NI Holdings, Inc. - NODK STOCK NEWS

AM Best has revised the outlook for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of Nodak Insurance Group and NI Holdings, Inc. from stable to negative, while affirming their Financial Strength Ratings (FSR) of A (Excellent). The revision reflects a deterioration in operating results due to higher catastrophe losses and inflation-driven severity over the past two years, leading to an increased combined ratio of 118.5% in 2022 and a nearly 20% decline in policyholders' surplus. Management's strategies to mitigate volatility include rate adjustments, aggressive re-underwriting, and stricter risk acceptance. Despite these efforts, the potential for further downgrades remains if performance does not improve.

NI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NODK) reported its year-end results for 2022, highlighting significant growth in direct written premiums, which surged by 13.9% to $389.7 million. The company’s non-standard auto segment led this growth, increasing by 26.8%. Net earned premiums also rose by 9.6%. However, the combined ratio deteriorated to 119.9% from 104.3%, primarily due to soaring loss costs attributed to inflation and heightened catastrophe events, resulting in total pre-tax catastrophe losses of $68.5 million. The net income attributable to NI Holdings dropped 85.5%, indicating a challenging year amidst adverse market conditions.

NI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NODK) reported its third quarter results for 2022, revealing a 17.8% increase in direct written premiums, totaling $81.1 million, and a 9.0% rise in net earned premiums to $89.5 million. However, the combined ratio worsened to 114.4% from 110.8%, impacted by $19.6 million in catastrophe losses and $2.9 million in net investment losses. The company faced a loss per share of $0.47, compared to $0.22 the previous year. Despite these challenges, NI Holdings repurchased 62,175 shares at an average price of $15.11.

NI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NODK) reported a significant net loss of $45.9 million for the second quarter of 2022, a stark increase from a loss of $2.6 million in the same period last year. Direct written premiums rose by 15.5% to $144.96 million, driven primarily by growth in the Crop, Commercial, and Non-Standard Auto segments. The underwriting loss reached $50.3 million, due largely to $49.1 million in pre-tax catastrophe losses, significantly higher than the previous year's $10 million. Total shareholders' equity fell by 21.5% to $272.6 million, attributed to rising interest rates and market conditions.

NI Holdings (NASDAQ: NODK) reported pre-tax catastrophe losses of approximately $49 million for Q2 2022, primarily in the Home/Farm and Private Passenger Auto segments due to severe storms in South Dakota and Nebraska. CEO Michael J. Alexander emphasized the company's commitment to high-quality claims service despite uncertainties regarding the total number of claims. The company will announce its full second quarter financial results after market close on August 4, 2022.

NI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NODK) announced a new stock repurchase authorization of up to $10 million, aimed at enhancing shareholder value. This plan adds to the $2 million remaining from a previous buyback, totaling approximately $12 million available for repurchase. The timing and amount of shares repurchased will be determined by market conditions and company discretion. As of April 30, 2022, NI Holdings had 21,235,174 shares outstanding. This initiative reflects the company’s strategic approach to capital deployment aimed at creating long-term value.

NI Holdings reported Q1 2022 results with net income of $1.9 million ($0.09 per share), a significant decline from $9.7 million ($0.45 per share) in Q1 2021. The return on average equity dropped to 2.3% from 11.2% due to reduced unrealized investment gains amid unfavorable market conditions. However, direct written premiums grew by 4.3%, totaling $75.5 million, and total underwriting gains increased by 20.9% to $6.1 million. Despite strong underwriting performance, total shareholders’ equity decreased by 4.4% to $332.3 million, attributed to rising interest rates affecting their fixed income portfolio.

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (ICR) of 'a+' for members of Nodak Insurance Group, alongside a 'bbb+' rating for NI Holdings, Inc. The outlook for these ratings is stable. Nodak’s strong balance sheet strength and operating performance were highlighted, with significant capitalization and consistent reserving trends. The group operates in 17 states, maintaining a neutral business profile while expanding geographically. Nodak’s enterprise risk management is deemed appropriate.