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Ambac(AMBC) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
AMBCAmbac(AMBC)2025-02-27 21:02

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ambac reported a consolidated net loss of 548millionor548 million or 10.23 per diluted share for Q4 2024, compared to a net loss of 16millionor16 million or 0.24 per diluted share in Q4 2023 [28] - The consolidated adjusted net loss was 6millionor6 million or 0.12 per diluted share for Q4 2024, compared to adjusted net income of 4millionor4 million or 0.10 per diluted share in Q4 2023 [30] - The company recorded a 570 million loss on the sale of its legacy financial guarantee business, now reported as discontinued operations [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The P&C business generated nearly 900 million in premiums, up 74% from 2023, and produced 236millioninrevenue,anincreaseof89236 million in revenue, an increase of 89% from the prior year [7] - Cirrata generated nearly 100 million in revenue for 2024, up 93%, and earned approximately 20millionofadjustedEBITDA[15]Everspansgrosspremiumwrittengrewtoover20 million of adjusted EBITDA [15] - Everspan's gross premium written grew to over 380 million, up 40% from the prior year, with a combined ratio of 101.6%, improving nearly 500 basis points over 2023 [20][39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall E&S market continues to perform well, with high-single to double-digit rate increases in U.S. casualty lines [12] - The property market showed some softening in Q4 2024, but terms and conditions have held [13] - Professional and financial lines are experiencing softness, particularly in large account and public market D&O [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the future growth of its Specialty P&C business and delivering value for shareholders [11] - Ambac aims to achieve strong organic growth and generate 80millionto80 million to 90 million of adjusted EBITDA to common shareholders by 2028 [44] - The acquisition of Beat is expected to deliver strong organic growth and enhance the distribution platform [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about stabilization in the Employer Stop Loss and short-term medical segments, despite current challenges [50][51] - The focus remains on profitability for Everspan, with effective loss ratios in the mid-60s aligning with long-term goals [55] - Management is excited about the prospects of Ambac's future and the unique value proposition it offers in the specialty MGA space [43] Other Important Information - The company has committed third-party capacity of more than $1.5 billion for 2025, with over 60% of that support being long-term [19] - The adjusted EBITDA margin for 2024 was 20%, with expectations for meaningful advancements in the future [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Distribution business performance and outlook - Management noted softening in Employer Stop Loss and short-term medical segments, with expectations for stabilization in the near future [50][51] Question: Sustainability of Everspan's combined ratio - Management indicated that while there are variabilities, the performance aligns with long-term objectives, aiming for effective loss ratios in the mid-60s [55]