NI Holdings Inc

Previous wording

The following discussion is intended to provide a more comprehensive review of our operating results and financial condition than can be obtained from reading the unaudited consolidated financial statements alone. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.” Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-Q constitutes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in our 2023 Annual Report should also be reviewed for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained herein.

Current wording

The following discussion is intended to provide a more comprehensive review of our operating results and financial condition than can be obtained from reading the unaudited consolidated financial statements alone. Unless otherwise noted, the information in the following discussion is being presented for our continuing operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.” Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-Q constitutes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in our 2023 Annual Report should also be reviewed for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained herein.

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2024 First Quarter Consolidated Results of Operations

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2024 Second Quarter Consolidated Results of Continuing Operations

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2024 First Quarter Consolidated Financial Condition

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2024 Second Quarter Consolidated Financial Condition

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The major components of our revenues and net income (loss) for the two periods are shown below:

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The major components of revenues and net loss are shown below:

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Below are comments regarding significant changes in net premiums earned by business segment:

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Below are comments regarding net premiums earned by business segment:

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Private passenger auto – Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased $2,449, or 12.5%, compared to the same period in 2023. This increase was driven by significant rate increases in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, partially offset by lower new business levels in South Dakota and Nebraska as a result of underwriting actions taken to improve profitability.

Current wording

Private Passenger Auto – Net premiums earned for the second quarter of 2024 increased $1,928, or 9.4%, compared to the same period in 2023. Net premiums earned for the first six months of 2024 increased $4,376, or 10.9% from the first six months of 2023. Results were driven by new business growth in North Dakota as well as significant rate increases in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, partially offset by lower new business and retention levels in South Dakota and Nebraska as a result of underwriting actions taken to improve profitability.

Previous wording

Non-standard auto – Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased $4,110, or 19.7%, compared to the same period in 2023. This increase was driven by new business growth in Arizona and Illinois as well as significant rate increases in the Chicago market where our non-standard auto business is concentrated.

Current wording

Non-Standard Auto – Net premiums earned for the second quarter of 2024 increased $5,098, or 23.6%, compared to the same period in 2023. Net premiums earned for the first six months of 2024 increased $9,207, or 21.7% from the first six months of 2023. Results were driven by new business growth in Illinois and Arizona as well as significant rate increases in the Chicago market where our non-standard auto business is concentrated, partially offset by lower retention compared to prior year periods.

Previous wording

Home and farm – Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased $1,423, or 7.1%, compared to the same period in 2023. This increase was driven by rate increases along with increased insured property values, which were primarily the result of higher inflationary factors. These increases were partially offset by lower retention rates and new business levels in Nebraska and South Dakota as a result of underwriting actions taken to improve profitability.

Current wording

Home and Farm – Net premiums earned for the second quarter of 2024 increased $1,510, or 7.4%, compared to the same period in 2023. Net premiums earned for the first six months of 2024 increased $2,934, or 7.3% from the first six months of 2023. Results were driven by new business growth in North Dakota, rate increases, and increased insured property values, which were primarily the result of higher inflationary factors. These increases were partially offset by lower retention rates and new business levels in Nebraska and South Dakota as a result of underwriting actions taken to improve profitability.

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All other – Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased $349, or 19.3%, compared to the same period in 2023 primarily driven by the continued run-off of our participation in an assumed domestic and international reinsurance pool of business.

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All Other – Net premiums earned for the second quarter of 2024, increased $156, or 5.4%, compared to the same period in 2023. Net premiums earned for the first six months of 2024 increased $13, or 0.2%, from the first six months of 2023. Results were drive by rate and insured value increases for the commercial and excess lines of business, partially offset by the continued run-off of our participation in an assumed domestic and international reinsurance pool of business.

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Private passenger auto – The net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio decreased 28.4 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. This decrease was driven by the earned premium growth as well as lower levels of weather-related losses in the current year quarter due to the mild winter in the Midwest compared to elevated winter weather-related losses in the prior year quarter. Both periods were affected by elevated loss costs due to continued high levels of inflation.

Current wording

Private Passenger Auto – The net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio decreased 3.1 percentage points and 15.8 percentage points in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023. These decreases were driven by the earned premium growth as well as lower levels of weather-related losses in the current year due to the mild winter in the Midwest compared to elevated winter weather-related losses in the prior year. Both periods were affected by elevated loss costs due to continued high levels of inflation.

Previous wording

Non-standard auto – The net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio decreased 14.1 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by earned premium growth resulting from significant rate increases. The reduction in net losses and loss adjustment expenses is attributable to the underwriting actions taken in recent periods, which was partially offset by continued elevated loss severity as a result of inflationary factors and unfavorable prior year development on loss reserves.

Current wording

Non-Standard Auto – The net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increased 6.9 percentage points in the three-month period ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. This increase was driven by elevated loss severity as a result of inflationary factors as well as unfavorable prior year loss reserve development. The net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio decreased 3.4 percentage points in the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by earned premium growth resulting from new business growth and significant rate increases.

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Home and farm – The net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increased 13.3 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. This increase was driven by elevated farm fire losses in the current quarter compared to the same period in 2023.

Current wording

Home and Farm – The net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increased 12.7 percentage points and 13.0 percentage points in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023. These increases in net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were driven by higher non-catastrophe weather-related losses in South Dakota and Nebraska during 2024 compared to the prior year.

Previous wording

The expense ratio is calculated by dividing other underwriting and general expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs by net premiums earned. The expense ratio measures a company’s operational efficiency in producing, underwriting, and administering its insurance business. The overall expense ratio decreased 0.2 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs is due to higher deferrable costs resulting from significant premium growth compared to the prior year quarter, including significant growth in the non-standard auto segment which generally pays higher agent commissions than our other segments.

Current wording

The expense ratio is calculated by dividing other underwriting and general expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs by net premiums earned. The expense ratio measures a company’s operational efficiency in producing, underwriting, and administering its insurance business. The overall expense ratio increased 1.4 percentage points and 1.0 percentage points in the three-and six-month periods ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023. The increase in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs is due to higher deferrable costs resulting from significant premium growth compared to the prior year, including significant growth in the Non-Standard Auto segment which generally pays higher agent commissions than our other segments.

Previous wording

The overall combined ratio decreased 15.0 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. These results were driven by the factors discussed in the Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses section above.

Current wording

The overall combined ratio increased 6.6 percentage points in the three-month period ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. The overall combined ratio increased 0.2 percentage points in the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. These results were driven by the factors discussed in the Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses as well as the Underwriting and General Expenses and Expense Ratio sections above.

Previous wording

We had fee and other income of $412 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $274 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Fee income is largely attributable to the non-standard auto segment and is a key component in measuring its profitability. Fee and other income on this business increased to $350 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $232 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, driven by growth in this segment.

Current wording

We had fee and other income of $695 and $1,099 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $490 and $751 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. Fee income is largely attributable to the Non-Standard Auto segment and is a key component in measuring its profitability. Fee and other income on this business increased to $340 and $690 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, from $239 and $471 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, driven by growth in this segment.

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The following table shows our average cash and invested assets, net investment income, and return on average cash and invested assets for the reported periods:

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The following table shows our average cash and invested assets, net investment income, and return on average cash and invested assets for the reported periods for continuing operations:

Previous wording

Gross and net return on average cash and invested assets increased year-over-year, primarily driven by the favorable interest rate environment that resulted in significantly higher net investment income on a slightly increased average fixed income securities balance (measured at fair value). In addition, the increase in investments in high dividend yield equities resulted in relatively consistent year-over-year net investment income despite a reduction in the average equities balance (measured at fair value). The increase in average cash and invested assets was driven by increases in cash and investments from the generation of positive operating cash flows during 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.

Current wording

Gross and net return on average cash and invested assets increased year-over-year, primarily driven by the favorable interest rate environment that resulted in significantly higher net investment income on a slightly increased average fixed income securities balance (measured at fair value). In addition, the increase in investments in high dividend yield equities resulted in relatively consistent year-over-year net investment income despite a reduction in the average equities balance (measured at fair value). The increase in average cash and invested assets was driven by higher operating cash flows during 2023 and the first six months of 2024.

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Net investment gains consisted of the following:

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Net investment gains (losses) consisted of the following:

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We had net realized losses of $130 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to net realized gains of $11,586 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The elevated net realized gains in the prior year quarter were the result of a strategic liquidation of a portfolio of equity securities. The gross realized gains from the sale of these securities were largely offset by the elimination of the unrealized gain position of these securities. No credit impairment losses were reported during any of the periods presented.

Current wording

We had net realized gains of $9 and losses of $82 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to net unrealized losses of $98 and gains of $11,537 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The elevated net realized gains in the six months ended June 30, 2023, were the result of a strategic liquidation of a portfolio of equity securities. The gross realized gains from the sale of these securities were largely offset by the elimination of the unrealized gain position of these securities. No credit impairment losses were reported during any of the periods presented.

Previous wording

We experienced an increase in net unrealized gains on equity securities of $1,958 during the three months ended March 31, 2024, driven by impact of changes in fair value attributable to favorable equity markets during the quarter. We experienced a decrease in net unrealized gains on equity securities of $10,170 during the three months ended March 31, 2023, driven by the equity portfolio liquidation noted above, offset by the impact of changes in fair value attributable to favorable equity markets during the quarter.

Current wording

We experienced a decrease of $589 and an increase of $958 in net unrealized gains on equity securities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, attributable to overall favorable equity markets during the current year partially offset by unfavorable equity markets during the current quarter. We experienced a decrease in net unrealized gains on equity securities of $75 and $10,307 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The decrease in unrealized gains on equity securities during the six months ended June 30, 2023, was driven by the equity portfolio liquidation noted above, offset by the impact of changes in fair value attributable to favorable equity markets during the quarter.

Previous wording

Our fixed income securities are classified as available for sale because we will, from time to time, execute sales of securities that are not impaired, consistent with our investment goals and policies. The fixed income portion of the portfolio experienced net unrealized losses of $1,807 during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to net unrealized gains of $6,021 during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The change was primarily the result of changes in U.S. interest rates. The change in the fair value of fixed income securities is not reflected in net income; rather it is reflected as a separate component (net of income taxes) of other comprehensive income.

Current wording

Our fixed income securities are classified as available for sale because we will, from time to time, make sales of securities that are not impaired, consistent with our investment goals and policies. The fixed income portion of the portfolio experienced net unrealized losses of $923 and net unrealized losses of $2,730 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to net unrealized losses of $2,766 and net unrealized gains of $2,977 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The changes were primarily the result of changes in U.S. interest rates. The change in the fair value of fixed income securities is not reflected in net income; rather it is reflected as a separate component (net of income taxes) of other comprehensive income.

Previous wording

We recorded income tax expense of $1,761 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to an income tax benefit of $1,013 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2024 was 21.5% compared to an effective tax rate of 18.4% for the first quarter of 2023.

Current wording

We recorded an income tax benefit of $1,592 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to an income tax benefit of $685 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Our effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2024 was 17.6% compared to an effective tax rate of 21.0% for the second quarter of 2023.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we had net income of $6,419 compared to a net loss before non-controlling interest of $4,500 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. This change was largely attributable to strong premium growth primarily due to significant rate increases, higher net investment income, improved loss experience due to favorable winter weather conditions combined with efforts to improve our underwriting risk selection, and a reduction in unfavorable prior year loss development during the current year, partially offset by the impact of income taxes.

Current wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, we had a net loss before non-controlling interest of $7,478 compared to a net loss of $2,576 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The year-over-year change was largely attributable to higher non-catastrophe weather-related losses for Home and Farm in the states of South Dakota and Nebraska as well as unfavorable prior year loss reserve development for Non-Standard Auto, partially offset by higher net investment income.

Previous wording

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we had annualized return on average equity of 10.2% compared to annualized return on average equity, after non-controlling interest, of (6.7%) for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Average equity is calculated as the average between beginning and ending equity for the period.

Current wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, we had annualized return on average equity, after non-controlling interest, of (12.7)% compared to annualized return on average equity, after non-controlling interest, of (4.5)% for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

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The change in cash and cash equivalents for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

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The change in cash and cash equivalents for continuing and discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, were as follows:

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For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $16,146 compared to net cash used of $4,351 in the prior year quarter. This change was primarily driven by lower levels of loss and loss adjustment payments as well as higher levels of cash received for premiums.

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For the six months ended June 30, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $34,760 compared to $19,887 a year ago. This change was primarily driven by lower levels of loss and loss adjustment payments in the current year.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net cash used by investing activities totaled $4,143 compared to net cash provided of $19,428 in the prior year quarter. This change was attributable to the investment of excess cash in the current year as well as a strategic increase in the sales of equity securities in the prior year quarter for which some of the proceeds had not been reinvested as of March 31, 2023.

Current wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, net cash used by investing activities totaled $3,776 compared to net cash provided of $1,117 a year ago. This change was primarily attributable to a decrease in sales of equity securities compared to the prior year partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of Westminster in the current year.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net cash used by financing activities totaled $178 compared to $794 a year ago. This decrease in cash used was attributable to a reduction in share repurchases.

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For the six months ended June 30, 2024, net cash used by financing activities totaled $202 compared to $3,397 a year ago. This decrease in cash used was attributable to a reduction in share repurchases in the current year.

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There is no amount available for payment of dividends from Nodak Insurance to NI Holdings during 2024 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department. Prior to its payment of any dividend, Nodak Insurance will be required to provide notice of the dividend to the North Dakota Insurance Department. This notice must be provided to the North Dakota Insurance Department 30 days prior to the payment of an extraordinary dividend and 10 days prior to the payment of an ordinary dividend. The North Dakota Insurance Department has the power to limit or prohibit dividend payments if an insurance company is in violation of any law or regulation. These restrictions or any subsequently imposed restrictions may affect our future liquidity. No dividends were declared or paid by Nodak Insurance during the three months ended March 31, 2024, or the year ended December 31, 2023.

Current wording

There is no amount available for payment of dividends from Nodak Insurance to NI Holdings during 2024 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department. Prior to its payment of any dividend, Nodak Insurance will be required to provide notice of the dividend to the North Dakota Insurance Department. This notice must be provided to the North Dakota Insurance Department 30 days prior to the payment of an extraordinary dividend and 10 days prior to the payment of an ordinary dividend. The North Dakota Insurance Department has the power to limit or prohibit dividend payments if an insurance company is in violation of any law or regulation. These restrictions or any subsequently imposed restrictions may affect our future liquidity. No dividends were declared or paid by Nodak Insurance during the six months ended June 30, 2024, or the year ended December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

Direct Auto re-domesticated from Illinois to North Dakota during 2021 and is now subject to the same dividend restrictions as Nodak Insurance. The amount available for payment of dividends from Direct Auto to NI Holdings during 2024 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department is approximately $90 as of December 31, 2023. No dividends were declared or paid by Direct Auto during the three months ended March 31, 2024, or the year ended December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Direct Auto re-domesticated from Illinois to North Dakota during 2021 and is now subject to the same dividend restrictions as Nodak Insurance. The amount available for payment of dividends from Direct Auto to NI Holdings during 2024 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department is approximately $90 as of December 31, 2023. No dividends were declared or paid by Direct Auto during the six months ended June 30, 2024, or the year ended December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

Westminster re-domesticated from Maryland to North Dakota during 2021 and is now subject to the same dividend restrictions as Nodak Insurance. The amount available for payment of dividends from Westminster to NI Holdings during 2024 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department is approximately $1,200 as of December 31, 2023. No dividends were declared or paid by Westminster during the three months ended March 31, 2024, or the year ended December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Westminster re-domesticated from Maryland to North Dakota during 2021 and was subject to the same dividend restrictions as Nodak Insurance. The amount available for payment of dividends from Westminster to NI Holdings during 2024 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department was approximately $1,200 as of December 31, 2023. No dividends were declared or paid by Westminster during the six months ended June 30, 2024, or the year ended December 31, 2023. Westminster was sold on June 30, 2024. For additional information see Part I, Item 1, Note 19 “Discontinued Operations” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.