Key Stats
Founded: 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio
Net Written Premiums (2024): $9+ billion
Market Capitalization: $25.88 billion (December 2025)
Insurance Ranking: 20th largest U.S. property casualty insurer
Employees: 5,624
Cincinnati Financial Corporation is a Fortune 500 insurance holding company headquartered in Fairfield, Ohio. The company provides property casualty insurance, life insurance, and financial services through a network of independent agents across 46 states.
Four independent insurance agents founded The Cincinnati Insurance Company in 1950 with $200,000 in capital. The holding company structure was established in 1968 to support expansion and diversification efforts.
Cincinnati Financial operates exclusively through independent agents who deliver personalized service to local communities. This agency-centered model has produced consistent profitability and 64 consecutive years of dividend growth.
Cincinnati Financial History
Cincinnati Financial Co-founders
Cincinnati Financial Competitors
Cincinnati Financial competes with major property and casualty insurers in the U.S. market. The company holds approximately 1.01% market share, ranking 20th among domestic insurers by net written premiums.
| Company | Headquarters | Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | Bloomington, Illinois | Largest U.S. P&C insurer |
| Progressive Corporation | Mayfield Village, Ohio | Third largest auto insurer |
| The Travelers Companies | New York City, New York | Leading commercial insurer |
| Chubb Limited | Zurich, Switzerland | Largest publicly traded P&C insurer |
| The Hartford | Hartford, Connecticut | Major commercial lines provider |
| Nationwide Mutual | Columbus, Ohio | Top 10 U.S. insurer |
| W.R. Berkley Corporation | Greenwich, Connecticut | Specialty insurance leader |
| American Financial Group | Cincinnati, Ohio | Regional competitor |
| Selective Insurance Group | Branchville, New Jersey | Regional commercial lines |
| Hanover Insurance Group | Worcester, Massachusetts | Independent agent focused |
Cincinnati Financial Revenue
Cincinnati Financial generated $11.34 billion in revenue during 2024, representing a 13.22% increase from the prior year. The growth reflects higher net written premiums across commercial, personal, and specialty lines segments.
Cincinnati Financial Marketcap
Cincinnati Financial’s market capitalization reached $25.88 billion in December 2025. The company trades on NASDAQ under ticker symbol CINF and has delivered consistent value creation through disciplined underwriting and investment income.
Cincinnati Financial Acquisitions
Cincinnati Financial has pursued selective acquisitions to expand its capabilities and market presence. The company’s acquisition strategy focuses on businesses that complement its core operations and align with its independent agency distribution model.
In 1972, Cincinnati Financial acquired The Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati and Queen City Indemnity Company. These purchases expanded the company into life insurance products and direct billing operations. The following year brought the largest acquisition in company history when it merged with Inter-Ocean Corporation, increasing total assets by nearly 60%.
The company formed Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters Insurance Company in 2007 as a wholly owned subsidiary. This internal development allowed Cincinnati Financial to enter the excess and surplus lines market without external acquisition costs. The subsidiary targets commercial risks that standard market carriers cannot profitably underwrite.
Cincinnati Financial’s most significant recent acquisition occurred in February 2019 when it purchased MSP Underwriting Limited from Munich Re for £102 million. The London-based specialty underwriter operates through Lloyd’s Syndicate 318 and wrote approximately £182 million in gross premiums during 2018. MSP earned underwriting profits in 20 of its previous 25 years.
The company rebranded MSP as Cincinnati Global Underwriting Ltd. in May 2019. This acquisition gave Cincinnati Financial access to the Lloyd’s platform and international markets. The subsidiary underwrites property, aviation, and specialty risks globally while contributing to overall portfolio diversification.
FAQs
Who founded Cincinnati Financial Corporation?
Four independent insurance agents founded Cincinnati Insurance Company in 1950: John J. Schiff Sr., Robert C. Schiff Sr., Harry M. Turner, and Chester T. Field. They started with $200,000 in capital.
Where is Cincinnati Financial headquarters located?
Cincinnati Financial Corporation is headquartered in Fairfield, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. The company has operated from this location since its founding and employs over 5,600 associates.
What insurance products does Cincinnati Financial offer?
Cincinnati Financial offers commercial property and casualty insurance, personal auto and home coverage, life insurance, disability income policies, annuities, and excess and surplus lines products through independent agents.
Is Cincinnati Financial a Fortune 500 company?
Yes, Cincinnati Financial Corporation ranks among the Fortune 500 companies. The company is also recognized as the 20th largest property casualty insurer in the United States by market share.
How many consecutive years has Cincinnati Financial increased dividends?
Cincinnati Financial has increased its shareholder dividend for 64 consecutive years, making it a Dividend King. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.87 per share in 2025.