Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. Reports 2021 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Kinsale Capital Group (KNSL) reported strong financial results for Q4 2021, with net income of $48.3 million ($2.09 per diluted share), a 26.6% increase from Q4 2020. For the full year 2021, net income rose 72.7% to $152.7 million ($6.62 per diluted share). Gross written premiums increased by 36% in Q4 and 38.3% for the year, totaling $764.4 million. The combined ratio improved to 74.5% in Q4, reflecting effective underwriting and lower catastrophe activity. The company anticipates continued market momentum into 2022.

Positive

• Net income increased by 72.7% to $152.7 million for the full year 2021.
• Gross written premiums grew by 38.3% in 2021, reaching $764.4 million.
• Net operating earnings rose 83.1% to $132.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
• The combined ratio improved to 74.5% in Q4 2021 from 81.6% in Q4 2020.

Negative

• Net income for Q4 2021 still included $6.8 million in after-tax catastrophe losses for the year.

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (NYSE: KNSL) reported net income of $48.3 million, $2.09 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $38.2 million, $1.65 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2020. Net income was $152.7 million, $6.62 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $88.4 million, $3.87 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2020. For the fourth quarter of 2021, the impact on net income related to catastrophes was negligible. For the year ended December 31, 2021, net income included after-tax catastrophe losses of $6.8 million. For the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020, net income included after-tax catastrophe losses of $4.8 million and $18.3 million, respectively.

Net operating earnings⁽¹⁾ were $40.7 million, $1.76 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $26.3 million, $1.14 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2020. Net operating earnings⁽¹⁾ were $132.4 million, $5.74 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $72.3 million, $3.16 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Highlights for the fourth quarter of 2021 included:

• Net income increased by 26.6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020
• Net operating earnings⁽¹⁾ increased by 54.7% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020
• 36.0% growth in gross written premiums to $203.8 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2020
• 32.1% increase in net investment income to $8.6 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2020
• 94.9% increase in underwriting income⁽²⁾ to $42.2 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2020, resulting in a combined ratio of 74.5%
• 24.0% annualized operating return on equity⁽⁴⁾ for the fourth quarter of 2021

Highlights for the full year of 2021 included:

• Net income increased by 72.7% compared to the full year of 2020
• Net operating earnings⁽¹⁾ increased by 83.1% compared to the full year of 2020
• 38.3% growth in gross written premiums to $764.4 million compared to the full year of 2020
• 18.9% increase in net investment income to $31.0 million compared to the full year of 2020
• 144.4% increase in underwriting income⁽²⁾ to $133.6 million compared to the full year of 2020, resulting in a combined ratio of 77.1%
• 20.8% operating return on equity⁽⁴⁾ for the year ended December 31, 2021

"We concluded 2021 with another strong quarter, highlighted by growth in gross written premiums of 36% and a combined ratio under 75%. By providing superior customer service combined with disciplined underwriting and low costs, we expanded our margins and achieved an operating return on equity of 21% for 2021. We are confident the favorable market momentum will persist in 2022, and combined with the strength of our business model we will deliver another successful year," said President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael P. Kehoe.

Results of Operations

Underwriting Results

Gross written premiums were $203.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $149.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of 36.0%. Gross written premiums were $764.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $552.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of 38.3%. Growth in gross written premiums during the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 over the same periods last year was driven by higher submission activity from brokers and rate increases on bound accounts.

Underwriting income⁽²⁾ was $42.2 million, resulting in a combined ratio of 74.5%, for the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to $21.6 million, and a combined ratio of 81.6% for the same period last year. The increase in underwriting income⁽²⁾ for the fourth quarter of 2021 was due primarily to premium growth and continued rate increases from a strong underwriting environment, lower catastrophe activity and higher net favorable development of loss reserves from prior accident years. In addition, underwriting income reflected the benefit of a lower expense ratio due to economies of scale from premium expansion and management's continued focus on controlling costs. Loss and expense ratios were 53.1% and 21.4%, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to 58.8% and 22.8% for the fourth quarter of 2020. The impact related to catastrophes during the fourth quarter of 2021 was negligible. The loss ratio included current accident year catastrophe losses of $6.1 million, or 5.1 points, for the fourth quarter of 2020. Favorable development on reserves from prior accident years was $6.6 million, or 4.0 points, for the fourth quarter of 2021, and $3.7 million, or 3.1 points, for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Underwriting income⁽²⁾ was $133.6 million, resulting in a combined ratio of 77.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $54.7 million, and a combined ratio of 86.7% for the prior year. The increase in underwriting income⁽²⁾ for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily due to premium growth and continued rate increases, higher net favorable development of loss reserves from prior accident years and lower catastrophe activity. In addition, underwriting income reflected the benefit of a lower expense ratio due to economies of scale from premium expansion and management's continued focus on controlling costs. Loss and expense ratios were 55.7% and 21.4%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 63.9% and 22.8%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. The loss ratios included current accident year catastrophe losses of $8.6 million, or 1.5 points, for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $23.2 million, or 5.6 points, for the year ended December 31, 2020. The catastrophe activity in 2021 primarily related to Hurricane Ida and winter storms in Texas. Catastrophe activity in 2020 largely related to Hurricanes Laura and Sally and the California wildfires. Favorable development on reserves from prior accident years was $32.0 million, or 5.5 points, for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $13.3 million, or 3.2 points, for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Summary of Operating Results

The Company’s operating results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2021				2020				2021				2020
	($ in thousands)
Gross written premiums	$	203,820			$	149,910			$	764,373			$	552,814
Ceded written premiums		(26,339	)			(19,599	)			(104,164	)			(74,595	)
Net written premiums	$	177,481			$	130,311			$	660,209			$	478,219
Net earned premiums	$	165,267			$	117,792			$	582,879			$	412,754
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		87,688				69,334				324,415				263,802
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		35,410				26,825				124,900				94,296
Underwriting income(2)	$	42,169			$	21,633			$	133,564			$	54,656
Loss ratio		53.1	%			58.8	%			55.7	%			63.9	%
Expense ratio		21.4	%			22.8	%			21.4	%			22.8	%
Combined ratio		74.5	%			81.6	%			77.1	%			86.7	%
Annualized return on equity(3)		28.5	%			27.5	%			23.9	%			18.0	%
Annualized operating return on equity(4)		24.0	%			19.0	%			20.8	%			14.7	%

(1)	Net operating earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. See discussion of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
(2)	Underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See discussion of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
(3)	Annualized return on equity is net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.
(4)	Annualized operating return on equity is net operating earnings expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.

The following tables summarize losses incurred for the current accident year and the development of prior accident years for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:

	Three Months Ended December 31, 2021							Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
	Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses				% of Earned Premiums			Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses				% of Earned Premiums
Loss ratio:	($ in thousands)
Current accident year	$	94,413			57.1	%		$	66,983			56.8	%
Current accident year - catastrophe losses		(152	)		—	%			6,061			5.1	%
Effect of prior accident year development		(6,573	)		(4.0)	%			(3,710	)		(3.1)	%
Total	$	87,688			53.1	%		$	69,334			58.8	%

	Year Ended December 31, 2021							Year Ended December 31, 2020
	Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses				% of Earned Premiums			Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses				% of Earned Premiums
Loss ratio:	($ in thousands)
Current accident year	$	347,761			59.7	%		$	253,948			61.5	%
Current accident year - catastrophe losses		8,640			1.5	%			23,192			5.6	%
Effect of prior accident year development		(31,986	)		(5.5)	%			(13,338	)		(3.2)	%
Total	$	324,415			55.7	%		$	263,802			63.9	%

Investment Results

The Company’s net investment income was $8.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $6.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of 32.1%. Net investment income was $31.0 million for the full year of 2021 compared to $26.1 million for the full year of 2020. This increase was primarily due to growth in our investment portfolio generated from the investment of positive operating funds since December 31, 2020. The Company’s investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, had a gross investment return⁽⁵⁾ of 2.5% for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 2.9% for the year ended December 31, 2020. Funds are generally invested conservatively in high quality securities, including government agency, asset- and mortgage-backed securities, and municipal and corporate bonds with an average credit quality of "AA-." The weighted average duration of the fixed-maturity investment portfolio, including cash equivalents, was 4.3 years at both December 31, 2021 and 2020. Cash and invested assets totaled $1.7 billion at December 31, 2021 compared to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2020.

(5)	Gross investment return is investment income from fixed-maturity and equity securities, before any deductions for fees and expenses, expressed as a percentage of average beginning and ending book values of those investments during the period.

Other

The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 19.1%. The effective tax rate was lower than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the tax benefits from stock-based compensation and tax-exempt investment income.

Stockholders' equity was $699.3 million at December 31, 2021, compared to $576.2 million at December 31, 2020. Operating return on equity was 20.8% for the full year of 2021, an increase from 14.7% for the full year of 2020, which was attributable primarily to growth in the business from continuing favorable market conditions and rate increases, lower catastrophe losses, and higher favorable development on net loss reserves from prior accident years.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Net Operating Earnings

Net operating earnings is defined as net income excluding the effects of the change in the fair value of equity securities, after taxes, and net realized investment gains and losses, after taxes. Management believes the exclusion of these items provides a more useful comparison of the Company's underlying business performance from period to period. Net operating earnings and percentages or calculations using net operating earnings (e.g., diluted operating earnings per share and annualized operating return on equity) are non-GAAP financial measures. Net operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define net operating earnings differently.

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, net income and diluted earnings per share reconcile to net operating earnings and diluted operating earnings per share as follows:

		Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
			2021				2020				2021				2020
		($ in thousands, except per share data)
Net operating earnings:
Net income		$	48,320			$	38,181			$	152,659			$	88,419
Adjustments:
Change in the fair value of equity securities, before taxes			(9,168	)			(13,146	)			(22,812	)			(16,855	)
Income tax expense (1)			1,925				2,761				4,791				3,540
Change in fair value of equity securities, after taxes			(7,243	)			(10,385	)			(18,021	)			(13,315	)
Net realized investment gains, before taxes			(431	)			(1,857	)			(2,828	)			(3,533	)
Income tax expense (1)			91				390				594				742
Net realized investment gains, after taxes			(340	)			(1,467	)			(2,234	)			(2,791	)
Net operating earnings		$	40,737			$	26,329			$	132,404			$	72,313
Diluted operating earnings per share:
Diluted earnings per share		$	2.09			$	1.65			$	6.62			$	3.87
Change in fair value of equity securities, after taxes, per share			(0.31	)			(0.45	)			(0.78	)			(0.58	)
Net realized investment gains, after taxes, per share			(0.01	)			(0.06	)			(0.10	)			(0.12	)
Diluted operating earnings per share(2)		$	1.76			$	1.14			$	5.74			$	3.16
Operating return on equity:
Average equity(3)		$	679,250			$	555,185			$	637,787			$	491,059
Annualized return on equity(4)			28.5	%			27.5	%			23.9	%			18.0	%
Annualized operating return on equity(5)			24.0	%			19.0	%			20.8	%			14.7	%

(1)	Income taxes on adjustments to reconcile net income to net operating earnings use a 21% effective tax rate.
(2)	Diluted operating earnings per share may not add due to rounding.
(3)	Computed by adding the total stockholders' equity as of the date indicated to the prior quarter-end or year-end total, as applicable, and dividing by two.
(4)	Annualized return on equity is net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.
(5)	Annualized operating return on equity is net operating earnings expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.

Underwriting Income

Underwriting income is defined as net income excluding net investment income, the change in the fair value of equity securities, net realized investment gains and losses, other income, other expenses and income tax expense. The Company uses underwriting income as an internal performance measure in the management of its operations because the Company believes it gives management and users of the Company's financial information useful insight into the Company's results of operations and underlying business performance. Underwriting income should not be viewed as a substitute for net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting income differently.

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, net income reconciles to underwriting income as follows:

		Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
			2021				2020				2021				2020
		(in thousands)
Net income		$	48,320			$	38,181			$	152,659			$	88,419
Income tax expense			11,755				4,639				36,142				11,994
Income before income taxes			60,075				42,820				188,801				100,413
Other expenses (6)			429				353				1,663				1,375
Net investment income			(8,582	)			(6,497	)			(31,048	)			(26,110	)
Change in fair value of equity securities			(9,168	)			(13,146	)			(22,812	)			(16,855	)
Net realized investment gains			(431	)			(1,857	)			(2,828	)			(3,533	)
Other income			(154	)			(40	)			(212	)			(634	)
Underwriting income		$	42,169			$	21,633			$	133,564			$	54,656

(6)	Other expenses are comprised of interest expense on the Company's Credit Facility and corporate expenses not allocated to the Company's insurance operations.

Conference Call

Kinsale Capital Group will hold a conference call to discuss this press release on Friday, February 18, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Members of the public may access the conference call by dialing (844) 239-5282, conference ID# 2881553, or via the Internet by going to www.kinsalecapitalgroup.com and clicking on the "Investor Relations" link. A replay of the call will be available on the website until the close of business on April 19, 2022.

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 "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "projects," "believes," "seeks," "outlook," "future," "will," "would," "should," "could," "may," "can have," "prospects" 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 factors, they include, among others, the following: inadequate loss reserves to cover the Company's actual losses; inherent uncertainty of models resulting in actual losses that are materially different than the Company's estimates; adverse economic factors; a decline in the Company's financial strength rating; loss of one or more key executives; loss of a group of brokers that generate significant portions of the Company's business; failure of any of the loss limitations or exclusions the Company employs, or change in other claims or coverage issues; adverse performance of the Company's investment portfolio; adverse market conditions that affect its excess and surplus lines insurance operations; and other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.

About Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. is a specialty insurance group headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, focusing on the excess and surplus lines market.

Contact

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.
Bryan Petrucelli
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
804-289-1272
ir@kinsalecapitalgroup.com

KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

		Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
			2021				2020				2021				2020
Revenues		(in thousands, except per share data)
Gross written premiums		$	203,820			$	149,910			$	764,373			$	552,814
Ceded written premiums			(26,339	)			(19,599	)			(104,164	)			(74,595	)
Net written premiums			177,481				130,311				660,209				478,219
Change in unearned premiums			(12,214	)			(12,519	)			(77,330	)			(65,465	)
Net earned premiums			165,267				117,792				582,879				412,754
Net investment income			8,582				6,497				31,048				26,110
Change in fair value of equity securities			9,168				13,146				22,812				16,855
Net realized investment gains			431				1,857				2,828				3,533
Other income			154				40				212				634
Total revenues			183,602				139,332				639,779				459,886
Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses			87,688				69,334				324,415				263,802
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses			35,410				26,825				124,900				94,296
Other expenses			429				353				1,663				1,375
Total expenses			123,527				96,512				450,978				359,473
Income before income taxes			60,075				42,820				188,801				100,413
Income tax expense			11,755				4,639				36,142				11,994
Net income			48,320				38,181				152,659				88,419
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investments, net of taxes			(7,144	)			3,523				(23,255	)			27,862
Total comprehensive income		$	41,176			$	41,704			$	129,404			$	116,281
Earnings per share:
Basic		$	2.13			$	1.69			$	6.73			$	3.96
Diluted		$	2.09			$	1.65			$	6.62			$	3.87
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic			22,728				22,611				22,693				22,319
Diluted			23,083				23,073				23,062				22,852

KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

		December 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
		(in thousands)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed-maturity securities at fair value		$	1,392,066		$	1,081,800
Equity securities at fair value			172,611			129,662
Total investments			1,564,677			1,211,462
Cash and cash equivalents			121,040			77,093
Investment income due and accrued			7,658			6,637
Premiums receivable, net			71,004			48,641
Reinsurance recoverables, net			122,970			93,215
Ceded unearned premiums			33,679			24,265
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions			41,968			31,912
Intangible assets			3,538			3,538
Deferred income tax asset, net			2,109			—
Other assets			57,012			50,133
Total assets		$	2,025,655		$	1,546,896
Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		$	881,344		$	636,013
Unearned premiums			347,730			260,986
Payable to reinsurers			16,112			12,672
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			23,250			13,651
Credit facility			42,696			42,570
Deferred income tax liability, net			—			4,648
Other liabilities			15,188			118
Total liabilities			1,326,320			970,658
Stockholders' equity			699,335			576,238
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	2,025,655		$	1,546,896

FAQ

What are Kinsale Capital Group's Q4 2021 financial results?

Kinsale Capital Group reported a net income of $48.3 million, or $2.09 per diluted share, for Q4 2021.

How did Kinsale Capital Group perform in 2021 compared to 2020?

In 2021, Kinsale Capital Group's net income increased by 72.7% to $152.7 million compared to 2020.

What was the growth in gross written premiums for Kinsale Capital Group?

Gross written premiums increased by 36% to $203.8 million in Q4 2021 and by 38.3% to $764.4 million for the full year 2021.

What is the combined ratio for Kinsale Capital Group in Q4 2021?

The combined ratio for Q4 2021 was 74.5%, an improvement from 81.6% in Q4 2020.

What are the expectations for Kinsale Capital Group in 2022?

Kinsale Capital Group anticipates that favorable market momentum will persist into 2022.