Q2 2026 Crawford & Co Earnings Call

August 4, 2026

Speaker #1: Good morning. My name is Carly, and I will be your conference facilitator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone. To the CRAWFORD & CO Q4 2026 earnings release conference call.

Operator: Good morning. My name is Carly, and I will be your conference facilitator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Crawford & Company Q2 2026 Earnings Release Conference Call. In conjunction with this call, a supplementary financial presentation is available on our website at www.crawco.com under the investor relations section. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer period. Instructions will follow at that time. Should anyone need assistance at any time during this conference, please press star, then zero, and an operator will assist you. As a reminder, ladies and gentlemen, this conference is being recorded today, Tuesday, 4 August 2026. Now I would like to introduce Tami Stevenson, Crawford & Company's General Counsel.

Speaker #1: In conjunction with this call, a supplementary financial presentation is available on our website at www.crawco.com under the Investor Relations section. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise.

Speaker #1: After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question and answer period. Instructions will follow at that time. Should anyone need assistance at any time during this conference, please press star, then zero, and an operator will assist you.

Speaker #1: As a reminder ladies and gentlemen, this conference is being recorded. Today, Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Now, I would like to introduce Tami Stevenson, CRAWFORD & CO General Counsel.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Carly. Some of the matters to be discussed in this conference call and in the supplementary financial presentation may include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Tami Stevenson: Thank you, Carly. Some of the matters to be discussed in this conference call and in the supplementary financial presentation may include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may relate to, among other things, our expected future operating results and financial condition, our ability to grow our revenues and reduce our operating expenses, expectations regarding our anticipated contributions to our underfunded defined benefit pension plans, collectibility of our billed and unbilled accounts receivable, financial results from our recently completed acquisitions, our continued compliance with the financial and other covenants contained in our financing agreements, our long-term capital resource and liquidity requirements, and our ability to pay dividends in the future. The company's actual results achieved in future quarters could differ materially from the results that may be implied by such forward-looking statements.

Speaker #2: These statements may relate to, among other things, our expected future operating results, and financial condition, our ability to grow our revenues and reduce our operating expenses, expectations regarding our anticipated contributions to our underfunded defined benefit pension plans, collectibility of our billed and unbilled accounts receivable, financial results from our recently completed acquisitions, our continued compliance with the financial and other covenants contained in our financing agreements.

Speaker #2: Our long-term capital resource and liquidity requirements, and our ability to pay dividends in the future. The company's actual results achieved and future quarters could differ materially from the results that may be implied by such forward-looking statements.

Speaker #2: The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statements made in this conference call to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of the call, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Tami Stevenson: The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statements made in this conference call to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of the call or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition, you are reminded that operating results for any historical period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period. For a complete discussion regarding factors which could affect the company's financial performance, please refer to the company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 30 June 2026, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly the information under the headings Risk Factors and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as subsequent company filings with the SEC. This presentation also includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC rules.

Speaker #2: In addition, you are reminded that operating results for any historical period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.

Speaker #2: For complete discussion regarding factors which could affect the company's financial performance, please refer to the company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2026, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Speaker #2: Particularly the information under the headings Risk Factors, and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. As well as subsequent company filings with the SEC.

Speaker #2: This presentation also includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC rules, as required, a reconciliation is provided for those measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

Tami Stevenson: As required, a reconciliation is provided for those measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. I would now like to introduce Mr. Bruce Swain, Chief Executive Officer of Crawford & Company. Bruce, you can begin the conference.

Speaker #2: I would now like to introduce Mr. Bruce Swain, Chief Executive Officer of CRAWFORD & CO. Bruce, you can begin the conference.

Speaker #3: Good morning, and welcome to our second quarter 2026 earnings call. Joining me today are Holly Boudreau, our Chief Financial Officer, and Tami Stevenson, our General Counsel.

W. Bruce Swain: Good morning. Welcome to our Q2 2026 earnings call. Joining me today are Holly Boudreau, our Chief Financial Officer, and Tami Stevenson, our General Counsel. After our prepared remarks, we will open the call for your questions. As you know, Crawford is a global provider of claims management and outsourcing solutions, bringing deep expertise across the full spectrum of claims services to major insurance carriers and self-insured organizations. At the heart of what we do is a commitment to restore lives, businesses, and communities by delivering reliable and comprehensive claims solutions and outcomes. We have a long and successful track record operating across more than 70 countries, backed by 10,000 professionals and managing over $20 billion in claims each year.

Speaker #3: After our prepared remarks, we will open the call for your questions. As you know, CRAWFORD is a global provider of claims management and outsourcing solutions, bringing deep expertise across the full spectrum of claim services to major insurance carriers and self-insured organizations.

Speaker #3: At the heart of what we do is a commitment to restore lives, businesses, and communities by delivering reliable, and comprehensive claim solutions and outcomes.

Speaker #3: We have a long and successful track record operating across more than 70 countries, backed by 10,000 professionals, and managing over $20 billion in claims each year.

Speaker #3: It's this global footprint, paired with more than eight decades of technical expertise and a steadfast focus on service excellence and client success, that enables us to serve the world's top insurers and corporations.

W. Bruce Swain: It's this global footprint, paired with more than eight decades of technical expertise and a steadfast focus on service excellence and client success, that enables us to serve the world's top insurers and corporations, no matter the size or complexity of the program. Our blend of global presence, deep technical knowledge, and proven performance make Crawford & Company the partner clients turn to as they work through an ever-shifting risk environment, no matter where they operate or what market conditions they face. There are several favorable industry dynamics that combine with our core capabilities to form the foundation for our organic growth strategy. First, as risk grows more complex, the major and complex loss market continues to expand, prompting clients to seek partners that combine a deep technical skill set with speed and efficiency in handling high-severity claims.

Speaker #3: No matter the size or complexity of the program, our blend of global presence, deep technical knowledge, and proven performance makes Crawford & Co. the partner clients turn to as they work through an ever-shifting risk environment—no matter where they operate or what market conditions they face.

Speaker #3: There are several favorable industry dynamics that combine with our core capabilities to form the foundation of our organic growth strategy. First, as risk grows more complex, the major and complex loss market continues to expand.

Speaker #3: Prompting clients to seek partners that combine a deep technical skill set with speed and efficiency in handling high-severity claims. Second, the start of 2026 marked the unification of our U.S.

W. Bruce Swain: Second, the start of 2026 marked the unification of our US operating structure, aimed at improving efficiency and supporting scalable growth going forward. We believe this strengthened client-centric operating model will allow us to be a more nimble and cohesive organization as we continue delivering value-added outcomes to our clients and partners. Third, the depth of our experience and our investment in technology continue to set us apart. By prioritizing our people and staying at the forefront of technological innovation, we're able to stand out across every market we operate in. Fourth, natural disasters continue to fuel steady demand for our services. While the timing and severity of weather events can't always be anticipated, the overall long-term trend suggests a more active and complex loss environment where Crawford is uniquely positioned to serve.

Speaker #3: operating structure. Aimed at improving efficiency and supporting scalable growth going forward. We believe this strengthened client-centered operating model will allow us to be a more nimble, and cohesive organization as we continue delivering value-added outcomes to our clients and partners.

Speaker #3: Third, the depth of our experience and our investment in technology continue to set us apart. By prioritizing our people and staying at the forefront of technological innovation, we're able to stand out across every market we operate in.

Speaker #3: Fourth, natural disasters continue to fuel steady demand for our services. While the timing and severity of weather events can't always be anticipated, the overall long-term trend suggests a more active, and complex loss environment where CRAWFORD is uniquely positioned to serve.

Speaker #3: Finally, as the claims environment becomes more difficult to navigate, more carriers and self-insured clients are turning to third-party administrators as strategic partners. Our worldwide TPA footprint offers the reach, scale, and expertise needed to successfully support clients as they navigate the evolving claims landscape.

W. Bruce Swain: Finally, as the claims environment becomes more difficult to navigate, more carriers and self-insured clients are turning to third-party administrators as strategic partners. Our worldwide TPA footprint offers the reach, scale, and expertise needed to successfully support clients as they navigate the evolving claims landscape. Let me take a moment to discuss our Q2 2026 results. We delivered a solid Q2, driven primarily by weather-related claims volume in international and growth in Broadspire. In fact, this quarter had the best overall operating earnings since the 2023 Q3. Q2 revenues were $321.4 million, which was down slightly year over year. Our consolidated operating earnings increased 34% over the prior year quarter related to strong performance in Broadspire and in international, the latter of which was driven by heightened weather-related revenues in Australia and Asia.

Speaker #3: Let me take a moment to discuss our second quarter 2026 results. We delivered a solid second quarter. Driven primarily by weather-related claims volume and international and growth in broadspire.

Speaker #3: In fact, this quarter had the best overall operating earnings since the third quarter of 2023. Second quarter revenues were $321.4 million, which was down slightly year over year.

Speaker #3: Our consolidated operating earnings increased 34% over the prior year quarter, related to strong performance in broadspire and international. The latter of which was driven by heightened weather-related revenues in Australia and Asia.

Speaker #3: Our non-GAAP EPS was $38 cents for both CRDA and CRDB, up substantially from 22 cents for both share classes in the prior year quarter.

W. Bruce Swain: Our non-GAAP EPS was $0.38 for both CRDA and CRDB, up substantially from $0.22 for both share classes in the prior year quarter. Operating cash flow was $23.1 million year to date, improving over the 2025 period and providing us with continued financial resilience and flexibility. We added nearly $22 million in new and enhanced business during the Q2. I'm encouraged by the number and size of opportunities we're seeing in the marketplace, and the team is focused on closing the deals currently in play. Our leverage ratio was 1.45x EBITDA, at the low end of our targeted range and well below industry levels, and our liquidity remains very strong. Our disciplined capital allocation approach reflects a commitment to steadily building long-term growth. We continue to strategically invest in the business while maintaining a strong balance sheet and continued liquidity strength.

Speaker #3: Operating cash flow was $23.1 million year to date, improving over the 2025 period and providing us with continued financial resilience and flexibility. We added nearly $22 million in new and enhanced business during the second quarter.

Speaker #3: I'm encouraged by the number and size of opportunities we're seeing in the marketplace. And the team is focused on closing the deals currently in play.

Speaker #3: Our leverage ratio was 1.45 times EBITDA. At the low end of our targeted range and well below industry levels, and our liquidity remains very strong.

Speaker #3: Our disciplined capital allocation approach reflects a commitment to steadily building long-term growth. We continue to strategically invest in the business while maintaining a strong balance sheet and continued liquidity strength.

Speaker #3: In addition to organic investments and opportunistic share repurchases, we actively evaluate inorganic growth opportunities, such as selective acquisitions or acquihires, that can sharpen our capabilities and expand our competitive positioning in the marketplace.

W. Bruce Swain: In addition to organic investments and opportunistic share repurchases, we actively evaluate inorganic growth opportunities, such as selective acquisitions or acqui-hires that can sharpen our capabilities and expand our competitive positioning in the marketplace. We are committed to paying a quarterly dividend, and given our consistent profitability and strong cash generation, the board has approved an increase to the quarterly dividend to $0.08 per share. With that, I'll turn the call over to Holly for a deeper look at our Q2 financial and operational performance.

Speaker #3: We are committed to paying a quarterly dividend, and given our consistent profitability and strong cash generation, the board has approved an increase to the quarterly dividend to $0.08 per share.

Speaker #3: With that, I'll turn the call over to Holly for a deeper look at our second quarter financial and operational performance.

Speaker #2: Thank you. In second quarter 2026, U.S. property and casualty, which consists of our U.S. loss-adjusting and networked businesses, contributed $23% of revenue. Broadspire, our U.S.-based third-party administration business, represented 34% of revenues, and international operations accounted for 43% of revenues.

Holly Boudreau: Thank you. In Q2 2026, US Property & Casualty, which consists of our US loss adjusting and networks businesses, contributed 23% of revenue. Broadspire, our US-based third-party administration business, represented 34% of revenues, and international operations accounted for 43% of revenues. US Property & Casualty revenues decreased 10.2% year over year related to softer performance in our networks business. Operating earnings in the segment decreased by $300,000 or 4% year over year, with operating margin up 70 basis points, in part due to continued expense management efforts to mitigate the impact of lower revenues. Although we're continuing to see claims frequency tracking below historical levels, we remain a premier destination for seasoned, high-caliber insurance adjusters dedicated to service excellence, ready and able to serve a wide variety of major and complex claims with speed, efficiency, and expertise.

Speaker #2: U.S. property and casualty revenues decreased 10.2% year over year, related to softer performance in our networked business. Operating earnings in the segment decreased by $300,000 or 4% year over year, with operating margin up 70 basis points.

Speaker #2: In part due to continued expense management efforts to mitigate the impact of lower revenues. Although we're continuing to see claims frequency tracking below historical levels, we remain a premier destination for seasoned, high-caliber insurance adjusters dedicated to service excellence, ready and able to serve a wide variety of major and complex claims, with speed, efficiency, and expertise.

Speaker #2: Broadspire delivered quarterly revenues of $109.4 million, an increase of 1.2% from the prior year period. Reflecting the addition of new disability clients, as well as improved medical management revenues.

Holly Boudreau: Broadspire delivered quarterly revenues of $109.4 million, an increase of 1.2% from the prior year period, reflecting the addition of new disability clients as well as improved medical management revenues. Our retention rate during the quarter was 87.5%, up sequentially from Q1. Operating earnings was $15.7 million in the quarter, increasing by $1.5 million or 10.8% year over year, with operating margin increasing by 130 basis points. We continue to see tailwinds in the alternative market space related to growth in outsourced captives and MGA markets. International operations Q2 2026 revenues increased 4.2% to $138 million compared to the prior year. Excluding the impact from the exit of Crawford Legal Services and foreign currency exchange rate movements, revenues increased by 1.6%. Operating earnings increased by $3.5 million or 48.2%, with operating margin increasing by 240 basis points.

Speaker #2: Our retention rate during the quarter was 87.5%, up sequentially from the first quarter. Operating earnings was 15.7 million in the quarter, increasing by 1.5 million or 10.8% year over year.

Speaker #2: With operating margin increasing by $130 basis points. We continue to see tailwinds in the alternative market space related to growth and outsourced captives and MGA markets.

Speaker #2: International operations second quarter 2026 revenues increased 4.2% to $138 million compared to the prior year. Excluding the impact of the from the exit of CRAWFORD Legal Services and foreign currency exchange rate movements, revenues increased by 1.6%.

Speaker #2: Operating earnings increased by 3.5 million or 48.2%, with operating margin increasing by $240 basis points. International second quarter operating performance was driven by heightened weather-related claims, revenue from Australia and Asia, as well as improved performance in Canada, as we continue to recognize efficiency from cost control initiatives.

Holly Boudreau: International Q2 operating performance was driven by heightened weather-related claims revenues from Australia and Asia, as well as improved performance in Canada as we continue to recognize efficiencies from cost control initiatives. As we look at the ongoing impact of weather-related claims on our business, this slide encapsulates the US severe storm activity, which declined 6.8% in Q2 2026 compared to the prior year period. Nonetheless, our weather-related revenues remained relatively stable, declining a modest 1.4% in Q2. Furthermore, our non-weather business was consistent year over year, evidence of the diversification of our business and the resilience of our core operations. In the 2026 Q2, company-wide revenues before reimbursements were $321.4 million, a slight decrease compared to the prior year period. Foreign exchange rates increased revenues before reimbursements by $7.7 million or 2.5%.

Speaker #2: As we look at the ongoing impact of weather-related claims on our business, the slide encapsulates the U.S. severe storm activity, which declined 6.8% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the prior-year period.

Speaker #2: Nonetheless, our weather-related revenues remained relatively stable, declining a modest 1.4% in the second quarter. Furthermore, our non-weather business was consistent year over year. Evidence of the diversification of our business and the resilience of our core operations.

Speaker #2: In the 2026 second quarter, company-wide revenues before reimbursements were $321.4 million, a slight decrease compared to the prior year period. Foreign exchange rates increased revenues before reimbursements by 7.7 million or 2.5%.

Speaker #2: GAAP net income attributable to shareholders totaled $13.4 million, compared to net income of $7.8 million, in the same period of 2025. GAAP diluted EPS in the 2026 second quarter was $27 cents and $28 cents for CRDA and CRDB, respectively, an increase from earnings of $0.16 for both share classes in the prior year period.

Holly Boudreau: GAAP net income attributable to shareholders totaled $13.4 million, compared to net income of $7.8 million in the same period of 2025. GAAP diluted EPS in the 2026 Q2 was $0.27 and $0.28 for CRDA and CRDB, respectively, an increase from earnings of $0.16 for both share classes in the prior year period. On a non-GAAP basis, diluted EPS was $0.38 for both CRDA and CRDB, increasing from $0.22 for both share classes in the 2025 Q2. The company's non-GAAP operating earnings totaled $29.4 million in the 2026 Q2, or 9.2% of revenues, compared to $22 million or 6.8% of revenues in the prior year period. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $37.6 million in the 2026 Q2, or 11.7% of revenues, increasing from $31.4 million or 9.7% of revenues in the 2025 Q2.

Speaker #2: On a non-GAAP basis, diluted EPS was $38 cents for both CRDA and CRDB, increasing from $22 cents for both share classes in the 2025 quarter.

Speaker #2: The company's non-GAAP operating earnings totaled $29.4 million in the 2026 second quarter, or 9.2% of revenues, compared to $22 million or 6.8% of revenues in the prior year period.

Speaker #2: Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $37.6 million in the 2026 second quarter, or 11.7% of revenues, increasing from $31.4 million or 9.7% of revenues in the 2025 quarter.

Speaker #2: The company's cash and cash equivalent as of June 30, 2026, totaled $69.4 million compared to $64.1 million at December 31, 2025. Total receivables were $259.8 million as of June 30, 2026, up 17.2 million from 2025 year-end.

Holly Boudreau: The company's cash and cash equivalents as of 30 June 2026 totaled $69.4 million, compared to $64.1 million at 31 December 2025. Total receivables were $259.8 million as of 30 June 2026, up $17.2 million from 2025 year-end. The company's total debt outstanding as of 30 June 2026 totaled $198.1 million, up $9 million from 31 December 2025. Net debt was approximately $129 million as of 30 June 2026, while our US pension liability was $16.3 million, reflecting a funded ratio of 94.4%. We made no discretionary contributions to our US defined benefit pension plan during the 2026 Q2. Cash flows provided by operating activities for H1 2026 was $23.1 million, increasing from $21.1 million in the prior year period. Free cash flow was $7.9 million in the 2026 H1, improving from $2.6 million in H1 2025.

Speaker #2: The company's total debt outstanding as of June 30, 2026, totaled $198.1 million up $9 million from December 31, 2025. Net debt was approximately $129 million as of June 30, 2026, while our U.S.

Speaker #2: pension liability was $16.3 million, reflecting a funded ratio of 94.4%. We made no discretionary contributions to our U.S.-defined benefit pension plan during the second quarter of 2026.

Speaker #2: Cash flows provided by operating activities for the first 6 months of 2026 was $23.1 million, increasing from $21.1 million in the prior year period.

Speaker #2: Free cash flow was $7.9 million in the 2026 period, improving from $2.6 million in the first 6 months of 2025. Unallocated corporate costs were $4.3 million in the 2026 second quarter, compared to costs of $7 million in the 2025 period.

Holly Boudreau: Unallocated corporate costs were $4.3 million in the 2026 Q2 compared to cost of $7 million in the 2025 Q2. The variance was primarily driven by the absence of a one-time $3.1 million indirect tax expense that occurred in the 2025 Q2, caused by a change in international tax law. Non-service pension costs were $1.5 million in the 2026 Q2, a decrease from $2.4 million in the same period of 2025 Q2. In the 2026 Q2, we recognized a $2.3 million impairment charge related to the carrying value of 2 software assets. Additionally, as mentioned in our 2025 Q4 call, we finalized the sale of our Crawford Legal Services operations in the UK and Chile. Crawford recognized a net loss on the disposal of $1.3 million in the 2026 Q2.

Speaker #2: The variance was primarily driven by the absence of a one-time $3.1 million indirect tax expense that was incurred in the second quarter of 2025, caused by a change in international tax law.

Speaker #2: Non-service pension costs were $1.5 million in the 2026 second quarter, a decrease from $2.4 million in the same period of 2025. In the second quarter of 2026, we recognized a $2.3 million impairment charge, related to the carrying value of two software assets.

Speaker #2: Additionally, as mentioned in our fourth quarter 2025 call, we finalized the sale of our Crawford Legal Services operations in the UK and Chile. Crawford recognized a net loss on the disposal of $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2026.

Speaker #2: During the second quarter of 2026, we paid a quarterly dividend of $7.5 cents a share, and as Bruce mentioned, the board has approved an increase to the quarterly dividend to $0.08 per share, which will be payable in August.

Holly Boudreau: During the 2026 Q2, we paid a quarterly dividend of $0.075 a share. As Bruce mentioned, the board has approved an increase to the quarterly dividend to $0.08 per share, which will be payable in August. The company repurchased approximately 295,000 shares of CRDA and 38,000 shares of CRDB during the 2026 Q2. Approximately 1.3 million shares remain eligible to be repurchased under our existing share repurchase program as of 30 June 2026. Now I'll turn the call back over to Bruce.

Speaker #2: The company repurchased approximately 295,000 shares of CRDA and 38,000 shares of CRDB during the second quarter of 2026. Approximately 1.3 million shares remain eligible to be repurchased under our existing share repurchase program as of June 30, 2026.

Speaker #2: And now I'll turn the call back over to Bruce.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Holly. The second quarter of 2026 marked a nice rebound from the slow start to the year, as we achieved our highest quarterly operating earnings in nearly three years thanks to operational execution and weather-related activity internationally, the latter of which was episodic in nature.

W. Bruce Swain: Thanks, Holly. The Q2 2026 marked a nice rebound from the slow start to the year as we achieved our highest quarterly operating earnings in nearly 3 years, thanks to operational execution and weather-related activity internationally, the latter of which was episodic in nature. We're making solid progress on continuing to strengthen sales effectiveness, accelerate our US integration, and improve operating discipline to move our company forward. We look towards the remainder of the year, organic revenue growth and profitable market share gains remain our top priorities, and we remain focused on increasing client centricity and continued operational execution to drive long-term growth. We remain confident in the strength of our underlying operations and the depth and experience of our leadership team, and will continue working to deliver measurable long-term value to our clients, employees, and shareholders.

Speaker #1: We're making solid progress on continuing to strengthen sales effectiveness, accelerate our U.S. integration, and improve operating discipline to move our company forward. As we look towards the remainder of the year, organic revenue growth and profitable market share gains remain our top priorities.

Speaker #1: And we remain focused on increasing client centricity and maintaining continued operational execution to drive long-term growth. We remain confident in the strength of our underlying operations and the depth and experience of our leadership team.

Speaker #1: And we'll continue working to deliver measurable, long-term value to our clients, employees, and shareholders. Thank you for your time today and for your continued interest in Crawford.

W. Bruce Swain: Thank you for your time today and for your continued interest in Crawford. We look forward to keeping you apprised of our progress through the remainder of 2026. Carly, please open the call for questions.

Speaker #1: We look forward to keeping you apprised of our progress through the remainder of 2026. Harley, please open the call for questions.

Speaker #3: At this time, if you would like to ask a question, please press star, then the number 1 on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, press the pound key.

Operator: At this time, if you would like to ask a question, please press star, then the number 1 on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, press the pound key. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before asking your question. We'll pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster. Your first question is from Mark Hughes with Truist.

Speaker #3: If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before asking your question. We'll pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster.

Speaker #3: Your first question is from Mark Hughes with Truist.

Speaker #4: Yeah, thank you. Good morning.

Mark Hughes: Yeah. Thank you. Good morning.

Speaker #1: Hey, good morning, Mark.

W. Bruce Swain: Hey, good morning, Mark.

Speaker #2: Morning.

Holly Boudreau: Morning.

Speaker #1: Bruce, you talked about in the release, at least, reduction and centralized indirect support expenses. Could you expand on that a little bit, and what will that mean on go forward basis for the margin?

Mark Hughes: Bruce, you talked about, in the release at least, reduction in centralized indirect support expenses. Could you expand on that a little bit, and what will that mean on a go-forward basis for the margin?

Speaker #4: Yeah, we have seen some reduction in our SG&A cost and in our administrative expenses this year. You know, always a focus of ours is on administrative cost efficiency.

W. Bruce Swain: Yeah. We have seen some reduction in our SG&A cost and in our administrative expenses this year. Always a focus of ours is on administrative cost efficiency, and we're certainly keyed in on that this year as well. The primary vehicle that we're looking for earnings improvement, though, is on profitable revenue growth. As we can hold our administrative expenses in check and even reduce them a bit, then that's going to deliver the incremental margins that we need to get us to our target operating margins that we've talked about.

Speaker #4: And we're certainly we're certainly, you know, keyed in on that this year, as well. You know, the primary vehicle that we're looking for for earnings improvement, though, is on, you know, profitable revenue growth.

Speaker #4: And as we can hold our administrative expenses in check, and even reduce them a bit, then that's going to deliver the incremental margins that we need to get us to our target operating margins that we've talked about.

Speaker #1: Yeah. What is the on that topic, any carryover in the international, obviously some beneficial weather trends from a claims standpoint? What's the duration? How much visibility do you have into 3Q?

Mark Hughes: Yeah. On that topic, any carryover in the international, obviously, some beneficial weather trends from a claim standpoint. What's the duration? How much visibility do you have into Q3?

Speaker #4: Yeah, so, you know, we've benefited a bit this year from the carryover of events in Australia and Asia. We saw some benefit from that in the second quarter.

W. Bruce Swain: Yeah. We've benefited a bit this year from carryover of events in Australia and Asia. We saw some benefit of that in Q2. Those projects are winding down, and I think that you'll see much less of an impact as we go through Q3 and especially Q4.

Speaker #4: Those projects are winding down, and I think that you'll see much less of an impact as we go through the third quarter and especially the fourth quarter.

Speaker #1: Same sort of question on the expense front. The USP&C margin was up year over year, despite a decline at the top line. Is that some of the SG&A you're talking about, or is there another dynamic at play there?

Mark Hughes: Same sort of question on the expense front. The US P&C margin was up year-over-year despite a decline at the top line. Is that some of the SG&A you're talking about, or is there another dynamic at play there?

W. Bruce Swain: A bit of that's SG&A. Some of it's a mix in business that we've got. We have reductions in some of our staff augmentation business that was in the Catastrophe Services business, as that's been internalized by the carriers. That was lower margin work. That mix shift has helped us to increase our margins. There's also a cost focus within the business, not just within the US P&C business, but you see that in Broadspire in our international operations as well.

Speaker #4: A bit of that's SG&A. Some of it's a mix in business that we've got. We have reductions in some of our staff augmentation business that was in the catastrophe services business.

Speaker #4: Has that been internalized by the carriers? That was lower-margin work. So, you know, that mix shift has helped us to increase our margins.

Speaker #4: There's also a cost focus within the business, not just within the USP&C business, but you see that in broadspire and our international operations as well.

Speaker #1: And then in broadspire, you talked about the outsourced MGA benefits. Could you talk about kind of the magnitude of that? And you know, what sort of end markets those MGAs, for instance, are operating in?

Mark Hughes: In Broadspire, you talked about the outsourced MGA benefit. Could you talk about kind of the magnitude of that, and what sort of end markets those MGAs, for instance, are operating in?

Speaker #4: Yeah, so we see that as a tremendous market opportunity for us. And there's a lot of capital moving into the alternative space, whether that's MGAs or MGUs.

W. Bruce Swain: Yeah. We see that as a tremendous market opportunity for us, there's a lot of capital moving into the alternative space, whether that's MGAs or MGUs. There's also a lot of captive formation that's happening. When that occurs, those vehicles really aren't creating their own internal claims organization like a carrier would. They look for partners and turnkey claim solutions, we're seeing a lot of opportunity there. Our pipeline has a number of material opportunities. Some of the increases in new business that we put on in the Q2 was related to that space. We see that as a fertile ground for us in the future for growth. Kind of the end markets we see, a lot of it's casualty and complex casualty.

Speaker #4: There's also a lot of captive formation that's happening. And when that occurs, those vehicles really aren't creating their own internal claims organization like a carrier would.

Speaker #4: And so they look for partners and turnkey claim solutions. And we're seeing a lot of opportunity there. Our pipeline has a number of material opportunities.

Speaker #4: Some of the increases in new business that we put on in the second quarter was related to that space. And you know, we see that as a, you know, fertile ground for us in the future for growth, you know, the kind of the end markets we see, you know, a lot of it's casualty and complex casualty.

Speaker #4: We also see some property out there, but overall, it's an area that we're investing resources in from a sales and marketing perspective to help unlock those opportunities for us.

W. Bruce Swain: We also see some property out there, but overall, it's an area that we're investing resources in from a sales and marketing perspective to help unlock those opportunities for us.

Speaker #1: And then the corporate expense of $4.3 million—that was obviously down year over year. I think there was some non-recurring expense in the year-ago quarter. Is $4.3 million kind of a good starting point run rate for corporate?

Mark Hughes: The corporate expense of $4.3 million, that was obviously down year-over-year. I think some non-recurring expense in the year-ago quarter. Is $4.3 million kind of a good starting point run rate for corporate?

Speaker #2: Yeah, that is a good starting point run rate for corporate. Because we had that one-time expense in prior year that's non-recurring.

Holly Boudreau: Yeah, that is a good starting point run rate for corporate. Because we had that one-time expense in prior year that's non-recurring.

Speaker #1: Okay, very good. And then a final question: networks business, you've had lower claims volume there. Is that the broader market or are there any customer moves within networks and, you know, what's the potential for a turnaround recovery in that operation?

Mark Hughes: Okay. Very good. Then a final question. The networks business, you've had lower claims volume there. Is that the broader market, or are there any customer moves within networks, and what's the potential for a turnaround recovery in that operation?

Speaker #4: It's a bit of a it's a bit of a mix. So you know, with property claim volumes in the US down, you know, pretty significantly, given the absence of major events.

W. Bruce Swain: It's a bit of a mix. With property claim volumes in the US down pretty significantly, given the absence of major events, kind of severe convective storm activity in Q2 notwithstanding. Over the last couple of years, there's been an absence of major events. Property losses are down, and that drives networks revenues. Within networks, in the catastrophe business, we had some large staff augmentation programs, if you go back several years. As property losses have come down, those carriers have internalized that volume. I think if we see heightened events in the future, that's going to help unlock the potential within that business. It's largely property, and weather is going to drive property losses there.

Speaker #4: You know, kind of severe convective storm activity in the second quarter, notwithstanding. But you know, over the last couple of years, there's been an absence of major events.

Speaker #4: Property losses are down. And that drives networks revenues. Within networks, in the catastrophe business, we had some we had some large staff augmentation programs.

Speaker #4: If you go back, you know, several years, and as property losses have come down, those carriers have internalized that volume. I think if we see, you know, heightened events in the future, that's going to help unlock the potential within that business.

Speaker #4: But you know, it's largely property and weather is going to drive property losses there.

Speaker #1: Very good. Thank you.

Mark Hughes: Very good. Thank you.

Speaker #4: Okay.

W. Bruce Swain: Okay.

Speaker #3: Again, if you would like to ask a question, press star 1 on your telephone keypad. Your next question is from Kevin Steinke with Barrington Research.

Operator: Again, if you would like to ask a question, press *1 on your telephone keypad. Your next question is from Kevin Steinke with Barrington Research.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Good morning.

Kevin Steinke: Thank you. Good morning.

Speaker #4: Hey, Kevin.

W. Bruce Swain: Hey, Kevin.

Speaker #1: Wanted to just follow up on a broadspire. Maybe can you talk about how new business is ramping there? I think you had mentioned on the last call, maybe you know, a couple were ramping up a little more slowly than originally anticipated.

Kevin Steinke: Wanted to just follow up on Broadspire. Maybe can you talk about how new business is ramping there? I think you had mentioned on the last call, maybe a couple were ramping up a little more slowly than originally anticipated, but just maybe how contracts are ramping and what the new business pipeline looks like there.

Speaker #1: But just, you know, maybe how contracts are ramping and what the new business pipeline looks like there.

Speaker #4: Sure. Yeah, we're very pleased with broadspire's performance in the second quarter. They had a nice quarter with revenues up and profits up, margins up.

W. Bruce Swain: Sure. Yeah. We're very pleased with Broadspire's performance in the Q2. They had a nice quarter with revenues up, profits up, margins up. We saw the benefit of that ramp in the new business that they've been putting on. They've got a very active pipeline. When we think about our pipeline and opportunities out there, they tend to be overweighted to Broadspire in the TPA market. As I was just talking about with Mark, a material component of our pipeline is in the alternative markets within TPA. We are kind of excited at the prospects there to drive future growth. On the call that we had Q1, we were talking about costs that we had put in early in the year in order to serve the new business that was coming on.

Speaker #4: So we saw the benefit of that ramp in the new business that they've been putting on. You know, they've got a very active pipeline.

Speaker #4: You know, when we think about our pipeline and the opportunities out there, they tend to be overweighted to market. And as I was just talking about with Mark, you know, a material component of our pipeline is in the alternative markets within TPA.

Speaker #4: And we are, you know, kind of excited at the prospects there to drive future growth. You know, on the call that we had last quarter, we were talking about costs that we had put in early in the year.

Speaker #4: In order to serve the new business that was coming on. And so, you know, those early hires and advanced hires that we made in anticipation of that business coming in and ramping, you know, were in place and helped us to, you know, support our clients and support the revenue growth in the quarter.

W. Bruce Swain: Those early hires and advanced hires that we made in anticipation of that business coming in and ramping was in place and helped us to support our clients and support the revenue growth in the quarter.

Speaker #1: Great. Yeah, and the Broadspire operating margin really picked up nicely sequentially. So, I guess we should just—should we just think about that as those hiring investments that you made are starting to be leveraged?

Kevin Steinke: Great. Yeah, I guess should we just think about that as those hiring investments that you made are starting to be leveraged or kind of anything else that you'd point to?

Speaker #1: Or kind of anything else that you'd point to.

Speaker #4: Yeah, I mean, you know, we've kind of talked about low to mid-teens as the operating margin for that business. You know, we're always making advanced hires, right?

W. Bruce Swain: Yeah. We've kind of talked about low to mid-teens as the operating margin for that business. We're always making advanced hires, right? We've got new business that's going to be put on in Q3 and Q4, and we'll hire in advance of that because it's difficult just to take and to fill an experienced workers' compensation adjuster role or an experienced liability or casualty adjuster role. You need to bring them in in advance in order to get them ready. Depending upon where we see the new business coming online, you could see some advanced hiring that we make in consideration of that. When you look over the longer-term trend for Broadspire, we're very bullish on the business.

Speaker #4: So we've got new business that's going to be put on in the third quarter and the fourth quarter. And we'll hire in advance of that because it's difficult just to take and to fill an experienced workers' compensation adjuster role or an experienced, you know, liability or casualty adjuster role.

Speaker #4: So you need to bring them in advance in order to get them ready. So depending upon where we see the new business coming online, you could see some advanced hiring that we make in consideration of that.

Speaker #4: But when you look over the longer term, trend for broadspire, we're very bullish on the business.

Speaker #1: Great. And the 22 million of new and enhanced business in the quarter, are there any particular areas where that new business came in? Is that mostly broadspire or any else dispersed across the segments?

Kevin Steinke: Great. The $22 million of new and enhanced business in the quarter, are there any particular areas where that new business came in? Is that mostly Broadspire or anything else dispersed across the segments?

Speaker #4: Yeah, it was I mean, it wasn't all broadspire. We saw some nice broadspire programs come in. We saw some nice international programs. Come in and some other US property and casualty business.

W. Bruce Swain: Yeah, it wasn't all Broadspire. We saw some nice Broadspire programs come in. We saw some nice international programs come in and some other U.S. property and casualty business. It came from all of our segments.

Speaker #4: So it came from all of our segments.

Speaker #1: Okay, good. On the international margin, also picked up nicely you know, as you mentioned, that there was some help from weather-related revenue there. I think you also referenced some cost-cutting initiatives.

Kevin Steinke: Okay, good. The international margin also picked up nicely. As you mentioned, there was some help from weather-related revenue there. I think you also referenced some cost-cutting initiatives. Do you feel like you have the cost base in place where you need it to be internationally? Or just, again, I know you feel like international margin can continue to improve over time. There'll be some variance from quarter to quarter, but maybe just where you feel like that business is in terms of its overall margin progression.

Speaker #1: So, do you feel like you have the cost base in place where you need it to be internationally? Or, you know, just again, I know you feel like international margin can continue to improve over time.

Speaker #1: There will be some variance from quarter to quarter, but maybe just where you feel like that business is in terms of its overall margin progression.

Speaker #4: Yeah, sure. So we did get some benefit from carryover claims in Australia and Asia that helped us in the quarter, you know, their operating margin was almost 8%.

W. Bruce Swain: Yeah, sure. We did get some benefit from carried over claims in Australia and Asia that helped us in the quarter. Their operating margin was almost 8%, that's materially higher than where they've run the past couple of years. We do expect that activity to moderate as we go through the remainder of the year, I think you'll see their margins come down from that level. I think there's still work to do. Our cost structure and operating efficiency within the international business. It's a collection of 28 countries, you don't have the same scale benefits that you do in the US, it makes managing that segment a bit trickier. I think there's some cost efficiencies that we can still recognize.

Speaker #4: So that's you know, materially higher than where they've run the past couple of years. We do expect that activity to moderate as we go through the remainder of the year.

Speaker #4: And I think you'll see their margins come down from that level. I think they're still work to do on our cost structure and operating efficiency within the international business.

Speaker #4: I mean, it's a collection of 28 countries, so you don't have the same scale benefits that you do in the US. And it makes managing that segment a bit trickier.

Speaker #4: But I think there are some cost efficiencies that we can still recognize. Some of that is going to be driven by our ongoing technology investment, which should make our operations more efficient across the globe.

W. Bruce Swain: Some of that's going to be driven by our ongoing technology investment that we're making that should make our operations more efficient across the globe. There's also pricing and ensuring that we maintain our pricing discipline in the market and don't fall behind there. Profitable revenue growth, which is kind of the main driver of margin improvement that we see, not only in international, but in all of our business units as well. I would say it's a combination of those things. We expect international's margins, if you look at it on a year-over-year basis, to continue to improve towards a goal of being in the 10% neighborhood going forward. That'll be a journey that takes a few years.

Speaker #4: There's also pricing and ensuring that we maintain our pricing discipline in the market and don't fall behind there. And then you know, profitable revenue growth, which is kind of the main driver of margin improvement that we see not only in international, but in all of our business units.

Speaker #4: As well. So I would say it's a combination of those things. We expect international's margins, if you look at it on a year-over-year basis, to continue to improve.

Speaker #4: Towards you know, a goal of being you know, in the 10% neighborhood going forward. But that'll be a journey that takes a few years.

Speaker #1: Right. Okay. Yeah, that makes sense. On global technical services, GTS, can you maybe talk about the hiring pipeline there? And your continued pursuit of building out the team there over time?

Kevin Steinke: Right. Okay. Yeah, that makes sense. On Global Technical Services, GTS, can you maybe talk about the hiring pipeline there and your continued pursuit of building out the team there over time?

Speaker #4: Yeah, so global technical services, whether it's in the US or as the name implies, globally, is a very important business for us. We see the expansion of GTS as one of our primary strategic growth drivers as we go forward.

W. Bruce Swain: Yeah. Global Technical Services, whether it is in the US or as the name implies, globally, is a very important business for us. We see the expansion of GTS as one of our primary strategic growth drivers as we go forward. As we look at growing that business, it is through three primary ways. One, we want to have organic revenue growth. We do good business for our clients. We get new and enhanced business from them, and we grow through that means organically. We are also very active in recruiting talent into that business across the globe, and we have been successful in bringing in new talent. We call that acqui-hire, where we bring in kind of the best talent in the industry to come work under the Crawford umbrella.

Speaker #4: And you know, as we look at growing that business, it's through three primary ways. You know, one, we want to have organic revenue growth.

Speaker #4: So, we do good business for our clients. We get new and enhanced business from them, and we grow through that means organically. We're also very active in recruiting talent into that business.

Speaker #4: Across the globe. And we've been successful in bringing in new talent. We call that acquihire. Where we bring in, you know, kind of the best talent in the industry to come work under the Crawford umbrella.

Speaker #4: And people do that, and teams do that because they see us as a company that is committed to the platform, that is investing actively in the platform, and has, you know, long-term ambition for growth and being the market leader.

W. Bruce Swain: People do that, and teams do that because they see us as a company that is committed to the platform, that is investing actively in the platform and has long-term ambition for growth and being the market leader in that business. That is our ultimate objective. We want to be the market leader globally in GTS. Then we will also look at tuck-in acquisitions. There is a lot of boutiques out there and small firms that if we cannot arrange an acqui-hire type of an arrangement, we will look at acquisitions as well. Those are really the three primary growth drivers that we see for GTS. You will see GTS not only in the US obviously, but in international as well.

Speaker #4: In that business. And that's our ultimate objective. We want to be the market leader globally in GTS. And then we'll also look at tuck-in acquisitions.

Speaker #4: You know, there could be there's a lot of boutiques out there. And small firms that if we can't arrange an acquihire type of an arrangement, we'll look at acquisitions as well.

Speaker #4: So those are really the three primary growth drivers that we see for GTS. And you'll see GTS not only in the US, obviously, but in international as well.

Speaker #1: Yeah, that's helpful. Thank you. So, you referenced the mixed claims environment, and a lot of that is driven by the lack of severe weather.

Kevin Steinke: Yeah, that is helpful. Thank you. You referenced the mixed claims environment and a lot of that driven by the lack of severe weather. Any updated thoughts on some of the insurance affordability pressures you have mentioned in the past? Do you continue to see signs that maybe is continuing to loosen up a bit or any other thoughts on the industry direction there?

Speaker #1: But, you know, any updated thoughts on some of the insurance affordability pressures you've mentioned in the past? And, you know, do you continue to see signs that that maybe is continuing to loosen up a bit?

Speaker #1: Or any other thoughts on the industry direction there?

Speaker #4: I mean, everything that I'm seeing is you know, property market's pretty soft. At this point. So you know, premiums are coming down. And some of the terms of coverage are loosening.

W. Bruce Swain: Everything that I'm seeing is property market's pretty soft at this point. Premiums are coming down and some of the terms of coverage are loosening. Yeah, you're starting to see a little bit of softness in casualty as well in some of the liability books. Some are still pretty firm, things like commercial vehicles and commercial auto that has a pretty heavy litigation risk and history with it. Yeah, generally the market is much softer now than it was a year ago, for sure.

Speaker #4: You know, you're starting to see a little bit of softness in casualty as well in some of the liability books. You know, some are still pretty firm.

Speaker #4: You know, things like you know, commercial vehicles and commercial auto that has a pretty heavy you know, litigation risk in history with it. But yeah, generally, the market is much softer now than it was you know, a year ago.

Speaker #4: For sure.

Speaker #1: Okay. Great. And then lastly, you exited, I think, the remainder of your legal service's businesses internationally. I think in the past, you talked about annual revenue of about $16 million from the businesses you had exited in legal services.

Kevin Steinke: Okay, great. Lastly, you exited, I think, the remainder of your legal services businesses internationally. I think in the past, you talked about annual revenue of about $16 million from the businesses you had exited in legal services. Do you have an updated number there? I just want to make sure I've got the detail correct in terms of the revenue that you've exited in total from legal services on an annual basis.

Speaker #1: Do you have an updated number there? I just want to make sure I've got that detail correct in terms of, you know, the revenue that you've exited in total from legal services on an annual basis.

Speaker #4: Yeah, so last year, that number was about $18.8 million of revenue. And we've like you said, we exited, we exited both the UK and Chile during the quarter.

Holly Boudreau: Yeah. Last year, that number was about $18.8 million of revenue. Like you said, we exited both the UK and Chile during the quarter and took a loss of $1.3 million on that. We do anticipate that when we fully shut down that UK entity because we sold the assets of it, that we would have an additional $1.3 million of expense when we close that entity. It's $18.8 million of revenues in the prior year.

Speaker #4: And took a loss of $1.3 million on that. We do anticipate that when we fully shut down that UK entity, because we sold the assets of it, that we would have an additional $1.3 million of expense when we close that entity.

Speaker #4: But it's $18.8 million of revenues as a prior year.

Speaker #1: Okay, thanks. That's helpful. I appreciate you answering the questions. I'll turn it back over.

Kevin Steinke: Okay, thanks. That's helpful. I appreciate you answering the questions. I'll turn it back over.

Speaker #2: At this time, there are no further questions. I'll now turn the call back over to Mr. Swain for any closing remarks.

Operator: At this time, there are no further questions. I'll now turn the call back over to Mr. Swain for any closing remarks.

Speaker #4: Okay. Thank you, Carly. And thank you to all of our employees, clients, and shareholders for your continued commitment to Crawford & Company. Hope you all have a great rest of the week.

W. Bruce Swain: Okay. Thank you, Carly. Thank you to all of our employees, clients, and shareholders for your continued commitment to Crawford & Company. Hope you all have a great rest of the week. Thank you.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you for participating in today's Crawford & Company conference call. This call will be available for replay beginning at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time today, through 11:59 p.m.

Operator: Thank you for participating in today's Crawford & Company conference call. This call will be available for replay beginning at 11:30 AM Eastern Time today through 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 11 August 2026. The conference ID number for the replay is 3128371#. The number to dial for the replay is 18007702030. Thank you. You may now disconnect.

Speaker #2: Eastern Time, on August 11, 2026. The conference ID number for the replay is 312 8371#. The number to dial for the replay is 1-800-770-2030.

Q2 2026 Crawford & Co Earnings Call

Request DemoDemo

Crawford

Earnings