2025

First quarter 2025 highlights compared to first quarter 2024, unless otherwise noted:(1)

• Net income increased 31% to $17.7 million.
• Net investment income increased 44% to $23.5 million.
• Combined ratio increased 0.5 points to 99.4%; composed of an underlying loss ratio of 56.5%, catastrophe loss ratio of 5.0%, no prior year reserve development, and underwriting expense ratio of 37.9%.
• Underlying combined ratio increased 0.1 points to 94.4%.
• Net written premium(2) increased 4% to $335.4 million.
• Book value per share increased $1.33 to $32.13 as of March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024.
• Adjusted book value per share increased $0.52 to $34.16 as of March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Fire Group, Inc. (UFG) (Nasdaq: UFCS) today reported financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, with net income increasing 31% over the prior year to $17.7 million ($0.67 per diluted share) and adjusted operating income increasing 27% over the prior year to $18.3 million ($0.70 per diluted share).

In the first quarter, net written premium grew 4% to a record $335.4 million. The combined ratio increased 0.5 points to 99.4% compared to the prior year. The underlying loss ratio improved 2.9 points over the prior year to 56.5%. The catastrophe loss ratio increased 0.4 points to 5.0% and included 2.6 points of impact from the California wildfires. The underwriting expense ratio increased 3 points to 37.9% and included additional costs associated with the final stages of development of a new policy administration system. Net investment income increased 44% to $23 million with a strong increase in fixed maturity income and improved limited partnership valuations.

Core commercial renewal premiums increased 11.7% in the first quarter. Rates increased 9.7% and continued to exceed loss cost trends. Momentum continued to build in general liability and umbrella lines with some moderation in property and automobile compared to prior quarter.

“Overall, I am pleased with our performance in the first quarter as we delivered our third consecutive quarterly underwriting profit despite elevated industry catastrophe losses and an increased expense ratio,” said UFG President and CEO Kevin Leidwinger.

“While net written premium increased to a record of $335 million, our growth this quarter was not entirely reflective of the disciplined pricing, stable retention and increased new business production we experienced across the portfolio as a few unusual ceded reinsurance premium adjustments reduced net written premium growth by 3 points. We are building positive momentum with our distribution partners by deepening relationships, demonstrating underwriting expertise and delivering responsive service, each of which has provided us with access to greater opportunities.  

“In addition, I am satisfied with the improvement in the underlying loss ratio resulting from earned rate achievement, lower frequency and our ongoing focus on data-informed portfolio management.  

“Finally, our investment portfolio grew net investment income 44% in the first quarter, with sustainable improvement in both fixed maturity income and higher average portfolio credit rating compared to a year ago.

“It was a promising start to the year and in the quarters ahead, we will continue to execute our strategic business plan for improved financial and operational performance throughout 2025.”

View the full press release here.