First Quarter 2026 Highlights
Gross written premiums increased by 42.4% to $629.8 million compared to $442.2 million in the first quarter of 2025
Net income increased 0.1% and was $42.9 million in both quarters
Adjusted net income(1) increased 23.1% to $63.1 million compared to $51.3 million in the first quarter of 2025
Total loss ratio of 33.3% compared to 23.6% in the first quarter of 2025
Catastrophe loss ratio(1) of 0.1% compared to (0.3)% in the first quarter of 2025
Combined ratio of 84.5% compared to 73.1% in the first quarter of 2025
Adjusted combined ratio(1) of 76.0% compared to 68.5%, in the first quarter of 2025
Annualized return on equity of 18.1% compared to 22.6% in the first quarter of 2025
Annualized adjusted return on equity(1) of 26.6% compared to 27.0% in the first quarter of 2025
(1) See discussion of "Non-GAAP and Key Performance Indicators" below.
Mac Armstrong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The first quarter was another demonstration of our sustained profitable growth. Our unique, ‘one of one' specialty products portfolio is purposely built to generate consistent earnings and compelling margins in any market cycle. The combination of Palomar's mix of personal and commercial lines products written on both an admitted and excess and surplus basis, and strong growth from our Crop and Surety franchises made for a great start to the year."
Mr. Armstrong continued, "Importantly, our growth wasn't limited to one product set. In fact, we grew across all five categories, including Earthquake, this quarter. I'm happy to share that our profits and capital efficiency stayed strong in the first quarter, with an adjusted combined ratio of 76% and an adjusted return on equity of 27%."
Underwriting ResultsGross written premiums increased 42.4% to $629.8 million compared to $442.2 million in the first quarter of 2025, while net earned premiums increased 59.3% compared to the prior year's first quarter.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the first quarter were $87.1 million, comprised of $86.8 million of attritional losses and $0.3 million of catastrophe losses. The loss ratio for the quarter was 33.3%, comprised of an attritional loss ratio of 33.2% and a catastrophe loss ratio(1) of 0.1% compared to a loss ratio of 23.6% during the same period last year comprised of an attritional loss ratio of 23.9% and a catastrophe loss ratio(1) of (0.3)%. Additionally, our first quarter results include $7.6 million of attritional and $2.7 million of catastrophe loss favorable prior year development, 2.9 points and 1.0 point of loss ratio favorability respectively, primarily from our short tail Inland Marine and Property business.
Underwriting income(1) for the first quarter was $40.5 million resulting in a combined ratio of 84.5% compared to underwriting income of $44.1 million resulting in a combined ratio of 73.1% during the same period last year. The Company's adjusted underwriting income(1) was $62.8 million, an increase of 21.6%, resulting in an adjusted combined ratio(1) of 76.0% in the first quarter compared to adjusted underwriting income(1) of $51.6 million and an adjusted combined ratio(1) of 68.5% during the same period last year. The Company's adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses(1) was 75.9% compared to 68.9% during the same period last year.
Investment ResultsNet investment income increased by 49.0% to $18.0 million compared to $12.1 million in the prior year's first quarter. The increase was primarily due to higher yields on invested assets and a higher average balance of investments held during the three months ended March 31, 2026 due to cash generated from operations. The weighted average duration of the fixed-maturity investment portfolio, including cash equivalents, was 4.21 years at March 31, 2026. Cash and invested assets totaled $1.6 billion at March 31, 2026. During the first quarter, the Company recorded $1.9 million net realized and unrealized losses related to its investment portfolio as compared to net realized and unrealized losses of $2.3 million during the same period last year.
Tax RateThe effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was 19.7% compared to 20.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. For the current quarter, the Company's income tax rate differed from the statutory rate due primarily to the tax impact of the permanent component of employee stock options offset by non-deductible executive compensation expense.
Stockholders' Equity and ReturnsStockholders' equity was $959.0 million at March 31, 2026, compared to $942.7 million at March 31, 2025. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company's annualized return on equity was 18.1% compared to 22.6% for the same period in the prior year while adjusted return on equity(1) was 26.6% compared to 27.0% for the same period in the prior year. During the current quarter, the Company repurchased 190,255 shares of its common stock for $23.1 million.
Gray Acquisition and Impact on ResultsOn January 31, 2026, the Company completed the acquisition of The Gray Casualty & Surety Company (subsequently renamed to Palomar Casualty & Surety Company ("PCSC"). The Company's first quarter 2026 results of operations include two months of PCSC activity.
New Share Repurchase ProgramOn April 30, 2026, the Company's Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program, effective May 6, 2026, which replaces the previous program, and authorizes the repurchase of up to $200 million of the Company's outstanding common stock through May 6, 2028. Under this new share repurchase program, shares may be repurchased from time to time in the open market or negotiated transactions at prevailing market rates, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws.
Full Year 2026 OutlookFor the full year 2026, the Company expects to achieve adjusted net income of $262 million to $278 million. This includes an estimate of $8 million to $12 million of catastrophe losses for the year.
Conference CallAs previously announced, Palomar will host a conference call Thursday, May 7, 2026, to discuss its first quarter 2026 results at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). The conference call can be accessed live by dialing 1-877-423-9813 or for international callers, 1-201-689-8573, and requesting to be joined to the Palomar First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. A replay will be available starting at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on May 7, 2026, and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921, or for international callers, 1-412-317-6671. The passcode for the replay is 13759747. The replay will be available until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on May 14, 2026.
Interested investors and other parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the investor relations section of the Company's website at http://ir.palomarspecialty.com/. The online replay will remain available for a limited time beginning immediately following the call.
About Palomar Holdings, Inc.Palomar Holdings, Inc. is the holding company of subsidiaries Palomar Specialty Insurance Company ("PSIC"), Palomar Specialty Reinsurance Company Bermuda Ltd. ("PSRE"), Palomar Insurance Agency, Inc., Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company ("PESIC"), Palomar Underwriters Exchange Organization, Inc. ("PUEO"), First Indemnity of America Insurance Co. ("FIA"), Palomar Crop Insurance Services, Inc. ("PCIS"), and Palomar Casualty and Surety Company ("PCSC"). Palomar's consolidated results also include Laulima Exchange ("Laulima"), a variable interest entity for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Palomar is an innovative specialty insurer serving residential and commercial clients in five product categories: Earthquake, Inland Marine and Property, Casualty, Surety & Credit, and Crop. Palomar's insurance subsidiaries, PSIC, PSRE, PESIC, and FIA have a financial strength rating of "A" (Excellent) from A.M. Best and PCSC has a financial strength rating of "A-" (Excellent) from A.M. Best.
To learn more, visit PLMR.com.
Non-GAAP and Key Performance Indicators
Palomar discusses certain key performance indicators, described below, which provide useful information about the Company's business and the operational factors underlying the Company's financial performance.
Underwriting revenue is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as total revenue, excluding net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of total revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP to underwriting revenue.
Underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as income before income taxes excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, and interest expense. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of income before income taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP to underwriting income.
Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook, net of tax impact. Palomar calculates the tax impact only on adjustments which would be included in calculating the Company's income tax expense using the estimated tax rate at which the company received a deduction for these adjustments. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of net income calculated in accordance with GAAP to adjusted net income.
Annualized Return on equity is net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders' equity during the period.
Annualized adjusted return on equity is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders' equity during the period. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of return on equity calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted return on equity.
Loss ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses, to net earned premiums.
Expense ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of acquisition and other underwriting expenses, net of commission and other income to net earned premiums.
Combined ratio is defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss.
Adjusted combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio calculated excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of combined ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted combined ratio.
Diluted adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted net income divided by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period, reflecting the dilution which could occur if equity-based awards are converted into common share equivalents as calculated using the treasury stock method. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of diluted earnings per share calculated in accordance with GAAP to diluted adjusted earnings per share.
Catastrophe loss ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as the ratio of catastrophe losses to net earned premiums. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of loss ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to catastrophe loss ratio.
Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted combined ratio excluding the impact of catastrophe losses. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of combined ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses.
Adjusted underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as underwriting income excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of income before income taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP to adjusted underwriting income.
Tangible stockholders' equity is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as stockholders' equity less goodwill and intangible assets. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of stockholders' equity calculated in accordance with GAAP to tangible stockholders' equity.
Safe Harbor StatementPalomar cautions you that statements contained in this press release may regard matters that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the company's current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Palomar that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business. The forward-looking statements are typically, but not always, identified through use of the words "believe," "expect," "enable," "may," "will," "could," "intends," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "predict," "probable," "potential," "possible," "should," "continue," and other words of similar meaning. Actual results could differ materially from the expectations contained in forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, including unexpected expenditures and costs, unexpected results or delays in development and regulatory review, regulatory approval requirements, the frequency and severity of adverse events and competitive conditions. These and other factors that may result in differences are discussed in greater detail in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
ContactMedia Inquiries Lindsay Conner 1-551-206-6217 [email protected]
Investor RelationsJamie Lillis1-203-428-3223[email protected]Source: Palomar Holdings, Inc.
Summary of Operating Results:
The following tables summarize the Company's results for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2026
2025
Change
% Change
(in thousands, except per share data)
Gross written premiums
$
629,828
$
442,163
$
187,665
42.4
%
Ceded written premiums
(291,913
)
(230,745
)
(61,168
)
26.5
%
Net written premiums
337,915
211,418
126,497
59.8
%
Net earned premiums
261,438
164,070
97,368
59.3
%
Commission and other income
1,410
830
580
69.9
%
Total underwriting revenue (1)
262,848
164,900
97,948
59.4
%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
87,097
38,743
48,354
124.8
%
Acquisition expenses, net of ceding commissions and fronting fees
70,315
46,359
23,956
51.7
%
Other underwriting expenses
64,907
35,733
29,174
81.6
%
Underwriting income (1)
40,529
44,065
(3,536
)
(8.0
)%
Interest expense
(3,158
)
(85
)
(3,073
)
NM
Net investment income
17,984
12,071
5,913
49.0
%
Net realized and unrealized losses on investments
(1,894
)
(2,338
)
444
(19.0
)%
Income before income taxes
53,461
53,713
(252
)
(0.5
)%
Income tax expense
10,514
10,791
(277
)
(2.6
)%
Net income
$
42,947
$
42,922
$
25
0.1
%
Adjustments:
Net realized and unrealized losses on investments
1,894
2,338
(444
)
(19.0
)%
Expenses associated with transactions
7,406
2,088
5,318
254.7
%
Stock-based compensation expense
8,786
4,745
4,041
85.2
%
Amortization of intangibles
6,055
707
5,348
NM
Tax impact
(3,951
)
(1,494
)
(2,457
)
164.5
%
Adjusted net income (1)
$
63,137
$
51,306
$
11,831
23.1
%
Key Financial and Operating Metrics
Annualized return on equity
18.1
%
22.6
%
Annualized adjusted return on equity (1)
26.6
%
27.0
%
Loss ratio
33.3
%
23.6
%
Expense ratio
51.2
%
49.5
%
Combined ratio
84.5
%
73.1
%
Adjusted combined ratio (1)
76.0
%
68.5
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.57
$
1.57
Diluted adjusted earnings per share (1)
$
2.31
$
1.87
Catastrophe losses
$
268
$
(542
)
Catastrophe loss ratio (1)
0.1
%
(0.3
)%
Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses (1)
75.9
%
68.9
%
Adjusted underwriting income (1)
$
62,776
$
51,605
$
11,171
21.6
%
NM - not meaningful
(1) - Indicates Non-GAAP financial measure - see above for definition of Non-GAAP financial measures and see below for reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Condensed Consolidated Balance sheets
Palomar Holdings, Inc. and SubsidiariesCondensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)(in thousands, except shares and par value data)
March 31,
December 31,
2026
2025
(Unaudited)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,431,434 in 2026; $1,227,605 in 2025)
$
1,409,717
$
1,224,187
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: $98,838 in 2026; $81,772 in 2025)
112,339
99,333
Other investments
40,410
28,503
Total investments
1,562,466
1,352,023
Cash and cash equivalents
56,538
106,875
Restricted cash
16
17
Accrued investment income
12,828
11,545
Premiums receivable
577,742
452,908
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions and fronting fees
141,602
127,718
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and ...
