RENO, Nev., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Employers Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE:EIG) today announced that it will release its second quarter 2025 financial results after market close on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, after which these materials will be available on the Company’s website at www.employers.com through the “Investors” link. Conference Call DetailsThe Company will then review these financial results via a conference call and webcast on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. EDT / 8:00 a. ...

Industry Overview - The Zacks Accident and Health Insurance industry is expected to benefit from increased underwriting exposure and prudent underwriting standards among key players like Aflac, Unum Group, Trupanion, Globe Life, and AMERISAFE [1] - The industry has maintained profitability due to solid reserves, prudent claims management, and stable loss trends, although a softer performance is predicted for 2025 [2] - The global workers' compensation insurance market is projected to grow significantly between 2024 and 2032, driven by rising awareness of the benefits of coverage [3] Trends Impacting the Industry - Pricing pressure is anticipated to continue due to inflation, rising medical costs, and demographic changes, with workers' compensation insurance pricing expected to increase at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2022 to 2026 [4] - Claims frequency is improving due to better safety measures and working conditions, with a notable increase in the number of workers aged 75 and older expected to rise by 96.5% over the next decade [5] - The adoption of technology, including AI and data analytics, is accelerating in the industry, potentially reducing workers' compensation claim expenses by about 45% [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Accident and Health Insurance industry ranks 95, placing it in the top 39% of 251 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [7][8] - The industry has outperformed the Finance sector and the Zacks S&P 500 composite, with a collective gain of 29.6% over the past year compared to 5.8% and 2.2% respectively [10] Current Valuation - The industry is currently trading at a trailing 12-month price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 1.84X, significantly lower than the Zacks S&P 500 composite's 7.89X and the sector's 4.17X [13] Company Highlights - **Trupanion**: Positioned for growth in the underpenetrated pet insurance market, with a projected earnings increase of 130.4% in 2025 [19][20] - **Aflac**: Focused on strategic growth investments and digital solutions, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 4.8% [23][24] - **Unum Group**: Expected to see sales growth of 5-10% in 2025, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.2% [27][29] - **Globe Life**: Positive revenue trends driven by premium growth, with expected earnings increases of 10% and 9.8% in 2025 and 2026 respectively [32][34] - **AMERISAFE**: Benefits from a niche focus and a strong balance sheet, with a consistent record of dividend payments since 2013 [36][37]

Core Insights - Special dividends are one-time cash payouts that can significantly enhance yield for investors, often overlooked by mainstream financial websites [1][2] - Companies like Pilgrim's Pride and Amerisafe exemplify special dividend payers, with yields that can double or triple the regular dividend [2][11] - Business Development Companies (BDCs) are notable for their regular special dividends, providing attractive yields [13] Group 1: Special Dividend Overview - Special dividends can yield significantly higher returns than stated yields, with some stocks showing yields as high as 13.8% when including special distributions [1][3] - A special dividend is often a result of extraordinary profits or cash influxes, such as asset sales [1][2] Group 2: Company Examples - Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) recently paid a special dividend of $6.30 per share, resulting in a yield of 12.7% [2] - Buckle (BKE) has a stated dividend yield of 3.2%, but the actual yield with specials is 9.0%, showcasing its strategy of modest regular dividends supplemented by larger special dividends [4][6] - Amerisafe (AMSF) has a stated yield of 3.3%, but with special dividends, the yield rises to 9.7%, reflecting its approach to managing dividends amid profit fluctuations [9][11] Group 3: Business Development Companies (BDCs) - Gladstone Investment Corp. (GAIN) has a stated yield of 6.4%, but with specials, the yield increases to 14.3%, highlighting its unique investment strategy [14][18] - Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending Corp. (NCDL) offers a stated yield of 11.3%, which rises to 13.8% with special dividends, indicating strong financial backing and investment strategy [19][21] - Barings BDC (BBDC) has a stated yield of 11.3% and an actual yield of 12.9% with specials, reflecting its recovery and strategic investment approach [24][28]

Employers Holdings (EIG) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 02, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Lori Brown - Executive VP, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Corporate SecretaryKatherine Antonello - President & CEOMichael Paquette - Executive VP & CFO Conference Call Participants Mark Hughes - Analyst Operator and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the First Quarter twenty twenty five Employers Holdings Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. After the speaker ...

AMERISAFE (AMSF) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 30, 2025 10:30 AM ET Company Participants Kathryn Shirley - Executive VP, Chief Administrative Officer & SecretaryG. Janelle Frost - CEO, President & DirectorAnastasios Omiridis - Executive VP & CFOMatt Carletti - Managing Director Conference Call Participants Mark Hughes - Analyst Operator Day, and welcome to the Amerisafe First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Call. Today's conference is being recorded. At this time, I'd like to turn the conference over to C ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported net income of $8.9 million or $0.47 per diluted share, down from $16.9 million or $0.88 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [12] - Operating net income decreased to $11.4 million or $0.60 per diluted share from $13.3 million or $0.69 per diluted share year-over-year [12] - Gross written premiums increased by 4.6% to $83.8 million compared to $80.1 million in Q1 2024 [12] - Net premiums earned rose by 60 basis points to $68.9 million from $68.4 million in the prior year [13] - The expense ratio increased to 29.9% from 27.3% due to higher expenses related to business investments [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premiums on policies written in the quarter grew by 7.1% compared to the prior year quarter [8] - Policy retention rate was strong at 93.1% in Q1 2025, contributing to policy count growth [9] - The company experienced $5 million from payroll audits and other premium adjustments, down from $6.4 million in the previous year [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment remains strong, driven by declining workers' compensation rates and challenges in other property and casualty lines [6] - The company noted that economic conditions affecting payrolls could influence premium levels, with factors such as unemployment and wage inflation being monitored closely [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on incremental growth within its existing geographic footprint and risk appetite, leveraging relationships with agents and policyholders [6] - The management emphasized the importance of proactive claims handling, which contributed to favorable case development [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding economic uncertainties, including tariffs and inflation, but noted that niche industries have historically performed well during mild recessions [7] - The company expects favorable frequency trends to continue, with modest severity trends anticipated [11] Other Important Information - The investment portfolio is of high quality, with an average credit rating of double A minus and a duration of 4.48 years [15] - Book value per share was reported at $13.69, with a statutory surplus of $243.6 million, up 3.6% from the previous year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Audit premium impact on previous quarters - Management provided audit premium figures for the previous year: Q1 was $6.4 million, Q2 was $7.3 million, Q3 was $4 million, and Q4 was $2.5 million [22][24] Question: Impact of recent hurricanes on work activity - A slight increase in audit premiums was noted in rebuilding classifications in North Carolina and Georgia, but not significantly in Florida [26] Question: Potential tariff impacts on business - Management speculated that tariffs could impact medical costs, particularly in pharmacy and durable medical equipment, but the overall effect on premiums would depend on whether costs are passed through to customers [30][31] Question: Changes in competitive dynamics - No significant changes in competitive dynamics were reported in the first quarter [35][36] Question: Expense ratio and future expectations - The increase in the expense ratio was attributed to investments for growth, with expectations that costs will moderate throughout the year [37] Question: Trends in state loss costs - The trend of declining rates continues, with average decreases expected to be in the 6% to 8% range [39][40] Question: Medical inflation and physician care costs - Increases in physician care costs were noted, attributed to labor costs rather than tariffs [41][42] Question: Industry redundancy and loss costs - Management anticipated that overall redundancy in the industry should be declining, with concerns about confidence in more current accident years [45][46] Question: Wage inflation trends - Wage inflation indications are slightly above the national average, with a potential increase in employee count [48][49] Question: Large losses in the quarter - Only two large losses were reported, which is below trend [56]

Industry Overview - Continued improved pricing, exposure growth, portfolio streamlining, solid retention, renewals, reinsurance agreements, and accelerated digitalization are expected to have boosted insurance stocks' performance in the March quarter [1] - The total earnings of finance companies for the first quarter are anticipated to rise by 8.2% year-over-year, with revenues expected to improve by 3.3% [2] Performance Factors - Solid retention, exposure growth across business lines, and improved pricing are likely to have boosted premiums, with the commercial insurance sector seeing a composite rate increase of 3% and personal lines composite rate increasing by 4.9% in Q1 2025 [3] - Auto premiums are likely to have improved due to increased travel, while a low unemployment rate is expected to aid commercial and group insurance [4] - The aging U.S. population is expected to maintain strong demand for life insurance and protection products, contributing to steady premium inflows [6] - The insurance industry's increased use of technology such as blockchain, AI, and advanced analytics is likely to have curbed costs and aided margins [7] Company-Specific Insights - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG) is expected to benefit from solid performance in both segments, with new business, solid retention, and higher renewal premiums [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AJG's earnings is pegged at $3.57, indicating a 2.2% increase year-over-year, with revenues expected at $3.75 billion, implying 16.4% growth [11] - Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) is expected to benefit from solid performance in various segments, with rising premiums and net investment income, although rising costs may constrain profit expansion [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RGA's earnings is pegged at $5.33 per share, indicating an 11.4% decline year-over-year, with revenues expected at $5.74 billion, implying a 7.2% decrease [13] - American International Group (AIG) anticipates a 1.3% year-over-year growth in General Insurance net premiums earned, but with expected declines in North America and International units [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AIG's earnings is pegged at $1.05 per share, indicating a 40.6% decline year-over-year, with revenues expected at $6.79 billion, signaling a 45.5% decline [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, Amerisafe reported net income of $8.9 million or $0.47 per diluted share, down from $16.9 million or $0.88 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [11] - Operating net income decreased to $11.4 million or $0.60 per diluted share from $13.3 million or $0.69 per diluted share year-over-year [11] - Gross written premiums increased by 4.6% to $83.8 million compared to $80.1 million in Q1 2024 [11] - Net premiums earned rose by 60 basis points to $68.9 million from $68.4 million in the prior year [12] - The expense ratio increased to 29.9% from 27.3% due to higher expenses related to business investments [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premiums on policies written in the quarter grew by 7.1% over the prior year quarter, with a retention rate of 93.1% [7][8] - The company experienced $5 million from payroll audits and other premium adjustments, down from $6.4 million in the previous year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment remains strong, driven by declining workers' compensation rates and challenges in other property and casualty lines [5][6] - The company noted a favorable frequency trend in claims, with a current accident year loss ratio of 71, consistent with the prior year [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Amerisafe continues to focus on incremental growth within its existing geographic footprint and risk appetite, leveraging relationships with agents and policyholders [5] - The company is investing in business growth despite a competitive market, aiming to maintain profitability [12] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding economic uncertainties such as tariffs, inflation, and interest rates, which could impact payrolls and premiums [6] - The company anticipates favorable frequency trends to continue, with modest severity trends expected [9] Other Important Information - The investment portfolio is of high quality, with a tax-equivalent book yield of 3.85% and a strong capital position [14][15] - Book value per share was reported at $13.69, with a statutory surplus of $243.6 million, up 3.6% from the previous year [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Audit premium impact on previous quarters - Management provided audit premium figures for the previous year: Q1 was $6.4 million, Q2 was $7.3 million, Q3 was $4 million, and Q4 was $2.5 million [22][24] Question: Impact of recent hurricanes on work activity - There was a slight increase in audit premiums for rebuilding classifications in North Carolina and Georgia, but not as much in Florida [26] Question: Potential tariff impacts on business - Tariffs could impact medical costs, particularly in pharmacy and durable medical equipment, which account for about 15% of medical costs in workers' compensation [29] Question: Changes in competitive dynamics - There has been no significant change in the competitive landscape during the first quarter [35] Question: Expense ratio and future expectations - The increase in the expense ratio was approximately $1.9 million, and costs are expected to moderate as the year progresses [37] Question: State loss cost updates - The trend remains a decline in rates, with average decreases between 6% to 8% across states [39] Question: Medical inflation trends - There are increases in physician care costs, likely due to labor costs rather than tariffs [41] Question: Large losses in the quarter - The company reported two large losses in the quarter, which is below trend [56]

The insurance industry is expected to have benefited on rate increases, strong retention rates, new business growth, an active merger and acquisition (M&A) strategy and ongoing technological advancements in the first quarter of 2025. However, interest rate cuts, an active catastrophe environment and continued inflationary pressures are likely to have dampened overall growth prospects for insurers. Some of the insurers, including The Allstate Corporation (ALL) , Aflac Incorporated (AFL) , Prudential Financia ...

AMERISAFE, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMSF) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 27, 2025 10:30 AM ET Company Participants Kathryn Shirley - Chief Administrative Officer Janelle Frost - President & Chief Executive Officer Andy Omiridis - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Mark Hughes - Truist Matt Carletti - Citizens JMP Bob Farnam - Janney Operator Good day, and welcome to the AMERISAFE fourth quarter 2024 earnings call. Today's conference is being recorded. At this time ...