8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 16, 2020

THE HANOVER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On January 16, 2020, the Company issued the following press release: “The Hanover Comments on Fourth Quarter Results”. The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report and is hereby incorporated by reference in this Item 2.02.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

The following exhibits are furnished herewith.

Exhibit Index

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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thg-ex991_71.htm

Exhibit 99.1

The Hanover Comments on Fourth Quarter Results

WORCESTER, Mass., January 16, 2020 – The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) today announced it expects its fourth quarter non-catastrophe property losses to exceed expectations by approximately $20 million before taxes. The loss experience was driven primarily by non-catastrophe weather activity in homeowners, as well as large property losses in commercial multiple peril and certain specialty lines, reported in its other commercial lines business. These losses are expected to be partially offset by lower than expected catastrophe losses. Current accident year liability loss trends and overall prior-year reserve activity are anticipated to be in line with expectations.

Taking these factors into account, the company estimates its fourth quarter combined ratio to be in the range of 96.1% to 96.5%.

The Hanover’s fourth quarter results are expected to be announced after the market closes on Tuesday, February 4.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (“the company”) estimates of elevated non-catastrophe weather and property losses, its expected catastrophe losses and current accident year liability trends and prior-year reserve activity are based on estimates and projections that are subject to revision. Such estimates are forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company cautions investors that such forward-looking statements are estimates and/or projections which involve significant judgement and uncertainty and actual results could differ materially. Investors should consider the risks and uncertainties in the company’s business that may affect such estimates, including (i) the inherent difficulties in arriving at such estimates; (ii) variation in the company’s current estimates that may change as the company finalizes its financial results; and (iii) other risks and uncertainties that are discussed in readily available documents, including the company’s annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed by The Hanover with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are also available at hanover.com under “About Us – Investors.”

About The Hanover

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. is the holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, which together constitute one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States. The company provides exceptional insurance solutions through a select group of independent agents and brokers. Together with its agents, The Hanover offers standard and specialized insurance protection for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as for homes, automobiles, and other personal items. For more information, please visit hanover.com.