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Palomar(PLMR) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-05 17:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved exceptional top line growth of 29%, with a 45% increase on a same-store basis, and adjusted net income increased by 52% year over year [5][26] - The adjusted combined ratio was 73%, with an adjusted return on equity of 24% [5][27] - Gross written premiums for the second quarter were $496.3 million, a 29% increase compared to the prior year [27] - Net earned premiums increased by 47% to $180 million [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The earthquake franchise saw gross written premium growth of 9% year over year, with a focus on residential earthquake insurance [9][10] - Inland marine and other property categories grew by 28%, driven by a diversified mix of residential and commercial lines [12] - Casualty gross written premium increased by 119% year over year, with strong performance in E and S casualty business [15] - Crop insurance generated $39 million in written premium, significantly up from $2.2 million in the prior year [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted increased competition in the commercial earthquake market, particularly in large accounts, which saw average rate decreases above 20% [11] - The residential earthquake book maintained a high policy retention rate of 87% and a 10% inflation guard [10] - The Hawaii hurricane line grew by 39%, reflecting rate increases on the held book [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a balanced portfolio across residential and commercial products, allowing it to adapt to market conditions [6][40] - A strategic partnership with Neptune Flood was announced to enhance the residential flood offering, expanding exposure to a nationwide portfolio [13][95] - The company is committed to disciplined underwriting and reserving practices, with a conservative approach to gross and net line sizes [7][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving high single-digit growth in the earthquake franchise for the remainder of the year [10][40] - The company raised its 2025 adjusted net income guidance to $198 million to $208 million, reflecting strong operating results [24][37] - Management highlighted the importance of a diversified product suite to provide stability amid macroeconomic cyclicality [7][12] Other Important Information - The company completed the placement of its June 1 core excess of loss treaty, achieving a 10% risk-adjusted rate decrease [21] - A two-year $150 million share repurchase program was authorized to opportunistically buy back shares [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about competition in the property market - Management reassured that they are still forecasting growth in the earthquake segment despite rate pressures in commercial accounts [39][40] Question: Growth in residential vs. commercial earthquake - Management indicated that residential earthquake constitutes about 55% of the book and is growing at a healthy rate, while commercial earthquake is under more pressure [51] Question: Drivers of elevated accident year loss ratio - Management attributed the elevated loss ratio primarily to mix-driven factors, particularly in the crop business, but expects favorable developments in the second half of the year [53][55] Question: Outlook for casualty pricing - Management noted that casualty pricing remains strong, particularly in excess liability and E and S casualty, while professional liability has softened [62][64] Question: Impact of reinsurance retentions on underwriting income - Management explained that casualty lines have less immediate impact on underwriting income due to their nascent nature, while property lines are more mature [82][84]