Mercury General Corporation reported improved underwriting results for the third quarter of 2023, driven by rate increases, moderating inflation, and favorable reserve development. The company's operating income was $62.9 million, compared to $15.6 million in the same period last year. However, the company still reported a net loss of $8.2 million, impacted by net realized investment losses.
Net premiums earned increased by 9.4% to $1.09 billion.
Operating income increased to $62.9 million, a 302.4% increase year-over-year.
Catastrophe losses were $33 million, compared to $19 million in Q3 2022.
The combined ratio improved to 98.6% from 102.8% in the prior year.
Mercury General expects higher rates to continue to earn-in during the fourth quarter, which should help offset historically higher seasonal frequency and severity. The company continues to implement rate and non-rate actions to improve underwriting results.
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income