Fidelis Insurance (FIHL) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded top line growth of 14% for Q1 2025, with gross premiums written amounting to $1.7 billion, compared to the same quarter last year [21][9] - The combined ratio for the quarter was 115.6%, impacted significantly by catastrophe losses, particularly from California wildfires, which accounted for $333 million in losses [23][24] - Net premiums written increased by 32% year-over-year, while net premiums earned rose by 24% [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the insurance segment, gross premiums written increased by 7% to $1.3 billion, driven by new business and asset-backed finance [22] - The reinsurance segment saw a 39% increase in gross premiums written to $456 million, largely due to new business and reinstatement premiums related to wildfire losses [22] - The attritional loss ratio improved to 22.7% from 30% in the prior year, indicating better performance in the overall portfolio [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a favorable trading environment with strong margins across various lines of business, despite increasing competition in some areas [10][11] - The marine portfolio continued to grow year-on-year, primarily driven by new construction business [11] - The aviation and aerospace premiums saw a reduction year-on-year due to the timing of a line slip renewal [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to pursuing profitable underwriting opportunities and strategic capital management, focusing on a diversified portfolio with no casualty exposure [7][8] - Management emphasized the importance of active exposure management and the strategic use of outward reinsurance to navigate current market conditions [10][14] - The company is exploring new opportunities in highly accretive and profitable business segments to maximize returns [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to achieve approximately 10% growth in gross premiums written for the year, citing a strong trading environment [39][45] - The company is actively monitoring global economic conditions and adjusting its underwriting strategy accordingly, particularly in response to inflation and political risks [31][33] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet to support profitable growth and capital management initiatives [30][41] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $41.5 million of common shares at an average cost of $15.63 per share year-to-date [17][29] - The company has settled or is in various stages of settlement discussions for approximately 80% of its total exposure related to the Russia-Ukraine aviation litigation [18][19] - The average rating of fixed income securities remains high at A+, with a book yield of 5% [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth opportunities in the second half of the year - Management acknowledged a timing headwind in the aviation line and expressed confidence in achieving 10% growth for the year despite the challenges [43][45] Question: Drivers of favorable reserve movement - Management noted strong performance in the attritional book and reserve releases from prior catastrophe events as key drivers of the favorable prior year development [47][48] Question: Explanation for stock trading at a discount to book value - Management agreed on the undervaluation and emphasized the need to continue performing well to build investor confidence [52][54] Question: Impact of UK aviation litigation on share repurchases - Management indicated that they would continue to repurchase shares opportunistically, depending on market conditions and share prices [56][90] Question: Competitive environment in property insurance - Management highlighted the ability to implement pricing adjustments in real-time and noted strong demand in the market, allowing for continued growth [97][100]