Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (NYSE:KNSL), a leading specialty insurance provider, has reported its second quarter 2024 financial results, demonstrating its ability to navigate the evolving market landscape and deliver exceptional performance. The company's net income for the full year 2023 reached $308,093,000, with annual revenue of $1,224,449,000, annual operating cash flow of $859,835,000, and annual free cash flow of $853,228,000.
Q2 2024 Performance
In the second quarter of 2024, Kinsale Capital Group continued to build on its strong momentum, reporting a 27.2% increase in net income compared to the same period last year. The company's net income for the quarter was $92,579,000, while its net operating earnings, a non-GAAP metric that excludes the impact of certain items, grew by 30.2% to $87,433,000.
Kinsale's impressive performance was driven by a combination of factors, including continued profitable growth, an increase in investment income, and effective risk management strategies. The company's underwriting income, which excludes the impact of investment income and other non-underwriting items, increased by 23.6% to $76,059,000 in the second quarter of 2024.
Premium Growth
The company's gross written premiums grew by 20.9% to $529,770,000 in the second quarter of 2024, compared to $438,222,000 in the same period last year. This growth was primarily driven by strong submission activity from brokers and a favorable pricing environment across Kinsale's diverse product offerings.
Kinsale's net written premiums increased by 17.9% to $430,236,000 in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting the company's disciplined approach to managing its reinsurance program. The net retention ratio, which measures the proportion of premiums retained by the company, was 81.2% in the second quarter of 2024, compared to 83.3% in the same period last year.
Investment Performance
The company's investment portfolio continued to generate strong returns, with net investment income increasing by 48.3% to $35,847,000 in the second quarter of 2024. This was primarily driven by growth in the investment portfolio and higher interest rates. Kinsale's investment strategy remains conservative, with the majority of the portfolio allocated to fixed-income securities with an average rating of "AA-" and an average duration of 3.0 years.
Underwriting Performance
Kinsale's underwriting performance remained strong, with a combined ratio of 77.7% in the second quarter of 2024, compared to 76.7% in the same period last year. The company's loss ratio, which measures the proportion of premiums used to pay claims, was 56.6% in the second quarter of 2024, compared to 55.7% in the same period last year. The increase in the loss ratio was primarily due to lower net favorable development of loss reserves from prior accident years.
The company's expense ratio, which measures the proportion of premiums used to cover underwriting, acquisition, and insurance expenses, was 21.1% in the second quarter of 2024, compared to 21.0% in the same period last year. Kinsale's focus on technology-driven cost management and the benefits of its reinsurance program have helped to maintain its expense ratio at a competitive level.
Financials
Kinsale's balance sheet remains strong, with total stockholders' equity of $1,257,203,000 as of June 30, 2024. The company's tangible stockholders' equity, a non-GAAP metric that excludes intangible assets, was $1,254,408,000 as of the same date. Kinsale's conservative investment strategy and disciplined underwriting approach have contributed to its robust financial position.
Business Overview
In terms of geographic diversification, Kinsale operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a focus on the excess and surplus (E&S) lines market. The company's product offerings span a wide range of commercial and personal lines, including property, casualty, professional liability, and specialty coverages.
Outlook
Looking ahead, Kinsale's management remains cautiously optimistic about the company's prospects. The E&S market continues to present opportunities for growth, and Kinsale's focus on smaller accounts, technology-driven cost management, and disciplined underwriting have positioned the company well to capitalize on these opportunities.
Risks and Challenges
However, the company is mindful of the potential risks and challenges facing the industry, including the evolving tort system, inflationary pressures, and the potential for increased catastrophe losses. Kinsale's management has emphasized the importance of maintaining a conservative approach to reserving and a robust reinsurance program to manage these risks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kinsale Capital Group's second quarter 2024 results demonstrate the company's ability to deliver consistent, profitable growth in a dynamic market environment. The company's focus on underwriting discipline, technology-driven cost management, and prudent risk management have been key drivers of its success. As Kinsale continues to navigate the evolving landscape, investors can take comfort in the company's strong financial position and its commitment to delivering long-term value.