Summary
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) reported net income of $2.06 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. This represents a decrease of 32% compared to the prior year, primarily driven by significantly higher catastrophe losses ($1.95 billion in 2017 versus $877 million in 2016) and lower net favorable prior year reserve development. The company also experienced lower underlying underwriting margins, particularly in Business Insurance and Personal Insurance, due to factors like loss cost trends exceeding pricing and higher non-catastrophe weather-related losses. Despite these challenges, TRV demonstrated resilience through its diversified business segments and strong capital position. Net investment income increased due to higher returns from non-fixed maturity investments and a higher average level of short-term investments, partially offsetting underwriting impacts. The company maintained a stable debt-to-total capital ratio of 21.7% and returned capital to shareholders through $1.44 billion in share repurchases and $789 million in dividends. The acquisition of Simply Business in August 2017 further bolstered the Personal Insurance segment.
Financial Highlights
36 data points| Revenue | $28.90B |
| SG&A Expenses | $4.17B |
| Interest Expense | $369.00M |
| Net Income | $2.06B |
| EPS (Basic) | $7.39 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $7.33 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 276.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 278.60M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net income decreased by 32% to $2.06 billion in 2017, impacted by significantly higher catastrophe losses ($1.95 billion) and lower prior year reserve development.
- 2The combined ratio worsened to 97.9% in 2017 from 92.0% in 2016, driven by increased catastrophe losses and less favorable underlying underwriting margins.
- 3Earned premiums increased by 5% year-over-year to $25.68 billion, driven by growth across all segments, notably a 10% increase in Personal Insurance.
- 4Net investment income increased by 4% to $2.40 billion, supported by higher returns from non-fixed maturity investments and short-term securities.
- 5The company repurchased approximately 11.4 million shares of common stock for $1.44 billion and paid $789 million in dividends to shareholders, demonstrating a commitment to capital return.
- 6Acquired Simply Business in August 2017, a UK-based small business insurer, for approximately $464 million to enhance the Personal Insurance segment.
- 7The company maintained a strong capital position, with total shareholders' equity of $23.73 billion and a debt-to-total capital ratio of 21.7%.