Kemper Corporation - KMPR STOCK NEWS

AM Best has affirmed the credit ratings of Kemper (NYSE: KMPR) and its subsidiaries. The Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of 'a-' (Excellent) were affirmed for Kemper Property & Casualty Group and Kemper Life Group. The outlook for these ratings is stable.

The ratings reflect Kemper P&C's very strong balance sheet, marginal operating performance, neutral business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management. Despite recent challenges, including substantial operating losses and regulatory pressures in California, Kemper P&C has shown significant improvement in late 2023 and early 2024 through strategic rate adjustments and non-rate actions.

Kemper Life's ratings are based on its very strong balance sheet, adequate operating performance, and neutral business profile. The group recently completed a major initiative with Kemper Bermuda, resulting in the release of over $600 million in dividends to the parent company.

Kemper (NYSE: KMPR) has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share. The dividend will be payable on September 3, 2024 to shareholders of record as of August 19, 2024. This announcement demonstrates Kemper's commitment to returning value to its shareholders through regular dividend payments. The consistent dividend payout reflects the company's financial stability and confidence in its future performance. For investors, this represents a steady income stream and potentially signals management's positive outlook on the company's financial health.

Kemper (NYSE: KMPR) reported a net income of $75.4 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, for Q2 2024, a significant improvement from a net loss of $97.1 million, or $(1.52) per share, in Q2 2023. The adjusted consolidated net operating income was $91.7 million, equivalent to $1.42 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $14.2 million, or $(0.22) per share, the previous year.

Key metrics include an 11.5% ROE and a 17.6% adjusted ROE. Specialty Property & Casualty (P&C) saw a 4.0 point sequential improvement in the underlying combined ratio, reaching 89.6%, and experienced a 4.6% growth in policies in force.

However, total revenues decreased by 10.5% to $1.13 billion, driven by lower new business volumes and a reduction in premiums in the Preferred Insurance business. Despite this, the company’s liquidity remains strong with $1.1 billion, and shareholders' equity increased by 7% to $2.67 billion.

Kemper (NYSE: KMPR) has announced its schedule for releasing second quarter 2024 earnings and provided preliminary results. The company expects to report net income between $70-$80 million and adjusted consolidated net operating income between $85-$95 million for Q2 2024. Kemper will release its earnings report, financial supplement, and Form 10-Q after market close on August 5, 2024, followed by a conference call at 5:00 pm Eastern time.

The company uses non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income, which excludes certain items to provide insights into underlying operational performance trends. These measures should not be considered substitutes for GAAP financial measures as they do not fully recognize the profitability of Kemper's businesses.

The Kemper Foundation, in collaboration with Kemper (NYSE: KMPR), has published its 2024 Community Impact Report, showcasing a $3.1 million total community impact. The report emphasizes support in three key areas: education, health, and community development. Key initiatives include the Kemper Cares volunteer and ambassador programs and the Matching Gift program.

The report highlights $1.5 million in scholarships and grants via the Kemper Scholars Program and $300,000 in grants to public and charter schoolteachers through the Read Conmigo bilingual educator program. Health initiatives received $1.1 million in support, benefiting the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and Breakthrough T1D. Community development contributions totaled $377,000 to UnidosUS, the National Urban League, and Feeding America’s partner food banks. Additionally, the Kemper Matching Gift Program saw $156,000 in employee and company donations.

Since launching its philanthropy program in 2021, Kemper has nearly reached a total impact of $10 million.

The Kemper Foundation has opened the fall 2024 Read Conmigo grant application cycle for bilingual educators in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Miami. The program aims to advance bilingual literacy in Hispanic and Latino communities by awarding grants of $3,000 each to Spanish-English bilingual teachers. Since its launch in 2022, Read Conmigo has reached over 4,500 students through grants awarded to 150 educators in Greater Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas. The program emphasizes the benefits of bilingualism in Hispanic and Latino families, providing resources for educators to create engaging learning experiences for students.

Kemper (NYSE: KMPR) reported a net income of $71.3 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, for Q1 2024, compared to a net loss of $80.1 million in Q1 2023. Adjusted Net Operating Income was $69.7 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, for Q1 2024, compared to a loss of $55.7 million in Q1 2023. The company saw a sequential improvement in profitability, with an 11.2% Return on Equity and a 17.2% Tangible ROE. Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance segment reported an adjusted net operating income of $69.2 million, while the Life Insurance segment reported $11.9 million. Kemper's shareholders' equity increased by $84.6 million to $2,589.8 million. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share. Kemper ended the quarter with a book value per share of $40.24.

Kemper (KMPR) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share, payable on May 28, 2024, to shareholders of record as of May 13, 2024.

Kemper (NYSE: KMPR) appointed Gerald Laderman as the new Chairman of the Board, succeeding Joseph P. Lacher, Jr., who remains CEO, President, and Director. Stuart B. Parker transitions from Lead Director to Director. Laderman, with extensive airline industry experience, brings valuable leadership to Kemper.