Change

2020

2019

Change

Underwriting gain (loss):

$

382

$

87

$

295

$

(90

)

$

(195

)

$

105

Underwriting gain (loss) includes:

Net favorable (unfavorable) prior year reserve development

124

8

116

(91

)

(258

)

167

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

24

(48

)

72

(645

)

(470

)

(175

)

Net investment income

502

451

51

1,633

1,816

(183

)

Other income (expense)

(5

)

(5

)

(21

)

(6

)

(15

)

Segment income before income taxes

879

538

341

1,522

1,615

(93

)

Income tax expense

166

90

76

213

223

(10

)

Segment income

$

713

$

448

$

265

$

1,309

$

1,392

$

(83

)

Combined ratio

89.8

%

97.5

%

(7.7

)

pts

100.3

%

100.9

%

(0.6

)

pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net (favorable) unfavorable prior year reserve development

(3.2

)

pts

(0.2

)

pts

(3.0

)

pts

0.6

pts

1.7

pts

(1.1

)

pts

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

(0.6

)

pts

1.3

pts

(1.9

)

pts

4.2

pts

3.0

pts

1.2

pts

Underlying combined ratio

93.6

%

96.4

%

(2.8

)

pts

95.5

%

96.2

%

(0.7

)

pts

Net written premiums by market

Domestic

Select Accounts

$

630

$

675

(7

)

%

$

2,821

$

2,911

(3

)

%

Middle Market

2,012

2,061

(2

)

8,511

8,630

(1

)

National Accounts

241

251

(4

)

996

1,051

(5

)

National Property and Other

471

437

8

2,086

1,965

6

Total Domestic

3,354

3,424

(2

)

14,414

14,557

(1

)

International

277

279

(1

)

1,017

1,072

(5

)

Total

$

3,631

$

3,703

(2

)

%

$

15,431

$

15,629

(1

)

%

Fourth Quarter 2020 Results
(All comparisons vs. fourth quarter 2019, unless noted otherwise)

Segment income for Business Insurance was $713 million after-tax, an increase of $265 million. Segment income increased primarily due to higher net favorable prior year reserve development, a higher underlying underwriting gain, lower catastrophe losses and higher net investment income.

Combined ratio:

Net written premiums of $3.631 billion decreased 2%. The benefits of continued strong retention and higher renewal rate changes were more than offset by a modest reduction in exposures and a decrease in new business volume, both impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions.

Full Year 2020 Results
(All comparisons vs. full year 2019, unless noted otherwise)

Segment income for Business Insurance was $1.309 billion after-tax, a decrease of $83 million. Segment income decreased primarily due to lower net investment income and higher catastrophe losses, partially offset by lower net unfavorable prior year reserve development and a higher underlying underwriting gain.

Combined ratio:

Asbestos reserves - an increase of $295 million;

General liability (excluding asbestos and environmental) - higher than expected loss experience in the segment’s domestic operations for primary and excess coverages for recent accident years, as well as an increase to general liability reserves in our run-off book related to policies issued more than 20 years ago;

Commercial automobile - higher than expected loss experience in the segment’s domestic operations for recent accident years; and

Commercial multi-peril (excluding PG&E subrogation recoveries and asbestos and environmental) - higher than expected loss experience in the segment’s domestic operations for recent accident years.

Partially offset by:

Workers’ compensation - better than expected loss experience in the segment’s domestic operations for multiple accident years;

Commercial property (excluding PG&E subrogation recoveries) - better than expected loss experience in the segment’s domestic operations for multiple accident years; and

PG&E subrogation recoveries - $81 million of recoveries as described above.

Net written premiums of $15.431 billion decreased 1%, driven by the same factors described above for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Bond & Specialty Insurance Segment Financial Results

Three Months Ended December 31,

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

($ in millions and pre-tax, unless noted otherwise)

2020

2019

Change

2020

2019

Change

Underwriting gain:

$

138

$

142

$

(4

)

$

346

$

515

$

(169

)

Underwriting gain includes:

Net favorable (unfavorable) prior year reserve development

32

20

12

(1

)

65

(66

)

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

(1

)

(1

)

(11

)

(5

)

(6

)

Net investment income

58

60

(2

)

213

233

(20

)

Other income

8

5

3

21

21

Segment income before income taxes

204

207

(3

)

580

769

(189

)

Income tax expense

40

40

107

151

(44

)

Segment income

$

164

$

167

$

(3

)

$

473

$

618

$

(145

)

Combined ratio

80.9

%

78.6

%

2.3

pts

87.4

%

79.5

%

7.9

pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net (favorable) unfavorable prior year reserve development

(4.2

)

pts

(2.9

)

pts

(1.3

)

pts

pts

(2.5

)

pts

2.5

pts

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

0.1

pts

0.2

pts

(0.1

)

pts

0.4

pts

0.2

pts

0.2

pts

Underlying combined ratio

85.0

%

81.3

%

3.7

pts

87.0

%

81.8

%

5.2

pts

Net written premiums

Domestic

Management Liability

$

463

$

411

13

%

$

1,769

$

1,605

10

%

Surety

202

206

(2

)

845

866

(2

)

Total Domestic

665

617

8

2,614

2,471

6

International

135

97

39

337

268

26

Total

$

800

$

714

12

%

$

2,951

$

2,739

8

%

Fourth Quarter 2020 Results
(All comparisons vs. fourth quarter 2019, unless noted otherwise)

Segment income for Bond & Specialty Insurance was $164 million after-tax, a decrease of $3 million. Segment income decreased primarily due to a lower underlying underwriting gain, largely offset by higher net favorable prior year reserve development. The underlying underwriting gain benefited from higher business volumes.

Combined ratio:

Net written premiums of $800 million increased 12%, reflecting continued strong retention and increased levels of renewal premium change in management liability.

Full Year 2020 Results
(All comparisons vs. full year 2019, unless noted otherwise)

Segment income for Bond & Specialty Insurance was $473 million after-tax, a decrease of $145 million. Segment income decreased primarily due to a lower underlying underwriting gain, an insignificant amount of net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the current year compared to net favorable prior year reserve development in the prior year and lower net investment income. The underlying underwriting gain benefited from higher business volumes.

Combined ratio:

Net written premiums of $2.951 billion increased 8%, driven by the same factors described above for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Personal Insurance Segment Financial Results

Three Months Ended December 31,

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

($ in millions and pre-tax, unless noted otherwise)

2020

2019

Change

2020

2019

Change

Underwriting gain:

$

435

$

284

$

151

$

1,046

$

513

$

533

Underwriting gain includes:

Net favorable prior year reserve development

24

32

(8

)

443

133

310

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

(52

)

(36

)

(16

)

(957

)

(411

)

(546

)

Net investment income

117

105

12

381

419

(38

)

Other income

23

22

1

76

87

(11

)

Segment income before income taxes

575

411

164

1,503

1,019

484

Income tax expense

118

84

34

308

195

113

Segment income

$

457

$

327

$

130

$

1,195

$

824

$

371

Combined ratio

84.1

%

88.5

%

(4.4

)

pts

89.7

%

94.2

%

(4.5

)

pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net favorable prior year reserve development

(0.8

)

pts

(1.2

)

pts

0.4

pts

(4.1

)

pts

(1.3

)

pts

(2.8

)

pts

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

1.8

pts

1.3

pts

0.5

pts

8.8

pts

4.0

pts

4.8

pts

Underlying combined ratio

83.1

%

88.4

%

(5.3

)

pts

85.0

%

91.5

%

(6.5

)

pts

Net written premiums

Domestic

Agency (1)

Automobile

$

1,277

$

1,253

2

%

$

5,080

$

5,124

(1

)

%

Homeowners and Other

1,294

1,145

13

5,185

4,540

14

Total Agency

2,571

2,398

7

10,265

9,664

6

Direct-to-Consumer

107

99

8

433

412

5

Total Domestic

2,678

2,497

7

10,698

10,076

6

International

160

161

(1

)

652

707

(8

)

Total

$

2,838

$

2,658

7

%

$

11,350

$

10,783

5

%

(1) Represents business sold through agents, brokers and other intermediaries and excludes direct to consumer and international.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Results
(All comparisons vs. fourth quarter 2019, unless noted otherwise)

Segment income for Personal Insurance was $457 million after-tax, an increase of $130 million. Segment income increased primarily due to a higher underlying underwriting gain and higher net investment income, partially offset by higher catastrophe losses and lower net favorable prior year reserve development. The underlying underwriting gain benefited from higher business volumes.

Combined ratio:

Net written premiums of $2.838 billion increased 7%. Agency Automobile net written premiums increased 2%, driven by strong retention and higher levels of new business. Agency Homeowners and Other net written premiums increased 13%, driven by strong retention, renewal premium change of 8% and higher levels of new business.

Full Year 2020 Results
(All comparisons vs. full year 2019, unless noted otherwise)

Segment income for Personal Insurance was $1.195 billion after-tax, an increase of $371 million. Segment income increased primarily due to a higher underlying underwriting gain and higher net favorable prior year reserve development, partially offset by higher catastrophe losses and lower net investment income. The underlying underwriting gain benefited from higher business volumes.

Combined ratio:

Net written premiums of $11.350 billion increased 5%. Agency Automobile net written premiums decreased 1%, driven by premium refunds provided to personal automobile customers, partially offset by strong retention and higher levels of new business. Agency Homeowners and Other net written premiums increased 14%, driven by strong retention, renewal premium change of 8% and higher levels of new business.

Financial Supplement and Conference Call

The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with the financial supplement that is available on our website at www.travelers.com. Travelers management will discuss the contents of this release and other relevant topics via webcast at 9 a.m. Eastern (8 a.m. Central) on Thursday, January 21, 2021. Investors can access the call via webcast at http://investor.travelers.com or by dialing 1.844.895.1976 within the United States and 1.647.689.5389 outside the United States. Prior to the webcast, a slide presentation pertaining to the quarterly earnings will be available on the Company’s website.

Following the live event, replays will be available via webcast for one year at http://investor.travelers.com and by telephone for 30 days by dialing 800.585.8367 within the United States or 416.621.4642 outside the United States. All callers should use conference ID 9075479.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has approximately 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $32 billion in 2020. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.

Travelers may use its website and/or social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter, as distribution channels of material Company information. Financial and other important information regarding the Company is routinely accessible through and posted on our website at http://investor.travelers.com, our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/travelers and our Twitter account (@Travelers) at https://twitter.com/travelers. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about Travelers when you enroll your email address by visiting the Email Notifications section at http://investor.travelers.com.

Travelers is organized into the following reportable business segments:

Business Insurance - Business Insurance offers a broad array of property and casualty insurance and insurance-related services to its customers, primarily in the United States, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and throughout other parts of the world as a corporate member of Lloyd’s.

Bond & Specialty Insurance - Bond & Specialty Insurance provides surety, fidelity, management liability, professional liability, and other property and casualty coverages and related risk management services to its customers in the United States and certain specialty insurance products in Canada, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, as well as Brazil through a joint venture, utilizing various degrees of financially-based underwriting approaches.

Personal Insurance - Personal Insurance writes a broad range of property and casualty insurance covering individuals’ personal risks, primarily in the United States, as well as in Canada. The primary products of automobile and homeowners insurance are complemented by a broad suite of related coverages.

* * * * *

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains, and management may make, certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “views,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements include, among other things, the Company’s statements about:

The Company cautions investors that such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements.

Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the following:

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release or as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of these factors, see the information under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 20, 2020 and in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 13, 2020, in each case as updated by our periodic filings with the SEC.

*****

GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

The following measures are used by the Company’s management to evaluate financial performance against historical results, to establish performance targets on a consolidated basis and for other reasons as discussed below. In some cases, these measures are considered non-GAAP financial measures under applicable SEC rules because they are not displayed as separate line items in the consolidated financial statements or are not required to be disclosed in the notes to financial statements or, in some cases, include or exclude certain items not ordinarily included or excluded in the most comparable GAAP financial measure. Reconciliations of these measures to the most comparable GAAP measures also follow.

In the opinion of the Company’s management, a discussion of these measures provides investors, financial analysts, rating agencies and other financial statement users with a better understanding of the significant factors that comprise the Company’s periodic results of operations and how management evaluates the Company’s financial performance.

Some of these measures exclude net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax, and/or net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity, which can be significantly impacted by both discretionary and other economic factors and are not necessarily indicative of operating trends.

Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and, therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by the Company’s management.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO CORE INCOME AND CERTAIN OTHER NON-GAAP MEASURES

Core income (loss) is consolidated net income (loss) excluding the after-tax impact of net realized investment gains (losses), discontinued operations, the effect of a change in tax laws and tax rates at enactment, and cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles when applicable. Segment income (loss) is determined in the same manner as core income (loss) on a segment basis. Management uses segment income (loss) to analyze each segment’s performance and as a tool in making business decisions. Financial statement users also consider core income (loss) when analyzing the results and trends of insurance companies. Core income (loss) per share is core income (loss) on a per common share basis.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Core Income less Preferred Dividends

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

($ in millions, after-tax)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Net income

$

1,310

$

873

$

2,697

$

2,622

Less: Net realized investment gains

(48

)

(6

)

(11

)

(85

)

Core income

$

1,262

$

867

$

2,686

$

2,537

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

($ in millions, pre-tax)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Net income

$

1,616

$

1,074

$

3,237

$

3,138

Less: Net realized investment gains

(50

)

(12

)

(2

)

(113

)

Core income

$

1,566

$

1,062

$

3,235

$

3,025

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

($ in millions, after-tax)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

Net income

$2,523

$2,056

$3,014

$3,439

$3,692

$3,673

$2,473

$1,426

$3,216

$3,622

$2,924

$4,601

$4,208

$1,622

Less: Loss from discontinued operations

(439)

Income from continuing operations

2,523

2,056

3,014

3,439

3,692

3,673

2,473

1,426

3,216

3,622

2,924

4,601

4,208

2,061

Adjustments:

Net realized investment (gains) losses

(93)

(142)

(47)

(2)

(51)

(106)

(32)

(36)

(173)

(22)

271

(101)

(8)

(35)

Impact of TCJA at enactment (1)

129

Core income

2,430

2,043

2,967

3,437

3,641

3,567

2,441

1,390

3,043

3,600

3,195

4,500

4,200

2,026

Less: Preferred dividends

1

3

3

4

4

5

6

Core income, less preferred dividends

$2,430

$2,043

$2,967

$3,437

$3,641

$3,567

$2,441

$1,389

$3,040

$3,597

$3,191

$4,496

$4,195

$2,020

(1) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA)

Reconciliation of Net Income per Share to Core Income per Share on a Basic and Diluted Basis

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Basic income per share

Net income

$

5.13

$

3.37

$

10.56

$

10.01

Adjustments:

Net realized investment gains, after-tax

(0.19

)

(0.02

)

(0.04

)

(0.32

)

Core income

$

4.94

$

3.35

$

10.52

$

9.69

Diluted income per share

Net income

$

5.10

$

3.35

$

10.52

$

9.92

Adjustments:

Net realized investment gains, after-tax

(0.19

)

(0.03

)

(0.04

)

(0.32

)

Core income

$

4.91

$

3.32

$

10.48

$

9.60

Reconciliation of Segment Income to Total Core Income

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

($ in millions, after-tax)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Business Insurance

$

713

$

448

$

1,309

$

1,392

Bond & Specialty Insurance

164

167

473

618

Personal Insurance

457

327

1,195

824

Total segment income

1,334

942

2,977

2,834

Interest Expense and Other

(72

)

(75

)

(291

)

(297

)

Total core income

$

1,262

$

867

$

2,686

$

2,537

RECONCILIATION OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY TO ADJUSTED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND CALCULATION OF RETURN ON EQUITY AND CORE RETURN ON EQUITY

Adjusted shareholders’ equity is shareholders’ equity excluding net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity, net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax, for the period presented, the effect of a change in tax laws and tax rates at enactment (excluding the portion related to net unrealized investment gains (losses)), preferred stock and discontinued operations.

Reconciliation of Shareholders’ Equity to Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity

As of December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

Shareholders’ equity

$29,201

$25,943

$22,894

$23,731

$23,221

$23,598

$24,836

$24,796

$25,405

$24,477

$25,475

$27,415

$25,319

$26,616

$25,135

$22,303

Adjustments:

Net unrealized investment (gains) losses, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity

(4,074)

(2,246)

113

(1,112)

(730)

(1,289)

(1,966)

(1,322)

(3,103)

(2,871)

(1,859)

(1,856)

146

(620)

(453)

(327)

Net realized investment (gains) losses, net of tax

(11)

(85)

(93)

(142)

(47)

(2)

(51)

(106)

(32)

(36)

(173)

(22)

271

(101)

(8)

(35)

Impact of TCJA at enactment

287

Preferred stock

(68)

(79)

(89)

(112)

(129)

(153)

Loss from discontinued operations

439

Adjusted shareholders’ equity

$25,116

$23,612

$22,914

$22,764

$22,444

$22,307

$22,819

$23,368

$22,270

$21,570

$23,375

$25,458

$25,647

$25,783

$24,545

$22,227

Return on equity is the ratio of annualized net income (loss) less preferred dividends to average shareholders’ equity for the periods presented. Core return on equity is the ratio of annualized core income (loss) less preferred dividends to adjusted average shareholders’ equity for the periods presented. In the opinion of the Company’s management, these are important indicators of how well management creates value for its shareholders through its operating activities and its capital management.

Average shareholders’ equity is (a) the sum of total shareholders’ equity excluding preferred stock at the beginning and end of each of the quarters for the period presented divided by (b) the number of quarters in the period presented times two. Adjusted average shareholders’ equity is (a) the sum of total adjusted shareholders’ equity at the beginning and end of each of the quarters for the period presented divided by (b) the number of quarters in the period presented times two.

Calculation of Return on Equity and Core Return on Equity

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

($ in millions, after-tax)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Annualized net income

$

5,236

$

3,490

$

2,697

$

2,622

Average shareholders’ equity

28,525

25,775

26,892

24,922

Return on equity

18.4

%

13.5

%

10.0

%

10.5

%

Annualized core income

$

5,044

$

3,468

$

2,686

$

2,537

Adjusted average shareholders’ equity

24,558

23,472

23,790

23,335

Core return on equity

20.5

%

14.8

%

11.3

%

10.9

%

Average annual core return on equity over a period is the ratio of: (a) the sum of core income less preferred dividends for the periods presented to (b) the sum of: (1) the sum of the adjusted average shareholders’ equity for all full years in the period presented and (2) for partial years in the period presented, the number of quarters in that partial year divided by four, multiplied by the adjusted average shareholders’ equity of the partial year.

Calculation of Core Return on Equity

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

Core income, less preferred dividends

$2,686

$2,537

$2,430

$2,043

$2,967

$3,437

$3,641

$3,567

$2,441

$1,389

$3,040

$3,597

$3,191

$4,496

$4,195

$2,020

Adjusted average shareholders’ equity

23,790

23,335

22,814

22,743

22,386

22,681

23,447

23,004

22,158

22,806

24,285

25,777

25,668

25,350

23,381

21,118

Core return on equity

11.3%

10.9%

10.7%

9.0%

13.3%

15.2%

15.5%

15.5%

11.0%

6.1%

12.5%

14.0%

12.4%

17.7%

17.9%

9.6%

RECONCILIATION OF PRE-TAX UNDERWRITING GAIN EXCLUDING CERTAIN ITEMS TO NET INCOME

Underwriting gain (loss) is net earned premiums and fee income less claims and claim adjustment expenses and insurance-related expenses. In the opinion of the Company’s management, it is important to measure the profitability of each segment excluding the results of investing activities, which are managed separately from the insurance business. This measure is used to assess each segment’s business performance and as a tool in making business decisions. Pre-tax underwriting gain, excluding the impact of catastrophes and net favorable (unfavorable) prior year loss reserve development, is the underwriting gain adjusted to exclude claims and claim adjustment expenses, reinstatement premiums and assessments related to catastrophes and loss reserve development related to time periods prior to the current year. In the opinion of the Company’s management, this measure is meaningful to users of the financial statements to understand the Company’s periodic earnings and the variability of earnings caused by the unpredictable nature (i.e., the timing and amount) of catastrophes and loss reserve development. This measure is also referred to as underlying underwriting margin or underlying underwriting gain.

A catastrophe is a severe loss designated a catastrophe by internationally recognized organizations that track and report on insured losses resulting from catastrophic events, such as Property Claim Services (PCS) for events in the United States and Canada. Catastrophes can be caused by various natural events, including, among others, hurricanes, tornadoes and other windstorms, earthquakes, hail, wildfires, severe winter weather, floods, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and other naturally-occurring events, such as solar flares. Catastrophes can also be man-made, such as terrorist attacks and other intentionally destructive acts including those involving nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological events, cyber events, explosions and destruction of infrastructure. Each catastrophe has unique characteristics and catastrophes are not predictable as to timing or amount. Their effects are included in net and core income and claims and claim adjustment expense reserves upon occurrence. A catastrophe may result in the payment of reinsurance reinstatement premiums and assessments from various pools.

The Company’s threshold for disclosing catastrophes is primarily determined at the reportable segment level. If a threshold for one segment or a combination thereof is exceeded and the other segments have losses from the same event, losses from the event are identified as catastrophe losses in the segment results and for the consolidated results of the Company. Additionally, an aggregate threshold is applied for international business across all reportable segments. The threshold for 2020 ranges from approximately $20 million to $30 million of losses before reinsurance and taxes.

Net favorable (unfavorable) prior year loss reserve development is the increase or decrease in incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses as a result of the re-estimation of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at successive valuation dates for a given group of claims, which may be related to one or more prior years. In the opinion of the Company’s management, a discussion of loss reserve development is meaningful to users of the financial statements as it allows them to assess the impact between prior and current year development on incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses, net and core income (loss), and changes in claims and claim adjustment expense reserve levels from period to period.

Components of Net Income

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

($ in millions, after-tax except as noted)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Pre-tax underwriting gain excluding the impact of catastrophes and net prior year loss reserve development

$

804

$

538

$

2,564

$

1,779

Pre-tax impact of catastrophes

(29

)

(85

)

(1,613

)

(886

)

Pre-tax impact of net favorable (unfavorable) prior year loss reserve development

180

60

351

(60

)

Pre-tax underwriting gain

955

513

1,302

833

Income tax expense on underwriting results

214

117

292

179

Underwriting gain

741

396

1,010

654

Net investment income

572

525

1,908

2,097

Other income (expense), including interest expense

(51

)

(54

)

(232

)

(214

)

Core income

1,262

867

2,686

2,537

Net realized investment gains

48

6

11

85

Net income

$

1,310

$

873

$

2,697

$

2,622

COMBINED RATIO AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR UNDERLYING COMBINED RATIO

Combined ratio: For Statutory Accounting Practices (SAP), the combined ratio is the sum of the SAP loss and LAE ratio and the SAP underwriting expense ratio as defined in the statutory financial statements required by insurance regulators. The combined ratio, as used in this earnings release, is the equivalent of, and is calculated in the same manner as, the SAP combined ratio except that the SAP underwriting expense ratio is based on net written premiums and the underwriting expense ratio as used in this earnings release is based on net earned premiums.

For SAP, the loss and LAE ratio is the ratio of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses less certain administrative services fee income to net earned premiums as defined in the statutory financial statements required by insurance regulators. The loss and LAE ratio as used in this earnings release is calculated in the same manner as the SAP ratio.

For SAP, the underwriting expense ratio is the ratio of underwriting expenses incurred (including commissions paid), less certain administrative services fee income and billing and policy fees and other, to net written premiums as defined in the statutory financial statements required by insurance regulators. The underwriting expense ratio as used in this earnings release, is the ratio of underwriting expenses (including the amortization of deferred acquisition costs), less certain administrative services fee income, billing and policy fees and other, to net earned premiums.

The combined ratio, loss and LAE ratio, and underwriting expense ratio are used as indicators of the Company’s underwriting discipline, efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business and overall underwriting profitability. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss.

Underlying combined ratio represents the combined ratio excluding the impact of net prior year reserve development and catastrophes. The underlying combined ratio is an indicator of the Company’s underwriting discipline and underwriting profitability for the current accident year.

Other companies’ method of computing similarly titled measures may not be comparable to the Company’s method of computing these ratios.

Calculation of the Combined Ratio

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

($ in millions, pre-tax)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

Claims and claim adjustment expenses

$

4,341

$

4,640

$

19,123

$

19,133

Less:

Policyholder dividends

10

10

41

47

Allocated fee income

41

42

161

174

Loss ratio numerator

$

4,290

$

4,588

$

18,921

$

18,912

Underwriting expense ratio

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

$

1,215

$

1,181

$

4,773

$

4,601

General and administrative expenses (G&A)

1,142

1,085

4,509

4,365

Less:

Non-insurance G&A

67

56

234

201

Allocated fee income

65

71

268

285

Billing and policy fees and other

28

27

97

108

Expense ratio numerator

$

2,197

$

2,112

$

8,683

$

8,372

Earned premium

$

7,480

$

7,250

$

29,044

$

28,272

Combined ratio (1)

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

57.3

%

63.3

%

65.1

%

66.9

%

Underwriting expense ratio

29.4

%

29.1

%

29.9

%

29.6

%

Combined ratio

86.7

%

92.4

%

95.0

%

96.5

%

(1) For purposes of computing ratios, billing and policy fees and other (which are a component of other revenues) are allocated as a reduction of underwriting expenses. In addition, fee income is allocated as a reduction of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses. In addition, G&A include non-insurance expenses that are excluded from underwriting expenses, and accordingly are excluded in calculating the combined ratio.

RECONCILIATION OF BOOK VALUE PER SHARE AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY TO CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

Book value per share is total common shareholders’ equity divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Adjusted book value per share is total common shareholders’ equity excluding net unrealized investment gains and losses, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity, divided by the number of common shares outstanding. In the opinion of the Company’s management, adjusted book value per share is useful in an analysis of a property casualty company’s book value per share as it removes the effect of changing prices on invested assets (i.e., net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax), which do not have an equivalent impact on unpaid claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Tangible book value per share is adjusted book value per share excluding the after-tax value of goodwill and other intangible assets divided by the number of common shares outstanding. In the opinion of the Company’s management, tangible book value per share is useful in an analysis of a property casualty company’s book value on a nominal basis as it removes certain effects of purchase accounting (i.e., goodwill and other intangible assets), in addition to the effect of changing prices on invested assets.

Reconciliation of Shareholders’ Equity to Tangible Shareholders’ Equity, Excluding Net Unrealized Investment Gains, Net of Tax

As of

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

Shareholders’ equity

$

29,201

$

25,943

Less: Net unrealized investment gains, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity

4,074

2,246

Shareholders’ equity, excluding net unrealized investment gains, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity

25,127

23,697

Less:

Goodwill

3,976

3,961

Other intangible assets

317

330

Impact of deferred tax on other intangible assets

(59

)

(51

)

Tangible shareholders’ equity

$

20,893

$

19,457

Common shares outstanding

252.4

255.5

Book value per share

$

115.68

$

101.55

Adjusted book value per share

99.54

92.76

Tangible book value per share

82.77

76.17

RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL CAPITALIZATION TO TOTAL CAPITALIZATION EXCLUDING NET UNREALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS, NET OF TAX

Total capitalization is the sum of total shareholders’ equity and debt. Debt-to-capital ratio excluding net unrealized gain on investments, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity, is the ratio of debt to total capitalization excluding the after-tax impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses included in shareholders’ equity. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the debt-to-capital ratio is useful in an analysis of the Company’s financial leverage.

As of

($ in millions)

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

Debt

$

6,550

$

6,558

Shareholders’ equity

29,201

25,943

Total capitalization

35,751

32,501

Less: Net unrealized investment gains, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity

4,074

2,246

Total capitalization excluding net unrealized gain on investments, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity

$

31,677

$

30,255

Debt-to-capital ratio

18.3

%

20.2

%

Debt-to-capital ratio excluding net unrealized investment gains, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity

20.7

%

21.7

%

OTHER DEFINITIONS

Gross written premiums reflect the direct and assumed contractually determined amounts charged to policyholders for the effective period of the contract based on the terms and conditions of the insurance contract. Net written premiums reflect gross written premiums less premiums ceded to reinsurers.

For Business Insurance and Bond & Specialty Insurance, retention is the amount of premium available for renewal that was retained, excluding rate and exposure changes. For Personal Insurance, retention is the ratio of the expected number of renewal policies that will be retained throughout the annual policy period to the number of available renewal base policies. For all of the segments, renewal rate change represents the estimated change in average premium on policies that renew, excluding exposure changes. Exposure is the measure of risk used in the pricing of an insurance product. The change in exposure is the amount of change in premium on policies that renew attributable to the change in portfolio risk. Renewal premium change represents the estimated change in average premium on policies that renew, including rate and exposure changes. New business is the amount of written premium related to new policyholders and additional products sold to existing policyholders. These are operating statistics, which are in part dependent on the use of estimates and are therefore subject to change. For Business Insurance, retention, renewal premium change and new business exclude National Accounts. For Bond & Specialty Insurance, retention, renewal premium change and new business exclude surety and other products that are generally sold on a non-recurring, project specific basis.

Statutory capital and surplus represents the excess of an insurance company’s admitted assets over its liabilities, including loss reserves, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices.

Holding company liquidity is the total funds available at the holding company level to fund general corporate purposes, primarily the payment of shareholder dividends and debt service. These funds consist of total cash, short-term invested assets and other readily marketable securities held by the holding company.

For a glossary of other financial terms used in this press release, we refer you to the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 13, 2020, and subsequent periodic filings with the SEC.

Media:

Patrick Linehan

917.778.6267

Institutional Investors:

Abbe Goldstein

917.778.6825

Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.

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