The Hartford's Q4 Profit Jumps on Stronger Underwriting

Property and casualty insurer reports 33% rise in core earnings, driven by growth in business insurance premiums.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:39pm

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The Hartford, a major property and casualty insurance firm based in Hartford, Connecticut, reported a 33% jump in fourth-quarter core profit, driven by stronger underwriting performance. The company's business insurance segment saw a 7% year-over-year increase in written premiums, while the combined ratio improved to 83.6% from 87.4% a year earlier, indicating the insurer earned more in premiums than it paid out in claims.

Why it matters

The Hartford's strong fourth-quarter results highlight the resilience of the insurance industry, as individuals and businesses continued to seek coverage to protect against risks like natural disasters. The company's performance also suggests it may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an opportunity for investors.

The details

The Hartford's property and casualty written premiums rose 5% in the fourth quarter, with business insurance premiums increasing 7% to $3.38 billion. The segment's combined ratio, a key measure of underwriting profitability, improved to 83.6% from 87.4% a year earlier. The company's consolidated net investment income also grew 17% to $832 million, driven by higher income from limited partnerships and a higher level of invested assets.

  • The Hartford reported its fourth-quarter results on January 29, 2026.
  • The company's stock jumped roughly 26% in 2025, outperforming the benchmark S&P 500 index.

The players

The Hartford

A major property and casualty insurance firm based in Hartford, Connecticut, that was founded in 1810 as a fire insurance company and has since grown into one of the biggest insurers in the United States.

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The takeaway

The Hartford's strong fourth-quarter results, driven by growth in its business insurance segment and improved underwriting performance, suggest the company may be undervalued compared to its peers. This highlights the resilience of the insurance industry and the continued demand for coverage, even in the face of economic challenges.