Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - AMERISAFE reported a net income of $13.2 million or $0.69 per diluted share for Q4 2024, down from $19.2 million or $1 per diluted share in Q4 2023 [13] - For the full year, net income was $55.4 million compared to $62.1 million in 2023, while net operating income decreased to $48.4 million from $55.9 million [14] - Gross premiums written increased by 3.9% in Q4 and 3.1% for the full year, with net premiums earned growing by 1.2% in Q4 and 1.3% for the year [6][14] - The combined ratio was reported at 88.7% with a return on equity (ROE) of 20.2% [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Voluntary premiums on policies written rose by 8.5% in Q4 and 4.6% for the year compared to 2023, with enforced policy count growing by 9.6% [6][7] - The accident year loss ratio remained steady at 71% for the full year, consistent with the prior year [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong premium retention with a policy retention rate of 94.1% on a policy basis and 88% on a premium basis for the quarter [37] - The investment portfolio had a net investment income decrease of 14.4% to $6.9 million for Q4 and 6.8% to $29.2 million for the full year [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AMERISAFE is focused on top-line growth while maintaining consistent underwriting margins, emphasizing profitable growth in a competitive landscape [6][11] - The company aims to improve agent relationships and enhance its sales-driven culture to capitalize on profitable opportunities [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining profitable growth despite industry-wide challenges, including rate reductions [7][11] - The company anticipates favorable development from prior accident years and aims to continue identifying profitable high-risk opportunities [10][11] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a 5.4% increase in the regular dividend to $0.39 per share [11] - The investment portfolio is high quality with an average AA- credit rating and a duration of 4.4 years [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide context on the policy count growth of 9.6%? - Management clarified that the 9.6% growth was for the entire year, with a 2.6% growth in the fourth quarter [24][28] Question: How has the average size per policy trended? - The average policy size for 2024 was slightly lower than in 2023, with a noted slowdown in average wages in Q4 [34] Question: What impact did renewal rates have on the top line? - Renewal rates were strong, with a policy retention rate of 94.1% and premium retention at 88% [37] Question: How are the claims from 2021 and 2022 shaping up? - Management indicated that 2021 and 2022 are expected to be good accident years, with favorable development from these years [39] Question: What is the outlook for the construction industry? - Management believes the construction industry remains strong, with continued payroll growth and opportunities for business [74][79] Question: Any updates on large claims for the year? - The company ended the year with 18 claims over a million dollars, which is consistent with the five-year average [81] Question: How is medical inflation affecting costs? - There have been no significant developments regarding medical inflation, but home health costs are being monitored closely [86] Question: What is the outlook for audit premiums? - Management expects audit premiums to remain positive in 2025, despite potential deceleration in year-over-year comparisons [100][102] Question: Have competitors become more aggressive in the workers' comp market? - The market remains competitive, but AMERISAFE is prepared for competitors entering the high hazard space [104]