Brown & Brown(US:BRO)2026-01-27 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year, the company grew revenue by 23%, with cash flow from operations increasing by nearly 24% [6][10] - In Q4, total revenues reached $1.6 billion, a growth of 35.7%, while organic revenue decreased by 2.8% [9][10] - Adjusted EBITDAC margin remained flat at 32.9%, and adjusted earnings per share grew over 8% to $0.93 [9][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Retail segment grew total revenues by 44.4%, primarily driven by acquisition activity, but EBITDAC margin decreased by 120 basis points to 26.6% [21] - Specialty Distribution segment saw total revenues grow by 27%, with EBITDAC margin decreasing by 60 basis points to 41.3% due to lower flood claims processing revenue [22][23] - Organic growth for Retail was 2.8% for the full year, while Specialty Distribution experienced a decline of 7.8% in Q4 [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Casualty and cat property rates showed moderation, with casualty rates increasing by 3-6% for primary layers [11][12] - Rates in the admitted P&C market moderated slightly, remaining flat to up 5%, while workers' compensation rates were flat to down 3% [12] - The E&S property market saw rate changes similar to the previous quarter, generally down 15-30% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes competition and integrity, focusing on customer outcomes and defending its rights against competitors [7][8] - Integration efforts from the Accession acquisition are progressing well, with expected EBITDA synergies of approximately $30 million-$40 million in 2026 [26][27] - The long-term margin target range has been increased to 32%-37%, reflecting a focus on balanced, profitable growth [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management believes economic growth will remain stable, with a cautiously optimistic outlook from customers [10][32] - The company anticipates continued competition in pricing, particularly in casualty lines, while expecting some moderation in admitted property rates [32][33] - The management is confident in the company's ability to deliver solid results and drive shareholder value, aiming for $8 billion in revenue and beyond [35] Other Important Information - The company generated $1.45 billion in cash flow from operations, growing 23.5% over the prior year [25] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 21%, a decrease from the previous year's rate of 24.9% [19][20] - The company paid $100 million on its revolving credit facility and bought back $100 million of shares [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of former teammates leaving for a competitor - Management stated that the compensation structure remains unchanged and that the departure of 275 individuals, mostly in non-production roles, is being addressed legally [40][72] Question: Shift of business from E&S to standard - Management noted that there is a cyclical movement of accounts between E&S and standard markets, particularly in smaller accounts [45][46] Question: Deceleration in casualty pricing increases - Management indicated that the moderation in casualty pricing is a normal market trend and not indicative of a structural change [54][56] Question: Contingent commissions and accident years - Contingent commissions are generally calculated over a 12-month horizon, with some rolling adjustments [68] Question: Future impact of lost revenues from departed employees - Management clarified that the $23 million in lost revenue is currently the assessed impact, but future retention could be affected [78][79]