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    Fidelis Insurance Holdings (FIHL)

    Q4 2024 Earnings Summary

    Reported on Feb 26, 2025 (After Market Close)
    Pre-Earnings Price$14.73Last close (Feb 26, 2025)
    Post-Earnings Price$14.84Open (Feb 27, 2025)
    Price Change
    $0.11(+0.75%)
    • The company is undervalued, trading at a significant discount to book value, presenting a potential investment opportunity. Management agrees with this assessment.
    • FIHL targets a 13% to 15% return on equity through the cycle, and management is confident in meeting or exceeding this target, indicating strong future profitability.
    • Strong capital position enabling both growth and shareholder returns: The company has a strong capital position, allowing it to profitably grow its underwriting portfolio and execute on strategic capital objectives, including share repurchases, which are considered very accretive.
    • The company experienced significant net adverse prior year development of $287 million in its Aviation and Aerospace line of business due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which negatively impacted its combined ratio and operating net income.
    • There is ongoing uncertainty regarding the remaining exposure to the Russia-Ukraine aviation claims, as approximately one-third of the total exposure is still unsettled and depends on future court judgments, which could further affect financial results. ,
    • The company is expecting substantial catastrophe losses from the recent California wildfires, estimating losses between $160 million to $190 million, which could impact future profitability.
    MetricPeriodPrevious GuidanceCurrent GuidanceChange

    Gross Premiums Written (GPW) Growth

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    10% GPW growth in 2025

    no prior guidance

    Net Premium Earned Growth

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    approximately 15% to 20% in 2025

    no prior guidance

    Combined Ratio

    FY 2025

    mid- to high 80s across the cycle

    long-term target combined ratio of mid- to high 80s

    no change

    Return on Equity (ROE)

    FY 2025

    14% to 16%

    13% to 15%

    lowered

    TopicPrevious MentionsCurrent PeriodTrend

    Undervaluation and Valuation Dynamics

    In Q3, executives described the stock as “totally mispriced” and emphasized undervaluation with premium book value multiples ( ). Q2 and Q1 discussed share buybacks and accretive repurchases as signals of undervaluation ( ).

    In Q4, analysts again highlighted the stock as “ridiculously mispriced” and underlined an expected 13%–15% ROE with trading at around 4.4x earnings ( ).

    Consistent emphasis on undervaluation remains, with management and analysts reiterating the stock’s mispricing across periods.

    Return on Equity Targets and Profitability

    Q3 noted strong ROE achievements (16.4% for the quarter and annual targets of 14%–16%) ( ); Q2 and Q1 reinforced targets and solid profitability metrics ( ).

    Q4 reported an operating ROE of 5.6%—well below the long‐term 13%–15% target—due to adverse developments in Aviation and Aerospace, though future confidence was expressed ( ).

    Gap emerging between through‐cycle targets and current performance in Q4, signaling short‐term underperformance despite stable long‐term goals.

    Strong Capital Position and Share Repurchase Strategy

    Q3 and Q2 detailed robust capital positions, including significant share repurchases (e.g. a $50 million buyback and a new $200 million authorization) ( ); Q1 also stressed disciplined capital management ( ).

    Q4 reiterated a strong capital position with ongoing share repurchase plans (with $145 million remaining authorized) and a consistent focus on capital allocation and accretive buybacks ( ).

    Steady and positive narrative around capital strength and share repurchase strategy continues throughout all periods.

    Premium Growth and Underwriting Discipline

    Q3, Q2 and Q1 showcased strong premium growth (with increases ranging from 21% to 25% year-over-year) and disciplined underwriting through meticulous rate-setting and retention efforts ( ).

    Q4 reported 22% growth in gross premiums written, driven by high retention and new business, along with continued emphasis on disciplined underwriting ( ).

    Robust and consistent growth combined with vigilant underwriting remains a key strength.

    Reinsurance Growth and New Business Opportunities

    Q3 highlighted a 52% increase in reinsurance premiums and strategic partnerships (e.g. Euclid Mortgage) ( ); Q2 and Q1 also underscored strong rate-driven growth and new business opportunities ( ).

    Q4 noted a 40% growth in reinsurance premiums with ongoing initiatives to capture new business opportunities and optimize terms across the portfolio ( ).

    Steady opportunity in reinsurance with a slight variation in growth rates between periods, maintaining overall positive momentum.

    Aviation and Aerospace Exposure Related to Russia-Ukraine Conflict

    Q3 mentioned adverse developments in Aviation and Aerospace linked to Russia-Ukraine litigation ( ); this topic was not detailed in Q2 or Q1.

    Q4 provided extensive discussion of a $287 million net prior year development, detailed settlement progress, and legal updates regarding Aviation and Aerospace exposure ( ).

    Increased focus and depth in Q4 indicates an emerging risk area that was less emphasized or absent in earlier periods.

    Catastrophe Risk Management and Exposure (Wildfires, Extreme Weather)

    Q3 discussed hurricane losses and storm events (e.g. Hurricane Helene, Milton) with implications for market discipline ( ); Q2 reviewed tornadoes and severe weather events; Q1 addressed broad catastrophe protection strategies ( ).

    Q4 concentrated on wildfire losses—with estimates between $160 million and $190 million—and highlighted the impact of climate change and market opportunities following these events ( ).

    Shift in focus from hurricanes/tornadoes to wildfires reflects an evolving risk landscape and increasing emphasis on climate-driven events.

    Segment-Specific Performance Variability (Bespoke, Specialty, IP Insurance, Property D&F)

    All prior periods (Q1 through Q3) examined variability in performance: bespoke and specialty segments showed robust growth with fluctuating deal flow, while Property D&F continued to drive growth; IP insurance was monitored for stability or underperformance ( ).

    Q4 provided detailed updates on each segment—highlighting attractive bespoke deals, disciplined specialty underwriting, stability in IP insurance, and 30% growth in Property D&F ( ).

    Stable performance differences continue with consistent qualitative commentary across segments.

    Investment Portfolio Optimization and Yield Enhancement

    Q3 and Q2 focused on portfolio repositioning, yield improvements (net investment income rising and yields increasing from around 1% to over 4.5%–5.2%), and extended duration strategies ( ); Q1 detailed similar reinvestment strategies and quality metrics ( ).

    Q4 announced a net investment income of $191 million—a 59% increase over 2023—driven by higher yields on fixed income and cash, indicating continued portfolio optimization ( ).

    Continued positive trend in investment yield enhancement, with strategic repositioning bolstering income generation.

    Financial Disclosure and Reserve Management Transparency

    Q1 included detailed reserve reviews and transparent quarterly adjustments ( ); Q3 discussed reserve changes including a $14 million adverse development with limited granularity ( ); Q2 had minimal standalone discussion ( ).

    Q4 offered robust disclosure on reserve adjustments (e.g. detailed explanation of the $287 million net prior year development in Aviation) and financial metrics, underscoring transparency ( ).

    Enhanced transparency in Q4 builds on prior disclosures, providing a more detailed view of reserve management and financial performance.

    Major Shareholder Activity and Confidence Signals

    Q2 and Q3 emphasized active share repurchase programs (including transactions with ADIA and authorization of new buyback programs) with clear signals of confidence; Q1 did not mention these topics ( ).

    Q4 reiterated the undervaluation narrative through repurchase plans and management endorsements, although it did not detail any new major shareholder activities ( ).

    Increased emphasis in recent periods on share repurchases and confidence signals, reinforcing positive shareholder sentiment.

    Decline of Legacy Topics (Baltimore Bridge Collapse Exposure, Lloyd's Syndicate Participation)

    Q1 discussed the Baltimore Bridge collapse exposure with loss reserve setting ( ); Q2 and Q3 featured discussions on Lloyd's Syndicate participation as a strategic initiative ( ).

    Q4 made no reference to either the Baltimore Bridge collapse exposure or Lloyd's Syndicate participation.

    Declining focus on legacy topics as management pivots away from past issues toward current operational priorities.

    1. Russia-Ukraine Aviation Exposure
      Q: How is the settlement progress on Russia-Ukraine aviation losses?
      A: We have settled or are in settlement discussions for two-thirds of our exposure to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine aviation litigation. For the remaining one-third, we're holding reserves based on a probabilistic model of possible court outcomes. Despite these uncertainties, our balance sheet remains strong, supporting both strategic growth and capital management objectives for the year.

    2. California Wildfire Impact
      Q: What is the impact of the California wildfires on your business?
      A: The recent wildfires were a significant event, about four times larger than the previous largest wildfire loss, with an estimated return period of around 1 in 500. Our net loss is well within our catastrophe budget and expectations for an event of this magnitude. Approximately three-quarters of the loss is from reinsurance, with the remainder from direct insurance. We expect this event to positively impact pricing and see opportunities arising from the dislocation in the market.

    3. Capital Allocation and Share Buybacks
      Q: Will you consider using excess capital for share repurchases?
      A: We have $145 million remaining in our repurchase program and view share buybacks at this price as very accretive. Our strong capital position allows us to grow our underwriting portfolio while executing strategic capital objectives, including share repurchases, as appropriate.

    4. Return on Equity Targets
      Q: Are you confident in achieving your ROE targets despite recent events?
      A: Yes, we remain confident in our through-the-cycle ROE target of 13% to 15%. Although the wildfires are not the ideal start to the year, we have a manageable loss and see plenty of opportunities for profitable growth. Excluding the Russia-Ukraine impact last year, we would have exceeded our targets.

    5. Growth Expectations
      Q: How should we think about net premium growth in 2025?
      A: While we expect gross premium written to grow by 10% in 2025, net premium earned is projected to grow approximately 15% to 20%, due to the lag between written and earned premiums and the impact of multi-year reinsurance contracts.

    6. Competitive Environment and Pricing
      Q: What are you seeing in terms of pricing and competition?
      A: The market continues to benefit from better rates, terms, and conditions, compounding over the last 5 to 6 years. Our overall Rate Price Index (RPI) for the portfolio was 111% for the full year and 106% in Q4. Property Direct and Facultative (D&F) grew by 30% year-over-year, with an RPI of 115% for the full year. We are optimistic about opportunities and expect property direct to grow in the low to mid-teens in 2025.

      For the bespoke segment, pricing is assessed on a deal-by-deal basis, comparing metrics against our long-term profitability hurdles. We continue to see attractive opportunities to deploy capital in this area.

    7. Combined Ratio Targets
      Q: Can you achieve your target combined ratio amid recent challenges?
      A: We are confident in achieving our target combined ratio of mid to high 80s. Despite higher ratios in 2024 due to events like the wildfires, the strong pricing environment and underwriting discipline support our targets. Excluding the Russia-Ukraine impact, we would have exceeded our combined ratio goals last year.

    8. Investment Income
      Q: Why was net investment income lower in Q4 than in Q3?
      A: The returns are consistent with Q3; however, investable assets were relatively flat in Q4 compared to Q3. There's variability in operating cash flows quarter to quarter, and we expect to improve investable assets going forward. There is no unusual need for cash at this time.

    9. Intellectual Property Book
      Q: Any updates on the intellectual property exposures?
      A: There is no material development on our intellectual property book. We have a handful of treaties still in force, running off up to around 2027, but the book is performing as we expect.

    10. Subrogation from Wildfires
      Q: Are you anticipating any subrogation recoveries from the wildfires?
      A: It's too early to provide details, but in such events, we would expect subrogation efforts. We will update when more information is available.

    Research analysts covering Fidelis Insurance Holdings.