Kemper(US:KMPR)2023-08-08 02:53Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $1.52 per diluted share and an adjusted consolidated net operating loss of $0.26 for the quarter, which included a $46 million goodwill impairment charge related to the Preferred P&C segment [24][25][26] - The underlying combined ratio for the Specialty Auto business improved to 102%, slightly below the guidance range of 103% to 107% [29] - The company reiterated its guidance, expecting to achieve an underwriting profit in the second half of 2023 and a return on equity (ROE) equal to or greater than 10% in 2024 [28][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Specialty P&C segment experienced a six-point sequential improvement in profitability, driven by earned rate and non-rate actions exceeding loss trends [17] - The commercial vehicle business reported an underlying combined ratio of 93.9%, with expectations for strong underwriting profits in the second half of 2023 [44] - The Preferred P&C segment showed sequential improvement in underlying combined ratios despite higher catastrophe losses of $21 million [48] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Catastrophe losses for the quarter were elevated, amounting to $39 million, attributed to a very active catastrophe quarter for the industry [25][36] - The company received approval for approximately 30 points of rate increase for its Specialty P&C private passenger auto book in California, effective August 4 [18][53] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic initiatives announced in November 2022, which are on track to produce or exceed their financial and operational targets [20] - The decision to exit the Preferred P&C segment is aimed at enhancing return on capital and supporting profitable growth in core businesses [20][21] - The Bermuda optimization initiative is expected to unlock at least $200 million in life dividends to the parent company by year-end [38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted the current operating environment as the most disruptive in personal lines, with changes in consumer behavior affecting traditional predictive models [9][11] - The company anticipates that the hard market conditions will persist for at least the next couple of years, necessitating continued investment in business intelligence and predictive analytics [13][15] - Management expressed confidence in returning to underwriting profitability despite the challenging environment, emphasizing a focus on achieving target returns [16][52] Other Important Information - The company achieved approximately $117 million in run rate savings from cost reduction initiatives, representing about 80% of the intended savings goal by 2025 [32] - The company plans to redeploy over $300 million in capital to core segments following the wind down of the Preferred P&C business [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of non-rate actions on underlying business - Management indicated that non-rate actions, such as slowing down new business, provide immediate benefits to calendar year losses, with a focus on underwriting profitability [60][62] Question: Capital behind the Life operation - Management clarified that there is capital in the Bermuda entity, and while there won't be a meaningful change in overall capital levels, reserves will be reset to reflect true mortality trends [70][73] Question: Consumer response to rate increases - Management noted that retention rates are at or above historical levels, driven by a lack of supply in the market, despite rising rates [79][81] Question: Adverse reserve development trends - Management expressed confidence in their loss picks and indicated that the unusual pattern changes observed in the past are now incorporated into current estimates [96][99] Question: Guidance and ROE targets - Management confirmed that guidance does not include the redeployment of capital from the Preferred business, which will be a positive tailwind in the long term [107]