Mar 31, 2020

Hanover Q1 2020 Earnings Report

The Hanover reported a net loss but operating income increased, driven by growth in profitable businesses and improved combined ratio, excluding catastrophes.

Key Takeaways

The Hanover Insurance Group reported a net loss of $40.0 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared to a net income of $122.4 million in the prior-year quarter. However, operating income increased to $86.8 million, up from $80.7 million in the prior-year quarter. The combined ratio improved to 95.2%, and net premiums written increased by 3.5%.

Operating income of $2.23 per diluted share, up 13.8% from the prior-year quarter.

First quarter combined ratio of 95.2%, improved from 95.8% in the first quarter 2019; combined ratio, excluding catastrophes of 91.9%, improved from 92.2%.

Net premiums written increase of 3.5% primarily reflected growth in most profitable businesses.

Price increases of 5.9% in Core Commercial Lines and 5.1% in Personal Lines.

Total Revenue
$1.14B
Previous year: $1.1B
+3.6%
EPS
$2.23
Previous year: $1.96
+13.8%
Core Commercial Price Increase
5.9%
Personal Lines Price Increase
5.1%
Gross Profit
$921M
Previous year: $1.09B
-15.3%
Cash and Equivalents
$144M
Previous year: $169M
-14.6%
Free Cash Flow
$33.4M
Previous year: $33.3M
+0.3%
Total Assets
$12.3B
Previous year: $12B
+2.5%

Hanover

Hanover

Hanover Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

The company did not provide specific forward guidance but expressed confidence in managing through the impacts of COVID-19 and delivering superior industry results.

Positive Outlook

  • Strong financial position
  • Thoughtful and conservative underwriting practices
  • Diversified and carefully constructed product portfolio
  • Broad-based profitability
  • Solid balance sheet and ample liquidity

Challenges Ahead

  • Unprecedented times defined by the COVID-19 global pandemic
  • Uncertainty related to the impacts of COVID-19
  • Potential for economic disruption
  • Market volatility
  • Potential for increased claims

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income