CNA Financial's Q4 2024: Dissecting Contradictions in Premium Growth and Currency Impact

These are the key contradictions discussed in CNA Financial's latest 2024Q4 earnings call, specifically including: Net Written Premium Growth, and International Segment's Foreign Currency Exchange Impacts:



Strong Underwriting and Investment Performance:
- CNA Financial Corporation reported a record core income of $342 million for the fourth quarter, with net investment income increasing by 5% for the quarter and 10% for the full year, reaching nearly $2.5 billion.
- This growth was driven by record underlying underwriting gain, the highest level of net investment income, and a significant improvement in the expense ratio.

Premium Growth and Rate Improvement:
- CNA achieved 10% growth in net written premiums, with commercial casualty rates improving by a point to 10%, exceeding loss cost trends.
- The increase in premiums was supported by strong rate improvements in commercial casualty classes and disciplined underwriting strategies.

International and New Business Growth:
- International gross written premiums grew by 8%, with a high retention rate of 85%, and new business growth reached 8%.
- This growth was driven by strong new business growth in Commercial and International segments, along with high retention rates.

Catastrophe Losses and Financial Strength:
- CNA's P&C all-in combined ratio was 93.1%, with catastrophe losses totaling $45 million, impacting the combined ratio by 1.8 points.
- Despite elevated catastrophe losses, CNA maintained financial strength with an increase in stockholders' equity and strong operating cash flow, allowing for a dividend increase.

Dividend Increase and Capital Stength:
- CNA announced a 5% increase in its regular quarterly dividend and a special dividend of $2.00 per share, reflecting the company's strong financial performance and capital strength.
- This decision was supported by record core income, a solid balance sheet, and positive ratings outlook revisions from AM Best and Moody's.