Strong Top-Line Growth
Gross written premiums increased 23.1% year-over-year, with growth described as broad-based (casualty premiums +27%, property premiums +13%). Net written premiums rose 32% and net earned premiums increased 34%.
Record Earnings and Profitability
Adjusted net income was $25.6 million versus $8.5 million in the prior-year quarter (up from $8.5M, ~+201%), and underwriting income was $13.3 million, up 87% year-over-year.
Improved Combined Ratio and Loss Metrics
Combined ratio improved to 87.4% from 90.9% last year (improvement of 3.5 percentage points). The loss ratio was 58.8%, down ~1 point year-over-year. Favorable reserve development equaled 0.5% of net earned premium.
Lower Expense Ratios and Operating Leverage
Overall expense ratio improved 2.5 percentage points to 28.6%. Operating expense declined to 10.9% of net earned premium (down 1.4 points), and policy acquisition costs fell to 17.6% from 18.8% (down 1.2 points), reflecting mix, higher fee income and operating leverage.
Stronger Investment and Other Income
Net investment income rose to $12.0 million from $7.9 million (approximately +52%), and realized & unrealized gains were $9.5 million driven by utility and infrastructure holdings. Fee income increased to $2.2 million from $0.6 million (~+267%).
Balance Sheet and Book Value Improvement
Cash and investments increased by $42 million from the prior quarter to $1.15 billion. Book value per share ended the quarter at $13.13, up 24% since the IPO, with book value increasing $17 million driven by retained earnings.
Strategic Growth Initiatives and Distribution Execution
Launched targeted regional strategies in Texas, Florida and New England focused on city- and neighborhood-level opportunities; emphasized small- and middle-market verticals (construction, hotels, restaurants, retail, mixed-use, wholesale trade) and provided interactive 'city guides' to distribution partners to drive submission growth.
Technology and Operating Model Investments
Management highlighted investments in automation and AI to drive scale and faster turnaround; cited that these initiatives are in pilot phases and expected to deliver further expense leverage over time.
Forward Guidance
For Q2 FY2026 management reiterated guidance: expecting direct written premium growth ~20 percentage points above the E&S market and an underwriting combined ratio in the 87s, indicating continued improvement and market-share gains.