Hartford (The)

The Hartford is a US insurer focused on property and casualty coverage for businesses, group benefits such as disability and life insurance, and mutual funds. Its emphasis on commercial lines and small-business insurance gives it a diversified, underwriting-driven earnings base that has grown more stable since it exited its troubled annuity operations. The Hartford has paid dividends for around three decades, briefly interrupted during the financial crisis, and has rebuilt the payout steadily since. The yield is on the low side, but the dividend has grown consistently and coverage is comfortable, complemented by regular buybacks. It presents a dependable, moderately growing dividend from a well-run insurer, with income playing a supporting role alongside share repurchases.