Why Is CNA Financial (CNA) Up 5.2% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - CNA Financial reported strong second-quarter earnings, beating estimates and showing year-over-year growth in core earnings and revenues, indicating positive momentum for the company [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - Core earnings for Q2 2025 were $1.23 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 30.9% and reflecting a 3.4% increase year-over-year [2]. - Total operating revenues reached $3.4 billion, a 7.7% increase from the previous year, driven by higher premiums and net investment income [3]. - Net investment income rose 7.1% year-over-year to $662 million, supported by a larger invested asset base and favorable returns [4]. Claims and Expenses - Total claims, benefits, and expenses increased 7.1% year-over-year to $3.3 billion, primarily due to higher insurance claims [5]. - Underwriting income climbed 20.9% year-over-year to $150 million, with the combined ratio improving to 94.8 [6]. Segment Results - Specialty's net written premiums increased 4.1% year-over-year to $892 million, while Commercial's net written premiums rose 7.2% to $1.6 billion [7]. - International's net written premiums remained flat at $391 million, and Life & Group's net earned premiums decreased by 2.8% to $106 million [8]. Financial Update - The core return on equity expanded by 40 basis points to 11%, while book value per share decreased by 2% to $45.25 [9]. - Statutory capital and surplus increased by 0.3% to $11.2 billion at the end of Q2 [9]. Dividend Update - The board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of 46 cents per share, payable on September 4, 2025 [11]. Market Outlook - Estimates for CNA Financial have been revised upward by 5.91% in the past month, indicating positive investor sentiment [12]. - The stock holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [14]. Industry Comparison - CNA Financial operates within the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry, where competitor W.R. Berkley reported revenues of $3.64 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.9% [15].