AMERISAFE(US:AMSF)2025-07-25 15:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, Amerisafe reported net income of $14 million or $0.73 per diluted share, compared to $11 million or $0.57 per diluted share in Q2 2024, indicating a significant increase in profitability [10] - Operating net income for Q2 2025 was $10 million or $0.53 per diluted share, down from $11.1 million or $0.58 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [10] - Gross written premiums increased by 4.3% to $79.7 million in Q2 2025 from $76.4 million in Q2 2024 [10][11] - The expense ratio rose to 31.3% in Q2 2025 from 29.8% in Q2 2024, reflecting ongoing investments in growth [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Voluntary premiums for policies written in the quarter grew by 12.8%, supported by new business production and strong renewal retention of 93.8% [5][11] - The in-force policy count increased by 3.4% in the quarter, indicating effective risk selection and agent collaboration [5][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The workers' compensation market remains competitive, with the industry's combined ratio below 100% for 2024, but not improving compared to 2023 [6] - Approved loss costs for workers' compensation are down mid-single digits, with California being an outlier with an 8.7% increase [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Amerisafe is focused on maintaining pricing discipline and effective risk selection while navigating a competitive market [5][24] - The company has reauthorized a $25 million share repurchase program, reflecting confidence in long-term business value [8] - The investment portfolio remains high quality, with a focus on municipal bonds and a conservative approach to capital management [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Amerisafe's operational positioning and strong balance sheet to generate consistent underwriting profitability, regardless of market conditions [7] - The claims team has demonstrated expertise in managing loss experience, with a current accident year loss ratio of 71% [7][10] - Management noted that while there is upward pressure on loss ratios due to declining loss costs, the company is well-prepared to manage these challenges [46] Other Important Information - The company declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.39 per share, payable on September 26, 2025 [8] - Book value per share increased to $13.96, up 3.3% year-to-date, and statutory surplus rose to $257 million from $235 million at year-end 2024 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the impressive 13% growth in premiums? - Management attributed the growth to employee focus on ease of doing business, agent effectiveness, and scalability, resulting in a 5.8% increase in policy count since year-end [20][22] Question: Any change in average policy size? - Management indicated a slight change, with average premium size potentially down slightly, but still within the target range [25][26] Question: Observations on medical inflation? - Management noted a 6% increase in medical severity for 2024, but they have not changed their reserving practices based on current trends [28][30] Question: Any stats on new business production? - While specific numbers were not disclosed, management highlighted successful new business growth despite a decrease in agent count [34][36] Question: How is the company balancing share repurchases and special dividends? - Management confirmed that there is capital sufficiency for both share repurchases and potential special dividends [48] Question: What is the long-term target for the expense ratio? - Management indicated that they expect to remain within historical ranges for the expense ratio, which is currently at 31.3% for the quarter [50][51] Question: What drove the increase in policyholder dividends? - Management explained that the increase was due to more policies qualifying for dividends, reflecting both competitive and loss experience factors [54][56]