Its Q4 combined ratio for property and casualty operations was 95.6%, and 94.8% for the full-year, versus 95.4% for 2018. CNA also saw its net written premium for P&C grow by 5% in both Q4 and the full-year. Net catastrophe losses were $51 million or 2.9 points of the loss ratio in the quarter, compared with $146 million or 8.6 points of the loss ratio for Q4 2018.
Gross written premiums likewise increased in CNA’s specialty segment, from $705 million in 2018 to $752 million in 2019, and in its commercial unit, from $784 million to $867 million year-over-year. Its international division saw growth in net written premiums as well, albeit on a smaller scale, from $256 million to $262 million. However, the unit went from a $36 million core income loss in 2018 to a $16 million gain.
However, there were some low points in the results. CNA’s Life & Group and Corporate & Other segments saw losses in the latest fourth quarter of $4 million and $68 million respectively, thanks to a $48 million after-tax non-economic charge related to asbestos and environmental pollution for the latter number, according to the results.
“Our fourth quarter results reflect a strong underwriting quarter in line with a strong underwriting year in which our underlying combined ratio improved for the third consecutive year to 94.9%,” said Dino E. Robusto, chairman and chief executive officer of CNA Financial Corporation. “With fourth quarter premium rates increasing to 7% and gross premiums increasing to 8%, CNA is well positioned going into 2020.”
