The Hartford raises dividend 12% as Q3 net income climbs, core EPS dips

The Hartford raised its quarterly dividend by 12% on Monday as it reported higher third-quarter net income, though core earnings slipped from a year earlier.

Net income available to common stockholders rose 23% to $1.3 billion, or $4.82 per diluted share, from $3.77 a share a year earlier, the insurer said in its earnings release filed with the SEC. Core earnings, a non-GAAP measure, fell 6% to $956 million, or $3.50 a diluted share, from $3.59.

Underwriting snapshot

Property and casualty written premiums rose 4%. Business Insurance premiums grew 6%, and that unit posted a combined ratio of 91.3, or 90.1 on an underlying basis. A ratio below 100 means an insurer is earning an underwriting profit.

Personal Insurance had a combined ratio of 93.2 and an underlying combined ratio of 87.1. CFO Beth Costello said the underlying ratio improved 2.9 points, while growth was held back by a competitive market.

Employee Benefits grew fully insured ongoing premiums 4% and reported a core earnings margin of 6.4%.

Capital returns

The Hartford returned $638 million to shareholders in the quarter: $475 million in buybacks and $163 million in dividends. The new quarterly dividend is $0.67 per share, payable Jan. 5, 2027, to holders of record on Dec. 1.

Trailing 12-month net income return on equity was 25.0%, and core earnings ROE was 17.9%.

Leadership transition

Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift said in the release that Mo Tooker will succeed him as CEO on March 1. Swift will then become executive chair, and he plans to leave that role in the second half of 2027.

By the numbers

• Q3 EPS: $4.82, up from $3.77
• Q3 core EPS: $3.50, down from $3.59
• P&C written premium growth: 4%
• New quarterly dividend: $0.67, up 12%
• Q3 buybacks: $475 million

Sources

1. The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc., Form 8-K with third quarter 2026 earnings release, filed Oct. 26, 2026 (accession 0000874766-26-000079)

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

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