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Dec 31, 2023
James River Q4 2023 Earnings Report
James River experienced a transformative year with a focus on E&S and fronting platforms. The company reported strong investment income and profitable underwriting results from continuing operations, particularly from the Excess and Surplus Lines segment.
Key Takeaways
James River Group Holdings reported a net loss of $152.78 million for Q4 2023, primarily driven by a net loss from discontinued operations including an $80.4 million loss on held for sale classification of JRG Re and an $89.8 million loss from discontinued operations. Adjusted net operating income was $12.4 million, reflecting strong investment income and profitable underwriting results from continuing operations.
Full year 2023 Group combined ratio of 96.5%.
E&S segment gross written premium exceeded $1.0 billion, a record level, including 12.1% growth in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the prior year quarter.
E&S segment combined ratio of 94.2% for the fourth quarter of 2023. E&S renewal rate increased 11.0% in the fourth quarter of 2023, including 10.5% in casualty lines, with nearly all underwriting divisions reporting positive pricing increases.
Specialty Admitted segment combined ratio of 92.2% for the fourth quarter of 2023, with fronting and program gross written premium growth of 12.5% compared to the prior year quarter, excluding the non-renewed California workers' compensation program.
James River
James River
James River Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Excess and Surplus Lines Revenue
CapyFin.comSpecialty Admitted Insurance Revenue
CapyFin.com Forward Guidance
James River anticipates building on the momentum in 2024, leveraging sustained attractive market conditions. The Board of Directors continues its exploration of strategic alternatives for the Company and expects to provide an update in due course.
Positive Outlook
- E&S segment gross written premium exceeded $1.0 billion, a record level.
- New business submissions increased 14.9% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the prior year period.
- E&S renewal rate increased 11.0% in the fourth quarter of 2023, including 10.5% in casualty lines, with nearly all underwriting divisions reporting positive pricing increases.
- Fronting and program business growth was driven by both existing programs and new programs initiated earlier in 2023.
- Growth in income was broad-based across the portfolio, as positive operating cash flow and portfolio cash flow was deployed at higher yields.
Challenges Ahead
- Net loss from discontinued operations was $170.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, which included an $80.4 million loss on held for sale classification of JRG Re.
- Premium retention in the E&S segment was lower than recent periods and net written premium declined 6.2% from the prior year quarter due to the impact of the restructured ceded reinsurance structure.
- The consolidated expense ratio was 24.2% for the fourth quarter of 2023, which was an increase from 22.0% in the prior year fourth quarter.
- Shareholders' equity of $534.6 million at December 31, 2023 declined 5.0% compared to shareholders' equity of $562.5 million at September 30, 2023.
- During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company also reduced its estimate of current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses to reflect the strong level of rate increases, meaningfully above both plan and trend, and other underwriting improvements.
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income