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.
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