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Ambac Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

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Ambac Financial Group (NYSE: AMBC) reported significant growth in Q4 and full year 2024, with total revenue from continuing operations increasing 89% to $236 million. Specialty P&C Insurance premium grew 74% to $876 million annually.

Key highlights include:

  • Q4 P&C premium production reached $265 million, up 88% year-over-year
  • Insurance Distribution revenue grew 257% to $44 million in Q4
  • Combined ratio improved by 380 bps to 96.5% in Q4
  • Company recorded a $(570) million loss from Legacy Financial Guarantee business sale
  • Consolidated net loss of $(548) million or $(10.23) per diluted share
  • Share repurchase of 962,141 shares at average $12.48 in Q4

The company is finalizing the sale of its Legacy Financial Guarantee business to Oaktree Capital Partners for $420 million, pending Wisconsin regulatory approval.

Ambac Financial Group (NYSE: AMBC) ha riportato una crescita significativa nel quarto trimestre e nell'intero anno 2024, con un aumento del 89% delle entrate totali dalle operazioni continuative, raggiungendo i 236 milioni di dollari. I premi dell'Assicurazione P&C Specializzata sono aumentati del 74% a 876 milioni di dollari annuali.

Tra i punti salienti ci sono:

  • La produzione di premi P&C nel quarto trimestre ha raggiunto i 265 milioni di dollari, in aumento dell'88% rispetto all'anno precedente
  • Le entrate dalla Distribuzione Assicurativa sono cresciute del 257% a 44 milioni di dollari nel quarto trimestre
  • Il rapporto combinato è migliorato di 380 punti base al 96,5% nel quarto trimestre
  • La società ha registrato una perdita di $(570) milioni dalla vendita dell'attività di Garanzia Finanziaria Legacy
  • Perdita netta consolidata di $(548) milioni o $(10,23) per azione diluita
  • Riacquisto di 962.141 azioni a un prezzo medio di $12,48 nel quarto trimestre

La società sta finalizzando la vendita della sua attività di Garanzia Finanziaria Legacy a Oaktree Capital Partners per 420 milioni di dollari, in attesa dell'approvazione normativa del Wisconsin.

Ambac Financial Group (NYSE: AMBC) reportó un crecimiento significativo en el cuarto trimestre y en el año completo 2024, con un aumento del 89% en los ingresos totales de las operaciones continuas, alcanzando los 236 millones de dólares. Las primas de Seguro P&C Especializado crecieron un 74% hasta 876 millones de dólares anuales.

Los aspectos destacados incluyen:

  • La producción de primas P&C en el cuarto trimestre alcanzó los 265 millones de dólares, un 88% más que el año anterior
  • Los ingresos de Distribución de Seguros crecieron un 257% hasta 44 millones de dólares en el cuarto trimestre
  • El ratio combinado mejoró en 380 puntos básicos al 96.5% en el cuarto trimestre
  • La compañía registró una pérdida de $(570) millones por la venta del negocio de Garantía Financiera Legacy
  • Pérdida neta consolidada de $(548) millones o $(10.23) por acción diluida
  • Recompra de 962,141 acciones a un promedio de $12.48 en el cuarto trimestre

La compañía está finalizando la venta de su negocio de Garantía Financiera Legacy a Oaktree Capital Partners por 420 millones de dólares, a la espera de la aprobación regulatoria de Wisconsin.

앰백 파이낸셜 그룹 (NYSE: AMBC)는 2024년 4분기 및 전체 연도에서 상당한 성장을 보고했으며, 지속적인 운영에서의 총 수익이 89% 증가하여 2억 3,600만 달러에 달했습니다. 전문 P&C 보험 프리미엄은 연간 74% 증가하여 8억 7,600만 달러에 도달했습니다.

주요 하이라이트는 다음과 같습니다:

  • 4분기 P&C 프리미엄 생산은 2억 6,500만 달러에 도달하여 전년 대비 88% 증가했습니다
  • 보험 유통 수익은 4분기 동안 257% 증가하여 4,400만 달러에 달했습니다
  • 결합 비율은 4분기 동안 380bp 개선되어 96.5%에 도달했습니다
  • 회사는 레거시 금융 보증 사업 매각으로 $(570) 백만의 손실을 기록했습니다
  • 연결 순손실은 $(548) 백만 또는 희석 주당 $(10.23)입니다
  • 4분기 동안 평균 $12.48로 962,141주를 재매입했습니다

회사는 위스콘신 주의 규제 승인을 기다리며 Oaktree Capital Partners에 레거시 금융 보증 사업을 4억 2천만 달러에 매각하는 작업을 마무리하고 있습니다.

Ambac Financial Group (NYSE: AMBC) a annoncé une croissance significative au quatrième trimestre et sur l'ensemble de l'année 2024, avec un chiffre d'affaires total provenant des opérations continues en hausse de 89 %, atteignant 236 millions de dollars. Les primes de l'Assurance P&C Spécialisée ont augmenté de 74 % pour atteindre 876 millions de dollars par an.

Les points clés incluent :

  • La production de primes P&C au quatrième trimestre a atteint 265 millions de dollars, en hausse de 88 % par rapport à l'année précédente
  • Les revenus de la Distribution d'Assurances ont augmenté de 257 % pour atteindre 44 millions de dollars au quatrième trimestre
  • Le ratio combiné s'est amélioré de 380 points de base pour atteindre 96,5 % au quatrième trimestre
  • L'entreprise a enregistré une perte de $(570) millions suite à la vente de son activité de Garantie Financière Legacy
  • Perte nette consolidée de $(548) millions ou $(10,23) par action diluée
  • Rachat de 962 141 actions à un prix moyen de 12,48 $ au quatrième trimestre

L'entreprise finalise la vente de son activité de Garantie Financière Legacy à Oaktree Capital Partners pour 420 millions de dollars, sous réserve de l'approbation réglementaire du Wisconsin.

Ambac Financial Group (NYSE: AMBC) berichtete von einem signifikanten Wachstum im vierten Quartal und im Gesamtjahr 2024, wobei die Gesamteinnahmen aus fortgeführten Geschäftsbereichen um 89% auf 236 Millionen Dollar gestiegen sind. Die Prämien der Spezial P&C Versicherung wuchsen jährlich um 74% auf 876 Millionen Dollar.

Wichtige Highlights sind:

  • Die Prämienproduktion für P&C im vierten Quartal erreichte 265 Millionen Dollar, was einem Anstieg von 88% im Jahresvergleich entspricht
  • Die Einnahmen aus Versicherungsvertrieb wuchsen im vierten Quartal um 257% auf 44 Millionen Dollar
  • Die kombinierte Quote verbesserte sich im vierten Quartal um 380 Basispunkte auf 96,5%
  • Das Unternehmen verzeichnete einen Verlust von $(570) Millionen aus dem Verkauf des Geschäftsbereichs Legacy Financial Guarantee
  • Der konsolidierte Nettoverlust betrug $(548) Millionen oder $(10,23) pro verwässerter Aktie
  • Rückkauf von 962.141 Aktien zu einem Durchschnittspreis von $12,48 im vierten Quartal

Das Unternehmen finalisiert den Verkauf seines Geschäftsbereichs Legacy Financial Guarantee an Oaktree Capital Partners für 420 Millionen Dollar, vorbehaltlich der Genehmigung durch die Regulierungsbehörden in Wisconsin.

Positive
  • P&C premium production up 88% YoY to $265M in Q4
  • Insurance Distribution revenue grew 257% to $44M in Q4
  • Combined ratio improved 380 bps to 96.5%
  • Net income from continuing P&C operations grew to $10M for the year
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 270% to $5M in Q4
Negative
  • $(570)M loss from Legacy Financial Guarantee business sale
  • Consolidated net loss of $(548)M or $(10.23) per share
  • Corporate expenses increased from $41M to $75M YoY
  • Organic growth negatively impacted by weak A&H market conditions
  • GPW and NPW contracted in Q4 due to cancellation of auto reinsurance program

Insights

Ambac's Q4 2024 results showcase a company in the final stages of a fundamental business transformation, pivoting from financial guarantees to specialty P&C insurance and distribution. The headline $548 million net loss ($10.23/share) stems primarily from a $570 million accounting loss related to classifying the legacy financial guarantee business as discontinued operations ahead of its $420 million sale to Oaktree Capital. This accounting treatment creates significant noise in the results but doesn't alter the economics of the previously announced transaction.

Looking beyond this accounting impact, Ambac's continuing operations demonstrate promising momentum in its growth segments. The specialty P&C insurance business generated $876 million in total premium for 2024, a 74% year-over-year increase, while Q4 premium production surged 88% to $265 million. More importantly, Everspan's combined ratio improved 380 basis points to 96.5%, indicating substantially improved underwriting profitability.

The insurance distribution segment (Cirrata) shows even stronger growth trajectories, with revenue increasing 257% to $44 million for Q4 and 93% to $99 million for the full year. The Beat Capital acquisition appears to be exceeding expectations, contributing to both revenue growth and margin expansion, with segment Adjusted EBITDA margin improving from 14.2% to 22.3%.

The $14.8 million in recent share repurchases (at prices above current levels) signals management confidence, though investors should note the substantial decrease in book value per share from $30.89 to $18.43 quarter-over-quarter, primarily reflecting the legacy business reclassification. With the transformation nearly complete pending Wisconsin regulatory approval, Ambac has effectively become a pure-play specialty insurance operation with dramatically different risk characteristics, growth potential, and valuation metrics than its previous incarnation as a financial guarantee insurer.

Ambac's Q4 results reveal a company in the final phase of transforming from a financial guarantee insurer into a specialty P&C platform - a strategic pivot that fundamentally alters its risk profile and growth trajectory. While the $570 million accounting loss from the legacy business creates headline pressure, the core specialty insurance operations show impressive momentum that deserves investor attention.

The 74% annual premium growth in specialty P&C to $876 million significantly outpaces the broader specialty insurance market, which typically grows in the high single digits. This outperformance signals effective program selection and distribution partnerships. More critically, Everspan's combined ratio improvement to 96.5% (from 100.3%) demonstrates disciplined underwriting during a growth phase - a rare combination in program business where rapid expansion often leads to deteriorating loss ratios.

The decision to cancel a personal lines non-standard auto reinsurance program shows prudent risk management, as this segment has faced industry-wide profitability challenges. However, the 8.6% adverse prior period development remains concerning, particularly the 3.3% stemming from management's decision to reserve at the high end for run-off programs.

The Insurance Distribution segment's performance is particularly impressive, with Adjusted EBITDA margins expanding to 22.3% despite absorbing $2.4 million in de-novo MGA launch costs. The six new MGA launches (double their target) creates a foundation for sustained organic growth, as these entities typically reach profitability in 18-24 months and then accelerate rapidly.

The weakness in A&H production reflects broader market challenges in employer stop-loss, where several carriers have pulled back capacity amid rising medical costs. This presents a potential opportunity as markets harden and rates increase, positioning Ambac's MGAs to capitalize when conditions improve.

Post-transformation, Ambac emerges as a capital-lighter, higher-growth specialty insurance platform with significantly reduced long-tail risk exposure compared to its financial guarantee past - a profile that should command higher valuation multiples more aligned with specialty insurance brokers and MGAs than its historical financial guarantee peer group.

  • Total revenue from continuing operations increased 89% for the year to $236 million
  • Total Specialty P&C Insurance premium increased 74% for the year to $876 million

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: AMBC) ("Ambac" or "AFG"), an insurance holding company, today reported its results for the Fourth Quarter 2024.

Fourth Quarter 2024 and Full Year Highlights

  • Strategic Business Transition:
    • Ambac advanced its strategic transformation by entering the final stages of the sale of its Legacy Financial Guarantee business, a pivotal move positioning the company for long-term growth.
    • This resulted in a loss on disposal of $(570) million in the quarter, resulting from our adoption of the discontinued operations accounting standard for the legacy business, leading to a consolidated net loss to Ambac common stockholders of $(548) million or $(10.23) per diluted share. The loss resulting from the accounting change is not the result of any change in the economics of financial terms of the sale of our business to funds managed by Oaktree Capital Partners for $420 million, as previously reported.
    • Consolidated net loss included a net loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders of $(22) million or $0.70 per share for the quarter; per share results includes an add back for adjustments to non-controlling interests.
  • Significant Specialty P&C Insurance Premium Growth:
    • Total P&C premium production grew to $265 million in the quarter, an 88% increase over the fourth quarter of 2023.
  • Insurance Distribution ("Cirrata") Growth Acceleration:
    • Total revenue grew to $44 million for the quarter, an increase of 257% over last year, and to $99 million for the year, an increase of 93% over 2023.
    • Launch of 4 new MGAs since the acquisition of Beat Capital, in addition to 2 new launches Beat started pre-acquisition
    • Net loss from continuing operations to Ambac common stockholders of $(6) million and $(7) million for the quarter and year, respectively.
    • Adjusted EBITDA to Ambac common stockholders of $5 million for the quarter, up 270%, and $13 million for the year, up 43%. The full year figure includes only 5 months of consolidated Beat results.
  • Specialty P&C Insurance ("Everspan") Enhanced Profitability:
    • Combined ratio improved by 380 bps over the fourth quarter of 2023 to 96.5%
    • Net income from continuing operations of $2 million and $10 million for the quarter and year, compared to $1 million and $0.3 million in the prior year, respectively.

Claude LeBlanc, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our P&C operating businesses had record performances in 2024, generating nearly $900 million in premiums across the platform. Cirrata earned nearly $20 million of Adjusted EBITDA, up from $11 million the prior year, and Everspan contributed another $5 million, an increase of 400% over last year. We continue to focus on our growth strategy, which is anchored in both strategic acquisitions and organic growth, driven primarily by the launch of new MGAs. On the new MGA launch front, we more than doubled our expectations last year with the launch of six new MGAs, four since acquiring Beat. Looking at 2025 our pipeline for organic and strategic growth remains very strong. Our commitment to technology, efficiency, and talent keeps Ambac at the forefront in terms of delivering innovation and market expansion and positions us well to enhance value for our shareholders."

LeBlanc continued, “In addition to expanding our P&C business, in early 2025 we substantially completed the separation of our legacy and P&C businesses' financial and technology platforms to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the close of the Legacy sale. The close of the sale remains subject only to Wisconsin regulatory approval, which we anticipate later this quarter or early next quarter. I look forward to a very exciting year for Ambac in 2025."

Ambac's Fourth Quarter 2024 and Year-to-Date Summary Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

($ in thousands, except per share data)1

 

 

4Q2024

 

 

 

4Q2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Gross written premium

 

$

59,987

 

 

$

90,736

 

 

$

382,771

 

 

$

273,287

 

Net premiums earned

 

 

18,931

 

 

 

24,945

 

 

 

99,005

 

 

 

51,911

 

Commission income

 

 

38,009

 

 

 

12,192

 

 

 

92,023

 

 

 

51,281

 

Program fees

 

 

3,989

 

 

 

2,460

 

 

 

13,506

 

 

 

8,437

 

Net investment income

 

 

3,557

 

 

 

3,588

 

 

 

14,448

 

 

 

13,159

 

Net investment gains (losses), including impairments

 

 

(4,455

)

 

 

1

 

 

 

(497

)

 

 

19

 

Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts

 

 

(2,043

)

 

 

69

 

 

 

4,016

 

 

 

(279

)

Other revenue

 

 

7,234

 

 

 

67

 

 

 

13,314

 

 

 

200

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

9,826

 

 

 

16,805

 

 

 

72,626

 

 

 

36,712

 

Policy acquisition costs

 

 

7,850

 

 

 

5,851

 

 

 

23,666

 

 

 

10,557

 

Commission expense

 

 

13,667

 

 

 

7,392

 

 

 

40,876

 

 

 

29,465

 

General and administrative expenses

 

 

40,444

 

 

 

20,960

 

 

 

129,166

 

 

 

66,985

 

Intangible amortization

 

 

8,901

 

 

 

1,137

 

 

 

17,602

 

 

 

4,152

 

Interest expense

 

 

5,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,379

 

 

 

 

Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

(21,100

)

 

 

(8,825

)

 

 

(59,845

)

 

 

(24,221

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations

 

 

(157

)

 

 

274

 

 

 

(924

)

 

 

(989

)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

(20,943

)

 

 

(9,099

)

 

 

(58,921

)

 

 

(23,232

)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ambac shareholders

 

 

(22,163

)

 

 

(9,208

)

 

 

(59,282

)

 

 

(24,551

)

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

(526,102

)

 

 

(6,480

)

 

 

(497,167

)

 

 

28,183

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders

 

 

(548,265

)

 

 

(15,688

)

 

 

(556,449

)

 

 

3,632

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per diluted share 3

 

$

(10.23

)

 

$

(0.24

)

 

$

(10.71

)

 

$

0.18

 

EBITDA 2

 

 

(5,850

)

 

 

(7,296

)

 

 

(30,518

)

 

 

(18,991

)

Adjusted EBITDA2

 

 

5,057

 

 

 

(3,507

)

 

 

8,643

 

 

 

(5,879

)

Adjusted EBITDA to Ambac common stockholders2

 

 

516

 

 

 

(3,833

)

 

 

2,195

 

 

 

(7,981

)

Adjusted net income (loss) 2

 

 

(1,135

)

 

 

(4,171

)

 

 

(2,158

)

 

 

(5,968

)

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders

 

 

(5,676

)

 

 

(4,497

)

 

 

(8,606

)

 

 

(8,070

)

Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share 2

 

$

(0.12

)

 

$

(0.10

)

 

$

(0.18

)

 

$

(0.18

)

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in millions)

 

 

48,129

 

 

 

45,589

 

 

 

46,970

 

 

 

45,637

 

(1)

 

Some financial data in this press release may not add up due to rounding

(2)

 

See Non-GAAP Financial Data section of this press release for further information

(3)

 

Per diluted share includes the impact of adjusting redeemable noncontrolling interests to current redemption value

Earnings Call and Webcast

On February 27, 2025, at 8:30am ET, Claude LeBlanc, President and Chief Executive Officer, and David Trick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss Ambac's fourth quarter 2024 results during a conference call. A live audio webcast of the call will be available through the Investor Relations section of Ambac’s website, https://ambac.com/investor-relations/events-and-presentations/. Participants may also listen via telephone by dialing (877) 407-9716 (Domestic) or (201) 493-6779 (International).

The webcast will be archived on Ambac's website. A replay of the call will be available through March 13, 2025, and can be accessed by dialing (Domestic) (844) 512-2921 or (International) (412) 317-6671; and using ID#13751202

Additional information is included in an operating supplement and presentations at Ambac's website at www.ambac.com.

Total Specialty P&C Insurance Production

Specialty P&C Insurance production, which includes gross premiums written by Ambac's Specialty P&C Insurance segment and premiums placed by the Insurance Distribution segment, totaled $265 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 88% from the fourth quarter of 2023.

Specialty P&C Insurance revenues are dependent on gross premiums written, as specialty program insurance companies earn premiums based on the portion of gross premiums written retained (i.e. net premiums written) and fees on gross premiums written that are ceded to reinsurers. Insurance Distribution revenues are dependent on premium volume, as Managing General Agents/Underwriters and brokers receive commissions based on the amount of premiums placed (i.e. gross premiums written on behalf of insurance carriers) with insurance carriers.

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Year Ended December 31,

($ in thousands)

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

% Change

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

% Change

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Gross Premiums Written

 

$

59,987

 

 

$

90,736

 

 

(34

)%

 

$

382,771

 

 

$

273,287

 

 

40

%

Insurance Distribution Premiums Placed

 

 

204,909

 

 

 

50,155

 

 

309

%

 

 

493,372

 

 

 

230,606

 

 

114

%

Specialty P&C Insurance Production

 

$

264,896

 

 

$

140,891

 

 

88

%

 

$

876,141

 

 

$

503,893

 

 

74

%

Results of Operations by Segment

Insurance Distribution Segment

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Year Ended December 31,

($ in thousands)

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

% Change

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

% Change

Total revenues

 

$

44,070

 

 

$

12,331

 

 

257

%

 

$

99,236

 

 

$

51,546

 

 

93

%

Pretax income (loss)

 

$

(4,958

)

 

$

606

 

 

(77

)%

 

$

(7,809

)

 

$

7,289

 

 

(207

)%

Pretax income (loss) to Ambac common stockholders

 

$

(6,178

)

 

$

496

 

 

(1346

)%

 

$

(8,172

)

 

$

5,971

 

 

(237

)%

EBITDA1

 

$

9,833

 

 

$

1,757

 

 

460

%

 

$

19,653

 

 

$

11,483

 

 

71

%

Pretax income margin2

 

 

(11.3

)%

 

 

5.0

%

 

-1630 bps

 

 

(7.9

)%

 

 

14.1

%

 

-2210 bps

EBITDA margin 3

 

 

22.3

%

 

 

14.2

%

 

810 bps

 

 

19.8

%

 

 

22.3

%

 

-250 bps

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

9,829

 

 

$

1,757

 

 

459

%

 

$

19,901

 

 

$

11,483

 

 

73

%

Adjusted EBITDA to Ambac common stockholders

 

$

5,288

 

 

$

1,431

 

 

270

%

 

$

13,453

 

 

$

9,381

 

 

43

%

Organic Growth

 

 

(3.2

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.4

%

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

EBITDA is prior to the impact of income attributable to noncontrolling interests, relating to subsidiaries where Ambac does not own 100%, of $4,541 and $326 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and $6,448 and $2,102 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

(2)

 

Represents Pretax income divided by total revenues

(3)

 

See Non-GAAP Financial Data section of this press release for further information

  • Premiums placed and revenue grew during the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 driven primarily by the inclusion of Beat Capital's results. Organic growth for the quarter was negatively impacted primarily by A&H production, mostly due to weak market conditions in Employer Stop Loss and short-term medical lines.
  • Adjusted EBITDA to Ambac common stockholders of $5.3 million for the quarter was up from $1.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.3% for the quarter compared to 14.2% last year was driven primarily by the addition of Beat. The impact of de-novo/start-up losses on Adjusted EBITDA to Ambac common stockholders was approximately $2.4 million in the fourth quarter.

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Segment

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Year Ended December 31,

($ in thousands)

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

% Change

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

% Change

Gross premium written

 

$

59,987

 

 

$

90,736

 

 

(34

)%

 

$

382,771

 

 

$

273,287

 

 

40

%

Net premiums written

 

$

(2,608

)

 

$

36,749

 

 

(107

)%

 

$

88,682

 

 

$

79,824

 

 

11

%

Total revenue

 

$

24,818

 

 

$

28,607

 

 

(42

)%

 

$

126,320

 

 

$

64,101

 

 

97

%

Losses and loss expense

 

$

9,826

 

 

$

16,805

 

 

42

%

 

$

72,626

 

 

$

36,712

 

 

98

%

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

1,836

 

 

$

1,092

 

 

68

%

 

$

10,469

 

 

$

335

 

 

3025

%

Adj. EBITDA to Ambac common stockholders

 

$

2,698

 

 

$

1,384

 

 

95

%

 

$

5,136

 

 

$

1,017

 

 

405

%

Combined Ratio

 

 

96.5

%

 

 

100.3

%

 

-380 bps

 

 

101.6

%

 

 

106.5

%

 

490 bps

  • Gross premium written ("GPW") and net premium written ("NPW") both contracted during the fourth quarter of 2024 relative to the fourth quarter of 2023 due to Everspan's cancellation of a personal lines non-standard auto reinsurance program in the fourth quarter of 2024.
  • Combined ratio improved to 96.5% for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 100.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 100.5% in the third quarter of 2024.
    • The loss and loss expense ratio for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 51.9% compared to 67.4% for the fourth quarter of 2023. Favorable performance across a number of programs accounted for the improvement, which more than offset additional development in commercial auto. The loss ratio in the fourth quarter was impacted by 8.6% of prior period development, with 3.3% stemming from a management decision to reserve to the high end of the actuarial range for run-off programs.
    • The expense ratio(1) of 44.6% for the fourth quarter of 2024 was up from 32.9% in the prior year period as a sliding scale commissions adjustment, linked to loss ratios on certain programs, increased the expense ratio by 14.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to a (1.2)% reduction in the prior year period, due to improved underwriting performance.

(1)

 

Expense Ratio is defined as acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses, reduced by program fees, divided by net premiums earned

Discontinued Operations

  • This quarter, following the shareholder vote approving the sale of the Legacy Financial Guarantee segment, the business was moved to held for sale accounting and placed into discontinued operations. The sale is anticipated to close by early second quarter pending the final outstanding approval from the Wisconsin OCI.
  • Ambac recognized a $570 million expected loss on the sale of the Legacy Financial Guarantee business, which was partially offset by $44 million of net income from the Legacy Financial Guarantee business primarily related to the impact of higher discount rates on losses incurred.
  • In preparation for the close, the company has undertaken a full technology and operational separation, allowing the continuing business to operate independently of the discontinued business.

AFG Corporate (holding company only)

Corporate consists of our holding company and shared services operations ("Corporate"). Corporate provides financial, technological and human resources to Ambac's two segments and is responsible for the functioning of AFG as a publicly traded company.

Corporate loss of $(18) million and $(63) million for the fourth quarter and full year 2024. Corporate expenses were $15 million and $75 million for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024, respectively, up from $13 million and $41 million for the comparable periods in 2023. Corporate expenses include certain expenses charged to AAC that must be reported within results from continuing operations in accordance with US GAAP. The increase in Corporate expenses from 2023 to 2024 mainly related to costs associated with the Beat acquisition as well as costs (prior to the October proxy vote) related to the sale of the Legacy Financial Guarantee business.

AFG on a standalone basis, excluding its ownership interests in its Specialty P&C Insurance, Insurance Distribution, and Legacy Financial Guarantee subsidiaries, had net assets of $119 million as of December 31, 2024. Assets included cash and liquid securities of $74 million and other investments of $28 million.

Capital Activity

During the fourth quarter of 2024 962,141 shares were repurchased at an average price of $12.48 per share. An additional 239,791 shares were repurchased during the first quarter of 2025 at an average price of $11.71 per share. Combined these repurchases totaled approximately $14.8 million, with approximately $35 million remaining on the current repurchase authorization.

Consolidated Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Stockholders' Equity and NCI Impact

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2024, was $857 million, or $18.43 per share compared to $1.47 billion or $30.89 per share as of September 30, 2024. The net loss attributable to common shareholders of $548 million was somewhat offset by net unrealized investment gains of $35 million and foreign exchange translation gains of $73 million.

Calculation of Earnings Per Share

Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders, including the adjustment to redemption value of the redeemable controlling interest, by the basic weighted-average shares outstanding plus all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. The following table provides a reconciliation of net income attributable to common stockholders to the numerator in the diluted earnings per share calculation, together with the resulting earnings per share amounts:

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Year Ended
December 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ambac shareholders

$

(22,163

)

 

$

(9,208

)

 

$

(59,282

)

 

$

(24,551

)

Adjustment for Redeemable NCI

 

55,762

 

 

 

4,855

 

 

 

53,210

 

 

 

4,792

 

Numerator of diluted EPS

$

33,599

 

 

$

(4,353

)

 

$

(6,072

)

 

$

(19,759

)

Per Share — Diluted

$

0.70

 

 

$

(0.10

)

 

$

(0.13

)

 

$

(0.43

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders

$

(548,265

)

 

$

(15,688

)

 

$

(556,449

)

 

$

3,632

 

Adjustment for Redeemable NCI

 

55,762

 

 

 

4,855

 

 

 

53,210

 

 

 

4,792

 

Numerator of diluted EPS

$

(492,503

)

 

$

(10,833

)

 

$

(503,239

)

 

$

8,424

 

Per Share — Diluted

$

(10.23

)

 

$

(0.24

)

 

$

(10.71

)

 

$

0.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WASO-Diluted

 

48,129

 

 

 

45,589

 

 

 

46,970

 

 

 

45,637

 

Non-GAAP Financial Data

In addition to reporting the Company’s quarterly financial results in accordance with GAAP, the Company is reporting non-GAAP financial measures: EBITDA, Organic Revenue Growth Rate (Insurance Distribution segment only), Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. These amounts are derived from our consolidated financial information, but are not presented in our consolidated financial results.

We present non-GAAP supplemental financial information because we believe such information is of interest to the investment community, and that it provides greater transparency and enhanced visibility into the underlying drivers and performance of our businesses on a basis that may not be otherwise apparent on a GAAP basis. We view these non-GAAP financial measures as important indicators when assessing and evaluating our performance on a segmented and consolidated basis and they are presented to improve the comparability of our results between periods by eliminating the impact of the items that may not be representative of our core operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are not substitutes for the Company’s GAAP reporting, should not be viewed in isolation and may differ from similar reporting provided by other companies, which may define non-GAAP measures differently

The following paragraphs define each non-GAAP financial measure. A tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure and the most comparable GAAP financial measure is also presented below.

EBITDA — EBITDA is net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets.

The following table reconciles net income (loss) to the non-GAAP measure, EBITDA on a consolidation and segment basis.

($ in thousands)

 

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance

 

Insurance Distribution

 

Corporate & Other

 

Consolidated

Three Months Ended December 31, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) (1) from continuing operations

 

$

1,836

 

 

$

(4,786

)

 

$

(17,995

)

 

$

(20,944

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

5,639

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,639

 

Income taxes

 

 

730

 

 

(172

)

 

 

(714

)

 

 

(156

)

Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

251

 

 

 

464

 

 

 

715

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

8,901

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,901

 

EBITDA (2)

 

$

2,566

 

 

$

9,833

 

 

$

(18,245

)

 

$

(5,845

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) (1) from continuing operations

 

$

1,092

 

 

$

568

 

 

$

(10,758

)

 

$

(9,099

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

 

48

 

 

 

38

 

 

 

189

 

 

 

275

 

Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

376

 

 

 

388

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

1,139

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,139

 

EBITDA (2)

 

$

1,140

 

 

$

1,757

 

 

$

(10,193

)

 

$

(7,297

)

(1)

 

Net income (loss) is prior to the impact of noncontrolling interests.

(2)

 

EBITDA is prior to the impact of noncontrolling interests, relating to subsidiaries where Ambac does not own 100%, of $4,541 and $326 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These noncontrolling interests are in the Insurance Distribution segment.

($ in thousands)

 

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance

 

Insurance Distribution

 

Corporate & Other

 

Consolidated

Year Ended December 31, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) (1) from continuing operations

 

$

10,469

 

 

$

(6,881

)

 

$

(62,509

)

 

$

(58,921

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

9,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,379

 

Income taxes

 

 

1,753

 

 

(928

)

 

 

(1,748

)

 

 

(923

)

Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

481

 

 

 

1,864

 

 

 

2,345

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

17,602

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,602

 

EBITDA (2)

 

$

12,222

 

 

$

19,653

 

 

$

(62,393

)

 

$

(30,518

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) (1) from continuing operations

 

$

335

 

 

$

7,133

 

 

$

(30,701

)

 

$

(23,232

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

 

48

 

 

 

156

 

 

 

(1,193

)

 

 

(989

)

Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

1,036

 

 

 

1,078

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

4,152

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,152

 

EBITDA (2)

 

$

383

 

 

$

11,483

 

 

$

(30,858

)

 

$

(18,991

)

(1)

 

Net income (loss) is prior to the impact of noncontrolling interests.

(2)

 

EBITDA is prior to the impact of noncontrolling interests, relating to subsidiaries where Ambac does not own 100%, of $6,448 and $2,102 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These noncontrolling interests are in the Insurance Distribution segment.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin — We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, change in fair value of contingent consideration and certain items of income and expense, including share-based compensation expense, acquisition and integration related expenses, severance, and other exceptional or non-recurring items, including those related to raising capital. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of income and expenses that may obfuscate business performance, and that the presentation of this measure enhances an investor's understanding of our financial performance.

EBITDA margin — EBITDA margin is EBITDA divided by total revenues. We report EBITDA margin for the Insurance Distribution segment only.

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Year Ended
December 31,

($ in thousands)

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Net income (loss) (Continuing Operations)

 

$

(20,943

)

 

$

(9,099

)

 

$

(58,921

)

 

$

(23,232

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Interest expense

 

 

5,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,379

 

 

 

 

Add: Income tax expense

 

 

(157

)

 

 

274

 

 

 

(923

)

 

 

(989

)

Add: Depreciation

 

 

714

 

 

 

390

 

 

 

2,345

 

 

 

1,078

 

Add: Intangible amortization

 

 

8,902

 

 

 

1,139

 

 

 

17,602

 

 

 

4,152

 

EBITDA

 

 

(5,850

)

 

 

(7,296

)

 

 

(30,518

)

 

 

(18,991

)

Impact of noncontrolling interests

 

 

(4,541

)

 

 

(326

)

 

 

(6,448

)

 

 

(2,102

)

EBITDA to common shareholders

 

 

(10,391

)

 

 

(7,622

)

 

 

(36,966

)

 

 

(21,093

)

Net income margin

 

 

(32.1

)%

 

 

(21.0

)%

 

 

(25.0

)%

 

 

(18.6

)%

Net income margin to Ambac common stockholders

 

 

(34.0

)%

 

 

(21.3

)%

 

 

(25.1

)%

 

 

(19.7

)%

EBITDA margin

 

 

(9.0

)%

 

 

(16.8

)%

 

 

(12.9

)%

 

 

(15.2

)%

EBITDA margin to Ambac common stockholders

 

 

(15.9

)%

 

 

(17.6

)%

 

 

(15.7

)%

 

 

(16.9

)%

Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses

 

 

1,561

 

 

 

110

 

 

 

27,388

 

 

 

567

 

Add: Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

2,821

 

 

 

3,748

 

 

 

9,355

 

 

 

12,266

 

Add: Severance and restructuring expense

 

 

362

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,600

 

 

 

 

Add: Other non-operating (income) losses

 

 

6,163

 

 

 

(69

)

 

 

(5,182

)

 

 

279

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

5,057

 

 

$

(3,507

)

 

$

8,643

 

 

$

(5,879

)

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Ambac common stockholders

 

$

516

 

 

$

(3,833

)

 

$

2,195

 

 

$

(7,981

)

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

 

 

7.8

%

 

 

(8.1

)%

 

 

3.7

%

 

 

(4.7

)%

Adjusted EBITDA Margin to Ambac common stockholders

 

 

0.8

%

 

 

(8.8

)%

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

(6.4

)%

Organic Revenue Growth & Rate (Insurance Distribution Only.) — Organic revenue is based on commissions and fees for the relevant period by excluding (i) the first twelve months of commissions and fees generated from acquisitions and (ii) commissions and fees from divestitures (iii) and other items such as contingent commissions and the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates.

Organic revenue growth is the change in organic revenue period-to-period, with prior period results adjusted to (i) include commissions and fees that were excluded from organic revenue in the prior period and reached the twelve-month owned mark in the current period, and (ii) exclude commissions and fees related to divestitures from organic revenue.

Organic revenue growth rate to Total revenue growth rate, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, for each of the periods indicated is as follows (in percentages):

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

($ in thousands)

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

% Growth

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

% Growth

Total Insurance Distribution revenue (1)

$

44,070

 

 

$

12,331

 

 

257

%

$

99,236

 

$

51,546

 

 

48

%

Less: Acquired revenues

 

(32,269

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(45,202

)

 

 

 

 

Less: Profit commission and contingent commission income

 

(963

)

 

 

(1,140

)

 

 

 

(4,273

)

 

(4,489

)

 

 

Total Organic Revenue & Growth Percentage

 

10,838

 

 

 

11,191

 

 

(3.2

)%

 

49,761

 

 

47,057

 

 

5.4

%

(1)

 

Total Insurance Distribution revenue includes investment income

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Margin — We define Adjusted net income as net income (loss) attributable to Ambac adjusted for depreciation, amortization, change in fair value of contingent consideration and certain items of income and expense, including share-based compensation expense, acquisition and integration related expenses, severance and non-recurring income and loss items that, in the opinion of management, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results, and the related tax effect of those adjustments. Per share amounts exclude any impact of revaluing non-controlling interests as otherwise reported under GAAP earnings per share. We believe that adjusted net income is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of income and expenses that may obfuscate business performance.

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Year Ended
December 31,

($ in thousands)

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Net income (loss) (Continuing Operations)

 

$

(20,943

)

 

$

(9,099

)

 

$

(58,921

)

 

$

(23,232

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses

 

 

1,561

 

 

 

110

 

 

 

27,388

 

 

 

567

 

Add: Intangible amortization

 

 

8,901

 

 

 

1,139

 

 

 

17,602

 

 

 

4,152

 

Add: Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

2,821

 

 

 

3,748

 

 

 

9,355

 

 

 

12,266

 

Add: Severance and restructuring expense

 

 

362

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,600

 

 

 

 

Add: Other non-operating (income) losses

 

 

6,163

 

 

 

(69

)

 

 

(5,182

)

 

 

279

 

Adjusted net income (loss) before tax and NCI

 

 

(1,135

)

 

 

(4,171

)

 

 

(2,158

)

 

 

(5,968

)

Income tax effects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income (loss) before NCI

 

 

(1,135

)

 

 

(4,171

)

 

 

(2,158

)

 

 

(5,968

)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

(4,541

)

 

 

(326

)

 

 

(6,448

)

 

 

(2,102

)

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders

 

$

(5,676

)

 

$

(4,497

)

 

$

(8,606

)

 

$

(8,070

)

Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

 

$

0.70

 

 

$

(0.10

)

 

$

(0.13

)

 

$

(0.43

)

Less: adjustment to redemption value

 

 

(1.16

)

 

 

(0.11

)

 

 

(1.13

)

 

 

(0.11

)

Add: adjustments to net income (loss)

 

 

0.41

 

 

 

0.11

 

 

 

1.21

 

 

 

0.38

 

Less: adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

(0.07

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.13

)

 

 

(0.03

)

Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share

 

$

(0.12

)

 

$

(0.10

)

 

$

(0.18

)

 

$

(0.18

)

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Year Ended
December 31,

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

2024

 

2023

Net income (loss) margin

 

(32.1

)%

 

(21.0

)%

 

(25.0

)%

 

(18.6

)%

Adjusted Net income (loss) after NCI margin

 

(8.7

)%

 

(10.4

)%

 

(3.6

)%

 

(6.5

)%

About Ambac

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (“Ambac” or “AFG”) is an insurance holding company headquartered in New York City. Ambac’s core business is a growing specialty P&C distribution and underwriting platform. Ambac also has a legacy financial guarantee business in run-off which we have agreed to sell to funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management pending regulatory approval. Ambac’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AMBC”. Ambac is committed to providing timely and accurate information to the investing public, consistent with our legal and regulatory obligations. To that end, we use our website to convey information about our businesses, including the anticipated release of quarterly financial results, quarterly financial, statistical and business-related information. For more information, please go to www.ambac.com.

The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ambac contains substantial restrictions on the ability to transfer Ambac’s common stock. Subject to limited exceptions, any attempted transfer of common stock shall be prohibited and void to the extent that, as a result of such transfer (or any series of transfers of which such transfer is a part), any person or group of persons shall become a holder of 5% or more of Ambac’s common stock or a holder of 5% or more of Ambac’s common stock increases its ownership interest.

Forward-Looking Statements

In this press release, statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” and “may,” or the negative of those expressions or verbs, identify forward-looking statements. We caution readers that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only our beliefs regarding future events, which may by their nature be inherently uncertain and some of which may be outside our control. These statements may relate to plans and objectives with respect to the future, among other things which may change. We are alerting you to the possibility that our actual results may differ, possibly materially, from the expected objectives or anticipated results that may be suggested, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our results to differ, possibly materially, from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those discussed under “Risk Factors” in our most recent SEC filed quarterly or annual report.

Any or all of management’s forward-looking statements here or in other publications may turn out to be incorrect and are based on management’s current belief or opinions. Ambac Financial Group’s (“AFG”) and its subsidiaries’ (collectively, “Ambac” or the “Company”) actual results may vary materially, and there are no guarantees about the performance of Ambac’s securities. Among events, risks, uncertainties or factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are: (1) the high degree of volatility in the price of AFG’s common stock; (2) failure to consummate the proposed sale of all of the common stock of Ambac Assurance Corporation (“AAC”) and the transactions contemplated by the related stock purchase agreement (the “Sale Transactions”) in a timely manner or at all; (3) disruptions from the proposed Sale Transactions, including from litigation, that may harm Ambac’s business, including current plans and operations; (4) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed Sale Transactions; (5) uncertainty concerning the Company’s ability to achieve value for holders of its securities from the specialty property and casualty insurance business, the insurance distribution business, or related businesses; (6) inadequacy of reserves established for losses and loss expenses and the possibility that changes in loss reserves may result in further volatility of earnings or financial results; (7) risks historically reported by the Company with respect to the legacy financial guarantee business, which may continue to affect the Company if the Sale Transactions are not consummated; (8) credit risk throughout Ambac’s business, including but not limited to exposures to reinsurers and insurance distribution partners; (9) the Company’s inability to generate the significant amount of cash needed to service its debt and financial obligations, and its inability to refinance its indebtedness; (10) the Company’s substantial indebtedness could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and operating flexibility; (11) the Company may not be able to obtain financing, refinance its outstanding indebtedness, or raise capital on acceptable terms or at all due to its substantial indebtedness and financial condition; (12) greater than expected underwriting losses in the Company’s specialty property and casualty insurance business; (13) failure of specialty insurance program partners to properly market, underwrite or administer policies; (14) inability to obtain reinsurance coverage or charge rates for insurance on expected terms; (15) loss of key relationships for production of business in specialty property and casualty and insurance distribution businesses or the inability to secure such additional relationships to produce expected results; (16) the impact of catastrophic public health, environmental or natural events, or global or regional conflicts; (17) the risk that the Company’s risk management policies and practices do not anticipate certain risks and/or the magnitude of potential for loss; (18) restrictive covenants in agreements and instruments that impair Ambac’s ability to pursue or achieve its business strategies; (19) disagreements or disputes with the Company’s insurance regulators; (20) failure of a financial institution in which we maintain cash and investment accounts; (21) adverse impacts from changes in prevailing interest rates; (22) events or circumstances that result in the impairment of our intangible assets and/or goodwill that was recorded in connection with Ambac’s acquisitions; (23) the risk of litigation, regulatory inquiries, investigations, claims or proceedings, and the risk of adverse outcomes in connection therewith; (24) the Company’s ability to adapt to the rapid pace of regulatory change; (25) actions of stakeholders whose interests are not aligned with broader interests of Ambac's stockholders; (26) system security risks, data protection breaches and cyber attacks; (27) failures in services or products provided by third parties; (28) political developments that disrupt the economies where the Company has insured exposures or the markets in which our insurance programs operate; (29) our inability to attract and retain qualified executives, senior managers and other employees, or the loss of such personnel; (30) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (31) failure to realize our business expansion plans, including failure to effectively onboard new program partners, or failure of such plans to create value; (32) greater competition for our specialty property and casualty insurance business and/or our insurance distribution business; (33) loss or lowering of the AM Best rating for our property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries; (34) disintermediation within the insurance industry or greater competition from technology-based insurance solutions or non-traditional insurance markets; (35) adverse effects of market cycles in the property and casualty insurance industry; (36) variations in commission income resulting from timing of policy renewals and the net effect of new and lost business production; (37) variations in contingent commissions resulting from the effects insurance losses; (38) reliance on a limited number of counterparties to produce revenue in our specialty property and casualty insurance and insurance distribution businesses; (39) changes in law or in the functioning of the healthcare market that impair the business model of our accident and health managing general underwriter; (40) difficulties in identifying appropriate acquisition or investment targets, properly evaluating the business and prospects of acquired businesses, businesses in which we invest, or targets, integrating acquired businesses into our business or failures to realize expected synergies from acquisitions or new business investments; (41) failure to realize expected benefits from investments in technology; (42) harmful acts and omissions of our business counterparts; and (43) other risks and uncertainties that have not been identified at this time.

The following table presents segment financial results and includes the non-GAAP measure, EBITDA on a segment and consolidated basis.

Three Months Ended December 31, 2024

 

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance

 

Insurance Distribution

 

Corporate & Other

 

Consolidated

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums written

 

$

59,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

59,987

 

Net premiums written

 

 

(2,608

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,608

)

Total revenues from Continuing Operations

 

 

24,818

 

 

 

44,070

 

 

 

(3,666

)

 

 

65,222

 

Total expenses from Continuing Operations

 

 

22,252

 

 

 

49,028

 

 

 

15,042

 

 

 

86,322

 

Pretax income (loss)

 

 

2,566

 

 

 

(4,958

)

 

 

(18,708

)

 

 

(21,100

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

730

 

 

 

(172

)

 

 

(715

)

 

 

(157

)

Net income (loss) from Continuing Operations

 

$

1,836

 

 

$

(4,786

)

 

$

(17,993

)

 

$

(20,943

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Interest expense

 

$

 

 

$

5,634

 

 

$

 

 

$

5,634

 

Add: Income tax expense

 

 

730

 

 

 

(172

)

 

 

(715

)

 

 

(157

)

Add: Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

251

 

 

 

463

 

 

 

714

 

Add: Intangible amortization

 

 

 

 

 

8,901

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,901

 

EBITDA from Continuing Operations

 

$

2,566

 

 

$

9,829

 

 

$

(18,245

)

 

$

(5,850

)

EBITDA from Continuing Operations attributable to

Ambac shareholders

 

$

2,566

 

 

$

5,288

 

 

$

(18,245

)

 

$

(10,391

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,561

 

 

$

1,561

 

Add: Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

132

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,689

 

 

 

2,821

 

Add: Severance and restructuring expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

362

 

 

 

362

 

Add: Other non-operating (income) losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,163

 

 

 

6,163

 

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations

 

$

2,698

 

 

$

9,829

 

 

$

(7,470

)

 

$

5,057

 

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations attributable to

Ambac shareholders

 

$

2,698

 

 

$

5,288

 

 

$

(7,470

)

 

$

516

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2024

 

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance

 

Insurance Distribution

 

Corporate & Other

 

Consolidated

Net income (loss) (Continuing Operations)

 

$

1,836

 

 

$

(4,786

)

 

$

(17,993

)

 

$

(20,943

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,561

 

 

 

1,561

 

Add: Intangible amortization

 

 

 

 

 

8,901

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,901

 

Add: Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

132

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,689

 

 

 

2,821

 

Add: Severance and restructuring expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

362

 

 

 

362

 

Add: Other non-operating (income) losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,163

 

 

 

6,163

 

Adjusted net income (loss) before tax and NCI

 

 

1,968

 

 

 

4,115

 

 

 

(7,218

)

 

 

(1,135

)

Income tax effects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income (loss) before NCI

 

 

1,968

 

 

 

4,115

 

 

 

(7,218

)

 

 

(1,135

)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

(4,541

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4,541

)

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders

 

$

1,968

 

 

$

(426

)

 

$

(7,218

)

 

$

(5,676

)

Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

 

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance

 

Insurance Distribution

 

Corporate & Other

 

Consolidated

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums written

 

$

90,736

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

90,736

 

Net premiums written

 

 

36,749

 

 

 

 

 

 

36,749

 

Total revenues from Continuing Operations

 

 

28,607

 

 

 

12,331

 

 

 

2,385

 

 

 

43,323

 

Total expenses from Continuing Operations

 

 

27,467

 

 

 

11,725

 

 

 

12,956

 

 

 

52,148

 

Pretax income (loss)

 

 

1,140

 

 

 

606

 

 

 

(10,571

)

 

 

(8,825

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

48

 

 

 

38

 

 

 

188

 

 

 

274

 

Net income (loss) from Continuing Operations

 

$

1,092

 

 

$

568

 

 

$

(10,759

)

 

$

(9,099

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Interest expense

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Add: Income tax expense

 

 

48

 

 

 

38

 

 

 

188

 

 

 

274

 

Add: Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

378

 

 

 

390

 

Add: Intangible amortization

 

 

 

 

 

1,139

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,139

 

EBITDA from Continuing Operations

 

$

1,140

 

 

$

1,757

 

 

$

(10,193

)

 

$

(7,296

)

EBITDA from Continuing Operations attributable to

Ambac shareholders

 

$

1,140

 

 

$

1,431

 

 

$

(10,193

)

 

$

(7,622

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

110

 

 

$

110

 

Add: Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

244

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,504

 

 

 

3,748

 

Add: Severance and restructuring expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Other non-operating (income) losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(69

)

 

 

(69

)

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations

 

$

1,384

 

 

$

1,757

 

 

$

(6,648

)

 

$

(3,507

)

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations attributable to

Ambac shareholders

 

$

1,384

 

 

$

1,431

 

 

$

(6,648

)

 

$

(3,833

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

 

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance

 

Insurance Distribution

 

Corporate & Other

 

Consolidated

Net income (loss) (Continuing Operations)

 

$

1,092

 

 

$

568

 

 

$

(10,759

)

 

$

(9,099

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

110

 

 

 

110

 

Add: Intangible amortization

 

 

 

 

 

1,139

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,139

 

Add: Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

244

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,504

 

 

 

3,748

 

Add: Other non-operating (income) losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(69

)

 

 

(69

)

Adjusted net income (loss) before tax and NCI

 

 

1,336

 

 

 

1,707

 

 

 

(7,214

)

 

 

(4,171

)

Income tax effects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income (loss) before NCI

 

 

1,336

 

 

 

1,707

 

 

 

(7,214

)

 

 

(4,171

)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

(326

)

 

 

 

 

 

(326

)

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders

 

$

1,336

 

 

$

1,381

 

 

$

(7,214

)

 

$

(4,497

)

Results of Operations by Segment (Continued)

Year Ended December 31, 2024

 

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance

 

Insurance Distribution

 

Corporate & Other

 

Consolidated

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums written

 

$

382,771

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

382,771

 

Net premiums written

 

 

88,682

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

88,682

 

Total revenues from Continuing Operations

 

 

126,320

 

 

 

99,236

 

 

 

10,259

 

 

 

235,815

 

Total expenses from Continuing Operations

 

 

114,098

 

 

 

107,045

 

 

 

74,516

 

 

 

295,660

 

Pretax income (loss)

 

 

12,222

 

 

 

(7,809

)

 

 

(64,257

)

 

 

(59,844

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

1,753

 

 

 

(928

)

 

 

(1,748

)

 

 

(923

)

Net income (loss) from Continuing Operations

 

$

10,469

 

 

$

(6,881

)

 

$

(62,509

)

 

$

(58,921

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Interest expense

 

$

 

 

$

9,379

 

 

$

 

 

$

9,379

 

Add: Income tax expense

 

 

1,753

 

 

 

(928

)

 

 

(1,748

)

 

 

(923

)

Add: Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

481

 

 

 

1,864

 

 

 

2,345

 

Add: Intangible amortization

 

 

 

 

 

17,602

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,602

 

EBITDA from Continuing Operations

 

$

12,222

 

 

$

19,653

 

 

$

(62,393

)

 

$

(30,518

)

EBITDA from Continuing Operations attributable to

Ambac shareholders

 

$

12,222

 

 

$

13,205

 

 

$

(62,393

)

 

$

(36,966

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

27,388

 

 

$

27,388

 

Add: Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

414

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,941

 

 

 

9,355

 

Add: Severance and restructuring expense

 

 

 

 

 

248

 

 

 

7,352

 

 

 

7,600

 

Add: Other non-operating (income) losses

 

 

(7,500

)

 

 

 

 

 

2,318

 

 

 

(5,182

)

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations

 

$

5,136

 

 

$

19,901

 

 

$

(16,394

)

 

$

8,643

 

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations attributable to

Ambac shareholders

 

$

5,136

 

 

$

13,453

 

 

$

(16,394

)

 

$

2,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2024

 

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance

 

Insurance Distribution

 

Corporate & Other

 

Consolidated

Net income (loss) (Continuing Operations)

 

$

10,469

 

 

$

(6,881

)

 

$

(62,509

)

 

$

(58,921

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,388

 

 

 

27,388

 

Add: Intangible amortization

 

 

 

 

 

17,602

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,602

 

Add: Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

414

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,941

 

 

 

9,355

 

Add: Severance and restructuring expense

 

 

 

 

 

248

 

 

 

7,352

 

 

 

7,600

 

Add: Other non-operating (income) losses

 

 

(7,500

)

 

 

 

 

 

2,318

 

 

 

(5,182

)

Adjusted net income (loss) before tax and NCI

 

 

3,383

 

 

 

10,969

 

 

 

(16,510

)

 

 

(2,158

)

Income tax effects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income (loss) before NCI

 

 

3,383

 

 

 

10,969

 

 

 

(16,510

)

 

 

(2,158

)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

(6,448

)

 

 

 

 

 

(6,448

)

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders

 

$

3,383

 

 

$

4,521

 

 

$

(16,510

)

 

$

(8,606

)

Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance

 

Insurance Distribution

 

Corporate & Other

 

Consolidated

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums written

 

$

273,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

273,287

 

Net premiums written

 

 

79,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

79,824

 

Total revenues from Continuing Operations

 

 

64,101

 

 

 

51,546

 

 

 

9,080

 

 

 

124,728

 

Total expenses from Continuing Operations

 

 

63,718

 

 

 

44,257

 

 

 

40,974

 

 

 

148,949

 

Pretax income (loss)

 

 

383

 

 

 

7,289

 

 

 

(31,894

)

 

 

(24,221

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

48

 

 

 

156

 

 

 

(1,193

)

 

 

(989

)

Net income (loss) from Continuing Operations

 

$

335

 

 

$

7,133

 

 

$

(30,701

)

 

$

(23,232

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Interest expense

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Add: Income tax expense

 

 

48

 

 

 

156

 

 

 

(1,193

)

 

 

(989

)

Add: Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

1,036

 

 

 

1,078

 

Add: Intangible amortization

 

 

 

 

 

4,152

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,152

 

EBITDA from Continuing Operations

 

$

383

 

 

$

11,483

 

 

$

(30,858

)

 

$

(18,991

)

EBITDA from Continuing Operations attributable to

Ambac shareholders

 

$

383

 

 

$

9,381

 

 

$

(30,858

)

 

$

(21,094

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

567

 

 

$

567

 

Add: Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

634

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,632

 

 

 

12,266

 

Add: Severance and restructuring expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Other non-operating (income) losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

279

 

 

 

279

 

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations

 

$

1,017

 

 

$

11,483

 

 

$

(18,380

)

 

$

(5,879

)

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations attributable to

Ambac shareholders

 

$

1,017

 

 

$

9,381

 

 

$

(18,380

)

 

$

(7,981

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance

 

Insurance Distribution

 

Corporate & Other

 

Consolidated

Net income (loss) (Continuing Operations)

 

$

335

 

 

$

7,133

 

 

$

(30,701

)

 

$

(23,232

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

567

 

 

 

567

 

Add: Intangible amortization

 

 

 

 

 

4,152

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,152

 

Add: Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

634

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,632

 

 

 

12,266

 

Add: Other non-operating (income) losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

279

 

 

 

279

 

Adjusted net income (loss) before tax and NCI

 

 

969

 

 

 

11,285

 

 

 

(18,223

)

 

 

(5,968

)

Income tax effects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income (loss) before NCI

 

 

969

 

 

 

11,285

 

 

 

(18,223

)

 

 

(5,968

)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

(2,102

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,102

)

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders

 

$

969

 

 

$

9,183

 

 

$

(18,223

)

 

$

(8,070

)

 

Charles J. Sebaski

Managing Director, Investor Relations

(212) 208-3222

csebaski@ambac.com

Source: Ambac Financial Group, Inc.

FAQ

What caused Ambac's (AMBC) significant net loss in Q4 2024?

The $(548) million net loss was primarily due to a $(570) million accounting loss from classifying the Legacy Financial Guarantee business as discontinued operations, related to its sale to Oaktree Capital Partners.

How much did Ambac's (AMBC) P&C insurance premium grow in 2024?

Ambac's total Specialty P&C Insurance premium increased 74% year-over-year to $876 million in 2024.

What is the status of Ambac's (AMBC) Legacy Financial Guarantee business sale?

The $420 million sale to Oaktree Capital Partners is in final stages, pending only Wisconsin regulatory approval, expected to close by early Q2 2025.

How much stock did Ambac (AMBC) repurchase in Q4 2024 and at what price?

Ambac repurchased 962,141 shares at an average price of $12.48 per share in Q4 2024.

What was Ambac's (AMBC) Insurance Distribution revenue growth in Q4 2024?

Insurance Distribution revenue grew 257% year-over-year to $44 million in Q4 2024.

Ambac Finl Group Inc

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