MET MetLife Inc

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (HIG) reported third-quarter core earnings of $441.0 million or 93 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 23 cents. However, earnings were behind the core earnings of $485 million or 98 cents per share reported in the third quarter of 2010.

The prior-year quarter earnings include the DAC unlock benefit of $166 million, net prior-year reserve development benefit of $99 million, and a charge of $40 million to increase reserves as a result of the company's annual environmental reserve evaluation.

Hartford’s core earnings in the reported quarter exclude the adjustments for DAC unlock charge of $227 million, prior-year reserve strengthening of $2 million, current year accident catastrophe loss of $134 million, re-estimation of current accident year losses in Commercial Markets of $31 million and charges related to assessments in connection with the liquidation of Executive Life Insurance Company of New York of $14 million.

Including the adjustments, core earnings for the reported quarter amounted to $33 million or 5 cents per share, declining sharply from $710 million or $1.43 per share reported in the year-ago quarter.

The decline in earnings was attributable to poor operating results across most lines of business. While the net profits of the Commercial Markets and Wealth Management segments plunged sharply from the year-ago quarter, all the other segments reported net losses.

Hartford’s net income in the reported quarter was nil, sinking sharply from $666 million in the comparable quarter of 2010. On a per share basis, the company incurred a net loss of 2 cents, showing a steep decline from net income of $1.34 in the prior-year quarter.

Segment Results

Commercial Markets: Commercial Markets reported a net income of $77 million in the reported quarter, down from $352 million in the year-ago period.

P&C Commercial core income plunged to $86 million from $294 million in the prior-year quarter, as it includes $93 million of catastrophe losses, which surged from $13 million in the year-ago quarter. The reported quarter also included $9 million for prior accident year development, as against $118 million in the year-ago quarter.

However, P&C Commercial written premiums increased 7% to $1.55 billion from $1.45 billion in the year-ago quarter. Combined ratio, excluding catastrophes and prior year development, was 99.4%, down from 92.2% in the prior-year quarter.

Group Benefits core earnings in the third quarter of 2011 were $20 million compared with $44 million in the third quarter of 2010.

Group Benefits fully insured premiums declined to $1.00 billion from $1.04 billion in the comparable quarter of 2010, while loss ratio, excluding buy-out premiums, was 80.1%, increasing from 77.1% in the year-ago quarter.

Consumer Markets: Hartford’s Consumer Markets segment generated a net loss of $16 million in the quarter, against net income of $70 million in the prior-year quarter. The reported quarter’s loss includes a current accident year catastrophe loss of $113 million pre-tax, compared to $42 million in the third quarter of 2010. Additionally, the reported quarter’s loss also includes $9 million related to favorable prior accident year reserve development, against $34 million included in the year-ago income.

Written premiums were $964 million, down from $1.01 billion in the prior-year period, while combined ratio was 95.6%, excluding catastrophes and prior-year development, as compared to 93.3% in the year-ago period.

Wealth Management: Wealth Management segment’s net income, including a $516 million DAC unlock charge, was $38 million, showing a substantial decrease from $320 million in the prior-year quarter, which included a DAC unlock benefit of $193 million.

Corporate and Other: The Corporate and Other segment’s net loss was $99 million, up from $76 million in the year-ago quarter. The reported quarter's loss includes an after-tax reserve charge of $12 million, against $40 million in the prior-year quarter.

Financial Update

Hartford's total invested assets, excluding trading securities, were $105.4 billion on September 30, 2011, compared with $101.1 billion on September 30, 2010. Net investment income, excluding trading securities, was $1.1 billion, pre-tax, showing a 1% year-over-year decrease.

Net unrealized gain on investments as on September 30, 2011 improved $789 million year over year to $1.6 billion. At the end of the reported quarter, Hartford’s assets under management were $277.7 billion, declining 7% year over year.

Book value per share improved to $46.72 as on September 30, 2011 from $42.11 as on September 30, 2010. Excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), Hartford’s book value increased to $44.54 as on September 30, 2011 from $41.72 as on September 30, 2010.

Dividend Update

On October 27, 2011, Hartford declared a quarterly dividend of 10 cents per share, payable on January 3, 2012 to shareholders of record as on December 1, 2011. The company also declared a dividend of $18.125 per share on the Series F Preferred Stock, payable on January 3, 2011 to shareholders of record as on December 15, 2011.

Our Take

Hartford’s performance deteriorated in the reported quarter, with most segments reporting net losses or declining income. Abnormally high catastrophe losses were responsible for the dismal show. Net investment income also declined, reflecting poor market trends.

While the catastrophe losses cannot be controlled, the company needs to hedge itself from market fluctuations. It also needs to improve its operating performance, particularly in the Consumer Markets and Corporate and Other segment.

Hartford’s competitor, American International Group Inc. (AIG), is expected to announce third-quarter earnings after the market closes on November 3, 2011.

Another rival MetLife Inc. (MET) reported third quarter operating earnings per share of $1.11, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3 cents.

Hartford carries a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold rating.

 
AMER INTL GRP (AIG): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
HARTFORD FIN SV (HIG): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
METLIFE INC (MET): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Zacks Investment Research