Impact of California Workers' Compensation Rate Increase on Business Cycle Signals
California's 8.7% increase in workers' compensation loss costs, a significant outlier, raises concerns about a potential shift in the market cycle.
NCCI's 6% increase in medical severity for 2024 further signals possible market hardening.
AMERISAFE's ancillary exposure in California means it cannot ignore these developments, which could impact future pricing and risk management strategies.
Ameriprise reported adjusted operating EPS growth of 7% to $9.11 with a strong margin of 27%.
Ameriprise returned 81% of operating earnings to shareholders in the quarter and plans to increase payout ratio to 85% for the second half of the year.
Asset management operating earnings increased 2% to $222 million with margins at 39%.
Free cash flow generation remains strong with a 90% free cash flow conversion rate across segments.
Retirement and Protection Solutions earnings increased 9% to $214 million, driven by favorable life claims and strong interest earnings.
Return on equity remains very strong at 52%, among the industry's best.
The bank's total assets increased 6%, with good loan growth and spread earnings.
Total revenues increased 4% driven by asset growth and strong transactional activity.
Wealth management client assets grew 11% to a record $1.1 trillion, with wrap assets up 15%.