Palomar(PLMR)2024-11-05 22:59Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted net income for Q3 2024 was 1.23 per share, representing a 39% increase from 0.92 per share, in Q3 2023 [45] - Adjusted underwriting income increased to 25 million year-over-year [46] - Adjusted combined ratio was 77.1% for Q3 2024, up from 70.9% in Q3 2023, while the adjusted return on equity was 21%, down from 22.3% [46][47] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earthquake business gross written premium grew by 19%, with residential earthquake business showing strong new business growth and high policy retention [15] - Casualty premiums increased by 91% year-over-year, with standout classes like real estate errors and omissions growing by 40% [26] - Crop premiums reached 100 million compared to 415 million in Q3 2024 [48] - Hawaii Hurricane premiums grew by 74% in Q3, driven by a 23% rate increase approved in the previous quarter [23] - The attritional loss ratio for Q3 was 20.2%, reflecting strong performance in property lines despite elevated catastrophe losses [54][105] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve strong premium growth across its portfolio, focusing on segments with the best risk-adjusted returns [9] - A strategic imperative includes navigating market dislocation and diversifying the business, supported by a 160 million through equity issuance to strengthen its balance sheet and support growth initiatives [10] - The acquisition of FIA, a surety insurer, is expected to close in early 2025, with no financial contribution anticipated in Q4 2024 [41] - The company’s stockholder's equity reached $703.3 million, reflecting consistent profitable growth [59] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth prospects for the earthquake business next year - Management feels positive about growth prospects, expecting 18% to 20% growth for 2024, with a balanced approach between residential and commercial segments [64] Question: Impact of mix of business versus pricing on earned premium ratio - The increase in the earned premium ratio is attributed to a combination of rate, mix, and strong performance in excess of loss placements [66][68] Question: Profitability of property businesses over time - The property portfolio has generally been profitable, with some underperformers being monitored and exposure reduced [77] Question: Crop business as a diversifier - The crop business is viewed as a strong diversifier, uncorrelated with property market cycles, and expected to contribute steadily to earnings [78][79] Question: Catastrophe losses and expected levels - Management expects catastrophe losses to stabilize around 3 to 4 points on the combined ratio, with adjustments made to reduce exposure [84] Question: Underwriting expense ratio expectations - The underwriting expense ratio is expected to stabilize in the mid-6% to 7% range as the business scales, with ongoing investments in talent [86][87]