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It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Brown & Brown (BRO). Shares have added about 9.3% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Brown & Brown due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Brown & Brown Q4 Earnings Top Estimates on Higher Commission and Fees
Brown & Brown's fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings of 86 cents per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 14.7%. The bottom line increased 48.3% year over year.
The quarterly results reflected improved organic revenues, driven by higher commission and fees and investment income and expanded EBITDAC margin, offset by higher expenses.
BRO’s Q4 Details
Total revenues of $1.2 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.4%. The top line improved 15.4% year over year. The upside can be primarily attributed to commission and fees, which grew 15.4% year over year to $1.1 billion. Our estimate for commission and fees was $1 billion. The Zacks Consensus Estimate was pegged at $1.1 billion. Organic revenues improved 13.8% to $1.1 billion in the quarter under review.
Investment income increased 22.2% year over year to $22 million. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the metric was pegged at $20.7 million and our estimate was $31.8 million.
Adjusted EBITDAC was $390 million, up 22.6% year over year. EBITDAC margin expanded 190 basis points (bps) year over year to 32.9%. Our estimate for adjusted EBITDAC was $366.3 million.
Total expenses increased 35.72% to $909 million due to a rise in employee compensation and benefits, other operating expenses, amortization, depreciation and interest. Our estimate was $801.2 million.
Full-Year Highlights
Adjusted earnings of $3.25 per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.73 per share. The bottom line increased 81.2% year over year.
Total revenues of $4.8 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.7 billion. The top line improved 12.9% year over year. Organic revenues increased 10.4%.
Adjusted EBITDAC increased 17% to $1.7 billion, while adjusted EBITDAC margin expanded 130 bps to 35.2%.
Financial Update of BRO
Brown & Brown exited 2024 with cash and cash equivalents of $2.5 billion, which increased 8.6% from the 2023-end level. Long-term debt was $4 billion as of Dec. 30, 2024, up 11.5% from the 2023-end level. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2024 was $1.6 billion, up 16.2% year over year.