Kinsale Capital (US:KNSL)2026-02-13 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kinsale's diluted operating earnings per share increased by 26% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024 [3] - Gross written premium grew by 1.8% and net written premium increased by 7.1% year-over-year [3][9] - The company posted a combined ratio of 71.7% for the quarter, with a full-year operating ROE of 26% [3][9] - Book value per share increased by 33% since year-end 2024, and float grew by 23% [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial property division experienced a decline, impacting overall growth, while excluding this division, gross written premium grew by 10.2% for the quarter and 13.3% for the year [4] - The expense ratio was under 21%, significantly lower than many competitors, which tend to be in the mid-30s or higher [5] - New business submission growth, excluding unsolicited submissions, was up 6% for the quarter, with most divisions seeing submission growth [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The level of competition in the E&S market varies by underwriting group, with some areas experiencing more competitive pressure than others [12] - Pricing trends showed a decrease of 2.7% according to the Amwins Index, with large commercial property placements under significant rate pressure [13] - Casualty lines, including commercial auto and agribusiness casualty, remained strong areas of growth [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Kinsale's strategy focuses on maintaining a low-cost business model and disciplined underwriting to generate best-in-class returns [4][5] - The company is investing in technology and analytics, including AI, to enhance decision-making and profitability [6][7] - Kinsale plans to return excess capital to shareholders through a $250 million buyback authorization and an increase in quarterly dividends [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate growth and returns despite competitive pressures, particularly in the commercial property sector [4][14] - The company anticipates stabilization in the commercial property division after a period of intense competition [20] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining underwriting discipline in a competitive environment [5][40] Other Important Information - Kinsale's net investment income increased by 24.9% in Q4 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by strong operating cash flows [10] - The company is expanding its homeowner insurance offerings, with a focus on high-value homes and a gradual rollout strategy [68][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: What caused the decline in commercial property this quarter? - Management noted an influx from London and some MGAs in the large layered and shared space, leading to deceleration in growth [19] Question: What are the expectations for commercial property in the foreseeable future? - Management indicated that the market ebbs and flows, but stabilization is expected after a couple of quarters [20] Question: What is the retention ratio for renewals? - Renewal retention is in the very low 70% range and has remained steady [30] Question: How much of the deceleration in growth is due to commercial property? - The decline is primarily due to increased competition in the commercial property division, which was previously the largest division [34] Question: What is the outlook for casualty lines? - Casualty lines are experiencing mixed pricing trends, with some areas seeing strong price increases while others are under pressure [38] Question: How is AI being integrated into the business? - AI is being used to automate tasks, improve customer service, and enhance risk segmentation and pricing [62][64] Question: What is the growth potential for new products? - New products are expected to contribute to growth, but the rollout is methodical and takes time to become meaningful [71] Question: Is there an opportunity to increase reinsurance retentions? - Management is actively considering adjustments to reinsurance retentions to manage volatility [116]