Q2 Earnings conference call Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
Second Quarter Net Loss of
Second quarter 2024 highlights:
- Net loss of
$2.7 million includes a$3.2 million pre-tax charge for an estimated contingent liability related to rating errors. - Net premiums written(1) increased 9.0% to
$326.1 million compared to the second quarter of 2023. - Net investment income increased 59.2% to
$18.0 million compared to the second quarter of 2023. - GAAP combined ratio of 105.6% improved 27.4 points compared to the second quarter of 2023; comprised of an underlying loss ratio(2) of 58.9%, catastrophe loss ratio of 11.2%, no prior year reserve development, and underwriting expense ratio of 35.5%.
- The underlying combined ratio(3) improved 4.8 points to 94.4% compared to the second quarter of 2023.
- Book value per common share decreased
$0.36 to$28.68 as ofJune 30, 2024 , compared toDecember 31, 2023 .
"Our second quarter results reflect continued progress in our efforts to deliver improved performance through the strategic execution of our business plan," said UFG President and CEO
"Net written premiums grew 9% to
"The second quarter GAAP combined ratio of 105.6% improved significantly over prior year, primarily due to lower prior period reserve development and decreases in catastrophe and underlying combined ratios.
"Prior period reserve development in the second quarter was neutral overall. Consistent with the first quarter, favorable emergence across several lines of business enabled us to further reinforce our position against the future inflationary uncertainty challenging our industry in certain liability lines. Loss emergence remains within our expectations, and we believe these proactive steps are a prudent measure to mitigate the impact of a potential further acceleration in severity trends.
"As you will recall, in the second quarter of 2023 we significantly strengthened loss reserves as a result of investments in our actuarial processes and increased depth of analysis that provided a more informed understanding of our reserve position. Those investments also led to greater visibility into our underlying loss trends, and we reacted quickly to
1
recognize the increased levels of severity observed in our liability portfolio. For the last four quarters, we have been reflecting this elevated view of trend in our analyses and management decisions, which has fostered greater confidence in the strength of our reserve position. We remain committed to establishing a strong and stable reserve position, providing a solid foundation to grow our business.
"Second quarter catastrophe loss ratio of 11.2% improved 1.8 points over prior year and was below our five-year and 10- year historical averages as we continue our focus on effectively managing our property catastrophe risk profile.
"The second quarter underlying loss ratio of 58.9% improved 5.7 points from the prior year reflecting strong earned rate achievement and continued disciplined underwriting. In addition, results in the second quarter of 2023 were impacted by elevated surety loss activity.
"Our intense focus on expense management has reduced our overall cost structure compared to last year. Efficiencies in non-revenue generating functions have funded investments in talent and technology supporting our underwriting capabilities and shifted our cost structure toward the underwriting expense ratio. As a result, the underwriting expense ratio increased to 35.5% in the second quarter while we see reductions in the loss adjusting expense ratio that contribute to a lower net loss ratio. We will continue to diligently manage the underwriting expense ratio down over time.
"Overall, the second quarter underlying combined ratio of 94.4% improved 4.8 points over prior year as a result of the successful execution of our ongoing actions to improve core margins.
"Net investment income increased 59.2% from prior year to
"Recently, we identified rating errors within our core commercial business and recorded a pre-tax charge of
"The improvements in underlying profitability were sufficient to generate positive adjusted operating income in the second quarter, excluding the impact of this rating adjustment. We remain committed to continuing to drive improvements in our performance through strategic execution of our business plan during the second half of the year."
- Net premiums written is a performance measure reflecting the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. SeeCertain Performance Measures for additional information.
- Underlying loss ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined as the net loss ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non- catastrophe prior year reserve development. See Definitions ofNon-GAAPInformation and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
- Underlying combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined as the GAAP combined ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. See Definitions ofNon-GAAPInformation and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
2
Consolidated Financial Highlights:
Consolidated Financial Highlights
(unaudited) |
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
||||||
Net premiums earned |
$ |
287,569 |
$ |
254,638 |
$ |
568,428 |
$ |
510,765 |
||
Net premiums written |
326,119 |
299,076 |
647,390 |
572,344 |
||||||
GAAP Combined Ratio: |
||||||||||
Net loss ratio |
70.1 % |
98.4 % |
67.0 |
% |
83.3 |
% |
||||
Underwriting expense ratio |
35.5 % |
34.6 % |
35.2 |
% |
34.9 |
% |
||||
GAAP combined ratio |
105.6 % |
133.0 % |
102.2 |
% |
118.2 |
% |
||||
Additional Ratios: |
||||||||||
Net loss ratio |
70.1 % |
98.4 % |
67.0 |
% |
83.3 |
% |
||||
Catastrophes-effect on net loss ratio(1) |
11.2 % |
13.0 % |
7.9 |
% |
8.8 |
% |
||||
Reserve development-effect on net loss ratio(1) |
- % |
20.8 % |
- % |
10.4 |
% |
|||||
Underlying loss ratio(1) (non-GAAP) |
58.9 % |
64.6 % |
59.1 |
% |
64.1 |
% |
||||
Underwriting expense ratio |
35.5 % |
34.6 % |
35.2 |
% |
34.9 |
% |
||||
Underlying combined ratio(2) (non-GAAP) |
94.4 % |
99.2 % |
94.3 |
% |
99.0 |
% |
||||
Net investment income, net of investment expenses |
$ |
18,029 |
$ |
11,327 |
$ |
34,371 |
$ |
24,049 |
||
Net investment gains (losses) |
(1,229) |
1,124 |
(2,431) |
(621) |
||||||
Other income (loss)(3) |
(4,812) |
(598) |
(6,726) |
(2,968) |
||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ |
(2,735) |
$ |
(56,382) |
$ |
10,767 |
$ |
(55,688) |
||
Adjusted operating income (loss)(4) |
(1,764) |
(57,270) |
12,688 |
(55,197) |
||||||
Net income (loss) per diluted share |
$ |
(0.11) |
$ |
(2.23) |
$ |
0.42 |
$ |
(2.21) |
||
Adjusted operating income (loss) per diluted share(4) |
(0.07) |
(2.27) |
0.49 |
(2.19) |
||||||
Retuon equity(5) |
2.9 % |
(15.7)% |
- Underlying loss ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined as the net loss ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non- catastrophe prior period reserve development. See Definitions ofNon-GAAPInformation and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
- Underlying combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined as the GAAP combined ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. See Definitions ofNon-GAAPInformation and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
- Other income (loss) is comprised of other income (loss), interest expense and other non-underwriting expenses.
- Adjusted operating income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure of net income excluding net investment gains and losses, after applicable taxes. See Definitions ofNon-GAAPInformation and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information and a reconciliation of adjusted operating income (loss) to net income.
- Retuon equity is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average stockholders' equity, which is calculated using a simple average of the beginning and ending balances for the period.
3
Total Property & Casualty Underwriting Results
Second quarter 2024 results:
(All comparisons vs. second quarter 2023, unless noted otherwise)
Net premiums written increased by 9.0% in the second quarter of 2024 driven by core commercial and assumed reinsurance business. Net premiums earned increased 12.9% in the second quarter of 2024 due to growth in net premiums written in both prior and current quarters. Commercial lines net premiums written excluding surety and specialty increased 13.2%, supported by increased pricing with an overall increase in average renewal premiums of 12.3%. Rate increases accounted for 9.8% while exposure increases contributed an additional 2.3%. Excluding the workers' compensation line of business, the overall average increase in renewal premiums was 13.5%, with 11.0% from rate increases and 2.2% from exposure changes.
The GAAP combined ratio for the second quarter of 2024 was 105.6%, improving 27.4 points from 133.0% driven by improvement in all components of the net loss ratio. Prior period development excluding catastrophe losses was neutral for the second quarter of 2024. This compares to 20.8% of unfavorable development in the second quarter of 2023. Pre-tax catastrophe losses added 11.2 percentage points to the GAAP combined ratio, a 1.8 point improvement and below both five-year and 10- year historical averages. The underlying loss ratio of 58.9% improved 5.7 points, reflecting improvement in core commercial lines from a combination of underwriting actions, increased pricing, expense management and lower claim count trends. The prior year underlying loss ratio was also impacted by elevated surety losses, which did not repeat in the current year. The underwriting expense ratio of 35.5% deteriorated 0.9 points due to investments in underwriting talent and technology offset by premium growth.
In
Investment Results
Second quarter 2024 results:
(All comparisons vs. second quarter 2023, unless noted otherwise)
Net investment income was
4
Investment Results
(unaudited) |
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
||||||
(In Thousands) |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
||||
Investment income: |
||||||||
Interest on fixed maturities |
$ |
15,947 |
$ |
13,423 |
$ |
31,107 |
$ |
26,720 |
Dividends on equity securities |
$ |
- |
$ |
1,185 |
$ |
341 |
$ |
2,428 |
Income (loss) on other long-term investments |
$ |
623 |
$ |
(3,504) |
$ |
381 |
$ |
(4,584) |
Other |
$ |
4,188 |
$ |
2,434 |
$ |
8,086 |
$ |
4,294 |
Total investment income |
$ |
20,758 |
$ |
13,538 |
$ |
39,915 |
$ |
28,858 |
Less investment expenses |
$ |
2,729 |
$ |
2,211 |
$ |
5,544 |
$ |
4,809 |
Net investment income |
$ |
18,029 |
$ |
11,327 |
$ |
34,371 |
$ |
24,049 |
Average yields: |
||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||
Pre-tax(1) |
3.62 % |
3.24 % |
3.43 % |
3.25 % |
(1) Fixed income securities yield excluding net unrealized investment gains/losses and expenses.
Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet
(In Thousands) |
|
|
||
(unaudited) |
||||
Invested assets |
$ |
1,935,876 |
$ |
1,886,494 |
Cash |
153,430 |
102,046 |
||
Total assets |
3,408,697 |
3,144,190 |
||
Losses and loss settlement expenses |
1,755,739 |
1,638,755 |
||
Total liabilities |
2,682,102 |
2,410,445 |
||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), after-tax |
(77,994) |
(66,967) |
||
Total stockholders' equity |
726,595 |
733,745 |
||
Book value per share |
$ |
28.68 |
$ |
29.04 |
Total consolidated assets as of
Capital Management
The Company successfully completed a placement of
During the second quarter of 2024, the Company declared and paid a
5
Earnings Call Access Information
An earnings call will be held at
Teleconference: Dial-in information for the call is toll-free1-844-492-3723 (international 1-412-542-4184). The event will bearchived and available for digital replay through
Webcast: An audio webcast of the teleconference can be accessed at the Company's investor relations page at https://ir.ufginsurance.com/event/ or https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=5d3Ej3OM. The archived audio webcast will be available until
Transcript: A transcript of the teleconference will be available on the Company's website soon after the completion of the teleconference.
About UFG
Founded in 1946 as
Through our subsidiaries, we are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 50 states, plus the
Contact:
Investor Relations
Email: [email protected]
Media Inquiries
Email: [email protected]
Disclosure of Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the Company, the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as "expect(s)," "anticipate(s)," "intend(s)," "plan(s)," "believe(s)," "continue(s)," "seek(s)," "estimate(s)," "goal(s)," "remain(s) optimistic," "target(s)," "forecast(s)," "project(s)," "predict(s)," "should," "could," "may," "will," "might," "hope," "can" and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
6
Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures
The Company prepares its public financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
Adjusted operating income: Adjusted operating income is calculated by excluding net investment gains and losses, after applicable federal and state income taxes from net income (loss). Management believes adjusted operating income is a meaningful measure for evaluating insurance company performance and a useful supplement to GAAP information because it better represents the normal, ongoing performance of our business. Investors and equity analysts who invest in and report on the insurance industry and the Company generally focus on this metric in their analyses.
Net Income Reconciliation
(unaudited) |
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
||||||
(In Thousands) |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
||||
Income Statement Data |
||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ |
(2,735) |
$ |
(56,382) |
$ |
10,767 |
$ |
(55,688) |
Less: after-tax net investment gains (losses) |
(971) |
888 |
(1,921) |
(491) |
||||
Adjusted operating income (loss) |
$ |
(1,764) |
$ |
(57,270) |
$ |
12,688 |
$ |
(55,197) |
Diluted Earnings Per Share Data |
$ |
(0.11) |
$ |
0.42 |
||||
Net income (loss) |
$ |
(2.23) |
$ |
(2.21) |
||||
Less: after-tax net investment gains (losses) |
(0.04) |
0.04 |
(0.07) |
(0.02) |
||||
Adjusted operating income (loss) |
$ |
(0.07) |
$ |
(2.27) |
$ |
0.49 |
$ |
(2.19) |
Underlying loss ratio and underlying combined ratio: Underlying loss ratio represents the net loss ratio less the impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. The underlying combined ratio represents the GAAP combined ratio less the impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. The Company believes that the underlying loss ratio and underlying combined ratio are meaningful measures to understand the underlying trends in the core business in the current accident year, removing the volatility of prior period impacts and catastrophes. Management believes separate discussions on catastrophe losses and prior period reserve development are important to understanding how the Company is managing catastrophe risk and in identifying developments in longer- tailed business.
Prior period reserve development is the increase (unfavorable) or decrease (favorable) in incurred loss and loss adjustment expense at the valuation dates for losses which occurred in previous calendar years. This measure excludes development on catastrophe losses.
Catastrophe losses is an operational measure which utilizes the designations of the
7
Certain Performance Measure
The Company uses the following measure to evaluate its financial performance. Management believes a discussion of this measure provides financial statement users with a better understanding of the Company's results of operations. The Company has provided the following definition:
Net premiums written: Net premiums written is frequently used by industry analysts and other recognized reporting sources to facilitate comparisons of the performance of insurance companies. Net premiums written is the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. Management believes net premiums written is a meaningful measure for evaluating insurance company sales performance and geographical expansion efforts. Net premiums written for an insurance company consists of direct premiums written and premiums assumed, less premiums ceded. Net premiums earned is calculated on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premium reserves are established for the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the insurance policies in force. The difference between net premiums earned and net premiums written is the change in unearned premiums and the change in prepaid reinsurance premiums.
8
Supplemental Tables
Income Statement
(unaudited) |
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
||||||
(In Thousands) |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
||||
Revenues |
||||||||
Net premiums earned |
$ |
287,569 |
$ |
254,638 |
$ |
568,428 |
$ |
510,765 |
Investment income, net of investment expenses |
18,029 |
11,327 |
34,371 |
24,049 |
||||
Net investment gains (losses) |
(1,229) |
1,124 |
(2,431) |
(621) |
||||
Other income (loss) |
(3,200) |
- |
(3,200) |
- |
||||
Total Revenues |
$ |
301,169 |
$ |
267,089 |
$ |
597,168 |
$ |
534,193 |
Benefits, Losses and Expenses |
||||||||
Losses and loss settlement expenses |
$ |
201,325 |
$ |
250,730 |
$ |
380,971 |
$ |
425,327 |
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs |
67,389 |
59,156 |
133,079 |
118,991 |
||||
Other underwriting expenses |
34,613 |
28,832 |
67,078 |
59,135 |
||||
Interest expense |
1,460 |
797 |
2,319 |
1,594 |
||||
Other non-underwriting expenses |
152 |
(199) |
1,207 |
1,374 |
||||
Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses |
$ |
304,939 |
$ |
339,316 |
$ |
584,654 |
$ |
606,421 |
Income (loss) before income taxes |
$ |
(3,770) |
$ |
(72,227) |
$ |
12,514 |
$ |
(72,228) |
Federal income tax expense (benefit) |
(1,035) |
(15,845) |
1,747 |
(16,540) |
||||
Net income (loss) |
$ |
(2,735) |
$ |
(56,382) |
$ |
10,767 |
$ |
(55,688) |
9
Net Premiums Written by Line of Business
(unaudited) |
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
||||||
(In Thousands) |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
||||
Net Premiums Written(1) |
||||||||
Commercial lines: |
||||||||
Other liability(2) |
$ |
103,974 |
$ |
99,945 |
$ |
193,836 |
$ |
179,774 |
Fire and allied lines(3) |
62,721 |
70,408 |
133,374 |
132,437 |
||||
Automobile |
68,366 |
60,033 |
143,207 |
119,312 |
||||
Workers' compensation |
16,822 |
14,196 |
33,902 |
27,560 |
||||
Surety(4) |
14,246 |
9,520 |
29,104 |
24,921 |
||||
Miscellaneous |
2,876 |
839 |
5,006 |
1,158 |
||||
Total commercial lines |
$ |
269,005 |
$ |
254,941 |
$ |
538,429 |
$ |
485,162 |
Personal lines: |
||||||||
Fire and allied lines(5) |
$ |
2,706 |
$ |
1,134 |
$ |
7,582 |
$ |
2,630 |
Automobile |
1,084 |
- |
1,084 |
- |
||||
Miscellaneous |
1 |
4 |
3 |
9 |
||||
Total personal lines |
$ |
3,791 |
$ |
1,138 |
$ |
8,669 |
$ |
2,639 |
Assumed reinsurance |
53,323 |
42,997 |
100,292 |
84,544 |
||||
Total |
$ |
326,119 |
$ |
299,076 |
$ |
647,390 |
$ |
572,344 |
- Net premiums written is a performance measure reflecting the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. SeeCertain Performance Measures for additional information.
- Commercial lines "Other liability" is business insurance covering bodily injury and property damage arising from general business operations, accidents on the insured's premises and products manufactured or sold.
- Commercial lines "Fire and allied lines" includes fire, allied lines, commercial multiple peril and inland marine.
- Commercial lines "Surety" previously referred to as "Fidelity and surety."
- Personal lines "Fire and allied lines" includes fire, allied lines, homeowners and inland marine.
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