Heritage shares rose 4.1% after earnings, as investors appeared to favor higher quarterly EPS despite catastrophe losses and pressure on Florida commercial premiums. The quarter also showed improving underlying loss performance and lower reinsurance costs, while competitive pricing remains a constraint on growth.
- Third-quarter net income was $51.1 million versus $50.4 million a year earlier; diluted EPS rose to $1.72 from $1.63.
- Catastrophe losses were $15.8 million pretax, compared with none in the prior-year quarter. Excluding catastrophes, weather, and prior-year development, the loss ratio improved by 4 points.
- Florida commercial premium in force fell 16% year over year amid aggressive pricing, despite higher policy count and insured values; management said it will continue to avoid business it considers underpriced.
- The ceded premium ratio declined to 41.7% from 46.1%, with the company citing approximately $63 million in annualized savings from its reinsurance program.
- Personal lines premium in force was slightly higher and average premium per policy rose 5%; management expects personal lines policy count growth to resume in 2027.
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