New York, NY – The Travelers Companies, Inc. today reported a net loss of $40 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, compared to net income of $557 million, or $2.10 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. The core loss in the current quarter was $50 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to core income of $537 million, or $2.02 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. The difference was primarily due to higher catastrophe losses, lower net investment income 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). COVID-19 and related economic conditions had a modest net impact on the underwriting result in the quarter. Net realized investment gains in the current quarter were $13 million pre-tax ($10 million after-tax), compared to net realized investment gains of $25 million pre-tax ($20 million after-tax) in the prior year quarter.
“Our second quarter results reflect an improved underlying underwriting gain that was more than offset by a high level of catastrophe losses and, as expected, losses in our non-fixed income investment portfolio,” said Alan Schnitzer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our underlying combined ratio improved by 3.5 points to a very strong 91.4%, with favorable contributions from both Business Insurance and Personal Insurance. The net impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions on our underlying results was modest, reflecting a culture of disciplined underwriting and management of terms and conditions. Catastrophe losses this quarter were impacted by a relatively high frequency of PCS-designated catastrophe events. Results in our non-fixed income investment portfolio are reported on a lagged basis, and the losses we reported this quarter arose out of the disruption in global financial markets that took place in the first quarter.
“We were very pleased with our marketplace execution in the quarter, particularly in light of the challenging economic environment. Net written premiums declined just slightly, as the impact of the pandemic on insured exposures in our commercial businesses and our auto refund program in Personal Insurance were largely offset by strong renewal rate change in all three segments. Excluding the auto premium refunds, we grew net written premiums by 2%. In Business Insurance, we achieved renewal rate change of 7.4%, nearly 4 points higher than the prior year quarter and its highest level since 2013, while retention remained strong. In Bond & Specialty Insurance, net written premiums increased by 3% as our domestic management liability business achieved renewal premium change of 7.8%, including record renewal rate change, while retention remained strong. In Personal Insurance, net written premiums decreased by 1%. Excluding the auto premium refunds, net written premiums increased by 6%, driven by strong retention and new business in both Agency Auto and Agency Homeowners. In our Agency Homeowners business, renewal premium change remained very strong at 7.7%.
“Investments we have made over recent years as part of our innovation agenda to put digital tools in the hands of our colleagues, customers and distribution partners have proven particularly valuable as we effectively manage our business through the pandemic. We will continue to invest to advance our innovation priorities and ensure that those capabilities and our other competitive advantages remain relevant and differentiating.
“Our steady performance through these difficult times demonstrates the value of underwriting excellence and the strength and resilience of our franchise. With a strong balance sheet, our proven ability to execute on our marketplace strategies and the best talent in the industry, we remain well positioned to continue to deliver meaningful shareholder value over time.”
The complete results release is available here: Travelers Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results
Source: Travelers