Argo Group Reports 2021 Second Quarter Results

Net Income EPS of $1.92 per diluted common share and Operating EPS of $1.60 per diluted common share driven by strong underwriting results and investment income

• Underwriting Results: Improved underwriting margins and reduced catastrophe losses resulted in a combined ratio of 95.4%, Argo's best quarterly combined ratio in more than two years.
• Accelerating Growth: Strong growth in both U.S. and International after adjusting for recent business exits and underwriting actions; market conditions remain favorable for continued growth.
• Return on Equity: Annualized return on average common shareholders' equity was 15.6% in the second quarter; annualized operating return on average common shareholders' equity was 13.1%.

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO) ("Argo" or the "Company") today announced financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. Argo reported second quarter 2021 net income attributable to common shareholders of $67.1 million or $1.92 per diluted common share, compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $5.4 million or $(0.16) per diluted common share for the 2020 second quarter. Operating income in the second quarter of 2021 was $56.1 million or $1.60 per diluted common share, compared to an operating loss of $3.6 million or $0.10 per diluted common share for the 2020 second quarter.

"Argo reported its highest quarterly operating income in more than ten years during the second quarter as a result of our focus on disciplined underwriting and strong investment contributions," said Argo Chief Executive Officer Kevin J. Rehnberg. "Our targeted growth efforts have accelerated across the company during 2021 and we remain optimistic about current market conditions and underwriting opportunities.

“We continue to focus on our strategic priorities of improving underwriting margins, reducing volatility and managing expenses. All of this is focused on generating superior shareholder returns over time.”

• Gross written premiums increased 2.0% to $815.3 million during the second quarter of 2021. Premium growth of 6.8% in U.S. Operations was partially offset by a 5.4% decline in International Operations. Adjusting for the sale of Ariel Re in November 2020 and planned or executed exits of business in Italy, Malta and the U.S. grocery business, underlying premiums grew approximately 14% during the second quarter of 2021. In the U.S., premium growth in strategic growth areas was up 25%, while overall growth was tempered by business exits and re-underwriting actions in certain underperforming businesses and property lines. The decline in International premiums was due to the sale of Ariel Re in November 2020 and planned exits of business in Italy and Malta, largely offset by growth in Syndicate 1200 reflecting continued rate increases and an increase in Argo's participation in Syndicate 1200's capacity. Pricing increases were in the high single digits on average across Argo, with the range varying by business line.
• The combined ratio was 95.4% during the second quarter of 2021 compared to 99.9% in the prior year quarter. The improved combined ratio was driven by lower losses related to COVID-19 and natural catastrophes, as well as an improved current accident year, ex-catastrophe ("CAY ex-CAT") loss ratio.
• Total catastrophe losses in the second quarter of 2021 were $11.1 million or 2.4 points on the loss ratio. Natural catastrophes accounted for $6.5 million and losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic were $4.6 million. Catastrophe losses in the second quarter of 2020 were $27.9 million or 6.4 points on the loss ratio and included $17.4 million related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Net favorable reserve development for the 2021 second quarter was $1.2 million, or 0.3 points on the loss ratio, and was recognized in both U.S. and International Operations. Net reserve development of $1.8 million added 0.4 points to the loss ratio in the second quarter of 2020.
• The CAY ex-CAT loss ratio for the 2021 second quarter of 55.6% compares to 56.2% in the prior year second quarter. In the U.S., the CAY ex-CAT loss ratio increased compared to the second quarter of 2020 as the prior year quarter benefited from a reduction in claims frequency due to the broader economic slowdown. The improvement in the CAY ex-CAT loss ratio was driven by International Operations and is primarily the result of continued remediation efforts and rate increases earning through the results.
• The expense ratio in the second quarter of 2021 was 37.7% and was up 0.8 points from the prior year quarter driven by the increase in the acquisition expense ratio. The acquisition expense ratio of 17.4% increased 1.3 points compared to the prior year second quarter as a higher ratio in the U.S. was partially offset by an improvement in International. The general and administrative expense ratio of 20.3% improved 0.5 points compared to the prior year second quarter.
• The CAY ex-CAT combined ratio was 93.3% in the second quarter of 2021, compared to 93.1% in the prior year second quarter.
• Net investment income was $52.7 million in the 2021 second quarter compared to $1.4 million in the prior year second quarter. Investment income from alternative investments was $29.9 million in the second quarter of 2021 and included gains from both private equity and hedge fund investments. Results for the prior year second quarter included losses from alternative investments of $23.4 million as a result of significant financial market volatility. Net investment income excluding alternatives was $22.8 million in the second quarter of 2021 and decreased 8.0% from the prior year quarter due primarily to lower interest rates.
• Net income attributable to common shareholders was $67.1 million or $1.92 per diluted share, compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $5.4 million or $(0.16) per diluted share for the 2020 second quarter. The 2021 second quarter result benefited from $24.7 million of pre-tax realized investment gains compared to $17.9 million in the prior year quarter. The current quarter included a benefit of $20.3 million from the change in fair value of equity securities in addition to net investment realized gains of $15.5 million. These realized gains were partially offset by an $11.5 million net charge due to an amendment to the transaction and other related agreements associated with the sale of Trident. The second quarter of 2021 included $10.8 million of non-operating expenses compared to $3.5 million in the prior year quarter. The total in the second quarter of 2021 included approximately $7 million of expenses related to certain office closures. The prior year second quarter included a $31.8 million gain related to the sale of Trident and a positive change in the fair value of equity securities, partially offset by net realized investment losses and credit losses on fixed maturity securities. Annualized return on average common shareholders' equity was 15.6% in the second quarter of 2021 compared to -1.3% in the prior year quarter.
• Operating income was $56.1 million or $1.60 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2021, compared to an operating loss of $3.6 million or $(0.10) per diluted share in the prior year quarter. The primary drivers of the increased operating income were improved underwriting and investment income in the second quarter of 2021. Annualized operating return on average common shareholders' equity was 13.1% in the second quarter of 2021 compared to -0.9% in the prior year quarter.

U.S. Operations:

• In our U.S. Operations, gross written premiums increased 6.8% compared to the 2020 second quarter due to growth in Liability and Professional lines, while premiums in Property lines declined. Growth in the period was driven by strategic focus businesses that include Argo Pro, Casualty, Construction, Environmental, Inland Marine and Surety. These businesses, which represent more than 60% of U.S. Operations gross written premiums, in total were up approximately 25% during the quarter. Offsetting this growth was the impact of planned reductions in Property lines and other re-underwriting actions, including the exit of our grocery and restaurant business. Rates on average were up in the mid to high single digits, with pricing increases remaining stable in most of our strategic focus businesses.
• The loss ratio for the second quarter of 2021 was 58.3% compared to 56.8% in the prior year second quarter. The loss ratio increased compared to the second quarter of 2020 as the prior year quarter benefited from a reduction in claims frequency due to the broader economic slowdown. The loss ratio also benefited from a 1.5 point reduction in catastrophe losses compared to the prior year second quarter.
• Net favorable prior-year reserve development in the second quarter of 2021 was $0.5 million compared to $0.6 million of favorable development in the prior year second quarter.
• Catastrophe losses of $2.0 million totaled 0.6 points compared to $6.5 million or 2.1 points in the prior year second quarter and were primarily related to smaller weather events in the current quarter.
• The acquisition expense ratio for the second quarter of 2021 was 16.0%, an increase of 1.8 points compared to the 2020 second quarter but in-line with the result for the first quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily driven by changes in business mix.
• The general and administrative expense ratio was 17.7% in the second quarter of 2021 and was up slightly from the prior year quarter.

International Operations:

• In our International Operations, gross written premiums declined 5.4% in the second quarter of 2021 as top line results were impacted by previously announced business exits, with the largest decrease being from Property lines. Excluding the impact of business exits, gross written premiums would have been up approximately 23% primarily due to higher rates and increased participation in Syndicate 1200's capacity. Rate increases remained strong across most lines of business and averaged approximately 10% during the 2021 second quarter, mainly attributable to Liability lines.
• Net written and earned premium in the second quarter of 2021 increased 15.4% and 18.1%, respectively, compared to the 2020 second quarter. The increase was related to growth at Syndicate 1200 due to increased participation in the Syndicate results and rate increases achieved over the last several quarters, in addition to changes in ceded reinsurance due to the impact of business exits.
• The loss ratio for the second quarter of 2021 was 55.7% compared to 76.7% in the prior year second quarter. The improvement in the loss ratio is primarily the result of continued remediation efforts and rate increases earning through results. The loss ratio in the current quarter also benefited from a reduction in catastrophe losses compared to the second quarter of 2020.
• Catastrophe losses totaled 5.9 points in the second quarter of 2021, attributed to natural catastrophes and losses related to COVID-19.
• The CAY ex-CAT loss ratio was 51.0% in the second quarter of 2021 compared to 59.3% in the prior year second quarter. The improvement reflects the benefit of pricing and underwriting actions, as well as a fewer number of large losses compared to the prior year quarter.
• Net favorable prior year reserve development in the second quarter of 2021 was $1.9 million or 1.2 points on the loss ratio, compared to modest reserve strengthening in prior year second quarter.
• The acquisition ratio improved 0.5 points to 20.1% during the quarter with the improvement driven by actions to remove certain high-cost delegated authority arrangements.
• The general and administrative expense ratio of 19.3% improved 3.8 points from the prior year second quarter and is attributable largely to growth in earned premiums.

Balance Sheet:

• Book value per common share was $50.34 at June 30, 2021, compared to $48.23 at March 31, 2021. Including dividends paid, book value per common share increased 5.0% relative to March 31, 2021 due to strong retained earnings and modest net unrealized gains on fixed income securities.

CONFERENCE CALL

Argo management will conduct an investor conference call starting at 10 a.m. EST on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Participants in the U.S. can access the call by dialing (877) 291-5203. Callers dialing from outside the U.S. can access the call by dialing (412) 902-6610. Please ask the operator for the Argo earnings call. A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed at https://services.choruscall.com/links/argo210803.html.

A webcast replay will be available shortly after the live conference call and can be accessed at https://services.choruscall.com/links/argo210803.html. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available through August 10, 2021, to callers in the U.S. by dialing (877) 344-7529 and to callers outside the U.S. by dialing (412) 317-0088 (conference #10158065).

ABOUT ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO) is an underwriter of specialty insurance products in the property and casualty market. Argo offers a full line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of businesses in two primary segments: U.S. Operations and International Operations. Argo and its insurance subsidiaries are rated ‛A-’ by Standard and Poor’s. Argo’s insurance subsidiaries are rated ‛A-’ by A.M. Best. More information on Argo and its subsidiaries is available at www.argogroup.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words such as "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," “do not believe,” “aim,” "project," "anticipate," “seek,” "will," “likely,” “assume,” “estimate,” "may," “continue,” “guidance,” “objective,” “remain optimistic,” “improve,” “progress,” "path toward," “outlook,” “trends,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “target,” “on track” and similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature.

Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in Argo’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The inclusion of a forward-looking statement herein should not be regarded as a representation by Argo that Argo’s objectives will be achieved. Any forward looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Argo undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on any such statements.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES & OTHER METRICS

In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed in this press release certain non-generally accepted accounting principles ("non-GAAP") financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G as promulgated by the SEC. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, better explain the Company's results of operations in a manner that allows for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in the Company's business. However, these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP").

“Underwriting income (loss)” is an internal performance measure used in the management of the Company’s operations and represents net amount earned from underwriting activities (net premium earned less underwriting expenses and claims incurred). Although this measure of profit (loss) does not replace net income (loss) computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP as a measure of profitability, management uses this measure of profit (loss) to focus our reporting segments on generating underwriting income. The Company presents Underwriting income as a measure that is commonly recognized as a standard of performance by investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial information.

“Current accident year (CAY) ex-CAT combined ratio” and the “Current accident year (CAY) ex-CAT loss ratio" are internal measures used by the management of the Company to evaluate the performance of its underwriting activity and represents the net amount of underwriting income excluding catastrophe related charges, the impact of changes to prior year loss reserves and other one-time items that would impact expenses or net earned premium. Although this measure does not replace the GAAP combined ratio it provides management with a view of the quality of earnings generated by underwriting activity for the current accident year.

“Operating income (loss)" is an internal performance measure used in the management of the Company's operations and represents operating results after-tax (at an assumed effective tax rate of 15%) and preferred share dividends excluding, as applicable, net realized investment gains or losses, net foreign exchange gain or loss, non-operating expenses, and other similar non-recurring items. The Company excludes net realized investment gains or losses, net foreign exchange gain or loss, non-operating expenses, and other similar non-recurring items from the calculation of operating income because these amounts are influenced by and fluctuate in part, by market conditions that are outside of management’s control. In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company believes that showing operating income enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of the Company's financial information to more easily analyze our results of operations and underlying business performance.

"Annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity" ("ROACE") is calculated using average common shareholders' equity. In calculating ROACE, the net income attributable to common shareholders for the period is multiplied by the number of periods in a calendar year to arrive at annualized net income available to common shareholders. The Company presents ROACE as a measure that is commonly recognized as a standard of performance by investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial information. "Annualized operating return on average common shareholders' equity" is calculated using operating income (as defined above and annualized in the manner described for net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders under ROACE above) and average common shareholders' equity.

The “percentage change in book value per common share” includes (by adding) the effects of cash dividends paid per common share to the calculated book value per common share for the current period. This adjusted amount is then compared to the prior period’s book value per common share to determine the period over period change. The Company believes that including the dividends paid per common share allows users of its financial statements to more easily identify the impact of the changes in book value per common share from the perspective of investors.

Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures are included in the attached tables and footnotes.