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The Hartford Announces Strong First Quarter 2024 Financial Performance
"The Hartford's first quarter 2024 financial results were excellent with a trailing 12-month core earnings ROE of 16.6 percent," said The Hartford's Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift. "Commercial Lines continues to generate strong top-line growth at highly profitable margins. Personal Lines results demonstrate progress towards restoring target profitability in auto and Group Benefits margins remained solid."
The Hartford's Chief Financial Officer Beth Costello said, "Commercial Lines had an exceptional quarter with an underlying combined ratio of 88.4. Pricing, excluding workers' compensation, accelerated to 9 percent in the quarter and remains above loss cost trends. Personal Lines achieved written price increases in auto of nearly 26 percent. Group Benefits continues to deliver solid results with a core earnings margin of 6.1 percent. We are actively managing our capital and returned $491 million through repurchases and dividends."
Swift continued, "We are off to a strong start in 2024. First quarter results reflect the consistency of our performance and stability of our margins, which give me great confidence in our ability to grow our franchise and deliver enhanced value for shareholders with an industry-leading ROE."
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS:
Three Months Ended Mar 31 Mar 31 Change ($ in millions except per share data) 2024 2023 -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- $748 $530 41% Net income available to common stockholders $2.47 $1.66 49% Net income available to common stockholders per diluted share(1) $709 $536 32% Core earnings $2.34 $1.68 39% Core earnings per diluted share $50.23 $44.27 13% Book value per diluted share $60.18 $54.55 10% Book value per diluted share (ex. accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI))(2) 18.5% 12.8% 5.7 Net income available to common stockholders' return on equity (ROE)(3), last 12-months 16.6% 14.3% 2.3 Core earnings ROE(3), last 12-months --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
First quarter 2024 net income available to common stockholders of $748 million, or $2.47 per diluted share, improved from $530 million in first quarter 2023, primarily due to a higher P&C underwriting gain, driven by strong premium growth, higher net investment income, a change to net realized gains in 2024 from net realized losses in 2023, and an improvement in the Group Benefits loss ratio, driven by group life results. Included in the first quarter 2024 net income was a benefit of $24 million, before tax, from amortization of a deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance related to an adverse development cover for Navigators pertaining to 2018 and prior accident years (Navigator's ADC).
First quarter 2024 core earnings of $709 million, or $2.34 per diluted share, compared with $536 million of core earnings in first quarter 2023. Contributing to the results were:
Net investment income of $593 million, before tax, compared with $515 million in first quarter 2023 driven by higher yields on our fixed income portfolio and a higher level of invested assets. An increase in earnings generated by 10% growth in P&C earned premium. Net favorable prior accident year development (PYD) in core earnings of $32 million, before tax, in 2024 compared with net PYD of $0 million in core earnings in 2023. Net favorable PYD in first quarter 2024 primarily included reserve reductions in workers' compensation and personal auto physical damage, partially offset by reserve increases in general liability, assumed reinsurance, and marine. Group Benefits loss ratio of 73.5 improved 1.7 points compared with 75.2 due to improved mortality experience in group life and favorable long-term disability claim recoveries, partially offset by higher incidence in Paid Family Leave and short-term disability products. P&C current accident year (CAY) catastrophe (CAT) losses of $161 million, before tax, in first quarter 2024, down from CAY CAT losses of $185 million in first quarter 2023.
March 31, 2024, book value per diluted share of $50.23 increased 1.6%, from $49.43 at Dec. 31, 2023, principally due to net income in excess of stockholder dividends through March 31, 2024, partially offset by greater net unrealized losses on investments within AOCI driven by higher interest rates, net of credit spread tightening, and the dilutive effect of share repurchases.
Book value per diluted share (excluding AOCI) of $60.18 as of March 31, 2024, increased 2.3%, from $58.83 at Dec. 31, 2023, as the impact from net income in excess of stockholder dividends through March 31, 2024 was partially offset by the dilutive effect of share repurchases.
Net income available to common stockholders' ROE (net income ROE) for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2024, was 18.5%, an increase of 5.7 points from first quarter 2023, primarily due to an increase in 12-month trailing net income available to common stockholders, and an increase in average net unrealized losses on investments in AOCI.
Core earnings ROE for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2024, was 16.6%, an increase of 2.3 points from first quarter 2023 due to higher trailing 12-month core earnings.
BUSINESS RESULTS:
Commercial Lines
Three Months Ended Mar 31 Mar 31 ($ in millions, unless otherwise noted) 2024 2023 Change -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- $573 $421 36% Net income $546 $436 25% Core earnings $3,362 $3,109 8% Written premiums $301 $202 49% Underwriting gain(1) $354 $317 12% Underlying underwriting gain(1) Losses and loss adjustment expense ratio 56.6 56.5 0.1 Current accident year before catastrophes 3.6 5.0 (1.4) Current accident year catastrophes (1.8) (0.8) (1.0) Favorable prior accident year development 31.5 31.7 (0.2) Expenses 0.3 0.3 -- Policyholder dividends 90.1 92.7 (2.6) Combined ratio (1.8) (4.2) 2.4 Impact of catastrophes and PYD on combined ratio 88.4 88.5 (0.1) Underlying combined ratio ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
First quarter 2024 net income of $573 million compared with net income of $421 million in first quarter 2023, principally due to higher net investment income, the impact of earned premium growth, more favorable PYD, a change to net realized gains in 2024 from net realized losses in 2023, and lower CAY CAT losses. PYD includes a $24 million, before-tax, benefit due to the amortization of the deferred gain related to the Navigators ADC.
Commercial Lines core earnings of $546 million in first quarter 2024 compared with $436 million in first quarter 2023. Contributing to the results were:
10% growth in earned premium. Net investment income of $391 million, before tax, compared with $338 million in first quarter 2023. CAY CAT losses of $109 million, before tax, in first quarter 2024, primarily from winter storms, mainly in the Northeast, Pacific and South regions, as well as tornado, wind and hail events in the Midwest, South and mid-Atlantic regions, down from CAY CAT losses of $138 million in first quarter 2023. Net favorable PYD within core earnings of $32 million, before tax, in first quarter 2024, compared with $23 million of net favorable PYD within core earnings in first quarter 2023. The net favorable PYD in first quarter 2024 primarily includes reserve reductions in workers' compensation and uncollectible reinsurance, partially offset by reserve increases in general liability, assumed reinsurance, and marine.
Combined ratio of 90.1 in first quarter 2024, improved from 92.7 in first quarter 2023, primarily due to a 2.4 point improvement in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, including 1.4 points of lower CAY CAT losses and 1.0 points of more favorable PYD (including 0.8 points of favorable development related to the amortization of the deferred gain). Underlying combined ratio of 88.4 improved from 88.5 in first quarter 2023.
Small Commercial combined ratio of 89.0 improved from 90.8 in first quarter 2023, driven by 2.4 points of lower CAY CATs, partially offset by 0.6 points of less favorable PYD. Underlying combined ratio of 89.6 compared with 89.5 in first quarter 2023. Middle & Large Commercial combined ratio of 94.0 improved from 97.6 in first quarter 2023, including 1.4 points of lower CAY CATs, and 1.5 points of less unfavorable PYD. Underlying combined ratio of 89.2 improved from 89.9 in first quarter 2023, primarily due to a lower expense ratio. Global Specialty combined ratio of 87.8 improved from 88.7 in first quarter 2023, primarily due to a change from unfavorable PYD in 2023 to favorable PYD in 2024. The combined ratio included 2.8 points of favorable development due to the amortization of the deferred gain related to the Navigators ADC. Underlying combined ratio of 85.3 compared with 85.2 in first quarter 2023.
First quarter 2024 written premiums of $3.4 billion were up 8% from first quarter 2023, with increases across the segment, strong double-digit growth in new business, and the effect of renewal written price increases.
Personal Lines
Three Months Ended Mar 31 Mar 31 Change ($ in millions, unless otherwise noted) 2024 2023 -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- $34 $(1) NM Net income (loss) $33 $0 NM Core earnings $844 $747 13% Written premiums $(13) $(45) 71% Underwriting loss $32 $22 45% Underlying underwriting gain Losses and loss adjustment expense ratio 70.7 70.5 0.2 Current accident year before catastrophes 6.4 6.4 -- Current accident year catastrophes (0.9) 2.7 (3.6) Unfavorable (favorable) prior accident year development 25.3 26.5 (1.2) Expenses 101.6 106.1 (4.5) Combined ratio (5.5) (9.1) 3.6 Impact of catastrophes and PYD on combined ratio
Net income of $34 million in first quarter 2024 compared with a net loss of $1 million in first quarter 2023, driven by improved underwriting results and an increase in net investment income. Contributing to the improved underwriting results was the impact of higher earned premium and a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 76.3 compared with 79.6 in first quarter 2023.
Personal Lines core earnings of $33 million compared with $0 million in first quarter 2023. Contributing to the results were:
10% growth in earned premium. $7 million, before tax, of favorable PYD in first quarter of 2024, compared with $20 million unfavorable PYD in first quarter 2023. The net favorable PYD in first quarter 2024 is driven by a reserve reduction in auto physical damage. Net investment income of $50 million, before tax, in first quarter 2024 compared with $38 million in first quarter 2023. An underlying loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 70.7 in first quarter 2024 compared with 70.5 in first quarter 2023, with the modest increase primarily driven by elevated but moderating loss trends in auto and homeowners, partially offset by double-digit earned pricing increases. CAY CAT losses of $52 million, before tax, in first quarter 2024, including tornado, wind and hail events, mainly in the Midwest and South regions, as well as winter storms in the Pacific and South regions, compared with $47 million of CAY CAT losses in first quarter 2023.
Combined ratio of 101.6 in first quarter 2024, improved from 106.1 in first quarter 2023, primarily due to a 3.3 point improvement in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, including a change from unfavorable PYD of 2.7 points in 2023 to favorable PYD of 0.9 points in 2024, and a 0.9 point improvement in the underlying combined ratio. Underlying combined ratio of 96.1 improved from 97.0 in first quarter 2023, primarily due to a 1.2 point improvement in the expense ratio, and a lower non-CAT CAY homeowners loss ratio, partially offset by an increase in the underlying loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in auto.
Auto combined ratio of 103.9 improved from 110.2 in first quarter 2023. The underlying combined ratio of 104.4 improved from 105.1 in first quarter 2023, primarily due to the impact of double-digit earned pricing increases, partially offset by higher marketing expenses and elevated but moderating severity in auto. Homeowners combined ratio of 96.2 improved from 96.8 in first quarter 2023. The underlying combined ratio of 77.0 improved from 78.9 in first quarter 2023, primarily due to the impact of double-digit earned pricing and favorable weather and non-weather frequency, partially offset by higher marketing expenses and elevated weather and non-weather severity.
The expense ratio of 25.3 improved 1.2 points from first quarter 2023 as the impact of higher earned premium was partially offset by higher direct marketing costs.
Written premiums in first quarter 2024 were $844 million compared with $747 million in first quarter 2023 with:
Renewal written price increases in auto and homeowners of 25.7% and 15.2%, respectively, in response to increased loss cost trends. An increase in new business in both auto and homeowners from first quarter 2023 of $26 million, or 57%, and $13 million, or 62%, respectively. Lower effective policy count retention, driven by auto, due to renewal written price increases.
Group Benefits
Three Months Ended Mar 31 Mar 31 Change ($ in millions, unless otherwise noted) 2024 2023 ------ ------ ------ $108 $92 17% Net income $107 $90 19% Core earnings $1,585 $1,557 2% Fully insured ongoing premiums 73.5% 75.2% (1.7) Loss ratio 25.4% 24.7% 0.7 Expense ratio 6.2% 5.3% 0.9 Net income margin
Net income of $108 million in first quarter 2024 increased from $92 million in first quarter 2023, largely driven by improvement in the group life loss ratio, earnings generated from growth in fully insured ongoing premium, and higher net investment income, partially offset by an increase in the expense ratio and lower net realized gains. Core earnings were $107 million, up from $90 million in first quarter 2023, consistent with the growth in net income.
Fully insured ongoing premiums were up 2% compared with first quarter 2023, including an increase in exposure on existing accounts, new business sales and strong but lower persistency compared to a year ago. Fully insured ongoing sales were $444 million in first quarter 2024, compared with $474 million in first quarter 2023, due to lower group life sales, partially offset by an increase in group disability sales.
Loss ratio of 73.5 improved from 75.2 in first quarter 2023.
Group life loss ratio of 82.6 improved 4.1 points largely driven by improved mortality trends. Group disability loss ratio of 70.1 improved 0.3 points primarily due to continued strong long-term disability claim recoveries, largely offset by higher incidence in Paid Family Leave and short-term disability products.
Expense ratio of 25.4 compared with 24.7 in first quarter 2023, primarily due to higher staffing costs, increased investments in technology, and higher commission expense, partially offset by the effect of higher earned premiums.
Net investment income of $114 million, before tax, compared with $110 million in first quarter 2023, primarily driven by higher yields on the fixed income portfolio, partially offset by lower income from limited partnerships and other alternative investments (LPs).
Hartford Funds
Three Months Ended Mar 31 Mar 31 Change ($ in millions, unless otherwise noted) 2024 2023 -------- -------- ------ $45 $41 10% Net income $41 $37 11% Core earnings $131,648 $127,084 4% Daily average Hartford Funds AUM $(2,511) $(1,179) (113)% Mutual Funds and exchange-traded funds (ETF) net flows
First quarter 2024 net income of $45 million, compared with $41 million in first quarter 2023, primarily resulting from an increase in fee income net of variable expenses driven by higher daily average Hartford Funds AUM.
Core earnings of $41 million compared with $37 million in first quarter 2023.
Daily average AUM of $132 billion in first quarter 2024 increased 4% from first quarter 2023.
Mutual fund and ETF net outflows totaled $2.5 billion in first quarter 2024, compared with net outflows of $1.2 billion in first quarter 2023.
Corporate
Three Months Ended Mar 31 Mar 31 Change ($ in millions, unless otherwise noted) 2024 2023 ------ ------ ------ $(15) $(24) 38% Net loss $(20) $(29) 31% Net loss available to common stockholders $(25) $(35) 29% Core loss $16 $10 60% Net investment income, before tax
Net loss available to common stockholders of $20 million in first quarter 2024 compared with $29 million in first quarter 2023, primarily due to higher net investment income, higher net realized gains, and a higher tax benefit related to the vesting of stock-based compensation awards during the quarter.
First quarter 2024 core loss of $25 million compared with a first quarter 2023 core loss of $35 million, primarily due to an increase in net investment income and a higher tax benefit related to the vesting of stock-based compensation awards during the quarter.
INVESTMENT INCOME AND PORTFOLIO DATA:
Three Months Ended Mar 31 Mar 31 ($ in millions, unless otherwise noted) 2024 2023 Change ------ ------ -------------------- $593 $515 15% Net investment income, before tax 4.1% 3.7% 0.4 Annualized investment yield, before tax 4.3% 3.8% 0.5 Annualized investment yield, before tax, excluding LPs(1) 1.3% 2.5% (1.2) Annualized LP yield, before tax 3.3% 3.0% 0.3 Annualized investment yield, after tax ---------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ --------------------
First quarter 2024 consolidated net investment income of $593 million compared with $515 million in first quarter 2023, primarily due to the impact of reinvesting at higher rates, a higher level of invested assets, and a higher yield on variable-rate securities, partially offset by lower income from LPs.
First quarter 2024 included $16 million, before tax, of LP income as compared with $26 million in first quarter 2023. Annualized LP yield, before tax, of 1.3% compared to 2.5% in first quarter 2023. Lower LP income was primarily driven by lower returns on real estate joint ventures and funds.
Net realized gains of $28 million, before tax, in first quarter 2024 compared to net realized losses of $7 million, before tax, in first quarter 2023, included lower net losses on sales of fixed income securities.
Total invested assets of $56.1 billion increased $0.2 billion from Dec. 31, 2023, primarily due to a net increase in book value, partially offset by lower valuations on fixed maturities driven by an increase in interest rates net of credit spread tightening.
CONFERENCE CALL
The Hartford will discuss its first quarter and full year 2024 financial results on a webcast at 9:00 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 26, 2024. The call can be accessed via a live listen-only webcast or as a replay through the Investor Relations section of The Hartford's website at https://ir.thehartford.com. The replay will be accessible approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call and be available along with a transcript of the event for at least one year.
More detailed financial information can be found in The Hartford's Investor Financial Supplement for March 31, 2024, and the first quarter 2024 Financial Results Presentation, both of which are available at https://ir.thehartford.com.
About The Hartford
The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com.
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. For additional details, please read https://www.thehartford.com/legal-notice.
HIG-F
From time to time, The Hartford may use its website and/or social media channels to disseminate material company information. Financial and other important information regarding The Hartford is routinely accessible through and posted on our website at https://ir.thehartford.com. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about The Hartford when you enroll your email address by visiting the "Email Alerts" section at https://ir.thehartford.com.
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATING INCOME STATEMENTS Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 ($ in millions) ==================================================================================================================================================================================================================================== Commercial Lines Personal Lines P&C Group Benefits Hartford Funds Corporate Consolidated Other Ops ====================================================================================================== ====================================================== ====================================================== ====================================================== ====================================================== ====================================================== ====================================================== ==================== ============================================== Earned premiums $ 3,048 $ 813 $ -- $ 1,585 $ -- $ -- $ 5,446 Fee income 11 8 -- 54 250 10 333 Net investment income 391 50 18 114 4 16 593 Net realized gains 12 1 -- 1 5 9 28 Other revenue -- 19 -- -- -- -- 19 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ------ -------------------- 3,462 891 18 1,754 259 35 6,419 Total revenues Benefits, losses, and loss adjustment expenses 1,778 620 7 1,204 -- 2 3,611 Amortization of DAC 476 60 -- 9 -- -- 545 Insurance operating costs and other expenses 499 168 2 397 203 14 1,283 Restructuring and other costs -- -- -- -- -- 1 1 Interest expense -- -- -- -- -- 50 50 Amortization of other intangible assets 7 1 -- 10 -- -- 18 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ------ -------------------- 2,760 849 9 1,620 203 67 5,508 Total benefits, losses and expenses 702 42 9 134 56 (32 ) 911 Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax expense (benefit) 129 8 1 26 11 (17 ) 158 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ------ -------------------- 573 34 8 108 45 (15 ) 753 Net income (loss) Preferred stock dividends -- -- -- -- -- 5 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ------ -------------------- 573 34 8 108 45 (20 ) 748 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) available to common stockholders to core earnings (loss) (13 ) (2 ) -- (1 ) (5 ) (9 ) (30 ) Net realized losses (gains), excluded from core earnings, before tax 1 1 Restructuring and other costs, before tax 2 -- -- -- -- -- 2 Integration and other non-recurring M&A costs, before tax (24 ) -- -- -- -- -- (24 ) Change in deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance, before tax 8 1 (1 ) -- 1 3 12 Income tax expense (benefit) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ------ -------------------- $ 546 $ 33 $ 7 $ 107 $ 41 $ (25 ) $ 709 Core earnings (loss) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ------ --------------------
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATING INCOME STATEMENTS Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 ($ in millions) ==================================================================================================================================================================================================================================== Commercial Lines Personal Lines P&C Group Benefits Hartford Funds Corporate Consolidated Other Ops ====================================================================================================== ====================================================== ====================================================== ====================================================== ====================================================== ====================================================== ====================================================== ==================== ====================================================== Earned premiums $ 2,766 $ 739 $ -- $ 1,558 $ -- $ -- $ 5,063 Fee income 10 8 -- 51 241 9 319 Net investment income 338 38 16 110 3 10 515 Net realized gains (losses) (19 ) (1 ) (3 ) 5 5 6 (7 ) Other revenue -- 19 -- -- -- 1 20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- 3,095 803 13 1,724 249 26 5,910 Total revenues Benefits, losses, and loss adjustment expenses 1,679 588 3 1,210 -- 2 3,482 Amortization of DAC 424 58 -- 9 -- -- 491 Insurance operating costs and other expenses 464 158 3 380 198 13 1,216 Restructuring and other costs -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Interest expense -- -- -- -- -- 50 50 Amortization of other intangible assets 7 1 -- 10 -- -- 18 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- 2,574 805 6 1,609 198 65 5,257 Total benefits, losses and expenses 521 (2 ) 7 115 51 (39 ) 653 Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax expense (benefit) 100 (1 ) 1 23 10 (15 ) 118 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- 421 (1 ) 6 92 41 (24 ) 535 Net income (loss) Preferred stock dividends -- -- -- -- -- 5 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- 421 (1 ) 6 92 41 (29 ) 530 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) available to common stockholders to core earnings (loss) 19 1 3 (5 ) (5 ) (6 ) 7 Net realized losses (gains), excluded from core earnings, before tax -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Restructuring and other costs -- -- -- 2 -- -- 2 Integration and other non-recurring M&A costs, before tax -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Change in deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance, before tax (4 ) -- (1 ) 1 1 -- (3 ) Income tax expense (benefit) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- $ 436 $ -- $ 8 $ 90 $ 37 $ (35 ) $ 536 Core earnings (loss) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------- --------------------
The Hartford defines increases or decreases greater than or equal to 200%, or changes from a net gain to a net loss position, or vice versa, as "NM" or not meaningful.
DISCUSSION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The Hartford uses non-GAAP financial measures in this news release to assist investors in analyzing the company's operating performance for the periods presented herein. Because The Hartford's calculation of these measures may differ from similar measures used by other companies, investors should be careful when comparing The Hartford's non-GAAP financial measures to those of other companies. Definitions and calculations of other financial measures used in this news release can be found below and in The Hartford's Investor Financial Supplement for first quarter 2024, which is available on The Hartford's website, https://ir.thehartford.com.
Annualized investment yield, excluding limited partnerships and other alternative investments - This non-GAAP measure is calculated as (a) the annualized net investment income, on a Consolidated, P&C or Group Benefits level, excluding limited partnerships and other alternative investments, divided by (b) the monthly average invested assets at amortized cost, as applicable, excluding derivatives book value and limited partnerships and other alternative investments. The Company believes that annualized investment yield, excluding limited partnerships and other alternative investments, provides investors with an important measure of the trend in investment earnings because it excludes the impact of the volatility in returns related to limited partnerships and other alternative investments. Annualized investment yield is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. A reconciliation of the annualized investment yield to annualized investment yield excluding limited partnerships and other alternatives investments for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 is provided in the table below.
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- Mar 31 Mar 31 2024 2023 -------- -------- Consolidated --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- Annualized investment yield 4.1 % 3.7 % Adjustment for income from limited partnerships and other alternative investments 0.2 % 0.1 % --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ----
Book value per diluted share (excluding AOCI) - This is a non-GAAP per share measure that is calculated by dividing (a) common stockholders' equity, excluding AOCI, after tax, by (b) common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares. The Company provides this measure to enable investors to analyze the amount of the Company's net worth that is primarily attributable to the Company's business operations. The Company believes that excluding AOCI from the numerator is useful to investors because it eliminates the effect of items that can fluctuate significantly from period to period, primarily based on changes in interest rates. Book value per diluted share is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. A reconciliation of book value per diluted share to book value per diluted share (excluding AOCI) is provided in the table below.
As of ------------------ Mar 31 Dec 31 Change 2024 2023 -------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ Book value per diluted share $50.23 $49.43 1.6% Per diluted share impact of AOCI $9.95 $9.40 5.9% -------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
As of ------------------ Mar 31 Mar 31 Change 2024 2023 -------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ Book value per diluted share $50.23 $44.27 13.5% Per diluted share impact of AOCI $9.95 $10.28 (3.2%) -------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
Core earnings - The Hartford uses the non-GAAP measure core earnings as an important measure of the Company's operating performance. The Hartford believes that core earnings provides investors with a valuable measure of the performance of the Company's ongoing businesses because it reveals trends in our insurance and financial services businesses that may be obscured by including the net effect of certain items. Therefore, the following items are excluded from core earnings:
Certain realized gains and losses - Generally realized gains and losses are primarily driven by investment decisions and external economic developments, the nature and timing of which are unrelated to the insurance and underwriting aspects of our business. Accordingly, core earnings excludes the effect of all realized gains and losses that tend to be highly variable from period to period based on capital market conditions. The Hartford believes, however, that some realized gains and losses are integrally related to our insurance operations, so core earnings includes net realized gains and losses such as net periodic settlements on credit derivatives. These net realized gains and losses are directly related to an offsetting item included in the income statement such as net investment income. Restructuring and other costs - Costs incurred as part of a restructuring plan are not a recurring operating expense of the business. Loss on extinguishment of debt - Largely consisting of make-whole payments or tender premiums upon paying debt off before maturity, these losses are not a recurring operating expense of the business. Gains and losses on reinsurance transactions - Gains or losses on reinsurance, such as those entered into upon sale of a business or to reinsure loss reserves, are not a recurring operating expense of the business. Integration and other non-recurring M&A costs - These costs, including transaction costs incurred in connection with an acquired business, are incurred over a short period of time and do not represent an ongoing operating expense of the business. Change in loss reserves upon acquisition of a business - These changes in loss reserves are excluded from core earnings because such changes could obscure the ability to compare results in periods after the acquisition to results of periods prior to the acquisition. Deferred gain resulting from retroactive reinsurance and subsequent changes in the deferred gain - Retroactive reinsurance agreements economically transfer risk to the reinsurers and excluding the deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance and related amortization of the deferred gain from core earnings provides greater insight into the economics of the business. Change in valuation allowance on deferred taxes related to non-core components of before tax income - These changes in valuation allowances are excluded from core earnings because they relate to non-core components of before tax income, such as tax attributes like capital loss carryforwards. Results of discontinued operations - These results are excluded from core earnings for businesses sold or held for sale because such results could obscure the ability to compare period over period results for our ongoing businesses.
In addition to the above components of net income available to common stockholders that are excluded from core earnings, preferred stock dividends declared, which are excluded from net income, are included in the determination of core earnings. Preferred stock dividends are a cost of financing more akin to interest expense on debt and are expected to be a recurring expense as long as the preferred stock is outstanding.
Net income (loss) and net income (loss) available to common stockholders are the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures to core earnings. Core earnings should not be considered as a substitute for net income (loss) or net income (loss) available to common stockholders and does not reflect the overall profitability of the Company's business. Therefore, The Hartford believes that it is useful for investors to evaluate net income (loss), net income (loss) available to common stockholders, and core earnings when reviewing the Company's performance.
A reconciliation of net income (loss) to core earnings for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, is included in this news release. A reconciliation of net income (loss) to core earnings for individual reporting segments can be found in this news release under the heading "The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. Consolidating Income Statements" and in The Hartford's Investor Financial Supplement for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Core earnings margin - The Hartford uses the non-GAAP measure core earnings margin to evaluate, and believes it is an important measure of, the Group Benefits segment's operating performance. Core earnings margin is calculated by dividing core earnings by revenues, excluding buyouts and realized gains (losses). Net income margin, calculated by dividing net income by revenues, is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. The Company believes that core earnings margin provides investors with a valuable measure of the performance of Group Benefits because it reveals trends in the business that may be obscured by the effect of buyouts and realized gains (losses) as well as other items excluded in the calculation of core earnings. Core earnings margin should not be considered as a substitute for net income margin and does not reflect the overall profitability of Group Benefits. Therefore, the Company believes it is important for investors to evaluate both core earnings margin and net income margin when reviewing performance. A reconciliation of net income margin to core earnings margin for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, is set forth below.
Three Months Ended -------------------------------------------------------------------- Margin Mar 31 Mar 31 Change 2024 2023 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------------------ Net income margin 6.2 % 5.3 % 0.9 Adjustments to reconcile net income margin to core earnings margin: (0.1 )% (0.3 )% 0.2 Net realized gains, before tax -- % 0.1 % (0.1 ) Integration and other non-recurring M&A costs, before tax -- % 0.1 % (0.1 ) Income tax expense (benefit) on items excluded from core earnings ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- ----- ---------- --------- ---------- --------------------
Core earnings per diluted share - This non-GAAP per share measure is calculated using the non-GAAP financial measure core earnings rather than the GAAP measure net income. The Company believes that core earnings per diluted share provides investors with a valuable measure of the Company's operating performance for the same reasons applicable to its underlying measure, core earnings. Net income (loss) available to common stockholders per diluted common share is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Core earnings per diluted share should not be considered as a substitute for net income (loss) available to common stockholders per diluted common share and does not reflect the overall profitability of the Company's business. Therefore, the Company believes that it is useful for investors to evaluate net income (loss) available to common stockholders per diluted common share and core earnings per diluted share when reviewing the Company's performance. A reconciliation of net income available to common stockholders per diluted common share to core earnings per diluted share for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 is provided in the table below.
Three Months Ended