Lemonade(LMND) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In force premium grew to $1.16 billion, marking an eighth consecutive quarter of accelerating growth, with revenue up 42% year on year and in force premium growth at 30% [4][12] - Gross profit more than doubled to $80 million, with an adjusted gross profit of $81 million, resulting in a gross margin of 41% and an adjusted gross margin of 42% [13][14] - Adjusted EBITDA loss improved by about 50% year on year to a loss of $26 million, while operating cash flow was positive at $4 million [14][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Car segment saw a 40% growth, with over half of that growth coming from existing Lemonade customers [4][5] - The gross loss ratio improved to 62%, an 11 percentage point year-on-year improvement, while the trailing 12-month gross loss ratio improved to 67% [12][14] - The LAE (Loss Adjustment Expense) ratio averaged 7%, significantly better than the industry average of 9% [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer growth was 24%, with a record addition of over 176,000 net new customers in the quarter [12] - Annual dollar retention (EDR) improved by 1 point to 85% compared to the prior quarter [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maximizing gross profit dollars rather than strictly adhering to loss ratio targets, allowing for flexibility in pricing strategies [6][62] - The introduction of the LOCO platform is expected to accelerate product development and operational efficiency [21][22] - The company is well-positioned to capture market opportunities in the evolving landscape of car insurance, particularly with the shift towards usage-based pricing [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving EBITDA profitability in Q4 of next year, with expectations for continued growth and improved profitability metrics [18][45] - The company anticipates a strong Q4, with revenue guidance implying a growth rate of approximately 49% year-on-year at the high end [19][20] Other Important Information - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance across in force premium, gross earned premium revenue, and EBITDA loss [18] - The integration with Tesla's API is expected to enhance data collection for pricing and underwriting [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the level of CAC-less customers compare to prior periods? - The 50% rate of CAC-less customers has been stable for several quarters, with a focus on driving customers to multiple policies [28][29] Question: Was there a contingent or profit share tailwind in the ceding commission in Q3? - The ceding commission was positively impacted by improved loss ratios, with an effective ceding commission rate of about 28% for the quarter [32][33] Question: Where does the company rate itself in terms of AI utilization? - The company utilizes AI extensively across its operations, with significant improvements in efficiency, but acknowledges that there is still much more potential to explore [40][41] Question: Is the company considering leaning more into growth at the expense of profitability targets? - The company remains committed to its EBITDA profitability target for Q4 of next year while optimizing for gross profit dollars [45][46] Question: What drove the decrease in the gross loss ratio in Europe? - The European business is experiencing significant growth and improved loss ratios due to better pricing flexibility and operational efficiency [71][72]