Mercury General Q3 2023 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
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
Mercury General
Mercury General Revenue by Segment
Forward Guidance
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.
Positive Outlook
- Higher rates will continue to earn-in during the fourth quarter.
- Rate and non-rate actions are expected to improve underwriting results.
- The company anticipates that higher rates will offset historically higher seasonal frequency and severity.
- The company is implementing rate increases pending regulatory approval or expected to be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- CEO Gabe Tirador is pleased that rate and non-rate actions are manifesting in improved underwriting results.
Challenges Ahead
- Rate increases take time to earn in.
- The company is still awaiting approval by the California Department of Insurance for some rate increases.
- Extreme rates of inflation in 2022 have begun to moderate in 2023, but remain elevated and continue to negatively impact loss severity.
- The company's future performance is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including changes in demand for insurance products, inflation, and catastrophes.
- Actual results may differ from those projected in forward-looking statements.
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income