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Investing.com -- Shares of James River Group (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:JRVR) plunged 28% after the insurer reported fourth-quarter earnings that fell short of Wall Street expectations. The company posted a net loss of $94.04 million, or $2.28 per diluted share, a stark contrast to the net income of $17.43 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, in the same quarter last year. Adjusted net operating loss was $40.8 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, significantly below the analyst estimate of a $0.49 per share loss.
The shortfall was primarily due to a $52.8 million payment related to an adverse development reinsurance contract and a $27 million deemed dividend from an amendment to the Series A Preferred Shares. Revenue for the quarter also missed the consensus, coming in at $126.71 million against the expected $140.58 million.
James River’s fourth-quarter performance reflects several strategic actions taken during the year, including the sale of JRG Reinsurance Company Ltd. and a $160.0 million loss portfolio transfer for their Excess and Surplus (E&S) business. Despite these measures aimed at strengthening the balance sheet, the company experienced a decrease in gross written premium in the Specialty Admitted Insurance segment by 32%, and an 8% decline in net earned premium.
The E&S segment did see a slight increase in gross written premium, and the company reported a 10.8% increase in net investment income for the full year compared to 2023. However, these positive developments were overshadowed by the significant losses from continuing operations and the increase in common shares outstanding, which led to a decrease in shareholders’ equity per share from $14.02 at the end of September 2024 to $10.10.
James River’s CEO, Frank D’Orazio, commented on the challenges faced in 2024, expressing optimism for 2025 due to the healthy E&S market and opportunities for growth in a favorable rate environment. Despite these forward-looking statements, the immediate market response to the earnings report was decidedly negative, reflecting investor concerns over the company’s financial health and strategic direction.
The insurer also announced a nominal cash dividend of $0.01 per common share, payable on March 31, 2025, to shareholders of record on March 10, 2025. Additionally, the company’s Board of Directors will see a change in leadership, with Non-Executive Chairman Ollie L. Sherman Jr. set to retire and Christine LaSala appointed as the next Non-Executive Chairperson.
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