Dec 31, 2020

James River Q4 2020 Earnings Report

James River reported a net loss for Q4 2020, impacted by unfavorable development in the E&S and Casualty Reinsurance segments. However, the company highlighted strong growth in Core E&S and opportunities in the Specialty Admitted Insurance segment.

Key Takeaways

James River Group Holdings reported a net loss of $20.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to a net income of $20.5 million for the same period in 2019. The adjusted net operating loss was $29.0 million, compared to an adjusted net operating income of $23.3 million in the prior year. The results were impacted by unfavorable reserve development in the E&S and Casualty Reinsurance segments.

39% growth in Core (excluding Commercial Auto) Excess and Surplus Lines ("E&S") Gross Written Premium and 9.3% increase in E&S renewal pricing.

Net Investment Income of $22.2 million, an increase of 7%, or $1.4 million.

$62.3 million of unfavorable development in the E&S segment, inclusive of $75.8 million of unfavorable development in Commercial Auto and $13.5 million of favorable development in Core E&S.

Additionally, there was $24.7 million of unfavorable development in the Casualty Reinsurance segment

Total Revenue
$159M
Previous year: $221M
-28.0%
EPS
-$0.95
Previous year: $0.76
-225.0%
Combined Ratio
131%
Previous year: 93.8%
+39.7%
Expense Ratio
19.9%
Previous year: 16.4%
+21.3%
Loss Ratio
111.1%
Previous year: 77.4%
+43.5%
Gross Profit
$503M
Previous year: $736M
-31.7%
Cash and Equivalents
$162M
Previous year: $207M
-21.6%
Free Cash Flow
-$52M
Previous year: $1.28B
-104.1%
Total Assets
$5.06B
Previous year: $5.02B
+0.8%

James River

James River

James River Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

James River is positioned to capitalize on favorable market conditions in its Core E&S business and fronting business within the Specialty Admitted Insurance segment.

Positive Outlook

  • Core E&S business is operating in its most attractive rate environment in recent memory.
  • Fronting business within the Specialty Admitted Insurance segment continues to see new opportunities for profitable growth with new partners.
  • Submission volume in E&S remains strong.
  • The 9.3% renewal rate increase was the 16th consecutive quarter of rate increases.
  • Fee income in fronting business grew 22% during 2020.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income