(Reuters) – Data analytics firm Verisk beat estimates for first-quarter profit on Wednesday, driven by strong demand for its products used by property and casualty (P&C) insurers to assess underwriting risks.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
P&C insurers’ earnings have been hit by higher catastrophe losses in recent years due to extreme weather events around the world, prompting them to spend more on analytics that help determine policy risks.
Global insured losses from natural catastrophes in the first quarter were estimated to be $20 billion, heavily driven by storm activity in the United States, according to a report by reinsurance broker Gallagher Re.
CONTEXT
Verisk now caters primarily to the insurance industry after divesting its specialized markets and financial services businesses in March 2022 and April 2022, respectively.
Catastrophe risk modeling offered by the company assesses the likelihood and severity of loss from both natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods, as well as man-made disasters globally.
BY THE NUMBERS
On an adjusted basis, Verisk earned $1.63 per share in the first quarter, beating analysts’ estimates of $1.53, according to LSEG data.
The company’s consolidated revenue rose 8% to $704 million.
Underwriting revenue increased 8.2%, while claims revenue climbed 7.6% on a reported basis.
MARKET REACTION
The analytics provider’s shares rose 5% in light premarket trading. The stock has fallen nearly 9% so far this year, underperforming a 5.6% gain in the benchmark S&P 500 index.
(Reporting by Manya Saini in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
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