Core Insights - Assurant reported its ninth consecutive year of profitable growth in 2025, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by approximately 11% and adjusted EPS rising by about 12% excluding catastrophes [3][7]. Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA excluding catastrophes has increased by over $700 million since 2020, representing an 11% compound annual growth rate [2]. - Adjusted EPS excluding catastrophes grew to $22.81 per share, with a total shareholder return of approximately 93% over the last five years [2]. - Including catastrophes, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS increased by 16% and 19%, respectively, in 2025 [3][7]. Business Segments - In Global Lifestyle, adjusted EBITDA grew at a mid-single-digit rate, with Connected Living adding nearly 2 million protected devices, totaling over 66 million globally [1][7]. - Global Automotive also saw mid-single-digit earnings growth, with Assurant now protecting 57 million vehicles, an increase of nearly 2 million from the previous year [8]. - Global Housing achieved double-digit adjusted EBITDA growth in 2025, surpassing $1 billion in segment earnings, more than doubling since 2022 [9]. Strategic Initiatives - Assurant is launching a national rollout of its Home Warranty service, integrated into real estate transactions, and has signed a long-term agreement with Compass International Holdings [5][21]. - The company is investing in AI and reverse logistics to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [5][24]. - Share repurchases for 2026 are planned in the range of $250 million to $350 million, following $300 million in buybacks in 2025 [5][25]. 2026 Outlook - Management expects underlying adjusted EBITDA and EPS to grow mid- to high-single digits excluding catastrophes, with an anticipated annual CAT load of about $180–$185 million [6][20]. - Global Lifestyle is expected to lead growth, with high-single-digit earnings expansion driven by new program optimizations and existing client expansions [17]. - In Global Housing, growth is anticipated from higher tracked loans and continued hardening in the voluntary homeowners market [18][19]. Capital Deployment - Assurant returned $138 million to shareholders in the fourth quarter, including $94 million in share repurchases and $44 million in dividends [14]. - The company increased its dividend by 10% in November, marking its 21st consecutive year of dividend increases [15]. - Corporate EBITDA loss is expected to be approximately $140 million in 2026 due to investments in the Home Warranty segment [22]. Market Position - The home warranty market is described as fragmented, with opportunities for growth as customer trust improves [23]. - Assurant's strategic moves include expanding partnerships with major brands and enhancing service delivery through technology [8][24].