Lemonade(LMND) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 27% year-on-year growth in Q1 2025, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of accelerating top-line growth [4] - In-force premium grew 27% to just above $1 billion, while customer count increased by 21% to 2.5 million [14] - Revenue in Q1 increased 27% from the prior year to $151 million, driven by gross earned premium growth and a 26% increase in investment income [16] - The gross loss ratio was 78% for Q1, compared to 79% in Q1 2024, with a trailing twelve-month gross loss ratio of about 73%, which is 10 points better year-on-year [16][18] - Adjusted gross profit increased 25% year-on-year, while operating expenses excluding loss and loss adjustment expenses increased 29% to $127 million [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The car business experienced significant momentum, with quarter-over-quarter in-force premium growth outpacing the rest of the business for the first time [9] - The company reported a doubling of cross-sell volume year-over-year, indicating improved bundling flows [11] - The car loss ratio remains elevated but is expected to improve as older cohorts renew, typically seeing a double-digit loss ratio improvement [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is closely monitoring the evolving tariff environment, particularly for imported auto parts, which could increase loss trends by single-digit percentages [7] - The impact of California wildfires contributed 16 percentage points to the gross loss ratio in Q1, but the trailing twelve-month gross loss ratio remained stable [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to leverage AI as a core part of its strategy, which has allowed for a significant increase in gross profit while keeping fixed costs stable [5] - The company reiterated its expectation of achieving EBITDA breakeven by the end of next year and generating positive adjusted free cash flow in 2025 [6][24] - The focus remains on geographic expansion and product development, particularly in the car insurance segment, with plans to increase coverage in profitable states [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to achieve EBITDA profitability, citing predictable growth dynamics and the effectiveness of AI in managing costs [24][25] - The company remains optimistic about maintaining a growth rate of over 30% despite potential macroeconomic challenges, emphasizing the resilience of the insurance sector [30][31] Other Important Information - The company has updated its investor website and changed the timing of its shareholder letter to align with common practices [8] - The total cash, cash equivalents, and investments at the end of the quarter were approximately $996 million, reflecting a $69 million increase year-on-year [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the timeline for reaching EBITDA profitability? - Management reiterated the expectation to achieve adjusted EBITDA breakeven by Q4 of next year, with 2027 being the first full year of positive adjusted EBITDA [24] Question: How will cross-sell rates evolve in the coming years? - The company aims to drive multiline customer rates, expecting to approach the teens in the next five years, with significant growth potential from existing customers [27] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on the business? - Management indicated that while tariffs could present a modest headwind, the company remains confident in its growth metrics and will adjust as necessary [44] Question: How is the car business performing and what states are priorities for expansion? - The car business is expected to continue growing at a faster pace than the rest of the book, with geographic expansion planned but specific states not yet disclosed [46][48] Question: What is the impact of the California wildfires on gross profit? - The gross impact from the wildfires was estimated at $44 million, with a negative EBITDA impact of about $22 million [42]