United Fire Group, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2024 Results
United Fire Group, Inc. reported a net income of $13.5 million ($0.52 per diluted share) and adjusted operating income of $0.56 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2024. The company saw growth in net premiums written, with a 17.6% increase compared to the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, the GAAP combined ratio improved to 98.9%, with a loss ratio of 64.0% and an underwriting expense ratio of 34.9%. Net investment income increased by 28.5% to $16.3 million. Book value per common share increased to $29.13 as of March 31, 2024.
Net premiums written increased by 17.6% compared to the first quarter of 2023.
GAAP combined ratio improved to 98.9%, with a loss ratio of 64.0% and an underwriting expense ratio of 34.9%.
Net investment income rose by 28.5% to $16.3 million.
Book value per common share increased to $29.13 as of March 31, 2024.
Loss ratio components included an underlying loss ratio of 59.4% and a catastrophe loss ratio of 4.6%.
Prior period reserve development was neutral overall compared to the prior year period.
Investment expense increased by $0.2 million.
Insights
First Quarter Net Income of
First quarter 2024 highlights:
- Net income of
$13.5 million increased compared to the first quarter of 2023, driven by underwriting income and higher investment income. - Net premiums written(1) of
$321.3 million increased17.6% compared to the first quarter of 2023. - GAAP combined ratio of
98.9% , including a loss ratio of64.0% and underwriting expense ratio of34.9% , improved 4.5 points compared to the first quarter of 2023. Underlying combined ratio is94.3% (2). - Loss ratio components include underlying loss ratio(3) of
59.4% and catastrophe loss ratio of4.6% , with no prior year reserve development. - Net investment income of
$16.3 million increased28.5% compared to the first quarter of 2023. - Book value per common share increased
$0.09 t o$29.13 as of March 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, May 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Fire Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “UFG”) (Nasdaq: UFCS) today reported financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 (the “first quarter of 2024”) with a consolidated net income of
“I am pleased with our first quarter results as net income increased to
“The momentum we established in 2023 carried into the first quarter of 2024 as net written premium grew
“The first quarter GAAP combined ratio improved 4.5 points to
“Net investment income increased
“Throughout 2024, we will continue to focus on the strategic execution of our business plan to drive continued improvement in performance.”
(1) Net premiums written is a performance measure reflecting the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. See Certain Performance Measures for additional information.
(2) Underlying combined ratio is defined as the GAAP combined ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
(3) Underlying loss ratio is defined as the net loss ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior year reserve development. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
Consolidated Financial Highlights:
| Consolidated Financial Highlights | |||||||
| (unaudited) | Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 280,859 | $ | 256,127 | |||
| Net premiums written | 321,271 | 273,268 | |||||
| GAAP Combined Ratio: | |||||||
| Net loss ratio | 64.0 | % | 68.2 | % | |||
| Underwriting expense ratio | 34.9 | % | 35.2 | % | |||
| GAAP combined ratio | 98.9 | % | 103.4 | % | |||
| Additional Ratios: | |||||||
| Net loss ratio | 64.0 | % | 68.2 | % | |||
| Catastrophes-effect on net loss ratio(1) | 4.6 | % | 4.6 | % | |||
| Reserve development-effect on net loss ratio(1) | — | % | 0.1 | % | |||
| Underlying loss ratio(1) (non-GAAP) | 59.4 | % | 63.5 | % | |||
| Underwriting expense ratio | 34.9 | % | 35.2 | % | |||
| Underlying combined ratio(2) (non-GAAP) | 94.3 | % | 98.7 | % | |||
| Net investment income, net of investment expenses | $ | 16,342 | $ | 12,722 | |||
| Net investment gains (losses) | (1,202 | ) | (1,745 | ) | |||
| Other income (loss)(3) | (1,914 | ) | (2,370 | ) | |||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 13,502 | $ | 694 | |||
| Adjusted operating income (loss)(4) | 14,452 | 2,073 | |||||
| Net income (loss) per diluted share | $ | 0.52 | $ | 0.03 | |||
| Adjusted operating income (loss) per diluted share(4) | 0.56 | 0.08 | |||||
| Return on equity(5) | 7.3 | % | 0.4 | % | |||
(1) Underlying loss ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined as the net loss ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
(2) Underlying combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined as the GAAP combined ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information.
(3) Other income (loss) is comprised of Other income (loss), Interest expense and other non-underwriting expenses.
(4) Adjusted operating income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure of net income excluding net investment gains and losses, after applicable taxes. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for additional information and a reconciliation of adjusted operating income (loss) to net income.
(5) Return on equity is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average stockholders’ equity, which is calculated using a simple average of the beginning and ending balances for the period.
Total Property & Casualty Underwriting Results
First quarter 2024 results:
(All comparisons vs. first quarter 2023, unless noted otherwise)
Growth in net premiums written accelerated in the first quarter of 2024, increasing by
The GAAP combined ratio for the first quarter of 2024 was
Investment Results
First quarter 2024 results:
(All comparisons vs. first quarter 2023, unless noted otherwise)
Net investment income was
| Investment Results | |||||||
| (unaudited) | Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (In Thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Investment income: | |||||||
| Interest on fixed maturities | $ | 15,160 | $ | 13,297 | |||
| Dividends on equity securities | $ | 341 | $ | 1,243 | |||
| Income (loss) on other long-term investments | $ | (242 | ) | $ | (1,080 | ) | |
| Other | $ | 3,898 | $ | 1,860 | |||
| Total investment income | $ | 19,157 | $ | 15,320 | |||
| Less investment expenses | $ | 2,815 | $ | 2,598 | |||
| Net investment income | $ | 16,342 | $ | 12,722 | |||
| Average yields: | |||||||
| Fixed income securities: | |||||||
| Pre-tax(1) | 3.57 | % | 3.26 | % | |||
(1) Fixed income securities yield excluding net unrealized investment gains/losses and expenses.
Balance Sheet
| Balance Sheet | |||||||
| (In Thousands) | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||
| Invested assets | $ | 1,729,748 | $ | 1,886,494 | |||
| Cash | 217,785 | 102,046 | |||||
| Total assets | 3,244,635 | 3,144,190 | |||||
| Losses and loss settlement expenses | 1,690,885 | 1,638,755 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 2,507,869 | 2,410,445 | |||||
| Net unrealized investment gains (losses), after-tax | (73,707 | ) | (66,967 | ) | |||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 736,766 | 733,745 | |||||
| Book value per share | $ | 29.13 | $ | 29.04 | |||
Total consolidated assets as of March 31, 2024 were
Capital Management
During the first quarter of 2024, the Company declared and paid a
Earnings Call Access Information
An earnings call will be held at 9:00 a.m. CT on May 8, 2024, to allow securities analysts, shareholders and other interested parties the opportunity to hear management discuss the Company’s first quarter of 2024 results.
Teleconference: Dial-in information for the call is toll-free 1-844-492-3723 (international 1-412-542-4184). The event will be archived and available for digital replay through May 15, 2024. The replay access information is toll-free 1-877-344-7529 (international 1-412-317-0088); conference ID no. 2802518.
Webcast: An audio webcast of the teleconference can be accessed at the Company’s investor relations page at https://ir.ufginsurance.com/event/ or https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=MTeVv1hy. The archived audio webcast will be available until May 15, 2024.
Transcript: A transcript of the teleconference will be available on the Company’s website soon after the completion of the teleconference.
About UFG
Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, UFG, through its insurance company subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance.
Through our subsidiaries, we are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, and we are represented by approximately 1,000 independent agencies. A.M. Best Company assigns a rating of “A-” (Excellent) for members of the United Fire & Casualty Group. For more information about UFG, visit www.ufginsurance.com.
Contact:
Investor Relations
Email: ir@unitedfiregroup.com
Media Inquiries
Email: news@unitedfiregroup.com
Disclosure of Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the Company, the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as “expect(s),” “anticipate(s),” “intend(s),” “plan(s),” “believe(s),” “continue(s),” “seek(s),” “estimate(s),” “goal(s),” “remain(s) optimistic,” “target(s),” “forecast(s),” “project(s),” “predict(s),” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “hope,” “can” and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“2023 Annual Report”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 29, 2024. The risks identified in our 2023 Annual Report and in our other SEC filings are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release or as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, future dividend payments are within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on numerous factors, including our financial condition, our capital requirements and other factors that our Board of Directors considers relevant.
Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures
The Company prepares its public financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Management also uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate its operations and profitability. As further explained below, management believes that disclosure of certain non-GAAP financial measures enhances investor understanding of our financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in this report include: adjusted operating income, underlying loss ratio, and underlying combined ratio. The Company has provided the following definitions and reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures:
Adjusted operating income: Adjusted operating income is calculated by excluding net investment gains and losses, after applicable federal and state income taxes from net income (loss). Management believes adjusted operating income is a meaningful measure for evaluating insurance company performance and a useful supplement to GAAP information because it better represents the normal, ongoing performance of our business. Investors and equity analysts who invest in and report on the insurance industry and the Company generally focus on this metric in their analyses.
| Net Income Reconciliation | |||||||
| (unaudited) | Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (In Thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Income Statement Data | |||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 13,502 | $ | 694 | |||
| Less: after-tax net investment gains (losses) | (950 | ) | (1,379 | ) | |||
| Adjusted operating income (loss) | $ | 14,452 | $ | 2,073 | |||
| Diluted Earnings Per Share Data | |||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 0.52 | $ | 0.03 | |||
| Less: after-tax net investment gains (losses) | (0.04 | ) | (0.05 | ) | |||
| Adjusted operating income (loss) | $ | 0.56 | $ | 0.08 | |||
Underlying loss ratio and underlying combined ratio: Underlying loss ratio represents the net loss ratio less the impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. The underlying combined ratio represents the GAAP combined ratio less the impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. The Company believes that the underlying loss ratio and underlying combined ratio are meaningful measures to understand the underlying trends in the core business in the current accident year, removing the volatility of prior period impacts and catastrophes. Management believes separate discussions on catastrophe losses and prior period reserve development are important to understanding how the Company is managing catastrophe risk and in identifying developments in longer-tailed business.
Prior period reserve development is the increase (unfavorable) or decrease (favorable) in incurred loss and loss adjustment expense reserves at the valuation dates for losses which occurred in previous calendar years. This measure excludes development on catastrophe losses.
Catastrophe losses is an operational measure which utilizes the designations of the Insurance Services Office (“ISO”) and is reported with losses and loss adjustment expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables, unless specified otherwise. In addition to ISO catastrophes, we also include as catastrophes those events (“non-ISO catastrophes”), which may include U.S. or international losses, that we believe are, or will be, material to our operations, either in amount or in number of claims made. Catastrophes are not predictable and are unique in terms of timing and financial impact. While management estimates catastrophe losses as incurred, due to the inherently unique nature of catastrophe losses, the impact in a reporting period is inclusive of catastrophes that occurred in the reporting period, as well as development on catastrophes that may have occurred in prior periods.
Certain Performance Measure
The Company uses the following measure to evaluate its financial performance. Management believes a discussion of this measure provides financial statement users with a better understanding of the Company’s results of operations. The Company has provided the following definition:
Net premiums written: Net premiums written is frequently used by industry analysts and other recognized reporting sources to facilitate comparisons of the performance of insurance companies. Net premiums written is the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. Management believes net premiums written is a meaningful measure for evaluating insurance company sales performance and geographical expansion efforts. Net premiums written for an insurance company consists of direct premiums written and premiums assumed, less premiums ceded. Net premiums earned is calculated on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premium reserves are established for the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the insurance policies in force. The difference between net premiums earned and net premiums written is the change in unearned premiums and the change in prepaid reinsurance premiums.
Supplemental Tables
| Income Statement | |||||||
| (unaudited) | Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (In Thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Revenues | |||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 280,859 | $ | 256,127 | |||
| Investment income, net of investment expenses | 16,342 | 12,722 | |||||
| Net investment gains (losses) | (1,202 | ) | (1,745 | ) | |||
| Other income (loss) | — | — | |||||
| Total Revenues | $ | 295,999 | $ | 267,104 | |||
| Benefits, Losses and Expenses | |||||||
| Losses and loss settlement expenses | $ | 179,646 | $ | 174,597 | |||
| Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs | 65,690 | 59,835 | |||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 32,465 | 30,303 | |||||
| Interest expense | 859 | 797 | |||||
| Other non-underwriting expenses | 1,055 | 1,573 | |||||
| Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses | $ | 279,715 | $ | 267,105 | |||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 16,284 | $ | (1 | ) | ||
| Federal income tax expense (benefit) | 2,782 | (695 | ) | ||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 13,502 | $ | 694 | |||
| Net Premiums Written by Line of Business | |||||||
| (unaudited) | Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (In Thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net Premiums Written(1) | |||||||
| Commercial lines: | |||||||
| Other liability(2) | $ | 89,862 | $ | 79,829 | |||
| Fire and allied lines(3) | 70,653 | 62,029 | |||||
| Automobile | 74,841 | 59,279 | |||||
| Workers’ compensation | 17,080 | 13,364 | |||||
| Surety(4) | 14,858 | 15,401 | |||||
| Miscellaneous | 2,130 | 319 | |||||
| Total commercial lines | $ | 269,424 | $ | 230,221 | |||
| Personal lines: | |||||||
| Fire and allied lines(5) | $ | 4,876 | $ | 1,496 | |||
| Automobile | — | — | |||||
| Miscellaneous | 2 | 5 | |||||
| Total personal lines | $ | 4,878 | $ | 1,501 | |||
| Assumed reinsurance | 46,969 | 41,547 | |||||
| Total | $ | 321,271 | $ | 273,268 | |||
(1) Net premiums written is a performance measure reflecting the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. See Certain Performance Measures for additional information.
(2) Commercial lines “Other liability” is business insurance covering bodily injury and property damage arising from general business operations, accidents on the insured’s premises and products manufactured or sold.
(3) Commercial lines “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, commercial multiple peril and inland marine.
(4) Commercial lines “Surety” previously referred to as “Fidelity and surety.”
(5) Personal lines “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, homeowners and inland marine.
| Net Premiums Earned, Net Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses and Net Loss Ratio by Line of Business | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net Losses | Net Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| and Loss | and Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net | Settlement | Net | Net | Settlement | Net | ||||||||||||||||
| (In Thousands, Except Ratios) | Premiums | Expenses | Loss | Premiums | Expenses | Loss | |||||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | Earned | Incurred | Ratio | Earned | Incurred | Ratio | |||||||||||||||
| Commercial lines | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other liability | $ | 80,397 | $ | 62,022 | 77.1 | % | $ | 78,405 | $ | 52,844 | 67.4 | % | |||||||||
| Fire and allied lines | 62,410 | 35,620 | 57.1 | 56,466 | 45,881 | 81.3 | |||||||||||||||
| Automobile | 56,509 | 42,938 | 76.0 | 48,972 | 36,781 | 75.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Workers’ compensation | 12,427 | 6,218 | 50.0 | 13,245 | 8,051 | 60.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Surety | 14,904 | 3,558 | 23.9 | 11,946 | 1,221 | 10.2 | |||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | 1,567 | 842 | 53.7 | 265 | 137 | 51.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Total commercial lines | $ | 228,214 | $ | 151,198 | 66.3 | % | $ | 209,299 | $ | 144,915 | 69.2 | % | |||||||||
| Personal lines | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fire and allied lines | $ | 4,895 | $ | 3,734 | 76.3 | % | $ | 1,952 | $ | 2,186 | 112.0 | % | |||||||||
| Automobile | — | (9 | ) | NM | — | (254 | ) | NM | |||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | 3 | (38 | ) | NM | 7 | (46 | ) | NM | |||||||||||||
| Total personal lines | $ | 4,898 | $ | 3,687 | 75.3 | % | $ | 1,959 | $ | 1,886 | 96.3 | % | |||||||||
| Assumed reinsurance | 47,747 | 24,761 | 51.9 | 44,869 | 27,796 | 61.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 280,859 | $ | 179,646 | 64.0 | % | $ | 256,127 | $ | 174,597 | 68.2 | % | |||||||||
NM = Not meaningful
FAQ
What was United Fire Group, Inc.'s net income for the first quarter of 2024?
How much did net premiums written increase by in the first quarter of 2024?
What was the GAAP combined ratio for United Fire Group, Inc. in the first quarter of 2024?
What was the increase in net investment income for United Fire Group, Inc. in the first quarter of 2024?
How much did the book value per common share increase by as of March 31, 2024?
