Brown & Brown(BRO) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenues of $1.6 billion for Q3 2025, representing a growth of 35.4% year-over-year and 3.5% organic growth [6][15] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 170 basis points to 36.6%, and adjusted earnings per share increased over 15% to $1.05 [6][16] - Contingent commissions grew by $46 million, with $12 million attributed to AssuredPartners [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Retail segment achieved total revenue growth of 37.8%, with organic growth at 2.7% [16] - Specialty distribution reported total revenue growth of 30%, with organic growth of 4.6% [18] - The impact of employee benefits incentives adjustments affected organic growth in the Retail segment by approximately 1% [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial insurance pricing remained stable, with rates for most lines similar to the previous quarter [7][22] - Medical costs increased by 6% to 8%, while pharmacy costs rose over 10% [8] - Workers' compensation rates were flat to down 3%, and casualty rates saw increases of 5% to 10% [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its solutions and value to customers through leadership changes and integration of AssuredPartners [4][5] - The M&A pipeline remains strong, with a focus on acquiring businesses that fit culturally and financially [24] - The company plans to maintain a disciplined capital deployment strategy to drive long-term shareholder value [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in stable economic growth and a positive outlook for the insurance market [22][24] - There are expectations for continued upward pressure on casualty lines unless significant tort reform occurs [23] - The company anticipates organic growth rates for the specialty distribution segment could decline in the mid-single digits due to various pressures [19] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors raised the dividend by 10%, marking the 32nd consecutive year of increases [5] - The company expanded its share repurchase authorization to $1.5 billion [5] - Cash flow from operations for the first nine months of 2025 was $1 billion, a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Relationship of organic growth to EBITDA margins - Management clarified that organic growth is just one component of margin drivers and should not be directly correlated [27][29] Question: Impact of government shutdown on business - Management acknowledged some businesses are impacted, particularly in specialty and retail segments, but expect revenue to catch up over time [30][31] Question: Details on retail organic growth impact - The 1% impact was due to adjustments in employee benefits incentives, which are expected to continue affecting Q4 [33][34] Question: Outlook for admitted E&S market - Management indicated that while there is some movement back to admitted markets, the E&S market continues to grow [41] Question: Specialty distribution outlook for Q4 - Management expects a decline in organic growth for specialty distribution due to various pressures, including non-recurring revenue from the previous year [19][89]