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Chubb Limited to Propose 6.5% Dividend Hike to Share More Profit
CBChubb(CB) ZACKS·2025-02-28 17:16

Core Viewpoint - Chubb Limited's board of directors is proposing a 6.5% increase in its annual dividend, marking the 32nd consecutive year of dividend growth [1] Dividend and Yield - If approved, the new annual dividend will be 3.88,translatingto97centspersharequarterly[1]Thecompanysdividendyieldstandsat1.33.88, translating to 97 cents per share quarterly [1] - The company's dividend yield stands at 1.3%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.2%, making it appealing for yield-seeking investors [2] - Chubb has demonstrated a consistent track record of dividend increases, with a nine-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% from 2017 to 2024 [2] Financial Strength and Capital Management - Chubb is one of the largest property and casualty insurers globally, focusing on cyber insurance, which has substantial growth potential [4] - The company reported operating cash flow of 16.18 billion and adjusted operating cash flow of 15.90billionin2024,indicatingstrongcashgenerationcapabilities[5]Chubbscapitalpositionisrobust,withaconservativeleveragelevelandstrongliquidity,allowingforsharebuybacksinadditiontodividendpayments[5]ShareRepurchaseActivityIn2024,Chubbrepurchased15.90 billion in 2024, indicating strong cash generation capabilities [5] - Chubb's capital position is robust, with a conservative leverage level and strong liquidity, allowing for share buybacks in addition to dividend payments [5] Share Repurchase Activity - In 2024, Chubb repurchased 2.0 billion in shares and an additional 148millionfromJanuary1,2025,toFebruary26,2025,underitssharerepurchaseprogram[6]AsofFebruary26,2025,thereremains148 million from January 1, 2025, to February 26, 2025, under its share repurchase program [6] - As of February 26, 2025, there remains 1.5 billion available in its share repurchase authorization [6] Profitability Metrics - Chubb's return on equity (ROE) is 13.7%, significantly above the industry average of 7.6%, and has been steadily increasing over recent years [7] Market Performance - Year-to-date, Chubb's shares have gained 12%, compared to the industry's growth of 15.4%, with expectations for recovery due to superior underwriting discipline and a solid capital structure [8] Industry Context - Other insurers, such as Cincinnati Financial, Principal Financial, and CNA Financial, are also enhancing shareholder value through effective capital deployment, including dividend increases and share buybacks [10]