10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2019

CINCINNATI FINANCIAL CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2019

Filed July 30, 2019For Securities:CINF

Summary

Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF) reported strong financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2019, driven by significant growth in earned premiums and substantial net investment gains. Total revenues saw a 23% increase in Q2 2019 and a 46% increase for the first six months compared to the prior year periods. Net income more than doubled in both the quarter (up 97%) and the year-to-date period (up 504%), largely due to a significant boost from investment gains and losses. The company also demonstrated solid operational performance, with property casualty underwriting profit improving and a combined ratio below 100%. The acquisition of MSP Underwriting Limited (rebranded as Cincinnati Global Underwriting Ltd.) in February 2019 is expected to contribute to future earnings and book value growth. Shareholders were rewarded with a 6% increase in cash dividends declared per share for the first six months of 2019, continuing a long history of dividend increases. The company's financial strength remains robust, with an increase in shareholders' equity and a decrease in the debt-to-total-capital ratio. The value creation ratio, a key performance metric, saw a significant improvement, driven by both an increase in book value per share and dividends declared, primarily due to strong investment portfolio performance.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.91B
Interest Expense$13.00M
Net Income$428.00M
EPS (Basic)$2.62
EPS (Diluted)$2.59
Shares Outstanding (Basic)163.30M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)165.20M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income significantly increased by 97% in Q2 2019 and 504% in the first six months of 2019 compared to the prior year, largely driven by investment gains.
  • 2Total revenues grew by 23% in Q2 2019 and 46% in the first six months of 2019, fueled by higher earned premiums and substantial net investment gains.
  • 3The property casualty combined ratio improved to 96.5% in Q2 2019 and 94.8% for the first six months, indicating profitable underwriting operations.
  • 4Shareholders' equity increased by 17% to $9.131 billion, and book value per share rose by 16% to $55.92 during the first six months of 2019.
  • 5Acquisition of MSP Underwriting Limited (Cincinnati Global) completed in February 2019, aiming to diversify revenue and profitability through geographical and business line expansion.
  • 6Cash dividends declared per share increased by 6% for the first six months of 2019, continuing a long track record of dividend growth.
  • 7The value creation ratio improved significantly to 18.6% for the first six months of 2019, driven by higher book value and dividend contributions, with investment portfolio performance being a key contributor.

Frequently Asked Questions

The substantial increase in net income was primarily driven by significant net investment gains. For the first six months of 2019, after-tax investment gains and losses contributed $878 million to the net income increase, while property casualty underwriting income and investment income also saw positive contributions.

The acquisition of MSP Underwriting Limited (rebranded as Cincinnati Global Underwriting Ltd.) was completed in February 2019. While the company stated that Cincinnati Global's financial results are deemed immaterial to the consolidated statements for the reporting period, it is expected to contribute to future earnings and book value growth by expanding the company's operations geographically and by line of business.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation has a strong commitment to rewarding shareholders. They increased their regular quarterly dividend in February 2019, setting the stage for their 59th consecutive year of dividend increases. Cash dividends declared per share increased by 6% for the first six months of 2019. The company's board regularly evaluates factors related to dividends and share repurchases, and the recent dividend increase reflects strong earnings performance and confidence in the company's financial flexibility.

The property casualty combined ratio improved to 96.5% in the second quarter of 2019 and to 94.8% for the first six months of 2019, compared to the prior year periods. A combined ratio below 100% signifies an underwriting profit. This improvement was achieved despite increased catastrophe losses, due to better loss experience in current accident years and favorable development on prior accident years' reserves.