Root, Inc. reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, revealing a significant increase in net income and premiums earned compared to the same period in 2024. The company achieved a net income of $18.4 million, a substantial turnaround from a net loss of $6.2 million in the prior year. Total revenues rose to $349.4 million, marking a 37.1% increase from $254.9 million in the first quarter of 2024. This growth was primarily driven by a 39.5% increase in net premiums earned, which reached $321.3 million, attributed to a rise in policies in force and higher premiums per policy.
The company also reported a notable increase in gross premiums written, which rose by 24.2% to $410.8 million, compared to $330.7 million in the previous year. This growth was supported by increased direct performance marketing efforts and expansion in the partnership channel. Additionally, Root's policies in force increased to 453,800, up from 401,255 a year earlier, reflecting the company's successful customer acquisition strategies. The average premium per policy also increased by 8.9%, driven by strategic rate actions and a favorable shift in customer mix.
Operating expenses for the quarter totaled $325.7 million, a 30.5% increase from $249.5 million in the same quarter of 2024. The rise in expenses was largely due to higher loss and loss adjustment expenses, which increased by 23.6% to $205.6 million, and a significant rise in sales and marketing expenses, which surged by 69.4% to $51.5 million. The net loss and LAE ratio improved to 64.0% from 72.3%, indicating better underwriting performance. The company also reported a decrease in interest expenses, down 54.3% to $5.3 million, due to a reduction in principal and favorable interest rates associated with its Amended Term Loan.
Looking ahead, Root, Inc. aims to continue leveraging its technology-driven approach to enhance customer acquisition and retention while optimizing its operational efficiency. The company is focused on maintaining a capital-efficient model through strategic reinsurance arrangements, which have been adjusted to balance costs and capital requirements. Root's management remains optimistic about future growth, driven by ongoing investments in marketing and technology, as well as the expansion of its product offerings in the auto insurance market. The company believes that its current cash and cash equivalents, along with marketable securities, will be sufficient to support its operational needs for the foreseeable future.