• United Fire Group, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

    Source: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 13 Feb 2024 16:01:01   America/New_York

    Fourth Quarter Net Income of $0.77 per Diluted Share and Adjusted Operating Income of $0.65 per Diluted Share

    Full Year Net Loss of $1.18 per Diluted Share and Adjusted Operating Loss of $1.22 per Diluted Share

    Fourth quarter 2023 highlights:

    • Net income of $19.6 million driven by increased underwriting income and higher investment income.
    • Net premiums written(1) of $246.8 million increased 5.2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2022.
    • GAAP combined ratio of 99.2%, including a loss ratio of 64.8% and underwriting expense ratio of 34.4%. Underlying combined ratio of 94.4%(2).
    • Loss ratio components include underlying loss ratio(3) of 60.0%, catastrophe loss ratio of 1.5% and prior year reserve development of 3.3%.
    • Net investment income of $19.1 million increased 48.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2022.
    • Book value per common share increased $3.51 to $29.04 as of December 31, 2023, compared to September 30, 2023.

    Full year 2023 highlights:

    • Net premiums written of $1.1 billion increased 8.4% as compared to full year 2022.
    • GAAP combined ratio of 109.3% driven by loss ratio of 74.4% and underwriting expense ratio of 34.9%. Underlying combined ratio of 97.1%.
    • Loss ratio components include underlying loss ratio of 62.2%, catastrophe loss ratio of 6.2% and prior year reserve development of 6.0%.
    • Net investment income of $59.6 million increased 32.7% compared to full year 2022.

    CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Fire Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: UFCS),

    United Fire Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “UFG”) (Nasdaq: UFCS) today reported financial results for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023 (the “fourth quarter of 2023”) with a consolidated net income of $19.6 million ($0.77 per diluted share) and consolidated adjusted operating income of $0.65 per diluted share.

    “I am pleased with our fourth quarter results as we achieved the highest level of quarterly profit in 2023,” said UFG President and CEO Kevin Leidwinger. “This incremental improvement in profitability combined with our continued growth and the progress we have made to deepen our expertise and drive operational efficiency positions UFG to deliver superior financial and operational performance.

    “In the fourth quarter, net premiums written grew to $247 million led by our core commercial and assumed reinsurance business units. Core commercial production remained strong with new business and retention above the prior year while average renewal premium increases accelerated to 11.6% led by property average renewal premium increases of 23.9%. On a full-year basis, net premiums written grew 8.4% to $1.1 billion, the highest level since 2019.

    “The fourth quarter combined ratio improved to 99.2%, the lowest in seven quarters. Light catastrophe activity resulted in a fourth quarter catastrophe loss ratio of 1.5%, well below historical averages. In the fourth quarter, prior period reserves increased $8.8 million, or 3.3% on the combined ratio due to a few late developing property claims and severity pressure in a few casualty lines.  

    “The full year combined ratio of 109.3% increased compared to fiscal year 2022 due to reserve strengthening, elevated surety losses, and increased reinsurance costs, while the 2022 expense ratio benefited from one-time items related to the restructuring of employee post-retirement benefits.

    “Improving core commercial line profitability led to a fourth quarter underlying loss ratio of 60.0%, the lowest quarterly result of 2023. These results show early signs of progress in our strategic efforts to deliver improved and more consistent long-term profitability. These improvements have begun to offset elevated surety loss activity and other pressures experienced this year, bringing our full year underlying loss ratio to 62.2%.  

    “The fourth quarter expense ratio of 34.4% was also the lowest result of 2023, as we continued to sustainably reduce expenses. In addition to ongoing careful vacancy management, in the fourth quarter we completed a voluntary early retirement program that contributed to a 22% decline in enterprise workforce over the course of 2023 and will provide more impactful benefits to our expense ratio in 2024. Our reported 2023 expense ratio is above prior year on both a quarterly and full year basis largely due to one-time items that benefited 2022 results that are offsetting the impact of our actions to reduce expenses in 2023.

    “UFG also benefited from capital market conditions in the fourth quarter. Sustainable increases in fixed maturity income and increased valuation on limited partnership investments resulted in fourth quarter net investment income of $19.1 million, the highest since exiting the life insurance business in 2018. Higher bond valuations reduced UFG’s unrealized loss position by over 40% in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter of 2023, improving book value per share by over $2 per share.

    “In the fourth quarter we continued to evolve the Company with strategic investments in leadership talent to increase the depth of our underwriting, actuarial and claims expertise. We also enhanced our organizational structure to improve specialization and achieve a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness with a more streamlined processes.

    “More recently, we successfully placed our 2024 reinsurance programs on January 1, 2024. In addition, we announced a partnership with New England Asset Management to oversee our investment portfolio.

    “As we enter the new year, I am proud of the progress we’re making at UFG and grateful to our employees for their outstanding dedication to our Company’s success. While our actions are not yet fully reflected in our financial results, we remain confident in the path forward and committed to achieving superior performance over time by delivering deep underwriting expertise with the personal relationships and responsive service that are so greatly valued by our agency partners.”

    (1) 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. See Certain Performance Measures for additional information.
    (2) Underlying combined ratio is defined as the GAAP combined ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
    (3) Underlying loss ratio is defined as the net loss ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior year reserve development. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.

    Consolidated Financial Highlights:

    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (unaudited)Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) 2023   2022   2023   2022 
    Net premiums earned$264,366  $247,795  $1,034,587  $951,541 
    Net premiums written 246,830   234,731   1,066,901   984,223 
            
    GAAP Combined Ratio:       
    Net loss ratio 64.8%  69.8%  74.4%  67.0%
    Underwriting expense ratio 34.4%  34.1%  34.9%  34.5%
    GAAP combined ratio 99.2%  103.9%  109.3%  101.5%
            
    Additional Ratios:       
    Net loss ratio 64.8%  69.8%  74.4%  67.0%
    Catastrophes-effect on net loss ratio(1)  1.5%  4.9%  6.2%  7.7%
    Reserve development-effect on net loss ratio(1) 3.3%  4.9%  6.0%  0.1%
    Underlying loss ratio(1) (non-GAAP) 60.0%  60.0%  62.2%  59.2%
    Underwriting expense ratio 34.4%  34.1%  34.9%  34.5%
    Underlying combined ratio(2) (non-GAAP) 94.4%  94.1%  97.1%  93.7%
            
    Net investment income, net of investment expenses$19,098  $12,870  $59,606  $44,932 
    Net investment gains (losses) 3,855   19,755   1,274   (15,892)
    Other income (loss) (1,039)  (363)  (4,983)  (2,959)
            
    Net income (loss)$19,608  $20,120  $(29,700) $15,031 
    Adjusted operating income (loss)(3) 16,564   4,514   (30,706)  27,586 
            
    Net income (loss) per diluted share$0.77  $0.79  $(1.18) $0.59 
    Adjusted operating income (loss) per diluted share(3) 0.65   0.18   (1.22)  1.09 
              
    Return on equity (4)     (4.0)%  1.9%

    (1) 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 of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
    (2) 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 of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
    (3) Adjusted operating income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure of net income excluding net investment gains and losses, after applicable taxes. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for more information and a reconciliation of adjusted operating income (loss) to net income.
    (4) Return on 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.

    Total Property & Casualty Underwriting Results

    Fourth quarter 2023 results:
    (All comparisons vs. fourth quarter 2022, unless noted otherwise)

    Growth in net premiums written accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2023, increasing 5.2%, and the impact of growth from prior periods contributed to significant increases to revenue, as net premiums earned increased 6.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Commercial lines net premiums written excluding surety and specialty increased 7.0%, supported by increasing levels of rate achievement and new business, with an overall increase in average renewal premiums of 11.6%. Rate increases accounted for 9.6% while exposure increases contributed an additional 2.0%. Excluding the workers’ compensation line of business, the overall average increase in renewal premiums was 12.5%, with 10.7% from rate increases and 1.8% from exposure changes.

    The combined ratio was 99.2%, improving 4.7 points from 103.9%. This decrease is primarily attributable to lower prior period reserve adjustments and favorable catastrophe losses. Prior period reserves were 3.3% unfavorable this quarter, driven by late developing property losses from accident year 2022 and severity pressure in a few casualty lines. This compares to 4.9% unfavorable development in the fourth quarter of 2022. The catastrophe loss ratio was 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023, a decrease of 3.4 points, which was well below historical averages. The underlying loss ratio of 60.0% was flat versus prior year. The underwriting expense ratio of 34.4% was 0.3 points higher due to changes to our post-retirement benefit plans that reduced expenses in 2022 but have since concluded. This was primarily offset by growth and our ongoing actions to sustainably reduce expenses.

    Full year 2023 results:

    Net premiums written increased 8.4%, reflecting growth in the same areas as noted above. Net premiums earned increased 8.7% compared to the full year 2022. The overall average change in renewal premiums was 9.6%, with 7.1% from rate increases and 2.5% from exposure changes. Excluding the workers’ compensation line of business, the overall average change in renewal premiums was 10.7%, with 8.3% from rate changes and 2.4% from exposure changes. On an annual basis, premium retention was 82.6%, compared to 77.8% last year.

    For the full year, the combined ratio was 109.3% as compared to 101.5% in 2022 driven primarily by a 7.4 point increase in the loss ratio. The underlying loss ratio increased by 3.0 points to 62.2% in 2023 as improving profitability from our core commercial lines was offset by elevated losses in our surety business. The loss ratio was also impacted by 6.0% due to reserve strengthening associated with the excess casualty business and adverse pressure from the continued impact of social inflation on the liability lines of business in accident years 2016-2019. Catastrophe losses contributed 6.2% to the loss ratio in the current year, an improvement from 7.7% last year. The underwriting expense ratio of 34.9% for 2023 was 0.4 points higher than last year, primarily driven by changes to our post-retirement benefit plans that provided a one-time benefit in 2022 and increased reinsurance premiums in 2023 that were primarily offset by our ongoing actions to sustainably reduce expenses and premium growth.

    Investment Results

    Fourth quarter 2023 results:
    (All comparisons vs. fourth quarter 2022, unless noted otherwise)

    Net investment income was $19.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of $6.2 million. Income from our fixed income portfolio increased by $2.2 million as we invested at higher interest rates. In addition, income from cash and cash equivalents increased $1.0 million. Income on other long-term investments resulted in an additional $2.7 million of income as the valuation of the investments in limited liability partnerships varies from period to period due to the current market conditions. Investment expense decreased $1.1 million. The dividends on equity securities decreased $0.7 million due to a strategic reallocation of equity securities to fixed income assets over the past two quarters.

    Full year 2023 results:

    Net investment income of $59.6 million for the full year 2023 increased 32.7% from the full year 2022. While interest on fixed maturities was up $7.5 million or 15.5%, driven by higher interest rates, this was offset by a decrease in dividends on equity securities of $1.6 million, due to a strategic reallocation of equity securities to fixed income assets during 2023. Income on other long-term investments resulted in an additional $3.2 million of income as the valuation of the investments in limited liability partnerships varies from period to period due to the current market conditions. Other income increased $5.6 million, driven by $2.4 million of Funds at Lloyd’s income, $2.2 million of interest on cash and cash equivalents, and $1.0 million of other miscellaneous income.

    Investment Results
    (unaudited)Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    (In Thousands) 2023   2022   2023   2022 
    Investment income:       
    Interest on fixed maturities$15,051  $12,823  $56,243  $48,702 
    Dividends on equity securities$481  $1,229  $3,548  $5,163 
    Income (loss) on other long-term investments$3,460  $771  $(31) $(3,188)
    Other$2,456  $1,492  $9,324  $3,771 
    Total investment income$21,448  $16,315  $69,084  $54,448 
    Less investment expenses$2,350  $3,445  $9,478  $9,516 
    Net investment income$19,098  $12,870  $59,606  $44,932 
            
    Average yields:       
    Fixed income securities:       
    Pre-tax(1) 3.39%  3.08%  3.28%  2.93%

    (1) Fixed income securities yield excluding net unrealized investment gains/losses and expenses.


    Balance Sheet

    Balance Sheet
    (In Thousands)December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
     (unaudited)  
    Invested assets$1,886,494  $1,844,891 
    Cash 102,046   96,650 
    Total assets 3,135,725   2,882,286 
    Losses and loss settlement expenses 1,638,755   1,497,274 
    Total liabilities 2,401,980   2,142,172 
    Net unrealized investment gains (losses), after-tax (66,967)  (88,369)
    Total stockholders’ equity 733,745   740,114 
        
    Book value per share$29.04  $29.36 


    Total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2023 were $3.1 billion, which included $1.9 billion of invested assets. The Company’s book value per share was $29.04, a decrease of $0.32 per share, or 1.1%, from December 31, 2022. This decrease is primarily related to an increase in loss and loss settlement expense reserves offset by changes in the valuation of fixed income securities due to interest rate movements during 2023.

    Capital Management

    During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company declared and paid a $0.16 per share cash dividend to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2023. UFG has paid a quarterly dividend every quarter since March 1968.

    Earnings Call Access Information

    An earnings call will be held at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on February 14, 2024, to allow securities analysts, shareholders and other interested parties the opportunity to hear management discuss the Company’s fourth quarter of 2023 results.

    Teleconference: Dial-in information for the call is toll-free 1-844-492-3723. The event will be archived and available for digital replay through February 21, 2024. The replay access information is toll-free 1-877-344-7529; conference ID no. 3341403.

    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=yMChVzCX. The archived audio webcast will be available until February 21, 2024.

    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 United Fire & Casualty Company, UFG, through its insurance company subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance.

    Through our subsidiaries, we are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, and we are represented by approximately 1,000 independent agencies. A.M. Best Company assigns a rating of “A-” (Excellent) for members of the United Fire & Casualty Group. For more information about UFG, visit www.ufginsurance.com.

    Contact:

    Investor Relations
    Email: ir@unitedfiregroup.com

    Media Inquiries
    Email: news@unitedfiregroup.com

    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/A for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 1, 2023. The risks identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A and in our other SEC filings are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release or as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, future dividend payments are within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on numerous factors, including our financial condition, our capital requirements and other factors that our Board of Directors considers relevant.

    Underwriting Expense Ratio

    During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company evaluated categories of expenses included in the underwriting expense ratio and identified two categories of expenses that have been reclassified as non-underwriting expenses: foreign exchange gain/loss and charitable contributions. These expenses have been isolated in a new financial line “Other Non-Underwriting Expenses” on the income statement. As a result, there were immaterial changes to the historical underwriting expense ratio and the underlying combined ratio. The updated underwriting expense ratio components and underwriting expense ratio for the last eight quarters are outlined in the tables below.

    Other Non-Underwriting Expense Components - 2023
    (in thousands)YTDQ4Q3Q2Q1
    Foreign Exchange Gain/Loss1,159134179(206)1,052
    Charitable Contributions56436—6 521
    Other Non-Underwriting Expenses1,723170179(199)1,573


    Underwriting Expense Ratio - 2023 updated
     YTDQ4Q3Q2Q1
    Underwriting expenses360,791 90,860 91,805 87,988 90,138 
    Earned premium1,034,587 264,366 259,456 254,638 256,127 
    Underwriting expense ratio34.9%34.4%35.4%34.6%35.2%
               
    Impact to Underwriting expense ratio(0.2)%(0.1)%(0.1)%0.1%(0.6)%


    Other Non-Underwriting Expense Components - 2022
    (in thousands)YTDQ4Q3Q2Q1
    Foreign Exchange Gain/Loss(1,056)(703)2(409)54
    Charitable Contributions532 12 16— 504
    Other Non-Underwriting Expenses(524)(691)18(409)558


    Underwriting Expense Ratio - 2022 updated
     YTDQ4Q3Q2Q1
    Underwriting expenses328,244 84,410 83,576 81,701 78,557 
    Earned premium951,541 247,795 238,256 231,262 234,228 
    Underwriting expense ratio34.5%34.1%35.1%35.3%33.5%
               
    Impact to Underwriting expense ratio0.1%0.3%0.0%0.2%(0.2)%


    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 the United States of America (“GAAP”). Management also uses certain non-GAAP measures to evaluate its operations and profitability. As further explained below, management believes that disclosure of certain non-GAAP financial measures enhances investor understanding of our financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in this report include: adjusted operating income, underlying loss ratio, and underlying combined ratio. The Company has provided the following definitions and reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures:

    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 and report on the insurance industry and the Company generally focus on this metric in their analyses.

    Net Income Reconciliation
    (unaudited)Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    (In Thousands) 2023  2022  2023   2022 
    Income Statement Data       
    Net income (loss)$19,608 $20,120 $(29,700) $15,031 
    Less: after-tax net investment gains (losses) 3,044  15,606  1,006   (12,555)
    Adjusted operating income (loss)$16,564 $4,514 $(30,706) $27,586 
    Diluted Earnings Per Share Data       
    Net income (loss)$0.77 $0.79 $(1.18) $0.59 
    Less: after-tax net investment gains (losses) 0.12  0.61  0.04   (0.50)
    Adjusted operating income (loss)$        0.65 $        0.18 $        (1.22) $        1.09 


    U    nderlying 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 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 reserves 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 Insurance Services Office (“ISO”) and is reported with losses and loss adjustment expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables, unless specified otherwise. In addition to ISO catastrophes, we also include as catastrophes those events (“non-ISO catastrophes”), which may include U.S. or international losses, that we believe are, or will be, material to our operations, either in amount or in number of claims made. Catastrophes are not predictable and are unique in terms of timing and financial impact. While management estimates catastrophe losses as incurred, due to the inherently unique nature of catastrophe losses, the impact in a reporting period is inclusive of catastrophes that occurred in the reporting period, as well as development on catastrophes that may have occurred in prior periods.

    Certain Performance Measures

    The Company uses the following measures to evaluate its financial performance. Management believes a discussion of these measures provides financial statement users with a better understanding of 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.

    Supplemental Tables

    Income Statement
    (unaudited)Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    (In Thousands) 2023  2022   2023   2022 
    Revenues       
    Net premiums earned$264,366 $247,795  $1,034,587  $951,541 
    Investment income, net of investment expenses 19,098  12,870   59,606   44,932 
    Net investment gains (losses) 3,855  19,755   1,274   (15,892)
    Other income (loss) —  (257)  —   (295)
    Total Revenues$287,319 $280,163  $1,095,467  $980,286 
            
    Benefits, Losses and Expenses       
    Losses and loss settlement expenses$171,289 $173,006  $769,414  $637,301 
    Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 63,291  56,959   244,991   213,075 
    Other underwriting expenses 27,569  27,451   115,800   115,169 
    Interest expense 869  797   3,260   3,188 
    Other non-underwriting expenses 170  (691)  1,723   (524)
    Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses$263,188 $257,522  $1,135,188  $968,209 
            
    Income (loss) before income taxes $24,131 $22,641  $(39,721) $12,077 
    Federal income tax expense (benefit) 4,523  2,521   (10,021)  (2,954)
    Net income (loss)$19,608 $20,120  $(29,700) $15,031 


    Net Premiums Written by Line of Business
    (unaudited)Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    (In Thousands) 2023  2022  2023  2022
    Net Premiums Written(1)       
    Commercial lines:       
    Other liability(2)$79,393 $73,012 $325,900 $316,645
    Fire and allied lines(3) 51,742  54,162  249,029  232,422
    Automobile 46,667  42,779  218,710  198,370
    Workers’ compensation 10,530  13,014  49,128  56,471
    Surety(4) 11,964  12,393  47,564  51,199
    Miscellaneous 1,356  238  4,776  1,047
    Total commercial lines$201,652 $195,598 $895,107 $856,154
            
    Personal lines:       
    Fire and allied lines(5)$136 $2,986 $4,545 $4,058
    Automobile —  1  —  —
    Miscellaneous 1  4  14  29
    Total personal lines$137 $2,991 $4,559 $4,087
    Assumed reinsurance 45,041  36,142  167,236  123,982
    Total$246,830 $234,731 $1,066,901 $984,223

    (1) 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. See Certain Performance Measures for additional information.
    (2) 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.
    (3) Commercial lines “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, commercial multiple peril and inland marine.
    (4) Commercial lines “Surety” previously referred to as “Fidelity and surety.”
    (5) Personal lines “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, homeowners and inland marine.


    Net Premiums Earned, Net Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses and Net Loss Ratio by Line of Business
    Three Months Ended December 31,2023
    		  2022
       Net Losses     Net Losses  
       and Loss     and Loss  
     Net Settlement Net Net Settlement Net
    (In Thousands, Except Ratios)Premiums Expenses Loss Premiums Expenses Loss
    (unaudited)Earned Incurred Ratio Earned Incurred Ratio
    Commercial lines           
    Other liability$83,239 $54,991  66.1% $77,123 $71,728  93.0%
    Fire and allied lines 61,869  31,994  51.7   59,795  59,881  100.1 
    Automobile 54,068  39,792  73.6   50,471  7,275  14.4 
    Workers’ compensation 12,626  13,908  110.2   13,626  11,200  82.2 
    Surety 12,311  6,591  53.5   11,275  1,067  9.5 
    Miscellaneous 1,180  663  56.2   264  228  86.4 
    Total commercial lines$225,293 $147,939  65.7% $212,554 $151,379  71.2%
                 
    Personal lines            
    Fire and allied lines$165 $(229) (138.8)% $2,830 $815  28.8%
    Automobile —  (511) NM   1  (1,204) NM 
    Miscellaneous 4  66  NM   8  101  NM 
    Total personal lines$169 $(674) (398.8)%  $2,839 $(288) (10.1)%
    Assumed reinsurance 38,904  24,024  61.8   32,402  21,915  67.6 
    Total$264,366 $171,289  64.8% $247,795 $173,006  69.8%

    NM = Not meaningful


    Net Premiums Earned, Net Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses and Net Loss Ratio by Line of Business
    Twelve Months Ended December 31,2023
    		 2022
       Net Losses     Net Losses  
       and Loss     and Loss  
     Net Settlement Net Net Settlement Net
    (In Thousands, Except Ratios)Premiums Expenses Loss Premiums Expenses Loss
    (unaudited)Earned Incurred Ratio Earned Incurred Ratio
    Commercial lines           
    Other liability$320,762 $249,106  77.7% $302,446 $231,587  76.6%
    Fire and allied lines 244,674  183,533  75.0   232,156  204,278  88.0 
    Automobile 208,874  176,667  84.6   208,398  114,296  54.8 
    Workers’ compensation 53,039  33,224  62.6   56,015  27,545  49.2 
    Surety 39,922  22,259  55.8   37,975  6,790  17.9 
    Miscellaneous 2,702  940  34.8   1,081  821  75.9 
    Total commercial lines$869,973 $665,729  76.5% $838,071 $585,317  69.8%
                
    Personal lines           
    Fire and allied lines$4,733 $3,402  71.9% $4,957 $2,959  59.7%
    Automobile —  (837) NM   1  (3,123) NM 
    Miscellaneous 22  (82) NM   50  (1,009) NM 
    Total personal lines$4,755 $2,483  52.2% $5,008 $(1,173) (23.4)%
    Assumed reinsurance 159,859  101,202  63.3   108,462  53,157  49.0 
    Total$1,034,587 $769,414  74.4% $951,541 $637,301  67.0%





     


    Primary Logo

Share on,