Employers (US:EIG)2026-02-20 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross premiums written decreased to $156.8 million from $176.3 million, an 11% decline primarily due to lower new business writings and lower final audit premiums [8] - Losses and LAE increased to $134.4 million from $113.2 million, an 18.7% increase attributed to a higher accident year 2025 selected loss and LAE ratio [8] - Net investment income rose to $31.4 million from $26.7 million, a 17.6% increase driven by private equity investment returns and a higher book yield on the fixed income portfolio [9] - Adjusted net income was $14.5 million compared to $28.7 million in the previous year [11] - Book value per share increased by 11% to $51.31 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The small commercial franchise maintained strong retention rates throughout 2025, indicating successful investments in automation and ease of use [4] - The company is experiencing lower new business writings and has exited certain classes of business, particularly in California [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The California market is characterized as hardening, with rate increases being implemented, while the overall environment remains competitive across the country [22][24] - Average renewal rates increased by over 5% for the entire book, driven largely by California [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is expanding its capabilities with a new excess workers' compensation product, leveraging core expertise and AI tools to create new growth avenues [6] - A focus on disciplined underwriting, prudent risk management, and strategic investments is expected to strengthen the company's position in the workers' compensation insurance market [7] - The company aims to improve its expense ratio through AI initiatives and operational excellence, with a target to reduce the expense ratio further [14][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the frequency of cumulative trauma claims in California has flattened, although it remains elevated compared to historical levels [20] - The company anticipates reduced written premiums in 2026 due to the hardening market and cautious risk selection [22][35] - Confidence in financial strength and strategic capital management was emphasized, with ongoing share repurchases and dividends planned [14] Other Important Information - The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share, payable on March 18 [14] - The company executed a $125 million recapitalization plan in January, reflecting confidence in its financial position [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trajectory of CT claims - Management observed that the acceleration of CT claims frequency has slowed down and flattened, although it remains elevated compared to the past [20] Question: Dynamics of the hardening market - The hardening market is primarily in California, with some competitors exiting certain states or classes of business, while the overall environment remains competitive [22][24] Question: Buybacks for 2026 - Management expects to return to a normal level of share repurchases in 2026, being opportunistic in timing [26] Question: Improvement in expense ratio - Management is optimistic about improving the expense ratio through ongoing AI initiatives and operational enhancements [27][29] Question: Gross written premium in California - Lower new business writings and some non-renewals are contributing to the decline in gross written premium in California [35] Question: Scaling the new excess workers' comp product - The company plans to scale the new product cautiously, with expectations for it to become a meaningful revenue driver over time [36] Question: Competition in the excess workers' comp market - Management believes that efficiency through AI and unique offerings in loss control will help differentiate the company in a competitive market [44] Question: Performance expectations for the new product - The excess comp space is expected to perform with a combined ratio in the mid-80s, with a strong expense ratio due to AI-driven underwriting [48]