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Intact Financial Corp (IFCZF) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Net Operating Income and ...

In This Article:

  • Net Operating Income Per Share (NOIPS): $4.93 in Q4 2024, up 23% from last year.

  • Combined Ratio: 86.5% in Q4, 4 points better than last year.

  • Operating Return on Equity (ROE): 16.5% for 2024.

  • Total Capital Margin: $2.9 billion at year-end.

  • Catastrophe Losses: $1.5 billion for the year.

  • Dividend Increase: 10% increase, marking the 20th consecutive year.

  • Personal Auto Premium Growth: 12% in Q4.

  • Personal Property Premium Growth: 9% in Q4.

  • Commercial Lines Premium Growth: 4% in Q4.

  • UK&I Combined Ratio: 92.7% for Q4 and 92.8% for the year.

  • US Combined Ratio: 86.1% for Q4 and 87.5% for the year.

  • Distribution Income Growth: 13% in Q4 and 12% for the year.

  • Book Value Per Share Growth: 2% in Q4 and 13% year over year.

  • Adjusted Debt-to-Total Capital: 19.4% at year-end.

Release Date: February 12, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Intact Financial Corp (IFCZF) reported its best quarter on record with a net operating income per share of $4.93, up 23% from the previous year.

  • The company achieved a strong combined ratio of 86.5%, which is 4 points better than last year, indicating strong underlying performance across all lines of business.

  • Intact Financial Corp (IFCZF) increased its dividend for the 20th consecutive year, with a 10-year compounded annual growth rate of 10%.

  • The company has a robust capital margin of $2.9 billion, positioning it well for future growth opportunities.

  • Intact Financial Corp (IFCZF) is advancing its AI capabilities, with over 500 models to optimize underwriting performance and customer experience, contributing to $150 million in run rate underwriting profit.

Negative Points

  • The company incurred $1.5 billion in catastrophe losses for the year, reflecting ongoing challenges with severe weather events.

  • In the US, premium growth was flat in the quarter due to corrective actions in underperforming segments, indicating potential challenges in maintaining growth.

  • The integration of Direct Line in the UK&I created a 4-point drag on growth in Q4, highlighting challenges in integrating acquisitions.

  • The Alberta auto insurance market remains challenging due to increased litigation on injury claims, impacting profitability despite recent regulatory changes.

  • Intact Financial Corp (IFCZF) increased its retention of catastrophe treaty in Canada from $250 million to $350 million, indicating higher exposure to potential losses.

Q & A Highlights

Q: The market has been able to push through decent price increases in Ontario auto. Should we expect prices to stabilize, and are there any pressures due to upcoming elections? A: Charles Brindamour, CEO, explained that rates increased double digits in the quarter, fueling 12% growth. Inflation has stabilized in the mid-single digits, and rates are expected to normalize to mid- to high-single digits. The industry remains unprofitable, indicating more catch-up is needed. Elections are not seen as a significant risk currently.