Heritage Insurance (HRTG) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $50.4 million, significantly up from $8.2 million in the same quarter last year, reflecting a strong earnings trajectory [4][13] - For the nine months ended September 30, net income was $129 million, compared to $41 million for the same period in 2024, indicating substantial growth [13] - Gross premiums earned increased to $362 million, up 2.2% from $354.2 million in the prior year quarter, driven by rate actions and organic growth [14] - The net loss ratio improved by 27.1 percentage points to 38.3% compared to 65.4% in the same quarter last year, reflecting lower net losses [16][17] - The net combined ratio for the quarter was 72.9%, an improvement of 19.6 points from 100.6% in the prior year quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company re-underwrote its personal lines book, leading to an increase in in-force premium from approximately $1.1 billion to a record $1.44 billion [5] - New business premium written for the third quarter was $36 million, a 166% increase from $13.7 million in the same quarter last year [5] - The decline in policy count moderated, with a decrease of 6,800 policies in the third quarter compared to over 19,000 in the same quarter of 2024 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has opened nearly all geographies to new business, increasing from only 30% a year ago, which is expected to drive policy growth [5] - The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions continue to be strong markets, with Narragansett Bay Insurance Company producing significant homeowners insurance business [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve long-term shareholder value through strategic initiatives focused on rate adequacy, exposure management, and enhanced underwriting discipline [4][12] - There is a focus on expanding into new regions and delivering new products to existing markets, with a disciplined approach to underwriting [10][11] - The company restarted its share repurchase program, indicating confidence in its capital position and stock valuation [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the reinsurance pricing environment improving in 2026 due to favorable litigation conditions and increased capacity in the reinsurance market [12] - The company anticipates policy count growth in 2026, supported by strong agency relationships and improved new business momentum [6][20] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with total assets of $2.4 billion and shareholders' equity of $437.3 million, with a book value per share of $14.15 [18][19] - The increase in statutory surplus to $352.2 million provides additional growth capacity as new territories are opened [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth prospects in Florida versus outside Florida - Management indicated that there is still significant opportunity in Florida, with strong agency relationships and new business momentum [25][30] Question: Pricing or competitive environment in Florida - Management confirmed that they are filing for low to mid-single-digit rate decreases in 2026, while commercial property remains under pressure [28][29] Question: Growth supported by surplus - Management stated that the increase in statutory surplus allows for over $225-$250 million of premium to be written based on the current surplus [39] Question: Capital priorities and buybacks - Management outlined capital priorities as growth, stock buybacks, and dividends, emphasizing that the stock is currently undervalued [40][41]