Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ambac reported a net loss from continuing operations of $21 million or $0.45 per share, compared to a loss of $15 million or $0.33 per share in the previous year, driven by increased intangible amortization and interest expense [13] - Total revenues from continuing operations increased by 8% to $55 million compared to the previous year [14] - Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was a loss of $5 million, compared to a loss of less than $1 million in the previous year [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating businesses generated $346 million in premium, up 110%, and $54 million in revenue, up 20% from the prior year [6] - The Insurance Distribution segment, Serato, generated $250 million in premium for the quarter, up 368% [7] - Everspan's net written and net earned premiums were $15 million and $16 million, down from $32 million and $27 million respectively, due to proactive non-renewal of certain programs [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic growth, including BEAT, was over 12% in the quarter, despite a slight pullback due to industry turbulence in the ESL and short-term medical markets [10] - The ESL markets are beginning to stabilize, showing early signs of improvement [10] - The loss ratio for Everspan improved to 67.8% from 85.1% in the previous year [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch several strategic initiatives post-sale of its legacy financial guaranty business, including organizational rebranding and a new executive compensation program [5][6] - Ambac aims to position itself as a growth platform with a target of $80 million to $90 million of adjusted EBITDA for common shareholders by 2028 [21] - Continued investment in data and AI technologies is part of the strategic initiatives to enhance growth and performance [10][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth of the Specialty P&C business and the anticipated closing of the legacy business sale [20] - The company expects to see strong performance in the third and fourth quarters, historically being the strongest periods [30] - Management remains focused on profitability while balancing growth, particularly in Everspan [25] Other Important Information - The company experienced net FX losses of $2.5 million, which were offset by net translation gains of $20 million [15] - The expense ratio for Everspan increased to 38.9% from 24.3% in the prior year, driven by various factors including lower earned premium [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Anticipated impact of runoff in Everspan - Management expects around $400 million of gross premium for the year, focusing on profitability rather than pushing for growth [25] Question: Net growth expectations - Management indicated that net retention levels are expected to average between 15% to 20% going forward [26] Question: Commission income dynamics in distribution business - Seasonal issues and different reporting frameworks for BEAT's commissions were noted as factors affecting commission income [27] Question: Outlook for A&H and ESL markets - Management sees stabilization in the A&H space and expects the third and fourth quarters to be strong [30] Question: Performance in property markets - The company has seen some price pressures in large property markets but is primarily focused on non-cat exposed property, with mid-single-digit declines expected [32]