CFO David Weinstock said mortgage insurance in force ended the fourth quarter at $248.4 billion , down $452 million from Sept. 30 but up $4.7 billion (or 1.9% ) from Dec. 31, 2024. Persistency at Dec. 31, 2025 was 85.7% , compared with 86% at Sept. 30.Book value per share was $60.31 as of Dec. 31, up 13% year over year. Mortgage insurance in force totaled $248 billion at year-end, up 2% from a year earlier, with 12-month persistency at 86% . Casale noted persistency has been relatively flat over recent quar ...

Palomar (NasdaqGS:PLMR) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 12, 2026 12:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsAndrew Andersen - Equity Research and Senior Vice PresidentChris Uchida - CFOJon Christianson - PresidentMac Armstrong - Founder and CEOMeyer Shields - Managing DirectorPablo Singzon - Executive DirectorPaul Newsome - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsDavid Motamedi - Research AnalystMark Hughes - AnalystMatt Carletti - Research AnalystOperatorGood morning, and welcome to Palomar Holdings, Inc. fourth ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved record levels of gross written premium and adjusted net income, with gross written premium increasing by 32% to $2 billion and adjusted net income growing by 62% to $216 million [4][28][29] - The adjusted return on equity for the full year was 25.9%, compared to 22.2% in 2024, indicating strong profitability [29] - For Q4 2025, adjusted net income was $61.1 million, or $2.24 per share, representing a 48% increase from $41.3 million, or $1.52 per share, in Q4 2024 [22][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The earthquake franchise saw a 2% decline year-over-year, primarily due to a one-time headwind from a large unearned premium transfer in Q4 2024 [7] - The Inland Marine and other property group grew by 30% year-over-year in Q4, driven by strong performance in Builders Risk and flood products [9] - The casualty business experienced a 120% year-over-year growth in gross written premium in Q4, ending 2025 at 20% of total gross written premium [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial earthquake book faced a 15% rate decrease, with competition remaining elevated, while the residential earthquake book maintained a healthy premium retention rate of 97% [8][9] - The crop franchise generated $248 million in gross written premium in 2025, exceeding expectations, with a projected growth of over 30% in 2026 [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company executed four strategic imperatives in 2025: integrate and operate, build new market leaders, remember preferences, and generate consistent earnings [5] - For 2026, the company aims to leverage scale for profitable growth, curate a distinct portfolio, deepen market positions, and integrate AI for operational efficiency [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining the Palomar 2X target, with adjusted net income guidance for 2026 set at $260 million-$275 million, implying a 24% growth [18][30] - The company anticipates modest premium growth and margin expansion in the earthquake book despite ongoing commercial pressure [9][46] Other Important Information - The company successfully integrated two specialty franchises and closed the acquisition of Gray Casualty & Surety, which is expected to strengthen its surety franchise [5][17] - The adjusted combined ratio for the full year was 72.7%, with expectations for it to be in the mid-70s for 2026 [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Higher retention on crop and its contribution to earnings - Management indicated that retaining more crop business will add approximately $8 million of pre-tax income for every $100 million retained, with a combined ratio expected in the low 90s [35][36] Question: 10% reduction in reinsurance costs - The 10% reduction is on a risk-adjusted basis, assuming like-for-like exposure [37] Question: Growth expectations from new underwriting hires - Management noted that growth contributions from new hires depend on the market they enter, with a focus on moderate growth and strong reinsurance support [40][42] Question: Breakdown of earthquake growth - The residential earthquake book is expected to grow in the high single digits to double digits, while commercial earthquake will face continued pressure [45][46] Question: Long-term returns on equity with changing business mix - Management believes it can maintain an ROE above 20% while achieving the Palomar 2X target, despite changes in the business mix [80]

Core Insights - Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA) is a global leader in the reinsurance industry, providing life and health-related reinsurance solutions and competing with major firms to maintain its market position through strategic growth and innovation [1] Financial Performance - Piper Sandler set a new price target of $263 for RGA, indicating a potential 15.5% increase from the current stock price of $227.70, reflecting confidence in RGA's future performance [2][6] - RGA's stock price recently showed a 10.20% increase, or $21, indicating positive market sentiment [2][6] - The company's Q4 2025 earnings call provided insights into financial health, revenue growth, and strategic plans, with discussions from C-suite executives on future outlook and market conditions [3][6] Market Activity - RGA's stock has shown volatility, with prices fluctuating between a low of $218.58 and a high of $229.17 on a recent trading day, and over the past year, the stock reached a high of $229.21 and a low of $159.25 [4] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $14.92 billion, with a trading volume of 662,902 shares on the NYSE [4] Strategic Focus - RGA's performance and market position are closely monitored by investors and analysts, with the company's ability to navigate market conditions and capitalize on growth opportunities being crucial for achieving the new price target set by Piper Sandler [5]

Core Viewpoint - HPN Holdings, Inc. announced that its subsidiary Orange Auto Insurance, Inc. has secured reinsurance capacity to commence operations, targeting the Florida market in June 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Orange Auto Insurance is a technology-driven nonstandard automobile insurance holding company focused on capitalizing on hard-market opportunities for above-market returns [4]. - The company aims to enhance efficiency, pricing accuracy, and communication through a simplified, technology-focused sales, underwriting, and claims platform [4]. Group 2: Leadership and Experience - Orange is led by CEO Dean Kozlowski, who has a proven track record of growing United Automobile Insurance Company into a $400 million annual premium business and has been instrumental in the success of Falcon Insurance Company and Kin Insurance [3]. Group 3: Reinsurance Partnership - The reinsurance partnership will enable Orange to write up to $25 million in premiums during its first year of operations, with plans for increased capacity in subsequent years [2]. - CEO Dean Kozlowski emphasized the importance of reinsurance for the managing general agency (MGA) model and its role in facilitating a swift entry into the Florida market [4].

Core Insights - Horace Mann reported record core earnings per share (EPS) of $4.71 for 2025, with a 12.4% return on equity (ROE), attributed to unusually low catastrophe losses and strong performance across all business segments [3][7] - The company provided 2026 guidance for core EPS in the range of $4.20 to $4.50, indicating nearly 10% growth compared to normalized 2025 earnings [5][12] Financial Performance - The normalized core EPS for 2025 was approximately $3.95, which serves as a baseline for 2026 comparisons [1][7] - Total revenues increased by 7% year-over-year, with net premiums and contract deposits also rising over 7% [3][4] Segment Performance - Property & Casualty (P&C) segment showed significant improvement with a combined ratio of 84.3%, and core earnings of $112 million, more than double the previous year [6][8] - Life & Retirement segment core earnings rose 13% to $61 million, with record life sales up 21% year-over-year [6][9] - Supplemental & Group Benefits segment generated record sales, contributing 25% of core earnings, with core earnings reported at $59 million [9] Marketing and Distribution - The company expanded its distribution and marketing capabilities, achieving a 35% increase in unaided brand awareness from less than 10% the previous year [10] - New-business customer interactions increased by 37% in Q4, and distribution points rose by 15% [10][11] Capital Management - Horace Mann repurchased $21 million of shares in 2025, with an additional $50 million buyback authorization approved [16] - The company reported a tangible book value per share increase of over 9% year-over-year [16] Community Initiatives - In Q4, Horace Mann donated $5 million to the Horace Mann Educators Foundation, supporting various educational initiatives [17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $169 million for the fourth quarter, resulting in an annualized return on equity of 13% [5] - For the full year, net income reached $738 million, with a return on equity of 14.3% [6] - Book value per share increased to $23.47, reflecting a 13% year-over-year growth [6] - Insurance in force grew to over $303 billion, marking a 3% increase from the previous year [7] - The in-force premium yield remained stable at 38 basis points for the quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company wrote $17 billion in new business during the fourth quarter and $60 billion for the full year, an 8% increase from the prior year [8] - The average credit score at origination for the insurance portfolio was 748, indicating solid credit quality [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consensus mortgage origination forecasts suggest that the size of the mortgage insurance market in 2026 will be similar to that of 2025, with elevated mortgage rates expected [8] - Annual persistency remained stable at 85% throughout 2025, aligning with expectations [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a strong, well-diversified insurance portfolio while focusing on disciplined risk management and capital management strategies [9][10] - The reinsurance program was strengthened with a $250 million excess of loss transaction and a 40% quota share transaction covering most of the 2027 new insurance written [10] - The company is committed to enhancing housing affordability and actively participates in industry discussions to support responsible policy changes [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position and ability to execute business strategies in 2026 and beyond, despite challenges in housing affordability [20] - The company noted that while there is potential for increased refinance volume if mortgage rates decrease, this could lead to lower persistency [8][58] Other Important Information - The company paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $33 million and repurchased 6.8 million shares for $189 million in the fourth quarter [17] - For the full year, the company returned $915 million to shareholders, representing a 124% payout ratio of the year's net income [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Price competition in the industry - Management noted that premiums remained stable and they were able to find value without major adjustments in premiums [25][26] Question: Potential reduction in FHA premiums - Management indicated that while affordability discussions are ongoing, there is no imminent indication of a reduction in FHA premiums [27] Question: Credit trends by region - Management reported no significant geographic movement in new delinquencies, with no areas of concern identified [30][32] Question: Reserve release comparison - Management explained that reserve releases are based on the comparison of initial estimates to current best estimates, with recent quarters showing different drivers for reserve development [33][36] Question: Composition of new delinquencies - Management stated that there has been no significant divergence in cure activity based on vintage, with recent vintages performing better than pre-COVID levels [40][42] Question: Improving returns on capital - Management emphasized the importance of a robust reinsurance program to enhance returns on equity, especially in a challenging market environment [46][47] Question: In-force premium yield decline - Management clarified that the slight decline in in-force premium yield was within the margin of flat and attributed it to increased business written due to refinance activity [54][55] Question: Default rate expectations - Management suggested that while there may be modestly higher delinquency rates in newer vintages, the overall impact on default rates is expected to be limited [60][62]

Core Insights - WTW is satisfied with the participation of Willis Re in the January 2026 renewals, indicating a positive trajectory for the business build-out [1][4] - The joint venture with Bain Capital is progressing well, with numerous hires made since the announcement [3][4] - WTW expects Willis Re to impact Adjusted Diluted EPS negatively by approximately $0.30 this year, but will continue to invest in the reinsurance joint venture [5] Company Developments - WTW completed the sale of Willis Re's treaty reinsurance operations to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in late 2021 and confirmed plans to re-enter the market via a joint venture in late 2024 [3] - The CEO of WTW, Carl Hess, has expressed confidence in the progress of the joint venture [3][4] - WTW's CFO, Andrew Krasner, highlighted the operational success of Willis Re during the recent earnings call [4] Market Position and Strategy - WTW is focusing on enhancing its competitiveness in the digital infrastructure business, leveraging its existing relationships with major data center developers [6][7] - The company has developed an integrated global risk framework to address the complex risk profiles of data center projects [7][8] - There is a strong demand for WTW's offerings from both new business and existing clients, indicating a robust pipeline [9]

Core Viewpoint - American Coastal Insurance is positioning itself for growth through strategic partnerships and the establishment of a new E&S carrier, while providing optimistic financial guidance for 2026 [3][4][12]. Company Overview - American Coastal Insurance, founded in 2007, specializes in underwriting commercial residential property insurance in Florida, focusing on habitational risks such as condominiums and apartments [2]. - The company insures building shells and related structures but does not cover flood, liability, or contents of individual units [2][18]. Market Position - The company claims to be the market leader for Florida condominium associations, with a number one market share and approximately 4,300 of the 17,000 eligible condominium associations [1]. - American Coastal reported $637 million in premium in-force at the end of Q3 [1]. Strategic Initiatives - The company announced a partnership expansion with AmRisc, targeting a 6% participation in AmRisc's nationwide E&S portfolio, which is expected to generate about $75 million in gross written premium by 2026 [6][8][9]. - A new wholly owned E&S carrier, ACES Specialty Insurance Company, is being established with an initial policyholder surplus of $30 million, aiming to transition to direct underwriting [5][12][13]. Financial Guidance - For 2026, American Coastal projects earnings before income tax between $85 million and $100 million, and total revenue between $335 million and $365 million [4][15]. - The company emphasizes a long-term debt-to-capital target of less than 25% and has authorized up to $25 million for share repurchases [4][16]. Reinsurance Strategy - The company plans to retain a small portion of risk to mitigate catastrophe-driven volatility, with a separate catastrophe reinsurance program to cover its share of the portfolio's exposure [10][11]. - Management indicated that retention would likely be capped at approximately $10.8 million, with additional protections in place for catastrophic events [10][16]. Capital Allocation - American Coastal has paid special cash dividends of $0.50 per share in January 2025 and $0.75 per share in January 2026, supporting a stronger capital position [16][17]. - The company has seen steady growth in liquidity and book value over the last 24 months [15][16].

Core Insights - The article discusses the mechanisms in place for consumer protection against life insurance company failures, emphasizing that state governments, rather than the federal government, are responsible for monitoring the financial health of these companies [2][5]. Group 1: Life Insurance Company Failures - Failures and bankruptcies of life insurance companies are rare, with no bankruptcies reported since the 2008 financial crisis according to the National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations (NOLHGA) [4]. - In the event of a life insurance company failure, state regulators will attempt to transfer policies to a stable insurance fund or keep them active through the state's central guaranty fund [5][6]. - Life insurance companies are mandated by state law to maintain capital reserves to pay out policyholder death benefits, which can be utilized in case of bankruptcy [6]. Group 2: Risk Mitigation Strategies - Reinsurance is a strategy used by life insurance companies to spread risk, allowing them to mitigate potential losses if a company fails [7]. - Guaranty associations, such as NOLHGA, provide additional protection by guaranteeing payment of benefits if a member company goes out of business, although the payout may be capped based on state law [8]. Group 3: Variable Annuities and Coverage - Variable annuities may not be covered under the same protections as life insurance policies, and policyholders need to review their contracts to understand their coverage [10][11]. - In states like Florida, variable annuity policies are only covered if some aspect of the policy is guaranteed by the insurer [11]. Group 4: Maximizing Coverage - To increase coverage limits, consumers can work with multiple insurers, as individual coverage limits are typically applied per company [14][15]. - This strategy is more practical for annuities than for life insurance due to the complexities involved in obtaining multiple life insurance policies [16][17]. Group 5: Finding a Reliable Life Insurance Company - Selecting a financially healthy life insurance company is crucial for minimizing the need for protective measures, with resources like AM Best ratings available to assess financial strength [19][20]. - Consumers should also consider other industry ratings and reviews to evaluate potential insurers [21][22].