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James River Announces Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

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James River Group (NASDAQ: JRVR) reported a challenging fourth quarter 2024, with a net loss from continuing operations of $92.7 million ($2.25 per diluted share) and adjusted net operating loss of $40.8 million ($0.99 per diluted share). The decline was primarily due to a $52.8 million payment for an E&S adverse development reinsurance contract with Cavello Bay Reinsurance.

Key highlights for 2024 include: E&S segment gross written premium exceeded $1.0 billion for second consecutive year, positive renewal rate change of 9.0%, and net investment income increased 10.8% compared to 2023. The company completed strategic actions including the sale of JRG Reinsurance Company, a $160 million loss portfolio transfer, and a new partnership with Enstar involving a $12.5 million equity investment.

Shareholders' equity per share decreased to $10.10 from $14.02 in Q3 2024. The company announced a $0.01 per common share dividend payable March 31, 2025.

James River Group (NASDAQ: JRVR) ha riportato un quarto trimestre 2024 difficile, con una perdita netta dalle operazioni continuative di 92,7 milioni di dollari (2,25 dollari per azione diluita) e una perdita operativa netta rettificata di 40,8 milioni di dollari (0,99 dollari per azione diluita). Il calo è stato principalmente dovuto a un pagamento di 52,8 milioni di dollari per un contratto di riassicurazione su sviluppi avversi E&S con Cavello Bay Reinsurance.

I punti salienti del 2024 includono: il premio lordo scritto del segmento E&S ha superato il miliardo di dollari per il secondo anno consecutivo, un cambiamento positivo del tasso di rinnovo del 9,0% e un incremento del reddito netto da investimenti del 10,8% rispetto al 2023. L'azienda ha completato azioni strategiche, tra cui la vendita di JRG Reinsurance Company, un trasferimento di portafoglio perdite di 160 milioni di dollari e una nuova partnership con Enstar che prevede un investimento azionario di 12,5 milioni di dollari.

Il patrimonio netto per azione degli azionisti è diminuito a 10,10 dollari rispetto ai 14,02 dollari del terzo trimestre 2024. L'azienda ha annunciato un dividendo di 0,01 dollari per azione comune pagabile il 31 marzo 2025.

James River Group (NASDAQ: JRVR) reportó un cuarto trimestre 2024 desafiante, con una pérdida neta de operaciones continuas de 92.7 millones de dólares (2.25 dólares por acción diluida) y una pérdida operativa neta ajustada de 40.8 millones de dólares (0.99 dólares por acción diluida). La disminución se debió principalmente a un pago de 52.8 millones de dólares por un contrato de reaseguro de desarrollo adverso de E&S con Cavello Bay Reinsurance.

Los puntos destacados de 2024 incluyen: el premio bruto escrito del segmento E&S superó los mil millones de dólares por segundo año consecutivo, un cambio positivo en la tasa de renovación del 9.0%, y los ingresos netos por inversiones aumentaron un 10.8% en comparación con 2023. La compañía completó acciones estratégicas, incluyendo la venta de JRG Reinsurance Company, una transferencia de cartera de pérdidas de 160 millones de dólares y una nueva asociación con Enstar que involucra una inversión de capital de 12.5 millones de dólares.

El patrimonio de los accionistas por acción disminuyó a 10.10 dólares desde 14.02 dólares en el tercer trimestre de 2024. La compañía anunció un dividendo de 0.01 dólares por acción común a pagar el 31 de marzo de 2025.

제임스 리버 그룹 (NASDAQ: JRVR)는 2024년 4분기에 도전적인 성과를 보고했으며, 지속 운영에서 9,270만 달러의 순손실(희석 주당 2.25달러)과 조정된 순 운영 손실 4,080만 달러 (희석 주당 0.99달러)를 기록했습니다. 이 감소는 주로 Cavello Bay Reinsurance와의 E&S 불리한 개발 재보험 계약에 대한 5,280만 달러의 지급 때문이었습니다.

2024년의 주요 하이라이트는 E&S 부문 총 서면 보험료가 두 번째 연속으로 10억 달러를 초과했으며, 갱신율 변화가 9.0%로 긍정적이었고, 순 투자 수익이 2023년 대비 10.8% 증가했다는 것입니다. 회사는 JRG Reinsurance Company의 매각, 1억 6천만 달러의 손실 포트폴리오 이전, 1,250만 달러의 자본 투자와 관련된 Enstar와의 새로운 파트너십을 포함한 전략적 조치를 완료했습니다.

주주 자본금은 2024년 3분기 14.02달러에서 10.10달러로 감소했습니다. 회사는 2025년 3월 31일에 지급될 보통주당 0.01달러의 배당금을 발표했습니다.

James River Group (NASDAQ: JRVR) a rapporté un quatrième trimestre 2024 difficile, avec une perte nette des opérations continues de 92,7 millions de dollars (2,25 dollars par action diluée) et une perte d'exploitation nette ajustée de 40,8 millions de dollars (0,99 dollars par action diluée). La baisse était principalement due à un paiement de 52,8 millions de dollars pour un contrat de réassurance sur développement défavorable E&S avec Cavello Bay Reinsurance.

Les points clés pour 2024 incluent : le montant brut des primes souscrites dans le segment E&S a dépassé 1 milliard de dollars pour la deuxième année consécutive, un changement positif du taux de renouvellement de 9,0 % et un revenu net d'investissement en hausse de 10,8 % par rapport à 2023. L'entreprise a achevé des actions stratégiques, y compris la vente de JRG Reinsurance Company, un transfert de portefeuille de pertes de 160 millions de dollars et un nouveau partenariat avec Enstar impliquant un investissement en capital de 12,5 millions de dollars.

Les capitaux propres par action des actionnaires ont diminué à 10,10 dollars contre 14,02 dollars au troisième trimestre 2024. L'entreprise a annoncé un dividende de 0,01 dollar par action ordinaire payable le 31 mars 2025.

James River Group (NASDAQ: JRVR) berichtete über ein herausforderndes viertes Quartal 2024 mit einem Nettoverlust aus fortgeführten Betrieben von 92,7 Millionen Dollar (2,25 Dollar pro verwässerter Aktie) und einem bereinigten Netto-Betriebsverlust von 40,8 Millionen Dollar (0,99 Dollar pro verwässerter Aktie). Der Rückgang war hauptsächlich auf eine Zahlung von 52,8 Millionen Dollar für einen E&S-Rückversicherungsvertrag über nachteilige Entwicklungen mit Cavello Bay Reinsurance zurückzuführen.

Die wichtigsten Highlights für 2024 umfassen: Die Bruttobeiträge des E&S-Segments überstiegen zum zweiten Mal in Folge eine Milliarde Dollar, eine positive Veränderung der Erneuerungsrate von 9,0 % und ein Anstieg der Nettoanlageerträge um 10,8 % im Vergleich zu 2023. Das Unternehmen hat strategische Maßnahmen ergriffen, darunter den Verkauf der JRG Reinsurance Company, eine Verlustportfoliotransaktion über 160 Millionen Dollar und eine neue Partnerschaft mit Enstar, die eine Eigenkapitalinvestition von 12,5 Millionen Dollar umfasst.

Das Eigenkapital pro Aktie der Aktionäre sank im dritten Quartal 2024 auf 10,10 Dollar von 14,02 Dollar. Das Unternehmen kündigte eine Dividende von 0,01 Dollar pro Stammaktie an, die am 31. März 2025 zahlbar ist.

Positive
  • E&S segment exceeded $1B in gross written premium
  • Net investment income up 10.8% YoY
  • Specialty Admitted Insurance segment improved combined ratio to 92.2% from 95.9%
  • Highest submission growth in 5 years with 9.0% renewal rate change
Negative
  • Q4 net loss of $92.7M ($2.25 per share)
  • Shareholders' equity per share declined to $10.10 from $14.02
  • $52.8M payment for adverse development reinsurance contract
  • Net investment income decreased 14.2% in Q4 vs prior year

Insights

James River's Q4 2024 results reveal significant financial challenges, reporting a net loss of $92.7 million ($2.25 per diluted share) from continuing operations and an adjusted net operating loss of $40.8 million ($0.99 per diluted share). These losses primarily stem from the $52.8 million payment for the E&S adverse development reinsurance contract with Enstar's subsidiary.

The year 2024 was transformative but costly for JRVR as management executed multiple balance sheet de-risking strategies. Key actions included: divesting JRG Reinsurance to focus on U.S. insurance operations, securing a $160 million loss portfolio transfer for E&S business, establishing a strategic partnership with Enstar (including their $12.5 million equity investment), and amending Series A Preferred Shares to convert $37.5 million to common shares.

Shareholder equity deteriorated significantly, dropping from $14.02 per share in Q3 to $10.10 at year-end due to operating losses and dilution from the preferred share conversion. The $27 million deemed dividend from the preferred share amendment further reduced common shareholder value by approximately $0.60 per share.

Operationally, the company's E&S segment maintained premium volume above $1 billion with 9% submission growth, achieving +9.0% renewal rate increases for 2024. Meanwhile, the Specialty Admitted segment demonstrated improved profitability with a 92.2% combined ratio versus 95.9% in 2023.

These results indicate management is taking necessary but painful steps to strengthen the balance sheet while attempting to leverage market conditions in its E&S business. However, these actions have come at significant short-term cost to shareholder value.

PEMBROKE, Bermuda, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- James River Group Holdings, Ltd. ("James River" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: JRVR) today reported the following results for the fourth quarter 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023:

 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
($ in thousands, except for share data) 2024  per diluted share  2023  per diluted share
Net (loss) income from continuing operations available to common shareholders$(92,669) $(2.25) $17,431  $0.46 
Net loss from discontinued operations1 (1,372) $(0.03)  (170,211) $(3.89)
Net loss available to common shareholders (94,041) $(2.28)  (152,780) $(3.43)
Adjusted net operating (loss) income2 (40,803) $(0.99)  12,442  $0.33 


Net loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders was $92.7 million ($2.25 per diluted share). Adjusted net operating loss2 was $40.8 million ($0.99 per diluted share) for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease to both was largely attributable to the previously announced $52.8 million of consideration paid in connection with the Excess and Surplus Lines ("E&S") adverse development reinsurance contract with Cavello Bay Reinsurance Limited, a subsidiary of Enstar Group Limited ("Enstar") ("E&S Top Up ADC") that closed on December 23, 2024. Net loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders was also negatively impacted by the $27 million deemed dividend resulting from the November 2024 amendment to the Series A Preferred Shares.

Unless specified otherwise, all underwriting performance ratios presented herein are for our continuing operations and business not subject to retroactive reinsurance accounting for loss portfolio transfers ("LPTs").

Highlights for 2024 included:

  • During the year we completed several strategic actions including (i) closing the sale of JRG Reinsurance Company Ltd. (“JRG Re”) to focus our business around our U.S. insurance businesses, (ii) entering into a $160.0 million combined loss portfolio transfer and adverse development cover for our E&S business (the "E&S ADC"), (iii) initiating a new strategic partnership with Enstar which, in part, entailed a $12.5 million equity investment in the Company and an additional $75.0 million E&S Top Up ADC, and (iv) amending the Certificate of Designations for our Series A Preferred Shares to, among other things, convert $37.5 million of the outstanding Series A Preferred Shares to common shares (see Amendment of Series A Preferred Shares on page 5). We believe these and other actions meaningfully strengthen our balance sheet and position us to generate attractive returns in the future.
  • E&S segment gross written premium exceeded $1.0 billion for a second consecutive year, a slight increase compared to the prior year as the Company continued to focus on its leading, wholesale driven franchise. The Company had its highest levels of both new and renewal annual submission growth in five years, and positive renewal rate change of 9.0% for 2024, as compared to 9.3% for 2023.
  • Full year 2024 net investment income increased 10.8% compared to 2023, with a majority of asset classes reporting higher income.
  • Specialty Admitted Insurance segment combined ratio was 92.2% for 2024 as compared to 95.9% for 2023. Underwriting profit grew 68.6% compared to the prior year.
  • Shareholders' equity per share of $10.10 decreased sequentially from $14.02 at September 30, 2024, due to the net loss from continuing operations and increase in the common shares outstanding.
  • The Company does not expect any meaningful losses associated with the tragic series of California wildfires.

Frank D'Orazio, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “2024 was a costly but transformational year for James River. We have meaningfully de-risked the organization and concluded an extensive strategic review, emerging with a renewed focus. The E&S market remains very healthy, and we believe that 2025 will provide significant opportunities to responsibly grow while taking advantage of the attractive rate environment.”

Fourth Quarter 2024 Operating Results

  • Gross written premium of $358.3 million, consisting of the following:

 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
($ in thousands) 2024  2023 % Change
Excess and Surplus Lines$280,287 $275,171 2%
Specialty Admitted Insurance 78,005  114,134 (32)%
 $358,292 $389,305 (8)%
  • Net written premium of $114.0 million, consisting of the following:
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
  
($ in thousands) 2024  2023 % Change 
Excess and Surplus Lines$99,684 $146,628 (32)%
Specialty Admitted Insurance 14,307  25,573 (44)%
 $113,991 $172,201 (34)%
  • Net earned premium of $105.6 million, consisting of the following:
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
  
($ in thousands) 2024  2023 % Change 
Excess and Surplus Lines$87,275 $153,926 (43)%
Specialty Admitted Insurance 18,311  28,027 (35)%
 $105,586 $181,953 (42)%


Lower net retention for the E&S segment reflects the $52.8 million of ceded premium recorded upon closing the E&S Top Up ADC as well as reinstatement premium which reduced net written premiums in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year quarter.

  • E&S Segment Fourth Quarter Highlights:
    • The E&S segment grew gross written premium by 1.9% compared to the prior year quarter. Excluding excess casualty, where we have been cautious, the segment grew by 11.2%.
    • Total submissions grew 9% compared to the prior year quarter. The E&S segment received over 80,000 new and renewal policy submissions for the fourth consecutive quarter, its third consecutive quarter of 9% submission growth, a level not seen since 2020.
  • Specialty Admitted Insurance Segment Fourth Quarter Highlights:
    • Gross written premium for the fronting and program business declined 11.1% compared to the prior year quarter, excluding the impact of our large workers’ compensation program and Individual Risk Workers’ Compensation book, which were non-renewed in the second quarter of 2023 and sold via a renewal rights transaction in the third quarter of 2023, respectively. Including these two programs, segment gross written premium declined 31.7%.
  • Pre-tax favorable (unfavorable) reserve development by segment on business not subject to retroactive reinsurance accounting was as follows:
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
($ in thousands) 2024   2023 
Excess and Surplus Lines$(8,943) $(25,005)
Specialty Admitted Insurance    (38)
 $(8,943) $(25,043)
  • The fourth quarter of 2024 reflected $8.9 million of net unfavorable reserve development in the E&S segment. The Company ceded $29.5 million of unfavorable reserve development on business subject to the E&S ADC during the fourth quarter of 2024 and the majority of the $8.9 million of net unfavorable development represents the retained loss corridor on that structure. There remains $116.2 million of aggregate limit on the E&S ADC and E&S Top-Up ADC which cover the overwhelming majority of all E&S reserves from 2010-2023.
  • Retroactive benefits of $2.7 million were recorded in loss and loss adjustment expenses during the fourth quarter and the total deferred retroactive reinsurance gain on the Balance Sheet is $58.0 million as of December 31, 2024.
  • Gross fee income was as follows:
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
($ in thousands) 2024  2023 % Change
Specialty Admitted Insurance$4,828 $5,874 (18)%
  • The consolidated expense ratio was 43.7% for the fourth quarter of 2024, which was an increase from 24.2% in the prior year quarter. The expense ratio increase was primarily the result of $52.8 million of consideration paid in connection with the E&S Top Up ADC that closed on December 23, 2024, which resulted in lower net earned premium.

Investment Results

Net investment income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $22.0 million, a decrease of 14.2% compared to $25.6 million in the prior year quarter. The decline in income was primarily due to a lower asset base across our fixed income and bank loan portfolios as we managed the portfolio for the payment of the $52.8 million of consideration paid in connection with the E&S Top Up ADC, as well as lower income from private investments, which in the prior year quarter benefited from a one-time payment of approximately $2.5 million related to the sale of certain investments.

The Company’s net investment income consisted of the following:

 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
($ in thousands) 2024  2023 % Change
Private Investments 1,334  3,199 (58)%
All Other Investments 20,628  22,389 (8)%
Total Net Investment Income$21,962 $25,588 (14)%


The Company’s annualized gross investment yield on average fixed maturity, bank loan and equity securities for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 4.7% (versus 4.8% for the three months ended December 31, 2023).

Net realized and unrealized losses on investments of $2.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to net realized and unrealized gains on investments of $8.0 million in the prior year quarter.

Capital Management

The Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.01 per common share. This dividend is payable on March 31, 2025 to all shareholders of record on March 10, 2025.

Amendment of Series A Preferred Shares

As previously disclosed, on November 11, 2024, the Company amended the Series A Preferred Shares. Among other amended terms, this amendment converted $37.5 million of the outstanding Series A Preferred Shares to common shares. The Company accounted for the amendment as an extinguishment due to the significance of qualitative and quantitative changes to the shares.

The Company estimated the fair value of the new Series A Preferred Shares to be $133.1 million on the date of issuance. The Company recorded a deemed dividend of $25.7 million within retained deficit for the difference between the $144.9 million carrying value of the extinguished pre-amendment Series A preferred shares and the combined $133.1 million estimated fair value of the new Series A Preferred Shares and $37.5 million of new common shares. The Company also recorded a deemed dividend of $1.3 million for the difference between the $37.5 million of Series A Preferred Shares converted to common shares in the amendment and the $38.8 million fair value of the common shares issued. The combined $27 million deemed dividend increased the Net Loss to Common Shareholders and reduced tangible common equity for the fourth quarter of 2024 by approximately $0.60 per share.

Tangible Equity

Shareholders' equity of $460.9 million at December 31, 2024 declined 13.1% compared to shareholders' equity of $530.3 million at September 30, 2024. Tangible equity3 of $437.7 million at December 31, 2024 decreased 11.0% compared to tangible equity of $491.9 million at September 30, 2024, due to losses from continuing and discontinued operations as well as an increase in unrealized investment losses in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). Other comprehensive loss was $27.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, due to a decrease in the value of the Company's fixed maturity securities.

Board of Directors

The Company also announced that Non-Executive Chairman Ollie L. Sherman Jr. has chosen to retire from his leadership role and that the Board has appointed Christine LaSala as its next Non-Executive Chairperson. Following a period of transition, Mr. Sherman will also retire from the Board on April 30, 2025.

Mr. Sherman has served on the Board of Directors since May 2016 and had previously retired as a Managing Principal with Towers Watson in 2010. Ms. LaSala joined the Board of Directors in July 2024. She has over 45 years of management, client leadership and financial experience in the insurance industry in underwriting and insurance broking roles. She currently serves as a director of Sedgwick, a leading provider of claims management, loss adjusting and technology-enabled risk, benefit and business solutions. She served as a director of Beazley plc for eight years, including in a variety of board leadership roles such as Interim Chair, prior to stepping down in April 2024.

Conference Call

James River will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter results tomorrow, March 4, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Investors may access the conference call by dialing (800)-715-9871, Conference ID 6424000, or via the internet by visiting www.jrvrgroup.com and clicking on the “Investor Relations” link. A webcast replay of the call will be available by visiting the company website.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, such forward-looking statements may be identified by terms such as believe, expect, seek, may, will, should, intend, project, anticipate, plan, estimate, guidance or similar words. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Although it is not possible to identify all of these risks and uncertainties, they include, among others, the following: the inherent uncertainty of estimating reserves and the possibility that incurred losses may be greater than our loss and loss adjustment expense reserves; inaccurate estimates and judgments in our risk management may expose us to greater risks than intended; downgrades in the financial strength rating or outlook of our regulated insurance subsidiaries impacting our ability to attract and retain insurance business that our subsidiaries write, our competitive position, and our financial condition; the amount of the final post-closing adjustment to the purchase price received in connection with the sale of our casualty reinsurance business and outcome of litigation relating to such transaction; the potential loss of key members of our management team or key employees and our ability to attract and retain personnel; adverse economic factors resulting in the sale of fewer policies than expected or an increase in the frequency or severity of claims, or both; the impact of a higher than expected inflationary environment on our reserves, loss adjustment expenses, the values of our investments and investment returns, and our compensation expenses; exposure to credit risk, interest rate risk and other market risk in our investment portfolio; reliance on a select group of brokers and agents for a significant portion of our business and the impact of our potential failure to maintain such relationships; reliance on a select group of customers for a significant portion of our business and the impact of our potential failure to maintain, or decision to terminate, such relationships; our ability to obtain insurance and reinsurance coverage at prices and on terms that allow us to transfer risk, adequately protect our company against financial loss and that supports our growth plans; losses resulting from reinsurance counterparties failing to pay us on reinsurance claims, insurance companies with whom we have a fronting arrangement failing to pay us for claims, or a former customer with whom we have an indemnification arrangement failing to perform its reimbursement obligations, and our potential inability to demand or maintain adequate collateral to mitigate such risks; inadequacy of premiums we charge to compensate us for our losses incurred; changes in laws or government regulation, including tax or insurance law and regulations; changes in U.S. tax laws (including associated regulations) and the interpretation of certain provisions applicable to insurance/reinsurance businesses with U.S. and non-U.S. operations, which may be retroactive and could have a significant effect on us including, among other things, by potentially increasing our tax rate, as well as on our shareholders; in the event we did not qualify for the insurance company exception to the passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) rules and were therefore considered a PFIC, there could be material adverse tax consequences to an investor that is subject to U.S. federal income taxation; the Company or its foreign subsidiary becoming subject to U.S. federal income taxation; a failure of any of the loss limitations or exclusions we utilize to shield us from unanticipated financial losses or legal exposures, or other liabilities; losses from catastrophic events, such as natural disasters and terrorist acts, which substantially exceed our expectations and/or exceed the amount of reinsurance we have purchased to protect us from such events; potential effects on our business of emerging claim and coverage issues; the potential impact of internal or external fraud, operational errors, systems malfunctions or cyber security incidents; our ability to manage our growth effectively; failure to maintain effective internal controls in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended; changes in our financial condition, regulations or other factors that may restrict our subsidiaries’ ability to pay us dividends; and an adverse result in any litigation or legal proceedings we are or may become subject to. Additional information about these risks and uncertainties, as well as others that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In presenting James River Group Holdings, Ltd.’s results, management has included financial measures that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Such measures, including underwriting (loss) profit, adjusted net operating (loss) income, tangible equity, tangible common equity, adjusted net operating return on tangible equity (which is calculated as annualized adjusted net operating income divided by the average quarterly tangible equity balances in the respective period), and adjusted net operating return on tangible common equity excluding AOCI (which is calculated as annualized adjusted net operating income divided by the average quarterly tangible common equity balances in the respective period, excluding AOCI), are referred to as non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures are included at the end of this press release.

About James River Group Holdings, Ltd.

James River Group Holdings, Ltd. is a Bermuda-based insurance holding company that owns and operates a group of specialty insurance companies. The Company operates in two specialty property-casualty insurance segments: Excess and Surplus Lines and Specialty Admitted Insurance. Each of the Company’s regulated insurance subsidiaries are rated “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.

Visit James River Group Holdings, Ltd. on the web at www.jrvrgroup.com

For more information contact:

Zachary Shytle
Senior Analyst, Investments and Investor Relations
980-249-6848
InvestorRelations@james-river-group.com

James River Group Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (Unaudited)
($ in thousands, except for share data) December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
ASSETS   
Invested assets:   
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value$1,189,733 $1,324,476
Equity securities, at fair value 86,479  119,945
Bank loan participations, at fair value 142,410  156,169
Short-term investments 97,074  72,137
Other invested assets 36,700  33,134
Total invested assets 1,552,396  1,705,861
    
Cash and cash equivalents 362,345  274,298
Restricted cash equivalents (a) 28,705  72,449
Accrued investment income 10,534  12,106
Premiums receivable and agents’ balances, net 243,882  249,490
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, net 1,996,913  1,358,474
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses 101,210  157,991
Deferred policy acquisition costs 30,175  31,497
Goodwill and intangible assets 214,281  214,644
Other assets 466,635  457,047
Assets of discontinued operations held-for-sale 0  783,393
Total assets$5,007,076 $5,317,250
    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses$3,084,406 $2,606,107
Unearned premiums 572,034  587,899
Funds held (a) 25,157  65,235
Deferred reinsurance gain 57,970  20,733
Senior debt 200,800  222,300
Junior subordinated debt 104,055  104,055
Accrued expenses 53,178  56,722
Other liabilities 315,446  333,183
Liabilities of discontinued operations held-for-sale 0  641,497
Total liabilities 4,413,046  4,637,731
    
Series A redeemable preferred shares 133,115  144,898
Total shareholders’ equity 460,915  534,621
Total liabilities, Series A redeemable preferred shares, and shareholders’ equity$5,007,076 $5,317,250
    
Tangible equity (b)$437,719 $485,608
Tangible equity per share (b)$7.40 $11.13
Tangible common equity per share (b)$6.67 $9.05
Shareholders' equity per share$10.10 $14.20
Common shares outstanding 45,644,318  37,641,563
    
(a) Restricted cash equivalents and the funds held liability includes funds posted by the Company to a trust account for the benefit of a third party administrator handling the claims on the Rasier commercial auto policies in run-off. Such funds held in trust secure the Company's obligations to reimburse the administrator for claims payments, and are primarily sourced from the collateral posted to the Company by Rasier and its affiliates to support their obligations under the indemnity agreements and the loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement with the Company.
(b) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures”   


James River Group Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement Data (Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
($ in thousands, except for share data) 2024   2023   2024   2023 
REVENUES       
Gross written premiums$358,292  $389,305  $1,431,772  $1,508,660 
Net written premiums 113,991   172,201   580,854   693,901 
        
Net earned premiums 105,586   181,953   600,196   708,005 
Net investment income 21,962   25,588   93,089   84,046 
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments (2,803)  7,954   3,625   10,441 
Other income 1,968   2,609   10,716   9,517 
Total revenues 126,713   218,104   707,626   812,009 
EXPENSES       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses (a) 144,560   133,162   554,374   500,157 
Other operating expenses 47,068   45,734   193,198   193,656 
Other expenses 1,563   2,325   6,145   3,792 
Interest expense 5,709   6,561   24,666   24,627 
Intangible asset amortization and impairment 91   91   363   2,863 
Total expenses 198,991   187,873   778,746   725,095 
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes (72,278)  30,231   (71,120)  86,914 
Income tax (benefit) expense on continuing operations (8,883)  10,175   (7,634)  25,705 
Net (loss) income from continuing operations (63,395)  20,056   (63,486)  61,209 
Net loss from discontinued operations (1,372)  (170,211)  (17,634)  (168,893)
NET LOSS$(64,767) $(150,155) $(81,120) $(107,684)
Dividends on Series A preferred shares (29,274)  (2,625)  (37,149)  (10,500)
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS$(94,041) $(152,780) $(118,269) $(118,184)
ADJUSTED NET OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME (b)$(40,803) $12,442  $(41,503) $50,317 
        
(LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE       
Basic       
Continuing operations$(2.25) $0.46  $(2.60) $1.35 
Discontinued operations$(0.03) $(4.52) $(0.46) $(4.49)
 $(2.28) $(4.06) $(3.06) $(3.14)
Diluted (c)       
Continuing operations$(2.25) $0.46  $(2.60) $1.34 
Discontinued operations$(0.03) $(3.89) $(0.46) $(4.47)
 $(2.28) $(3.43) $(3.06) $(3.13)
        
ADJUSTED NET OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE    
Basic$(0.99) $0.33  $(1.07) $1.34 
Diluted (d)$(0.99) $0.33  $(1.07) $1.33 
        
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:       
Basic 41,237,480   37,656,268   38,685,003   37,618,660 
Diluted 41,237,480   43,744,208   38,685,003   37,810,440 
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.01  $0.05  $0.16  $0.20 
        
Ratios:       
Loss ratio 111.4%  73.9%  86.2%  69.9%
Expense ratio (e) 43.7%  24.2%  31.4%  26.6%
Combined ratio 155.1%  98.1%  117.6%  96.5%
Accident year loss ratio (f) 65.6%  58.8%  66.2%  64.0%
        
        
        
(a) Losses and loss adjustment expenses include $27.0 million and $37.2 million of expense for deferred retroactive reinsurance gains for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, respectively ($1.3 million of benefit and $5.0 million of expense in the respective three and twelve month prior year periods).
(b) See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures".
(c) The outstanding Series A preferred shares were dilutive for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Dividends on the Series A preferred shares were added back to the numerator in the calculation and 5,971,184 common shares from an assumed conversion of the Series A preferred shares were included in the denominator.
(d) The outstanding Series A preferred shares were anti-dilutive for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Dividends on the Series A preferred shares were not added back to the numerator in the calculation and 5,971,184 common shares from an assumed conversion of the Series A preferred shares were excluded from the denominator.
(e) Calculated with a numerator comprising other operating expenses less gross fee income (in specific instances when the Company is not retaining insurance risk) included in “Other income” in our Condensed Consolidated Income Statements of $926,000 and $4.6 million for the three and twelve months ended months ended December 31, 2024, respectively ($1.7 million and $5.3 million in the respective prior year periods), and a denominator of net earned premiums.
(f) Ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses for the current accident year, excluding development on prior accident year reserves, to net earned premiums for the current year (excluding ceded earned premium associated with adverse development covers covering prior accident years and net earned premium adjustments on certain reinsurance treaties with reinstatement premiums associated with prior years).


James River Group Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Segment Results
EXCESS AND SURPLUS LINES
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
   Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
  
($ in thousands) 2024   2023  % Change  2024   2023  % Change
Gross written premiums$280,287  $275,171  1.9% $1,017,029  $1,007,351  1.0%
Net written premiums$99,684  $146,628  (32.0)% $508,445  $589,551  (13.8)%
            
Net earned premiums$87,275  $153,926  (43.3)% $512,237  $609,566  (16.0)%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses excluding retroactive reinsurance (103,327)  (112,680) (8.3)%  (448,714)  (420,044) 6.8%
Underwriting expenses (36,166)  (32,348) 11.8%  (140,978)  (135,175) 4.3%
Underwriting (loss) profit (a)$(52,218) $8,898    $(77,455) $54,347   
            
Ratios:           
Loss ratio 118.4%  73.2%    87.6%  68.9%  
Expense ratio 41.4%  21.0%    27.5%  22.2%  
Combined ratio 159.8%  94.2%    115.1%  91.1%  
Accident year loss ratio (b) 64.1%  55.5%    64.3%  61.9%  
            
(a) See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures".
(b) Ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses for the current accident year, excluding development on prior accident year reserves, to net earned premiums for the current year (excluding ceded earned premium associated with adverse development covers covering prior accident years and net earned premium adjustments on certain reinsurance treaties with reinstatement premiums associated with prior years).


SPECIALTY ADMITTED INSURANCE

 Three Months Ended
December 31,
    Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
  
($ in thousands) 2024   2023  % Change   2024   2023  % Change
Gross written premiums$78,005  $114,134  (31.7)% $414,743  $501,309  (17.3)%
Net written premiums$14,307  $25,573  (44.1)% $72,409  $104,350  (30.6)%
             
Net earned premiums$18,311  $28,027  (34.7)% $87,959  $98,439  (10.6)%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses (14,264)  (21,752) (34.4)%  (68,423)  (75,122) (8.9)%
Underwriting expenses (3,186)  (4,080) (21.9)%  (12,663)  (19,240) (34.2)%
Underwriting profit (a), (b)$861  $2,195  (60.8)% $6,873  $4,077  68.6%
             
Ratios:            
Loss ratio 77.9%  77.6%     77.8%  76.3%  
Expense ratio 17.4%  14.6%     14.4%  19.6%  
Combined ratio 95.3%  92.2%     92.2%  95.9%  
Accident year loss ratio 77.9%  77.5%     78.5%  77.3%  
             
(a) See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures".           
(b) Underwriting results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include gross fee income of $4.8 million and $21.0 million, respectively ($5.9 million and $24.2 million in the respective prior year periods). 


Underwriting Performance Ratios

The following table provides the underwriting performance ratios of the Company's continuing operations inclusive of the business subject to retroactive reinsurance accounting. There is no economic impact to the Company over the life of a loss portfolio transfer contract so long as any additional losses subject to the contract are within the limit of the loss portfolio transfer and the counterparty performs under the contract. Retroactive reinsurance accounting is not indicative of our current and ongoing operations. Management believes that providing loss ratios and combined ratios on business not subject to retroactive reinsurance accounting for loss portfolio transfers gives the users of our financial statements useful information in evaluating our current and ongoing operations.

 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 2024  2023  2024  2023 
Excess and Surplus Lines:       
Loss Ratio118.4% 73.2% 87.6% 68.9%
Impact of retroactive reinsurance30.9% (0.8)% 7.3% 0.8%
Loss Ratio including impact of retroactive reinsurance149.3% 72.4% 94.9% 69.7%
        
Combined Ratio159.8% 94.2% 115.1% 91.1%
Impact of retroactive reinsurance30.9% (0.8)% 7.3% 0.8%
Combined Ratio including impact of retroactive reinsurance190.7% 93.4% 122.4% 91.9%
        
Consolidated:       
Loss Ratio111.4% 73.9% 86.2% 69.9%
Impact of retroactive reinsurance25.5% (0.7)% 6.2% 0.7%
Loss Ratio including impact of retroactive reinsurance136.9% 73.2% 92.4% 70.6%
        
Combined Ratio155.1% 98.1% 117.6% 96.5%
Impact of retroactive reinsurance25.5% (0.7)% 6.2% 0.7%
Combined Ratio including impact of retroactive reinsurance180.6% 97.4% 123.8% 97.2%


RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

Underwriting Profit

The following table reconciles the underwriting profit by individual operating segment and for the entire Company to consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes. We believe that the disclosure of underwriting profit by individual segment and of the Company as a whole is useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of our financial information in evaluating our performance because our objective is to consistently earn underwriting profits. We evaluate the performance of our segments and allocate resources based primarily on underwriting profit. We define underwriting profit as net earned premiums and gross fee income (in specific instances when the Company is not retaining insurance risk) less losses and loss adjustment expenses on business from continuing operations not subject to retroactive reinsurance accounting and other operating expenses. Other operating expenses include the underwriting, acquisition, and insurance expenses of the operating segments and, for consolidated underwriting profit, the expenses of the Corporate and Other segment. Our definition of underwriting profit may not be comparable to that of other companies.

 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
($ in thousands) 2024   2023   2024   2023 
Underwriting (loss) profit of the operating segments:       
Excess and Surplus Lines$(52,218) $8,898  $(77,455) $54,347 
Specialty Admitted Insurance 861   2,195   6,873   4,077 
Total underwriting (loss) profit of operating segments (51,357)  11,093   (70,582)  58,424 
Other operating expenses of the Corporate and Other segment (6,790)  (7,628)  (34,972)  (33,940)
Underwriting (loss) profit (a) (58,147)  3,465   (105,554)  24,484 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses - retroactive reinsurance (26,969)  1,270   (37,237)  (4,991)
Net investment income 21,962   25,588   93,089   84,046 
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments (2,803)  7,954   3,625   10,441 
Other income (expense) (521)  (1,394)  (14)  424 
Interest expense (5,709)  (6,561)  (24,666)  (24,627)
Amortization of intangible assets (91)  (91)  (363)  (363)
Impairment of IRWC trademark intangible asset          (2,500)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before taxes$(72,278) $30,231  $(71,120) $86,914 
        
(a) Included in underwriting results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 is gross fee income of $4.8 million and $21.0 million, respectively ($5.9 million and $24.2 million in the respective prior year periods).


Adjusted Net Operating Income

We define adjusted net operating (loss) income as income available to common shareholders excluding a) (loss) income from discontinued operations b) the impact of retroactive reinsurance accounting for loss portfolio transfers, c) net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments, d) certain non-operating expenses such as professional service fees related to various strategic initiatives, and the filing of registration statements for the offering of securities, e) severance costs associated with terminated employees, and f) deemed dividend related to the conversion of the Series A Preferred Shares. We use adjusted net operating income as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Adjusted net operating income should not be viewed as a substitute for net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, and our definition of adjusted net operating income may not be comparable to that of other companies.

Our (loss) income available to common shareholders reconciles to our adjusted net operating (loss) income as follows:

 Three Months Ended December 31,
  2024   2023 
($ in thousands)Income
Before
Taxes
 Net
Income
 Income
Before
Taxes
 Net
Income
Loss available to common shareholders$(102,924) $(94,041) $(142,605) $(152,780)
Loss from discontinued operations 1,372   1,372   170,211   170,211 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses - retroactive reinsurance 26,969   21,306   (1,270)  (1,003)
Net realized and unrealized investment losses (gains) 2,803   2,214   (7,954)  (6,284)
Other expenses 1,563   1,340   2,321   2,298 
Series A deemed dividends 27,006   27,006       
Adjusted net operating (loss) income$(43,211) $(40,803) $20,703  $12,442 
        
 Twelve Months Ended December 31,
  2024   2023 
($ in thousands)Income
Before
Taxes
 Net
Income
 Income
Before
Taxes
 Net
Income
Loss available to common shareholders$(125,903) $(118,269) $(92,479) $(118,184)
Loss from discontinued operations 17,634   17,634   168,893   168,893 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses - retroactive reinsurance 37,237   29,418   4,991   3,943 
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (3,625)  (2,865)  (10,441)  (8,248)
Other expenses 6,145   5,573   1,588   1,938 
Impairment of IRWC trademark intangible asset       2,500   1,975 
Series A deemed dividends 27,006   27,006       
Adjusted net operating (loss) income$(41,506) $(41,503) $75,052  $50,317 


Tangible Equity (per Share) and Tangible Common Equity (per Share)

We define tangible equity as shareholders' equity plus mezzanine Series A preferred shares and the deferred retroactive reinsurance gain less goodwill and intangible assets (net of amortization). We define tangible common equity as tangible equity less mezzanine Series A preferred shares. Our definition of tangible equity and tangible common equity may not be comparable to that of other companies, and it should not be viewed as a substitute for shareholders’ equity calculated in accordance with GAAP. We use tangible equity and tangible common equity internally to evaluate the strength of our balance sheet and to compare returns relative to this measure. The following table reconciles shareholders’ equity to tangible equity and tangible common equity for December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023.

 December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023
($ in thousands, except for share data)       
Shareholders' equity$460,915 $530,347 $534,621 $562,544
Plus: Series A redeemable preferred shares 133,115  144,898  144,898  144,898
Plus: Deferred reinsurance gain (a) 57,970  31,001  20,733  37,653
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets 214,281  214,372  214,644  214,735
Tangible equity$437,719 $491,874 $485,608 $530,360
Less: Series A redeemable preferred shares 133,115  144,898  144,898  144,898
Tangible common equity$304,604 $346,976 $340,710 $385,462
        
Common shares outstanding 45,644,318  37,829,475  37,641,563  37,619,749
Common shares from assumed conversion of Series A preferred shares 13,521,635  6,848,763  5,971,184  5,640,158
Common shares outstanding after assumed conversion of Series A preferred shares 59,165,953  44,678,238  43,612,747  43,259,907
        
Equity per share:       
Shareholders' equity$10.10 $14.02 $14.20 $14.95
Tangible equity$7.40 $11.01 $11.13 $12.26
Tangible common equity$6.67 $9.17 $9.05 $10.25
        
(a) Deferred reinsurance gain for the period ending September 30, 2023 includes the deferred retroactive reinsurance gain of $15.7 million related to the former Casualty Reinsurance LPT.



1 The Company closed the sale of JRG Reinsurance Company Ltd. on April 16, 2024. The full financials for our former Casualty Reinsurance segment have been classified to discontinued operations for all periods.
2 Adjusted net operating (loss) income, tangible common equity per share and adjusted net operating return on tangible common equity are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” at the end of this press release.

3 Tangible equity and tangible common equity are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” at the end of this press release.


FAQ

What caused James River's (JRVR) significant Q4 2024 loss?

The $92.7M loss was primarily due to a $52.8M payment for E&S adverse development reinsurance contract and a $27M deemed dividend from Series A Preferred Shares amendment.

How did James River's (JRVR) E&S segment perform in 2024?

E&S segment exceeded $1.0B in gross written premium, achieved 9.0% renewal rate change, and saw highest new and renewal submission growth in five years.

What strategic actions did JRVR complete in 2024?

JRVR sold JRG Reinsurance Company, secured $160M loss portfolio transfer, partnered with Enstar for $12.5M investment, and amended Series A Preferred Shares.

What is JRVR's dividend payment for Q4 2024?

JRVR declared a $0.01 per common share dividend, payable March 31, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 10, 2025.

James River Grou

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Insurance - Specialty
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