Global Indemnity Group(GBLI) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income increased to $43.2 million in 2024 from$ 25.4 million in 2023, with a per-share value increase from $47.53 to$ 49.98 [24] - Investment income rose by 13% to $62.4 million compared to the previous year [25] - The consolidated accident year combined ratio improved to 95.4% in 2024 from 97.3% in 2023 [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Penn America segment's gross premiums increased by 12% in 2024, driven by a 17% growth in Insurtech and 12% growth in wholesale commercial [10] - Underwriting income for Penn America rose to$ 22.1 million in 2024 from $18.5 million in 2023 [30] - The assumed reinsurance business grew significantly, with gross written premiums increasing to$ 25.4 million from $13.9 million in 2023 [40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total catastrophe losses decreased by approximately 26% from 2023, with total cat losses for 2024 at$ 12.7 million compared to $13.8 million in 2023 [13][31] - The expense ratio for Penn America improved to 38.1% in 2024, with a target to reduce it further to 37% or lower [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing underwriting capabilities and expanding product offerings through strategic hires and technology investments [20][88] - A multi-year technology transformation is underway, with over 75% of the transition to the cloud completed [17] - The company aims for a revenue growth of 10% from Penn America in 2025, alongside improvements in non-catastrophe accident year loss ratios [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term metrics for revenue growth and underwriting profits, despite challenges in the regulatory environment affecting rate increases [8][72] - The company is reassessing its catastrophe models due to unexpected losses from recent wildfires, indicating a need for adjustments in risk assessment [65][68] Other Important Information - Discretionary capital increased to$ 255 million at the end of 2024, compared to $200 million in 2023, providing more capacity for growth initiatives [42] - The average credit quality of the fixed income portfolio remains at double A, with a current book yield of 4.4% [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the California fires, was it an underwriting issue or rate increase challenge? - Management indicated that they have been seeking rate increases but faced regulatory challenges, resulting in a sizable loss from a limited number of properties [46] Question: Can you provide more details on the reinsurance segment growth and future plans? - The reinsurance segment has grown to 16 treaties with expectations for continued growth in 2025 and 2026 [49] Question: What is the total exposure in California and is it on the direct commercial side? - The total exposure in California is about six basis points of the total market, all on the direct book [58] Question: What kind of rate increases do you expect in California following the recent wildfire? - Management expects at least a 50% increase on affected business types, but noted that achieving this in California's regulatory environment is challenging [72] Question: Is there room to reduce the expense ratio without compromising underwriting quality? - Management believes there is room to reduce the expense ratio and plans to improve it as they run off terminated business [80]