Hagerty(HGTY) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased by 18% to $320 million in Q1 2025, driven by a 12$27 million compared to $8 million a year earlier, with adjusted EBITDA growing by 45$40 million [9][19] - Operating margin improved by 360 basis points to 8%, with operating profit reaching $26 million, a 110$50 million, supported by successful auctions [8][15] - Earned premium from the risk-taking entity, AgriLife Reinsurance, increased by 12% to $169 million [14][19] - The MGA membership and marketplace businesses accounted for nearly half of total revenue, with rapidly expanding margins [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates primarily in the U.S., generating over 90$10 million in losses from Southern California wildfires [14][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic priorities for 2025 focus on expanding specialty insurance offerings, simplifying the membership experience, and expanding the marketplace business internationally [9][10] - The company is investing in technology transformation, including a transition to a cloud-based insurance platform, which is expected to enhance efficiency and scalability [11][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering high rates of profitable growth, citing a compound annual growth rate in written premium of over 13% since 2005 [12][13] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting top-line revenue growth of 12% to 13% and net income of $102 million to$110 million, reflecting a 30% to 40% increase [20] Other Important Information - The company is preparing for significant auctions, including a partnership with BMW at the Villa D'Este Concorso in Italy [10][15] - The company ended the quarter with $128 million in cash and$147 million in total debt, including 32 million in back leverage for loans collateralized by collectible cars [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide an update on the relative margins generated from marketplace revenues? - Management indicated that the live auction business significantly contributed to profitability, with contribution profit margins around 30% to 35% for successful sales, compared to about 10% for the risk-taking business [23][27] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on Hagerty's business? - Management believes tariffs will have a muted impact on their business, as many vehicles are older and parts are often manufactured domestically, thus not significantly affected by tariff changes [34][36][38] Question: How has shopping behavior changed recently? - Management noted strong shopping activity industry-wide, although growth was slightly slower than anticipated due to weather and large events causing pauses in activity [39][41][45] Question: What is the outlook for membership and marketplace revenue growth for the full year? - Management affirmed guidance for the entire business, indicating a good start to live auctions and a solid schedule for the remainder of the year [47][48] Question: Can you elaborate on the new Enthusiast Plus program? - The program aims to cater to younger buyers interested in newer vehicles, allowing the company to expand its underwriting capabilities and capture more business [49][50][51] Question: How will the 20 million in annual expenses impact future quarters? - Management indicated that expenses would be incurred ratably throughout the year, with approximately 15% of the $20 million appearing in Q1 [64][66]