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Skyward Specialty Insurance (SKWD) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Financial Performance - The company's total assets increased to 3.73billionin2024,upfrom3.73 billion in 2024, up from 2.95 billion in 2023, indicating a growth of approximately 26.3%[337]. - The company's total liabilities rose to 2.94billionin2024,comparedto2.94 billion in 2024, compared to 2.29 billion in 2023, representing an increase of about 28.8%[337]. - Stockholders' equity increased to 794millionin2024,upfrom794 million in 2024, up from 661 million in 2023, marking a growth of approximately 20.1%[337]. - The company's cash and cash equivalents grew to 121.6millionin2024,comparedto121.6 million in 2024, compared to 65.9 million in 2023, reflecting an increase of about 84.5%[337]. - Premiums receivable, net, increased to 321.6millionin2024from321.6 million in 2024 from 179.2 million in 2023, showing a growth of approximately 79.5%[337]. - The company's total investments reached 1.87billionin2024,upfrom1.87 billion in 2024, up from 1.61 billion in 2023, indicating an increase of approximately 15.9%[337]. - Net earned premiums increased to 1,056,722thousandin2024,up27.41,056,722 thousand in 2024, up 27.4% from 829,143 thousand in 2023[339]. - Total revenues reached 1,150,200thousandin2024,a301,150,200 thousand in 2024, a 30% increase compared to 885,969 thousand in 2023[339]. - Net income attributable to common stockholders rose to 118,828thousandin2024,representinga40.7118,828 thousand in 2024, representing a 40.7% increase from 84,307 thousand in 2023[339]. - Basic earnings per share improved to 2.97in2024,comparedto2.97 in 2024, compared to 2.34 in 2023, reflecting a 27% increase[339]. - Comprehensive income for 2024 was 119,661thousand,upfrom119,661 thousand, up from 106,516 thousand in 2023[342]. Risk Management - The company regularly reviews its loss reserves using various actuarial techniques, which can impact earnings through adverse development or reserve releases[103]. - The company actively manages investment risk to balance stable growth and liquidity while complying with insurance regulatory frameworks[105]. - The company faces credit risk associated with brokers, as premiums collected by brokers may not be remitted, potentially affecting underwriting profits[127]. - The company may experience increased claims frequency and severity due to economic factors, including inflation and social inflation, impacting profitability[139]. - The company strategically purchases reinsurance to protect capital from severe events, but may face challenges in obtaining reinsurance on acceptable terms[132]. - The company is exposed to risks from severe weather conditions and climate change, which could adversely affect financial results[147]. - The company faces significant risks from catastrophes, with losses dependent on the frequency and severity of insured events and total insured exposure[148]. - The company is exposed to pandemic-related risks, including potential challenges to policy exclusions for virus-related claims[149]. - The company must accurately assess risks to establish adequate loss reserves, which are subject to uncertainties and may change over time[135]. - The company faces intense competition in the specialty lines property & casualty insurance market, influenced by pricing, reputation, and relationships with brokers[124]. Regulatory Compliance - The company is subject to extensive insurance regulations, which may impact its ability to achieve business objectives and could result in penalties for non-compliance[121]. - Regulatory compliance is critical, with potential penalties for non-compliance that could adversely affect financial condition and operations[168]. - Compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires substantial accounting expenses and management efforts, impacting operational focus[196]. - The company may incur increased costs due to public company compliance requirements, which could affect financial reporting reliability[195]. - The company must maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures to comply with SEC requirements, which may not prevent all errors or fraud[197]. Investment Strategy - The investment portfolio is predominantly composed of cash and cash equivalents and investment-grade fixed-maturity securities, aimed at generating stable returns[105]. - The Investment Committee meets quarterly to review investment activities and strategies, ensuring alignment with the company's financial goals[106]. - The investment portfolio's performance is influenced by interest rate changes, with rising rates potentially leading to declines in fixed income securities[161]. - The company limits credit exposure with any one financial institution or issuer, maintaining a diversified investment portfolio across various industries and regions[384]. - The company’s investment strategy includes parameters to manage market and credit risks, but significant losses may still occur[165]. Organizational Structure - The company operates through four main insurance subsidiaries, with a restructured organizational framework effective December 31, 2024, to enhance operational efficiency[108]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company had approximately 580 employees and aims to create a diverse and inclusive workplace culture[117]. - The company has a captive reinsurance subsidiary, Skyward Re, which manages net reserves related to retroactive reinsurance contracts[348]. Internal Controls - The company reported a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, related to ineffective implementation of IT general controls[320]. - The company has maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as per the audit opinion, despite the identified material weakness[328]. - Any deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting could impede timely and accurate SEC filings, negatively impacting investor confidence[200]. Future Outlook - The company has experienced rapid growth in recent years, but future revenue growth may not be consistent with historical rates due to various operational challenges[188]. - Future capital requirements may necessitate raising additional funds, which could be unavailable or only available on unfavorable terms, potentially affecting the company's growth[180]. - The company does not intend to declare and pay cash dividends on common stock in the foreseeable future, as its ability to do so depends on cash dividends from its insurance subsidiaries[177]. Taxation - The company has approximately $44.7 million in gross federal income tax net operating losses (NOLs) available to offset future taxable income, set to expire beginning in 2032[175]. - The company may face limitations on utilizing NOLs if an "ownership change" occurs, defined as a greater than 50% change in equity ownership over a rolling three-year period[176]. - Changes in U.S. tax laws and potential reforms could have a significant negative impact on the company's business and overall economy[173]. Technology and Cybersecurity - The company is subject to risks related to cybersecurity, including potential data breaches and operational disruptions, which could adversely affect its business[182]. - The company anticipates continued reliance on third-party software, which may involve significant costs and integration challenges[192]. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) - Increased public focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters may impact the company's reputation and demand for its products[154].