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Travelers Reports Strong First Quarter Results

April 19, 2023 6:57 AM

First Quarter 2023 Net Income per Diluted Share of $4.13 and Return on Equity of 17.5%

First Quarter 2023 Core Income per Diluted Share of $4.11 and Core Return on Equity of 14.5%

Board of Directors Declares 8% Increase in Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend to $1.00 per Share and Authorizes an Additional $5.0 Billion of Share Repurchases

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Travelers Companies, Inc. today reported net income of $975 million, or $4.13 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, compared to $1.018 billion, or $4.15 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Core income in the current quarter was $970 million, or $4.11 per diluted share, compared to $1.037 billion, or $4.22 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Core income decreased primarily due to higher catastrophe losses and lower net favorable prior year reserve development, partially offset by a higher underlying underwriting gain (i.e., excluding net prior year reserve development and catastrophe losses) and higher net investment income. The underlying underwriting gain in the current quarter included a one-time tax benefit of $211 million. This tax benefit is included in the income tax line in the Consolidated Statement of Income and accordingly does not impact the combined ratio or the underlying combined ratio. Net realized investment gains in the current quarter were $6 million pre-tax ($5 million after-tax), compared to net realized investment losses of $23 million pre-tax ($19 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 March 31,

2023

2022

Change

Net written premiums

$

9,396

$

8,367

12

%

Total revenues

$

9,704

$

8,809

10

Net income

$

975

$

1,018

(4

)

per diluted share

$

4.13

$

4.15

Core income

$

970

$

1,037

(6

)

per diluted share

$

4.11

$

4.22

(3

)

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

234.4

243.7

(4

)

Combined ratio

95.4

%

91.3

%

4.1

pts

Underlying combined ratio

90.6

%

91.2

%

(0.6

)

pts

Return on equity

17.5

%

15.0

%

2.5

pts

Core return on equity

14.5

%

15.5

%

(1.0

)

pts

As of

Change From

March 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

March 31,
2022

December 31,
2022

March 31,
2022

Book value per share

$

99.80

$

92.90

$

106.40

7

%

(6

)%

Adjusted book value per share

116.55

114.00

112.19

2

%

4

%

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

“We are very pleased to report excellent results for the quarter, particularly in light of the high level of severe weather activity across the United States,” said Alan Schnitzer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Core income for the quarter was $970 million, or $4.11 per diluted share, generating core return on equity of 14.5%. Core income benefited from record net earned premiums of $8.9 billion, up 10% compared to the prior year period, an excellent underlying combined ratio of 90.6% and a one-time tax benefit. Catastrophe losses in the quarter were elevated at $535 million pre-tax ($422 million after-tax). Our high-quality investment portfolio generated after-tax net investment income of $557 million.

“Our best-in-class marketplace execution delivered 12% growth in net written premiums this quarter to a record $9.4 billion, with all three segments contributing. In Business Insurance, we grew net written premiums by 15% to $5.2 billion. Renewal premium change in the segment remained historically high at 9.6%, while retention remained very strong at 87%. Record new business of $639 million was up 17%. In Bond & Specialty Insurance, net written premiums increased slightly, with excellent retention of 90% and new business growth of 25% in our management liability business. Surety net written premiums were once again strong. Given the attractive returns, we are very pleased with the strong production results in both of our commercial business segments. In Personal Insurance, top-line growth of 12% was driven by higher pricing. Renewal premium change increased to 20.2% in our Homeowners and Other business and 13.9% in our Auto business.

“Our results, along with our strong balance sheet, enabled us to return $680 million of excess capital to our shareholders this quarter, including $462 million of share repurchases. In recognition of our strong financial position and confidence in the outlook for our business, I am pleased to share that our Board of Directors declared an 8% increase in our quarterly cash dividend to $1.00 per share, marking 19 consecutive years of dividend increases with a compound annual growth rate of 8% over that period. The Board also authorized an additional $5 billion of share repurchases.

“The year is off to a terrific start with another strong quarter of profitability and growth driven by our underwriting and investment expertise. At the same time, we continue to successfully execute on our innovation strategy, which has contributed to significantly accelerated premium growth, superior returns and industry low volatility over the past decade. With the best talent in the industry, we remain well positioned for success through a wide range of economic and operating environments and confident in our ability to continue to create shareholder value over time.”

Consolidated Results

Three Months Ended March 31,

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

2023

2022

Change

Underwriting gain:

$

367

$

659

$

(292

)

Underwriting gain includes:

Net favorable prior year reserve development

105

153

(48

)

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

(535

)

(160

)

(375

)

Net investment income

663

637

26

Other income (expense), including interest expense

(108

)

(91

)

(17

)

Core income before income taxes

922

1,205

(283

)

Income tax expense (benefit)

(48

)

168

(216

)

Core income

970

1,037

(67

)

Net realized investment gains (losses) after income taxes

5

(19

)

24

Net income

$

975

$

1,018

$

(43

)

Combined ratio

95.4

%

91.3

%

4.1

pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net favorable prior year reserve development

(1.2

)

pts

(1.9

)

pts

0.7

pts

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

6.0

pts

2.0

pts

4.0

pts

Underlying combined ratio

90.6

%

91.2

%

(0.6

)

pts

Net written premiums

Business Insurance

$

5,157

$

4,502

15

%

Bond & Specialty Insurance

886

882

Personal Insurance

3,353

2,983

12

Total

$

9,396

$

8,367

12

%

First Quarter 2023 Results
(All comparisons vs. first quarter 2022, unless noted otherwise)

Net income of $975 million decreased $43 million, due to lower core income, partially offset by net realized investment gains compared to net realized investment losses in the prior year quarter. Core income of $970 million decreased $67 million, primarily due to higher catastrophe losses and lower net favorable prior year reserve development, partially offset by a higher underlying underwriting gain and higher net investment income. The underlying underwriting gain benefited from higher business volumes. The underlying underwriting gain in the current quarter also included a one-time tax benefit of $211 million due to the expiration of the statute of limitations with respect to a tax item, while the prior year quarter included a $47 million reduction in income tax expense as a result of the resolution of prior year tax matters. These tax benefits are included in the income tax line in the Consolidated Statement of Income and accordingly do not impact the combined ratio or the underlying combined ratio. Net realized investment gains were $6 million pre-tax ($5 million after-tax), compared to net realized investment losses of $23 million pre-tax ($19 million after-tax) in the prior year quarter.

Combined ratio:

Net investment income of $663 million pre-tax ($557 million after-tax) increased 4%. Income from the fixed income investment portfolio increased over the prior year quarter due to a higher average yield and growth in fixed maturity investments. Income from the non-fixed income investment portfolio decreased from the prior year quarter, primarily due to lower private equity and real estate partnership returns. Non-fixed income returns are generally reported on a one-quarter lagged basis and directionally follow the broader equity markets.

Net written premiums of $9.396 billion increased 12%. See below for further details by segment.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity of $23.052 billion increased 7% over year-end 2022, primarily due to lower net unrealized investment losses and net income of $975 million, partially offset by common share repurchases and dividends to shareholders. Net unrealized investment losses included in shareholders’ equity were $4.912 billion pre-tax ($3.868 billion after-tax), compared to $6.220 billion pre-tax ($4.898 billion after-tax) at year-end 2022. The decrease in net unrealized investment losses was driven by lower interest rates. Book value per share of $99.80 decreased 6% from March 31, 2022, and increased 7% over year-end 2022. Adjusted book value per share of $116.55, which excludes net unrealized investment gains (losses), increased 4% over March 31, 2022, and increased 2% over year-end 2022.

The Company repurchased 2.5 million shares during the first quarter at an average price of $183.33 per share for a total cost of $462 million. At the end of the quarter, statutory capital and surplus was $23.689 billion, and the ratio of debt-to-capital was 24.0%. The ratio of debt-to-capital excluding after-tax net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in shareholders’ equity was 21.3%, within the Company’s target range of 15% to 25%.

The Board of Directors declared an 8% increase in the regular quarterly dividend to $1.00 per share. The dividend is payable June 30, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 9, 2023. The Board of Directors also authorized an additional $5.0 billion of share repurchases. This amount is in addition to the $1.605 billion that remained from previous authorizations as of March 31, 2023. This authorization does not have a stated expiration date. The timing and actual number of shares to be repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including the factors described below in the Forward-Looking Statements section.

Business Insurance Segment Financial Results

Three Months Ended March 31,

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

2023

2022

Change

Underwriting gain:

$

273

$

358

$

(85

)

Underwriting gain includes:

Net favorable prior year reserve development

19

113

(94

)

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

(199

)

(79

)

(120

)

Net investment income

473

468

5

Other income (expense)

(33

)

(17

)

(16

)

Segment income before income taxes

713

809

(96

)

Income tax expense (benefit)

(43

)

140

(183

)

Segment income

$

756

$

669

$

87

Combined ratio

93.6

%

90.9

%

2.7

pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net favorable prior year reserve development

(0.4

)

pts

(2.8

)

pts

2.4

pts

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

4.4

pts

1.9

pts

2.5

pts

Underlying combined ratio

89.6

%

91.8

%

(2.2

)

pts

Net written premiums by market

Domestic

Select Accounts

$

908

$

819

11

%

Middle Market

2,926

2,616

12

National Accounts

294

303

(3

)

National Property and Other

590

497

19

Total Domestic

4,718

4,235

11

International

439

267

64

Total

$

5,157

$

4,502

15

%

First Quarter 2023 Results
(All comparisons vs. first quarter 2022, unless noted otherwise)

Segment income for Business Insurance was $756 million after-tax, an increase of $87 million. Segment income increased primarily due to a higher underlying underwriting gain, partially offset by higher catastrophe losses and lower net favorable prior year reserve development. The underlying underwriting gain benefited from higher business volumes. The underlying underwriting gain in the current quarter also included a one-time tax benefit of $171 million due to the expiration of the statute of limitations with respect to a tax item, while the prior year quarter included a $3 million reduction in income tax expense as a result of the resolution of prior year tax matters. These tax benefits are included in the income tax line and accordingly do not impact the combined ratio or the underlying combined ratio.

Combined ratio:

Net written premiums of $5.157 billion increased 15%, reflecting strong renewal premium change and retention, as well as higher levels of new business. The increase in net written premiums also included the impact of the Company’s quota share reinsurance agreement with subsidiaries of Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited (Fidelis) effective January 1, 2023, which is included in the segment’s International results.

Bond & Specialty Insurance Segment Financial Results

Three Months Ended March 31,

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

2023

2022

Change

Underwriting gain:

$

171

$

177

$

(6

)

Underwriting gain includes:

Net favorable prior year reserve development

58

35

23

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

(5

)

(1

)

(4

)

Net investment income

73

59

14

Other income

4

3

1

Segment income before income taxes

248

239

9

Income tax expense

41

22

19

Segment income

$

207

$

217

$

(10

)

Combined ratio

80.0

%

78.0

%

2.0

pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net favorable prior year reserve development

(6.7

)

pts

(4.3

)

pts

(2.4

)

pts

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

0.6

pts

0.1

pts

0.5

pts

Underlying combined ratio

86.1

%

82.2

%

3.9

pts

Net written premiums

Domestic

Management Liability

$

511

$

505

1

%

Surety

257

257

Total Domestic

768

762

1

International

118

120

(2

)

Total

$

886

$

882

%

First Quarter 2023 Results
(All comparisons vs. first quarter 2022, unless noted otherwise)

Segment income for Bond & Specialty Insurance was $207 million after-tax, a decrease of $10 million. Segment income decreased primarily due to a lower underlying underwriting gain, partially offset by higher net favorable prior year reserve development and higher net investment income. The underlying underwriting gain benefited from higher business volumes. The underlying underwriting gain in the current quarter included a one-time tax benefit of $9 million due to the expiration of the statute of limitations with respect to a tax item, while the prior year quarter included a $24 million reduction in income tax expense as a result of the resolution of prior year tax matters. These tax benefits are included in the income tax line and accordingly do not impact the combined ratio or the underlying combined ratio.

Combined ratio:

Net written premiums of $886 million increased slightly over the very strong prior year quarter, reflecting strong retention, new business and renewal premium change in management liability, as well as strong production in surety.

Personal Insurance Segment Financial Results

Three Months Ended March 31,

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

2023

2022

Change

Underwriting gain (loss):

$

(77

)

$

124

$

(201

)

Underwriting gain (loss) includes:

Net favorable prior year reserve development

28

5

23

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

(331

)

(80

)

(251

)

Net investment income

117

110

7

Other income

18

18

Segment income before income taxes

58

252

(194

)

Income tax expense (benefit)

(25

)

27

(52

)

Segment income

$

83

$

225

$

(142

)

Combined ratio

101.5

%

95.3

%

6.2

pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net favorable prior year reserve development

(0.8

)

pts

(0.1

)

pts

(0.7

)

pts

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

9.4

pts

2.6

pts

6.8

pts

Underlying combined ratio

92.9

%

92.8

%

0.1

pts

Net written premiums

Domestic

Automobile

$

1,654

$

1,496

11

%

Homeowners and Other

1,565

1,344

16

Total Domestic

3,219

2,840

13

International

134

143

(6

)

Total

$

3,353

$

2,983

12

%

First Quarter 2023 Results
(All comparisons vs. first quarter 2022, unless noted otherwise)

Segment income for Personal Insurance was $83 million after-tax, a decrease of $142 million. Segment income decreased primarily due to higher catastrophe losses, partially offset by a higher underlying underwriting gain and higher net favorable prior year reserve development. The underlying underwriting gain benefited from higher business volumes. The underlying underwriting gain in the current quarter included a one-time tax benefit of $31 million due to the expiration of the statute of limitations with respect to a tax item, while the prior year quarter included a $20 million reduction in income tax expense as a result of the resolution of prior year tax matters. These tax benefits are included in the income tax line and accordingly do not impact the combined ratio or the underlying combined ratio.

Combined ratio:

Net written premiums of $3.353 billion increased 12%, primarily reflecting higher pricing. Renewal premium change increased to 20.2% in Domestic Homeowners and Other and 13.9% in Domestic Automobile.

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 Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Investors can access the call via webcast at http://investor.travelers.com or by dialing 1.888.440.6281 within the United States or 1.646.960.0218 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 1.800.770.2030 within the United States or 1.647.362.9199 outside the United States. All callers should use conference ID 5449478.

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 more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $37 billion in 2022. 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 products and 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, including as a corporate member of Lloyd’s.

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

Personal Insurance - Personal Insurance offers a broad range of property and casualty insurance products and services covering individuals’ personal risks, primarily in the United States, as well as in Canada. Personal Insurance’s 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,” “probably,” “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:

Insurance-Related Risks

Financial, Economic and Credit Risks

Business and Operational Risks

Technology and Intellectual Property Risks

Regulatory and Compliance Risks

In addition, the Company’s share repurchase plans depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, share price, catastrophe losses, maintaining capital levels appropriate for the Company’s business operations, changes in levels of written premiums, funding of the Company’s qualified pension plan, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, other investment opportunities (including mergers and acquisitions and related financings), market conditions, changes in tax laws (including the Inflation Reduction Act) and other factors.

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,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Forward Looking Statements” in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on April 19, 2023, and in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2023, 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
March 31,

($ in millions, after-tax)

2023

2022

Net income

$

975

$

1,018

Adjustments:

Net realized investment (gains) losses

(5

)

19

Core income

$

970

$

1,037

Three Months Ended
March 31,

($ in millions, pre-tax)

2023

2022

Net income

$

928

$

1,182

Adjustments:

Net realized investment (gains) losses

(6

)

23

Core income

$

922

$

1,205

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

Average
Annual

($ in millions, after-tax)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2005 - 2017

Net income

$

2,842

$

3,662

$

2,697

$

2,622

$

2,523

$

3,074

Less: Loss from discontinued operations

(34

)

Income from continuing operations

2,842

3,662

2,697

2,622

2,523

3,108

Adjustments:

Net realized investment (gains) losses

156

(132

)

(11

)

(85

)

(93

)

(37

)

Impact of changes in tax laws and/or tax rates (1) (2)

(8

)

10

Core income

2,998

3,522

2,686

2,537

2,430

3,081

Less: Preferred dividends

2

Core income, less preferred dividends

$

2,998

$

3,522

$

2,686

$

2,537

$

2,430

$

3,079

(1) Impact is recognized in the accounting period in which the change is enacted
(2) 2017 reflects impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA)

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

Three Months Ended
March 31,

2023

2022

Diluted income per share

Net income

$

4.13

$

4.15

Adjustments:

Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax

(0.02

)

0.07

Core income

$

4.11

$

4.22

Reconciliation of Segment Income to Total Core Income

Three Months Ended
March 31,

($ in millions, after-tax)

2023

2022

Business Insurance

$

756

$

669

Bond & Specialty Insurance

207

217

Personal Insurance

83

225

Total segment income

1,046

1,111

Interest Expense and Other

(76

)

(74

)

Total core income

$

970

$

1,037

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 March 31,

($ in millions)

2023

2022

Shareholders’ equity

$

23,052

$

25,531

Adjustments:

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

3,868

1,391

Net realized investment (gains) losses, net of tax

(5

)

19

Adjusted shareholders’ equity

$

26,915

$

26,941

As of December 31,

Average
Annual

($ in millions)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2005 - 2017

Shareholders’ equity

$

21,560

$

28,887

$

29,201

$

25,943

$

22,894

$

24,794

Adjustments:

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

4,898

(2,415

)

(4,074

)

(2,246

)

113

(1,335

)

Net realized investment (gains) losses, net of tax

156

(132

)

(11

)

(85

)

(93

)

(37

)

Impact of changes in tax laws and/or tax rates (1) (2)

(8

)

22

Preferred stock

(49

)

Loss from discontinued operations

34

Adjusted shareholders’ equity

$

26,614

$

26,332

$

25,116

$

23,612

$

22,914

$

23,429

(1) Impact is recognized in the accounting period in which the change is enacted
(2) 2017 reflects impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA)

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
March 31,

($ in millions, after-tax)

2023

2022

Annualized net income

$

3,900

$

4,073

Average shareholders’ equity

22,306

27,209

Return on equity

17.5

%

15.0

%

Annualized core income

$

3,881

$

4,148

Adjusted average shareholders’ equity

26,687

26,706

Core return on equity

14.5

%

15.5

%

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

Average
Annual

($ in millions, after-tax)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2005 - 2017

Net income, less preferred dividends

$

2,842

$

3,662

$

2,697

$

2,622

$

2,523

$

3,072

Average shareholders’ equity

23,384

28,735

26,892

24,922

22,843

24,818

Return on equity

12.2

%

12.7

%

10.0

%

10.5

%

11.0

%

12.4

%

Core income, less preferred dividends

$

2,998

$

3,522

$

2,686

$

2,537

$

2,430

$

3,079

Adjusted average shareholders’ equity

26,588

25,718

23,790

23,335

22,814

23,446

Core return on equity

11.3

%

13.7

%

11.3

%

10.9

%

10.7

%

13.1

%

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO UNDERWRITING GAIN EXCLUDING CERTAIN ITEMS

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. 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 gain, underlying underwriting margin, underlying underwriting income or underlying underwriting result.

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 2023 ranges from $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.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Pre-Tax Underlying Underwriting Income (also known as Underlying Underwriting Gain)

Three Months Ended
March 31,

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

2023

2022

Net income

$

975

$

1,018

Net realized investment (gains) losses

(5

)

19

Core income

970

1,037

Net investment income

(557

)

(539

)

Other (income) expense, including interest expense

88

77

Underwriting income

501

575

Income tax expense (benefit) on underwriting results

(134

)

84

Pre-tax underwriting income

367

659

Pre-tax impact of net favorable prior year reserve development

(105

)

(153

)

Pre-tax impact of catastrophes

535

160

Pre-tax underlying underwriting income

$

797

$

666

Reconciliation of Net Income to After-Tax Underlying Underwriting Income (also known as Underlying Underwriting Gain)

Three Months Ended
March 31,

($ in millions, after-tax)

2023

2022

Net income

$

975

$

1,018

Net realized investment (gains) losses

(5

)

19

Core income

970

1,037

Net investment income

(557

)

(539

)

Other (income) expense, including interest expense

88

77

Underwriting income

501

575

Impact of net favorable prior year reserve development

(83

)

(122

)

Impact of catastrophes

422

127

Underlying underwriting income

$

840

$

580

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

($ in millions, after-tax)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Net income

$

2,842

$

3,662

$

2,697

$

2,622

$

2,523

$

2,056

$

3,014

$

3,439

$

3,692

$

3,673

$

2,473

Net realized investment (gains) losses

156

(132

)

(11

)

(85

)

(93

)

(142

)

(47

)

(2

)

(51

)

(106

)

(32

)

Impact of changes in tax laws and/or tax rates (1) (2)

(8

)

129

Core income

2,998

3,522

2,686

2,537

2,430

2,043

2,967

3,437

3,641

3,567

2,441

Net investment income

(2,170

)

(2,541

)

(1,908

)

(2,097

)

(2,102

)

(1,872

)

(1,846

)

(1,905

)

(2,216

)

(2,186

)

(2,316

)

Other (income) expense, including interest expense

277

235

232

214

248

179

78

193

159

61

171

Underwriting income

1,105

1,216

1,010

654

576

350

1,199

1,725

1,584

1,442

296

Impact of net (favorable) unfavorable prior year reserve development

(512

)

(424

)

(276

)

47

(409

)

(378

)

(510

)

(617

)

(616

)

(552

)

(622

)

Impact of catastrophes

1,480

1,459

1,274

699

1,355

1,267

576

338

462

387

1,214

Underlying underwriting income

$

2,073

$

2,251

$

2,008

$

1,400

$

1,522

$

1,239

$

1,265

$

1,446

$

1,430

$

1,277

$

888

(1) Impact is recognized in the accounting period in which the change is enacted
(2) 2017 reflects impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA)

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
March 31,

($ in millions, pre-tax)

2023

2022

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

Claims and claim adjustment expenses

$

5,959

$

5,039

Less:

Policyholder dividends

12

11

Allocated fee income

42

35

Loss ratio numerator

$

5,905

$

4,993

Underwriting expense ratio

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

$

1,462

$

1,310

General and administrative expenses (G&A)

1,267

1,191

Less:

Non-insurance G&A

95

82

Allocated fee income

64

68

Billing and policy fees and other

28

27

Expense ratio numerator

$

2,542

$

2,324

Earned premium

$

8,854

$

8,014

Combined ratio (1)

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

66.7

%

62.3

%

Underwriting expense ratio

28.7

%

29.0

%

Combined ratio

95.4

%

91.3

%

Impact on combined ratio:

Net favorable prior year reserve development

(1.2

)%

(1.9

)%

Catastrophes, net of reinsurance

6.0

%

2.0

%

Underlying combined ratio

90.6

%

91.2

%

(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. These allocations are to conform the calculation of the combined ratio with statutory accounting. Additionally, general and administrative expenses 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 (Losses), Net of Tax and Calculation of Book Value Per Share, Adjusted Book Value Per Share and Tangible Book Value Per Share

As of

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

March 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

March 31,
2022

Shareholders’ equity

$

23,052

$

21,560

$

25,531

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

(3,868

)

(4,898

)

(1,391

)

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

26,920

26,458

26,922

Less:

Goodwill

3,959

3,952

4,001

Other intangible assets

285

287

301

Impact of deferred tax on other intangible assets

(63

)

(60

)

(64

)

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

$

22,739

$

22,279

$

22,684

Common shares outstanding

231.0

232.1

240.0

Book value per share

$

99.80

$

92.90

$

106.40

Adjusted book value per share

116.55

114.00

112.19

Tangible book value per share, excluding net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity

98.45

96.00

94.53

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

Total capitalization is the sum of total shareholders’ equity and debt. Debt-to-capital ratio excluding net unrealized gain (loss) 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)

March 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

Debt

$

7,292

$

7,292

Shareholders’ equity

23,052

21,560

Total capitalization

30,344

28,852

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

(3,868

)

(4,898

)

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

$

34,212

$

33,750

Debt-to-capital ratio

24.0

%

25.3

%

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

21.3

%

21.6

%

RECONCILIATION OF INVESTED ASSETS TO INVESTED ASSETS EXCLUDING NET UNREALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

As of March 31,

($ in millions)

2023

2022

Invested assets

$

82,035

$

83,664

Less: Net unrealized investment gains (losses), pre-tax

(4,912

)

(1,770

)

Invested assets excluding net unrealized investment gains (losses)

$

86,947

$

85,434

As of December 31,

($ in millions)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Invested assets

$

80,454

$

87,375

$

84,423

$

77,884

$

72,278

$

72,502

$

70,488

$

70,470

$

73,261

$

73,160

$

73,838

$

72,701

Less: Net unrealized investment gains (losses), pre-tax

(6,220

)

3,060

5,175

2,853

(137

)

1,414

1,112

1,974

3,008

2,030

4,761

4,399

Invested assets excluding net unrealized investment gains (losses)

$

86,674

$

84,315

$

79,248

$

75,031

$

72,415

$

71,088

$

69,376

$

68,496

$

70,253

$

71,130

$

69,077

$

68,302

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. For each of the segments, production statistics referred to herein are domestic only unless otherwise indicated.

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 16, 2023, 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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