CNA’s earnings increased primarily due to higher net investment income and net investment gains. Returns on limited partnership and equity investments drove the increase in net investment income. Earnings in the 2019 period also increased due to a net retroactive reinsurance benefit under the 2010 loss portfolio transfer with National Indemnity as compared to a net retroactive reinsurance charge recorded in the 2018 period. Partially offsetting these increases was lower underwriting income reflecting higher catastrophe losses and lower favorable prior year development.
Diamond Offshore’s results declined due to continuing challenging market conditions. In addition, Diamond Offshore’s net income in 2018 included a benefit from a favorable adjustment to an uncertain tax position recorded atyear-end 2017.
Boardwalk Pipeline’s operations improved due to higher earnings from firm transportation contracts mainly due to growth projects recently placed into service, partially offset by contract restructuring and expirations as well as lower storage and parking and lending revenues. The increase in net income contribution in 2019, however, is primarily the result of Loews now owning 100% of the company as compared to 51% in the prior year period.
Loews Hotels & Co’s earnings were consistent with the prior year period as improved operating performance from several owned hotels was offset bypre-opening expenses incurred at hotels under development and a charge related to the planned disposition of a property.
Income generated by the parent company investment portfolio increased primarily due to improved performance from equity securities.
SHARE REPURCHASES
At March 31, 2019, there were 305.5 million shares of Loews common stock outstanding. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 6.8 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $322 million. From April 1, 2019 to April 26, 2019, the Company repurchased an additional 1.0 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $47 million. Depending on market conditions, the Company may from time to time purchase shares of its and its subsidiaries’ outstanding common stock in the open market or otherwise.
CONFERENCE CALLS
A conference call to discuss the first quarter results of Loews Corporation has been scheduled for today at 11:00 a.m. ET. A live webcast will be available at www.loews.com. Those interested in participating in the question and answer session should dial (877)692-2592, or for international callers, (973)582-2757. The conference ID number is 7598819. An online replay will also be available at www.loews.com following the call.
A conference call to discuss the first quarter results of CNA has been scheduled for today at 10:00 a.m. ET. A live webcast will be available via the Investor Relations section of www.cna.com. Those interested in participating in the question and answer session should dial (800)289-0571, or for international callers, (720)543-0206.
A conference call to discuss the first quarter results of Diamond Offshore has been scheduled for today at 9:00 a.m. ET. A live webcast will be available at www.diamondoffshore.com. Those interested in participating in the question and answer session should dial (844)492-6043, or for international callers, (478)219-0839. The conference ID number is 4057043.
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