Hci Group, Inc. ((HCI)) has held its Q4 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.
HCI Group’s recent earnings call conveyed a positive sentiment, highlighting the company’s strong performance and resilience in the face of challenges. The call underscored robust growth in policyholder numbers and premiums, financial strength, and strategic expansion through its Exzeo Group. Despite the adverse effects of Hurricane Milton, HCI Group demonstrated continued profitability, painting a promising picture of its business trajectory.
Strong Policyholder Retention and Growth
HCI Group showcased impressive policyholder retention and growth, maintaining a retention rate of approximately 90%. The company increased its policies in-force from 247,000 to over 272,000, marking a significant in-force premium growth of 22% to exceed $1.2 billion. This growth reflects the company’s effective strategies in retaining and attracting policyholders.
Successful Citizens Policyholder Acquisition
The company successfully transitioned nearly 53,000 out of 68,000 Citizens policyholders to HCI, achieving a blended success rate of 77%. This strategic move not only expanded HCI’s market share but also demonstrated its ability to offer attractive options to policyholders seeking private market solutions.
Financial Strength and Dividend Payments
HCI Group’s financial robustness was evident as it paid a dividend of $0.40 per share, marking its 57th consecutive quarterly dividend. The company’s book value increased by almost $9 per share, ending the year at $42.10, further solidifying its financial position.
Reduced Debt and Improved Financial Ratios
The company made significant strides in reducing its consolidated debt by $80 million, improving its debt-to-capital ratio from 50% to 34%. Additionally, the underwriter surplus grew by 50%, showcasing HCI’s commitment to strengthening its financial health.
Exzeo Group Profitability
HCI’s technology unit, Exzeo Group, reported approximately $35 million in pretax income for 2024. The company anticipates significant growth in 2025, highlighting Exzeo’s role as a key driver of future profitability and market expansion.
Impact of Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton had a net impact of $128 million on HCI Group, including a $78 million net loss expense and a $50 million reversal of benefits under a reinsurance agreement. Despite this challenge, the company managed to maintain its profitability and financial stability.
Forward-Looking Guidance
Looking ahead, HCI Group provided extensive guidance on its financial performance and strategic future. The company achieved a pretax income of $173 million and a diluted earnings per share of $8.89 for the full year, despite the impact of three hurricanes. HCI plans to leverage its technology to expand its market presence and explore strategic alternatives, particularly through Exzeo Group. The launch of a new insurance company, Condo Owners Reciprocal Exchange, with approximately $70 million in in-force premium, further exemplifies HCI’s growth ambitions.
In summary, HCI Group’s earnings call reflected a strong and positive sentiment, with the company demonstrating resilience and strategic growth despite challenges like Hurricane Milton. Key takeaways include robust policyholder growth, successful acquisitions, financial strength, and promising future prospects, particularly through the Exzeo Group. HCI Group’s commitment to leveraging technology and exploring new market opportunities positions it well for continued success.