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Mercury General Corporation Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2024 Results and Declares Quarterly Dividend

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Mercury General (NYSE: MCY) reported its Q4 and fiscal 2024 results, showing significant growth in key metrics. Net premiums earned increased 18.1% to $1.35 billion in Q4 2024, while full-year net premiums earned rose 18.7% to $5.08 billion. The company's net income for Q4 2024 was $101.1 million ($1.82 per diluted share), down 47.2% from Q4 2023, while full-year net income increased 385.8% to $468 million.

The combined ratio improved to 91.4% in Q4 2024 from 98.6% in Q4 2023. The California Department of Insurance approved a 12% rate increase for California homeowners insurance, effective March 2025. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3175 per share, payable March 27, 2025.

Notably, January 2025 wildfires in Southern California are estimated to cause gross catastrophe losses of $1.6-2.0 billion, with net catastrophe losses before taxes ranging from $155-325 million.

Mercury General (NYSE: MCY) ha riportato i risultati del quarto trimestre e dell'anno fiscale 2024, mostrando una crescita significativa nei principali indicatori. I premi netti guadagnati sono aumentati del 18,1%, raggiungendo 1,35 miliardi di dollari nel quarto trimestre 2024, mentre i premi netti guadagnati per l'intero anno sono aumentati del 18,7%, arrivando a 5,08 miliardi di dollari. L'utile netto dell'azienda per il quarto trimestre 2024 è stato di 101,1 milioni di dollari (1,82 dollari per azione diluita), in calo del 47,2% rispetto al quarto trimestre 2023, mentre l'utile netto per l'intero anno è aumentato del 385,8%, raggiungendo 468 milioni di dollari.

Il rapporto combinato è migliorato al 91,4% nel quarto trimestre 2024 rispetto al 98,6% nel quarto trimestre 2023. Il Dipartimento delle Assicurazioni della California ha approvato un aumento del 12% delle tariffe per l'assicurazione dei proprietari di casa in California, con decorrenza marzo 2025. L'azienda ha inoltre dichiarato un dividendo trimestrale di 0,3175 dollari per azione, pagabile il 27 marzo 2025.

In particolare, gli incendi boschivi del gennaio 2025 nel sud della California si stima causino perdite catastrofali lorde comprese tra 1,6 e 2,0 miliardi di dollari, con perdite netti per catastrofi prima delle tasse che variano da 155 a 325 milioni di dollari.

Mercury General (NYSE: MCY) reportó sus resultados del cuarto trimestre y del año fiscal 2024, mostrando un crecimiento significativo en los principales indicadores. Las primas netas devengadas aumentaron un 18,1%, alcanzando los 1.35 mil millones de dólares en el cuarto trimestre de 2024, mientras que las primas netas devengadas para el año completo subieron un 18,7%, llegando a 5.08 mil millones de dólares. El ingreso neto de la compañía para el cuarto trimestre de 2024 fue de 101,1 millones de dólares (1,82 dólares por acción diluida), cayendo un 47,2% en comparación con el cuarto trimestre de 2023, mientras que el ingreso neto del año completo aumentó un 385,8%, alcanzando los 468 millones de dólares.

La relación combinada mejoró al 91,4% en el cuarto trimestre de 2024 desde el 98,6% en el cuarto trimestre de 2023. El Departamento de Seguros de California aprobó un aumento del 12% en las tarifas para el seguro de propietarios de vivienda en California, efectivo a partir de marzo de 2025. La compañía también declaró un dividendo trimestral de 0,3175 dólares por acción, pagadero el 27 de marzo de 2025.

Notablemente, se estima que los incendios forestales de enero de 2025 en el sur de California causen pérdidas catastróficas brutas de entre 1.6 y 2.0 mil millones de dólares, con pérdidas catastróficas netas antes de impuestos que oscilan entre 155 y 325 millones de dólares.

머큐리 제너럴 (NYSE: MCY)는 2024 회계 연도 4분기 및 전체 결과를 보고하며 주요 지표에서 두드러진 성장을 보여주었습니다. 2024년 4분기 동안 순 보험료 수익이 18.1% 증가하여 13억 5천만 달러에 달했으며, 전체 연도 순 보험료 수익은 18.7% 증가하여 50억 8천만 달러에 이르렀습니다. 회사의 2024년 4분기 순이익은 1억 1천만 달러(희석 주당 1.82달러)로, 2023년 4분기 대비 47.2% 감소했지만 전체 연도의 순이익은 385.8% 증가하여 4억 6천8백만 달러에 도달했습니다.

결합 비율은 2024년 4분기 동안 91.4%로 개선되었고, 2023년 4분기에는 98.6%였습니다. 캘리포니아 보험국은 캘리포니아 주택 소유자 보험에 대해 12%의 보험료 인상을 승인했으며, 이는 2025년 3월부터 효력이 발생합니다. 회사는 또한 2025년 3월 27일에 지급될 주당 0.3175달러의 분기 배당금을 선언했습니다.

특히 2025년 1월 남부 캘리포니아에서 발생한 산불로 인해 총 재해 손실이 16억에서 20억 달러에 이를 것으로 예상되며, 세전 순 재해 손실은 1억 5천5백만에서 3억 2천5백만 달러에 이릅니다.

Mercury General (NYSE: MCY) a publié ses résultats du quatrième trimestre et de l'exercice 2024, montrant une croissance significative des principaux indicateurs. Les primes nettes acquises ont augmenté de 18,1 %, atteignant 1,35 milliard de dollars au quatrième trimestre 2024, tandis que les primes nettes acquises pour l'année entière ont augmenté de 18,7 %, atteignant 5,08 milliards de dollars. Le bénéfice net de l'entreprise pour le quatrième trimestre 2024 était de 101,1 millions de dollars (1,82 dollar par action diluée), en baisse de 47,2 % par rapport au quatrième trimestre 2023, tandis que le bénéfice net pour l'année entière a augmenté de 385,8 %, atteignant 468 millions de dollars.

Le ratio combiné s'est amélioré à 91,4 % au quatrième trimestre 2024, contre 98,6 % au quatrième trimestre 2023. Le Département des assurances de Californie a approuvé une augmentation de 12 % des tarifs pour l'assurance propriétaire en Californie, applicable à partir de mars 2025. L'entreprise a également déclaré un dividende trimestriel de 0,3175 dollar par action, payable le 27 mars 2025.

Notamment, les incendies en Californie du Sud en janvier 2025 devraient entraîner des pertes catastrophiques brutes comprises entre 1,6 et 2,0 milliards de dollars, avec des pertes catastrophiques nettes avant impôts allant de 155 à 325 millions de dollars.

Mercury General (NYSE: MCY) berichtete über die Ergebnisse des 4. Quartals und des Geschäftsjahres 2024 und zeigt ein signifikantes Wachstum in den wichtigsten Kennzahlen. Die verdienten Nettoprämien stiegen im 4. Quartal 2024 um 18,1 % auf 1,35 Milliarden Dollar, während die verdienten Nettoprämien für das ganze Jahr um 18,7 % auf 5,08 Milliarden Dollar anstiegen. Der Nettogewinn des Unternehmens für das 4. Quartal 2024 betrug 101,1 Millionen Dollar (1,82 Dollar pro verwässerter Aktie), was einem Rückgang von 47,2 % im Vergleich zum 4. Quartal 2023 entspricht, während der Nettogewinn für das ganze Jahr um 385,8 % auf 468 Millionen Dollar gestiegen ist.

Die kombinierte Quote verbesserte sich im 4. Quartal 2024 auf 91,4 % von 98,6 % im 4. Quartal 2023. Das kalifornische Versicherungsministerium genehmigte eine Erhöhung der Tarife für die Hausbesitzerversicherung um 12 %, die ab März 2025 in Kraft tritt. Das Unternehmen erklärte außerdem eine vierteljährliche Dividende von 0,3175 Dollar pro Aktie, die am 27. März 2025 zahlbar ist.

Bemerkenswert ist, dass die Waldbrände im Januar 2025 in Südkalifornien voraussichtlich Schäden in Höhe von 1,6 bis 2,0 Milliarden Dollar verursachen werden, wobei die netten Katastrophenverluste vor Steuern zwischen 155 und 325 Millionen Dollar liegen.

Positive
  • Net premiums earned increased 18.7% to $5.08 billion for full-year 2024
  • Full-year net income surged 385.8% to $468 million
  • Combined ratio improved to 91.4% in Q4 2024 from 98.6%
  • 12% rate increase approved for California homeowners insurance
Negative
  • Q4 2024 net income decreased 47.2% to $101.1 million
  • January 2025 wildfires expected to cause $155-325 million in net catastrophe losses
  • Credit rating outlook changed to negative by Fitch and Moody's
  • Moody's downgraded financial strength rating from A2 to A3

Insights

The Q4 and FY2024 results reveal a company executing well operationally while facing significant catastrophic challenges. The 18.7% increase in annual net premiums earned to $5.07 billion demonstrates strong organic growth, while the improved combined ratio of 91.4% in Q4 (versus 98.6% prior year) reflects enhanced underwriting discipline. Operating income showed remarkable improvement, reaching $397.9 million for the full year, a 2,306.4% increase from 2023.

The January 2025 California wildfires present a material near-term challenge, with estimated gross losses of $1.6-2.0 billion. However, the company's robust reinsurance program provides $1.29 billion in coverage after the $150 million retention, effectively limiting net exposure. The $1 billion cash position provides adequate liquidity cushion for claims settlement.

Three critical factors warrant attention:

  • The recent DOI-approved 12% rate increase for California homeowners insurance, effective March 2025, should help offset rising loss costs, though implementation timing is important given the segment represents 16% of net premiums earned.
  • Rating actions by Fitch and Moody's, including the downgrade to A3 by Moody's, reflect concerns about reinsurance costs and California market conditions. This could impact capital costs and business flexibility.
  • The company's catastrophe reinsurance strategy, including the decision on whether to treat the wildfires as one or two events, will significantly influence Q1 2025 results. The potential reinstatement premiums of up to $101 million need careful management.

The strong operational performance provides a buffer against catastrophe losses, but the evolving California regulatory environment and increasing wildfire risks necessitate continued strategic adjustments. The company's reassessment of California wildfire risk and potential changes to underwriting criteria could lead to a more selective growth approach in this key market.

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury General Corporation (NYSE: MCY) reported today the fourth quarter and fiscal 2024 results:

Consolidated Highlights




Three Months Ended
December 31,


Change


Twelve Months Ended
December 31,


Change



2024


2023


$


%


2024


2023


$


%

(000's except per-share amounts and ratios)















Net premiums earned


$  1,352,101


$  1,144,895


$   207,206


18.1 %


$  5,075,456


$  4,274,378


$  801,078


18.7 %

Net premiums written (1)


$  1,314,933


$  1,132,150


$   182,783


16.1 %


$  5,378,310


$  4,464,199


$  914,111


20.5 %


















Net realized investment (losses) gains, net
of tax (2)


$      (52,823)


$     127,810


$  (180,633)


(141.3) %


$       70,050


$       79,801


$     (9,751)


(12.2) %

Net income


$     101,068


$     191,394


$    (90,326)


(47.2) %


$     467,953


$       96,336


$  371,617


385.8 %

Net income per diluted share


$           1.82


$           3.46


$        (1.64)


(47.4) %


$           8.45


$           1.74


$        6.71


385.6 %


















Operating income (1)


$     153,891


$       63,584


$     90,307


142.0 %


$     397,903


$       16,535


$  381,368


2,306.4 %

Operating income per diluted share (1)


$           2.78


$           1.15


$         1.63


141.7 %


$           7.19


$           0.30


$        6.89


2,296.7 %

Catastrophe losses net of reinsurance (3)


$       41,000


$       16,000


$     25,000


156.3 %


$     277,000


$     239,000


$    38,000


15.9 %

Combined ratio (4)


91.4 %


98.6 %



       (7.2) pts


96.0 %


105.4 %



       (9.4) pts

(1)       

These measures are not based on U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), are defined in "Information Regarding GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures" and are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in "Supplemental Schedules."

(2)         

Net realized investment (losses) gains before tax were $(67) million and $162 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $89 million and $101 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The changes in fair value of the Company's investments are recorded as part of net realized investment gains or losses in its consolidated statements of operations due to the adoption of the fair value option for its investments as permitted under GAAP.

(3)       

The  majority of 2024 catastrophe losses resulted from tornadoes, hailstorms and convective storms in Texas and Oklahoma, winter storms, rainstorms and wildfires in California, and the impact of Hurricane Helene in Florida and Georgia. The majority of 2023 catastrophe losses resulted from rainstorms and hail in Texas and Oklahoma, winter storms and rainstorms in California, and the impact of Tropical Storm Hilary in California.

(4)         

The Company experienced unfavorable development of approximately $8 million and favorable development of approximately $4 million on prior accident years' loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and unfavorable development of approximately $25 million and favorable development of approximately $36 million on prior accident years' loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The year-to-date unfavorable development in 2024 was primarily attributable to higher than estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses in the commercial automobile and commercial property lines of insurance business, partially offset by favorable reserve development in the private passenger automobile line of insurance business. The year-to-date favorable development in 2023 was primarily attributable to lower than estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses in the private passenger automobile and homeowners lines of insurance business, partially offset by unfavorable reserve development in the commercial property line of insurance business.

 

Investment Results




Three Months Ended
December 31,


Twelve Months Ended
December 31,



2024


2023


2024


2023

(000's except average annual yield)







Average invested assets at cost (1)


$    6,023,948


$  5,210,044


$   5,683,973


$     5,096,428

Net investment income (2)(3)









     Before income taxes


$         73,262


$       63,343


$      279,989


$        234,630

     After income taxes


$         61,491


$       53,638


$      235,419


$        200,209

Average annual yield on investments - after income taxes (2)(3)


3.7 %


3.8 %


3.8 %


3.7 %

(1)

Fixed maturities and short-term bonds at amortized cost; equities and other short-term investments at cost. Average invested assets at cost are based on the monthly amortized cost of the invested assets for each period.

(2)

Net investment income includes interest income earned on cash of approximately $6.9 million and $4.9 million  ($5.4 million and $3.9 million after tax) for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and approximately $25.5 million and $14.5 million ($20.2 million and $11.5 million after tax) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Average annual yield on investments does not include interest income earned on cash.

(3)

The higher net investment income before and after income taxes for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023 resulted largely from higher average invested assets and cash, partially offset by lower average yield. The higher net investment income before and after income taxes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023 resulted largely from higher average yield combined with higher average invested assets and cash. Average annual yield on investments after income taxes for the three months ended December 31, 2024 decreased compared to the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to lower yields on floating rate investments resulting from lower short-term market interest rates. Average annual yield on investments after income taxes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 increased compared to the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to the maturity and replacement of lower yielding investments purchased when market interest rates were lower with higher yielding investments.

The California Department of insurance ("DOI") approved a 12% rate increase on the California homeowners line of insurance business in January 2025. This rate increase is expected to become effective in March 2025. The California homeowners line of insurance business represented approximately 16% of the Company's total net premiums earned in 2024.

The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3175 per share. The dividend will be paid on March 27, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 13, 2025.

Information Regarding January 2025 California Wildfires

In January 2025, extreme wind-driven wildfires caused widespread damage across parts of Southern California, primarily in the communities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The wildfires are known as the Palisades and Eaton fires (collectively, the "Wildfires"). The Company is currently estimating gross catastrophe losses from the Wildfires before its share of FAIR plan losses in the range of $1.6 billion to $2.0 billion and net catastrophe losses before taxes in the range of $155 million to $325 million. The range in net catastrophe losses from the Wildfires is primarily based on the size of the gross loss, subrogation recoverability for the Eaton fire, and whether we choose to have the Wildfires be one or two events, as discussed in more detail below. These estimates are based on information known to date informed by historical claims settlement information from previous major wildfires to calculate estimated gross ultimate losses. Due to the scope of the recent Wildfires, the estimates may change as more information becomes available. The Company estimates that approximately 55% - 60% of the losses are from Palisades and 40% - 45% are from Eaton. The Company expects its underlying first quarter 2025 results, which exclude catastrophe losses, to partially offset the net catastrophe losses from the Wildfires.

The Company's catastrophe reinsurance program provides $1,290 million of limits on a per occurrence basis after covered catastrophe losses exceed the Company's retention of $150 million. The Company also has up to $20 million of coverage on a property excess of loss reinsurance treaty available to offset losses exceeding $5 million per property that attaches prior to the catastrophe limits, and the Company expects to use approximately $10 million to $20 million of those limits for wildfire claims. On the catastrophe reinsurance program, one percent of the reinsurance limit of the $650 million xs $650 million coverage layer was placed as parametric coverage that pays out based on industry insured values in pre-determined grids within the fire footprint and the Company's participation percentage within that grid.  The Company has determined that this portion of the reinsurance will not be eligible for recovery, and as such, $6.5 million of the $1,290 million of total limits does not qualify for the Eaton or Palisades fires.

The Company is engaged with legal counsel in the pursuit of subrogation, particularly on the Eaton fire. In several previous wildfire events caused by utility company equipment, we sold our subrogation rights, but we have not determined whether we will do so with the Eaton event.

The Company is a member of the California FAIR plan, a quasi-governmental fire insurer of last-resort, and, to the extent FAIR plan has losses exceeding its Capital and Reinsurance coverage, the FAIR plan can assess its member companies for the shortfall apportioned out based on each company's California market share. The FAIR plan had significant losses from the Wildfires, however the actual amount is not yet known. The Company's reinsurance allows for the Company's share of FAIR plan catastrophe losses to be included as reinsured losses. In addition, the California DOI allows for recoupment of a portion of the FAIR plan assessments via a surcharge to policyholders. Between the coverage afforded by reinsurance and the ability to recoup a portion of the assessment, the Company does not expect the FAIR plan assessment to materially add to the net wildfire losses from these events.

Catastrophe losses from the Wildfires, net of applicable reinsurance benefits, and if applicable, subrogation, will be recorded as part of losses and loss adjustment expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the three-month period ending March 31, 2025. To the extent that losses are reinsured, the reinsurance program calls for reinstatements of limits to cover future events. If the full $1,290 million limits are used up, then the total reinstatement premium would be $101 million. Reinstatement premiums will be charged evenly over the first and second quarters of 2025.

The Company's catastrophe reinsurance treaty allows for the combining of events that occur within a 150-mile radius as a single occurrence. Additionally, if each individual event is classified as its own catastrophic event by the Property Claims Service ("PCS"), a unit of the Insurance Services Office, each event can be considered a separate occurrence. In the case of the Palisades and Eaton wildfires, the PCS has designated each as a separate event. The Company has not yet determined if it will consider the Wildfires as two separate events. As more information becomes available to the Company, including any subrogation potential, the Company will evaluate whether it will consider the Wildfires as two separate events.

Under a single-occurrence scenario, the Company will retain the first $150 million in losses and up to $6.5 million of losses for parametric coverage not eligible for reinsurance coverage. Gross losses in excess of $1,440 million ($150 million retention plus $1,290 million reinsurance limit), if any, will be retained by the Company. In addition, the Company is responsible for up to $101 million in reinstatement premiums. Under a two-event scenario, the Company may elect to use reinsurance limits of up to $1,290 million for the first event and reinstated limits up to $1,238 million for the second event. In this scenario, the Company would be responsible for the first and second event retentions of $150 million each, up to $6.5 million of losses for parametric coverage not eligible for reinsurance coverage for the first event and co-participation in losses for the second event equal to 8% of losses in excess of $650 million up to $1,300 million. In addition, the Company would be responsible for up to $101 million in reinstatement premiums. The Company may seek to acquire additional reinsurance if reinstated limits are used by the second event, for the stub period ending on June 30, 2025, the expiration date of the current contract.

As of February 7, 2025, the Company has paid out $800 million related to the Wildfires, primarily for contents, dwelling limits and living expenses.  The Company has sent an initial billing to our reinsurers and has collected $500 million to date. The Company has over $1 billion in Cash and Short-term investments on-hand, sufficient liquidity to handle the increased demand for cash. The Company does not expect the impact from this event to result in any defaults under our revolving credit debt covenants. 

After the Wildfires, Fitch and Moody's placed the Company's ratings under negative outlook, with Fitch affirming the Company's financial strength rating of A- and Senior Debt Rating at BBB-, and Moody's downgrading the financial strength rating from A2 to A3 and Senior Debt rating from Baa2 to Baa3. The negative outlook from both agencies generally reflects the uncertainty around future reinsurance costs, potential for additional significant catastrophe events and the condition of the overall California homeowners insurance market. 

The Company is currently reassessing its view of California wildfire risk, which will factor in the recent wildfires and related updates to catastrophe models, availability and pricing of reinsurance, ability to obtain rates in a timely and sufficient manner to support writing homeowners business, risk acceptability for individual risks and risk tolerance for concentrations of risk.

The Company has supplied wildfire data that was requested by the California DOI. We expect there will continue to be requests for data. The California DOI has also issued a moratorium that requires companies to renew homeowners policies for a two-year period within the affected areas. The Company is complying with the data requests and moratorium.

The Company will also host a conference call on February 12, 2025 to discuss these wildfires and its reinsurance program as well as its results of operations.  

Mercury General Corporation and its subsidiaries are a multiple line insurance organization offering predominantly personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent producers and direct-to-consumer sales in many states. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.mercuryinsurance.com.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. Certain statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements based on the Company's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by the Company. Actual results may differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of the Company) and are subject to change based upon various factors, including but not limited to the following risks and uncertainties: changes in the demand for the Company's insurance products, inflation and general economic conditions, including general market risks associated with the Company's investment portfolio; the accuracy and adequacy of the Company's pricing methodologies; catastrophes in the markets served by the Company; uncertainties related to estimates, assumptions and projections generally; the possibility that actual loss experience may vary adversely from the actuarial estimates made to determine the Company's loss reserves in general; the Company's ability to obtain and the timing of the approval of premium rate changes for insurance policies issued in states where the Company operates; legislation adverse to the automobile insurance industry or business generally that may be enacted in the states where the Company operates; the Company's success in managing its business in non-California states; the presence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing and marketing efforts; the Company's ability to successfully allocate the resources used in the states with reduced or exited operations to its operations in other states; changes in driving patterns and loss trends; acts of war and terrorist activities; pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases; court decisions and trends in litigation and health care and auto repair costs; and legal, cyber security, regulatory and litigation risks. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a more detailed discussion of some of the foregoing risks and uncertainties, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OF OPERATING RESULTS
(000's except per-share amounts and ratios)
(unaudited)



Three Months Ended
December 31,


Twelve Months Ended
December 31,


2024


2023


2024


2023

Revenues:








     Net premiums earned

$    1,352,101


$ 1,144,895


$   5,075,456


$   4,274,378

     Net investment income

73,262


63,343


279,989


234,630

     Net realized investment (losses) gains

(66,865)


161,785


88,671


101,014

     Other

7,682


4,611


31,517


19,609

          Total revenues

$    1,366,180


$ 1,374,634


$   5,475,633


$   4,629,631

Expenses:








     Losses and loss adjustment expenses

925,394


866,772


3,684,511


3,517,853

     Policy acquisition costs

228,245


189,712


858,261


708,525

     Other operating expenses

81,506


72,433


327,157


279,656

     Interest

7,536


7,770


30,824


24,169

          Total expenses

$    1,242,681


$ 1,136,687


$   4,900,753


$   4,530,203









Income before income taxes

123,499


237,947


574,880


99,428

     Income tax expense

22,431


46,553


106,927


3,092

                    Net income

$       101,068


$    191,394


$      467,953


$        96,336









Basic average shares outstanding

55,378


55,371


55,373


55,371

Diluted average shares outstanding

55,382


55,371


55,377


55,371









Basic Per Share Data








Net income

$            1.83


$          3.46


$            8.45


$            1.74

Net realized investment (losses) gains, net of tax

$           (0.95)


$          2.31


$            1.27


$            1.44









Diluted Per Share Data








Net income

$            1.82


$          3.46


$            8.45


$            1.74

Net realized investment (losses) gains, net of tax

$           (0.95)


$          2.31


$            1.26


$            1.44









Operating Ratios-GAAP Basis








Loss ratio

68.4 %


75.7 %


72.6 %


82.3 %

Expense ratio

22.9 %


22.9 %


23.4 %


23.1 %

Combined ratio (a)

91.4 %


98.6 %


96.0 %


105.4 %

 (a)   

Combined ratio for the three months ended December 31, 2024 does not sum due to rounding.

 

MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS AND OTHER INFORMATION

(000's except per-share amounts and ratios)



December 31, 2024


December 31, 2023


(unaudited)



ASSETS




Investments, at fair value:




     Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost $4,982,459; $4,394,983)

$             4,913,378


$              4,319,336

     Equity securities (cost $795,068; $654,939)

879,175


730,693

     Short-term investments (cost $283,792; $179,375)

283,817


178,491

          Total investments

6,076,370


5,228,520

Cash

720,257


550,903

Receivables:




     Premiums

697,176


607,025

           Allowance for credit losses on premiums receivable

(6,400)


(5,300)

                   Premiums receivable, net of allowance for credit losses

690,776


601,725

     Accrued investment income

67,630


59,128

     Other

62,118


25,603

          Total receivables

820,524


686,456

Reinsurance recoverables (net of allowance for credit losses $0; $12)

28,613


31,947

Deferred policy acquisition costs

335,332


293,844

Fixed assets, net

138,177


151,183

Operating lease right-of-use assets

13,407


14,406

Current income taxes


4,081

Deferred income taxes

45,854


33,013

Goodwill

42,796


42,796

Other intangible assets, net

7,682


8,333

Other assets

81,620


57,915

          Total assets

$             8,310,632


$              7,103,397





LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY




Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

$             3,152,031


$              2,785,702

Unearned premiums

2,039,830


1,735,660

Notes payable

574,128


573,729

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

242,118


175,219

Operating lease liabilities

13,580


14,231

Current income taxes

20,752


Other liabilities

321,669


270,711

Shareholders' equity

1,946,524


1,548,145

          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$             8,310,632


$              7,103,397





OTHER INFORMATION




Common stock shares outstanding

55,389


55,371

Book value per share

$35.14


$27.96

Statutory surplus (a)

            $2.03 billion


             $1.67 billion

Net premiums written to surplus ratio (a)

2.65


2.68

Debt to total capital ratio (b)

22.8 %


27.1 %

Portfolio duration (including all short-term instruments) (a)(c)

                3.4 years


                 3.0 years

Policies-in-force (company-wide "PIF") (a)




     Personal Auto PIF

1,019


1,032

     Homeowners PIF

852


760

     Commercial Auto PIF

39


42

(a)   

Unaudited.

(b)   

Debt to Debt plus Shareholders' Equity (Debt at face value).

(c)     

Modified duration reflecting anticipated early calls.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULES








(000's except per-share amounts and ratios)

(unaudited)









Three Months Ended December 31,


Twelve Months Ended December 31,


2024


2023


2024


2023









Reconciliations of Comparable GAAP Measures to Operating Measures (a)











Net premiums earned

$           1,352,101


$          1,144,895


$        5,075,456


$        4,274,378

Change in net unearned premiums

(37,168)


(12,745)


302,854


189,821

Net premiums written

$           1,314,933


$          1,132,150


$        5,378,310


$        4,464,199









Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses

$              925,394


$             866,772


$        3,684,511


$        3,517,853

Change in net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

(79,828)


(56,348)


(369,831)


(193,967)

Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses

$              845,566


$             810,424


$        3,314,680


$        3,323,886









Net income

$              101,068


$             191,394


$           467,953


$             96,336

Less: Net realized investment (losses) gains

(66,865)


161,785


88,671


101,014

         Tax on net realized investment (losses) gains (b)

(14,042)


33,975


18,621


21,213

             Net realized investment (losses) gains, net of tax

(52,823)


127,810


70,050


79,801

Operating income

$              153,891


$               63,584


$           397,903


$             16,535









Per diluted share:








Net income

$                    1.82


$                   3.46


$                 8.45


$                 1.74

Less: Net realized investment (losses) gains , net of tax

(0.95)


2.31


1.26


1.44

Operating income (c)

$                    2.78


$                   1.15


$                 7.19


$                 0.30









Combined ratio





96.0 %


105.4 %

Effect of estimated prior periods' loss development





(0.5) %


0.8 %

Combined ratio-accident period basis





95.5 %


106.2 %

(a)

   See "Information Regarding GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures." 

(b) 

   Based on federal statutory rate of 21%.

(c)   

   Operating income per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2024 does not sum due to rounding.

Information Regarding GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures

The Company has presented information within this document containing operating measures which in management's opinion provide investors with useful, industry specific information to help them evaluate, and perform meaningful comparisons of, the Company's performance, but that may not be presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures are not intended to replace, and should be read in conjunction with, the GAAP financial results.

Net income (loss) is the GAAP measure that is most directly comparable to operating income (loss). Operating income (loss) is net income (loss) excluding realized investment gains and losses, net of tax. Operating income (loss) is used by management along with the other components of net income (loss) to assess the Company's performance. Management uses operating income (loss) as an important measure to evaluate the results of the Company's insurance business. Management believes that operating income (loss) provides investors with a valuable measure of the Company's ongoing performance as it reveals trends in the Company's insurance business that may be obscured by the effect of net realized investment gains and losses. Realized investment gains and losses may vary significantly between periods and are generally driven by external economic developments such as capital market conditions. Accordingly, operating income (loss) highlights the results from ongoing operations and the underlying profitability of the Company's core insurance business. Operating income (loss), which is provided as supplemental information and should not be considered as a substitute for net income (loss), does not reflect the overall profitability of the Company's business. It should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial results. See "Supplemental Schedules" above for a reconciliation of net income (loss) to operating income (loss).

Net premiums earned, the most directly comparable GAAP measure to net premiums written, represents the portion of premiums written that is recognized as revenue in the financial statements for the periods presented and earned on a pro-rata basis over the term of the policies. Net premiums written is a statutory financial measure which represents the premiums charged on policies issued during a fiscal period less any applicable reinsurance.  Net premiums written is designed to determine production levels and is meant as supplemental information and not intended to replace net premiums earned. Such information should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial results. See "Supplemental Schedules" above for a reconciliation of net premiums earned to net premiums written.

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to paid losses and loss adjustment expenses. Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses excludes the effects of changes in the loss reserve accounts. Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses is provided as supplemental information and is not intended to replace incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses. It should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial results. See "Supplemental Schedules" above for a reconciliation of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to paid losses and loss adjustment expenses.

Combined ratio is the most directly comparable measure to combined ratio-accident period basis. Combined ratio-accident period basis is computed as the difference between two GAAP operating ratios: the combined ratio and prior accident periods' loss development ratio. Management believes that combined ratio-accident period basis is useful to investors and it is used to reveal the trends in the Company's results of operations that may be obscured by development on prior accident periods' loss reserves. Combined ratio-accident period basis is meant as supplemental information and is not intended to replace the GAAP combined ratio. It should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial results. See "Supplemental Schedules" above for a reconciliation of GAAP combined ratio to combined ratio-accident period basis. 

Mercury General Corporation logo (PRNewsFoto/Mercury General Corporation) (PRNewsFoto/Mercury General Corporation)

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SOURCE Mercury General Corporation

FAQ

What was Mercury General's (MCY) net income for Q4 2024?

Mercury General reported a net income of $101.1 million ($1.82 per diluted share) for Q4 2024, down 47.2% from Q4 2023.

How much will MCY's California homeowners insurance rates increase in 2025?

The California Department of Insurance approved a 12% rate increase for Mercury General's California homeowners insurance, effective March 2025.

What is the estimated impact of January 2025 wildfires on MCY?

The January 2025 wildfires are estimated to cause gross catastrophe losses of $1.6-2.0 billion, with net catastrophe losses before taxes ranging from $155-325 million.

How did MCY's combined ratio change in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023?

The combined ratio improved to 91.4% in Q4 2024 from 98.6% in Q4 2023, showing better operational efficiency.

What dividend did MCY declare for Q1 2025?

Mercury General declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3175 per share, payable on March 27, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 13, 2025.

Mercury General

NYSE:MCY

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2.90B
26.52M
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43.69%
3.14%
Insurance - Property & Casualty
Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance
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United States
LOS ANGELES