Fidelis Insurance (FIHL) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a combined ratio of 79%, marking an improvement of over eight points year-over-year, which is the best performance since going public [5][16] - Annualized operating return on average equity (ROAE) increased to 21.4%, up five points from the previous year [5][14] - Diluted book value per share grew by $1.25 during the quarter, reaching $23.29, an increase of 8.3% since year-end [14][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross premiums written increased by 8% to $798 million for the quarter, with year-to-date gross premiums also up 8% to $3.7 billion [14] - In the insurance segment, gross premiums written rose by 4% to $606 million, driven by new business and asset-backed finance [14][15] - The reinsurance segment saw gross premiums written grow to $192 million, a 20% increase year-over-year, attributed to new business opportunities and enhanced pricing [11][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong performance in property and asset-backed finance, with the direct property book growing by 9.5% year-over-year [8][14] - The reinsurance segment's RPI was positive, supported by double-digit increases in the U.S. book, driven by post-loss pricing [11][12] - The overall RPI remained broadly flat, reflecting the company's differentiated position and ability to navigate market conditions [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic capital allocation and expert risk selection, balancing profitable growth with returning capital to shareholders [6][20] - There is an ongoing emphasis on expanding underwriting partnerships, with the total number of partners growing to the mid-single digits [23][24] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to underwriting, even as competition increases in certain lines [25][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains bullish about the market, indicating that the current hard market conditions present opportunities for growth [33] - The company is confident in its ability to deliver compelling underwriting margins across segments, despite potential pricing pressures [27][29] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining underwriting discipline and leveraging strong relationships with brokers and clients [39][81] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 1.8 million common shares for $32 million at an average price of $17.40 per share during the quarter [21] - The effective tax rate for the first nine months of the year was 18.8%, reflecting a greater proportion of income generated in higher tax jurisdictions [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on reinsurance growth and expectations for 2026 - Management expressed confidence in the prevailing hard market and the potential for continued growth through partnerships and a strong pipeline of opportunities [33][34] Question: Stability of RPIs and competitive pressures - Management acknowledged pressure in certain lines, particularly in property, but emphasized strong retention rates and margins [37][38] Question: Direct property book growth and potential tailwinds - Management noted that new homeowners business contributed to growth and highlighted opportunities in data center construction [40][41] Question: Verticalization and market dynamics - Management clarified that verticalization is present in both hard and soft markets, allowing the company to set terms and conditions effectively [45][46] Question: Exposure to Caribbean hurricane losses - Management indicated some exposure but expected any net losses to fall within expected limits [59] Question: Partnerships and capabilities for data center construction - Management discussed the importance of having a meaningful line size and leveraging partnerships to negotiate favorable terms [60][62] Question: Update on aviation and marine lines - Management noted improvements in aviation pricing but maintained caution due to competition, while expressing comfort with marine opportunities [76][81]