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Diluted Operating Earnings Per Share: Increased by 15.9% over the second quarter of 2025, reaching $5.54 per share.

Annualized Operating Return on Equity: 24.4% for the quarter.

Gross Written Premium: Decreased by 5% for the quarter.

Net Written Premium: Decreased by 1.4% for the quarter.

Net Earned Premium: Increased by 8.9% for the quarter.

Combined Ratio: 75.5% for the quarter.

Net Income: Increased by 31.1% quarter over quarter.

Net Operating Earnings: Increased by 13.3% quarter over quarter.

Expense Ratio: 21.7% for the quarter, up from 20.7% last year.

Net Investment Income: Increased by 19.9% in the second quarter over last year.

Investment Portfolio Growth: Float grew to $3.4 billion at June 30, up from $3.1 billion at the end of 2025.

Annualized Gross Return: 4.5% for the first half of 2026.

New Business Submission Growth: Increased by 6% in the second quarter.

Stock Buyback Authorization: Expanded by $250 million, bringing the total to $337 million.

Release Date: July 24, 2026

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

Kinsale Capital Group Inc (NYSE:KNSL) reported a 15.9% increase in diluted operating earnings per share over the second quarter of 2025, with an annualized operating return on equity of 24.4%.

The company achieved a combined ratio of 75.5% for the quarter, indicating strong underwriting performance.

Net investment income increased by 19.9% year-over-year, driven by growth in the investment portfolio from strong operating cash flows.

Kinsale Capital Group Inc (NYSE:KNSL) continues to leverage technology and analytics to enhance underwriting and pricing models, contributing to exceptional loss ratios.

The company expanded its stock buyback authorization by an additional $250 million, reflecting confidence in its business model and share value.

Negative Points

Gross written premium decreased by 5%, and net written premium was down 1.4% for the quarter, indicating challenges in premium growth.

The Commercial Property division faced intense competition, leading to material rate declines and a shrinking volume of business.

The expense ratio increased to 21.7% from 20.7% last year, attributed to higher net commission ratios due to increased reinsurance retentions.

The E&S market conditions remain competitive, with varying growth rates across different market segments.

Kinsale Capital Group Inc (NYSE:KNSL) is experiencing pricing pressure in certain lines, such as commercial property, which could impact future profitability.

Story Continues

Q & A Highlights

Q: The current year accident loss ratio improved from 2Q ’25, which is different from what many other commercial insurers are reporting. What drove this improvement? A: Salmaan Allibhai, Chief Analytics and Technology Officer, explained that losses for the quarter came in below expectations due to normal variability and mix of business. The loss ratio is a composite of various statutory lines, and the reserves remain conservative.

Q: Regarding reinsurance and ceding commission rates, the commission rate has been increasing for Kinsale. Do you expect this trend to continue after renewals? A: Bryan Petrucelli, Chief Financial Officer, indicated that the second quarter’s figures are a good indication of future trends. There might be a slight uptick in commissions, but efficiency gains from AI activities could offset this.

Q: With the E&S casualty segment softening, how are ROEs being affected, assuming loss trends remain high single digits to low double digits? A: Michael Kehoe, CEO, stated that they manage to a 20% ROE or greater, with most product lines running ahead of that. The focus is on balancing profit and growth.

Q: How is Kinsale addressing broker commissions in a softer market, given that brokers typically seek higher commissions? A: Michael Kehoe emphasized the importance of brokers to Kinsale’s success and acknowledged the tension in the market. Kinsale offers excellent customer service and a broad risk appetite, which helps maintain broker relationships despite market pressures.

Q: On the commercial property side, is there a view that property pricing might become less negative in ’27, allowing Kinsale to re-enter larger shared placements? A: Stuart Winston, Chief Underwriting Officer, noted that while some large players are pulling out, competition remains intense. Kinsale focuses on maintaining pricing close to technical levels and meeting return thresholds, even if it means shrinking in that division.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.