Strong Profitability and Returns
Core income of $1.7 billion ($7.71 per diluted share) in Q1; quarterly core return on equity of 19.7% and trailing twelve-month core ROE of 22.7%.
Consistent Underwriting Performance
Underlying underwriting income of ~$1.2 billion (marked seventh consecutive quarter >$1B underlying underwriting income); all-in combined ratio of 88.6% and underlying combined ratio of 85.3% on $10.6 billion of earned premium.
Investment Income Growth
After-tax net investment income increased 9% year-over-year to $833 million, driven by higher yields and a larger fixed income portfolio; new-money yields ~70 bps above embedded portfolio yield at quarter end.
Top-Line Production and Premium Growth
Net written premiums of $10.3 billion in the quarter. Business Insurance NWP $5.8 billion (domestic NWP ex‑property up ~6%), Bond & Specialty NWP $1.1 billion (up 7%), Personal Insurance NWP $3.5 billion.
Record Commercial New Business and Strong Renewals
Business Insurance new business of $775 million (record quarter); renewal premium change in BI 5.8% with retention up to 86% (middle market retention 89%). Select RPC near double digits; Select renewal premium change 8.8%.
Surety and Management Liability Growth
Surety net written premiums grew 14% year-over-year; management liability renewal premium change ticked up with strong retention of 87%.
Capital Returns and Strong Capital Metrics
Returned more than $2.2 billion of excess capital in the quarter including ~$2.0 billion of share repurchases (open-market repurchases $1.8 billion); operating cash flow of ~$2.2 billion; ~ $5.2 billion remaining under prior buyback authorizations.
Adjusted Book Value and Dividend Increase
Adjusted book value per share $161.60, up 16% year-over-year (and up 2% from year-end despite heavy buybacks). Board increased quarterly dividend 14% to $1.25 (22 consecutive years of increases; 8% CAGR over that period).
Segment-Level Profitability
Business Insurance segment income $839 million (first-quarter record) with underlying combined ratio below 90% for 14th consecutive quarter; Bond & Specialty segment income $254 million with combined ratio 83.3% (underlying 88.9%); Personal Insurance segment income $704 million with combined ratio 82.9% and underlying combined ratio 78.3%.