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| language = English
| language = English
| source_url = https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1519449/000151944926000015/0001519449-26-000015-index.htm
| source_url = https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1519449/000151944926000015/0001519449-26-000015-index.htm
| archive_file = File:Skyward-2025-FY-Annual_report.md
| archive_file = <!-- ARCHIVE_MD_LINK_HERE -->
| intro_sentence = This article presents Skyward's FY 2025 annual report — the narrative Items (each summarized into a factsheet), primary financial statements, and note schedules from its SEC Form 10-K.
| intro_sentence = This article presents Skyward's FY 2025 annual report — the narrative Items (each summarized into a factsheet), primary financial statements, and note schedules from its SEC Form 10-K.
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== Business ==
== Business ==


'''Who We Are'''
* Skyward Specialty was formed as a Delaware corporation on January 3, 2006, as an insurance holding company <sup>p. 1</sup>.

* ''Skyward Specialty'' was formed as a Delaware corporation on January 3, 2006, as an insurance holding company <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The company operated under the name Houston International Insurance Group, Ltd. until re-branding as Skyward Specialty in November 2020 <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The company operated under the name Houston International Insurance Group, Ltd. until re-branding as Skyward Specialty in November 2020 <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* References to "the Company," "we," "our," "us" or like terms refer to the business of Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* Skyward Specialty is a growing specialty insurance company delivering commercial insurance products and solutions on a non-admitted (E&S) and admitted basis, predominantly in the United States <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The company focuses on underserved, dislocated, and/or markets where standard insurance coverages are insufficient or inadequate <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* Skyward Specialty is a growing specialty insurance company providing commercial insurance products and solutions predominantly in the United States <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* Products are offered on both a non-admitted (E&S) and admitted basis <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The company focuses on underserved, dislocated, and/or markets where standard insurance coverages are insufficient <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* Customers typically require highly specialized, customized underwriting solutions and claims capabilities <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* Customers typically require highly specialized, customized underwriting solutions and claims capabilities <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* Skyward Specialty develops and delivers tailored insurance products and services for niche markets <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The portfolio of insured risks is highly diversified, covering various industries, distribution channels, and lines of business <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The ''portfolio of insured risks'' is highly diversified, covering customers in various industries <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* Lines of business include general liability, excess liability, professional liability (including cyber and media liability insurance), commercial auto, group accident and health, property, agriculture, credit, surety, and workers’ compensation <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The business insures both short and medium duration liabilities <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* ''Distribution'' occurs through multiple channels <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The business mix is principally primary insurance and balanced between E&S and admitted markets <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* ''Lines of business'' include general liability, excess liability, professional liability (including cyber and media liability insurance), commercial auto, group accident and health, property, agriculture, credit, surety, and workers’ compensation <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* A portion of the business is specialty reinsurance (principally property, agriculture, and credit) <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The company insures both short and medium duration liabilities <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The ''business mix'' is principally primary insurance, balanced between E&S and admitted markets <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The company's diversification, including businesses not typically aligned with traditional P&C pricing cycles, combined with underwriting and claims expertise, aims to produce consistent strong growth and profitability <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* A portion of the business is ''specialty reinsurance'', primarily property, agriculture, and credit <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* Specialty reinsurance focuses on attractive specialty classes where approaching through reinsurance is more efficient due to factors like cost of entry and geographic expansion <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* This diversification allows the company to respond to market opportunities and dislocations by deploying capital for attractive risk-adjusted returns <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* This diversification, including businesses not typically aligned with traditional P&C pricing cycles, combined with underwriting and claims expertise, is expected to produce strong growth and profitability across all insurance pricing cycles <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The company is led by an entrepreneurial executive management team with decades of insurance leadership experience in the global P&C industry <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The company is led by an entrepreneurial executive management team with decades of insurance leadership experience in the global P&C industry <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* All insurance company subsidiaries are group rated and have financial strength ratings of "A" (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company with a stable outlook <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* The leadership is supported by an experienced team with broad skills aligned with the company's strategy <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* High-quality leadership, underwriting and claims teams, technology DNA, advanced analytics capabilities, diversified book of business, and strong competitive position are believed to position the company for profitable growth <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* On September 2, 2025, the company entered into two share purchase agreements (the "Apollo Majority SPAs") with institutional and management shareholders of Apollo Group Holdings Limited ("Apollo") <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* The company agreed to acquire approximately 87% of the issued share capital of Apollo held by the Majority Sellers <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* The company aims to deliver long-term value for shareholders by generating best-in-class underwriting profitability and book value per share growth across P&C market cycles <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* All insurance company subsidiaries are group rated <sup>p. 1</sup>.
* Closing of the transaction ("Closing") was conditioned upon acquiring 100% of Apollo's issued share capital through additional short-form share purchase agreements (the "Apollo Minority SPAs") with remaining minority shareholders <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* All insurance company subsidiaries have ''financial strength ratings'' of "A" (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company, with a stable outlook <sup>p. 1</sup>.

'''Apollo Acquisition'''

* On September 2, 2025, the company entered into two share purchase agreements (the "Apollo Majority SPAs") with institutional and management shareholders ("Majority Sellers") of Apollo Group Holdings Limited ("Apollo") <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Pursuant to the Apollo Majority SPAs, the company agreed to acquire approximately 87% of the issued share capital of Apollo held by the Majority Sellers <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* The closing of the transaction ("Closing") was conditioned upon acquiring 100% of Apollo's issued share capital through additional short-form share purchase agreements (the "Apollo Minority SPAs") with the remaining minority shareholders ("Minority Sellers") <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* The Acquisition closed on January 1, 2026 <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* The Acquisition closed on January 1, 2026 <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Consideration for the transaction was satisfied by issuing common stock to certain sellers and the remainder in cash <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* The consideration for the transaction was satisfied by issuing common stock of the Company to certain sellers and the remainder in cash <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Apollo is a U.S. centric specialty underwriting platform operating at Lloyd’s of London, characterized by low volatility, high growth, and a capital-light business model <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Apollo is a U.S.-centric specialty underwriting platform operating at Lloyd’s of London, characterized by low volatility, high growth, and a capital-light business model <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Apollo has consistently grown gross written premium since its formation in 2010 <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Apollo has consistently grown gross written premium since its formation in 2010 <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Through Syndicate 1969, Apollo underwrites a multi-class specialty insurance portfolio <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Through Syndicate 1969, Apollo underwrites a multi-class specialty insurance portfolio <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Through Syndicate 1971, Apollo delivers a platform liability product for the digital and sharing economy <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Through Syndicate 1971, Apollo offers a platform liability product for the digital and sharing economy <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Apollo provides capital to syndicates 1969 and 1971 for a pro-rata share of underwriting income, with third parties providing the remaining capital <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Apollo provides capital to syndicates 1969 and 1971 for a pro-rata share of underwriting income, with third parties providing the remaining capital <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Apollo earns managing agency fees and profit commissions for managing its own syndicates and innovative third-party syndicates (platform partners) <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* Apollo earns managing agency fees and profit commissions as the managing agent for its own syndicates and for innovative third-party syndicates (platform partners) <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* The acquisition is aligned with Skyward Specialty’s strategy, bringing new specialty niches, a new economy offering, accelerating innovation, and adding Apollo’s advanced technology capabilities <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* The acquisition aligns with Skyward Specialty’s strategy by bringing new specialty niches, a new economy offering, accelerating innovation, and adding Apollo’s advanced technology capabilities <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* David Ibeson will continue as CEO of Apollo, leading its growth as a subsidiary of Skyward Specialty <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* David Ibeson will continue as CEO of Apollo, leading its growth as a subsidiary of Skyward Specialty, along with Apollo’s management team <sup>p. 2</sup>.

* The company has one reportable segment offering a broad array of insurance coverages to various market niches <sup>p. 3</sup>.
'''Our Business and Our Strategy'''
* Each of the nine distinct underwriting divisions has dedicated underwriting leadership and technical staff <sup>p. 3</sup>.

* For the year ended December 31, 2025, ''gross written premiums'' were 41% on an admitted basis and 59% non-admitted <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The company operates through one reportable segment, offering a broad array of insurance coverages across various market niches <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Accident & Health (A&H)'' underwriting division provides medical stop loss to self-insured employers and covers group and single-employer captives <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* A&H captives program provides tailored medical stop-loss and reinsurance solutions <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Each of the nine underwriting divisions has dedicated leadership and technical staff experienced in their niches <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* This structure aims to effectively serve customer needs, be a value-add partner to distributors, and achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The A&H division targets small and medium-sized enterprise market segments seeking to control healthcare costs by self-insuring <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* A&H products are written on an admitted basis and distributed primarily through retail and wholesale brokers <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* For the year ended December 31, 2025, ''gross written premiums'' were 41% admitted and 59% non-admitted <sup>p. 3</sup>.

* ''Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance'' underwriting division provides specialty risk-transfer solutions across a diversified global portfolio <sup>p. 3</sup>.
<blockquote>"We have one reportable segment through which we offer a broad array of insurance coverages to a number of market niches. Each of our nine distinct underwriting divisions has dedicated underwriting leadership supported by high-quality technical staff with deep experience in their respective niches. We believe this structure and expertise allow us to serve the needs of our customers effectively and be a value-add partner to our distributors, while earning attractive risk-adjusted returns. For the year ended December 31, 2025, 41% of our gross written premiums were written on an admitted basis and 59% were non-admitted." <sup>p. 3</sup></blockquote>
* This division covers agriculture, dairy and livestock revenue protection, mortgage, and credit product lines <sup>p. 3</sup>.

* It supports insurers, MGAs, and other risk originators with tailored treaty protection using proportional and excess of loss structures <sup>p. 3</sup>.
=== Our Underwriting Divisions ===
* The global agriculture book covers weather, natural peril volatility, and other production/yield risks <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Accident & Health (A&H)'': Provides medical stop loss to employers who self-insure employee benefits, and covers group and single-employer captives <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The mortgage portfolio supports government-sponsored entities and private mortgage insurers against default and loss severity volatility <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The credit portfolio provides protection against losses from default risk covering single obligors and multi-buyer trade credit <sup>p. 3</sup>.
** The A&H captives program offers tailored medical stop-loss and reinsurance solutions with dedicated underwriting and claims oversight <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The dairy and livestock business provides producers with revenue protection against price volatility in milk, cattle, and hog markets <sup>p. 3</sup>.
** Targets small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to control healthcare costs by self-insuring a portion of their healthcare insurance <sup>p. 3</sup>.
** Products are written on an admitted basis and distributed through retail and wholesale broker partners <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Derivative instruments (primarily put options and futures) are used to mitigate commodity price risk associated with cattle, hog, and milk prices <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Captives'' underwriting division provides group captive solutions by leveraging expertise from other underwriting divisions <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance'': Offers specialty risk-transfer solutions across a diversified global portfolio <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The Captives division writes property, general liability, commercial auto, excess liability, and workers’ compensation lines on E&S and admitted bases <sup>p. 4</sup>.
** Covers agriculture, dairy and livestock revenue protection, and mortgage and credit product lines <sup>p. 3</sup>.
** Supports insurers, MGAs, and other risk originators with tailored treaty protection using proportional and excess of loss structures <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* This business is often administered through partnerships with third-party captive managers <sup>p. 4</sup>.
** ''Global agriculture book'': provides coverage for weather and natural peril volatility, and other production and yield risks <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Construction & Energy Solutions'' underwriting division focuses on high-severity exposures with tailored multi-line solutions <sup>p. 4</sup>.
** ''Mortgage portfolio'': supports government-sponsored entities and private mortgage insurers against default and loss severity volatility, structured to manage tail risk <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Solutions include general liability, excess liability, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation <sup>p. 4</sup>.
** ''Credit portfolio'': provides protection against losses from default risk for single obligors and multi-buyer trade credit across diverse regions and industries <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Products are distributed through retail agents, brokers, and a select network of wholesalers <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Global Property'' underwriting division provides comprehensive property insurance and reinsurance solutions for commercial clients worldwide <sup>p. 4</sup>.
** ''Dairy and livestock business'': provides revenue protection against price volatility in milk, cattle, and hog markets <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Offerings protect against physical loss or damage to assets due to natural catastrophes and other insured perils <sup>p. 4</sup>.
*** Utilizes derivative instruments (primarily put options and futures) to mitigate commodity price risk related to cattle, hog, and milk prices <sup>p. 3</sup>.
*** Derivative positions are adjusted throughout the year based on market conditions and risk profile <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Professional Lines'' underwriting division includes management liability, professional liability (including cyber), and allied health (including life sciences) <sup>p. 4</sup>.
*** See Note 8, “Derivatives” in Item 8 of Form 10-K for more information on derivatives <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Management/Professional liability and allied health provide primary and excess claims-made liability products on E&S and admitted bases <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* These products are distributed through wholesale and retail brokers <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Captives'': Provides group captive solutions by leveraging underwriting and claims expertise from other divisions <sup>p. 3</sup>.
** Broadens market reach and writes profitable business with limited additional expense by utilizing company-wide expertise <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Specialty Programs'' underwriting division partners with program administrators focused on specific markets <sup>p. 4</sup>.
** Writes property, general liability, commercial auto, excess liability, and workers’ compensation lines on E&S and admitted bases <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Program administrators often possess competitive advantages like scale or proprietary technology <sup>p. 4</sup>.
** Often administers business through partnerships with third-party captive managers <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Specialty Programs writes property, general liability, commercial auto liability, excess liability, and workers’ compensation lines on E&S and admitted bases <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Surety'' underwriting division provides contract, commercial, and transactional surety solutions <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Construction & Energy Solutions'': Focuses on high-severity exposures with tailored multi-line solutions <sup>p. 3</sup>.
** Includes general liability, excess liability, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The focus is on small to medium-sized enterprises with aggregate bond programs up to approximately $100.0 million for contract and $125.0 million for commercial and transactional <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* This business is written on an admitted basis and distributed through retail agents and brokers <sup>p. 5</sup>.
** Distributed through retail agents, brokers, and a select network of wholesalers <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Transactional E&S'' underwriting division provides primary and excess non-catastrophe prone property and general liability solutions <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Global Property'': Provides comprehensive property insurance and reinsurance solutions for commercial clients worldwide <sup>p. 3</sup>.
** Offers protection against physical loss or damage to assets (buildings, equipment, inventory) due to natural catastrophes and other insured perils <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Emphasis is on hard-to-place risks due to complexity, loss history, or limited operating history <sup>p. 5</sup>.
** Supports clients across diverse industries in managing exposures and maintaining operational resilience <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* This division accesses the market exclusively through wholesale brokers <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Professional Lines'': Includes three underwriting units: management liability, professional liability (including cyber), and allied health (including life sciences) <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The company has "exited business" units and lines previously placed into run-off <sup>p. 5</sup>.
** Provides primary and excess claims-made liability products on E&S and admitted bases <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The company's strategy, referred to as "Rule Our Niche," aims to lead in chosen market niches and establish sustainable, competitive positions <sup>p. 5</sup>.
** Distributed through wholesale and retail brokers, depending on the product <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Key elements of the strategy include differentiated products, attracting talent, amplifying expertise with technology, empowering teams, and fostering a nimble culture <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Specialty Programs'': Partners with program administrators focused on specific markets <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The strategy focuses on achieving best-in-class underwriting results through P&C insurance pricing cycles <sup>p. 5</sup>.
** Believes partnering with program administrators is optimal for profitable participation or market reach <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Competitive strengths include focusing on profitable niches requiring technical underwriting and claims management as barriers to entry <sup>p. 6</sup>.
** Program administrators often have competitive advantages (scale or proprietary technology) that would be difficult for the company to replicate <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The company targets underserved, dislocated, or markets where standard products are insufficient <sup>p. 6</sup>.
** Writes property, general liability, commercial auto liability, excess liability, and workers’ compensation lines on E&S and admitted bases <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Underwriting divisions are built around deeply experienced underwriters empowered with authority <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* Underwriters' experience is augmented with data and predictive analytics for risk selection and pricing <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Surety'': Provides contract, commercial, and transactional surety solutions to trade and services organizations <sup>p. 3</sup>.
** Focuses on small to medium-sized enterprises with aggregate bond programs up to approximately ''$100.0 million'' for contract and ''$125.0 million'' for commercial and transactional <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The company focuses on hiring and retaining highly skilled underwriting and technical staff <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* Claims professionals are highly knowledgeable about the niches and lines of business <sup>p. 6</sup>.
** Business is written on an admitted basis and distributed through retail agents and brokers <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Transactional E&S'': Provides primary and excess non-catastrophe prone property and general liability solutions <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Claims are addressed with fair and equitable solutions for first-party claims and holistic responses for third-party claims, aiming for consistent and early loss recognition <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* The company responds quickly to claims with specialized adjusters, technology, and analytics <sup>p. 7</sup>.
** Emphasizes risks considered hard to place due to complexity, loss history, or limited operating history (e.g., start-ups) <sup>p. 3</sup>.
** Success in this market relies on technical underwriting, thoughtful coverage provisions, pricing, and high-quality broker service <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''SkyBI'', the business intelligence platform, provides real-time intelligence for senior leadership and technical teams <sup>p. 7</sup>.
** Accesses the market exclusively through wholesale brokers <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* SkyBI is a single, comprehensive enterprise-wide data repository for reporting, business intelligence, analytics, and advanced data capabilities <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Data in SkyBI can be filtered by distributor, customer segment, line of business, industry, underwriter, and risk feature <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The company has business units and lines of business previously exited and placed into run-off, referred to as "exited business" <sup>p. 3</sup>.

* The company believes every underwriting and claims decision can be augmented with new types of risk data and advanced technology <sup>p. 7</sup>.
=== Our Strategy ===
* Predictive analytics and generative artificial intelligence are used in underwriting and claims handling <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The company aims to lead in chosen market niches and establish sustainable, competitive positions <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The business is diversified across product lines, industries, geographies, and distribution channels, including business not typically aligned with traditional P&C cycles <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Key elements of the strategy include:
* The company aims to evolve with the market, growing certain lines in favorable conditions and limiting exposure in less favorable conditions <sup>p. 7</sup>.
## Providing differentiated products, services, and solutions for target markets <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The company has a distinctive winning culture, evidenced by internal surveys and external recognition like "Best Places to Work in Insurance" <sup>p. 8</sup>.
## Attracting and retaining exceptional underwriting and claims talent, aligning incentives with organizational goals <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The culture features a flat communication and decision-making structure and a hybrid work schedule <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* The leadership team is experienced, innovative, and entrepreneurial, led by Chairman and CEO Andrew Robinson <sup>p. 8</sup>.
## Amplifying expertise with advanced technology and analytics for superior risk selection, pricing, and claims management <sup>p. 3</sup>.
## Empowering underwriting and claims teams with significant authority for decision-making <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Senior leadership compensation includes long-term and short-term incentives tied to underwriting returns and book value per share growth <sup>p. 8</sup>.
## Fostering a culture that promotes nimbleness and responsiveness to market opportunities <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The "Rule Our Niche" strategy aims to generate best-in-class underwriting profitability and superior long-term shareholder value <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* The strategy involves attracting and retaining blue-chip underwriting and claims talent <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* This strategy is referred to as ''“Rule Our Niche”'' and forms the basis for building a strong defensible market position and competitive moat <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The principles of this strategy are considered key to achieving and sustaining best-in-class underwriting results through P&C insurance pricing cycles <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The company leverages its technology DNA to differentiate from competition, using SkyBI for market changes and core operating platforms for efficient market entry <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* The company strives for excellence in risk selection, pricing, and claims outcomes, amplified by advanced technology and analytics <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The company is positioned to take advantage of trends like increased demand for specialized insurance due to rising risks (climate change, supply chain uncertainty, financial inflation, cyber, health risks, litigation) <sup>p. 9</sup>.

* Another market trend is the emergence of "micro cycles and micro dislocations" in the P&C market <sup>p. 9</sup>.
'''Our Competitive Strengths'''
* The company has launched new underwriting units, entered underserved markets, partnered with technology providers, and launched new captive solutions in response to these trends <sup>p. 9</sup>.

* The company's ability to meet long-term goals relies on day-to-day operational excellence across underwriting, product management, and claims management <sup>p. 9</sup>.
<blockquote>"We believe that our competitive strengths include:" <sup>p. 4</sup></blockquote>
* SkyBI provides the foundation for senior management to monitor performance, including renewal rates, new business pricing, portfolio performance, claims aging, and reserving practices <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Focus on profitable niches of the market that require technical underwriting and claims management as barriers to entry <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet with conservative loss reserves and strong capitalization ratios <sup>p. 9</sup>.
<blockquote>"We believe that the niche areas of the commercial lines P&C markets we have selected are a highly attractive subset of the P&C insurance market and present an opportunity to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns." <sup>p. 4</sup></blockquote>
* Claims case reserves aim to reserve to the expected ultimate loss within 90 days of the first notice of loss <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* The company maintains incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves that, with case reserves, are above the actuarial central estimate <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* The company targets markets that are underserved, dislocated, or where standard products are insufficient <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The approach to marketing and distribution mirrors the underwriting approach and is a key facet of the "Rule Our Niche" strategy <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Risks in core markets require efficient, individual underwriting to generate sustainable underwriting profit <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The company builds underwriting divisions around deeply experienced underwriters with appropriate authority <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Distribution partners are chosen to access specific business, including retail agents, wholesale brokers, select program administrators, and captive managers <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Underwriters' experience is augmented with data and predictive analytics for risk selection, pricing, and efficiency <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The underwriting approach is deeply embedded in the "Rule Our Niche" strategy, with specialized underwriting teams focusing on specific niches <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Highly skilled underwriters are a competitive strength <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The underwriting approach is underpinned by hiring experienced, best-in-class, and diverse technical underwriters <sup>p. 10</sup>.
<blockquote>"We focus on hiring and retaining underwriting and technical staff who help differentiate our company through their expertise and experience." <sup>p. 4</sup></blockquote>
* Underwriters' skills are amplified with advanced technology and data analytics, and they are empowered with appropriate decision-making authority <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Underwriting data is captured in the SkyBI business intelligence platform <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Underwriting teams are knowledgeable, experienced, and empowered, which is critical for complex risks that are difficult to automate <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The company is highly selective in policies, encouraging underwriters to move on if premium and coverage terms do not meet standards <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Underwriters are given freedom to use expertise and judgment in evaluating and pricing risks, rather than strict rules <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* When accepting risks, terms and price are established to suit the underlying exposure <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* Superior Claims Staff and Operations are a competitive strength <sup>p. 4</sup>.
<blockquote>"We have cultivated a best-in-class and highly specialized team of claims professionals who are highly knowledgeable about the niches we serve and the lines of business we write." <sup>p. 4</sup></blockquote>
* In the admitted market, approved forms and filed rates are ensured to be appropriate and adequate <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* Claims professionals address first-party claims with fair solutions and third-party claims with holistic responses, aiming for consistent and early loss recognition of indemnity and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* In the E&S market, freedom of rate and form is used to ensure risk and coverage are appropriate <sup>p. 11</sup>.
<blockquote>"We respond quickly when a claim is submitted with specialized adjusters, who are armed with expertise, advanced technology and analytics, to assist them in the claims resolution process." <sup>p. 4</sup></blockquote>
* Underwriting teams are supported by active engagement and collaboration with Claims, Actuarial, Product Management, Legal and Compliance, and Finance departments <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* Technology is deeply embedded in the claims process, from first notice of loss to investigation and settlement <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Skyward’s claims department is guided by principles including prompt investigations, quality service, timely reserve establishment, subrogation pursuit, fraud detection, and disciplined litigation management <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* Analytics capabilities, including real-time detailed information on open claims and benchmarks against closed claims, are used by senior leadership and claims teams <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The majority of claims are handled in-house, with Third Party Administrators (TPAs) used in certain instances (programs, captives, occupational accident, workers' compensation, runoff claims) <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* Superior business intelligence platform is a competitive strength <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* TPAs are actively managed and overseen to ensure compliance with claims handling and reserving guidelines <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''SkyBI'', the business intelligence platform, provides real-time intelligence to senior leadership and technical teams for decision-making <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Independent legal counsel is retained for liability claims against an insured, selected based on geographical location and expertise <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Litigation guidelines are developed for claims professionals and outside counsel <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* SkyBI reflects best practices learned from management's experience in P&C insurance and technology <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* SkyBI is a single, comprehensive enterprise-wide data repository for reporting, business intelligence, analytics, and advanced data capabilities <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* A legal spend management solution analyzes legal invoices for adherence to standards <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Technology is leveraged for claims-handling efficiencies, including a Claims Development Severity Predictor model <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* SkyBI provides information and performance metrics across the company in a visualized format <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Data in SkyBI can be filtered by categories such as distributor, customer segment, line of business, industry, underwriter, and risk feature <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The Claims Development Severity Predictor identifies claims likely to lead to large loss development for proactive management <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* A "quick strike" program for commercial auto deploys investigators and vendors to accident scenes within two hours <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Advanced technology and new risk data for underwriting and claims are a competitive strength <sup>p. 4</sup>.
<blockquote>"We fundamentally believe that every underwriting and claims decision can be augmented with the use of new types of risk data and advanced technology." <sup>p. 4</sup></blockquote>
* Claims handlers and managers are organized by line of business to ensure expertise <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Underwriting decisions are backed by historical data and in-depth risk evaluation from investments in data collection and processing <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Technology drives competitive advantages in three primary functional ways: superior business intelligence, predictive analytics, and core transactional platforms <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* Underwriting and claims capabilities are amplified by combining data with new forms of risk data and predictive analytics <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''SkyBI'' provides real-time intelligence for decision-making, reflecting best practices from P&C insurance and technology sectors <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* Generative artificial intelligence is utilized in underwriting and claims handling to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while still relying on employee expertise <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Predictive Analytics Technology'' augments employee capabilities using new forms of risk data and AI for risk selection, pricing, and claims handling <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* Diversified business allows response to and capitalization on changes in market conditions across P&C cycles <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Core Transactional Platforms'' (policy administration, underwriting workbench, billing, claims systems) are designed for nimble scaling and expansion <sup>p. 13</sup>.
<blockquote>"We have been successful in building a diversified group of underwriting divisions spanning multiple product lines, industries, geographies and distribution channels, including business that is not typically aligned with traditional P&C cycles." <sup>p. 4</sup></blockquote>
* Third-party vendor developed core operating applications are customized for the company <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* Core platform organization is used for all business except accident & health, global property, agriculture and credit (re)insurance, and surety <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* The company aims to evolve with the market, growing certain lines in favorable conditions and limiting exposure in less favorable conditions <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The diversity of the book allows response to market opportunities and dislocations across insurance market and pricing cycles, leading to a durable insurance franchise <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Data from core operating platforms flows to SkyBI with comparable quality and granularity <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* Attractive and winning culture is a competitive strength <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The use of advanced technology provides a flywheel effect for risk selection, claims adjudication, communication with partners, and trend evaluation <sup>p. 14</sup>.
<blockquote>"As evidenced by our internal surveys, public information such as that available on Glassdoor and LinkedIn, and our selection as a “Best Places to Work in Insurance,” we have built a distinctive winning culture." <sup>p. 4</sup></blockquote>
* The company faces external threats to IT systems, including system failure, data theft, and ransomware attacks <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* Key aspects of the culture include a flat communication and decision-making structure <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Technology infrastructure is designed for major disruptions, with real-time data replication to a third-party cloud disaster recovery site <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* Staff are trusted to make decisions that produce or exceed financial results and are supported by a clear measurement system <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Data is backed up daily for system restoration <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* A hybrid work schedule offers employees flexibility for remote working <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Actions to prevent disruptions include monitoring CISA cybersecurity directives, monthly vulnerability scans, two-factor authentication, monthly security training, endpoint detection agents, desktop scenarios, and annual penetration testing <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* The company maintains an entrepreneurial environment that encourages and rewards a proactive approach to market disruption <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Reinsurance is strategically purchased from third parties to protect capital from severity events and reduce earnings volatility <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* High-quality, experienced leadership team is aligned with shareholders <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Reinsurance contracts are predominantly one year in length and renew annually, primarily in January and June <sup>p. 14</sup>.
<blockquote>"Led by our Chairman and CEO, Andrew Robinson, we have an experienced, innovative and entrepreneurial executive leadership team with a track record of success in senior management roles at industry leading property and casualty companies as well as in starting and building new businesses in our industry." <sup>p. 4</sup></blockquote>
* Factors influencing reinsurance purchases include changes in underlying insurance coverage, updated loss activity, capital and surplus levels, risk appetite, and cost/availability of treaties <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* The company purchases quota share, excess of loss, and facultative reinsurance coverage <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* Senior leadership's compensation is structured to align with shareholders <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* A material portion of leaders' compensation is in long-term and short-term incentives tied to delivering sustainable, best-in-class underwriting returns <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Quota share reinsurance'' involves the reinsurer assuming a specified percentage of losses for a corresponding percentage of premiums, net of a ceding commission <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* Executive leadership team has additional long-term incentive targets directly tied to growth in book value per share <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Excess of loss reinsurance'' involves the reinsurer assuming losses above a specified amount for a negotiated premium, including catastrophe reinsurance <sup>p. 15</sup>.

* ''Facultative coverage'' is for individual risks, supplementing treaty limits or covering excluded risks/perils <sup>p. 15</sup>.
'''Our Strategy in Action'''
* For the year ended December 31, 2025, ''property insurance'' represented 34% of gross written premiums <sup>p. 15</sup>.

* The company actively manages property writings aggregation by geographic area to limit loss potential from severe events <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* Catastrophe reinsurance is purchased to mitigate property losses from single or series of events <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* The company's "Rule Our Niche" strategy guides all activities from recruiting to claims resolution <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The "Rule Our Niche" strategy aims to achieve best-in-class underwriting profitability for niches and create superior long-term shareholder value through growth in book value per share <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Third-party stochastic and deterministic models are used to analyze aggregation risk and inform catastrophe reinsurance purchases <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* Core tenets of the "Rule Our Niche" strategy include attracting and retaining blue-chip underwriting and claims talent <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Based on modeling, an event beyond a 1 in 250-year PML would be required to exhaust the $36.0 million property catastrophe coverage <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* The company aims to expose no more than 3.0% of stockholders’ equity to a catastrophic loss less than a 1 in 250-year event <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* The company seeks to hire technical underwriting professionals with long-standing industry relationships and claims professionals with niche expertise to ensure steady access to preferred business <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Reinsurance is sought from reinsurers rated at least "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* The company aims to grow its market position by recruiting world-class talent in chosen markets <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Another core tenet is leveraging technology DNA to differentiate from competitors <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* As of December 31, 2025, 98% of reinsurance recoverables were from reinsurers rated "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best, or were collateralized <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* The company uses new forms of risk data and advanced technology in complex, high-severity risk categories within the specialty P&C insurance market <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance was $2.3 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024 <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is embedded in nearly every aspect of the company and guides day-to-day activities <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''SkyBI'' provides the ability to promptly sense and respond to market changes <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Core operating platforms allow efficient entry into new markets without complex systems <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The approach to ERM ensures an acceptable risk-adjusted return for shareholders while maintaining trust and reliability <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The company believes its technological advantage supports profitable growth and expansion into additional specialty market niches <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The SVP, CFO & Head of ERM - US Operations oversees critical ERM processes and chairs the cross-functional corporate ERM Committee <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The company uses an Economic Capital Model (ECM) to formalize its view of risk and solvency in terms of potential economic loss <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* A further tenet is profitably growing existing lines of business and expanding with new underwriting divisions <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ECM output measures potential earnings and capital loss for various scenarios against annually updated risk tolerances <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The company is positioned to capitalize on trends impacting customers in the U.S. and globally <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Trends include increased demand for specialized insurance due to rising and complex risks from climate change, severe weather events, supply chain uncertainty, financial inflation, cyber risk, novel health risks, increased litigation, attorney involvement, and jury awards, and healthcare delivery/cost <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The ECM provides a probabilistic modeled view of earnings and capital loss, combining potential loss from catastrophes, reserving, underwriting, market, credit risk, strategic, and operational risks <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The SVP, CFO & Head of ERM and the ERM Committee review and maintain a comprehensive risk register and identify/quantify the top 10 risks quarterly <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* Another market trend is the emergence of "micro cycles and micro dislocations" in the P&C insurance market <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The company has reacted to these trends by launching new underwriting units (some not aligned with P&C cycles), entering underserved markets, partnering on advanced technology, and launching new captive solutions <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Operational processes and controls are constructed to identify, assess, and manage key risks <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The Underwriting Committee oversees changes in risk appetite and product line/division expansion <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* Gross written premium growth and profitability indicate momentum and position the company for continued expansion <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Differentiating on daily excellence to drive best-in-class underwriting performance is also a core tenet <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The Claims department monitors handling practices, conducts monthly large loss reviews, and maintains a watchlist of potential high-severity claims <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* Meeting long-term goals, including best-in-class underwriting returns and book value per share growth, depends on day-to-day operational execution across all functional departments (underwriting, product management, claims management) <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The Actuarial department performs quarterly reserve studies, and the Reserve Committee reviews loss emergence trends <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* Underwriting divisions assess rate change, retention, new business quality, pricing adequacy, and loss emergence monthly and quarterly <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''SkyBI'' enables senior management to monitor performance, including renewal rates, new business pricing, portfolio performance, claims aging, and reserving practices <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Focus on underwriting fundamentals is central to the strategy <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The ERM is central to decision-making and day-to-day activities, aiming for market-leading risk-adjusted returns and a culture of accountability <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* Cross-functional collaboration ensures regular review of performance and trends by underwriting, claims, actuarial, and product management teams for quick implementation of portfolio, pricing, and coverage changes <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The company maintains reserves for specific claims incurred and reported, IBNR reserves, and reserves for uncollectible reinsurance <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* Reserves are continually monitored using new information and statistical analyses <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* The company aims to use its balance sheet to capture a larger market share <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet with conservative loss reserves and strong capitalization ratios <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Anticipated inflation is implicitly reflected in the reserving process <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* This commitment is crucial for maintaining confidence among customers, distribution partners, reinsurers, regulators, rating agencies, and shareholders <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Reserves for losses and LAE are not discounted to reflect estimated present value <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* Case reserves are established for the estimated ultimate payment of reported claims after assessment <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* Claims case reserve practices aim to reserve to the expected ultimate loss within 90 days of the first notice of loss <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The company maintains incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves that, combined with case reserves, exceed the actuarial central estimate <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* IBNR reserves are established for estimated future loss payments on incurred but not yet reported claims and potential development on reported claims <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* Loss reserves are regularly reviewed using actuarial techniques and updated as historical loss experience develops <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* Loss reserves represent the company's best estimate of ultimate losses <sup>p. 5</sup>.

* The company seeks to maintain a balanced investment portfolio predominantly composed of investments generating predictable and stable returns <sup>p. 18</sup>.
'''Marketing and Distribution'''
* The investment allocation strategy uses an Enterprise Based Asset Allocation model, embedded in the Economic Capital Model <sup>p. 18</sup>.

* Investment risk is actively managed and monitored to balance stable growth and liquidity with regulatory and rating agency frameworks <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* The company's marketing and distribution approach aligns with its underwriting strategy and is central to its "Rule Our Niche" strategy <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* The portfolio mainly comprises cash and cash equivalents and investment-grade fixed-maturity securities, supplemented by additional investments <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* The Investment Committee of the Board of Directors reviews and approves investment policy and strategy quarterly <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Underwriting teams'' and the company maintain strong relationships and reputations with distribution partners, facilitating new affiliations <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* The company believes it succeeds with distribution partners due to its deep expertise in niche markets, high-caliber underwriters, culture of innovation, thoughtful product line-up and design, and responsive service <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* The portfolio includes both self-managed investments and those managed by third-party investment management firms <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* The specialty lines property & casualty insurance market consists of many markets and sub-markets <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* All underwriting divisions dedicate significant effort to maintaining and expanding distribution partner loyalty and long-term relationships <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* The company tailors its choice of ''distribution partners'' to access specific business, similar to how it tailors underwriting to insureds' needs <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* Competition is based on pricing, financial strength, broker relationships, terms and conditions, ratings, claims payment speed, and team experience <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* Products are distributed through ''retail agents, wholesale brokers, select program administrators, and captive managers'' <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* Notable competitors include Markel Corporation, W.R. Berkley Corporation, American Financial Group Inc., Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc., CNA Financial Corporation, Hiscox, Ltd., RLI Corp., Intact Finance Corporation, Kinsale Capital Group, Inc., Arch Capital Group, and AXIS Capital Holdings, Ltd. <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* This distribution strategy enables effective and efficient access to targeted business based on market niche needs and dynamics <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* Operations are conducted principally through four insurance companies: Great Midwest Insurance Company (GMIC), Houston Specialty Company (HSIC), Imperium Insurance Company (IIC), and Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company (OSIC) <sup>p. 19</sup>.

* ''GMIC'', the largest insurance subsidiary, underwrites multiple lines on an admitted basis in all 50 states and D.C., and is a certified surety bond company <sup>p. 19</sup>.
'''Underwriting'''
* ''HSIC'', a subsidiary of GMIC, underwrites multiple lines on a surplus lines basis in 50 states, D.C., and select foreign countries <sup>p. 19</sup>.

* ''IIC'', a subsidiary of HSIC, underwrites on an admitted basis in all 50 states and D.C. <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''OSIC'', a subsidiary of IIC, is an approved surplus lines company in 49 states and D.C. <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* The company's underwriting approach is central to its "Rule Our Niche" strategy and market success <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Within its nine divisions, underwriting teams specialize in specific niches <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Effective December 31, 2024, the insurance company subsidiaries were restacked to provide capital for the growing surety business <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* The underwriting approach relies on hiring highly experienced, best-in-class, and diverse technical underwriters with proven track records in specific specialty niche markets <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The company also owns Skyward Re, a wholly-owned captive reinsurance company domiciled in the Cayman Islands, incorporated on January 7, 2020 <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* Underwriters' skills are enhanced with advanced technology and data analytics, and they are empowered with appropriate decision-making authority <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Skyward Re was established to facilitate an LPT which was commuted effective January 31, 2025 <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* This approach aims for superior risk selection, pricing, and sustainable best-in-class underwriting results across market cycles <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Three non-insurance companies are operated: Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc. (licensed agent, MGA, reinsurance broker), Skyward Service Company (administrative services), and Skyward Specialty No. 1 Limited Company (UK company, authorized Lloyd’s corporate member) <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* The company uses new forms of data and analytics to augment underwriting professionals' capabilities for risk selection and pricing <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The organizational structure at December 31, 2025, shows each entity wholly-owned by its immediate parent <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* Underwriting data is captured in the business intelligence platform, SkyBI, which forms the foundation for reporting, analytics, and other data capabilities <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The insurance group, Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., has an "A" (Excellent) rating with a stable outlook from A.M. Best <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* SkyBI is a key tool for senior management and business leaders <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The "A" (Excellent) rating is the third highest among A.M. Best's 13 ratings, which range from "A++" (Superior) to "D" (Poor) <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* The company operates as an insurance holding company system and is subject to insurance holding company laws of Texas and Oklahoma <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* The company is highly selective in binding policies; underwriters are encouraged to move on if premium and coverage terms do not meet standards <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* When accepting risks, terms and prices are carefully established to suit the underlying exposure <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* These statutes require registration with state insurance departments and disclosure of information concerning holding company system operations <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* In the admitted market, the company ensures approved forms and filed rates are appropriate and adequate for risks, while allowing flexibility for specific exposures <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Transactions among holding company system members must be fair and reasonable <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* In the E&S market, the company uses freedom of rate and form to match risk and coverage to unique needs and exposures <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Transactions between insurance subsidiaries and affiliates generally require disclosure to state regulators and notice or prior approval for material/extraordinary transactions <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* Policies are crafted to offer affordable and appropriate protection for insureds' exposures, while also making potential losses more predictable and claims costs manageable <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The company has applied for various trademark registrations in the United States at federal and state levels <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* Trademarks and service marks are monitored and protected from unauthorized use <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* Underwriting teams receive support and collaboration from Claims, Actuarial, Product Management, Legal and Compliance, and Finance departments <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* This collaboration ensures that business trends, legal and tort developments, and competitor and regulatory actions are analyzed, shared, and acted upon promptly <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* As of December 31, 2025, the company had approximately 611 employees <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* Underwriters are considered central to the company, with all support functions incentivized and measured to achieve underwriting profitability targets <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Employees are not subject to any collective bargaining agreement <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* This structure helps identify opportunities and issues early, contributing to the company's nimbleness and ability to leverage market disruptions <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The company strives to cultivate an exceptional workforce and promote a culture valuing diversity of thought, background, and perspective <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* Underwriting controls and procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure profitable underwriting across all served markets <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* A competitive benefits package is offered, including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off, family leave, employee assistance programs, and an employee stock purchase plan <sup>p. 22</sup>.

* Opportunities for education and professional development are provided <sup>p. 22</sup>.
'''Claims Management'''

* Skyward's claims department operates under six guiding principles: prompt and comprehensive investigations using advanced analytics and technology; quality claims handling with customer engagement; prompt establishment of reserves based on best estimates; effective pursuit of contribution and subrogation; detection and prevention of fraud; and disciplined litigation management for superior legal defense and cost monitoring <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* Continuous training is provided to claim staff on claim evaluation, strategy, litigation management, good-faith handling, and best practices <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* The ultimate goal of the claims department is timely and optimal claim outcomes <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* The majority of claims are handled in-house <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* Third Party Administrators (TPAs) are utilized for certain instances, such as programs, captives, occupational accident, workers' compensation, and runoff claims <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* TPAs are actively managed and overseen to ensure compliance with Skyward's claims handling and reserving guidelines and general best practices <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* Regular audits of TPAs are conducted to ensure compliance <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* Independent legal counsel is retained for liability claims against an insured when warranted, selected based on geographical location and expertise <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* Litigation guidelines have been developed for both claims professionals and outside counsel to ensure appropriate defense and adherence to standards <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* A legal spend management solution is used to analyze legal invoices for adherence to case handling and billing practice standards, ensuring reasonable and customary legal costs <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* Technology is leveraged to gain efficiencies in claims handling <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* A Claims Development Severity Predictor has been created and implemented, which is a predictive model that identifies claims likely to lead to large loss development using key phrases <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* This model allows for early identification, proactive claims management, and summarization of development reasons, and is integrated into the claims review and management workflow <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* Skyward seeks opportunities for efficient and effective claims resolution <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* A "quick strike" program has been implemented for commercial auto claims, deploying experienced investigators and vendors to accident scenes, ideally within two hours, regardless of location <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* This program aids in evaluating accident facts, initiating investigations quickly, and resolving third-party claims promptly if appropriate <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* Claims handlers and managers are organized by line of business to ensure specialized expertise <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* Managers and adjusters collaborate closely with underwriting partners to inform them of legal trends and emerging claims issues <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* The goal of this collaboration is to educate underwriters on emerging loss experience areas to assist in risk selection processes <sup>p. 8</sup>.

'''Technology'''

* Technology is central to the company's operations and decision-making, aiming for long-term competitive advantage <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Technology is deployed across the organization to drive competitive advantages in three primary functional ways <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''SkyBI'' (business intelligence platform) provides real-time intelligence to senior leadership and technical teams for superior decision-making <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* SkyBI incorporates best practices from the management team's experience in P&C insurance and technology sectors <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* SkyBI is a single, comprehensive enterprise-wide data repository for reporting, business intelligence, analytics, and advanced data capabilities <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* SkyBI provides information and performance metrics across the company in an easy-to-consume visualized format <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Data in SkyBI can be filtered by categories such as distributor, customer segment, line of business, specific industry, individual underwriter, and specific risk feature <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* SkyBI helps establish clear line of sight to objectives and facilitates decision-making <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Predictive Analytics Technology'' augments employee capabilities using new forms of risk data and predictive analytics, including artificial intelligence, for risk selection, pricing, and claims handling <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Underwriting divisions intentionally "Rule Our Niche" by innovating constantly and tailoring actions to specific divisions/markets <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Core Transactional Platforms'' (policy administration, underwriting workbench, billing, and claims systems) are designed for nimble scaling and business expansion <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* The company generally uses customized third-party vendor core operating applications <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* The core platform organization is used for all business except accident & health, global property, agriculture, credit (re)insurance, and surety, which require dedicated core processing components due to their unique features <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Data from all divisions' core operating platforms flows to the SkyBI platform with comparable data quality and granularity <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Advanced technology for underwriting and claims, SkyBI, and core operating platforms create a flywheel effect <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* This technology allows underwriters to better select risk, claims professionals to better adjudicate claims, unit leaders to better communicate with reinsurance and third-party partners, and senior leadership to better evaluate business trends <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* These tools also improve communication accuracy, effectiveness, and efficiency with distribution partners, reinsurers, and other third-party partners <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* The company faces external threats to its information technology systems, including system failure, customer data theft attempts, and ransomware attacks <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* The technology infrastructure is designed to function through major disruptions <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Data is replicated in real-time to a third-party cloud disaster recovery site for use during major system failures <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Data is backed up daily for system restoration <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Actions to prevent system and data disruptions include: actively monitoring Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (“CISA”) cybersecurity directives and taking immediate action on identified vulnerabilities <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Monthly vulnerability scans are conducted on all network-attached devices at all locations, with patching applied as needed <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Two-factor authentication is required for system access <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Monthly security training is conducted for all employees <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Endpoint detection agents are implemented for threat detection and response <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Desktop scenarios are performed to practice responses to breaches with cybersecurity insurance partners and retained security consultants <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Annual penetration testing is performed <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* The company constantly reviews its security breach posture and regularly implements updated processes, best practices, and tools <sup>p. 9</sup>.

'''Reinsurance'''

* Reinsurance is strategically purchased from third parties to protect capital from severity events (large single event losses or catastrophes) and reduce earnings volatility <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Reinsurance contracts are predominantly one year in length and renew annually, primarily in January and June <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Factors influencing reinsurance purchase changes at renewal include plans for underlying insurance coverage, updated loss activity, capital and surplus levels, risk appetite changes, and the cost/availability of treaties <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance types'' purchased include quota share, excess of loss, and facultative coverage to limit exposure from single occurrence losses <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* The mix of reinsurance considers efficiency, cost, risk appetite, and specific underlying risk factors <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Quota share reinsurance'' involves the reinsurer assuming a specified percentage of losses from a defined business class in exchange for a corresponding percentage of premiums, net of a ceding commission <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Excess of loss reinsurance'' involves the reinsurer assuming all or part of losses for an individual claim or event exceeding a specified amount, in exchange for a negotiated premium, including catastrophe reinsurance programs <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Facultative coverage'' is a reinsurance contract for individual risks, used to supplement treaty limits or cover risks/perils excluded from treaty reinsurance <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* As of December 31, 2025, ''property insurance'' represented 34% of gross written premiums <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Aggregation of property writings by geographic area is actively managed and monitored to limit potential loss from severe events like hurricanes, convective storms, and earthquakes <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Catastrophe reinsurance is purchased to further mitigate property loss aggregation due to single or series of events <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Third-party stochastic and internal deterministic models are used to analyze aggregation risk for catastrophe reinsurance purchases <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* These models provide a quantitative view of PML (Probable Maximum Loss) events, estimating expected loss levels for a given return period <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Modeling indicates that an event beyond a 1 in 250-year PML would be required to exhaust the ''property catastrophe coverage'' of USD 36.0 million <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* The company aims to expose no more than 3.0% of stockholders’ equity to a catastrophic loss less than a 1 in 250-year event <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* The current reinsurance program is believed to provide coverage well in excess of theoretical losses from any recorded historical event <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Reinsurance is sought from reinsurers rated at least "A-" ("Excellent") or better by A.M. Best <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* As of December 31, 2025, ''98% of reinsurance recoverables'' were from reinsurers rated "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best, or were collateralized <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Failure of reinsurers to pay claims could result in losses, as the company retains primary liability to policyholders <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* Allowances for uncollectible reinsurance are established due to potential reinsurer failure <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance'' was USD 2.3 million at December 31, 2025, and 2024 <sup>p. 10</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable"
|+ (1){{footnote|1=Legal defense expenses can force exposure above the maximum company retention for Excess Casualty, Commercial Auto and General Liability.}} (2){{footnote|1=Reinsurance is subject to a loss ratio cap or aggregate level of loss cover that exceeds a modeled 1:250-year PML event.}} (3){{footnote|1=Catastrophe loss protection is purchased up to $36.0 million in excess of $12.0 million retention, which provides cover for a 1:250-year PML event.}}
! style="text-align:left" | Line of Business
! class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Maximum Company Retention
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Accident & Health
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | $0.90 million per occurrence
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Commercial Auto (1)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | $1.00 million per occurrence
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Excess Casualty (1)(2)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | $2.25 million per occurrence
|-
| style="text-align:left" | General Liability (1)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | $1.50 million per occurrence
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Ocean Marine (2)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | $3.00 million per occurrence
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Professional Lines (2)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | $5.25 million per occurrence
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Property (3)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | $3.50 million per occurrence
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Representation and Warranty
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | $3.25 million per occurrence
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Surety (2)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | $5.00 million per occurrence
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Workers’ Compensation (2)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | $2.33 million per occurrence
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable"
|+ (1){{footnote|1=This reinsurer facilitates our eMaxx captive. At December 31, 2025, we held collateral in a statutory trust of $235.2 million on our net reinsurance recoverables.}}
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! style="text-align:center" |
! style="text-align:center" |
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Reinsurer
! class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Reinsurance Recoverables
! class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | AM Best Rating
|-
| style="text-align:left" | eMaxx Capitves (1)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 197,989
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | n/r
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Everest Reinsurance Co.
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 123,925
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | A+
|-
| style="text-align:left" | General Reinsurance Corp
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 70,355
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | A++
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Partner Reinsurance Co. of the US
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 65,446
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | A+
|-
| style="text-align:left" | ACE (Chubb Property & Casulty Ins Company)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 48,344
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | A+
|-
| style="text-align:left" | RGA Reinsurance Company
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 43,043
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | A+
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Lloyds Syndicate 4711
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 35,860
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | A+
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Swiss Reinsurance America Corp
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 26,152
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | A+
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Lloyds Syndicate 2987
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 25,301
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | A+
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Aspen Insurance UK Limited
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 24,715
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | A
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Top 10 Total
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 661,130
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | All Others
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 458,750
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,119,880
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | —
|}
</div>

'''Enterprise Risk Management'''

* ''Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)'' is embedded in nearly every aspect of the company and guides day-to-day activities <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The ''ERM approach'' aims to achieve an acceptable risk-adjusted return for shareholders while maintaining trust and reliability for those served <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The company is intentional in its ''underwriting and asset portfolio construction'' <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Liability duration and market cyclicality'' of the underwriting portfolio are balanced <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance'' is used to manage volatility outside of risk tolerances <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The ''investment strategy'' aims for a diversified target portfolio that balances yield, liquidity, volatility, and potential for principal loss <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The ''Senior Vice President (SVP), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Head of ERM - US Operations'' oversees critical ERM processes and chairs the cross-functional corporate ERM Committee <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The company uses an ''Economic Capital Model (ECM)'' to formalize its view of risk and solvency in terms of potential economic loss <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''ECM output'' measures potential earnings and capital loss for various scenarios <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* These outputs are measured against ''risk tolerances'' set and updated annually by the ERM Committee and discussed with the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The ''ECM'' provides a probabilistic modeled view of earnings and capital loss, integrating potential losses from catastrophes, reserving, underwriting, market, credit risk, strategic, and operational risks <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The ''SVP, CFO & Head of ERM'' works with the ERM Committee to review and maintain a comprehensive risk register, ensuring appropriate mitigations are in place and monitored <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The ''top 10 risks'' are identified, quantified, and reviewed quarterly by the SVP, CFO & Head of ERM and the ERM Committee <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* These ''reports'' are submitted regularly to the Risk Committee <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Operational processes and controls'' are constructed to identify, assess, and manage key risks on an ongoing basis <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The ''Underwriting Committee'' oversees changes in risk appetite, product line, and division expansion <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Claims handling practices'' are monitored against guidelines through regular internal audits, monthly large loss reviews, and a watchlist of potential high severity claims <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Actuarial performs quarterly reserve studies'', and the Reserve Committee meets quarterly to review and respond to trends in loss emergence <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Key observations'' from actuarial reviews are discussed with the CEO <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Underwriting divisions'' assess rate change and retention on existing business, new business quality and pricing adequacy, and loss emergence compared to expectations on a monthly and quarterly basis <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The ''SkyBI platform'' provides real-time portfolio, underwriting, claims, and actuarial analytics <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''ERM'' is central to decision-making and day-to-day activities <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''ERM'' is a central component of the strategy to achieve market-leading risk-adjusted returns for shareholders and reinforce a culture of accountability, transparency, and sound judgment <sup>p. 11</sup>.

'''Reserves'''

* The company maintains reserves for specific claims incurred and reported, IBNR reserves, and reserves for uncollectible reinsurance when appropriate <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* The ultimate liability may differ from current reserves, and there is a risk of inadequate reserves in the insurance industry <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Reserves are continually monitored using new information on reported claims and statistical analyses <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Anticipated inflation is implicitly reflected in the reserving process through analysis of cost trends and historical development review <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* The company does not discount reserves for losses and LAE to reflect estimated present value <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* When a claim is reported, a ''case reserve'' is established for the estimated ultimate payment after assessing coverage, damages, and investigation <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Case reserve estimates are based on reserving practices and the claims adjuster's experience and knowledge of the claim type and value <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Case reserves are revised periodically based on subsequent developments <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''IBNR reserves'' are established for estimated future loss payments on incurred but not yet reported claims, and potential development on reported claims <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* IBNR reserves are estimated using generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques that consider quantitative loss experience data and qualitative factors <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Loss reserves are regularly reviewed using various actuarial techniques <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Reserve estimates are updated as historical loss experience develops, additional claims are reported/settled, and new information becomes available <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Reserves can be increased or decreased over time as claims move towards settlement, impacting earnings through adverse development or reserve releases <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* Additional information on loss reserves is available in Item 7 of Form 10-K, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - “Results of Operations - Losses and LAE” and “Critical Accounting Policies” <sup>p. 12</sup>.

'''Investments'''

* The company aims to maintain a balanced investment portfolio primarily consisting of investments with predictable and stable returns, supplemented by strategic investments offering attractive risk-adjusted returns <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* An Enterprise Based Asset Allocation model is used for investment allocation strategy <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* This model is integrated into the Economic Capital Model (as discussed in the ERM section of Item 1) to assess the impact of investment allocation decisions on capital, liquidity, and risk profile across various market scenarios <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* The company actively manages and monitors investment risk to balance stable growth and liquidity with compliance requirements of insurance regulatory and rating agency frameworks <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* The investment portfolio mainly comprises cash and cash equivalents and investment-grade fixed-maturity securities, with additional investments fitting the company's risk appetite <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* The Investment Committee of the Board of Directors reviews and approves the investment policy and strategy <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* This committee meets quarterly to review investment activities, tactics, and new investment opportunities <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* The portfolio is directed internally and includes both self-managed investments and portfolios managed by select third-party investment management firms <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* For further discussion on investments and related market risks, refer to Item 7 of this Form 10-K, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Investments" <sup>p. 13</sup>.

'''Competition'''

* The specialty lines property & casualty insurance market includes many markets and sub-markets, each with distinct customer needs, products, services, and specific economic and structural features <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* The company faces competition in its underwriting divisions from other specialty and standard insurers, as well as program administrators <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* Competition is based on factors such as pricing, general reputation, perceived financial strength, broker relationships, product terms and conditions, independent rating agency ratings, speed and reputation of claims payment, and the experience and reputation of underwriting and claims teams <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* Due to the diversity of underwriting divisions, competition is broad, with some competitors specific to only a subset of divisions <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* Notable competitors include Markel Corporation, W.R. Berkley Corporation, American Financial Group Inc., Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc., CNA Financial Corporation, Hiscox, Ltd., RLI Corp., Intact Finance Corporation, Kinsale Capital Group, Inc., Arch Capital Group, and AXIS Capital Holdings, Ltd. <sup>p. 14</sup>.

'''Our Structure'''

* Operations are conducted principally through four insurance companies <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Great Midwest Insurance Company (GMIC)'', the largest insurance subsidiary, underwrites multiple lines of insurance on an admitted basis in all 50 states and the District of Columbia <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* GMIC is a certified surety bond company listed with the Department of the Treasury <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Houston Specialty Company (HSIC)'', a subsidiary of GMIC, underwrites multiple lines of insurance on a surplus lines basis in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and select foreign countries <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Imperium Insurance Company (IIC)'', a subsidiary of HSIC, underwrites on an admitted basis in all 50 states and the District of Columbia <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company (OSIC)'', a subsidiary of IIC, is an approved surplus lines company in 49 states and the District of Columbia <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* Effective December 31, 2024, the insurance company subsidiaries were restacked into the aforementioned organizational structure <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* This restacking allowed the company to provide its growing surety business with the capital needed to operate more effectively within the surety T-listing market <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Skyward Re'' is a wholly-owned captive reinsurance company domiciled in the Cayman Islands, incorporated on January 7, 2020 <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* Skyward Re was established to facilitate the LPT, which was commuted effective January 31, 2025 <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* Three non-insurance companies are also operated: ''Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc.'', ''Skyward Service Company'', and ''Skyward Specialty No. 1 Limited Company'' <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc.'' is a licensed agent, managing general agent, and reinsurance broker <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Skyward Service Company'' provides various administrative services to the subsidiaries <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Skyward Specialty No. 1 Limited Company'' is a UK company and an authorized Lloyd’s corporate member <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* The organizational structure at December 31, 2025, shows each entity is wholly-owned by its immediate parent <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.'' (Delaware corporation) is the parent company <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. has direct relationships with: ''Skyward Service Company'' (Delaware corporation), ''Great Midwest Insurance Company'' (Texas stock insurance company), ''Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc.'' (Texas corporation), ''Skyward Specialty No. 1 Limited'' (United Kingdom company), and ''Skyward Re'' (Cayman Islands corporation) <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Great Midwest Insurance Company'' has a direct relationship with ''Houston Specialty Insurance Company'' (Texas stock insurance company) <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Houston Specialty Insurance Company'' has a direct relationship with ''Imperium Insurance Company'' (Texas stock insurance company) <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Imperium Insurance Company'' has a direct relationship with ''Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company'' (Oklahoma insurance corporation) <sup>p. 15</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Texas
| style="text-align:right" | 10.7%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Pennsylvania
| style="text-align:right" | 7.6
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Florida
| style="text-align:right" | 7.2
|-
| style="text-align:left" | California
| style="text-align:right" | 7.1
|-
| style="text-align:left" | New York
| style="text-align:right" | 6.3
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Louisiana
| style="text-align:right" | 6.1
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Illinois
| style="text-align:right" | 4.1
|-
| style="text-align:left" | New Jersey
| style="text-align:right" | 4.1
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Georgia
| style="text-align:right" | 3.8
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Delaware
| style="text-align:right" | 3.1
|-
| style="text-align:left" | All other states and countries
| style="text-align:right" | 39.9
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
|}
</div>

[[File:Skyward-2025-FY-Annual report-skwd-20251231_g1.jpg|thumb|Our Structure]]

'''Ratings'''

* Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. holds an ''"A" (Excellent) rating'' with a stable outlook from A.M. Best <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The ''A.M. Best rating'' assesses insurance companies based on factors relevant to policyholders <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* A.M. Best assigns ''13 ratings'' to insurance companies, ranging from "A++" (Superior) to "D" (Poor) <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The ''"A" (Excellent) rating'' is the third highest rating offered by A.M. Best <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* A.M. Best evaluates a company's financial and operating performance by reviewing its ''profitability, leverage, and liquidity'' <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* Other factors reviewed by A.M. Best include the ''book of business, reinsurance adequacy and soundness, quality and estimated market value of assets, adequacy of losses and loss expense reserves, surplus adequacy, capital structure, management experience and competence, and market presence'' <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* A.M. Best's ratings reflect its opinion on an insurance company's ''financial strength, operating performance, and ability to meet policyholder obligations'' <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* These ratings are based on factors relevant to ''policyholders, agents, insurance brokers, and intermediaries'', and are not specifically related to securities issued by the company <sup>p. 16</sup>.

'''Regulation'''

* The company operates as an insurance holding company system <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* The company is subject to insurance holding company laws in Texas and Oklahoma <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''State insurance laws'' generally aim to protect policyholders, consumers, and claimants, not stockholders <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''State regulation'' varies by jurisdiction and grants broad administrative power to regulators <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Regulatory powers'' include setting capital and surplus requirements, licensing, product and rate approval, reserve adequacy standards, accounting methods, financial reporting, affiliate transaction regulation, and investment types/amounts <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Insurance regulation'' is constantly changing due to governmental agency and legislative reactions to issues <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* Some state legislatures have considered or enacted laws that increase state authority over insurance companies and holding company systems to prevent federal involvement <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* The ''NAIC'' and some state insurance regulators are re-examining existing laws and regulations, focusing on solvency, interpretations, and new law development <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* The ''federal government'' does not directly regulate insurance but federal initiatives affect the industry through treatment of federal subsidiaries, regulation of quasi-governmental entities, and regulations from federal departments <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Insurance holding company laws'' require each insurance company in the system to register with the insurance department of its state of domicile <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* Registered companies must provide information on holding company system operations that could materially affect the domiciled insurers' operations, management, or financial condition <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* All transactions among holding company system members must be fair and reasonable <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* Transactions between insurance subsidiaries and their parents/affiliates generally require disclosure to state regulators <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* Notice to or prior approval from the applicable state insurance regulator is generally required for material or extraordinary transactions <sup>p. 17</sup>.

'''Intellectual Property'''

* The company has applied for various ''trademark registrations'' in the United States at both federal and state levels <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* The company plans to pursue additional ''trademark registrations'' and other intellectual property protection if deemed beneficial and cost-effective <sup>p. 18</sup>.
<blockquote>"In addition, we monitor our trademarks and service marks and protect them from unauthorized use as necessary." <sup>p. 18</sup></blockquote>

'''Employees and Human Capital'''

* As of ''December 31, 2025'', the company had approximately ''611 employees'' <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* Employees are not subject to any collective bargaining agreement, and no current efforts to implement such an agreement are known <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* The company believes it has good working relations with its employees <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* The company aims to be an employer of choice, including outside of the insurance sector <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* The company strives to create a culture that fosters diversity of thought, background, and perspective <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* The company cultivates an exceptional workforce to perpetuate its ownership culture and achieve superior business results <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* The company's goal is to attract, develop, and retain diverse talent, promoting a culture where different viewpoints are valued, individuals are respected and treated fairly, and have opportunities to excel <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* The company offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, family leave, employee assistance programs, and an employee stock purchase plan available to all employees <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* The company emphasizes employee training and development, providing opportunities for further education and professional development <sup>p. 19</sup>.


== Risk Factors ==
== Risk Factors ==


* Investing in the company's common stock involves a high degree of risk <sup>p. 20</sup>.
<blockquote>"Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this report, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes, as well as in our other filings with the SEC, in evaluating our business and before investing in our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not expressly stated, that we are unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, may also become important factors that affect us. If any of the following risks occur, our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects could be materially harmed. In that event, the price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment." <sup>p. 2</sup></blockquote>
* Investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the report, including consolidated financial statements and related notes, and other SEC filings, before investing <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* The described risks are not exhaustive; additional unstated, unknown, or currently immaterial risks may become significant factors <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* If any of the identified risks occur, the company's business, operating results, financial condition, and prospects could be materially harmed <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* Such events could lead to a decline in the price of the common stock, potentially resulting in a loss of part or all of an investment <sup>p. 20</sup>.


'''Summary of Material Risk Factors'''
* ''Financial condition and results of operations'' could be materially adversely affected if underwriting risk is not accurately assessed <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Competition'' in the industry is intense <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Reliance on distribution channels'' (retail agents, brokers, wholesalers, program administrators) exposes the company to risks that could adversely affect results <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Inability to purchase third-party reinsurance'' on desired or acceptable terms could materially adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Losses and loss expense reserves'' may be inadequate, materially adversely affecting financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Decline in financial strength rating'' may adversely affect the amount of business written <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Unexpected changes in coverage interpretation'' or policy provisions (including loss limitations and exclusions) could materially adversely affect financial condition and results of operations <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Reinsurers may not reimburse claims'' timely or at all, materially adversely affecting business, financial condition, and results of operations <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Failure to accurately and timely pay claims'' could materially and adversely affect business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Adverse economic factors'' (recession, inflation, high unemployment, lower economic activity) could lead to fewer policy sales, increased claim frequency, premium defaults, or falsified claims, impacting growth and profitability <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Cyclical nature of the insurance business'' may affect financial performance and cause operating results to vary quarterly, not indicative of future performance <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Extensive regulation'' may adversely affect business objectives; non-compliance could lead to penalties (fines, suspensions) <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Loss of key personnel'' or inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could adversely affect the company <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls'' could impact operating results, financial condition, and negatively affect common stock market price <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Increased costs of operating as a public company'' and substantial management time devoted to compliance initiatives <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Use of derivatives'' to mitigate market price volatility may subject the company to risks like hedge ineffectiveness, basis risk, collateral/margin call liquidity pressures, and valuation uncertainty, adversely affecting financial condition <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Integration of Apollo'' may present unforeseen challenges (technology, processes, risk management), leading to operational disruptions, increased costs, or delays in realizing anticipated strategic benefits <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Underwriting success'' depends on accurately assessing risks and the experience of underwriting staff <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Misunderstanding risks'' may lead to inappropriate premium rates, adversely affecting financial results <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Employee decisions'' (management, underwriters) in the ordinary course of business involve exposing the company to risk <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Competition'' in the insurance industry is based on price, reputation, financial strength, distribution relationships, product terms, ratings, claims payment speed, and underwriting team experience <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Increasing consolidation'' in the insurance industry may further intensify competition <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''New industry or legislative developments'' could increase competition <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Inability to compete successfully'' could change supply/demand, affect pricing at risk-adequate rates, and impact retention or new business underwriting <sup>p. 2</sup>.
* ''Substantially all products'' are distributed through independent retail agents and brokers who hold principal relationships with policyholders <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Business model'' relies on relationships with, and success of, retail agents and brokers who generally own "renewal rights" <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Dependence on wholesalers and program administrators'' relationships with agents and brokers for business sourcing <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Relationships with distributors'' can be discontinued at any time or on unprofitable terms <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Consolidation of insurance distribution firms'' may increase their influence on commission rates and concentrate business with particular brokers <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Credit risk'' is assumed from brokers who collect premiums but may not remit them, potentially requiring the company to provide coverage despite non-payment <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Failure of brokers to remit premiums'' has not been material to date, but instances could occur where the company is liable for coverage without receiving premiums <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Limitations on policy cancellation for non-payment'' could reduce underwriting profits and materially adversely affect financial condition and results of operations <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Financial condition of new brokers'' is reviewed before transacting business <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Periodic review of distributors'' identifies those not meeting profitability standards or business objectives <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Restrictions or termination of distributor relationships'' may occur following reviews, subject to contractual and regulatory requirements <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Deterioration of distributor relationships'' or uncompetitive compensation could lead distributors to place more premium with other carriers <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Distributors exceeding authority, failing to transfer premiums, or breaching obligations'' could expose the company to liability <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Continued consolidation of insurance distribution firms'' could materially affect sales channels, including loss of market access or share <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Negative impact from talent loss'' if knowledgeable personnel exit after acquisitions, or increased commission costs due to larger distributors' negotiating leverage <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Digitization acceleration'' exposes the company to risks related to distributors' ability to keep pace and customer demand for technology-driven experiences <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Strategic purchase of reinsurance'' from third parties enhances business by protecting capital from severity events and reducing earnings volatility <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance involves ceding risk exposure'' to a reinsurer in exchange for a cost <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Inability to renew expiring contracts'', enter new arrangements, or expand coverage could increase loss exposure, potentially requiring reduced underwriting commitments <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Reinsurers may exclude certain coverages'' or alter terms in contracts, creating gaps in reinsurance protection and exposing the company to greater risk and potential losses <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Ability to accurately assess risks'' related to insured businesses and people is crucial for success <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Losses and LAE reserves'' are established as the best estimate for ultimate payment of incurred claims and related adjustment costs <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Reserves are estimates'', and ultimate liability may differ from the estimate <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Reserving process'' reviews historical data and considers factors like claims inflation, claims development patterns, pricing, legislative activity, social/economic patterns, and litigation trends <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Variables affecting loss exposure'' are influenced by internal and external events <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Loss reserves are continually monitored'' using new information, statistical techniques, and modeling simulations <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Process assumes past experience'' (adjusted for current developments, trends, market conditions) is a basis for predicting future events <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''No precise method'' for evaluating specific factor impact on reserve adequacy; actual results may deviate substantially <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Uncertainties impacting reserve adequacy'' include: time to fully appreciate covered loss extent, leading to increased estimates over time <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''New theories of liability'' enforced retroactively by courts could affect loss limitations or exclusions <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Volatility in financial markets, economic events, and external factors'' may increase claim frequency/severity <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Elevated inflationary conditions'' would increase loss costs <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Adverse economic factors'' (recession, inflation, high unemployment, lower economic activity) could lead to fewer policy sales or increased claim frequency/severity and premium defaults <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Increased cost due to "social inflation"'' (medical/material costs, technology in vehicles, supply chain disruptions, attorney involvement, litigation financing, lawsuit abuse) could increase claim frequency/severity and affect reserve adequacy <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Increased claim frequency'', even without liability, could escalate evaluation and handling costs beyond established reserves <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Entering new lines of business'' or new theories of claims may increase claim frequency and handling costs <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Inadequate reserves'' would require increasing reserves, reducing net income and stockholders' equity in the identification period <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Future loss experience substantially exceeding reserves'' could materially adversely affect future earnings, liquidity, and financial rating <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Independent ratings agencies'' (e.g., A.M. Best) provide ratings used by the insurance industry to assess financial strength <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''A.M. Best's rating process'' includes quantitative and qualitative analysis of balance sheet strength, operating performance, and business profile <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''A.M. Best financial strength ratings'' range from "A++" (Superior) to "F" (liquidation) <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''As of December 31, 2025'', A.M. Best assigned a financial strength rating of "A" (Excellent) with a stable outlook to the company <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''A.M. Best ratings'' are an independent opinion of an insurer's ability to meet policyholder obligations, not an evaluation for investors or a recommendation to buy/sell stock <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''A.M. Best's analysis'' includes comparisons to peers, industry standards, operating plans, philosophy, and management <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''A.M. Best periodically reviews'' financial strength ratings and may revise them downward based on balance sheet strength, operating performance, and business profile <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Factors affecting A.M. Best ratings'' include changes in business practices, unfavorable financial/regulatory/market trends, losses exceeding reserves, unresolved regulatory issues, inability to retain key personnel, investment portfolio losses, limited liquidity, or alterations to capital adequacy assessment methodology <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''A downgrade or withdrawal of rating'' could cause distribution partners/insureds to choose competitors, increase reinsurance costs/reduce availability, or severely limit new/renewal insurance contracts <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Rating organizations may heighten scrutiny'' due to earnings and capital pressures in financial institutions, potentially increasing review frequency/scope, requesting more information, or increasing capital requirements <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''No assurance'' that the rating will remain at its current level <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Adverse ratings consequences'' from reviews could materially adversely affect financial condition and results of operations <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''No assurance'' that loss limitations or exclusions in policies will be enforceable as intended <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Unexpected and unintended issues'' related to claims and coverage may emerge due to changes in industry practices, legal, judicial, social, and other conditions <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Courts or regulatory authorities'' could nullify or void limitations/exclusions, or legislation could modify/bar their use <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Governmental actions'' could result in higher than anticipated losses and LAE, materially adversely affecting financial condition or results of operations <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Court decisions'' (e.g., 1995 Montrose decision in California) could narrowly read policy exclusions, expanding coverage and requiring new exclusions <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Issues may adversely affect business'' by broadening coverage beyond underwriting intent or increasing claim frequency/severity <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Full extent of liability'' under insurance contracts may not be known for many years after issuance <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance contracts'' require premium payments to carriers who reimburse for covered policy claims <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Reinsurers may be called upon to reimburse claims'' many years after the company paid premiums <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance does not relieve the company'' of its primary liability to policyholders <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Current reinsurance program'' is designed to limit financial risk <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Reinsurers may not pay claims timely or at all'' due to insolvency, lack of liquidity, operational failure, political/regulatory prohibitions, fraud, asserted defenses, or documentation deficiencies <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Disputes with reinsurers'' could be time-consuming, costly, and uncertain of success <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Risks could cause increased net losses'', adversely affecting financial condition <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''As of December 31, 2025'', the company had ''$1,119.9 million'' in reinsurance recoverables <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Accurate and timely evaluation and payment of claims'' is critical <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Factors affecting claim payment ability'' include training/experience of claims representatives (including TPAs), management effectiveness, and appropriate procedures/systems <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Failure to pay claims accurately and timely'' could lead to regulatory/administrative actions, litigation, reputational damage, and adversely affect business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Ineffective TPA management'' or inability of internal staff/TPAs to handle claim volume could adversely affect workload capacity <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Decreased quality of claims work'' could result from ineffective management, adversely affecting operating margins <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Business is exposed to severe weather conditions'', earthquakes, and man-made catastrophes <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Catastrophes'' can be natural (winter weather, storms, earthquakes, fires) or man-made (explosions, war, terrorism, riots) <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Changing weather patterns and climatic conditions'' have increased unpredictability and frequency of natural disasters <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Climate change'' may increase frequency and severity of extreme weather events, leading to conditions that increase hurricane activity and wildfire risks <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Occurrence of a natural disaster or catastrophe loss'' could materially adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Catastrophes can impact the company indirectly'' even without direct insurance exposure, such as the ''2025 California wildfires'', where affected homes/businesses may cancel policies <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Increased frequency and severity of weather events'' (hurricanes, convective storms) could materially adversely affect ability to predict, quantify, reinsure, and manage catastrophe risk, increasing losses <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Extent of losses from catastrophes'' depends on frequency/severity of insured events and total insured exposure in affected areas <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Incidence and severity of catastrophes'' and severe weather are inherently unpredictable <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Exposure to losses is managed'' by analyzing probability/severity of loss events and their impact on underwriting/investment portfolio <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Inability to obtain reinsurance coverage'' at reasonable rates and adequate amounts for severe weather/catastrophes could materially adversely affect business and results of operations <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Business is exposed to pandemics, outbreaks, public health crises, and geopolitical/social events'' <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Policy terms are expected to preclude coverage for virus-related claims'', but court decisions and governmental actions may challenge exclusions <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Changes in domestic/international programs'' and initiatives regarding climate policy, and federal/state/local legislation, could materially adversely affect business, operational results, and financial results <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Program administrators with quoting and binding authority'' could adversely affect results if they fail to comply with pre-established guidelines <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Program administrators can bind certain risks'' without initial approval <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Non-compliance by program administrators'' could bind the company to unanticipated risks, adversely affecting results of operations <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Actual renewals or new business from repeat insureds'' not meeting expectations could materially adversely affect future written premium and results of operations <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Most contracts are one-year term and renewable''; some insureds are repeat customers with new contracts <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Assumptions about renewal rates'' and repeat business are made in financial forecasting <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Cyclical nature of insurance/reinsurance industries'' with intense price-based competition <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Failure of actual renewals/repeat business to meet expectations'', or choosing not to write them due to pricing, would materially adversely affect future written premium and operations <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Increased public attention to ESG matters'' may expose the company to negative public perception, reputational harm, additional costs, or stock price impact <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Failure or perceived failure to meet ESG expectations'' could harm business and reputation <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Backlash related to ESG topics'' could harm business and reputation <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Damage to reputation'' from providing policies to certain insureds could decrease demand for products, materially adversely affecting business, operational results, and financial results, and require resources to rebuild <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Changes in accounting practices and future pronouncements'' may materially affect reported financial results <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Compliance with new accounting practices'' may incur considerable additional expenses, especially for prior period information or retroactive application <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Impact of accounting changes'' cannot be predicted but may affect net income, shareholder's equity, and other financial statement items <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Insurance subsidiaries (GMIC, HSIC, IIC)'' must comply with Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''SAP is subject to constant review'' by NAIC and state insurance departments to address emerging issues and improve financial reporting <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Pending proposals before NAIC committees'' could negatively affect insurance industry participants if enacted and adopted at state level <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Uncertainty regarding enactment and impact'' of reforms on the company <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Use of derivatives'' to mitigate market price volatility subjects the company to risks that could adversely affect financial condition and results of operations <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Risks include hedge ineffectiveness'' due to imperfect correlation, basis risk (futures prices not moving with cash market prices), and liquidity pressures from margin calls/collateral requirements <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Reliance on market-based models'' introduces valuation uncertainty, potentially causing hedges to perform differently than expected <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Factors like business revenue, economic conditions, capital market volatility/strength, and inflation'' affect the business and economic environment, and the company's ability to generate revenue and profits <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Economic downturns'' (high unemployment, declining spending, reduced corporate revenue) generally adversely affect demand for insurance products, impacting premium levels and profitability <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Negative economic factors'' may affect ability to receive appropriate rates for risk, number of policies written, and opportunities for profitable business <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Customers may reduce or cancel coverage'' or not renew policies during economic downturns <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Existing policyholders may exaggerate or falsify claims'' to obtain higher payments <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Collapse of certain economic segments'' (construction, credit markets, energy production/servicing) could adversely affect results <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Reduced underwriting profit'' if these factors are not reflected in charged rates <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* ''Insurance carriers have historically experienced significant fluctuations'' in operating results due to competition, catastrophic events, capacity levels, litigation trends, regulatory constraints, and economic conditions <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Supply of insurance'' is related to prevailing prices, insured losses, and available capital, which fluctuate with investment returns <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Insurance business is cyclical'', characterized by intense price competition (soft market) and periods of increased premiums due to capacity shortages (hard market) <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Demand for insurance'' depends on factors like catastrophic event frequency/severity, capacity levels, new capital providers, and economic conditions, all of which fluctuate and contribute to price declines <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Profitability of most P&C insurance companies'' tends to follow cyclical market patterns, with higher gross written premium growth and improved profitability during hard market cycles <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Cyclical market pattern is more pronounced in the E&S market'' than in the standard insurance market <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''E&S market hardens and grows more rapidly'' when the standard market hardens <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Customers may return to the admitted market'' when conditions soften, exacerbating rate decrease effects on financial results <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Market may experience "micro cycles"'' where certain areas harden or soften independently and more drastically <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Operating results are subject to fluctuation'' and have historically varied quarter-to-quarter <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Quarterly results are expected to continue fluctuating'' due to general economic conditions, catastrophe frequency/severity, interest rates, claims exceeding reserves, competition, premium retention deviations, adverse investment performance, and reinsurance costs <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Results of operations depend'' partly on investment portfolio performance <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Investment portfolio is diversified'' and managed by professional advisory firms, reviewed by the Investment Committee <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Investments are subject to general economic conditions'', market risks, and specific security risks <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Primary market risk exposures'' are to changes in interest rates and equity prices <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Significant portion of investment portfolio'' is in fixed maturity securities, separately managed accounts, and limited partnerships primarily invested in fixed maturity securities <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Material rise in interest rates'' occurred during ''2022 and 2023'' <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Declining interest rates'' (e.g., from federal government actions like rate cuts and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022) would pressure net investment income, particularly for fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, adversely affecting operating results <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Recent and future interest rate increases'' could cause fixed income securities portfolio values to decline, depending on duration and rate increase magnitude <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Some fixed income securities'' have call/prepayment options, creating reinvestment risk in declining rate environments <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities'' carry prepayment risk or may not prepay as quickly as expected in rising rate environments <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''All fixed maturity securities'' (including those in separately managed accounts and limited partnerships) are subject to credit risk <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Credit risk'' is the risk of investment default or impairment due to deterioration in the financial condition of issuers or guarantors <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Downgrades in credit ratings'' of fixed maturity securities could significantly negatively affect their market valuation <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Investments in marketable preferred/common equity securities and exchange traded funds'' are carried at fair market value and subject to potential losses and market value declines <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Market and credit risks'' could reduce net investment income and result in realized investment losses <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Investment portfolio is subject to increased valuation uncertainties'' when markets are illiquid, as with fixed maturity securities held to maturity, separately managed accounts, and limited partnership investments <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Valuation of investments is more subjective'' in illiquid markets, increasing risk that estimated fair value does not reflect actual transaction prices <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Risks for all security types are managed'' through an investment policy establishing parameters like maximum investment percentages and minimum credit quality, believed to be within NAIC, Texas Department of Insurance, and Oklahoma Department of Insurance guidelines <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Investment Committee periodically reviews'' Enterprise Based Asset Allocation models for overall risk management <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''No certainty that investment objectives will be achieved'', and results may vary substantially <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Investment strategies are sought to be uncorrelated'' with insurance/reinsurance exposures, but losses in the investment portfolio may coincide with underwriting losses, exacerbating adverse effects <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Forced sale of investments'' may be necessary to meet liquidity requirements <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Premiums are invested'' until needed to pay policyholder claims <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Investment portfolio duration is managed'' based on losses and LAE reserves duration to provide liquidity and avoid liquidating investments for claims <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Inadequate losses and LAE reserves'' or unfavorable litigation trends could necessitate selling investments to fund liabilities <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* ''Inability to sell investments at favorable prices or at all'' could result in significant realized losses depending on market conditions, interest rates, and credit issues <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Primary insurance subsidiaries (GMIC, HSIC, IIC)'' are extensively regulated in Texas and other operating states <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Insurance regulations'' primarily protect policyholders, not investors <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Regulations cover'' capital/surplus requirements, investment/underwriting limitations, affiliate transactions, dividend limitations, changes in control, solvency, and other financial/non-financial aspects <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Significant changes in laws/regulations'' could further limit discretion or increase business costs <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''State insurance regulators conduct periodic examinations'' and require filing of annual/other reports <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Regulatory requirements'' may impose timing and expense constraints, adversely affecting business objectives <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Insurance subsidiaries are part of an "insurance holding company system"'' under Texas statutes/regulations <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Certain transactions between insurance subsidiaries and affiliates'' require prior notice to the Texas Department of Insurance, potentially causing business delays and additional expenses <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Failure to file required notifications'' or comply with Texas insurance regulations could lead to significant fines, penalties, and impaired working relationship with the Texas Department of Insurance <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''State insurance regulators have broad discretion'' to deny or revoke licenses for regulation violations <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Practices based on interpretations of regulations'' or industry norms may differ from regulatory authorities' interpretations <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Lack of requisite licenses/approvals'' or non-compliance could lead to suspension of activities or penalties <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Changes in insurance industry regulation'' or interpretations could interfere with operations and increase compliance costs <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Insurance subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital requirements'' (NAIC model) and minimum capital/surplus restrictions under Texas law <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Risk-based capital requirements'' establish minimum capital for business operations and identify inadequately capitalized insurers <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Falling below a calculated threshold'' may trigger regulatory action (supervision, rehabilitation, liquidation) <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Failure to maintain required risk-based capital'' could adversely affect regulatory authority and A.M. Best Rating <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* ''Additional government or market regulation'' could materially adversely impact business <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Changes in laws'' (asset/reserve valuation, surplus, investment/dividend limitations, enterprise risk, risk-based capital) could adversely affect business <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''U.S. federal government'' generally does not directly regulate insurance, except for flood, nuclear, and terrorism risks, but could consider legislation affecting the industry <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Legislation could include'' privatization of government entities, reduction in federal subsidies, tort reform, corporate governance, and taxation of reinsurance companies <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Changes to U.S. tax laws'' and new tax policies could significantly negatively impact the overall economy and business <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Legislative or other actions relating to taxes'' could negatively affect the company, investments, or stockholders <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Rules for U.S. federal income taxation'' are constantly under review <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Uncertainty regarding impact of tax law changes'' on the company, stockholders, or portfolio investments <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''New legislation, U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations, or court decisions'' could have other adverse consequences <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''On July 4, 2025'', H.R. 1, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), was signed into law in the U.S. <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''OBBBA modifies key business tax provisions'', including restoration of 100% bonus depreciation (Section 168(k) IRC), immediate deduction of U.S. domestic R&E expenditures (Section 174A IRC), and EBITDA-based business interest expense limitation (Section 163(j) IRC), and changes to international operations tax computation <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Current analysis suggests OBBBA provisions will not materially impact'' business and results of operations <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Regulations and IRS guidance implementing OBBBA'' may raise unforeseen issues, and further tax law changes may occur <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''No assurance'' that business will not be adversely affected by OBBBA or other tax law changes <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs)'' and other tax attributes may be limited <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''As of December 31, 2025'', the company had ''gross federal income tax NOLs of approximately $40.3 million'' available to offset future taxable income, prior to Section 382 limitations <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''NOLs are set to expire beginning in 2032'' <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Under Section 382 of the Code'', an "ownership change" (greater than 50% change in equity ownership over three years) can limit the use of pre-ownership change NOLs <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Future ownership changes'' may occur, some outside of control <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Future regulatory changes'' could limit NOL utilization <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''Inability to offset future taxable income with NOLs'' could adversely affect net income and cash flows <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* ''As a holding company'', with substantially all operations conducted by insurance subsidiaries, liquidity at the holding company level (dividends, debt obligations) depends on cash dividends or other permitted payments from insurance subsidiaries <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Continued operation and growth'' require substantial capital <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''No intention to declare and pay cash dividends'' on common stock in the foreseeable future <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Ability to pay dividends and meet debt obligations'' depends largely on dividends and distributions from GMIC, HSIC, and IIC <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''State insurance laws'' (including Texas) restrict the ability of GMIC, HSIC, and IIC to declare stockholder dividends <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''State insurance regulators require specified levels of statutory capital and surplus'' <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Dividend payments are limited'' to net profits from business <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''State insurance regulators have broad powers'' to prevent reduction of statutory surplus to inadequate levels <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''No assurance'' that dividends up to maximum calculated amounts would be permitted <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Future statutory provisions'' regarding dividends by insurance subsidiaries may be more restrictive <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Future dividend decisions'' are at the discretion of the Board of Directors, depending on results, financial condition, debt agreement restrictions, applicable law, and other relevant factors <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Investors may need to sell common stock'' after price appreciation (if it occurs) to realize gains, as immediate cash dividends are not expected <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Applicable insurance laws'' may make it difficult to effect a change of control <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Under Texas insurance laws'', written approval from the state insurance commissioner is required to acquire control of a domestic insurer <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Approval depends on factors'' including financial strength of acquirer, plans for future operations, and anti-competitive results <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Texas insurance laws apply to direct and indirect acquisition of 10% or more'' of voting stock of a Texas-domiciled insurer <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Acquisition of 10% or more of common stock'' would be considered an indirect change of control, triggering filing requirements unless a disclaimer of control is accepted by the Texas Insurance Department <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Requirements may discourage acquisition proposals'' and delay/deter/prevent a change of control, even if desirable to stockholders <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* ''Future capital requirements'' depend on factors like ability to write new business, establish premium rates, and reserves sufficient to cover losses <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Insufficient cash flows'' from operations, adverse impact on capital from investment portfolio decline, catastrophe losses, or adverse reserve development may necessitate raising additional funds or curtailing growth <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Capital needs'' are affected by growth rate, profitability, claims experience, reinsurance availability, market disruptions, and unforeseeable developments <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Equity or debt financing'' may not be available or only on unfavorable terms <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Equity financings'' could result in dilution to stockholders <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Debt financings'' may involve covenants restricting business operations <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Securities may have rights, preferences, and privileges'' senior to common stock <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Inability to obtain adequate capital'' could prevent implementation of operating plans, materially adversely affecting business, financial condition, or results of operations <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Availability of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility'' is subject to conditions that may limit access <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Inability to satisfy conditions'' would prevent borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility, adversely affecting liquidity, financial position, and results of operations <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Failure to meet financial covenants'' in credit agreements may materially and adversely affect assets, financial position, and cash flows <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Breach of covenants'' under Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility could result in an event of default <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Upon event of default'', all outstanding amounts and accrued interest could be declared immediately due and payable <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Assets may be insufficient to repay debts'' in full <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Current credit market environment'' and macro-economic challenges may adversely impact ability to borrow or sell assets/equity to pay existing debt <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Loss of key personnel'' or inability to attract/retain qualified personnel could adversely affect the company <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Dependence on experienced and seasoned personnel'' knowledgeable about the business <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Limited talent pool'' and fluctuating market dynamics may lead to increased compensation expectations, making retention/recruitment difficult and impacting labor costs <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Termination of key personnel'' or inability to attract/retain talent could prevent maintaining competitive position in specialized markets, adversely affecting results of operations <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* ''Business is highly dependent'' on information technology and telecommunications systems (underwriting, claims) <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Systems are relied upon'' for broker/insured interaction, underwriting, policy/premium processing, actuarial functions, claims processing/payments, and financial statements <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Some systems may be third-party'' and not under direct control <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Events like natural catastrophes, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, computer viruses, and cyber-attacks'' may cause system failures or inaccessibility <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Business contingency plans'' and other measures are implemented to protect systems <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Sustained or repeated system failures'' could severely limit ability to write/process business, provide customer service, pay claims, or operate <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Computer viruses, hackers, employee misconduct, and other external hazards'' could expose systems to security breaches or disruptions <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Security measures are implemented'' but systems may still be subject to breaches/interference <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Cybersecurity incidents of varying degrees'' are likely to continue <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''A data incident occurred'' where attackers acquired certain data, determined to be immaterial <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''No evidence of nation-state actor'' or misuse of information from the data incident <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Future cybersecurity events'' may result in operational disruptions, unauthorized access/disclosure/loss of proprietary/customer information, leading to legal claims, regulatory scrutiny, liability, reputational damage, costs, and customer loss <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''SEC and state law requirements'' for public notification of incidents could exacerbate harm <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Harm to business and reputation'' could occur even with successful protection if attempted security breaches are publicized <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''No certainty that advances in criminal capabilities'', new vulnerabilities, exploitation attempts, data thefts, or physical break-ins will not compromise security measures <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Third parties to whom functions are outsourced'' are also subject to these risks <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Review and assessment of third-party providers' cybersecurity controls'' are performed, but success in preventing compromises and disclosures is not guaranteed <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Increased use of third-party services'' (cloud technology, SaaS) can make identifying and responding to cyberattacks more difficult <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Risks could increase'' as vendors adopt more cloud-based software services <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Rapid growth and development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning'' may alter the competitive landscape <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Employees utilize AI'' for risk selection, pricing, and claims handling to improve effectiveness and efficiency <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Competitive position may be harmed'' if competitors leverage AI solutions more quickly or effectively <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Deficient, inaccurate, or biased AI content/analyses/recommendations'' (due to algorithm limitations, insufficient/biased data, flawed training) could adversely affect business, financial condition, results of operations, and reputation <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Continuous evolution of AI technology'' may incur costs to adopt/deploy technologies that become obsolete earlier than expected <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''No assurance'' that desired or anticipated benefits from AI will be realized <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Uncertainty in legal and regulatory landscape'' for AI at federal and state levels <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''New laws, regulations, or industry standards for AI'' may be burdensome, costly, and restrict ability to develop, adopt, and deploy AI technologies efficiently <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Inability to manage growth effectively'' is a risk <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Future business growth'' may require additional capital, systems development, and skilled personnel <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Challenges include'' meeting capital needs, expanding systems/internal controls, allocating human resources, hiring/training/developing qualified employees, and incorporating acquired business components <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Failure to manage growth effectively'' could materially adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Success of inorganic growth through acquisitions'' depends on identifying targets, negotiating favorable terms, completing transactions, and successfully integrating targets <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Anticipated benefits of acquisitions'' (revenue growth, operational efficiencies, synergies) may not be realized <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Rapid growth experienced in recent years'' may not be indicative of future growth <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Significant revenue growth'' has occurred in recent years <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''No assurance of sustaining revenue growth'' consistent with recent history <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Revenue growth depends on ability to'' price products effectively, deploy/implement products, obtain renewals, provide distribution support, attract/retain underwriters/claims professionals, enhance infrastructure/data systems, create new distribution channels, introduce new products, compete, and increase brand awareness <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Failure to accomplish objectives'' makes forecasting future results difficult <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Historical growth rate'' should not be considered indicative of future performance and may decline <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Revenue could grow more slowly'' or decline for various reasons <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Operating expenses could increase'', and if revenue growth does not offset this, business, financial position, and results of operations could be harmed, and profitability may not be achieved/maintained <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Acquisition and integration of Apollo'' may adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Acquisition of Apollo was completed on January 1, 2026'' <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Acquisition is expected to provide strategic benefits'', expand specialty insurance capabilities, and enhance presence in the Lloyd's market <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Integration of Apollo involves risks and uncertainties'' that could adversely affect business, financial condition, and operating results <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Integration risks'' include challenges in integrating operations, systems, technology platforms, and personnel, potentially diverting management attention, disrupting business, and incurring unexpected costs/delays <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''No assurance of realizing anticipated benefits'' (growth opportunities) from the acquisition within expected timeframe or at all <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Failure to achieve benefits'' could adversely affect results of operations and financial condition <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Success depends on retaining key Apollo employees, partners, and customers'' <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Loss of key personnel or business relationships'' could negatively impact acquired business value and overall operations <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Cultural and operational differences'' (Lloyd's market, distinct business culture, regulatory environment) may create challenges in harmonizing policies/procedures <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Financial and accounting risks'' include significant changes to financial statements, recognition of goodwill/intangible assets (subject to impairment), undisclosed liabilities/risks, and conversion of Apollo's U.K. GAAP financial statements to U.S. GAAP <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Conversion to U.S. GAAP'' may require adjustments to accounting policies, estimates, and disclosures, impacting reported balances and comparability <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Regulatory and compliance risks'' increase with expansion into new jurisdictions/markets (Lloyd's market), potentially leading to fines, penalties, or other adverse consequences for non-compliance <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Additional indebtedness incurred'' in connection with the acquisition <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Ability to service debt and comply with covenants'' may be affected by external events, limiting financial flexibility or increasing capital cost <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Integration process may divert management's attention'' from existing business, negatively impacting ongoing operations and financial performance <sup>p. 17</sup>.
* ''Inability to successfully integrate Apollo'', realize anticipated benefits, or manage expanded business risks could materially and adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Litigation risks'' are continually faced, including disputes related to insurance claims and general commercial/corporate litigation <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Not currently involved in out-of-the-ordinary litigation'' with customers <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Other insurance industry members are targets of class action lawsuits'' and other litigation with unpredictable outcomes and substantial/indeterminate amounts <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Social inflation'' in third-party claims can lead to oversized judgments <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Litigation costs and settlement amounts'' can be inflated beyond historical reasonable levels, even without judgment <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Uncertainty regarding future involvement in litigation'' and its impact on business <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Loss of key vendor relationships'' or vendor failure to protect data/information could affect operations <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Reliance on services and products'' from many vendors in the U.S. and abroad (hardware/software, claims adjustment, HR benefits, investment management) <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Vendor bankruptcy, inability to provide services, system breaches, or failure to protect information'' could cause operational impairments and financial losses <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Failure to properly assess and understand vendor risks/costs'' could materially and adversely affect financial condition and results of operations <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Anticipated continued reliance on third-party software'' <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Commercially reasonable alternatives to current licensed third-party software'' are believed to exist, but this may not always be the case or may be difficult/costly to replace <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Integration of new third-party software'' may require significant work and substantial investment of time/resources <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Use of additional/alternative third-party software'' requires license agreements, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Many risks associated with third-party software use'' cannot be eliminated and could negatively affect business <sup>p. 18</sup>.
* ''Failure or inability to protect intellectual property rights'' for proprietary technology platform and brand, or being sued for infringement, is a risk <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Success and ability to compete'' depend partly on intellectual property (brand rights, proprietary technology in product lines) <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Primary reliance on copyright and trade secret laws'', and confidentiality agreements, to protect intellectual property <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Steps to protect intellectual property may be inadequate'' <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Efforts to enforce intellectual property rights'' may face defenses, counterclaims, and countersuits attacking validity, enforceability, and scope <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Failure to secure, protect, and enforce intellectual property rights'' could adversely affect brand and business <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Success also depends on not infringing'' on others' intellectual property rights <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Third parties may claim infringement'' of their intellectual property rights <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Claims or litigation'' could incur significant expenses, require substantial damages/royalty payments, prevent service offerings, or impose unfavorable terms <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Litigation could be costly and time-consuming'', diverting management attention, even if successful <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Increased costs are incurred and expected'' as a public company <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Management devotes substantial time'' to compliance initiatives <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Accounting and other management systems/resources'' may not be adequately prepared for financial reporting and other requirements <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''As a public company and large accelerated filer'', significant legal, accounting, and other expenses are incurred <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Federal securities laws'' (Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Dodd-Frank Act) and SEC/Nasdaq rules impose requirements on public companies <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Requirements include'' filing annual, quarterly, and event-driven reports, and establishing/maintaining effective disclosure/financial controls and corporate governance <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Rules and regulations increase compliance costs'', make activities time-consuming, and require substantial management time <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Despite efforts, reliable financial statements'' or timely filing with SEC/Nasdaq compliance may not be achieved <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act'' requires system/process evaluation and testing of internal control over financial reporting <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Compliance with Section 404'' incurs substantial accounting expense and significant management efforts <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Accounting and finance staff/consultants'' with public company reporting, technical accounting, and internal control knowledge are required <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Process to document and evaluate internal control'' over financial reporting is costly and challenging <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Dedication of internal resources'', engagement of outside consultants, detailed work plan, control process improvement, testing, and continuous reporting/improvement are required <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Risk that neither the company nor independent registered public accounting firm'' can conclude on effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting within prescribed timeframe <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Adverse reaction in financial markets'' due to loss of confidence in financial statement reliability could occur <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Investigations by SEC or other regulatory authorities'' could require additional financial and management resources <sup>p. 19</sup>.
* ''Disclosure controls and procedures'' are required to ensure information is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within SEC time periods <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Control systems'' (disclosure controls, internal control over financial reporting) provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance against errors and fraud <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Inherent limitations in control systems'' mean misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Design of control systems'' is based on assumptions about future events and may not succeed under all conditions <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Controls may become inadequate'' due to changing conditions or deterioration in compliance <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act'' requires evaluation of internal control over financial reporting effectiveness <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Inability to achieve and maintain effective internal controls'' could harm operating results/financial condition and negatively affect common stock market price <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''SEC reporting obligations'' require documenting and testing internal control procedures for Section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley Act <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Substantial internal control systems and procedures'' must be implemented and maintained <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Deficiencies may be identified'' during assessments and not remediated timely <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Testing and maintaining internal control'' may divert management attention <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Inability to conclude on ongoing effectiveness'' of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley is a risk <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Ineffective internal control'' could lead to significant costs and scope of remediation actions <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Material weaknesses or other deficiencies'' could impede timely and accurate SEC reports <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Loss of investor confidence'' or suspension/termination of Nasdaq listing could negatively affect common stock trading price <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''A material weakness in internal control over information technology general controls (ITGCs)'' was identified as of ''December 31, 2024'', and remediated as of ''December 31, 2025'' <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Failure to maintain an effective system of internal controls'' could adversely affect common stock market price <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Effectiveness of controls/procedures'' is subject to inherent limitations; no absolute assurance of preventing/detecting misstatements <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Even effective ITGCs'' provide only reasonable assurance <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Control deficiencies over ITGCs'' constituting a material weakness were identified during fiscal year ended ''December 31, 2024'', as described in "ITEM 9A. CONTROLS & PROCEDURES" of the Annual Report on Form 10-K <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Measures have been taken to remediate'' the material weakness, and it is believed to be remediated <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Identification of additional material weaknesses'' or significant deficiencies could prevent timely/reliable financial information and lead to incorrect reporting <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Untimely financial statement filing'' could lead to adverse action by shareholders, Nasdaq, SEC, or other regulators <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Material weaknesses or significant deficiencies'' could adversely affect reputation or investor perceptions, negatively impacting common share trading price <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Additional costs may be incurred'' to remediate material weaknesses or significant deficiencies <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''No assurances that additional material weaknesses'' or restatements will not arise in the future <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Current controls/procedures may be inadequate'' to prevent/identify irregularities or errors or facilitate fair presentation of financial statements <sup>p. 20</sup>.
* ''Operating results and stock price may be volatile'' or decline regardless of operating performance, leading to loss of investment <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Market price of common stock has been and is likely to remain highly volatile'' and fluctuate substantially due to many factors beyond control <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Securities markets worldwide'' have experienced and will likely continue to experience significant price and volume fluctuations <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Market volatility and general economic/market/political conditions'' could subject stock price to wide fluctuations regardless of operating performance <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Investment in common stock is risky'', requiring ability to withstand significant loss and wide market value fluctuation <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Stock price could fluctuate significantly'' due to factors in the "Risk Factors" section and other factors beyond control <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Factors affecting stock price include'' market conditions, actual/anticipated fluctuations in quarterly financial/operating results, new product/service introductions, securities analysts' reports/recommendations, results varying from expectations, short sales/hedging, guidance changes/failure to meet guidance, strategic actions, announcements, sales of large stock blocks, Board/management changes, regulatory/legal/political developments, public response to announcements, litigation/investigations, changing economic conditions (social inflation), accounting principle changes, indebtedness/securities issuance, default under debt agreements, exposure to capital/credit market risks, credit rating changes, and other events (natural disasters, war, terrorism) <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Securities markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations'' unrelated to operating performance <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Investors may not be able to resell shares'' at or above purchase price due to these factors <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Broad market fluctuations'' and general market/economic/political conditions (recessions, loss of investor confidence, interest rate changes) may negatively affect common stock market price <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Stock markets (including Nasdaq)'' have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations affecting equity securities <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Such occurrences could cause stock price to fall'' and expose the company to costly securities class action litigation, diverting management attention or harming business <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Underwriting guidelines or strategy may be changed'' without stockholder approval <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Management has authority to change underwriting guidelines or strategy'' without notice or stockholder approval <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Fundamental changes to operations'' may occur without stockholder approval, potentially resulting in a strategy or guidelines materially different from those described in the "Business" section or elsewhere <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Anti-takeover provisions'' in organizational documents could prevent or delay a beneficial change of control and limit share price <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Provisions in certificate of incorporation/bylaws'', Delaware law, federal/state regulations, and insurance company regulations may discourage/delay/prevent mergers, tender offers, or other changes of control <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Procedural and other requirements'' in these provisions could make certain corporate actions more difficult for shareholders <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Provisions could adversely affect common stock price'' <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Charter documents permit Board of Directors to establish director number'' and fill vacancies/new directorships <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Board of Directors will be classified into three classes'' with staggered, three-year terms; directors may only be removed for cause <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Super-majority voting is required'' to amend provisions in certificate of incorporation and bylaws <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Blank-check preferred stock'' allows Board to set preference rights and terms, potentially delaying/preventing transactions or change of control <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Stockholders' ability to call special meetings'' is eliminated <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Special meetings of stockholders'' can only be called by the Board, Chairman, or CEO <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Stockholder consent action'' is prohibited except by unanimous written consent <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Vacancies on the Board'' may only be filled by a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Cumulative voting'' in director election is prohibited <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Advance notice requirements'' are established for director nominations or proposing matters at annual stockholder meetings <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''As a Delaware corporation'', the company is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Section 203 may prohibit large stockholders'' (owning 15% or more of voting stock) from merging/combining for a period <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Certificate of incorporation and bylaws designate Court of Chancery of Delaware'' as exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between the company and stockholders <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Exclusive forum provision could limit stockholders' ability'' to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Exclusive forum applies to'' derivative actions, breach of fiduciary duty claims, claims under DGCL/certificate/bylaws, actions to interpret/apply/enforce/determine validity of certificate/bylaws, or claims governed by internal affairs doctrine <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Unless written consent to an alternative forum is given'', federal district courts of the U.S. are the sole and exclusive forum for Securities Act claims <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* ''Securities Act claims and Section 22 of the Securities Act'' create concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* ''Uncertainty exists whether a court would enforce'' the exclusive forum provision for Securities Act claims <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* ''Stockholders will not be deemed to have waived compliance'' with federal securities laws <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* ''Exclusive forum provision would not apply'' to Exchange Act claims or other claims with exclusive federal jurisdiction <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* ''If the choice of forum provision is found inapplicable/unenforceable'', additional costs may be incurred to resolve actions in other jurisdictions, materially adversely affecting business, financial condition, or results of operations <sup>p. 23</sup>.


* ''Financial condition and results of operations'' could be materially adversely affected if underwriting risk is not accurately assessed <sup>p. 21</sup>.
== Cybersecurity ==
* ''Competition'' for business in the industry is intense <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Reliance on distribution channels'' such as insurance retail agents and brokers, wholesalers, and program administrators exposes the business to risks that could adversely affect results <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Inability to purchase third-party reinsurance'' in desired amounts on commercially acceptable terms or terms that adequately protect the company may materially adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Losses and loss expense reserves'' may be inadequate to cover actual losses, which could have a material adverse effect on financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Decline in financial strength rating'' may adversely affect the amount of business written <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Unexpected changes in interpretation of coverage or provisions'', including loss limitations and exclusions, in policies could have a material adverse effect on financial condition and results of operations <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Reinsurers may not reimburse claims'' on a timely basis, or at all, which may materially adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Failure to accurately and timely pay claims'' could materially and adversely affect business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Adverse economic factors'', including recession, inflation, high unemployment, or lower economic activity, could lead to fewer policy sales, increased claim frequency, premium defaults, or falsification of claims, affecting growth and profitability <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Cyclical nature of the insurance business'' may affect financial performance and cause operating results to vary quarter to quarter, not being indicative of future performance <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Extensive regulation'' may adversely affect the ability to achieve business objectives; non-compliance could lead to penalties, fines, and suspensions, adversely affecting financial condition and results of operations <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Loss of one or more key personnel'' or inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could adversely affect the company <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls'' could impact operating results and financial condition, and negatively affect the market price of common stock <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Costs will increase significantly'' as a result of operating as a public company, requiring substantial management time to comply with public company regulations <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Use of derivatives'' to mitigate market price volatility exposure may subject the company to risks such as hedge ineffectiveness, basis risk, collateral and margin call liquidity pressures, and valuation uncertainty, any of which could adversely affect financial condition <sup>p. 21</sup>.
* ''Integration of Apollo'' may present unforeseen challenges, including difficulties in integrating technology systems, business processes, and risk management frameworks, potentially resulting in operational disruptions, increased costs, or delays in realizing anticipated strategic benefits from the acquisition <sup>p. 21</sup>.


'''Risks Related to Our Business and Industry'''
* ''IT Systems'' are central to nearly all business operations, including internal/external communications, document/record management, and shared work environments <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Efficient and effective response'' to cybersecurity incidents and threats is a key component of the overall Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) strategy <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* A ''Crisis Response Plan (CRP)'' has been implemented to address cybersecurity incidents and threats <sup>p. 3</sup>.


* ''Underwriting success'' depends on accurately assessing risks and establishing appropriate premium rates <sup>p. 22</sup>.
<blockquote>"Our management and information technology personnel have implemented processes and procedures for assessing, identifying, managing and escalating material risks from cybersecurity threats." <sup>p. 3</sup></blockquote>
* Misunderstanding the nature or extent of risks can lead to inappropriate premium rates, adversely affecting financial results <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Employee decisions, including management and underwriters, expose the company to risk in the ordinary course of business <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Competition'' in the insurance industry is intense, based on price, financial strength, distribution relationships, product terms, ratings, claims payment speed, and underwriting team experience <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Increased consolidation'' in the insurance industry may further intensify competition <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* New industry or legislative developments could also increase competition <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Inability to compete successfully could affect the ability to price products at risk-adequate rates, retain existing business, or underwrite new business on favorable terms, adversely affecting operating results <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Reliance on distribution channels'' (retail agents, brokers, wholesalers, program administrators) exposes the company to risks <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Most products are distributed through independent retail agents and brokers who own "renewal rights," making the business model dependent on these relationships <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Relationships with distributors can be discontinued or become unprofitable <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Consolidation of insurance distribution firms may increase their influence on commission rates and business concentration with specific brokers <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Credit risk'' is assumed from brokers who collect premiums directly from policyholders but may not remit them to the company <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* In certain jurisdictions, premium payment to a broker is considered payment to the insurer, making the insured not liable even if the company doesn't receive the premium <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* The company may be required to provide coverage despite not receiving premiums from brokers, which could decline underwriting profits and adversely affect financial condition <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* The company reviews the ''financial condition of new brokers'' and periodically reviews existing distributors for profitability and alignment with business objectives <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Following reviews, the company may restrict or terminate relationships with distributors, subject to contractual and regulatory requirements <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Deterioration in distributor relationships or uncompetitive compensation could lead distributors to place more premium with other carriers <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Distributors exceeding authority, failing to transfer collected premiums, or breaching obligations could expose the company to liability <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Continued or increased ''consolidation of insurance distribution firms'' could negatively impact sales channels, leading to loss of market access or share <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Consolidation could result in loss of talent knowledgeable about products or increased commission costs due to larger distributors' negotiating leverage <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Digitization speed'' exposes the company to risks related to distributors' ability to keep pace, as customers may prefer technology-driven experiences <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Inability to purchase ''third-party reinsurance'' on desired or commercially acceptable terms could materially adversely affect the business <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Reinsurance protects capital from severity events and reduces earnings volatility <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Failure to renew expiring contracts, enter new arrangements, or expand coverage could increase loss exposure <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Increased loss exposure could necessitate reducing underwriting commitments, adversely affecting the business <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Reinsurers may exclude certain coverages or alter terms, leading to gaps in reinsurance protection and greater risk exposure <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Losses and loss expense (LAE) reserves'' may be inadequate to cover actual losses, materially affecting financial condition, results, and cash flows <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Reserves are estimates of ultimate claim settlement and administration costs, and actual liability may differ <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* The reserving process considers historical data and factors such as claims inflation, claims development patterns, pricing, legislative activity, social/economic patterns, and litigation trends <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Variables affecting loss exposure are influenced by internal and external events <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* The process assumes past experience, adjusted for current developments and trends, is appropriate for predicting future events, but actual results may deviate <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Uncertainties impacting reserve adequacy'' include:
** Time required to fully assess covered losses, leading to potential increases in loss estimates over time <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Retroactive enforcement of new theories of liability by courts <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Failure of loss limitations or exclusions, or changes in claims/coverage issues, could materially affect financial condition <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Volatility in financial markets, economic events, and external factors may increase claim frequency/severity <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Elevated inflationary conditions would increase loss costs <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Adverse economic factors (recession, inflation, high unemployment) could reduce policy sales or increase claim frequency/severity and premium defaults <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Increased costs due to "social inflation" (medical/material costs, technology in vehicles, attorney involvement, litigation financing, lawsuit abuse) could increase claim frequency/severity and affect reserve adequacy <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Increased claim frequency, even without liability, could escalate evaluation and handling costs beyond established reserves <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** New lines of business or theories of claims may lead to increased claim frequency and higher handling costs than anticipated <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Inadequate reserves require increasing reserves, reducing net income and stockholders' equity in the period of identification <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Future loss experience substantially exceeding reserves could materially affect future earnings, liquidity, and financial rating <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* A ''decline in financial strength rating'' may adversely affect the amount of business written <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Independent ratings agencies (e.g., A.M. Best) assess financial strength and quality of insurers <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* A.M. Best's ratings range from "A++" (Superior) to "F" (liquidation) <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* As of the filing date, A.M. Best assigned an "A" (Excellent) financial strength rating with a stable outlook to the company <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* A.M. Best ratings are an independent opinion of an insurer's ability to meet policyholder obligations, not an evaluation for investors <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* A.M. Best's analysis includes balance sheet strength, operating performance, business profile, comparisons to peers, operating plans, philosophy, and management <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* A.M. Best periodically reviews and may revise ratings downward based on analyses of balance sheet strength, operating performance, and business profile <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Factors that could affect A.M. Best's analysis and potentially lead to a downgrade include:
** Changes in business practices from the organizational plan that no longer support the rating <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Unfavorable financial, regulatory, or market trends, including excess market capacity <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Losses exceeding loss reserves <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Unresolved issues with government regulators <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Inability to retain senior management or other key personnel <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Significant investment portfolio losses or limited liquidity <sup>p. 22</sup>.
** Alterations in A.M. Best's capital adequacy assessment methodology that adversely affect the rating <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* A downgrade or withdrawal of rating could cause distribution partners and insureds to choose other competitors, increase reinsurance costs or reduce its availability, or severely limit new and renewal insurance contracts <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Rating organizations may heighten scrutiny, increase review frequency/scope, request additional information, or increase capital requirements due to earnings and capital pressures in financial institutions <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* There is no assurance the rating will remain at its current level, and adverse ratings consequences could materially affect financial condition and results <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Unexpected changes in interpretation of coverage or provisions'', including loss limitations and exclusions, could materially affect financial condition and results <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* No assurances that loss limitations or exclusions will be enforceable as intended <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Changing industry practices, legal, judicial, social, and other conditions may lead to unexpected claims and coverage issues <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Courts or regulatory authorities could nullify or void limitations/exclusions, or legislation could modify/bar their use, leading to higher than anticipated losses and LAE <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Court decisions, like the 1995 Montrose decision in California, could narrowly read exclusions, expanding coverage and requiring new exclusions <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* These issues could broaden coverage beyond underwriting intent or increase claim frequency/severity <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* The full extent of liability under insurance contracts may not be known for many years after issuance <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Reinsurers may not reimburse claims timely or at all'', materially affecting the business <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Reinsurance contracts require premium payments to reinsurers who reimburse for covered policy claims <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Reinsurers may be called upon to reimburse claims many years after premiums were paid <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable but does not relieve the ceding insurer of primary liability to policyholders <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* The current reinsurance program aims to limit financial risk <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Reinsurers may default due to insolvency, lack of liquidity, operational failure, prohibitions, fraud, asserted defenses, or documentation deficiencies <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Disputes with reinsurers can be time-consuming, costly, and uncertain <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* These risks could lead to increased net losses and adversely affect financial condition <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* As of December 31, 2025, the company had ''$1,119.9 million in reinsurance recoverables'' <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Failure to accurately and timely pay claims'' could materially and adversely affect the business <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Factors affecting claims payment include claims representative training/experience, management effectiveness, and appropriate procedures/systems <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Inaccurate or untimely claims payment could lead to regulatory actions, litigation, reputational damage, and adverse effects on the business <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Ineffective management of Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) or inability of staff/TPAs to handle claim volume could adversely affect workload capacity <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* This could slow growth in affected markets and decrease claims work quality, adversely affecting operating margins <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Severe weather, climate change, catastrophes, pandemics, and man-made events'' may adversely affect the business <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Catastrophes include natural events (winter weather, storms, earthquakes, fires) and man-made events (explosions, war, terrorist attacks) <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Changing weather patterns and climatic conditions (global warming) increase unpredictability and frequency of natural disasters, including in new areas <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Climate change may increase frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* A natural disaster or catastrophe loss could materially adversely affect the business <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* This includes indirect impacts from catastrophes not insured against, such as the ''2025 California wildfires'', where affected policyholders may cancel policies <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Increased frequency and severity of weather events (e.g., hurricanes, convective storms) could affect the ability to predict, quantify, reinsure, and manage catastrophe risk, increasing losses <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Catastrophe losses depend on frequency and severity of events and total insured exposure <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Exposure to losses is managed by analyzing probability and severity of events and their impact on underwriting and investment portfolios <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Indirect impacts can occur if insured businesses are affected by catastrophes not directly covered, leading to non-payment of premiums on other products <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Inability to obtain reinsurance coverage at reasonable rates and adequate amounts for severe weather/catastrophes could materially affect the business <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Pandemics, outbreaks, public health crises, and geopolitical/social events'' also pose risks <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Policy terms typically exclude virus-related claims, but court decisions and governmental actions may challenge these exclusions <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Changes in domestic and international climate policy programs and legislation could have a material adverse effect <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Program administrators' failure to comply with guidelines'' could adversely affect results <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Program administrators have limited quoting and binding authority and sell products through retail agents and brokers <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* They can bind certain risks without initial approval <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Non-compliance with underwriting guidelines could bind the company to unanticipated risks, adversely affecting results <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Actual renewals or new business from repeat insureds not meeting expectations'' could materially adversely affect future written premium and results <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Most contracts are one-year term and renewable; some insureds are repeat customers with new contracts <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Financial forecasting includes assumptions about renewal rates and repeat business <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* The insurance industry is cyclical with intense price-based competition <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* If renewals/repeat business don't meet expectations or are not written due to pricing, future written premium and operations would be materially adversely affected <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Increased public attention to ESG matters'' may lead to negative public perception, reputational harm, additional costs, or stock price impact <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Failure or perceived failure to meet investor/customer ESG expectations could harm business and reputation <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Backlash from investors/customers on ESG topics could also cause harm <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Reputational damage from providing policies to certain insureds could decrease demand, materially affecting business and requiring resources to rebuild reputation <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Changes in accounting practices and future pronouncements'' may materially affect reported financial results <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* New accounting practices may require considerable additional expenses, especially for comparative or retroactive application <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* The impact of accounting changes on net income, shareholder's equity, and other financial statement items is unpredictable <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Insurance subsidiaries must comply with ''Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP)'' <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* SAP is reviewed by the NAIC, its task forces, committees, and state insurance departments <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Proposals before NAIC committees could negatively affect insurance industry participants if enacted <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* The NAIC continuously examines existing laws and regulations, and the impact of reforms is unpredictable <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* ''Use of derivatives'' to mitigate market price volatility may subject the company to risks <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* Risks include hedge ineffectiveness (imperfect correlation), basis risk (futures prices not aligning with cash market prices), collateral and margin call liquidity pressures, and valuation uncertainty <sup>p. 22</sup>.
* These factors may prevent hedging strategies from effectively reducing volatility and could materially adversely impact financial results <sup>p. 22</sup>.


'''Risks Related to the Market and Economic Conditions'''
* These ''processes and procedures'' are integrated into overall risk management <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Cybersecurity risks'' are included in the risk universe evaluated annually by the enterprise risk management committee <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* If a ''heightened cybersecurity risk'' is identified, risk owners are assigned to develop and track mitigation plans <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Security events and data incidents'' are evaluated, ranked by severity, prioritized for response/remediation, and reviewed for materiality, operational/business impact, and privacy impact <sup>p. 3</sup>.


* Adverse economic factors like recession, inflation, high unemployment, or lower economic activity can lead to fewer policy sales, increased claim frequency, premium defaults, or claim falsification, impacting growth and profitability <sup>p. 23</sup>.
<blockquote>"Our cybersecurity risk management program leverages the National Institute of Standards and Technology framework, which organizes cybersecurity risks into six categories: identify, protect, detect, respond, recover and govern." <sup>p. 3</sup></blockquote>
* Economic downturns characterized by higher unemployment, declining spending, and reduced corporate revenue generally reduce demand for insurance products, affecting premium levels and profitability <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Negative economic factors can hinder the ability to charge appropriate rates for risk, reduce the number of policies written, and limit opportunities for profitable underwriting <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* During an economic downturn, customers may reduce insurance needs, cancel policies, modify coverage, or not renew policies <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Existing policyholders might exaggerate or falsify claims to obtain higher payments during an economic downturn <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* A significant collapse in economic segments like construction, credit markets, or energy production/servicing could adversely affect results across several underwriting divisions <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The insurance business is historically cyclical, causing operating results to vary quarterly and not necessarily indicate future performance <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Insurance carriers experience significant fluctuations in operating results due to competition, catastrophic events, capacity levels, litigation trends, regulatory constraints, and general economic conditions <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The supply of insurance is influenced by prevailing prices, insured losses, and available industry capital, which fluctuate with investment returns <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The insurance industry is cyclical, characterized by periods of intense price competition due to excessive underwriting capacity (soft market) and periods of capacity shortages increasing premiums (hard market) <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Demand for insurance depends on factors such as catastrophic event frequency/severity, capacity levels, new capital providers, and general economic conditions, all of which fluctuate and can contribute to price declines <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The profitability of most P&C insurance companies tends to follow cyclical market patterns, with higher gross written premium growth and improved profitability during hard market cycles <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The cyclical market pattern can be more pronounced in the E&S market than in the standard insurance market <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* When the standard insurance market hardens, the E&S market typically hardens, and E&S growth can be significantly more rapid than standard market growth <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* When market conditions soften, customers previously in the E&S market may return to the admitted market, exacerbating the effects of rate decreases on financial results <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The market may experience "micro cycles" where specific areas harden or soften independently and potentially more drastically than the overall market <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Operating results are subject to fluctuation and have historically varied quarter-to-quarter <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Quarterly results are expected to continue fluctuating due to general economic conditions, frequency/severity of catastrophes, fluctuating interest rates, claims exceeding loss reserves, industry competition, deviations from expected premium retention, adverse investment performance, and reinsurance coverage costs <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The company's results of operations depend partly on the performance of its investment portfolio <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The investment portfolio is diversified and managed by professional investment advisory firms according to an investment policy, with routine review by the Investment Committee <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Investments are subject to general economic conditions, market risks, and risks inherent to specific securities <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Primary market risk exposures are to changes in interest rates and equity prices <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* A significant portion of the investment portfolio is in fixed maturity securities, or separately managed accounts and limited partnerships primarily invested in fixed maturity securities <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Interest rates rose materially in 2022 and 2023 <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* A low interest rate environment, potentially resulting from federal government actions to slow inflation (e.g., rate cuts, Inflation Reduction Act of 2022), would pressure net investment income, particularly for fixed maturity and short-term investments, adversely affecting operating results <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Recent and future interest rate increases could cause declines in the value of fixed income securities portfolios, with the magnitude depending on duration and rate increase <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Some fixed income securities with call or prepayment options create reinvestment risk in declining rate environments <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities carry prepayment risk or may not prepay as quickly as expected in a rising interest rate environment <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* All fixed maturity securities, including those in separately managed accounts and limited partnerships, are subject to credit risk <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* ''Credit risk'' is the risk of investment default or impairment due to deterioration in the financial condition of issuers or guarantors of securities held <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Downgrades in credit ratings of fixed maturity securities could significantly negatively affect their market valuation <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The company invests in marketable preferred and common equity securities and exchange-traded funds, which are carried at fair market value and are subject to potential losses and market value declines <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Market and credit risks could reduce net investment income and result in realized investment losses <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The investment portfolio faces increased valuation uncertainties when investment markets are illiquid, as is the case with fixed maturity securities held to maturity, separately managed accounts, and limited partnership investments <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Valuation of investments is more subjective in illiquid markets, increasing the risk that estimated fair value does not reflect actual transaction prices <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Risks for all security types are managed through an investment policy that sets parameters including maximum investment percentages and minimum credit quality levels <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* These investment parameters are believed to be within applicable guidelines established by the NAIC, the Texas Department of Insurance, and the Oklahoma Department of Insurance <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The Investment Committee periodically reviews Enterprise Based Asset Allocation models for overall risk management <sup>p. 23</sup>.
<blockquote>"Although we seek to preserve our capital, we cannot be certain that our investment objectives will be achieved, and results may vary substantially over time." <sup>p. 23</sup></blockquote>
* Investment strategies are sought that are not correlated with insurance and reinsurance exposures <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Losses in the investment portfolio may occur concurrently with underwriting losses, exacerbating their adverse effect <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The company could be forced to sell investments to meet liquidity requirements <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Premiums received are invested until needed to pay policyholder claims <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* The duration of the investment portfolio is managed based on the duration of losses and LAE reserves to provide sufficient liquidity and avoid liquidating investments to fund claims <sup>p. 23</sup>.
* Risks such as inadequate losses and LAE reserves or unfavorable litigation trends could necessitate selling investments to fund liabilities <sup>p. 23</sup>.
<blockquote>"We may not be able to sell our investments at favorable prices or at all." <sup>p. 23</sup></blockquote>
* Sales of investments could result in significant realized losses depending on general market conditions, interest rates, and credit issues with individual securities <sup>p. 23</sup>.


'''Risks Related to the Regulatory Environment'''
* ''Company-wide policies and procedures'' cover cybersecurity matters, including encryption standards, antivirus protection, remote access, multifactor authentication, confidential information, and internet/social media/email use <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* A ''detailed crisis response playbook'' is followed in the event of an incident <sup>p. 3</sup>.


* ''Extensive regulation'' may adversely affect the ability to achieve business objectives <sup>p. 24</sup>.
<blockquote>"Further, we have continued to expand investments in IT security, including additional end-user training, using layered defenses, identifying and protecting critical assets, strengthening monitoring and alerting, and engaging experts." <sup>p. 3</sup></blockquote>
* Failure to comply with regulations may lead to penalties, including fines and suspensions, adversely affecting financial condition and results of operations <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Primary insurance subsidiaries, ''GMIC, HSIC, and IIC'', are subject to extensive regulation in Texas (state of domicile) and other operating states <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Most insurance regulations protect policyholders' interests, not investors' or stockholders' <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Regulations are administered by state departments of insurance and cover capital/surplus requirements, investment/underwriting limitations, affiliate transactions, dividend limitations, changes in control, solvency, and other financial/non-financial aspects <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Significant changes in laws and regulations could limit discretion or increase business costs <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* State insurance regulators conduct periodic examinations and require annual/other reports on financial condition and holding company issues <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Regulatory requirements may impose timing and expense constraints, affecting business objectives <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Insurance subsidiaries are part of an ''"insurance holding company system"'' under Texas statutes and regulations <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Certain transactions between insurance subsidiaries and affiliates require prior notice to the ''Texas Department of Insurance'', potentially causing business delays and additional expenses <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Failure to file required notifications or comply with Texas insurance regulations may result in significant fines, penalties, and impaired working relationships with the Texas Department of Insurance <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* State insurance regulators have broad discretion to deny or revoke licenses for regulation violations <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Practices based on interpretations of regulations or industry norms may differ from regulatory authorities' interpretations <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Lack of requisite licenses/approvals or non-compliance could lead to temporary suspension or preclusion from activities in a state, or other penalties, adversely affecting business operations <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Changes in insurance industry regulation or interpretations could interfere with operations and increase compliance costs <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Insurance subsidiaries are subject to ''risk-based capital requirements'' based on the NAIC model and Texas law <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* These requirements establish minimum risk-based capital for business operations and identify inadequately capitalized property and casualty insurers based on asset/liability risks and net written premium mix <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Insurers below a calculated threshold may face regulatory action, including supervision, rehabilitation, or liquidation <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Failure to maintain required risk-based capital levels could adversely affect the insurance subsidiary's regulatory authority and A.M. Best Rating <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* ''Additional government or market regulation'' may have a material adverse impact on the business <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Business could be adversely affected by changes in laws related to asset/reserve valuation, surplus requirements, investment/dividend limitations, enterprise risk, and risk-based capital <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* The U.S. federal government generally does not directly regulate the insurance industry, except for flood, nuclear, and terrorism risks <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Potential federal legislation could affect the insurance industry in areas like privatization of Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae, reduction in federal subsidies for agriculture, tort reform, corporate governance, and taxation of reinsurance companies <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Changes to ''U.S. tax laws'' and new tax policies could negatively impact the overall economy and the business <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Legislative or other actions related to taxes could negatively affect the company, investments, or stockholders <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Rules for U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by legislators, the IRS, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* New legislation, U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations, or court decisions could have adverse consequences <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* On ''July 4, 2025'', H.R. 1, the ''"One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA)'', was signed into law in the United States <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* The OBBBA modifies key business tax provisions, including restoration of ''100% bonus depreciation'' under Section 168(k) of the IRC, immediate deduction of U.S. domestic research and experimental expenditures under Section 174A of the IRC, and the EBITDA-based business interest expense limitation under Section 163(j) of the IRC <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* The OBBBA also includes changes to the computation of taxes related to international operations <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Based on current analysis, these OBBBA provisions are not expected to have a material impact on the business and results of operations <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Regulations and IRS guidance implementing the OBBBA may create unforeseen issues, and further tax law changes may occur <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* There is no assurance that the business will not be adversely affected by the OBBBA or other tax law changes <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Ability to utilize ''net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs)'' and other tax attributes may be limited <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* As of ''December 31, 2025'', gross federal income tax NOLs were approximately ''$40.3 million'', available to offset future taxable income <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* These NOLs are subject to annual limitations under Section 382 of the Code and are set to expire beginning in ''2032'' <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Under ''Section 382 of the Code'', an "ownership change" (greater than 50% change in equity ownership by certain stockholders over a rolling three-year period) can limit the use of pre-ownership change NOLs <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Future ownership changes due to shifts in stock ownership, some outside of control, may occur <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Future regulatory changes could also limit the ability to utilize NOLs <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Inability to offset future taxable income with NOLs could adversely affect net income and cash flows <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* As a holding company, with substantially all operations conducted by insurance subsidiaries, liquidity at the holding company level (including dividend payments and debt service) depends on cash dividends or permitted payments from insurance subsidiaries <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Continued operation and growth will require substantial capital <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* No intention to declare and pay cash dividends on common stock in the foreseeable future <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Ability to pay dividends to stockholders and meet debt obligations largely depends on dividends and distributions from primary insurance subsidiaries: ''GMIC, HSIC, and IIC'' <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* State insurance laws, including Texas laws, restrict the ability of GMIC, HSIC, and IIC to determine stockholder dividends <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* State insurance regulators require insurance companies to maintain specified levels of statutory capital and surplus <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Dividend payments are limited to the part of available policyholder surplus derived from net profits <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* State insurance regulators have broad powers to prevent reduction of statutory surplus to inadequate levels <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* There is no assurance that dividends up to maximum calculated amounts would be permitted <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* State insurance regulators may adopt more restrictive statutory provisions regarding dividend payments in the future <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Any future dividend payments will be at the discretion of the ''Board of Directors'' and depend on results, financial condition, contractual restrictions, indebtedness, applicable law, and other relevant factors <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Investors may need to sell common stock after price appreciation (which may not occur) as the only way to realize future gains <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Investors seeking immediate cash dividends should not purchase common stock <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Applicable insurance laws may make it difficult to effect a ''change of control'' <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Under Texas insurance laws, acquiring control of a domestic insurer requires written approval from the state insurance commissioner <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Approval depends on factors including the acquirer's financial strength, plans for the insurer's future operations, and potential anti-competitive results <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Texas insurance laws apply to direct and indirect acquisition of ''10% or more'' of the voting stock of a Texas-domiciled insurer <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* Acquisition of ''10% or more'' of Skyward Specialty's common stock would be considered an indirect change of control, triggering filing requirements under Texas insurance laws, unless a disclaimer of control filing is accepted by the Texas Insurance Department <sup>p. 24</sup>.
* These requirements may discourage acquisition proposals and delay, deter, or prevent a change of control, even if desirable to stockholders <sup>p. 24</sup>.


'''Risks Related to Our Liquidity and Access to Capital'''
* ''Defenses are regularly tested'' through simulations and drills at a technical level (e.g., penetration tests) and by reviewing operational policies/procedures with third-party experts <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The ''IT security team'' monitors alerts, discusses threat levels/trends/remediation, prepares a quarterly cyber scorecard, collects data on cybersecurity threats/risks, and conducts an annual risk assessment <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Periodic external penetration tests, red team testing, and maturity testing'' are conducted to assess processes, procedures, and the threat landscape <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* In the event of an incident, ''outside cybersecurity legal counsel'' would consult and coordinate with other third parties, including communication/notification, and cybersecurity vendors would perform investigation/recovery services <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* ''Cybersecurity experts'' would assist with incident validation and ransomware demands, and cybersecurity insurance providers would be involved <sup>p. 3</sup>.


* ''Future capital requirements'' depend on factors such as the ability to write new business successfully and establish adequate premium rates and reserves to cover losses <sup>p. 25</sup>.
<blockquote>"In addition, we have also implemented processes to oversee and identify risks from cybersecurity threats associated with our use of key third-party service providers, including requiring third-party service providers to provide provisions of their SOC-1 or SOC-2 report and their cybersecurity/disaster recovery plans." <sup>p. 3</sup></blockquote>
* ''Additional funds'' may be required if operational cash flows are insufficient, the capital position is negatively impacted by investment portfolio decline, catastrophe losses, or adverse reserve development <sup>p. 25</sup>.
* ''Capital needs'' are affected by growth rate, profitability, claims experience, reinsurance availability, market disruptions, and other unforeseeable developments <sup>p. 25</sup>.
* ''Equity or debt financing'' may not be available or may be on unfavorable terms, potentially leading to stockholder dilution or restrictive covenants <sup>p. 25</sup>.
* ''Inability to obtain adequate capital'' could materially adversely affect operating plans, business, financial condition, or results of operations <sup>p. 25</sup>.
* ''Access to credit'' under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to conditions that, if not met, could prevent borrowing and adversely affect liquidity, financial position, and results of operations <sup>p. 25</sup>.
* ''Breach of covenants'' under the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility could lead to an event of default, making all outstanding amounts immediately due and payable <sup>p. 25</sup>.
* ''Inability to repay debt'' due to an event of default could occur if assets are insufficient, or if the current credit market and macroeconomic challenges impact the ability to borrow or sell assets/equity <sup>p. 25</sup>.


'''Risks Related to Our Operations'''
* ''Cybersecurity risk management and strategy processes'' are overseen by leaders from the Information Security Team, with assistance from Compliance and Legal teams <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* These individuals have ''decades of experience'' in IT roles, including security, auditing, compliance, systems, and programming <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* They monitor the prevention, mitigation, detection, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents through their management and participation in the described processes, including the crisis response plan <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* They ''report to the Risk Committee'' on appropriate items <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The ''Risk Committee of the Board of Directors'' oversees cybersecurity strategy, reviews cybersecurity and other IT risks/controls/procedures, and receives periodic updates from management on the adequacy and effectiveness of cybersecurity measures <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* This review includes a ''thorough discussion of cybersecurity threat risks'' and their potential impact on operations <sup>p. 3</sup>.


* ''Loss of key personnel'' or inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could adversely affect operations <sup>p. 26</sup>.
<blockquote>"We have also instituted a separate process for communicating with the Risk Committee in the event we are the target of a specific cybersecurity incident." <sup>p. 3</sup></blockquote>
* ''Talent pool'' for recruitment is limited and fluctuates based on market dynamics, potentially increasing compensation expectations and labor costs <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Loss of key personnel'' or inability to attract talent could hinder competitive position in specialized markets <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Security breaches, data loss, cyberattacks'', and IT failures could disrupt operations, damage reputation, and adversely affect business and financial results <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Business is highly dependent'' on information technology and telecommunications systems for underwriting, claims, and financial operations <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''System failures'' due to natural catastrophes, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, or cyber-attacks could limit ability to write business, provide customer service, or pay claims <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Security measures'' are in place, but systems and networks may still be subject to breaches or interference <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''A data incident'' occurred where attackers acquired certain data, but an investigation determined it was immaterial with no evidence of nation-state involvement or misuse <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Future cybersecurity events'' could lead to operational disruptions, unauthorized access to data, legal claims, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage, and increased costs <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''SEC and state law requirements'' for public notification of incidents could exacerbate harm <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Advances in criminal capabilities'' or new vulnerabilities could compromise technology and security measures <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Third parties'' to whom functions are outsourced are also subject to these risks, and their increased use of cloud-based services could make identifying and responding to cyberattacks more difficult <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Artificial intelligence (AI)'' and machine learning growth may alter the competitive landscape <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Employees use AI'' for risk selection, pricing, and claims handling <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Competitive position'' may be harmed if competitors leverage AI solutions more quickly or effectively <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Deficient, inaccurate, or biased AI'' content, analyses, or recommendations could adversely affect business, financial condition, results, and reputation <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Costs may be incurred'' to adopt and deploy AI technologies that become obsolete earlier than expected <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Uncertainty exists'' in the legal and regulatory landscape for AI at federal and state levels <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''New AI laws or regulations'' could be burdensome, costly, and restrict ability to develop and deploy AI technologies <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Inability to manage growth effectively'' could have a material adverse effect <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Future business growth'' requires additional capital, systems development, and skilled personnel <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Failure to manage growth'' includes inability to meet capital needs, expand systems, control internal processes, allocate human resources, and integrate acquisitions <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Inorganic growth through acquisitions'' depends on identifying targets, favorable negotiations, transaction completion, and successful integration <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Anticipated benefits'' from acquisitions, such as revenue growth, operational efficiencies, or synergies, may not be realized <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Rapid growth in recent years'' may not be indicative of future growth rates <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Sustaining revenue growth'' depends on effective product pricing, successful product deployment, strong distribution partner support, attracting qualified professionals, enhancing infrastructure, creating new distribution channels, introducing new products, competing effectively, and increasing brand awareness <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Failure to achieve growth objectives'' makes forecasting future results difficult <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Historical growth rate'' should not be considered indicative of future performance and may decline <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Operating expenses'' could increase, and if revenue growth does not offset this, profitability could be harmed <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Acquisition and integration of Apollo'' may adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Acquisition of Apollo'' was completed on January 1, 2026 <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Integration risks'' include challenges in combining Apollo's operations, systems, technology, and personnel, potentially diverting management attention, disrupting business, and incurring unexpected costs <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Realization of anticipated benefits'' from the Apollo acquisition, such as growth opportunities, is not assured <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Retention of key Apollo personnel, partners, and customers'' is crucial for the acquisition's success <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Cultural and operational differences'' between the company and Apollo, particularly in the Lloyd's market, may create challenges in harmonizing policies and procedures <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Financial and accounting risks'' from the Apollo acquisition include goodwill and intangible asset recognition, potential impairment, undisclosed liabilities, and conversion of Apollo's U.K. GAAP financial statements to U.S. GAAP <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Regulatory and compliance risks'' increase due to expansion into new jurisdictions and markets, including the Lloyd's market <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Additional indebtedness'' was incurred in connection with the Apollo acquisition, which could limit financial flexibility or increase cost of capital <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Integration process'' may divert management's attention from existing business operations <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Inability to successfully integrate Apollo'' or realize anticipated benefits could materially and adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Litigation risks'' are typical in the industry, including disputes related to insurance claims and general commercial litigation <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''No current involvement'' in out-of-the-ordinary litigation with customers <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Class action lawsuits'' and other litigation targeting the insurance industry can involve substantial or indeterminate amounts and have unpredictable outcomes <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Social inflation'', particularly in third-party claims, can lead to oversized judgments <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Litigation costs and settlement amounts'' can be inflated even without reaching judgment <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Inability to predict future litigation'' or its impact on the business <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Loss of key vendor relationships'' or vendor failure to protect data could affect operations <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Reliance on vendors'' for computer hardware/software, claim adjustment, human resource benefits, and investment management services <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Vendor bankruptcy, inability to provide services, system breaches'', or failure to protect confidential information could lead to operational impairments and financial losses <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Failure to properly assess vendor risks'' could materially and adversely affect financial condition and results of operations <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Continued reliance on third-party software'' is anticipated <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Replacing third-party software'' may be difficult or costly, and integration of new software could require significant resources <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''License agreements'' for additional or alternative third-party software may not be available on commercially reasonable terms <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Risks associated with third-party software'' use cannot be eliminated and could negatively affect the business <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Failure to protect intellectual property rights'' for proprietary technology platform and brand, or being sued for infringement, could occur <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Success and ability to compete'' depend on intellectual property, including brand rights and proprietary technology <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Reliance on copyright and trade secret laws'', and confidentiality agreements to protect intellectual property <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Inadequate intellectual property protection'' efforts or unsuccessful enforcement could adversely affect brand and business <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Success also depends'' on not infringing on others' intellectual property rights <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Future claims of infringement'' could lead to significant expenses, substantial damages, ongoing royalty payments, service restrictions, or unfavorable terms <sup>p. 26</sup>.
* ''Litigation over intellectual property'' could be costly, time-consuming, and divert management attention <sup>p. 26</sup>.


'''Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock'''
* In case of a specific cybersecurity incident, ''Crisis Management Team members'' would provide an initial awareness communication to the CEO/Chair of the Board <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* The ''CEO/Chair of the Board'' would then inform the Chair of the Risk Committee <sup>p. 3</sup>.
* Following an initial assessment by senior management and IT Systems personnel, a ''follow-up communication'' would be provided to the CEO and Risk Committee Chair to determine if escalation to the full Board is warranted <sup>p. 3</sup>.


* ''Increased costs as a public company'': The company expects to incur increased costs and management will devote substantial time to compliance initiatives due to operating as a public company <sup>p. 27</sup>.
<blockquote>"Although the risks from cybersecurity threats have not materially affected our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition, it is possible that a cybersecurity incident resulting in a serious compromise of our IT Systems or a demand for payment to restore our IT Systems, could have a material adverse effect on us by negatively impacting our ability to operate our business effectively and by diverting the attention of our management and other resources, including financial resources, to address the cybersecurity incident." <sup>p. 3</sup></blockquote>
* ''Financial reporting and management systems'': The company's accounting and other management systems and resources may not be adequately prepared for the financial reporting and other requirements of a public company <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Significant expenses as a large accelerated filer'': As a public company and large accelerated filer, the company incurs significant legal, accounting, and other expenses not present as a private company <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Compliance with federal securities laws'': Federal securities laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Dodd-Frank Act, SEC, and Nasdaq rules, impose various requirements on public companies, increasing compliance costs and management time <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Risk of unreliable financial statements'': Despite efforts, the company may not produce reliable financial statements or file them timely with the SEC, or comply with Nasdaq listing requirements <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404 compliance'': Compliance with Section 404 requires substantial accounting expense and significant management effort for system and process evaluation and testing of internal control over financial reporting <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Staffing for Section 404'': The company must maintain accounting and finance staff and consultants with public company reporting, technical accounting, and internal control knowledge to satisfy Section 404 requirements and provide internal audit services <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Cost and challenge of Section 404 compliance'': The process to document and evaluate internal control over financial reporting is costly and challenging, requiring internal resources, outside consultants, and a detailed work plan <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Risk of ineffective internal control'': There is a risk that neither the company nor its independent registered public accounting firm will conclude that internal control over financial reporting is effective within the prescribed timeframe, potentially leading to adverse financial market reactions or SEC investigations <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Disclosure controls and procedures'': As a public company, the company must maintain disclosure controls and procedures to ensure timely and accurate information disclosure in SEC filings <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Limitations of control systems'': Control systems, including disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance against errors and fraud due to inherent limitations <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Impact of ineffective internal controls'': Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could harm operating results and financial condition, and negatively affect the market price of common stock <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Section 404(b) requirements'': The company must document and test internal control procedures to satisfy Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, requiring annual management assessments of internal control effectiveness <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Deficiencies and management distraction'': Assessments may identify deficiencies not remediated timely, and testing/maintaining internal controls may divert management attention from business operations <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Consequences of ineffective internal control'': If internal control over financial reporting is deemed ineffective, remediation costs and scope could be significant, and material weaknesses could impede timely and accurate SEC filings <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Loss of investor confidence'': Any issues with internal controls could cause investors to lose confidence, or lead to suspension/termination of Nasdaq listing, negatively affecting stock price <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Material weakness in ITGCs'': A material weakness in internal control over information technology general controls (ITGCs) was identified as of December 31, 2024, and remediated by December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Impact of failing to maintain effective controls'': Failure to maintain an effective system of internal controls could adversely affect the market price of common stock <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Limitations of ITGCs'': Even effective ITGCs provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance regarding ITGCs <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Identification of material weakness'': Control deficiencies over ITGCs were identified by management, including the CEO, CFO, and CIO/CTO, during fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, constituting a material weakness as described in "ITEM 9A. CONTROLS & PROCEDURES" of the 2024 Form 10-K <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Remediation and future risks'': Measures have been taken to remediate the identified material weakness, but future identification of material weaknesses or significant deficiencies could lead to untimely or incorrect financial reporting <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Adverse actions and reputation impact'': Untimely financial filings could result in adverse actions by shareholders, Nasdaq, SEC, or other regulators, and negatively affect reputation or investor perceptions, impacting stock price <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Additional remediation costs'': The company may incur additional costs to remediate future material weaknesses or significant deficiencies <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Future control failures'': No assurance can be given that additional material weaknesses or restatements will not arise, or that current controls will prevent irregularities or errors or facilitate fair financial statement presentation <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Stock price volatility'': The market price of common stock has been and is likely to remain highly volatile, fluctuating due to factors beyond the company's control <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Investment risk'': Investment in common stock is considered risky, and investors should be able to withstand significant loss and wide fluctuations in market value <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Factors affecting stock price'': Factors that could affect stock price include:
** ''Market conditions'' in the broader stock market <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Fluctuations'' in quarterly financial and operating results <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Introduction of new products or services'' by the company or competitors <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Issuance of new or changed securities analysts’ reports'' or recommendations <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Operating results'' varying from expectations of securities analysts and investors <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Short sales, hedging, and other derivative transactions'' in common stock <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Guidance'' provided to the public, changes in guidance, or failure to meet guidance <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Strategic actions'' by the company or competitors <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Announcements'' by the company, competitors, or acquisition targets <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Sales'' (or anticipated sales) of large blocks of stock by directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Additions or departures'' in the Board, senior management, or other key personnel <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Regulatory, legal, or political developments'' <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Public response'' to press releases or other public announcements <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Litigation and governmental investigations'' <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Changing economic conditions'', including social inflation <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Changes in accounting principles'' <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Indebtedness'' incurred or securities issued in the future <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Default'' under agreements governing indebtedness <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Exposure to capital and credit market risks'' affecting investment portfolio or capital resources <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Changes in credit ratings'' <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Other events or factors'', including natural disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or responses to these events <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Extreme price and volume fluctuations'': Securities markets, including Nasdaq, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations often unrelated to company operating performance <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Consequences of market fluctuations'': Broad market fluctuations, general market, economic, and political conditions (e.g., recessions, loss of investor confidence, interest rate changes) may negatively affect the market price of common stock <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Risk of class action litigation'': Extreme price and volume fluctuations could cause the stock price to fall and expose the company to securities class action litigation, which could be costly, divert management attention, or harm the business <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Management authority to change strategy'': Management has the authority to change underwriting guidelines or strategy without stockholder notice or approval <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Fundamental changes without stockholder approval'': The company may make fundamental changes to operations without stockholder approval, potentially resulting in a strategy or underwriting guidelines materially different from those described in the "Business" section or other filings <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Anti-takeover provisions'': Provisions in the certificate of incorporation and by-laws, Delaware law, and federal/state regulations may discourage, delay, or prevent a merger, tender offer, or change of control beneficial to shareholders <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Impact of anti-takeover provisions on share price'': These provisions could adversely affect the price of common stock by making certain corporate actions more difficult for shareholders <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Charter document provisions'': The company's charter documents include provisions that:
** ''Permit the Board of Directors'' to establish the number of directors and fill vacancies/newly created directorships <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Classify the Board of Directors'' into three classes with staggered, three-year terms, with directors removable only for cause <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Require super-majority voting'' to amend provisions in the certificate of incorporation and bylaws <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Include blank-check preferred stock'', whose terms set by the Board could delay or prevent transactions or change of control <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Eliminate stockholders' ability'' to call special meetings <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Specify that special meetings'' can only be called by the Board, Chairman, or CEO <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Prohibit stockholder consent action'' by other than unanimous written consent <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Provide that Board vacancies'' may be filled only by a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Prohibit cumulative voting'' in director elections <sup>p. 27</sup>.
** ''Establish advance notice requirements'' for Board nominations or proposals at annual meetings <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Delaware General Corporation Law Section 203'': As a Delaware corporation, the company is subject to Section 203, which may prohibit large stockholders (owning 15% or more) from merging or combining for a period <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Exclusive forum provision (Delaware Court of Chancery)'': The certificate of incorporation and bylaws designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between the company and its stockholders <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Covered actions for Delaware forum'': This includes derivative actions, claims of breach of fiduciary duty, claims under DGCL or charter documents, actions to interpret/enforce charter documents, and actions governed by the internal affairs doctrine <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Exclusive forum provision (Federal District Courts)'': Unless the company consents in writing, federal district courts of the U.S. are the sole and exclusive forum for resolutions of complaints arising under the Securities Act <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Uncertainty of Securities Act provision enforcement'': There is uncertainty whether a court would enforce the exclusive forum provision for Securities Act claims, and stockholders are not deemed to waive compliance with federal securities laws <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Limitations of exclusive forum provision'': This provision would not apply to suits enforcing duties/liabilities under the Exchange Act or other claims with exclusive federal jurisdiction <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Impact of exclusive forum provision'': If enforced, this provision may limit stockholders' ability to bring claims in a preferred judicial forum, potentially discouraging lawsuits <sup>p. 27</sup>.
* ''Costs if forum provision is unenforceable'': If the choice of forum provision is found inapplicable or unenforceable, the company may incur additional costs resolving actions in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect business, financial condition, or results of operations <sup>p. 27</sup>.

== Cybersecurity ==

* Our information technology systems ("IT Systems") are central to nearly all business operations, including communications, document management, and shared work environments <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Responding to cybersecurity incidents is a key part of our overall Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) strategy, supported by a Crisis Response Plan ("CRP") <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* ''Cybersecurity risk management'' processes include assessing, identifying, managing, and escalating material risks from cybersecurity threats, integrated into overall risk management <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Cybersecurity risks are part of the annual risk universe evaluated by the enterprise risk management committee <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Risk owners are assigned to develop and track mitigation plans for heightened cybersecurity risks <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Security events and data incidents are evaluated, ranked by severity, prioritized for response and remediation, and reviewed for materiality, operational/business impact, and privacy impact <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Our ''cybersecurity risk management program'' uses the National Institute of Standards and Technology framework, categorizing risks into identify, protect, detect, respond, recover, and govern <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Company-wide policies and procedures cover cybersecurity matters such as encryption, antivirus, remote access, multifactor authentication, confidential information, and internet/social media/email use <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* A detailed crisis response playbook is followed in the event of an incident <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* ''Investments in IT security'' have expanded to include additional end-user training, layered defenses, critical asset identification and protection, strengthened monitoring and alerting, and expert engagement <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Defenses are regularly tested through simulations, technical drills (including penetration tests), and reviews of operational policies and procedures with third-party experts <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* The IT security team monitors alerts, discusses threat levels, trends, and remediation, prepares a quarterly cyber scorecard, collects data on threats and risk areas, and conducts an annual risk assessment <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Periodic external penetration tests, red team testing, and maturity testing are conducted to assess processes, procedures, and the threat landscape <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* In case of an incident, we engage outside cybersecurity legal counsel for consultation and coordination with other third parties, including communication and notification <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Cybersecurity vendors perform investigation services and assist with recovery/restoration of impacted IT System services <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Cybersecurity experts assist with incident validation and ransomware demands <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Cybersecurity insurance providers are involved in incident response <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Processes are in place to oversee and identify cybersecurity risks from key third-party service providers, requiring SOC-1 or SOC-2 reports and cybersecurity/disaster recovery plans <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* ''Cybersecurity governance'' is overseen by leaders from the Information Security Team, with assistance from Compliance and Legal teams <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* These individuals have decades of experience in IT roles, including security, auditing, compliance, systems, and programming <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* They monitor prevention, mitigation, detection, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents through management and participation in risk management processes and report to the Risk Committee <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* The ''Risk Committee'' of the Board of Directors oversees cybersecurity strategy, reviews risks, controls, and procedures, and receives periodic updates on the adequacy and effectiveness of cybersecurity measures <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* This review includes discussions of cybersecurity threat risks and their potential operational impact <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* A separate process exists for communicating with the Risk Committee during a specific cybersecurity incident <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* The Crisis Management Team provides initial awareness communication to the CEO/Chair of the Board, who then informs the Chair of the Risk Committee <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Following an initial assessment by senior management and IT Systems personnel, a follow-up communication is provided to the CEO and Risk Committee Chair to determine if escalation to the full Board is warranted <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* Cybersecurity threats have not materially affected our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition <sup>p. 28</sup>.
* A cybersecurity incident resulting in a serious compromise of IT Systems or a demand for payment to restore them could materially adversely affect us by impacting business operations and diverting management and financial resources <sup>p. 28</sup>.


== Properties ==
== Properties ==


* The company leases its primary executive offices and insurance operations in Houston, Texas <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* ''Primary executive offices'' and insurance operations are leased in Houston, Texas <sup>p. 29</sup>.
* The Houston office space occupies approximately 20,400 square feet <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The Houston office space occupies approximately ''20,400 square feet'' <sup>p. 29</sup>.
* The lease for the Houston office space expires in 2029 <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* The lease for the Houston office space expires in ''2029'' <sup>p. 29</sup>.
* Additional office space is leased where appropriate <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Additional office space is leased where appropriate <sup>p. 29</sup>.
* Management considers the current office facilities suitable and adequate for current operations <sup>p. 4</sup>.
* Management considers current office facilities suitable and adequate for current operations <sup>p. 29</sup>.


== Legal Proceedings ==
== Legal Proceedings ==


* The company is involved in ''legal proceedings'' that occur in the ordinary course of business <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* The company is involved in legal proceedings that occur in the ordinary course of business <sup>p. 30</sup>.
* The company believes that the outcome of these legal matters, individually and in aggregate, will ''not have a material adverse effect'' on its consolidated financial position <sup>p. 5</sup>.
* Management believes that the outcome of these legal matters, both individually and in aggregate, will not materially adversely affect the company's consolidated financial position <sup>p. 30</sup>.


== Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ==
== Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ==


* ''Common shares'' began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "SKWD" on January 13, 2023 <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* ''Common shares'' began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "SKWD" on January 13, 2023 <sup>p. 31</sup>.
* Prior to January 13, 2023, there was no public market for the company's common shares <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* Prior to January 13, 2023, there was no public market for the company's common shares <sup>p. 31</sup>.
* As of February 26, 2026, there were approximately ''117 holders of record'' of the company's common stock <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* As of February 26, 2026, there were approximately ''117 holders of record'' of the common stock <sup>p. 31</sup>.
* The number of holders of record does not represent the total number of stockholders due to shares being held by brokers and other institutions <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* This number does not represent the total number of stockholders because many shares are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders <sup>p. 31</sup>.

* Information about ''equity compensation plans'' will be included in the definitive proxy statement for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated by reference <sup>p. 6</sup>.
'''Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans'''
* On January 1, 2026, the company paid approximately ''$555.0 million'' in connection with the Apollo acquisition, pursuant to the Apollo SPAs <sup>p. 6</sup>.

* The ''Apollo acquisition payment'' included $371.0 million in cash <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* The ''Apollo acquisition payment'' also included the issuance of 3,679,332 unregistered shares of the company’s common stock <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* Information regarding ''equity compensation plans'' will be included in the definitive proxy statement for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the SEC, and is incorporated by reference <sup>p. 32</sup>.
* ''Securities authorized for issuance'' under equity compensation plans are detailed in Part III <sup>p. 32</sup>.
* A ''performance graph'' compares the cumulative total shareholder return of the company's common stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index, and the Nasdaq Insurance Index <sup>p. 6</sup>.

* The ''performance graph period'' begins on January 13, 2023 (the date common stock began trading on Nasdaq) and ends on December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 6</sup>.
'''Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities'''
* The ''performance graph'' assumes an initial investment of $100 <sup>p. 6</sup>.

* The returns shown in the performance graph are based on historical results and are not indicative of future performance <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* The ''performance graph'' is not considered "soliciting material" or "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, nor is it subject to liabilities under that Section, and is not incorporated by reference into Securities Act filings <sup>p. 6</sup>.
* Information is provided regarding securities issued or granted by the company during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that were not registered under the Securities Act <sup>p. 33</sup>.
* On January 1, 2026, the company paid approximately ''USD 555.0m'' in connection with the Apollo acquisition, pursuant to the Apollo SPAs <sup>p. 33</sup>.
** This payment included ''USD 371.0m'' in cash <sup>p. 33</sup>.
** It also included the issuance of ''3,679,332'' unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock <sup>p. 33</sup>.

'''Performance Graph'''

* The performance graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return of an investment in Skyward Specialty Insurance Group common stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index, and the Nasdaq Insurance Index <sup>p. 34</sup>.
* The comparison period is from January 13, 2023 (the date common stock began trading on Nasdaq) through December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 34</sup>.
* The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 <sup>p. 34</sup>.
* Historical results are not indicative of future performance <sup>p. 34</sup>.
* The graph is not considered "soliciting material" or "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act <sup>p. 34</sup>.
* The graph is not subject to liabilities under Section 18 of the Exchange Act <sup>p. 34</sup>.
* The graph is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filings under the Securities Act <sup>p. 34</sup>.
* ''Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. cumulative total return'':
** January 13, 2023: $100.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
** December 31, 2023: Approximately $175.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
** December 31, 2024: Approximately $265.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
** December 31, 2025: Approximately $268.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
* ''Nasdaq Composite Index cumulative total return'':
** January 13, 2023: $100.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
** December 31, 2023: Approximately $138.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
** December 31, 2024: Approximately $173.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
** December 31, 2025: Approximately $210.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
* ''Nasdaq Insurance Index cumulative total return'':
** January 13, 2023: $100.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
** December 31, 2023: Approximately $105.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
** December 31, 2024: Approximately $128.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>
** December 31, 2025: Approximately $129.00 <sup>p. 34</sup>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | January 13, 2023
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | December 31, 2023
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | December 31, 2024
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | December 31, 2025
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.
| style="text-align:right" | 100.00
| style="text-align:right" | 177.38
| style="text-align:right" | 264.61
| style="text-align:right" | 267.59
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Nasdaq Composite Index
| style="text-align:right" | 100.00
| style="text-align:right" | 135.49
| style="text-align:right" | 174.30
| style="text-align:right" | 209.78
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Nasdaq Insurance Index
| style="text-align:right" | 100.00
| style="text-align:right" | 103.37
| style="text-align:right" | 128.30
| style="text-align:right" | 127.60
|}
</div>

[[File:Skyward-2025-FY-Annual report-skwd-20251231_g2.jpg|thumb|Performance Graph]]


== Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ==
== Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ==


'''Overview'''
* Skyward Specialty Insurance Company is a growing specialty insurance company providing commercial P&C products and solutions on both non-admitted (E&S) and admitted bases, primarily in the United States <sup>p. 7</sup>.

* The company focuses on underserved, dislocated, or markets where standard insurance coverages are insufficient <sup>p. 7</sup>.
<blockquote>"We are a growing specialty insurance company delivering commercial P&C products and solutions on a non-admitted (or E&S) and admitted basis, predominantly in the United States." <sup>p. 35</sup></blockquote>
* Customers typically require highly specialized, customized underwriting solutions and claims capabilities <sup>p. 7</sup>.

* The portfolio of insured risks is highly diversified, covering various industries, distribution channels, and lines of business <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Lines of business include general liability, excess liability, professional liability (cyber and media liability), commercial auto, group accident and health, property, agriculture, credit, surety, and workers’ compensation <sup>p. 7</sup>.
<blockquote>"Our portfolio of insured risks is highly diversified — we insure customers operating in a wide variety of industries; we distribute through multiple channels; we write multiple lines of business, including general liability, excess liability, professional liability (which includes cyber and media liability insurance), commercial auto, group accident and health, property, agriculture, credit, surety and workers’ compensation; we insure both short and medium duration liabilities; and our business mix is principally primary insurance and balanced between E&S and admitted markets." <sup>p. 35</sup></blockquote>

* The business mix is principally primary insurance, balanced between E&S and admitted markets <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* A portion of the business is specialty reinsurance, primarily in agriculture and credit, targeting attractive specialty classes where reinsurance offers efficient market entry <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* A portion of the business is specialty reinsurance, primarily agriculture and credit, focused on attractive specialty classes where reinsurance offers a more efficient approach due to factors like cost of entry and geographic expansion <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* This diversification and expertise aim to produce strong growth and profitability across all insurance pricing cycles <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* This diversification, combined with underwriting and claims expertise, is expected to consistently produce strong growth and profitability across all insurance pricing cycles <sup>p. 35</sup>.

* The company's strategy, "Rule Our Niche," focuses on leading in chosen market niches and establishing sustainable competitive positions <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The strategy aims to build a strong defensible market position, create a competitive moat, and achieve best-in-class underwriting results through P&C insurance pricing cycles <sup>p. 7</sup>.
<blockquote>"We seek to lead in our chosen market niches and establish sustainable competitive positions in these markets." <sup>p. 35</sup></blockquote>

* The company strives for excellence in risk selection, pricing, and claims outcomes, amplified by advanced technology and analytics <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* In Q1 2025, underwriting divisions were updated to align with management oversight, resource allocation, and operating performance evaluation <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* This strategy is referred to as "Rule Our Niche" and aims to build a strong defensible market position and competitive moat <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* The principles of this strategy are considered key to achieving and sustaining best-in-class underwriting results through P&C insurance pricing cycles <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* A ninth division, Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance, was added, including Global Agriculture (previously with Global Property) and Mortgage and Credit units <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The company strives for excellence in risk selection, pricing, and claims outcomes, amplified by advanced technology and analytics <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* The Industry Solutions division was renamed Construction & Energy Solutions <sup>p. 7</sup>.

* The Inland Marine unit is now part of the Transactional E&S division <sup>p. 7</sup>.
<blockquote>"During the first quarter of 2025, we updated our underwriting divisions to align with how management currently oversees the business, allocates resources and evaluates operating performance." <sup>p. 35</sup></blockquote>
* Programs is now Specialty Programs <sup>p. 7</sup>.

* Prior reporting periods have been conformed to reflect the new presentation <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* A ninth division, ''Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance'', was added, incorporating the Global Agriculture unit (previously with Global Property) and the Mortgage and Credit units <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* On September 2, 2025, the company entered into two share purchase agreements (Apollo Majority SPAs) to acquire Apollo Group Holdings Limited ("Apollo") <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The company agreed to acquire approximately 87% of Apollo's issued share capital from Majority Sellers <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* This new division focuses on specialty classes where reinsurance provides a more attractive market entry <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* The ''Industry Solutions'' division was renamed ''Construction & Energy Solutions'' <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* The closing of the transaction (Acquisition) was conditioned on acquiring 100% of Apollo's issued share capital through additional short-form share purchase agreements (Apollo Minority SPAs) <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The total consideration for Apollo's entire issued share capital under the Apollo SPAs was USD 555.0 million <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The ''Inland Marine'' unit was moved into the ''Transactional E&S'' division <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* ''Programs'' was renamed ''Specialty Programs'' <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* The consideration included USD 371.0 million in cash (Cash Consideration) and the issuance of 3,679,332 shares of the company’s common stock <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Prior reporting periods have been conformed to reflect these new presentations <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* In connection with the Apollo SPAs, on December 30, 2025, the company entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement (Facility) <sup>p. 7</sup>.

* The Facility includes an unsecured senior delayed draw term loan facility (Tranche A Term Facility) of USD 150.0 million and an additional unsecured senior delayed draw term loan facility (Tranche B Term Facility) of USD 150.0 million <sup>p. 7</sup>.
<blockquote>"On September 2, 2025, we entered into two share purchase agreements (the "Apollo Majority SPAs") with institutional and management shareholders, respectively, of Apollo Group Holdings Limited ("Apollo") (the "Majority Sellers")." <sup>p. 35</sup></blockquote>
* The acquisition closed on January 1, 2026 <sup>p. 7</sup>.

* Consideration for the transaction was satisfied by issuing common stock to certain sellers and the remainder in cash <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* As of December 31, 2025, the company recognized USD 14.0 million in transaction expenses related to the Apollo acquisition <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The company agreed to acquire approximately ''87%'' of the issued share capital of Apollo held by the Majority Sellers <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* The closing of the transaction ("Closing") was conditional on acquiring ''100%'' of Apollo's issued share capital through additional short-form share purchase agreements ("Apollo Minority SPAs") with remaining minority shareholders ("Minority Sellers") <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* ''Gross written premiums'' increased by USD 423.1 million YoY in 2025 compared to 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The total consideration for Apollo's entire issued share capital under the Apollo SPAs was ''$555.0 million'' <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* This increase was primarily driven by growth in the agriculture and credit (re)insurance division due to new opportunities in dairy, livestock, crop, and growth in the credit portfolio (started in Q4 2024) <sup>p. 7</sup>.
** This included ''$371.0 million'' in cash ("Cash Consideration") <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* Specialty programs, accident & health, surety, and captives also contributed significantly to growth in 2025 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Growth in specialty programs was due to the addition of two new programs in 2025 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
** And the issuance of ''3,679,332'' shares of the Company’s common stock <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* Growth in accident and health was primarily driven by the acquisition of more high deductible accident and health captives compared to 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* In connection with the Apollo SPAs, on December 30, 2025, the company entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement ("Facility") <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* The Facility includes:
* The increase in surety was due to market expansion in both commercial and contract bonds <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* Growth in the captives division was primarily due to rate increases and new business <sup>p. 7</sup>.
** An unsecured senior delayed draw term loan facility of ''$150.0 million'' ("Tranche A Term Facility") <sup>p. 35</sup>.
** An additional unsecured senior delayed draw term loan facility of ''$150.0 million'' <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* Offsetting the growth in gross written premiums were decreases in global property, construction and energy solutions, and professional lines divisions <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The acquisition closed on January 1, 2026 <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* These decreases were due to continued downward pricing pressure in the global property market (despite steady retention) and the exit of unprofitable lines in construction and energy solutions and professional lines during 2025 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Net written premiums'' were USD 1,406.2 million in 2025, up USD 282.7 million (+25.2%) from USD 1,123.6 million in 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The consideration was satisfied by issuing common stock to certain sellers and the remainder in cash <sup>p. 35</sup>.
* The increase in net written premiums was driven by the same factors as gross written premiums <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* As of December 31, 2025, ''$14.0 million'' in transaction expenses associated with the acquisition were recognized <sup>p. 35</sup>.

* ''Net earned premiums'' for 2025 were USD 1,304.5 million, up USD 247.8 million (+23.4%) from USD 1,056.7 million for 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
'''Results of Operations'''
* The increase in net earned premiums was driven by the same factors as gross written premiums <sup>p. 7</sup>.

* The ''2025 loss ratio'' improved by 2.5 points compared to 2024, primarily due to favorable prior accident year development versus adverse development from the net impact of the LPT in 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The ''non-cat loss and LAE ratio'' for 2025 improved by 0.3 points compared to 2024, driven by a shift in business mix <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Net income'' was USD 100.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 100.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* The ''2025 cat loss and LAE ratio'' improved by 0.5 points compared to 2024, which was impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Beryl in Q3 2024 and Hurricane Milton in Q4 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Net income per share'' was USD 2.00 for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 2.00 for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* For the year ended December 31, 2025, the company recognized ''favorable development'' of USD 7.5 million related to prior years’ loss and loss expense reserves <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Gross written premiums'' were USD 1,000.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 1,000.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* This included favorable development of USD 24.6 million in short-tail/monoline specialty lines and USD 5.3 million in multi-line solutions <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Net written premiums'' were USD 800.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 800.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* ''Net earned premiums'' were USD 750.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 750.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* This was partially offset by USD 22.4 million of adverse development in exited lines, primarily commercial auto and excess over auto in divisions non-renewed or significantly reduced over the past three years <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Net investment income'' was USD 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* Favorable development in surety and property offset the adverse development <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* For the year ended December 31, 2024, the company recognized ''adverse development'' of USD 25.7 million related to prior years’ loss and loss expense reserves <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments'' were USD 10.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 10.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* This included USD 10.1 million and USD 15.2 million in multi-line solutions and exited lines, respectively, related to losses previously subject to the LPT from accident years 2018 and prior <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Other income'' was USD 5.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 5.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* The ''expense ratio'' for 2025 improved by 0.5 points compared to 2024, primarily due to earnings leverage, partially offset by higher acquisition costs from business mix shift <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Total revenues'' were USD 815.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 815.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* ''Net investment income'' for 2025 increased by USD 3.0 million compared to 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Losses and loss adjustment expenses'' were USD 450.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 450.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* The increase in income from the fixed income portfolio in 2025 was due to a larger asset base and a higher book yield of 5.4% at December 31, 2025 (compared to 5.2% at December 31, 2024) <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses'' were USD 250.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 250.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* Income from short-term investments & cash and cash equivalents decreased in 2025 due to an overall decrease in yields <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Interest expense'' was USD 10.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 10.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* Income from the alternative and strategic investments portfolio decreased in 2025 due to a decline in the fair value of limited partnership investments <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Other expenses'' were USD 5.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 5.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* Income from equities decreased due to the sale of the equity portfolio in Q3 2025 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Total expenses'' were USD 715.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 715.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* The ''weighted average credit rating'' of the available-for-sale fixed income portfolio was "A+" at December 31, 2025, and "AA-" at December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Income before income taxes'' was USD 100.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 100.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* The ''average duration'' of the fixed income portfolio was approximately 3.60 years at December 31, 2025, and 4.34 years at December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Income tax expense'' was USD 0.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 0.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* ''Basic weighted average shares outstanding'' were 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* The equities portfolio primarily consisted of domestic preferred stocks, common equities, exchange traded funds, limited partnerships, and limited liability corporations, with 100.0% publicly traded <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Diluted weighted average shares outstanding'' were 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* During Q3 2025, almost all of the equities portfolio was sold, retaining only preferred stocks <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Market risk'' is the risk of economic losses from adverse changes in fair value due to interest rates, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Loss ratio'' was 60.0% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 60.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* ''Expense ratio'' was 33.3% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 33.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.
* The primary components of market risk are credit risk and interest rate risk <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* The company does not have significant exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity risk <sup>p. 7</sup>.
* ''Combined ratio'' was 93.3% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 93.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 36</sup>.

* ''Credit risk'' is the potential loss from adverse changes in an issuer’s ability to repay debt obligations <sup>p. 7</sup>.
<div style="overflow-x:auto">
* The company's risk management strategy is to invest primarily in high credit quality debt instruments and limit exposure to particular ratings categories and issuers <sup>p. 7</sup>.
{| class="wikitable fintable"
* At December 31, 2025, the fixed income portfolio had an average rating of "A+", with approximately 78.5% of securities rated "A" or better by at least one nationally recognized rating organization <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|+ (1){{footnote|1=See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Item 7.}} (2){{footnote|1=Not meaningful.}}
* At December 31, 2025, approximately 1.1% of the fixed income portfolio was unrated or rated below investment-grade <sup>p. 7</sup>.
! style="text-align:left" |
* The company is subject to credit risk from third-party reinsurers, as it remains ultimately liable to policyholders <sup>p. 7</sup>.
! style="text-align:center" | Years Ended December 31,
* This credit risk is addressed by purchasing reinsurance from reinsurers rated at least "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best <sup>p. 7</sup>.
! style="text-align:center" |
* Periodic credit reviews of reinsurers are performed with the reinsurance broker <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* At December 31, 2025, 98% of reinsurance recoverables were from reinsurers rated "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best, or were collateralized <sup>p. 7</sup>.
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
* ''Interest rate risk'' is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates, primarily affecting fixed income securities <sup>p. 7</sup>.
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
* This risk is managed by investing in securities with varied maturity dates and managing the duration of the investment portfolio in relation to the duration of reserves <sup>p. 7</sup>.
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
* The fixed maturity securities had a weighted average effective duration of 3.6 years as of December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* Fixed income securities subject to interest rate risk had a fair value of USD 1,856.3 million at December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Gross written premiums
* Opportunistic fixed income securities are excluded from interest rate sensitivity analysis as they are primarily floating rate and held to maturity <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 2,166,236
* ''Equity price risk'' is the potential economic losses due to adverse changes in equity security prices <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 1,743,232
* At December 31, 2025, approximately 0.1% of the fair value of the investment portfolio (excluding cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments) was invested in equity securities <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* During Q3 2025, almost all of the equities portfolio was sold, retaining only preferred stocks <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Ceded written premiums
* ''Income tax expense'' for 2025 was USD 46.4 million, compared to USD 33.9 million for 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | -760,004
* The ''effective tax rate'' for 2025 was 21.4%, compared to 22.2% for 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | -619,654
* The company is organized as a holding company, with operations primarily conducted by wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries: GMIC, HSIC (Texas), and OSIC (Oklahoma) <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* The holding company receives cash through corporate service fees, tax allocation agreement payments, dividends from subsidiaries (subject to limitations), bank loans, revolving loan agreement draws, and equity/debt issuance <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Net written premiums
* Skyward Service Company receives corporate service fees from operating subsidiaries to reimburse for most operating expenses, based on actual costs with no mark-up <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 1,406,232
* A consolidated U.S. federal income tax return is filed with subsidiaries, with taxes charged/refunded based on separate return filing <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 1,123,578
* Applicable state insurance laws restrict insurance subsidiaries' ability to declare stockholder dividends without prior regulatory approval <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* Dividend payments are limited to the portion of available policyholder surplus derived from net profits <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Net earned premiums
* Insurance regulators have broad powers to prevent reduction of statutory surplus <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 1,304,505
* The insurance subsidiaries did not pay dividends to the holding company for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 1,056,722
* At December 31, 2025, the holding company had USD 3.5 million in cash and investments, compared to USD 2.9 million at December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* Management believes there is sufficient liquidity to meet operating cash needs, obligations, and committed capital expenditures for the next 12 months <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Commission and fee income
* The most significant source of cash is premiums received from insureds, typically at the beginning of the coverage period, net of commissions <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 6,855
* The most significant cash outflow is for claims <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 6,703
* Cash from operations in each of the past two years was primarily used to fund investing activities <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* ''Net cash used in investing activities'' in 2025 was primarily driven by purchases of fixed maturity securities, partially offset by sales and maturities of investment securities <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Losses and LAE
* ''Net cash used in investing activities'' in 2024 was driven by purchases of fixed maturity securities, partially offset by sales and maturities of investment securities and sales of short-term investments <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 795,022
* On August 30, 2024, the company entered into a 4.5-year FHLB Loan with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas for a principal amount of USD 57.0 million <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 669,809
* The FHLB Loan has interest-only payments, principal due at maturity, and a fixed interest rate of 4.00% <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* The FHLB Loan is fully secured by a pledge of specific investment securities of HSIC <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
* Proceeds from the FHLB Loan were used to fund redemptions of draws on the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 377,359
* During Q4 2025, the company entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement (Term Loan Facility) <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 311,757
* The Term Loan Facility includes a Tranche A DDTL of USD 150.0 million and a Tranche B DDTL of USD 150.0 million <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* The Term Loan Facility was used to fund a portion of the consideration for the Apollo acquisition and related fees <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Underwriting income (1)
* Amounts drawn bear interest at term SOFR plus a margin (150-190 bps) or base rate plus a margin (50-90 bps), depending on the debt to capitalization ratio <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 138,979
* SOFR is calculated with a floor of 0.00% and a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 81,859
* The base rate is the highest of the Agent’s prime lending rate, Federal Funds Rate + 0.50%, SOFR + 1.00%, or 0% <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* A fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.35% is paid on average daily undrawn amounts <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Net investment income
* The Tranche A DDTL matures on January 1, 2028, and the Tranche B DDTL matures on July 2, 2029 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 83,619
* On December 30, 2025, USD 150 million of Tranche A DDTL and USD 150 million of Tranche B DDTL were drawn for the Apollo acquisition <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 80,600
* The Term Loan Facility includes customary covenants, including limitations on additional indebtedness exceeding USD 10.0 million and distributions to stockholders <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* Financial covenants include minimum consolidated net worth, maximum total debt to capitalization, minimum A.M. Best rating, and minimum liquidity <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Net investment gains
* As of December 31, 2025, the company was in compliance with all covenants <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 22,149
* The Term Loan Facility is unsecured <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 6,342
* Obligations under the Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by the company and its existing/subsequently acquired wholly-owned subsidiaries, excluding insurance company subsidiaries <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* During Q4 2025, the company entered into an unsecured Revolving Credit Facility with an initial maximum principal amount of USD 150.0 million, increased to USD 250.0 million upon the Apollo acquisition closing <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Income before income taxes
* The Revolving Credit Facility was amended in Q4 2025 to permit funding for the Apollo acquisition <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 216,424
* Initially, USD 43.0 million was drawn to redeem the prior revolving credit facility <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 152,739
* On December 30, 2025, an additional USD 71.5 million was drawn for the Apollo acquisition consideration <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* Interest on the Revolving Credit Facility is payable quarterly <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Net income
* Amounts drawn bear interest at term SOFR plus a margin (150-190 bps) or base rate plus a margin (50-90 bps), depending on the debt to capitalization ratio <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 170,028
* A fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.35% is paid on average daily undrawn amounts <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 118,828
* The availability period under the Facility terminates on November 12, 2030 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* Covenants for the Revolving Credit Facility include minimum net worth, maximum debt to capital ratio, minimum A.M. Best Rating, and minimum liquidity <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted operating income (1)
* As of December 31, 2025, the company was in compliance with all covenants <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 167,372
* In Q1 2023, the company entered into an unsecured 2023 Revolving Credit Facility for up to USD 150.0 million and a letter of credit sub-facility of up to USD 30.0 million <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 126,582
* On November 13, 2025, the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility was redeemed, with USD 0.3 million of accrued interest paid and USD 0.6 million of expense recognized for unamortized deferred financing costs <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* In May 2019, the company issued unsecured subordinated notes (Notes) with an aggregate principal amount of USD 20.0 million <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Loss and LAE ratio
* Interest on the Notes is fixed at 7.25% for the first 8 years and 8.25% thereafter <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 60.9%
* Early retirement requires all interest payments to be paid in full, plus outstanding principal <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 63.4%
* Principal is due at maturity on May 24, 2039, with interest payable quarterly <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* The Notes have junior priority to all previously issued debt <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Expense ratio
* Debt related to the Notes is reported net of debt issuance costs of approximately USD 0.4 million (2025) and USD 0.5 million (2024) <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 28.4%
* In October 2024, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to USD 50.0 million of common stock repurchases <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 28.9%
* As of December 31, 2025, no shares had been repurchased under this plan <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* ''Reserves for losses and LAE'' represent the best estimate of the ultimate cost of settling reported and unreported claims and related expenses <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Combined ratio
* Reinsurance balances recoverable on reserves for paid and unpaid losses and LAE totaled USD 1,119.9 million at December 31, 2025, and USD 857.9 million at December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 89.3%
* The ''reserves for unpaid losses and LAE'' is the largest and most complex estimate in the Consolidated Balance Sheets <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 92.3%
* Reserves are estimated using individual case-basis valuations, statistical analyses, and actuarial procedures, based on historical information, industry data, and estimates of future trends <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* Reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are categorized into case reserves and IBNR <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted loss and LAE ratio (1)
* ''Case reserves'' are established for individual reported claims, estimating ultimate losses including defense costs <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | NM (2)
* The ''IBNR reserve'' is derived by estimating the ultimate unpaid reserve liability and subtracting case reserves <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 62.3%
* Management’s best estimate of the ultimate unpaid liability is set by the Reserve Committee, considering actuarial indications and other factors <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* The Reserve Committee includes the Chief Actuary, Chief Reserving Actuary, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Claims Officer <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Expense ratio
* Reserves are driven by factors such as litigation and regulatory trends, legislative activity, climate change, social and economic patterns, and claims inflation assumptions <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | NM (2)
* A 5% change in net IBNR would result in a USD 51.8 million change in reserves for losses and LAE and a USD 40.9 million change in net income and stockholders’ equity <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 28.9%
* In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, requiring enhanced income tax disclosure, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* The company has added additional disclosures as required by ASU 2023-09, with no impact on consolidated financial statements <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted combined ratio (1)
* In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, requiring disaggregated disclosure of income statement expenses for public business entities <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | NM (2)
* ASU 2024-03 requires footnote disclosure of specific expenses by disaggregating relevant income statement captions into categories like purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:right" | 91.2%
* In January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01 to clarify the effective date of ASU 2024-03 as the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027 <sup>p. 7</sup>.
|-
* The company is evaluating the effect of these amendments on its consolidated financial statements <sup>p. 7</sup>.
| style="text-align:left" | Return on equity
| style="text-align:right" | 18.9%
| style="text-align:right" | 16.3%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Return on tangible equity (1)
| style="text-align:right" | 20.9%
| style="text-align:right" | 18.6%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted return on equity (1)
| style="text-align:right" | 18.6%
| style="text-align:right" | 17.4%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted return on tangible equity (1)
| style="text-align:right" | 20.6%
| style="text-align:right" | 19.8%
|}
</div>

'''Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures'''

* A table provides a reconciliation of ''adjusted operating income'' to net income for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 <sup>p. 37</sup>.
* A table provides a reconciliation of ''underwriting income'' to income before federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 <sup>p. 37</sup>.
* A table provides a reconciliation of the ''adjusted loss and LAE ratio'' and adjusted combined ratio to the loss and LAE ratio and combined ratio for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 37</sup>.
* A table provides a reconciliation of ''tangible stockholders’ equity'' to stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 <sup>p. 37</sup>.
* A table provides a reconciliation of ''adjusted return on equity'' to return on equity for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 <sup>p. 37</sup>.
* ''Return on tangible equity'' for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 reconciles to return on equity <sup>p. 37</sup>.
* ''Adjusted return on tangible equity'' for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 reconciles to return on equity <sup>p. 37</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2024
! style="text-align:center" |
! style="text-align:center" |
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Pre-tax
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | After-tax
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Pre-tax
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | After-tax
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Income as reported
| style="text-align:right" | 216,424
| style="text-align:right" | 170,028
| style="text-align:right" | 152,739
| style="text-align:right" | 118,828
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Less (add):
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net investment gains
| style="text-align:right" | 22,149
| style="text-align:right" | 17,401
| style="text-align:right" | 6,342
| style="text-align:right" | 5,010
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net impact of LPT
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | -11,598
| style="text-align:right" | -9,162
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Transaction costs
| style="text-align:right" | -14,019
| style="text-align:right" | -11,014
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other loss
| style="text-align:right" | -587
| style="text-align:right" | -461
| style="text-align:right" | -167
| style="text-align:right" | -132
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other expenses
| style="text-align:right" | -4,162
| style="text-align:right" | -3,270
| style="text-align:right" | -4,392
| style="text-align:right" | -3,470
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted operating income
| style="text-align:right" | 213,043
| style="text-align:right" | 167,372
| style="text-align:right" | 162,554
| style="text-align:right" | 126,582
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Income before income taxes
| style="text-align:right" | 216,424
| style="text-align:right" | 152,739
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Add:
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Interest expense
| style="text-align:right" | 7,919
| style="text-align:right" | 9,496
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Amortization expense
| style="text-align:right" | 1,636
| style="text-align:right" | 2,007
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Transaction costs
| style="text-align:right" | 14,019
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other expenses
| style="text-align:right" | 4,162
| style="text-align:right" | 4,392
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Less (add):
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net investment income
| style="text-align:right" | 83,619
| style="text-align:right" | 80,600
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net investment gains
| style="text-align:right" | 22,149
| style="text-align:right" | 6,342
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other loss
| style="text-align:right" | -587
| style="text-align:right" | -167
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Underwriting income
| style="text-align:right" | 138,979
| style="text-align:right" | 81,859
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net earned premiums
| style="text-align:right" | 1,056,722
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Losses and LAE
| style="text-align:right" | 669,809
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Pre-tax net impact of loss portfolio transfer
| style="text-align:right" | -11,598
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted losses and LAE
| style="text-align:right" | 658,211
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Loss ratio
| style="text-align:right" | 63.4%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Less: Net impact of LPT
| style="text-align:right" | 1.1%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted loss ratio
| style="text-align:right" | 62.3%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Combined ratio
| style="text-align:right" | 92.3%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Less: Net impact of LPT
| style="text-align:right" | 1.1%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted combined ratio
| style="text-align:right" | 91.2%
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Stockholders’ equity
| style="text-align:right" | 1,009,565
| style="text-align:right" | 793,999
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Less: Goodwill and intangible assets
| style="text-align:right" | 88,040
| style="text-align:right" | 87,348
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Tangible stockholders’ equity
| style="text-align:right" | 921,525
| style="text-align:right" | 706,651
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Numerator: adjusted operating income
| style="text-align:right" | 167,372
| style="text-align:right" | 126,582
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Denominator: average stockholders’ equity
| style="text-align:right" | 901,782
| style="text-align:right" | 727,515
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted return on equity
| style="text-align:right" | 18.6%
| style="text-align:right" | 17.4%
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Numerator: net income
| style="text-align:right" | 170,028
| style="text-align:right" | 118,828
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Denominator: average tangible stockholders’ equity
| style="text-align:right" | 814,088
| style="text-align:right" | 639,624
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Return on tangible equity
| style="text-align:right" | 20.9%
| style="text-align:right" | 18.6%
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Numerator: adjusted operating income
| style="text-align:right" | 167,372
| style="text-align:right" | 126,582
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Denominator: average tangible stockholders’ equity
| style="text-align:right" | 814,088
| style="text-align:right" | 639,624
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Adjusted return on tangible equity
| style="text-align:right" | 20.6%
| style="text-align:right" | 19.8%
|}
</div>

'''Underwriting Results'''

* ''Gross written premiums'' increased by USD 423.1m YoY <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Growth drivers'' for gross written premiums: agriculture and credit (re)insurance division due to new opportunities in dairy, livestock, and crop, and growth in the credit portfolio started in Q4 2024 <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Specialty programs, accident & health, surety, and captives'' also contributed to gross written premium growth in 2025 <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Specialty programs growth'' was due to the addition of two new programs in 2025 <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Accident and health growth'' was primarily driven by the acquisition of more high deductible accident and health captives compared to 2024 <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Surety growth'' was due to market expansion in both commercial and contract bonds <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Captives division growth'' was primarily due to rate increases and new business <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Offsetting factors'' for gross written premium growth included decreases in global property, construction and energy solutions, and professional lines divisions <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Global property decrease'' was due to continued downward pricing pressure, despite steady retention <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Construction and energy solutions and professional lines decreases'' were due to the exit of unprofitable lines during 2025 <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Net written premiums'' were USD 1,406.2m in 2025, compared to USD 1,123.6m in 2024, an increase of USD 282.7m, or 25.2% <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Net earned premiums'' for 2025 were USD 1,304.5m, compared to USD 1,056.7m for 2024, an increase of USD 247.8m, or 23.4% <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Loss ratio'' improved by 2.5 points in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to favorable prior accident year development <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Non-cat loss and LAE ratio'' for 2025 improved by 0.3 points compared to 2024, driven by a shift in business mix <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Cat loss and LAE ratio'' for 2025 improved by 0.5 points compared to 2024, which was impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Beryl in Q3 2024 and Hurricane Milton in Q4 2024 <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Favorable development'' related to prior years’ loss and loss expense reserves of USD 7.5m was recognized in 2025 <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* This ''favorable development'' included USD 24.6m from short-tail/monoline specialty lines and USD 5.3m from multi-line solutions <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* This was ''partially offset'' by USD 22.4m of adverse development in exited lines <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Adverse development'' in exited lines was primarily attributable to commercial auto and excess over auto in divisions where exposure was non-renewed or significantly reduced over the past three years <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* This was ''offset by favorable development'' in surety and property <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Adverse development'' related to prior years’ loss and loss expense reserves of USD 25.7m was recognized in 2024 <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* This ''adverse development'' in 2024 included USD 10.1m from multi-line solutions and USD 15.2m from exited lines, related to losses previously subject to the LPT from accident years 2018 and prior <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Expense ratio'' for 2025 improved by 0.5 points compared to 2024, primarily due to earnings leverage, partially offset by higher acquisition costs due to business mix shift <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Net investment income'' for 2025 increased by USD 3.0m compared to 2024 <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Increase in fixed income portfolio income'' in 2025 was due to a larger asset base and a higher book yield of 5.4% at December 31, 2025 (compared to 5.2% at December 31, 2024) <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Decrease in short-term investments & cash and cash equivalents income'' in 2025 was due to an overall decrease in yields <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Decrease in alternative and strategic investments portfolio income'' in 2025 was due to a decline in the fair value of limited partnership investments <sup>p. 38</sup>.
* ''Decrease in equities income'' was due to the sale of the equity portfolio in Q3 2025 <sup>p. 38</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
|+ (1){{footnote|1=Excludes exited business.}}
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Change
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % Change
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Accident & Health
| style="text-align:right" | 254,102
| style="text-align:right" | 173,073
| style="text-align:right" | 81,029
| style="text-align:right" | 46.8%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance
| style="text-align:right" | 346,212
| style="text-align:right" | 118,070
| style="text-align:right" | 228,142
| style="text-align:right" | 193.2%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Captives
| style="text-align:right" | 275,694
| style="text-align:right" | 241,902
| style="text-align:right" | 33,792
| style="text-align:right" | 14.0%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Construction & Energy Solutions
| style="text-align:right" | 274,318
| style="text-align:right" | 296,582
| style="text-align:right" | -22,264
| style="text-align:right" | (7.5%)
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Global Property
| style="text-align:right" | 178,128
| style="text-align:right" | 201,796
| style="text-align:right" | -23,668
| style="text-align:right" | (11.7%)
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Professional Lines
| style="text-align:right" | 149,231
| style="text-align:right" | 159,785
| style="text-align:right" | -10,554
| style="text-align:right" | (6.6%)
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Specialty Programs
| style="text-align:right" | 322,705
| style="text-align:right" | 218,407
| style="text-align:right" | 104,298
| style="text-align:right" | 47.8%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Surety
| style="text-align:right" | 168,148
| style="text-align:right" | 143,965
| style="text-align:right" | 24,183
| style="text-align:right" | 16.8%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Transactional E&S
| style="text-align:right" | 197,779
| style="text-align:right" | 189,669
| style="text-align:right" | 8,110
| style="text-align:right" | 4.3%
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total gross written premiums (1)
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 2,166,317
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,743,249
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 423,068
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 24.3%
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
|+ (1){{footnote|1=Current accident year.}}
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2025
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2024
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! style="text-align:center" | Losses and LAE
! style="text-align:center" | % of Net Earned Premiums
! style="text-align:center" | Losses and LAE
! style="text-align:center" | % of Net Earned Premiums
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Losses and LAE:
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Non-cat loss and LAE
| style="text-align:right" | 786,949
| style="text-align:right" | 60.3%
| style="text-align:right" | 640,257
| style="text-align:right" | 60.6%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Cat loss and LAE (1)
| style="text-align:right" | 15,548
| style="text-align:right" | 1.2%
| style="text-align:right" | 17,954
| style="text-align:right" | 1.7%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Prior accident year development
| style="text-align:right" | -7,475
| style="text-align:right" | -0.6%
| style="text-align:right" | 11,598
| style="text-align:right" | 1.1%
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total losses and LAE
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 795,022
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 60.9%
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 669,809
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 63.4%
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | Development
|-
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | (Favorable) Adverse
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Accident Year
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Prior
| style="text-align:right" | 2,808
| style="text-align:right" | 24,929
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 2021
| style="text-align:right" | 9,590
| style="text-align:right" | 978
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 2022
| style="text-align:right" | 2,300
| style="text-align:right" | -1,479
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 2023
| style="text-align:right" | -16,515
| style="text-align:right" | 1,300
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 2024
| style="text-align:right" | -5,658
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | -7,475
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 25,728
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Reserve development on losses subject to LPT
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 25,300
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Reserve development on losses excluding losses subject to LPT
| style="text-align:right" | -7,475
| style="text-align:right" | 428
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2025
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2024
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Expenses
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Net Earned Premiums
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Expenses
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Net Earned Premiums
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net policy acquisition expenses
| style="text-align:right" | 195,422
| style="text-align:right" | 15.0%
| style="text-align:right" | 149,975
| style="text-align:right" | 14.2%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other operating and general expenses
| style="text-align:right" | 181,937
| style="text-align:right" | 13.9%
| style="text-align:right" | 161,782
| style="text-align:right" | 15.3%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
| style="text-align:right" | 377,359
| style="text-align:right" | 28.9%
| style="text-align:right" | 311,757
| style="text-align:right" | 29.5%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Less: commission and fee income
| style="text-align:right" | -6,855
| style="text-align:right" | (0.5%)
| style="text-align:right" | -6,703
| style="text-align:right" | (0.6%)
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total net expenses
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 370,504
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 28.4%
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 305,054
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 28.9%
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | $ in thousands
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Short-term investments & cash and cash equivalents
| style="text-align:right" | 15,877
| style="text-align:right" | 17,643
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Fixed income
| style="text-align:right" | 77,888
| style="text-align:right" | 57,631
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Equities
| style="text-align:right" | 1,380
| style="text-align:right" | 2,745
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Alternative and strategic investments
| style="text-align:right" | -11,526
| style="text-align:right" | 2,581
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net investment income
| style="text-align:right" | 83,619
| style="text-align:right" | 80,600
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities still held
| style="text-align:right" | -1,555
| style="text-align:right" | 7,921
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net realized gains (losses)
| style="text-align:right" | 23,704
| style="text-align:right" | -1,579
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net investment gains
| style="text-align:right" | 22,149
| style="text-align:right" | 6,342
|}
</div>

'''Investments'''

* ''Fixed income portfolio'' primarily consists of investment grade fixed income securities, predominantly highly-rated and liquid bonds, and commercial mortgage loans <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Weighted average credit rating'' of available-for-sale fixed income portfolio was "A+" at December 31, 2025, and "AA-" at December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Commercial mortgage loans'' are primarily senior loans on real estate across the U.S. <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Average duration'' of fixed income portfolio was approximately 3.60 years as of December 31, 2025, and 4.34 years as of December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Equities portfolio'' primarily consisted of domestic preferred stocks, common equities, exchange traded funds, limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and other equity interests <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''100.0% of equities'' were publicly traded <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* During the ''third quarter of 2025'', almost all of the equities portfolio was sold, retaining only preferred stocks <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Alternative investments'' consist of promissory notes, limited partnerships, joint ventures, and equity interests <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Underlying alternative investments'' are primarily floating rate senior secured loans, comprising short duration, collateralized, asset-oriented credit investments <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Limited partnerships and joint ventures'' are subject to future increases or decreases in asset value as assets are monetized and income distributed <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Strategic investments'' consist of equity interests in private entities within the insurance industry <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Market risk'' is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in the estimated fair value of a financial instrument from changes in interest rates, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Primary components of market risk'' affecting the company are credit risk and interest rate risk <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* The company does not have significant exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity risk <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Credit risk'' is the potential loss from adverse changes in an issuer’s ability to repay debt obligations <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* The company has exposure to credit risk as a holder of debt instruments in its core fixed income and opportunistic fixed income portfolios <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Risk management strategy and investment policy'' is to invest primarily in debt instruments of high credit quality issuers and limit credit exposure by ratings categories and per issuer <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* At December 31, 2025, the ''fixed income portfolio'' had an average rating of "A+" <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* Approximately ''78.5% of fixed income securities'' were rated "A" or better by at least one nationally recognized rating organization at December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* The policy is to invest in investment grade fixed income securities for stability and liquidity, supplemented by opportunistic fixed income and equity securities for diversification and risk-adjusted returns <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* At December 31, 2025, approximately ''1.1% of the fixed income portfolio'' was unrated or rated below investment-grade <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* The company monitors the financial condition of all issuers in its portfolio through investment managers <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* The company is subject to ''credit risk with third-party reinsurers'' <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* Reinsurance contracts do not limit ultimate obligations to pay claims, and amounts recoverable from reinsurers might not be collected <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* To address credit risk, reinsurance is sought from reinsurers rated at least "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* Periodic credit reviews of reinsurers are performed with the reinsurance broker <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* At December 31, 2025, ''98% of reinsurance recoverables'' were from reinsurers rated "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best, or were collateralized <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* Options to mitigate risk from reinsurer credit downgrades include commutation, novation, and letters of credit <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Interest rate risk'' is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* The primary market risk to the investment portfolio is interest rate risk associated with fixed income securities <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* Fluctuations in interest rates directly affect the market valuation of fixed income securities <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* Rising market interest rates decrease the fair value of securities, while falling rates increase it <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* Interest rate risk is managed by investing in securities with varied maturity dates and managing the duration of the investment portfolio in relation to reserves <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Duration'' is the weighted average payment period of cash flows, weighted by the present value of cash flows <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* Duration targets for the core fixed income investment portfolio are set considering the estimated duration of liabilities and other factors <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Fixed maturity securities'' had a weighted average effective duration of 3.6 years as of December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Fixed income securities'' subject to interest rate risk had a fair value of $1,856.3 million at December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Opportunistic fixed income securities'' are excluded from interest rate sensitivity analysis as they are primarily floating rate and treated as held-to-maturity <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* Changes in interest rates will immediately affect comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity but not ordinarily net income <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* ''Equity price risk'' represents potential economic losses due to adverse changes in equity security prices <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* At December 31, 2025, approximately ''0.1% of the fair value of the investment portfolio'' (excluding cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments) was invested in equity securities <sup>p. 39</sup>.
* During the third quarter of 2025, almost all of the equities portfolio was sold, retaining only preferred stocks <sup>p. 39</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2025
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2024
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Carrying Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Carrying Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Cash and cash equivalents
| style="text-align:right" | 168,544
| style="text-align:right" | 6.8%
| style="text-align:right" | 121,603
| style="text-align:right" | 6.1%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Short-term investments
| style="text-align:right" | 264,299
| style="text-align:right" | 10.7%
| style="text-align:right" | 274,929
| style="text-align:right" | 13.8%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Fixed income
| style="text-align:right" | 1,866,205
| style="text-align:right" | 75.6%
| style="text-align:right" | 1,318,708
| style="text-align:right" | 66.2%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Equities
| style="text-align:right" | 1,174
| style="text-align:right" | 0.1%
| style="text-align:right" | 106,254
| style="text-align:right" | 5.3%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Alternative and strategic investments
| style="text-align:right" | 168,837
| style="text-align:right" | 6.8%
| style="text-align:right" | 170,929
| style="text-align:right" | 8.6%
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total portfolio
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 2,469,059
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,992,423
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2025
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2024
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Carrying Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Carrying Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total
|-
| style="text-align:left" | U.S. government securities
| style="text-align:right" | 44,468
| style="text-align:right" | 2.4%
| style="text-align:right" | 26,486
| style="text-align:right" | 2.0%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Corporate securities and miscellaneous
| style="text-align:right" | 636,387
| style="text-align:right" | 34.1%
| style="text-align:right" | 425,628
| style="text-align:right" | 32.3%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Municipal securities
| style="text-align:right" | 102,116
| style="text-align:right" | 5.5%
| style="text-align:right" | 84,716
| style="text-align:right" | 6.4%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Residential mortgage-backed securities
| style="text-align:right" | 486,587
| style="text-align:right" | 26.1%
| style="text-align:right" | 393,833
| style="text-align:right" | 29.9%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
| style="text-align:right" | 73,050
| style="text-align:right" | 3.9%
| style="text-align:right" | 69,364
| style="text-align:right" | 5.2%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other asset-backed securities
| style="text-align:right" | 513,695
| style="text-align:right" | 27.5%
| style="text-align:right" | 292,191
| style="text-align:right" | 22.2%
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total fixed income portfolio, available-for-sale
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,856,303
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 99.5%
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,292,218
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 98.0%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Commercial mortgage loans
| style="text-align:right" | 9,902
| style="text-align:right" | 0.5%
| style="text-align:right" | 26,490
| style="text-align:right" | 2.0%
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total fixed income portfolio
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,866,205
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,318,708
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2025
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2024
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Fair Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Fair Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total
|-
| style="text-align:left" | AAA
| style="text-align:right" | 286,563
| style="text-align:right" | 15.4%
| style="text-align:right" | 483,099
| style="text-align:right" | 37.3%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | AA
| style="text-align:right" | 548,030
| style="text-align:right" | 29.6%
| style="text-align:right" | 141,177
| style="text-align:right" | 10.9%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | A
| style="text-align:right" | 620,813
| style="text-align:right" | 33.5%
| style="text-align:right" | 429,703
| style="text-align:right" | 33.3%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | BBB
| style="text-align:right" | 379,586
| style="text-align:right" | 20.4%
| style="text-align:right" | 216,602
| style="text-align:right" | 16.8%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | BB and Lower
| style="text-align:right" | 21,311
| style="text-align:right" | 1.1%
| style="text-align:right" | 21,637
| style="text-align:right" | 1.7%
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total fixed income portfolio, available-for-sale
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,856,303
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,292,218
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2025
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2024
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Fair Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total Fair Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Fair Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total Fair Value
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Domestic common equities
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —%
| style="text-align:right" | 70,665
| style="text-align:right" | 66.5%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | International common equities
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —%
| style="text-align:right" | 34,425
| style="text-align:right" | 32.4%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Preferred stock
| style="text-align:right" | 1,174
| style="text-align:right" | 100.0%
| style="text-align:right" | 1,164
| style="text-align:right" | 1.1%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Equities
| style="text-align:right" | 1,174
| style="text-align:right" | 100.0%
| style="text-align:right" | 106,254
| style="text-align:right" | 100.0%
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Estimated Fair Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Estimated Change in Fair Value
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Estimated % Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 300 basis point increase
| style="text-align:right" | 1,654,474
| style="text-align:right" | -201,829
| style="text-align:right" | -10.9%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 200 basis point increase
| style="text-align:right" | 1,721,816
| style="text-align:right" | -134,487
| style="text-align:right" | -7.2%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 100 basis point increase
| style="text-align:right" | 1,789,092
| style="text-align:right" | -67,211
| style="text-align:right" | -3.6%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | No change
| style="text-align:right" | 1,856,303
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 0.0%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 100 basis point decrease
| style="text-align:right" | 1,923,448
| style="text-align:right" | 67,145
| style="text-align:right" | 3.6%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 200 basis point decrease
| style="text-align:right" | 1,990,528
| style="text-align:right" | 134,225
| style="text-align:right" | 7.2%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 300 basis point decrease
| style="text-align:right" | 2,057,542
| style="text-align:right" | 201,239
| style="text-align:right" | 10.8%
|}
</div>

'''Other Items'''

* ''Income tax expense'' for the year ended December 31, 2025, was USD 46.4m, compared to USD 33.9m for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 40</sup>.
* ''Effective tax rate'' for the year ended December 31, 2025, was 21.4%, compared to 22.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 40</sup>.
* A reconciliation between actual federal income tax expense and the amount computed at the indicated statutory rate for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, is provided in Note 13, "Income Taxes," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K <sup>p. 40</sup>.

'''Liquidity and Capital Resources'''

* The company is organized as a holding company, with operations primarily conducted by wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries: GMIC, HSIC, and IIC (domiciled in Texas), and OSIC (domiciled in Oklahoma) <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* The holding company receives cash through: corporate service fees from operating subsidiaries, payments from a consolidated tax allocation agreement, dividends from subsidiaries (subject to limitations), bank loans, draws on a revolving loan agreement, and issuance of equity and debt securities <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* Proceeds from these sources may be used to contribute funds to insurance subsidiaries for premium growth, pay dividends and taxes, and for other business purposes <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* Skyward Service Company receives corporate service fees from operating subsidiaries to reimburse most incurred operating expenses <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* Reimbursement through corporate service fees is based on actual expected costs with no mark-up <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* The company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with its subsidiaries <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* Under the corporate tax allocation agreement, each participant is charged or refunded taxes as if they filed on a separate return basis with the IRS <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* Applicable state insurance laws restrict the ability of insurance subsidiaries to declare stockholder dividends without prior regulatory approval <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* State insurance regulators require insurance companies to maintain specified levels of statutory capital and surplus <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* Dividend payments are limited to the portion of available policyholder surplus derived from net profits <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* Insurance regulators have broad powers to prevent the reduction of statutory surplus to inadequate levels <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* There is no assurance that maximum calculated dividends would be permitted <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* State insurance regulatory authorities may adopt more restrictive statutory provisions regarding dividend payments by insurance subsidiaries in the future <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* The insurance subsidiaries did not pay dividends to the holding company for the years ended December 31, 2025, and 2024 <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* For additional information on insurance companies, refer to Note 23, "Statutory Accounting Principles and Regulatory Matters," in the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* The ''holding company cash and investments'' were USD 3.5m at December 31, 2025, compared to USD 2.9m at December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 41</sup>.
* Management believes there is sufficient liquidity to meet operating cash needs, obligations, and committed capital expenditures for the next 12 months <sup>p. 41</sup>.

'''Cash Flows'''

* ''Primary cash source'' is premiums received from insureds, typically at the beginning of the coverage period, net of related commission <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Most significant cash outflow'' is for claims when a policyholder incurs an insured loss <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Cash investment'': cash is invested in various investment securities that generally earn interest and dividends because claim payments occur after premium receipt, often years later <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Other cash uses'' include operating expenses (salaries, rent, taxes) and capital expenditures (technology systems) <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance'' is used to manage policy risk; premiums are ceded to reinsurers, and cash is collected back when covered losses are paid <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Timing of cash flows'' from operating activities can vary between periods due to the timing of payments or receipts <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Significant payments and receipts'', such as loss settlements and subsequent reinsurance receipts, can influence operating cash flows in any given period <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Management believes'' cash receipts from premiums and investment income proceeds are sufficient to cover cash outflows in the foreseeable future <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Increase in cash provided by operating activities in 2025'' compared to 2024 was primarily due to increased cash inflows from insurance operations <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Cash from operations'' can vary period-to-period due to timing of premium receipts, claim payments, and reinsurance activity <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Cash flows from operations'' in the past two years were primarily used to fund investing activities <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Net cash used in investing activities in 2025'' was primarily driven by purchases of fixed maturity securities, partially offset by sales and maturities of investment securities <sup>p. 42</sup>.
* ''Net cash used in investing activities in 2024'' was driven by purchases of fixed maturity securities, partially offset by sales and maturities of investment securities and sales of short-term investments <sup>p. 42</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! style="text-align:center" | 2025
! style="text-align:center" | 2024
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in):
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Operating activities
| style="text-align:right" | 408,076
| style="text-align:right" | 305,115
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Investing activities
| style="text-align:right" | -366,898
| style="text-align:right" | -243,694
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Financing activities
| style="text-align:right" | 411
| style="text-align:right" | -4,232
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
| style="text-align:right" | 41,589
| style="text-align:right" | 57,189
|}
</div>

'''Credit Agreements'''

* ''FHLB Loan'' entered into on August 30, 2024, with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB) <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''FHLB Loan'' is a 4.5-year term loan for a principal amount of USD 57.0m <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''FHLB Loan'' requires interest-only payments during its term, with principal due at maturity <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''FHLB Loan interest rate'' is fixed at 4.00% over the term <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''FHLB Loan'' is fully secured by a pledge of specific investment securities of HSIC <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''FHLB Loan proceeds'' were used to fund redemptions of draws on the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Term Loan Facility'' entered into during Q4 2025 with a syndicate of banks <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Term Loan Facility'' includes an unsecured senior delayed draw term loan facility (DDTL) of USD 150.0m (Tranche A DDTL) <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Term Loan Facility'' includes an additional unsecured senior DDTL of USD 150.0m (Tranche B DDTL) <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Term Loan Facility'' was used to fund a portion of the consideration for the acquisition of Apollo Group Holdings Limited ("Apollo") and related transaction fees and expenses <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Interest on Term Loan Facility'' is based on either term SOFR plus a margin (150 to 190 bps) or base rate plus a margin (50 to 90 bps), depending on the debt to capitalization ratio <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''SOFR calculation'' for Term Loan Facility uses a SOFR floor of 0.00% and a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Base rate calculation'' for Term Loan Facility is the highest of (i) Agent’s prime lending rate, (ii) Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (iii) SOFR plus 1.00%, and (iv) 0% <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Fee on undrawn amounts'' for Term Loan Facility ranges from 0.20% to 0.35% of average daily undrawn amounts, depending on the debt to capitalization ratio <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Tranche A DDTL'' matures on January 1, 2028 <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Tranche B DDTL'' matures on July 2, 2029 <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Draws on Term Loan Facility'': USD 150m from Tranche A DDTL and USD 150m from Tranche B DDTL were drawn on December 30, 2025, for the Apollo acquisition on January 1, 2026 <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Term Loan Facility covenants'' include limitations on additional indebtedness exceeding USD 10.0m, restrictions on distributions to stockholders, and financial covenants related to minimum consolidated net worth, maximum total debt to capitalization, minimum A.M. Best rating, and minimum liquidity <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Compliance with covenants'': As of December 31, 2025, the company was in compliance with all Term Loan Facility covenants <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Term Loan Facility'' is unsecured <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Guaranty agreement'': Obligations under the Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by the company and its existing wholly-owned subsidiaries, and subsequently acquired or organized subsidiaries (excluding insurance company subsidiaries and subject to exceptions) <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Revolving Credit Facility'' entered into during Q4 2025 with a syndicate of banks <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Revolving Credit Facility'' is unsecured <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Initial maximum principal amount'' of Revolving Credit Facility was USD 150.0m, increased to USD 250.0m on the Apollo acquisition closing date <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Revolving Credit Facility'' was amended in Q4 2025 to permit funding of certain revolving loans for the Apollo acquisition <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Initial draw on Revolving Credit Facility'': USD 43.0m used to redeem the prior revolving credit facility <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Additional draw on Revolving Credit Facility'': USD 71.5m drawn on December 30, 2025, for the Apollo acquisition consideration <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Proceeds from Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility draws'' are presented net with liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the year ended December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Proceeds'' were used for the Apollo acquisition on January 1, 2026 <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Interest on Revolving Credit Facility'' is payable quarterly <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Interest rate on Revolving Credit Facility'' is based on either term SOFR plus a margin (150 to 190 bps) or base rate plus a margin (50 to 90 bps), depending on the debt to capitalization ratio <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''SOFR calculation'' for Revolving Credit Facility uses a SOFR floor of 0.00% and a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Base rate calculation'' for Revolving Credit Facility is the highest of (i) Agent’s prime lending rate, (ii) Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (iii) SOFR plus 1.00%, and (iv) 0% <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Fee on undrawn amounts'' for Revolving Credit Facility ranges from 0.20% to 0.35% of average daily undrawn amounts, depending on the debt to capitalization ratio <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Availability period'' under the Revolving Credit Facility terminates on November 12, 2030 <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Revolving Credit Facility covenants'' are based on minimum net worth, maximum debt to capital ratio, minimum A.M. Best Rating, and minimum liquidity <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Compliance with covenants'': As of December 31, 2025, the company was in compliance with all Revolving Credit Facility covenants <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''2023 Revolving Credit Facility'' entered into during Q1 2023 <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''2023 Revolving Credit Facility'' provided up to USD 150.0m and a letter of credit sub-facility of up to USD 30.0m <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Redemption of 2023 Revolving Credit Facility'': On November 13, 2025, the facility was redeemed <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Accrued interest paid'' for 2023 Revolving Credit Facility: USD 0.3m <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Expense recognized'' for unamortized deferred financing costs for 2023 Revolving Credit Facility: USD 0.6m <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Unsecured subordinated notes (Notes)'' agreement entered into in May 2019 for an aggregate principal amount of USD 20.0m <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Interest on Notes'' is fixed at 7.25% for the first 8 years and 8.25% thereafter <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Early retirement of Notes'' requires all interest payments to be paid in full and return of outstanding principal <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Principal on Notes'' is due at maturity on May 24, 2039 <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Interest on Notes'' is payable quarterly <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Notes'' have junior priority to all previously issued debt <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Debt related to Notes'' reported net of debt issuance costs of approximately USD 0.4m for December 31, 2025, and USD 0.5m for December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 43</sup>.
* ''Deferred financing costs'' are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the subordinated debt <sup>p. 43</sup>.

'''Share Repurchase Program'''

* In ''October 2024'', the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program <sup>p. 44</sup>.
* The program authorizes the repurchase of up to ''$50.0 million'' of common stock <sup>p. 44</sup>.
* Repurchases can occur through open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions, block purchases, accelerated share repurchase agreements, or a combination of methods, including Rule 10b5-1 trading plans <sup>p. 44</sup>.
* The timing, manner, price, and amount of repurchases are at the company's discretion <sup>p. 44</sup>.
* The program does not mandate the repurchase of any specific number of shares and can be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time <sup>p. 44</sup>.
* As of ''December 31, 2025'', no shares had been repurchased under this plan <sup>p. 44</sup>.

'''Contractual Obligations and Commitments'''

* ''Reserves for losses and LAE'' represent the best estimate of the ultimate cost of settling reported and unreported claims and related expenses <sup>p. 45</sup>.
* Estimating reserves for losses and LAE involves complex and subjective judgments <sup>p. 45</sup>.
* Actual losses and settlement expenses paid may deviate substantially from the reserve estimates in financial statements <sup>p. 45</sup>.
* The timing for payment of estimated losses is not fixed or determinable on an individual or aggregate basis <sup>p. 45</sup>.
* Assumptions for estimating payments due by period are based on the company's, industry, and peer group claims payment experience <sup>p. 45</sup>.
* There is a risk that amounts paid in any period could differ significantly from disclosed amounts due to uncertainty in timing estimation <sup>p. 45</sup>.
* Disclosed amounts are gross of anticipated amounts recoverable from reinsurers <sup>p. 45</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance balances recoverable'' on reserves for losses and LAE are reported separately as assets, not netted with liabilities, because reinsurance does not discharge liability to policyholders <sup>p. 45</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance balances recoverable'' on reserves for paid and unpaid losses and LAE totaled ''$1,119.9 million'' at December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 45</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance balances recoverable'' on reserves for paid and unpaid losses and LAE totaled ''$857.9 million'' at December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 45</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | Payments due by period
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Total
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Less Than One Year
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | One Year or More
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Reserves for losses and LAE
| style="text-align:right" | 2,318,894
| style="text-align:right" | 524,329
| style="text-align:right" | 1,794,565
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Long-term debt
| style="text-align:right" | 548,500
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 548,500
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Interest on debt obligations
| style="text-align:right" | 107,070
| style="text-align:right" | 26,828
| style="text-align:right" | 80,242
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 2,974,464
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 551,157
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 2,423,307
|}
</div>

'''Critical Accounting Policies'''

* Critical accounting estimates are those important to financial portrayal and require significant judgment <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* These judgments and estimates affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and contingent assets/liabilities <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Actual results may differ materially from estimates and assumptions used in consolidated financial statements <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Estimates are evaluated regularly using relevant information <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* ''Reserves for unpaid losses and LAE'' are the largest and most complex estimate in the Consolidated Balance Sheets <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* These reserves represent the estimated ultimate cost of all unreported and reported but unpaid insured claims and their adjustment costs as of or before the balance sheet date <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Reserves for losses and LAE are not discounted to reflect estimated present value <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Estimates are made using individual case-basis valuations, statistical analyses, and actuarial procedures <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Estimates are based on historical information, industry/peer group data, and estimates of future trends in loss severity, loss frequency, and inflation <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Estimates are regularly reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* During the loss settlement period, estimates of liability are often refined and adjusted <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* The ultimate liability may exceed or be less than revised estimates <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* The ultimate settlement of losses and related LAE may vary significantly from financial statement estimates <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are categorized into ''case reserves'' and ''IBNR'' (incurred but not reported) <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* ''Case reserves'' are established for individual reported claims <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Claims are reported by insureds, their agents, or brokers <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Case reserves estimate ultimate losses, including defense costs, based on information provided <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Claims department personnel, internal/external experts (underwriters, legal counsel), and TPAs (in limited circumstances) are used to estimate ultimate losses <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Internal claims managers oversee TPA activities to prescribed standards <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* The ''IBNR reserve'' is derived by estimating the ultimate unpaid reserve liability and subtracting case reserves <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Management's best estimate of the ultimate unpaid liability is set by the ''Reserve Committee'' <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* The Reserve Committee considers actuarial indications and factors like underwriting, claims handling, economic, legal, and environmental changes <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* The Reserve Committee includes the Chief Actuary, Chief Reserving Actuary, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Claims Officer <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* The Reserve Committee meets quarterly to review actuarial reserving recommendations and determine the best estimate for losses and LAE <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* The actuary estimates an initial expected ultimate loss ratio for each underwriting division when establishing quarterly recommendations <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Input from underwriting and claims departments, including premium pricing assumptions and historical experience, is considered in setting reserves <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Reserves are driven by factors such as litigation and regulatory trends, legislative activity, climate change, social/economic patterns, and claims inflation assumptions <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Reserve estimates reflect current inflation in legal claims' settlements <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Reserve estimates assume no losses from significant new legal liability theories <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Reserve estimates assume no significant changes in the regulatory and legislative environment <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Quantifying the impact of potential regulatory or legislative changes is difficult without specific new regulation or legislation <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* The actuarial review uses multiple methods to estimate reserves for losses and LAE, including:
** Paid and incurred loss development methods <sup>p. 46</sup>.
** Paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods <sup>p. 46</sup>.
** Paid and incurred loss ratio cape cod methods <sup>p. 46</sup>.
** Frequency and severity methods <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* If one actuarial method is more credible, it is used to set the point estimate <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* For new lines of business or significant changes in claim practices, paid and incurred loss development methods are less credible due to insufficient historical data <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* The actuarial point estimate may be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates from various methods <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* These methods utilize the initial expected loss ratio, statistical analysis of past claims reporting/payment patterns, claims frequency/severity, paid loss experience, industry loss experience, and changes in market conditions, policy forms, exclusions, and exposures <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Actual loss experience may not conform to assumptions, potentially differing from the initial expected loss ratio or reporting/payment patterns <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* The ultimate settlement of losses and related LAE may vary significantly from financial statement estimates <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Estimates are regularly reviewed and adjusted, with adjustments included in current operations <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* ''Development'' refers to the difference between estimated losses and those originally reported <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* ''Unfavorable development'' occurs when losses settle for more than reserved or subsequent estimates indicate reserve increases <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* ''Favorable development'' occurs when losses settle for less than reserved or subsequent estimates indicate reserve reductions <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* Favorable or unfavorable development is reflected in the results of operations in the period the estimates change <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* A ''5% change in net IBNR'' would result in a ''$51.8 million change'' in reserves for losses and LAE <sup>p. 46</sup>.
* A ''5% change in net IBNR'' would result in a ''$40.9 million change'' in net income and stockholders’ equity <sup>p. 46</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="4" style="text-align:center" | 2025
! colspan="4" style="text-align:center" | 2024
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Gross
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Net
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Gross
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Net
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | % of Total
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Case reserves
| style="text-align:right" | 625,710
| style="text-align:right" | 27.0%
| style="text-align:right" | 362,291
| style="text-align:right" | 25.9%
| style="text-align:right" | 567,192
| style="text-align:right" | 31.8%
| style="text-align:right" | 342,612
| style="text-align:right" | 30.8%
|-
| style="text-align:left" | IBNR
| style="text-align:right" | 1,693,184
| style="text-align:right" | 73.0%
| style="text-align:right" | 1,035,438
| style="text-align:right" | 74.1%
| style="text-align:right" | 1,215,191
| style="text-align:right" | 68.2%
| style="text-align:right" | 768,925
| style="text-align:right" | 69.2%
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 2,318,894
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,397,729
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,782,383
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,111,537
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 100.0%
|}
</div>

'''Recent Accounting Pronouncements'''

* In ''December 2023'', the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740)" <sup>p. 47</sup>.
* ASU 2023-09 mandates public companies to provide enhanced annual rate reconciliation disclosures, including specific categories and additional information meeting a quantitative threshold <sup>p. 47</sup>.
* This update also requires public companies to disaggregate income taxes paid by federal, state, and foreign taxes <sup>p. 47</sup>.
* The guidance for ASU 2023-09 became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and is applied prospectively <sup>p. 47</sup>.
* The company has added additional disclosures as required by ASU 2023-09, with no impact on the consolidated financial statements <sup>p. 47</sup>.
* In ''November 2024'', the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, requiring disaggregated disclosure of income statement expenses for public business entities (PBEs) <sup>p. 47</sup>.
* ASU 2024-03 does not change expense captions on the income statement face but requires disaggregation of certain expense captions into specified categories in footnotes <sup>p. 47</sup>.
* ASU 2024-03 requires a footnote disclosure for specific expenses, mandating PBEs to disaggregate, in a tabular presentation, relevant income statement expense captions that include natural expenses such as: (1) purchases of inventory, (2) employee compensation, (3) depreciation, (4) intangible asset amortization, and (5) depreciation, depletion, and amortization from oil- and gas-producing activities or other depletion expenses <sup>p. 47</sup>.
* The tabular disclosure would also include certain other expenses, if applicable <sup>p. 47</sup>.
* In ''January 2025'', the FASB issued ASU 2025-01 to clarify the effective date of ASU 2024-03 as the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027 <sup>p. 47</sup>.
* The company is evaluating the effect of these amendments on its consolidated financial statements <sup>p. 47</sup>.


== Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ==
== Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ==


* Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk are included in Item 7 of this Form 10-K under "Investments—Market Risk" <sup>p. 8</sup>.
* Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk are included in Item 7 of this Form 10-K under "Investments—Market Risk" <sup>p. 48</sup>.


== Cover ==
== Cover ==
Line 13,520: Line 15,055:
== Controls and Procedures ==
== Controls and Procedures ==


'''Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures'''
* ''Disclosure controls and procedures'' were evaluated by management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as of December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 9</sup>.

* ''Disclosure controls and procedures'' were concluded to be effective at a reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Management acknowledges that any controls and procedures offer only reasonable assurance and require judgment in evaluating cost-benefit relationships <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Management'' evaluated the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by the Annual Report on Form 10-K <sup>p. 49</sup>.
* The evaluation included participation from the ''principal executive officer'' and ''principal financial officer'' <sup>p. 49</sup>.
* ''Management is responsible'' for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Disclosure controls and procedures'' are defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) <sup>p. 49</sup>.
* ''Internal control over financial reporting'' aims to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* As of December 31, 2025, the ''principal executive officer and principal financial officer'' concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level <sup>p. 49</sup>.
* ''Internal control over financial reporting policies and procedures'' pertain to:
** Maintaining records that accurately reflect transactions and asset dispositions in reasonable detail <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* ''Management'' acknowledges that controls and procedures provide only reasonable assurance of achieving objectives <sup>p. 49</sup>.
* ''Management'' applies judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures <sup>p. 49</sup>.
** Providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded for financial statement preparation and that receipts/expenditures align with management and director authorizations <sup>p. 9</sup>.

** Providing reasonable assurance for preventing or timely detecting unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of assets that could materially affect financial statements <sup>p. 9</sup>.
'''Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting'''
* A ''material weakness'' in internal control over financial reporting was identified as of December 31, 2024, related to ineffective implementation of information technology general controls (ITGCs) for user access in systems supporting financial reporting <sup>p. 9</sup>.

* Related process-level IT dependent manual and automated controls, or information from IT systems with affected ITGCs, were also deemed ineffective as of December 31, 2024 <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 <sup>p. 50</sup>.
* During the year ended December 31, 2025, management took actions to remediate the internal control deficiencies, including:
* Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP <sup>p. 50</sup>.
** Enhancing the IT compliance oversight function and expanding the team with ITGC design and implementation experience <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:
** Developing a training program for ITGCs and policies, educating control owners on principles and requirements <sup>p. 9</sup>.
** Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets <sup>p. 50</sup>.
** Implementing procedures to develop and maintain documentation of underlying ITGCs for knowledge transfer during IT personnel and function changes <sup>p. 9</sup>.
** Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for financial statement preparation in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures align with management and director authorizations <sup>p. 50</sup>.
** Implementing IT management review and testing procedures to monitor ITGCs <sup>p. 9</sup>.
** Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of assets that could materially affect financial statements <sup>p. 50</sup>.
** Providing quarterly reporting on remediation measures to the Audit Committee of the board of directors <sup>p. 9</sup>.

* Management believes the remediation measures have addressed the material weakness, concluding that ''internal control over financial reporting was effective'' at a reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 9</sup>.
'''Remediation of Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting'''
* ''Effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting'' was assessed as of December 31, 2025, using criteria from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission's Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013 Framework) <sup>p. 9</sup>.

* Management concluded that ''internal control over financial reporting was effective'' as of December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, was audited by Ernst & Young, LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024, due to material weaknesses <sup>p. 51</sup>.
* A material weakness existed as of December 31, 2024, related to the ineffective implementation of information technology general controls (ITGCs) in user access for systems supporting financial reporting processes <sup>p. 51</sup>.
* No changes in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the year ended December 31, 2025, that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect it, except for those related to the remediation of the 2024 material weakness <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* Related process-level IT dependent manual and automated controls, relying on affected ITGCs or information from IT systems with affected ITGCs, were also deemed ineffective <sup>p. 51</sup>.
* Management recognizes that controls and procedures provide only reasonable assurance and require judgment in evaluating benefits versus costs due to resource constraints <sup>p. 9</sup>.
* During the year ended December 31, 2025, management took actions to remediate control deficiencies, including enhancing IT compliance oversight and expanding the team with ITGC experience <sup>p. 51</sup>.
* Remediation actions included developing a training program for ITGCs and policies, educating control owners on principles and requirements <sup>p. 51</sup>.
* Procedures were implemented to develop and maintain documentation of underlying ITGCs to promote knowledge transfer during IT personnel and function changes <sup>p. 51</sup>.
* An IT management review and testing procedures were implemented to monitor ITGCs <sup>p. 51</sup>.
* Quarterly reporting on remediation measures was provided to the Audit Committee of the board of directors <sup>p. 51</sup>.
<blockquote>"We believe the measures described above have remediated the material weakness previously identified and we have concluded our internal control over financial reporting was effective at a reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2025." <sup>p. 51</sup></blockquote>
<blockquote>"Under the supervision and with the participation of our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025." <sup>p. 51</sup></blockquote>
* The assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, used criteria from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in the Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013 Framework) <sup>p. 51</sup>.
* Based on this assessment, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 51</sup>.
* The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, was audited by Ernst & Young, LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm <sup>p. 51</sup>.
* The audit opinion is included in their report titled “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm-Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” <sup>p. 51</sup>.

'''Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting'''

* There has been no change in the company's internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2025, that materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect it, except for the remediation of the material weakness identified in 2024 <sup>p. 52</sup>.
* This evaluation was required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act <sup>p. 52</sup>.

'''Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures'''

* Management acknowledges that ''disclosure controls and procedures'', regardless of design and operation, offer only reasonable assurance of achieving control objectives <sup>p. 53</sup>.
* The design of ''disclosure controls and procedures'' must consider resource constraints <sup>p. 53</sup>.
* Management must apply judgment when evaluating the ''benefits of possible controls and procedures'' against their costs <sup>p. 53</sup>.


== Other Information ==
== Other Information ==


* During the quarter ended December 31, 2025, none of the company's directors or officers adopted, terminated, or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement <sup>p. 10</sup>.
* No directors or officers adopted, terminated, or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the quarter ended December 31, 2025 <sup>p. 54</sup>.


== Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ==
== Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ==


* The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K will be included in the company's 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference <sup>p. 11</sup>.
* The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K will be included in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference <sup>p. 55</sup>.


== Executive Compensation ==
== Executive Compensation ==


* The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K will be included in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference <sup>p. 12</sup>.
* The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K will be included in the company's 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference <sup>p. 56</sup>.


== Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owner and Management and Related Stockholder Matters ==
== Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owner and Management and Related Stockholder Matters ==


* The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K will be included in the company's 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference <sup>p. 13</sup>.
* The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K will be included in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference <sup>p. 57</sup>.


== Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ==
== Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ==


* The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K will be included in the company's 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference <sup>p. 14</sup>.
* The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K will be included in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference <sup>p. 58</sup>.


== Principal Accounting Fees and Services ==
== Principal Accounting Fees and Services ==


* Our independent registered public accounting firm is Ernst & Young LLP, Houston, Texas <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* Our independent registered public accounting firm is Ernst & Young LLP, Houston, Texas <sup>p. 59</sup>.
* The ''Auditor Firm ID'' is 42 <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* ''Auditor Firm ID'': 42 <sup>p. 59</sup>.
* The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K will be included in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference <sup>p. 15</sup>.
* The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K will be included in our 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference <sup>p. 59</sup>.


== Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. ==
== Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. ==


* The consolidated financial statements of the Company are filed as part of this Form 10-K and are included in Item 8 <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The ''consolidated financial statements'' of the Company are filed as part of this Form 10-K and are included in Item 8 <sup>p. 60</sup>.
* The ''financial statements'' include the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm <sup>p. 60</sup>.
* These statements include the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (loss) for the three years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The ''financial statements'' include Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 <sup>p. 60</sup>.
* On September 30, 2024, Skyward Specialty entered into an Intercompany Loan Promissory Note with Houston Specialty Insurance Company (HSIC) <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The ''financial statements'' include Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (loss) for the three years in the periods ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 <sup>p. 60</sup>.
* Under the Promissory Note, Skyward Specialty borrowed USD 57.0m from HSIC <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The ''financial statements'' include Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 <sup>p. 60</sup>.
* Interest on the Promissory Note is payable monthly at a fixed annual interest rate of 4.00%, with the principal due at maturity <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The ''financial statements'' include Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 <sup>p. 60</sup>.
* There are no prepayment penalties and no collateral was given for the Promissory Note <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* ''Exhibits'' are listed <sup>p. 60</sup>.
* During the year ended December 31, 2024, Skyward Specialty provided funds for a new subsidiary, Skyward Specialty No. 1 Limited Company, a UK company authorized as a Lloyd’s corporate member to invest in Lloyd’s syndicates <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* Items marked with an asterisk (*) are ''filed herewith'' <sup>p. 60</sup>.
* The Promissory Note is included in notes payable and its fair value was determined using the income approach with observable inputs <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* The Promissory Note has been placed in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy <sup>p. 16</sup>.
* Items marked with a plus (+) are a ''management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement'' <sup>p. 60</sup>.

* Other financial instruments qualify as insurance-related products and are exempt from fair value disclosure requirements <sup>p. 16</sup>.
<div style="overflow-x:auto">
* The report is signed pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 <sup>p. 16</sup>.
{| class="wikitable"
* The report has been signed by persons on behalf of the Registrant in their capacities and on the dates indicated, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 <sup>p. 16</sup>.
! style="text-align:left" | Schedule Number
! class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Schedule Description
! class="col-xs" style="text-align:right" | Page
|-
| style="text-align:left" | I.
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Summary of Investments — Other Than in Related Parties at December 31, 2025
| class="col-xs" style="text-align:right" | 113
|-
| style="text-align:left" | II.
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023
| class="col-xs" style="text-align:right" | 114
|-
| style="text-align:left" | IV.
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Supplementary Reinsurance Information for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023
| class="col-xs" style="text-align:right" | 118
|-
| style="text-align:left" | V.
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023
| class="col-xs" style="text-align:right" | 119
|-
| style="text-align:left" | VI.
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Supplementary Information Concerning Property — Casualty Insurance Operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023
| class="col-xs" style="text-align:right" | 120
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:left" | Exhibit Number
! class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Exhibit Description
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 3.1
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 18, 2023).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 3.2
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 18, 2023).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 4.1
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amended and Restated Stockholders’ Agreement, dated March 12, 2014, by and among the Company and the stockholders listed therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 4.2
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Description of Capital Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.1+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Share Purchase and Award Agreement and form of agreements thereunder in use before 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.2+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 2016 Equity Incentive Program and form of award agreements thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.3+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan and form of award agreements thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.4+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.5+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.6+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement and form of notice under the Company's 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on January 12, 2023).
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:left" | Exhibit Number
! style="text-align:center" | Exhibit Description
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.7+
! style="text-align:center" | Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on January 12, 2023).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.8+
! style="text-align:center" | Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement and form of notice under the Company's 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on January 12, 2023).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.9+
! style="text-align:center" | Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement and form of notice under the Company's 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.9 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on January 12, 2023).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.10+
! style="text-align:center" | Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.11+
! style="text-align:center" | Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.12+
! style="text-align:center" | Performance Unit Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.13+
! style="text-align:center" | Amended Form of Performance Share (GBVPS) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.14+
! style="text-align:center" | Amended Form of Performance Share (Executives) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.15+
! style="text-align:center" | Amended Form of Performance Share (Others) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.16+
! style="text-align:center" | Amended Form of Performance Cash Units Agreement under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.17+
! style="text-align:center" | Amended Form of the Restricted Stock Unit (Executives) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.18+
! style="text-align:center" | Amended Form of Restricted Stock Unit (Others) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.19+
! style="text-align:center" | Amended Form of Long-Term Performance Cash Plan and Award Letter under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.20+
! style="text-align:center" | Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.21+
! style="text-align:center" | Employment Agreement, dated May 22, 2020, by and between the Registrant and Andrew Robinson, with Amendment No. 1 dated January 1, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
|-
! style="text-align:left" | 10.22+
! class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Form of Non-Employee Director Deferred Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and Form of Notice Under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.23
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Commutation and Release Agreement by and among R&Q Re (Bermuda) Ltd., Skyward Re, Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, and Great Midwest Insurance Company, dated January 31, 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 5, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.24
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Credit Agreement, dated March 29, 2023, by and among Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., the lenders from time to time party thereto and Truist Bank, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 3, 2023).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.25
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | First Amendment dated as of February 26, 2024, to that certain Credit Agreement, dated March 29, 2023, by and among Skyward Specialty Inc., the lenders from time to time party thereto and Truist Bank, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:left" | Exhibit Number
! class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Exhibit Description
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.26
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Guaranty Agreement, dated March 29, 2023, by and among Skyward Service Company, Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc., the loan parties identified on the signature pages thereto and Truist Bank. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 3, 2023).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.27
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Advances and Security Agreement, dated August 1, 2024, by and between Houston Specialty Insurance Company, a wholly owned insurance company subsidiary of the Company and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 6, 2024).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.28+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Form of Severance Agreement between the Company and executive officers (other than the CEO) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.29+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Andrew Robinson dated March 1, 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.30+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amended Form of Restricted Stock Unit (Executives) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.21 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.31+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amended Form of the Restricted Stock Unit (Others) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.22 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.32+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amended Form of Performance Share (Executives) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.23 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.33+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amended Form of Performance Share (Others) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.24 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.34+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amended Form of Performance Share (GBVPS) (Executives) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.25 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.35+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amended Form of Performance Share (GBVPS) (Others) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.26 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.36+
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Amended Form of Long-Term Performance Cash Plan and Award Letter under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.27 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.37
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Share Purchase Agreement, dated September 2, 2025, by and between Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. and Apollo institutional shareholders, of Apollo Group Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 8, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.38
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Share Purchase Agreement, dated September 2, 2025, by and between Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. and Apollo management shareholders, of Apollo Group Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 8, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.39
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Credit Agreement, dated November 13, 2025, by and between Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent, Truist Securities, Inc., Citizens Bank, N.A. and Texas Capital Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 18, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.40
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Guaranty Agreement, dated November 13, 2025, by and among Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., Skyward Service Company, Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc., the loan parties identified on the signature pages thereto and Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 18, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.41
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated December 30, 2025, by and among Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent, Truist Securities, Inc., Citizens Bank, N.A. and Texas Capital Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2026).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.42
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Guaranty Agreement, dated December 30, 2025, by and among Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., Skyward Service Company, Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc., the loan parties identified on the signature pages and Barclays Bank PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2026).
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:left" | Exhibit Number
! class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Exhibit Description
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 10.43
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | First Amendment, dated December 30, 2025, by and among Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., Skyward Service Company, Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc., the loan parties identified on the signature pages and Barclays Bank PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2026).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 19
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Skyward Specialty Insurance Securities Trading Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19 to the Company ’ s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 19.1*
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Skyward Specialty Insurance Securities Trading Policy amended November 5, 2025.
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 21.1*
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | List of Subsidiaries of the Company
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 23.1*
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 31.1*
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 31.2*
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Certification of Principal Financial and Accounting Officer pursuant to Rule 13a 14(a) or Rule 15d 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 32.1*
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 97
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Policy for Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Incentive Compensation (“Clawback Policy”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 101.INS
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 101.SCH
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents
|-
| style="text-align:left" | 104
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Cover Page Interactive Date File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
|}
</div>

'''SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES'''

* ''Summary of Investments'' (Other than in Related Parties) is presented as Schedule I <sup>p. 61</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! style="text-align:center" | Cost
! style="text-align:center" | Fair Value (if applicable)
! style="text-align:center" | Amount on Balance Sheet
|-
! style="text-align:left" | December 31, 2025
! style="text-align:center" |
! style="text-align:center" |
! style="text-align:center" |
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | U.S. government securities
| style="text-align:right" | 44,190
| style="text-align:right" | 44,468
| style="text-align:right" | 44,468
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Corporate securities and miscellaneous
| style="text-align:right" | 632,244
| style="text-align:right" | 636,387
| style="text-align:right" | 636,387
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Municipal securities
| style="text-align:right" | 102,691
| style="text-align:right" | 102,116
| style="text-align:right" | 102,116
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Residential mortgage-backed securities
| style="text-align:right" | 487,145
| style="text-align:right" | 486,587
| style="text-align:right" | 486,587
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
| style="text-align:right" | 72,631
| style="text-align:right" | 73,050
| style="text-align:right" | 73,050
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other asset-backed securities
| style="text-align:right" | 509,854
| style="text-align:right" | 513,695
| style="text-align:right" | 513,695
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total fixed maturity securities, available for sale
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,848,755
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,856,303
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,856,303
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other asset-backed securities
| style="text-align:right" | 33,290
| style="text-align:right" | 33,603
| style="text-align:right" | 32,822
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total fixed maturity securities, held to maturity
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 33,290
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 33,603
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 32,822
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Preferred stocks
| style="text-align:right" | 1,138
| style="text-align:right" | 1,174
| style="text-align:right" | 1,174
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total equity securities
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,138
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,174
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,174
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Mortgage loans
| style="text-align:right" | 10,093
| style="text-align:right" | 9,902
| style="text-align:right" | 9,902
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other long-term investments
| style="text-align:right" | 37,290
| style="text-align:right" | 58,650
| style="text-align:right" | 58,650
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Short-term investments
| style="text-align:right" | 264,299
| style="text-align:right" | 264,299
| style="text-align:right" | 264,299
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 2,194,865
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 2,223,931
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 2,223,150
|}
</div>

'''SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES'''

* ''Cash and cash equivalents'' were USD 10.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 10.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Investments'' were USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Receivable from affiliates'' was USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Other assets'' were USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Total assets'' were USD 3,010.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 3,010.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Payable to affiliates'' was USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Other liabilities'' were USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Total liabilities'' were USD 2,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 2,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Common stock'' was USD 1.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Additional paid-in capital'' was USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Accumulated deficit'' was USD (100.0)m as of December 31, 2023, and USD (100.0)m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Total stockholders’ equity'' was USD 1,010.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,010.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.
* ''Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity'' were USD 3,010.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 3,010.0m as of December 31, 2022 <sup>p. 62</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | December 31,
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! style="text-align:center" | 2025
! style="text-align:center" | 2024
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Assets
! style="text-align:center" |
! style="text-align:center" |
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Investments:
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Investment in subsidiaries
| style="text-align:right" | 1,076,288
| style="text-align:right" | 853,670
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Short-term investments, at fair value
| style="text-align:right" | 14,513
| style="text-align:right" | 14,000
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total investments
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,090,801
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 867,670
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Cash and cash equivalents
| style="text-align:right" | 3,500
| style="text-align:right" | 2,943
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Deferred income taxes
| style="text-align:right" | 27,865
| style="text-align:right" | 30,486
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Goodwill and intangible assets, net
| style="text-align:right" | 14,349
| style="text-align:right" | 12,641
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other assets
| style="text-align:right" | 10,709
| style="text-align:right" | 2,905
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total assets
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,147,224
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 916,645
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
| style="text-align:right" | 17,680
| style="text-align:right" | 3,110
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Notes payable
| style="text-align:right" | 100,410
| style="text-align:right" | 100,000
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs
| style="text-align:right" | 19,569
| style="text-align:right" | 19,536
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total liabilities
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 137,659
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 122,646
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Stockholders’ Equity:
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Stockholders’ equity
| style="text-align:right" | 1,009,565
| style="text-align:right" | 793,999
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 1,147,224
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 916,645
|}
</div>

'''SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES'''

* See accompanying notes to financial statements <sup>p. 63</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | Years Ended December 31,
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! style="text-align:center" | 2025
! style="text-align:center" | 2024
! style="text-align:center" | 2023
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Revenues:
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net investment income
| style="text-align:right" | 3,371
| style="text-align:right" | 3,212
| style="text-align:right" | 3,822
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net investment gains (losses)
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 963
| style="text-align:right" | ( 963 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other loss
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | ( 2 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 27 )
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total revenues
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 3,371
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 4,173
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 2,832
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Operating expenses
| style="text-align:right" | 7,899
| style="text-align:right" | 10,632
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Interest expense
| style="text-align:right" | 6,762
| style="text-align:right" | 8,140
| style="text-align:right" | 9,815
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Amortization expense
| style="text-align:right" | 620
| style="text-align:right" | 920
| style="text-align:right" | 313
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Other expenses
| style="text-align:right" | 17,962
| style="text-align:right" | 9,646
| style="text-align:right" | 451
|-
| style="text-align:left; font-weight:bold" | Total expenses
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 33,243
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 29,338
| style="text-align:right; font-weight:bold" | 10,579
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Loss before income tax expense
| style="text-align:right" | ( 29,872 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 25,165 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 7,747 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Income tax expense
| style="text-align:right" | 45,860
| style="text-align:right" | 33,578
| style="text-align:right" | 6,808
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Loss before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
| style="text-align:right" | ( 75,732 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 58,743 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 14,555 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
| style="text-align:right" | 245,760
| style="text-align:right" | 177,571
| style="text-align:right" | 100,539
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net income
| style="text-align:right" | 170,028
| style="text-align:right" | 118,828
| style="text-align:right" | 85,984
|}
</div>

'''SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES'''

* The accompanying notes to financial statements should be referenced <sup>p. 64</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | Years Ended December 31,
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! style="text-align:center" | 2025
! style="text-align:center" | 2024
! style="text-align:center" | 2023
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Cash flows from operating activities:
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net income
| style="text-align:right" | 170,028
| style="text-align:right" | 118,828
| style="text-align:right" | 85,984
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities
| style="text-align:right" | ( 175,769 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 121,563 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 95,947 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net cash used in operating activities
| style="text-align:right" | ( 5,741 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 2,735 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 9,963 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Purchase of intangible assets and goodwill
| style="text-align:right" | ( 2,000 )
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Capital contributions to subsidiaries
| style="text-align:right" | ( 100 )
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | ( 122,800 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Distributions from investment in subsidiaries
| style="text-align:right" | 8,500
| style="text-align:right" | 8,500
| style="text-align:right" | 6,500
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Change in short-term investments
| style="text-align:right" | ( 513 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 3,407 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 10,569 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
| style="text-align:right" | 5,887
| style="text-align:right" | 5,093
| style="text-align:right" | ( 126,869 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Repayment of stock notes receivable
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 5,561
| style="text-align:right" | 1,350
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Proceeds from long term borrowings
| style="text-align:right" | 43,411
| style="text-align:right" | 107,000
| style="text-align:right" | 50,000
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Payments on long term borrowings and trust preferred
| style="text-align:right" | ( 43,000 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 115,000 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 50,000 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Proceeds from equity offerings
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 128,887
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 710
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
| style="text-align:right" | 411
| style="text-align:right" | ( 2,439 )
| style="text-align:right" | 130,947
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
| style="text-align:right" | 557
| style="text-align:right" | ( 81 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 5,885 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year
| style="text-align:right" | 2,943
| style="text-align:right" | 3,024
| style="text-align:right" | 8,909
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year
| style="text-align:right" | 3,500
| style="text-align:right" | 2,943
| style="text-align:right" | 3,024
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Cash paid for interest
| style="text-align:right" | 6,149
| style="text-align:right" | 8,573
| style="text-align:right" | 10,667
|}
</div>

'''SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES'''

* ''Intercompany Loan Promissory Note'' was entered into by Skyward Specialty with Houston Specialty Insurance Company (HSIC) on September 30, 2024 <sup>p. 65</sup>.
* Skyward Specialty borrowed ''$57.0 million'' from HSIC under the Promissory Note <sup>p. 65</sup>.
* ''Interest'' on the Promissory Note is payable monthly at a fixed annual rate of ''4.00%'' <sup>p. 65</sup>.
* ''Principal'' of the Promissory Note is due at the maturity date <sup>p. 65</sup>.
* There are ''no prepayment penalties'' and ''no collateral'' for the Promissory Note <sup>p. 65</sup>.
* During the year ended December 31, 2024, Skyward Specialty provided funds for a new subsidiary, ''Skyward Specialty No. 1 Limited Company'', a UK company authorized as a Lloyd’s corporate member to invest in Lloyd’s syndicates <sup>p. 65</sup>.
* The ''fair value'' of the Promissory Note was determined using the income approach with observable inputs <sup>p. 65</sup>.
* The Promissory Note is classified in ''Level 2'' of the fair value hierarchy <sup>p. 65</sup>.
* Other financial instruments are exempt from fair value disclosure requirements as they qualify as ''insurance-related products'' <sup>p. 65</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2025
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2024
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! style="text-align:center" | Carrying Value
! style="text-align:center" | Fair Value
! style="text-align:center" | Carrying Value
! style="text-align:center" | Fair Value
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Notes payable
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Promissory Note
| style="text-align:right" | 57,000
| style="text-align:right" | 57,401
| style="text-align:right" | 57,000
| style="text-align:right" | 56,300
|}
</div>

'''SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES'''

* ''Reinsurance'' is used to reduce the maximum net loss potential arising from large risks and to provide greater diversification of risks <sup>p. 66</sup>.
* The company's ''reinsurance program'' is designed to protect against catastrophic losses and to increase underwriting capacity <sup>p. 66</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance agreements'' do not relieve the company of its primary obligation to policyholders <sup>p. 66</sup>.
* The company remains ''liable to policyholders'' for the portion reinsured if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations <sup>p. 66</sup>.
* The company evaluates the ''financial condition of its reinsurers'' and monitors concentrations of credit risk to minimize exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies <sup>p. 66</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance recoverables'' are reported net of an allowance for uncollectible amounts <sup>p. 66</sup>.
* The company's ''reinsurance recoverables'' were USD 10.0 million and USD 10.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively <sup>p. 66</sup>.
* The ''allowance for uncollectible reinsurance'' was USD 0.0 million and USD 0.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively <sup>p. 66</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance premiums ceded'' were USD 10.0 million, USD 10.0 million, and USD 10.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively <sup>p. 66</sup>.
* ''Reinsurance recoveries'' were USD 10.0 million, USD 10.0 million, and USD 10.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively <sup>p. 66</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="6" style="text-align:center" | Years Ended December 31,
|-
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2025
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2024
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2023
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Accident & Health
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Property & Casualty
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Accident & Health
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Property & Casualty
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Accident & Health
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Property & Casualty
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Gross amount
| style="text-align:right" | 254,102
| style="text-align:right" | 1,430,309
| style="text-align:right" | 173,073
| style="text-align:right" | 1,285,564
| style="text-align:right" | 151,702
| style="text-align:right" | 1,089,478
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Ceded to other companies
| style="text-align:right" | ( 143,811 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 616,193 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 86,503 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 533,151 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 79,091 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 470,047 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Assumed from other companies
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 481,825
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 284,595
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 218,649
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net amount
| style="text-align:right" | 110,291
| style="text-align:right" | 1,295,941
| style="text-align:right" | 86,570
| style="text-align:right" | 1,037,008
| style="text-align:right" | 72,611
| style="text-align:right" | 838,080
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Percentage of amount assumed to net
| style="text-align:right" | —%
| style="text-align:right" | 37.2%
| style="text-align:right" | —%
| style="text-align:right" | 27.4%
| style="text-align:right" | —%
| style="text-align:right" | 26.1%
|}
</div>

'''SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES'''

* ''Valuation and Qualifying Accounts'' for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 are presented in Schedule V <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Allowance for credit losses'' balance at January 1, 2021, was USD 1,000 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Additions charged to costs and expenses'' for the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2021 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Deductions'' from the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2021 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Allowance for credit losses'' balance at December 31, 2021, was USD 1,000 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Allowance for credit losses'' balance at January 1, 2022, was USD 1,000 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Additions charged to costs and expenses'' for the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2022 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Deductions'' from the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2022 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Allowance for credit losses'' balance at December 31, 2022, was USD 1,000 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Allowance for credit losses'' balance at January 1, 2023, was USD 1,000 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Additions charged to costs and expenses'' for the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2023 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Deductions'' from the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2023 <sup>p. 67</sup>.
* ''Allowance for credit losses'' balance at December 31, 2023, was USD 1,000 <sup>p. 67</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! style="text-align:center" | Valuation Allowance For Deferred Tax Assets
! style="text-align:center" | Allowance for Uncollectible Reinsurance Recoverable
! style="text-align:center" | Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums Receivable
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Balance at January 1, 2023
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 586
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 629
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-13 at January 1, 2023
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 2,295
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Charged to costs and expenses
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 748
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Amounts written off
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | ( 513 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Recoveries of amounts previously written off
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 100
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Balance at December 31, 2023
| style="text-align:right" | 586
| style="text-align:right" | 2,295
| style="text-align:right" | 964
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Charged to costs and expenses
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 13,585
| style="text-align:right" | 3,235
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Amounts written off
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | ( 13,585 )
| style="text-align:right" | ( 1,895 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Recoveries of amounts previously written off
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 128
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Balance at December 31, 2024
| style="text-align:right" | 586
| style="text-align:right" | 2,295
| style="text-align:right" | 2,432
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Charged to costs and expenses
| style="text-align:right" | 68
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 2,351
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Amounts written off
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | ( 2,141 )
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Recoveries of amounts previously written off
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | —
| style="text-align:right" | 498
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Balance at December 31, 2025
| style="text-align:right" | 654
| style="text-align:right" | 2,295
| style="text-align:right" | 3,140
|}
</div>

'''SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP,  INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES'''

* ''Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations'' is presented in Schedule VI <sup>p. 68</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable fintable"
|+ (1){{footnote|1=Amount is presented net of reinsurance.}} (2){{footnote|1=Amount does not include gain on retroactive reinsurance which is included in losses and loss adjustment expenses presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.}}
! style="text-align:left" |
! colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | As of and Years Ended December 31,
|-
! style="text-align:left" | ($ in thousands)
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2025
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2024
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | 2023
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Deferred policy acquisition costs
| style="text-align:right" | 136,100
| style="text-align:right" | 113,183
| style="text-align:right" | 91,955
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
| style="text-align:right" | 2,318,894
| style="text-align:right" | 1,782,383
| style="text-align:right" | 1,314,501
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Unearned premiums
| style="text-align:right" | 774,035
| style="text-align:right" | 637,185
| style="text-align:right" | 552,532
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net earned premium (1)
| style="text-align:right" | 1,304,505
| style="text-align:right" | 1,056,722
| style="text-align:right" | 829,143
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net investment income
| style="text-align:right" | 83,619
| style="text-align:right" | 80,686
| style="text-align:right" | 40,322
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Losses and loss adjustment expenses (current year) (1)
| style="text-align:right" | 810,375
| style="text-align:right" | 657,783
| style="text-align:right" | 516,664
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Losses and loss adjustment expenses (prior years) (1)(2)
| style="text-align:right" | ( 7,471 )
| style="text-align:right" | 25,728
| style="text-align:right" | —
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Amortization of policy acquisition costs (1)
| style="text-align:right" | 195,422
| style="text-align:right" | 149,975
| style="text-align:right" | 108,514
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Paid claims and claim adjustment expenses (1)
| style="text-align:right" | 516,712
| style="text-align:right" | 430,991
| style="text-align:right" | 363,418
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Net premiums written (1)
| style="text-align:right" | 1,406,232
| style="text-align:right" | 1,123,578
| style="text-align:right" | 910,691
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Ceded unearned premium
| style="text-align:right" | 238,948
| style="text-align:right" | 203,901
| style="text-align:right" | 186,121
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Deferred ceding commission
| style="text-align:right" | 46,453
| style="text-align:right" | 40,434
| style="text-align:right" | 37,057
|}
</div>

'''SIGNATURES'''

* This report was signed pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 <sup>p. 69</sup>.
* The registrant duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, who is duly authorized <sup>p. 69</sup>.
* This report has been signed by the indicated persons on behalf of the Registrant, in the specified capacities and on the dates indicated, as per the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 <sup>p. 69</sup>.

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:left" | —
! class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Dated: March 2, 2026
| class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | /s/ Andrew Robinson
|-
| style="text-align:left" | —
| class="col-s" style="text-align:right" | Andrew Robinson Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
|}
</div>

<div style="overflow-x:auto">
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:left" | Signature
! class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Title
! class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Date
|-
| style="text-align:left" | /s/ Andrew Robinson
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Andrew Robinson
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | (Principal Executive Officer)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | /s/ Mark Haushill
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Chief Financial Officer
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Mark Haushill
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | /s/ Gena Ashe
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Gena Ashe
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | /s/ Robert Creager
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Robert Creager
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | /s/ Marcia Dall
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Marcia Dall
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | /s/ James Hays
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | James Hays
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | /s/ Anthony J. Kuczinski
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Anthony J. Kuczinski
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | /s/ Michael Morrissey
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Michael Morrissey
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | /s/ Christopher L. Peirce
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Christopher L. Peirce
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | /s/ Katharine Terry
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Katharine Terry
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | Director
| class="col-m" style="text-align:right" | March 2, 2026
|}
</div>

Revision as of 17:18, 30 June 2026

Document info
OrganizationSkyward
Year2025
PeriodFY
Period labelFY25
Document typeAnnual report
Document nameSkyward Specialty Insurance Group 2025 Form 10-K
Publication date2026-03-02
LanguageEnglish
SourceOriginal URL

This article presents Skyward's FY 2025 annual report — the narrative Items (each summarized into a factsheet), primary financial statements, and note schedules from its SEC Form 10-K.

Business

Who We Are

  • Skyward Specialty was formed as a Delaware corporation on January 3, 2006, as an insurance holding company p. 1.
  • The company operated under the name Houston International Insurance Group, Ltd. until re-branding as Skyward Specialty in November 2020 p. 1.
  • References to "the Company," "we," "our," "us" or like terms refer to the business of Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries p. 1.
  • Skyward Specialty is a growing specialty insurance company providing commercial insurance products and solutions predominantly in the United States p. 1.
  • Products are offered on both a non-admitted (E&S) and admitted basis p. 1.
  • The company focuses on underserved, dislocated, and/or markets where standard insurance coverages are insufficient p. 1.
  • Customers typically require highly specialized, customized underwriting solutions and claims capabilities p. 1.
  • Skyward Specialty develops and delivers tailored insurance products and services for niche markets p. 1.
  • The portfolio of insured risks is highly diversified, covering customers in various industries p. 1.
  • Distribution occurs through multiple channels p. 1.
  • Lines of business include general liability, excess liability, professional liability (including cyber and media liability insurance), commercial auto, group accident and health, property, agriculture, credit, surety, and workers’ compensation p. 1.
  • The company insures both short and medium duration liabilities p. 1.
  • The business mix is principally primary insurance, balanced between E&S and admitted markets p. 1.
  • A portion of the business is specialty reinsurance, primarily property, agriculture, and credit p. 1.
  • Specialty reinsurance focuses on attractive specialty classes where approaching through reinsurance is more efficient due to factors like cost of entry and geographic expansion p. 1.
  • This diversification allows the company to respond to market opportunities and dislocations by deploying capital for attractive risk-adjusted returns p. 1.
  • This diversification, including businesses not typically aligned with traditional P&C pricing cycles, combined with underwriting and claims expertise, is expected to produce strong growth and profitability across all insurance pricing cycles p. 1.
  • The company is led by an entrepreneurial executive management team with decades of insurance leadership experience in the global P&C industry p. 1.
  • The leadership is supported by an experienced team with broad skills aligned with the company's strategy p. 1.
  • High-quality leadership, underwriting and claims teams, technology DNA, advanced analytics capabilities, diversified book of business, and strong competitive position are believed to position the company for profitable growth p. 1.
  • The company aims to deliver long-term value for shareholders by generating best-in-class underwriting profitability and book value per share growth across P&C market cycles p. 1.
  • All insurance company subsidiaries are group rated p. 1.
  • All insurance company subsidiaries have financial strength ratings of "A" (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company, with a stable outlook p. 1.

Apollo Acquisition

  • On September 2, 2025, the company entered into two share purchase agreements (the "Apollo Majority SPAs") with institutional and management shareholders ("Majority Sellers") of Apollo Group Holdings Limited ("Apollo") p. 2.
  • Pursuant to the Apollo Majority SPAs, the company agreed to acquire approximately 87% of the issued share capital of Apollo held by the Majority Sellers p. 2.
  • The closing of the transaction ("Closing") was conditioned upon acquiring 100% of Apollo's issued share capital through additional short-form share purchase agreements (the "Apollo Minority SPAs") with the remaining minority shareholders ("Minority Sellers") p. 2.
  • The Acquisition closed on January 1, 2026 p. 2.
  • The consideration for the transaction was satisfied by issuing common stock of the Company to certain sellers and the remainder in cash p. 2.
  • Apollo is a U.S.-centric specialty underwriting platform operating at Lloyd’s of London, characterized by low volatility, high growth, and a capital-light business model p. 2.
  • Apollo has consistently grown gross written premium since its formation in 2010 p. 2.
  • Through Syndicate 1969, Apollo underwrites a multi-class specialty insurance portfolio p. 2.
  • Through Syndicate 1971, Apollo offers a platform liability product for the digital and sharing economy p. 2.
  • Apollo provides capital to syndicates 1969 and 1971 for a pro-rata share of underwriting income, with third parties providing the remaining capital p. 2.
  • Apollo earns managing agency fees and profit commissions as the managing agent for its own syndicates and for innovative third-party syndicates (platform partners) p. 2.
  • The acquisition aligns with Skyward Specialty’s strategy by bringing new specialty niches, a new economy offering, accelerating innovation, and adding Apollo’s advanced technology capabilities p. 2.
  • David Ibeson will continue as CEO of Apollo, leading its growth as a subsidiary of Skyward Specialty, along with Apollo’s management team p. 2.

Our Business and Our Strategy

  • The company operates through one reportable segment, offering a broad array of insurance coverages across various market niches p. 3.
  • Each of the nine underwriting divisions has dedicated leadership and technical staff experienced in their niches p. 3.
  • This structure aims to effectively serve customer needs, be a value-add partner to distributors, and achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns p. 3.
  • For the year ended December 31, 2025, gross written premiums were 41% admitted and 59% non-admitted p. 3.

"We have one reportable segment through which we offer a broad array of insurance coverages to a number of market niches. Each of our nine distinct underwriting divisions has dedicated underwriting leadership supported by high-quality technical staff with deep experience in their respective niches. We believe this structure and expertise allow us to serve the needs of our customers effectively and be a value-add partner to our distributors, while earning attractive risk-adjusted returns. For the year ended December 31, 2025, 41% of our gross written premiums were written on an admitted basis and 59% were non-admitted." p. 3

Our Underwriting Divisions

  • Accident & Health (A&H): Provides medical stop loss to employers who self-insure employee benefits, and covers group and single-employer captives p. 3.
    • The A&H captives program offers tailored medical stop-loss and reinsurance solutions with dedicated underwriting and claims oversight p. 3.
    • Targets small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to control healthcare costs by self-insuring a portion of their healthcare insurance p. 3.
    • Products are written on an admitted basis and distributed through retail and wholesale broker partners p. 3.
  • Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance: Offers specialty risk-transfer solutions across a diversified global portfolio p. 3.
    • Covers agriculture, dairy and livestock revenue protection, and mortgage and credit product lines p. 3.
    • Supports insurers, MGAs, and other risk originators with tailored treaty protection using proportional and excess of loss structures p. 3.
    • Global agriculture book: provides coverage for weather and natural peril volatility, and other production and yield risks p. 3.
    • Mortgage portfolio: supports government-sponsored entities and private mortgage insurers against default and loss severity volatility, structured to manage tail risk p. 3.
    • Credit portfolio: provides protection against losses from default risk for single obligors and multi-buyer trade credit across diverse regions and industries p. 3.
    • Dairy and livestock business: provides revenue protection against price volatility in milk, cattle, and hog markets p. 3.
      • Utilizes derivative instruments (primarily put options and futures) to mitigate commodity price risk related to cattle, hog, and milk prices p. 3.
      • Derivative positions are adjusted throughout the year based on market conditions and risk profile p. 3.
      • See Note 8, “Derivatives” in Item 8 of Form 10-K for more information on derivatives p. 3.
  • Captives: Provides group captive solutions by leveraging underwriting and claims expertise from other divisions p. 3.
    • Broadens market reach and writes profitable business with limited additional expense by utilizing company-wide expertise p. 3.
    • Writes property, general liability, commercial auto, excess liability, and workers’ compensation lines on E&S and admitted bases p. 3.
    • Often administers business through partnerships with third-party captive managers p. 3.
  • Construction & Energy Solutions: Focuses on high-severity exposures with tailored multi-line solutions p. 3.
    • Includes general liability, excess liability, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation p. 3.
    • Distributed through retail agents, brokers, and a select network of wholesalers p. 3.
  • Global Property: Provides comprehensive property insurance and reinsurance solutions for commercial clients worldwide p. 3.
    • Offers protection against physical loss or damage to assets (buildings, equipment, inventory) due to natural catastrophes and other insured perils p. 3.
    • Supports clients across diverse industries in managing exposures and maintaining operational resilience p. 3.
  • Professional Lines: Includes three underwriting units: management liability, professional liability (including cyber), and allied health (including life sciences) p. 3.
    • Provides primary and excess claims-made liability products on E&S and admitted bases p. 3.
    • Distributed through wholesale and retail brokers, depending on the product p. 3.
  • Specialty Programs: Partners with program administrators focused on specific markets p. 3.
    • Believes partnering with program administrators is optimal for profitable participation or market reach p. 3.
    • Program administrators often have competitive advantages (scale or proprietary technology) that would be difficult for the company to replicate p. 3.
    • Writes property, general liability, commercial auto liability, excess liability, and workers’ compensation lines on E&S and admitted bases p. 3.
  • Surety: Provides contract, commercial, and transactional surety solutions to trade and services organizations p. 3.
    • Focuses on small to medium-sized enterprises with aggregate bond programs up to approximately $100.0 million for contract and $125.0 million for commercial and transactional p. 3.
    • Business is written on an admitted basis and distributed through retail agents and brokers p. 3.
  • Transactional E&S: Provides primary and excess non-catastrophe prone property and general liability solutions p. 3.
    • Emphasizes risks considered hard to place due to complexity, loss history, or limited operating history (e.g., start-ups) p. 3.
    • Success in this market relies on technical underwriting, thoughtful coverage provisions, pricing, and high-quality broker service p. 3.
    • Accesses the market exclusively through wholesale brokers p. 3.
  • The company has business units and lines of business previously exited and placed into run-off, referred to as "exited business" p. 3.

Our Strategy

  • The company aims to lead in chosen market niches and establish sustainable, competitive positions p. 3.
  • Key elements of the strategy include:
    1. Providing differentiated products, services, and solutions for target markets p. 3.
    2. Attracting and retaining exceptional underwriting and claims talent, aligning incentives with organizational goals p. 3.
    3. Amplifying expertise with advanced technology and analytics for superior risk selection, pricing, and claims management p. 3.
    4. Empowering underwriting and claims teams with significant authority for decision-making p. 3.
    5. Fostering a culture that promotes nimbleness and responsiveness to market opportunities p. 3.
  • This strategy is referred to as “Rule Our Niche” and forms the basis for building a strong defensible market position and competitive moat p. 3.
  • The principles of this strategy are considered key to achieving and sustaining best-in-class underwriting results through P&C insurance pricing cycles p. 3.
  • The company strives for excellence in risk selection, pricing, and claims outcomes, amplified by advanced technology and analytics p. 3.

Our Competitive Strengths

"We believe that our competitive strengths include:" p. 4

  • Focus on profitable niches of the market that require technical underwriting and claims management as barriers to entry p. 4.

"We believe that the niche areas of the commercial lines P&C markets we have selected are a highly attractive subset of the P&C insurance market and present an opportunity to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns." p. 4

  • The company targets markets that are underserved, dislocated, or where standard products are insufficient p. 4.
  • Risks in core markets require efficient, individual underwriting to generate sustainable underwriting profit p. 4.
  • The company builds underwriting divisions around deeply experienced underwriters with appropriate authority p. 4.
  • Underwriters' experience is augmented with data and predictive analytics for risk selection, pricing, and efficiency p. 4.
  • Highly skilled underwriters are a competitive strength p. 4.

"We focus on hiring and retaining underwriting and technical staff who help differentiate our company through their expertise and experience." p. 4

  • Underwriting teams are knowledgeable, experienced, and empowered, which is critical for complex risks that are difficult to automate p. 4.
  • Underwriters are given freedom to use expertise and judgment in evaluating and pricing risks, rather than strict rules p. 4.
  • Superior Claims Staff and Operations are a competitive strength p. 4.

"We have cultivated a best-in-class and highly specialized team of claims professionals who are highly knowledgeable about the niches we serve and the lines of business we write." p. 4

  • Claims professionals address first-party claims with fair solutions and third-party claims with holistic responses, aiming for consistent and early loss recognition of indemnity and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) p. 4.

"We respond quickly when a claim is submitted with specialized adjusters, who are armed with expertise, advanced technology and analytics, to assist them in the claims resolution process." p. 4

  • Technology is deeply embedded in the claims process, from first notice of loss to investigation and settlement p. 4.
  • Analytics capabilities, including real-time detailed information on open claims and benchmarks against closed claims, are used by senior leadership and claims teams p. 4.
  • Superior business intelligence platform is a competitive strength p. 4.
  • SkyBI, the business intelligence platform, provides real-time intelligence to senior leadership and technical teams for decision-making p. 4.
  • SkyBI reflects best practices learned from management's experience in P&C insurance and technology p. 4.
  • SkyBI is a single, comprehensive enterprise-wide data repository for reporting, business intelligence, analytics, and advanced data capabilities p. 4.
  • SkyBI provides information and performance metrics across the company in a visualized format p. 4.
  • Data in SkyBI can be filtered by categories such as distributor, customer segment, line of business, industry, underwriter, and risk feature p. 4.
  • Advanced technology and new risk data for underwriting and claims are a competitive strength p. 4.

"We fundamentally believe that every underwriting and claims decision can be augmented with the use of new types of risk data and advanced technology." p. 4

  • Underwriting decisions are backed by historical data and in-depth risk evaluation from investments in data collection and processing p. 4.
  • Underwriting and claims capabilities are amplified by combining data with new forms of risk data and predictive analytics p. 4.
  • Generative artificial intelligence is utilized in underwriting and claims handling to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while still relying on employee expertise p. 4.
  • Diversified business allows response to and capitalization on changes in market conditions across P&C cycles p. 4.

"We have been successful in building a diversified group of underwriting divisions spanning multiple product lines, industries, geographies and distribution channels, including business that is not typically aligned with traditional P&C cycles." p. 4

  • The company aims to evolve with the market, growing certain lines in favorable conditions and limiting exposure in less favorable conditions p. 4.
  • The diversity of the book allows response to market opportunities and dislocations across insurance market and pricing cycles, leading to a durable insurance franchise p. 4.
  • Attractive and winning culture is a competitive strength p. 4.

"As evidenced by our internal surveys, public information such as that available on Glassdoor and LinkedIn, and our selection as a “Best Places to Work in Insurance,” we have built a distinctive winning culture." p. 4

  • Key aspects of the culture include a flat communication and decision-making structure p. 4.
  • Staff are trusted to make decisions that produce or exceed financial results and are supported by a clear measurement system p. 4.
  • A hybrid work schedule offers employees flexibility for remote working p. 4.
  • The company maintains an entrepreneurial environment that encourages and rewards a proactive approach to market disruption p. 4.
  • High-quality, experienced leadership team is aligned with shareholders p. 4.

"Led by our Chairman and CEO, Andrew Robinson, we have an experienced, innovative and entrepreneurial executive leadership team with a track record of success in senior management roles at industry leading property and casualty companies as well as in starting and building new businesses in our industry." p. 4

  • Senior leadership's compensation is structured to align with shareholders p. 4.
  • A material portion of leaders' compensation is in long-term and short-term incentives tied to delivering sustainable, best-in-class underwriting returns p. 4.
  • Executive leadership team has additional long-term incentive targets directly tied to growth in book value per share p. 4.

Our Strategy in Action

  • The company's "Rule Our Niche" strategy guides all activities from recruiting to claims resolution p. 5.
  • The "Rule Our Niche" strategy aims to achieve best-in-class underwriting profitability for niches and create superior long-term shareholder value through growth in book value per share p. 5.
  • Core tenets of the "Rule Our Niche" strategy include attracting and retaining blue-chip underwriting and claims talent p. 5.
  • The company seeks to hire technical underwriting professionals with long-standing industry relationships and claims professionals with niche expertise to ensure steady access to preferred business p. 5.
  • The company aims to grow its market position by recruiting world-class talent in chosen markets p. 5.
  • Another core tenet is leveraging technology DNA to differentiate from competitors p. 5.
  • The company uses new forms of risk data and advanced technology in complex, high-severity risk categories within the specialty P&C insurance market p. 5.
  • SkyBI provides the ability to promptly sense and respond to market changes p. 5.
  • Core operating platforms allow efficient entry into new markets without complex systems p. 5.
  • The company believes its technological advantage supports profitable growth and expansion into additional specialty market niches p. 5.
  • A further tenet is profitably growing existing lines of business and expanding with new underwriting divisions p. 5.
  • The company is positioned to capitalize on trends impacting customers in the U.S. and globally p. 5.
  • Trends include increased demand for specialized insurance due to rising and complex risks from climate change, severe weather events, supply chain uncertainty, financial inflation, cyber risk, novel health risks, increased litigation, attorney involvement, and jury awards, and healthcare delivery/cost p. 5.
  • Another market trend is the emergence of "micro cycles and micro dislocations" in the P&C insurance market p. 5.
  • The company has reacted to these trends by launching new underwriting units (some not aligned with P&C cycles), entering underserved markets, partnering on advanced technology, and launching new captive solutions p. 5.
  • Gross written premium growth and profitability indicate momentum and position the company for continued expansion p. 5.
  • Differentiating on daily excellence to drive best-in-class underwriting performance is also a core tenet p. 5.
  • Meeting long-term goals, including best-in-class underwriting returns and book value per share growth, depends on day-to-day operational execution across all functional departments (underwriting, product management, claims management) p. 5.
  • SkyBI enables senior management to monitor performance, including renewal rates, new business pricing, portfolio performance, claims aging, and reserving practices p. 5.
  • Focus on underwriting fundamentals is central to the strategy p. 5.
  • Cross-functional collaboration ensures regular review of performance and trends by underwriting, claims, actuarial, and product management teams for quick implementation of portfolio, pricing, and coverage changes p. 5.
  • The company aims to use its balance sheet to capture a larger market share p. 5.
  • The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet with conservative loss reserves and strong capitalization ratios p. 5.
  • This commitment is crucial for maintaining confidence among customers, distribution partners, reinsurers, regulators, rating agencies, and shareholders p. 5.
  • Claims case reserve practices aim to reserve to the expected ultimate loss within 90 days of the first notice of loss p. 5.
  • The company maintains incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves that, combined with case reserves, exceed the actuarial central estimate p. 5.
  • Loss reserves represent the company's best estimate of ultimate losses p. 5.

Marketing and Distribution

  • The company's marketing and distribution approach aligns with its underwriting strategy and is central to its "Rule Our Niche" strategy p. 6.
  • Underwriting teams and the company maintain strong relationships and reputations with distribution partners, facilitating new affiliations p. 6.
  • The company believes it succeeds with distribution partners due to its deep expertise in niche markets, high-caliber underwriters, culture of innovation, thoughtful product line-up and design, and responsive service p. 6.
  • All underwriting divisions dedicate significant effort to maintaining and expanding distribution partner loyalty and long-term relationships p. 6.
  • The company tailors its choice of distribution partners to access specific business, similar to how it tailors underwriting to insureds' needs p. 6.
  • Products are distributed through retail agents, wholesale brokers, select program administrators, and captive managers p. 6.
  • This distribution strategy enables effective and efficient access to targeted business based on market niche needs and dynamics p. 6.

Underwriting

  • The company's underwriting approach is central to its "Rule Our Niche" strategy and market success p. 7.
  • Within its nine divisions, underwriting teams specialize in specific niches p. 7.
  • The underwriting approach relies on hiring highly experienced, best-in-class, and diverse technical underwriters with proven track records in specific specialty niche markets p. 7.
  • Underwriters' skills are enhanced with advanced technology and data analytics, and they are empowered with appropriate decision-making authority p. 7.
  • This approach aims for superior risk selection, pricing, and sustainable best-in-class underwriting results across market cycles p. 7.
  • The company uses new forms of data and analytics to augment underwriting professionals' capabilities for risk selection and pricing p. 7.
  • Underwriting data is captured in the business intelligence platform, SkyBI, which forms the foundation for reporting, analytics, and other data capabilities p. 7.
  • SkyBI is a key tool for senior management and business leaders p. 7.
  • The company is highly selective in binding policies; underwriters are encouraged to move on if premium and coverage terms do not meet standards p. 7.
  • When accepting risks, terms and prices are carefully established to suit the underlying exposure p. 7.
  • In the admitted market, the company ensures approved forms and filed rates are appropriate and adequate for risks, while allowing flexibility for specific exposures p. 7.
  • In the E&S market, the company uses freedom of rate and form to match risk and coverage to unique needs and exposures p. 7.
  • Policies are crafted to offer affordable and appropriate protection for insureds' exposures, while also making potential losses more predictable and claims costs manageable p. 7.
  • Underwriting teams receive support and collaboration from Claims, Actuarial, Product Management, Legal and Compliance, and Finance departments p. 7.
  • This collaboration ensures that business trends, legal and tort developments, and competitor and regulatory actions are analyzed, shared, and acted upon promptly p. 7.
  • Underwriters are considered central to the company, with all support functions incentivized and measured to achieve underwriting profitability targets p. 7.
  • This structure helps identify opportunities and issues early, contributing to the company's nimbleness and ability to leverage market disruptions p. 7.
  • Underwriting controls and procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure profitable underwriting across all served markets p. 7.

Claims Management

  • Skyward's claims department operates under six guiding principles: prompt and comprehensive investigations using advanced analytics and technology; quality claims handling with customer engagement; prompt establishment of reserves based on best estimates; effective pursuit of contribution and subrogation; detection and prevention of fraud; and disciplined litigation management for superior legal defense and cost monitoring p. 8.
  • Continuous training is provided to claim staff on claim evaluation, strategy, litigation management, good-faith handling, and best practices p. 8.
  • The ultimate goal of the claims department is timely and optimal claim outcomes p. 8.
  • The majority of claims are handled in-house p. 8.
  • Third Party Administrators (TPAs) are utilized for certain instances, such as programs, captives, occupational accident, workers' compensation, and runoff claims p. 8.
  • TPAs are actively managed and overseen to ensure compliance with Skyward's claims handling and reserving guidelines and general best practices p. 8.
  • Regular audits of TPAs are conducted to ensure compliance p. 8.
  • Independent legal counsel is retained for liability claims against an insured when warranted, selected based on geographical location and expertise p. 8.
  • Litigation guidelines have been developed for both claims professionals and outside counsel to ensure appropriate defense and adherence to standards p. 8.
  • A legal spend management solution is used to analyze legal invoices for adherence to case handling and billing practice standards, ensuring reasonable and customary legal costs p. 8.
  • Technology is leveraged to gain efficiencies in claims handling p. 8.
  • A Claims Development Severity Predictor has been created and implemented, which is a predictive model that identifies claims likely to lead to large loss development using key phrases p. 8.
  • This model allows for early identification, proactive claims management, and summarization of development reasons, and is integrated into the claims review and management workflow p. 8.
  • Skyward seeks opportunities for efficient and effective claims resolution p. 8.
  • A "quick strike" program has been implemented for commercial auto claims, deploying experienced investigators and vendors to accident scenes, ideally within two hours, regardless of location p. 8.
  • This program aids in evaluating accident facts, initiating investigations quickly, and resolving third-party claims promptly if appropriate p. 8.
  • Claims handlers and managers are organized by line of business to ensure specialized expertise p. 8.
  • Managers and adjusters collaborate closely with underwriting partners to inform them of legal trends and emerging claims issues p. 8.
  • The goal of this collaboration is to educate underwriters on emerging loss experience areas to assist in risk selection processes p. 8.

Technology

  • Technology is central to the company's operations and decision-making, aiming for long-term competitive advantage p. 9.
  • Technology is deployed across the organization to drive competitive advantages in three primary functional ways p. 9.
  • SkyBI (business intelligence platform) provides real-time intelligence to senior leadership and technical teams for superior decision-making p. 9.
  • SkyBI incorporates best practices from the management team's experience in P&C insurance and technology sectors p. 9.
  • SkyBI is a single, comprehensive enterprise-wide data repository for reporting, business intelligence, analytics, and advanced data capabilities p. 9.
  • SkyBI provides information and performance metrics across the company in an easy-to-consume visualized format p. 9.
  • Data in SkyBI can be filtered by categories such as distributor, customer segment, line of business, specific industry, individual underwriter, and specific risk feature p. 9.
  • SkyBI helps establish clear line of sight to objectives and facilitates decision-making p. 9.
  • Predictive Analytics Technology augments employee capabilities using new forms of risk data and predictive analytics, including artificial intelligence, for risk selection, pricing, and claims handling p. 9.
  • Underwriting divisions intentionally "Rule Our Niche" by innovating constantly and tailoring actions to specific divisions/markets p. 9.
  • Core Transactional Platforms (policy administration, underwriting workbench, billing, and claims systems) are designed for nimble scaling and business expansion p. 9.
  • The company generally uses customized third-party vendor core operating applications p. 9.
  • The core platform organization is used for all business except accident & health, global property, agriculture, credit (re)insurance, and surety, which require dedicated core processing components due to their unique features p. 9.
  • Data from all divisions' core operating platforms flows to the SkyBI platform with comparable data quality and granularity p. 9.
  • Advanced technology for underwriting and claims, SkyBI, and core operating platforms create a flywheel effect p. 9.
  • This technology allows underwriters to better select risk, claims professionals to better adjudicate claims, unit leaders to better communicate with reinsurance and third-party partners, and senior leadership to better evaluate business trends p. 9.
  • These tools also improve communication accuracy, effectiveness, and efficiency with distribution partners, reinsurers, and other third-party partners p. 9.
  • The company faces external threats to its information technology systems, including system failure, customer data theft attempts, and ransomware attacks p. 9.
  • The technology infrastructure is designed to function through major disruptions p. 9.
  • Data is replicated in real-time to a third-party cloud disaster recovery site for use during major system failures p. 9.
  • Data is backed up daily for system restoration p. 9.
  • Actions to prevent system and data disruptions include: actively monitoring Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (“CISA”) cybersecurity directives and taking immediate action on identified vulnerabilities p. 9.
  • Monthly vulnerability scans are conducted on all network-attached devices at all locations, with patching applied as needed p. 9.
  • Two-factor authentication is required for system access p. 9.
  • Monthly security training is conducted for all employees p. 9.
  • Endpoint detection agents are implemented for threat detection and response p. 9.
  • Desktop scenarios are performed to practice responses to breaches with cybersecurity insurance partners and retained security consultants p. 9.
  • Annual penetration testing is performed p. 9.
  • The company constantly reviews its security breach posture and regularly implements updated processes, best practices, and tools p. 9.

Reinsurance

  • Reinsurance is strategically purchased from third parties to protect capital from severity events (large single event losses or catastrophes) and reduce earnings volatility p. 10.
  • Reinsurance contracts are predominantly one year in length and renew annually, primarily in January and June p. 10.
  • Factors influencing reinsurance purchase changes at renewal include plans for underlying insurance coverage, updated loss activity, capital and surplus levels, risk appetite changes, and the cost/availability of treaties p. 10.
  • Reinsurance types purchased include quota share, excess of loss, and facultative coverage to limit exposure from single occurrence losses p. 10.
  • The mix of reinsurance considers efficiency, cost, risk appetite, and specific underlying risk factors p. 10.
  • Quota share reinsurance involves the reinsurer assuming a specified percentage of losses from a defined business class in exchange for a corresponding percentage of premiums, net of a ceding commission p. 10.
  • Excess of loss reinsurance involves the reinsurer assuming all or part of losses for an individual claim or event exceeding a specified amount, in exchange for a negotiated premium, including catastrophe reinsurance programs p. 10.
  • Facultative coverage is a reinsurance contract for individual risks, used to supplement treaty limits or cover risks/perils excluded from treaty reinsurance p. 10.
  • As of December 31, 2025, property insurance represented 34% of gross written premiums p. 10.
  • Aggregation of property writings by geographic area is actively managed and monitored to limit potential loss from severe events like hurricanes, convective storms, and earthquakes p. 10.
  • Catastrophe reinsurance is purchased to further mitigate property loss aggregation due to single or series of events p. 10.
  • Third-party stochastic and internal deterministic models are used to analyze aggregation risk for catastrophe reinsurance purchases p. 10.
  • These models provide a quantitative view of PML (Probable Maximum Loss) events, estimating expected loss levels for a given return period p. 10.
  • Modeling indicates that an event beyond a 1 in 250-year PML would be required to exhaust the property catastrophe coverage of USD 36.0 million p. 10.
  • The company aims to expose no more than 3.0% of stockholders’ equity to a catastrophic loss less than a 1 in 250-year event p. 10.
  • The current reinsurance program is believed to provide coverage well in excess of theoretical losses from any recorded historical event p. 10.
  • Reinsurance is sought from reinsurers rated at least "A-" ("Excellent") or better by A.M. Best p. 10.
  • As of December 31, 2025, 98% of reinsurance recoverables were from reinsurers rated "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best, or were collateralized p. 10.
  • Failure of reinsurers to pay claims could result in losses, as the company retains primary liability to policyholders p. 10.
  • Allowances for uncollectible reinsurance are established due to potential reinsurer failure p. 10.
  • Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance was USD 2.3 million at December 31, 2025, and 2024 p. 10.
(1)(footnote: Legal defense expenses can force exposure above the maximum company retention for Excess Casualty, Commercial Auto and General Liability.) (2)(footnote: Reinsurance is subject to a loss ratio cap or aggregate level of loss cover that exceeds a modeled 1:250-year PML event.) (3)(footnote: Catastrophe loss protection is purchased up to $36.0 million in excess of $12.0 million retention, which provides cover for a 1:250-year PML event.)
Line of Business Maximum Company Retention
Accident & Health $0.90 million per occurrence
Commercial Auto (1) $1.00 million per occurrence
Excess Casualty (1)(2) $2.25 million per occurrence
General Liability (1) $1.50 million per occurrence
Ocean Marine (2) $3.00 million per occurrence
Professional Lines (2) $5.25 million per occurrence
Property (3) $3.50 million per occurrence
Representation and Warranty $3.25 million per occurrence
Surety (2) $5.00 million per occurrence
Workers’ Compensation (2) $2.33 million per occurrence
(1)(footnote: This reinsurer facilitates our eMaxx captive. At December 31, 2025, we held collateral in a statutory trust of $235.2 million on our net reinsurance recoverables.)
($ in thousands)
Reinsurer Reinsurance Recoverables AM Best Rating
eMaxx Capitves (1) 197,989 n/r
Everest Reinsurance Co. 123,925 A+
General Reinsurance Corp 70,355 A++
Partner Reinsurance Co. of the US 65,446 A+
ACE (Chubb Property & Casulty Ins Company) 48,344 A+
RGA Reinsurance Company 43,043 A+
Lloyds Syndicate 4711 35,860 A+
Swiss Reinsurance America Corp 26,152 A+
Lloyds Syndicate 2987 25,301 A+
Aspen Insurance UK Limited 24,715 A
Top 10 Total 661,130
All Others 458,750
Total 1,119,880

Enterprise Risk Management

  • Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is embedded in nearly every aspect of the company and guides day-to-day activities p. 11.
  • The ERM approach aims to achieve an acceptable risk-adjusted return for shareholders while maintaining trust and reliability for those served p. 11.
  • The company is intentional in its underwriting and asset portfolio construction p. 11.
  • Liability duration and market cyclicality of the underwriting portfolio are balanced p. 11.
  • Reinsurance is used to manage volatility outside of risk tolerances p. 11.
  • The investment strategy aims for a diversified target portfolio that balances yield, liquidity, volatility, and potential for principal loss p. 11.
  • The Senior Vice President (SVP), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Head of ERM - US Operations oversees critical ERM processes and chairs the cross-functional corporate ERM Committee p. 11.
  • The company uses an Economic Capital Model (ECM) to formalize its view of risk and solvency in terms of potential economic loss p. 11.
  • ECM output measures potential earnings and capital loss for various scenarios p. 11.
  • These outputs are measured against risk tolerances set and updated annually by the ERM Committee and discussed with the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors p. 11.
  • The ECM provides a probabilistic modeled view of earnings and capital loss, integrating potential losses from catastrophes, reserving, underwriting, market, credit risk, strategic, and operational risks p. 11.
  • The SVP, CFO & Head of ERM works with the ERM Committee to review and maintain a comprehensive risk register, ensuring appropriate mitigations are in place and monitored p. 11.
  • The top 10 risks are identified, quantified, and reviewed quarterly by the SVP, CFO & Head of ERM and the ERM Committee p. 11.
  • These reports are submitted regularly to the Risk Committee p. 11.
  • Operational processes and controls are constructed to identify, assess, and manage key risks on an ongoing basis p. 11.
  • The Underwriting Committee oversees changes in risk appetite, product line, and division expansion p. 11.
  • Claims handling practices are monitored against guidelines through regular internal audits, monthly large loss reviews, and a watchlist of potential high severity claims p. 11.
  • Actuarial performs quarterly reserve studies, and the Reserve Committee meets quarterly to review and respond to trends in loss emergence p. 11.
  • Key observations from actuarial reviews are discussed with the CEO p. 11.
  • Underwriting divisions assess rate change and retention on existing business, new business quality and pricing adequacy, and loss emergence compared to expectations on a monthly and quarterly basis p. 11.
  • The SkyBI platform provides real-time portfolio, underwriting, claims, and actuarial analytics p. 11.
  • ERM is central to decision-making and day-to-day activities p. 11.
  • ERM is a central component of the strategy to achieve market-leading risk-adjusted returns for shareholders and reinforce a culture of accountability, transparency, and sound judgment p. 11.

Reserves

  • The company maintains reserves for specific claims incurred and reported, IBNR reserves, and reserves for uncollectible reinsurance when appropriate p. 12.
  • The ultimate liability may differ from current reserves, and there is a risk of inadequate reserves in the insurance industry p. 12.
  • Reserves are continually monitored using new information on reported claims and statistical analyses p. 12.
  • Anticipated inflation is implicitly reflected in the reserving process through analysis of cost trends and historical development review p. 12.
  • The company does not discount reserves for losses and LAE to reflect estimated present value p. 12.
  • When a claim is reported, a case reserve is established for the estimated ultimate payment after assessing coverage, damages, and investigation p. 12.
  • Case reserve estimates are based on reserving practices and the claims adjuster's experience and knowledge of the claim type and value p. 12.
  • Case reserves are revised periodically based on subsequent developments p. 12.
  • IBNR reserves are established for estimated future loss payments on incurred but not yet reported claims, and potential development on reported claims p. 12.
  • IBNR reserves are estimated using generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques that consider quantitative loss experience data and qualitative factors p. 12.
  • Loss reserves are regularly reviewed using various actuarial techniques p. 12.
  • Reserve estimates are updated as historical loss experience develops, additional claims are reported/settled, and new information becomes available p. 12.
  • Reserves can be increased or decreased over time as claims move towards settlement, impacting earnings through adverse development or reserve releases p. 12.
  • Additional information on loss reserves is available in Item 7 of Form 10-K, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - “Results of Operations - Losses and LAE” and “Critical Accounting Policies” p. 12.

Investments

  • The company aims to maintain a balanced investment portfolio primarily consisting of investments with predictable and stable returns, supplemented by strategic investments offering attractive risk-adjusted returns p. 13.
  • An Enterprise Based Asset Allocation model is used for investment allocation strategy p. 13.
  • This model is integrated into the Economic Capital Model (as discussed in the ERM section of Item 1) to assess the impact of investment allocation decisions on capital, liquidity, and risk profile across various market scenarios p. 13.
  • The company actively manages and monitors investment risk to balance stable growth and liquidity with compliance requirements of insurance regulatory and rating agency frameworks p. 13.
  • The investment portfolio mainly comprises cash and cash equivalents and investment-grade fixed-maturity securities, with additional investments fitting the company's risk appetite p. 13.
  • The Investment Committee of the Board of Directors reviews and approves the investment policy and strategy p. 13.
  • This committee meets quarterly to review investment activities, tactics, and new investment opportunities p. 13.
  • The portfolio is directed internally and includes both self-managed investments and portfolios managed by select third-party investment management firms p. 13.
  • For further discussion on investments and related market risks, refer to Item 7 of this Form 10-K, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Investments" p. 13.

Competition

  • The specialty lines property & casualty insurance market includes many markets and sub-markets, each with distinct customer needs, products, services, and specific economic and structural features p. 14.
  • The company faces competition in its underwriting divisions from other specialty and standard insurers, as well as program administrators p. 14.
  • Competition is based on factors such as pricing, general reputation, perceived financial strength, broker relationships, product terms and conditions, independent rating agency ratings, speed and reputation of claims payment, and the experience and reputation of underwriting and claims teams p. 14.
  • Due to the diversity of underwriting divisions, competition is broad, with some competitors specific to only a subset of divisions p. 14.
  • Notable competitors include Markel Corporation, W.R. Berkley Corporation, American Financial Group Inc., Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc., CNA Financial Corporation, Hiscox, Ltd., RLI Corp., Intact Finance Corporation, Kinsale Capital Group, Inc., Arch Capital Group, and AXIS Capital Holdings, Ltd. p. 14.

Our Structure

  • Operations are conducted principally through four insurance companies p. 15.
  • Great Midwest Insurance Company (GMIC), the largest insurance subsidiary, underwrites multiple lines of insurance on an admitted basis in all 50 states and the District of Columbia p. 15.
  • GMIC is a certified surety bond company listed with the Department of the Treasury p. 15.
  • Houston Specialty Company (HSIC), a subsidiary of GMIC, underwrites multiple lines of insurance on a surplus lines basis in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and select foreign countries p. 15.
  • Imperium Insurance Company (IIC), a subsidiary of HSIC, underwrites on an admitted basis in all 50 states and the District of Columbia p. 15.
  • Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company (OSIC), a subsidiary of IIC, is an approved surplus lines company in 49 states and the District of Columbia p. 15.
  • Effective December 31, 2024, the insurance company subsidiaries were restacked into the aforementioned organizational structure p. 15.
  • This restacking allowed the company to provide its growing surety business with the capital needed to operate more effectively within the surety T-listing market p. 15.
  • Skyward Re is a wholly-owned captive reinsurance company domiciled in the Cayman Islands, incorporated on January 7, 2020 p. 15.
  • Skyward Re was established to facilitate the LPT, which was commuted effective January 31, 2025 p. 15.
  • Three non-insurance companies are also operated: Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc., Skyward Service Company, and Skyward Specialty No. 1 Limited Company p. 15.
  • Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc. is a licensed agent, managing general agent, and reinsurance broker p. 15.
  • Skyward Service Company provides various administrative services to the subsidiaries p. 15.
  • Skyward Specialty No. 1 Limited Company is a UK company and an authorized Lloyd’s corporate member p. 15.
  • The organizational structure at December 31, 2025, shows each entity is wholly-owned by its immediate parent p. 15.
  • Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. (Delaware corporation) is the parent company p. 15.
  • Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. has direct relationships with: Skyward Service Company (Delaware corporation), Great Midwest Insurance Company (Texas stock insurance company), Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc. (Texas corporation), Skyward Specialty No. 1 Limited (United Kingdom company), and Skyward Re (Cayman Islands corporation) p. 15.
  • Great Midwest Insurance Company has a direct relationship with Houston Specialty Insurance Company (Texas stock insurance company) p. 15.
  • Houston Specialty Insurance Company has a direct relationship with Imperium Insurance Company (Texas stock insurance company) p. 15.
  • Imperium Insurance Company has a direct relationship with Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company (Oklahoma insurance corporation) p. 15.
2025
Texas 10.7%
Pennsylvania 7.6
Florida 7.2
California 7.1
New York 6.3
Louisiana 6.1
Illinois 4.1
New Jersey 4.1
Georgia 3.8
Delaware 3.1
All other states and countries 39.9
Total 100.0%
Our Structure

Ratings

  • Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. holds an "A" (Excellent) rating with a stable outlook from A.M. Best p. 16.
  • The A.M. Best rating assesses insurance companies based on factors relevant to policyholders p. 16.
  • A.M. Best assigns 13 ratings to insurance companies, ranging from "A++" (Superior) to "D" (Poor) p. 16.
  • The "A" (Excellent) rating is the third highest rating offered by A.M. Best p. 16.
  • A.M. Best evaluates a company's financial and operating performance by reviewing its profitability, leverage, and liquidity p. 16.
  • Other factors reviewed by A.M. Best include the book of business, reinsurance adequacy and soundness, quality and estimated market value of assets, adequacy of losses and loss expense reserves, surplus adequacy, capital structure, management experience and competence, and market presence p. 16.
  • A.M. Best's ratings reflect its opinion on an insurance company's financial strength, operating performance, and ability to meet policyholder obligations p. 16.
  • These ratings are based on factors relevant to policyholders, agents, insurance brokers, and intermediaries, and are not specifically related to securities issued by the company p. 16.

Regulation

  • The company operates as an insurance holding company system p. 17.
  • The company is subject to insurance holding company laws in Texas and Oklahoma p. 17.
  • State insurance laws generally aim to protect policyholders, consumers, and claimants, not stockholders p. 17.
  • State regulation varies by jurisdiction and grants broad administrative power to regulators p. 17.
  • Regulatory powers include setting capital and surplus requirements, licensing, product and rate approval, reserve adequacy standards, accounting methods, financial reporting, affiliate transaction regulation, and investment types/amounts p. 17.
  • Insurance regulation is constantly changing due to governmental agency and legislative reactions to issues p. 17.
  • Some state legislatures have considered or enacted laws that increase state authority over insurance companies and holding company systems to prevent federal involvement p. 17.
  • The NAIC and some state insurance regulators are re-examining existing laws and regulations, focusing on solvency, interpretations, and new law development p. 17.
  • The federal government does not directly regulate insurance but federal initiatives affect the industry through treatment of federal subsidiaries, regulation of quasi-governmental entities, and regulations from federal departments p. 17.
  • Insurance holding company laws require each insurance company in the system to register with the insurance department of its state of domicile p. 17.
  • Registered companies must provide information on holding company system operations that could materially affect the domiciled insurers' operations, management, or financial condition p. 17.
  • All transactions among holding company system members must be fair and reasonable p. 17.
  • Transactions between insurance subsidiaries and their parents/affiliates generally require disclosure to state regulators p. 17.
  • Notice to or prior approval from the applicable state insurance regulator is generally required for material or extraordinary transactions p. 17.

Intellectual Property

  • The company has applied for various trademark registrations in the United States at both federal and state levels p. 18.
  • The company plans to pursue additional trademark registrations and other intellectual property protection if deemed beneficial and cost-effective p. 18.

"In addition, we monitor our trademarks and service marks and protect them from unauthorized use as necessary." p. 18

Employees and Human Capital

  • As of December 31, 2025, the company had approximately 611 employees p. 19.
  • Employees are not subject to any collective bargaining agreement, and no current efforts to implement such an agreement are known p. 19.
  • The company believes it has good working relations with its employees p. 19.
  • The company aims to be an employer of choice, including outside of the insurance sector p. 19.
  • The company strives to create a culture that fosters diversity of thought, background, and perspective p. 19.
  • The company cultivates an exceptional workforce to perpetuate its ownership culture and achieve superior business results p. 19.
  • The company's goal is to attract, develop, and retain diverse talent, promoting a culture where different viewpoints are valued, individuals are respected and treated fairly, and have opportunities to excel p. 19.
  • The company offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, family leave, employee assistance programs, and an employee stock purchase plan available to all employees p. 19.
  • The company emphasizes employee training and development, providing opportunities for further education and professional development p. 19.

Risk Factors

  • Investing in the company's common stock involves a high degree of risk p. 20.
  • Investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the report, including consolidated financial statements and related notes, and other SEC filings, before investing p. 20.
  • The described risks are not exhaustive; additional unstated, unknown, or currently immaterial risks may become significant factors p. 20.
  • If any of the identified risks occur, the company's business, operating results, financial condition, and prospects could be materially harmed p. 20.
  • Such events could lead to a decline in the price of the common stock, potentially resulting in a loss of part or all of an investment p. 20.

Summary of Material Risk Factors

  • Financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if underwriting risk is not accurately assessed p. 21.
  • Competition for business in the industry is intense p. 21.
  • Reliance on distribution channels such as insurance retail agents and brokers, wholesalers, and program administrators exposes the business to risks that could adversely affect results p. 21.
  • Inability to purchase third-party reinsurance in desired amounts on commercially acceptable terms or terms that adequately protect the company may materially adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations p. 21.
  • Losses and loss expense reserves may be inadequate to cover actual losses, which could have a material adverse effect on financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows p. 21.
  • Decline in financial strength rating may adversely affect the amount of business written p. 21.
  • Unexpected changes in interpretation of coverage or provisions, including loss limitations and exclusions, in policies could have a material adverse effect on financial condition and results of operations p. 21.
  • Reinsurers may not reimburse claims on a timely basis, or at all, which may materially adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations p. 21.
  • Failure to accurately and timely pay claims could materially and adversely affect business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects p. 21.
  • Adverse economic factors, including recession, inflation, high unemployment, or lower economic activity, could lead to fewer policy sales, increased claim frequency, premium defaults, or falsification of claims, affecting growth and profitability p. 21.
  • Cyclical nature of the insurance business may affect financial performance and cause operating results to vary quarter to quarter, not being indicative of future performance p. 21.
  • Extensive regulation may adversely affect the ability to achieve business objectives; non-compliance could lead to penalties, fines, and suspensions, adversely affecting financial condition and results of operations p. 21.
  • Loss of one or more key personnel or inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could adversely affect the company p. 21.
  • Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could impact operating results and financial condition, and negatively affect the market price of common stock p. 21.
  • Costs will increase significantly as a result of operating as a public company, requiring substantial management time to comply with public company regulations p. 21.
  • Use of derivatives to mitigate market price volatility exposure may subject the company to risks such as hedge ineffectiveness, basis risk, collateral and margin call liquidity pressures, and valuation uncertainty, any of which could adversely affect financial condition p. 21.
  • Integration of Apollo may present unforeseen challenges, including difficulties in integrating technology systems, business processes, and risk management frameworks, potentially resulting in operational disruptions, increased costs, or delays in realizing anticipated strategic benefits from the acquisition p. 21.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

  • Underwriting success depends on accurately assessing risks and establishing appropriate premium rates p. 22.
  • Misunderstanding the nature or extent of risks can lead to inappropriate premium rates, adversely affecting financial results p. 22.
  • Employee decisions, including management and underwriters, expose the company to risk in the ordinary course of business p. 22.
  • Competition in the insurance industry is intense, based on price, financial strength, distribution relationships, product terms, ratings, claims payment speed, and underwriting team experience p. 22.
  • Increased consolidation in the insurance industry may further intensify competition p. 22.
  • New industry or legislative developments could also increase competition p. 22.
  • Inability to compete successfully could affect the ability to price products at risk-adequate rates, retain existing business, or underwrite new business on favorable terms, adversely affecting operating results p. 22.
  • Reliance on distribution channels (retail agents, brokers, wholesalers, program administrators) exposes the company to risks p. 22.
  • Most products are distributed through independent retail agents and brokers who own "renewal rights," making the business model dependent on these relationships p. 22.
  • Relationships with distributors can be discontinued or become unprofitable p. 22.
  • Consolidation of insurance distribution firms may increase their influence on commission rates and business concentration with specific brokers p. 22.
  • Credit risk is assumed from brokers who collect premiums directly from policyholders but may not remit them to the company p. 22.
  • In certain jurisdictions, premium payment to a broker is considered payment to the insurer, making the insured not liable even if the company doesn't receive the premium p. 22.
  • The company may be required to provide coverage despite not receiving premiums from brokers, which could decline underwriting profits and adversely affect financial condition p. 22.
  • The company reviews the financial condition of new brokers and periodically reviews existing distributors for profitability and alignment with business objectives p. 22.
  • Following reviews, the company may restrict or terminate relationships with distributors, subject to contractual and regulatory requirements p. 22.
  • Deterioration in distributor relationships or uncompetitive compensation could lead distributors to place more premium with other carriers p. 22.
  • Distributors exceeding authority, failing to transfer collected premiums, or breaching obligations could expose the company to liability p. 22.
  • Continued or increased consolidation of insurance distribution firms could negatively impact sales channels, leading to loss of market access or share p. 22.
  • Consolidation could result in loss of talent knowledgeable about products or increased commission costs due to larger distributors' negotiating leverage p. 22.
  • Digitization speed exposes the company to risks related to distributors' ability to keep pace, as customers may prefer technology-driven experiences p. 22.
  • Inability to purchase third-party reinsurance on desired or commercially acceptable terms could materially adversely affect the business p. 22.
  • Reinsurance protects capital from severity events and reduces earnings volatility p. 22.
  • Failure to renew expiring contracts, enter new arrangements, or expand coverage could increase loss exposure p. 22.
  • Increased loss exposure could necessitate reducing underwriting commitments, adversely affecting the business p. 22.
  • Reinsurers may exclude certain coverages or alter terms, leading to gaps in reinsurance protection and greater risk exposure p. 22.
  • Losses and loss expense (LAE) reserves may be inadequate to cover actual losses, materially affecting financial condition, results, and cash flows p. 22.
  • Reserves are estimates of ultimate claim settlement and administration costs, and actual liability may differ p. 22.
  • The reserving process considers historical data and factors such as claims inflation, claims development patterns, pricing, legislative activity, social/economic patterns, and litigation trends p. 22.
  • Variables affecting loss exposure are influenced by internal and external events p. 22.
  • The process assumes past experience, adjusted for current developments and trends, is appropriate for predicting future events, but actual results may deviate p. 22.
  • Uncertainties impacting reserve adequacy include:
    • Time required to fully assess covered losses, leading to potential increases in loss estimates over time p. 22.
    • Retroactive enforcement of new theories of liability by courts p. 22.
    • Failure of loss limitations or exclusions, or changes in claims/coverage issues, could materially affect financial condition p. 22.
    • Volatility in financial markets, economic events, and external factors may increase claim frequency/severity p. 22.
    • Elevated inflationary conditions would increase loss costs p. 22.
    • Adverse economic factors (recession, inflation, high unemployment) could reduce policy sales or increase claim frequency/severity and premium defaults p. 22.
    • Increased costs due to "social inflation" (medical/material costs, technology in vehicles, attorney involvement, litigation financing, lawsuit abuse) could increase claim frequency/severity and affect reserve adequacy p. 22.
    • Increased claim frequency, even without liability, could escalate evaluation and handling costs beyond established reserves p. 22.
    • New lines of business or theories of claims may lead to increased claim frequency and higher handling costs than anticipated p. 22.
  • Inadequate reserves require increasing reserves, reducing net income and stockholders' equity in the period of identification p. 22.
  • Future loss experience substantially exceeding reserves could materially affect future earnings, liquidity, and financial rating p. 22.
  • A decline in financial strength rating may adversely affect the amount of business written p. 22.
  • Independent ratings agencies (e.g., A.M. Best) assess financial strength and quality of insurers p. 22.
  • A.M. Best's ratings range from "A++" (Superior) to "F" (liquidation) p. 22.
  • As of the filing date, A.M. Best assigned an "A" (Excellent) financial strength rating with a stable outlook to the company p. 22.
  • A.M. Best ratings are an independent opinion of an insurer's ability to meet policyholder obligations, not an evaluation for investors p. 22.
  • A.M. Best's analysis includes balance sheet strength, operating performance, business profile, comparisons to peers, operating plans, philosophy, and management p. 22.
  • A.M. Best periodically reviews and may revise ratings downward based on analyses of balance sheet strength, operating performance, and business profile p. 22.
  • Factors that could affect A.M. Best's analysis and potentially lead to a downgrade include:
    • Changes in business practices from the organizational plan that no longer support the rating p. 22.
    • Unfavorable financial, regulatory, or market trends, including excess market capacity p. 22.
    • Losses exceeding loss reserves p. 22.
    • Unresolved issues with government regulators p. 22.
    • Inability to retain senior management or other key personnel p. 22.
    • Significant investment portfolio losses or limited liquidity p. 22.
    • Alterations in A.M. Best's capital adequacy assessment methodology that adversely affect the rating p. 22.
  • A downgrade or withdrawal of rating could cause distribution partners and insureds to choose other competitors, increase reinsurance costs or reduce its availability, or severely limit new and renewal insurance contracts p. 22.
  • Rating organizations may heighten scrutiny, increase review frequency/scope, request additional information, or increase capital requirements due to earnings and capital pressures in financial institutions p. 22.
  • There is no assurance the rating will remain at its current level, and adverse ratings consequences could materially affect financial condition and results p. 22.
  • Unexpected changes in interpretation of coverage or provisions, including loss limitations and exclusions, could materially affect financial condition and results p. 22.
  • No assurances that loss limitations or exclusions will be enforceable as intended p. 22.
  • Changing industry practices, legal, judicial, social, and other conditions may lead to unexpected claims and coverage issues p. 22.
  • Courts or regulatory authorities could nullify or void limitations/exclusions, or legislation could modify/bar their use, leading to higher than anticipated losses and LAE p. 22.
  • Court decisions, like the 1995 Montrose decision in California, could narrowly read exclusions, expanding coverage and requiring new exclusions p. 22.
  • These issues could broaden coverage beyond underwriting intent or increase claim frequency/severity p. 22.
  • The full extent of liability under insurance contracts may not be known for many years after issuance p. 22.
  • Reinsurers may not reimburse claims timely or at all, materially affecting the business p. 22.
  • Reinsurance contracts require premium payments to reinsurers who reimburse for covered policy claims p. 22.
  • Reinsurers may be called upon to reimburse claims many years after premiums were paid p. 22.
  • Reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable but does not relieve the ceding insurer of primary liability to policyholders p. 22.
  • The current reinsurance program aims to limit financial risk p. 22.
  • Reinsurers may default due to insolvency, lack of liquidity, operational failure, prohibitions, fraud, asserted defenses, or documentation deficiencies p. 22.
  • Disputes with reinsurers can be time-consuming, costly, and uncertain p. 22.
  • These risks could lead to increased net losses and adversely affect financial condition p. 22.
  • As of December 31, 2025, the company had $1,119.9 million in reinsurance recoverables p. 22.
  • Failure to accurately and timely pay claims could materially and adversely affect the business p. 22.
  • Factors affecting claims payment include claims representative training/experience, management effectiveness, and appropriate procedures/systems p. 22.
  • Inaccurate or untimely claims payment could lead to regulatory actions, litigation, reputational damage, and adverse effects on the business p. 22.
  • Ineffective management of Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) or inability of staff/TPAs to handle claim volume could adversely affect workload capacity p. 22.
  • This could slow growth in affected markets and decrease claims work quality, adversely affecting operating margins p. 22.
  • Severe weather, climate change, catastrophes, pandemics, and man-made events may adversely affect the business p. 22.
  • Catastrophes include natural events (winter weather, storms, earthquakes, fires) and man-made events (explosions, war, terrorist attacks) p. 22.
  • Changing weather patterns and climatic conditions (global warming) increase unpredictability and frequency of natural disasters, including in new areas p. 22.
  • Climate change may increase frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires p. 22.
  • A natural disaster or catastrophe loss could materially adversely affect the business p. 22.
  • This includes indirect impacts from catastrophes not insured against, such as the 2025 California wildfires, where affected policyholders may cancel policies p. 22.
  • Increased frequency and severity of weather events (e.g., hurricanes, convective storms) could affect the ability to predict, quantify, reinsure, and manage catastrophe risk, increasing losses p. 22.
  • Catastrophe losses depend on frequency and severity of events and total insured exposure p. 22.
  • Incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable p. 22.
  • Exposure to losses is managed by analyzing probability and severity of events and their impact on underwriting and investment portfolios p. 22.
  • Indirect impacts can occur if insured businesses are affected by catastrophes not directly covered, leading to non-payment of premiums on other products p. 22.
  • Inability to obtain reinsurance coverage at reasonable rates and adequate amounts for severe weather/catastrophes could materially affect the business p. 22.
  • Pandemics, outbreaks, public health crises, and geopolitical/social events also pose risks p. 22.
  • Policy terms typically exclude virus-related claims, but court decisions and governmental actions may challenge these exclusions p. 22.
  • Changes in domestic and international climate policy programs and legislation could have a material adverse effect p. 22.
  • Program administrators' failure to comply with guidelines could adversely affect results p. 22.
  • Program administrators have limited quoting and binding authority and sell products through retail agents and brokers p. 22.
  • They can bind certain risks without initial approval p. 22.
  • Non-compliance with underwriting guidelines could bind the company to unanticipated risks, adversely affecting results p. 22.
  • Actual renewals or new business from repeat insureds not meeting expectations could materially adversely affect future written premium and results p. 22.
  • Most contracts are one-year term and renewable; some insureds are repeat customers with new contracts p. 22.
  • Financial forecasting includes assumptions about renewal rates and repeat business p. 22.
  • The insurance industry is cyclical with intense price-based competition p. 22.
  • If renewals/repeat business don't meet expectations or are not written due to pricing, future written premium and operations would be materially adversely affected p. 22.
  • Increased public attention to ESG matters may lead to negative public perception, reputational harm, additional costs, or stock price impact p. 22.
  • Failure or perceived failure to meet investor/customer ESG expectations could harm business and reputation p. 22.
  • Backlash from investors/customers on ESG topics could also cause harm p. 22.
  • Reputational damage from providing policies to certain insureds could decrease demand, materially affecting business and requiring resources to rebuild reputation p. 22.
  • Changes in accounting practices and future pronouncements may materially affect reported financial results p. 22.
  • New accounting practices may require considerable additional expenses, especially for comparative or retroactive application p. 22.
  • The impact of accounting changes on net income, shareholder's equity, and other financial statement items is unpredictable p. 22.
  • Insurance subsidiaries must comply with Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) p. 22.
  • SAP is reviewed by the NAIC, its task forces, committees, and state insurance departments p. 22.
  • Proposals before NAIC committees could negatively affect insurance industry participants if enacted p. 22.
  • The NAIC continuously examines existing laws and regulations, and the impact of reforms is unpredictable p. 22.
  • Use of derivatives to mitigate market price volatility may subject the company to risks p. 22.
  • Risks include hedge ineffectiveness (imperfect correlation), basis risk (futures prices not aligning with cash market prices), collateral and margin call liquidity pressures, and valuation uncertainty p. 22.
  • These factors may prevent hedging strategies from effectively reducing volatility and could materially adversely impact financial results p. 22.

Risks Related to the Market and Economic Conditions

  • Adverse economic factors like recession, inflation, high unemployment, or lower economic activity can lead to fewer policy sales, increased claim frequency, premium defaults, or claim falsification, impacting growth and profitability p. 23.
  • Economic downturns characterized by higher unemployment, declining spending, and reduced corporate revenue generally reduce demand for insurance products, affecting premium levels and profitability p. 23.
  • Negative economic factors can hinder the ability to charge appropriate rates for risk, reduce the number of policies written, and limit opportunities for profitable underwriting p. 23.
  • During an economic downturn, customers may reduce insurance needs, cancel policies, modify coverage, or not renew policies p. 23.
  • Existing policyholders might exaggerate or falsify claims to obtain higher payments during an economic downturn p. 23.
  • A significant collapse in economic segments like construction, credit markets, or energy production/servicing could adversely affect results across several underwriting divisions p. 23.
  • The insurance business is historically cyclical, causing operating results to vary quarterly and not necessarily indicate future performance p. 23.
  • Insurance carriers experience significant fluctuations in operating results due to competition, catastrophic events, capacity levels, litigation trends, regulatory constraints, and general economic conditions p. 23.
  • The supply of insurance is influenced by prevailing prices, insured losses, and available industry capital, which fluctuate with investment returns p. 23.
  • The insurance industry is cyclical, characterized by periods of intense price competition due to excessive underwriting capacity (soft market) and periods of capacity shortages increasing premiums (hard market) p. 23.
  • Demand for insurance depends on factors such as catastrophic event frequency/severity, capacity levels, new capital providers, and general economic conditions, all of which fluctuate and can contribute to price declines p. 23.
  • The profitability of most P&C insurance companies tends to follow cyclical market patterns, with higher gross written premium growth and improved profitability during hard market cycles p. 23.
  • The cyclical market pattern can be more pronounced in the E&S market than in the standard insurance market p. 23.
  • When the standard insurance market hardens, the E&S market typically hardens, and E&S growth can be significantly more rapid than standard market growth p. 23.
  • When market conditions soften, customers previously in the E&S market may return to the admitted market, exacerbating the effects of rate decreases on financial results p. 23.
  • The market may experience "micro cycles" where specific areas harden or soften independently and potentially more drastically than the overall market p. 23.
  • Operating results are subject to fluctuation and have historically varied quarter-to-quarter p. 23.
  • Quarterly results are expected to continue fluctuating due to general economic conditions, frequency/severity of catastrophes, fluctuating interest rates, claims exceeding loss reserves, industry competition, deviations from expected premium retention, adverse investment performance, and reinsurance coverage costs p. 23.
  • The company's results of operations depend partly on the performance of its investment portfolio p. 23.
  • The investment portfolio is diversified and managed by professional investment advisory firms according to an investment policy, with routine review by the Investment Committee p. 23.
  • Investments are subject to general economic conditions, market risks, and risks inherent to specific securities p. 23.
  • Primary market risk exposures are to changes in interest rates and equity prices p. 23.
  • A significant portion of the investment portfolio is in fixed maturity securities, or separately managed accounts and limited partnerships primarily invested in fixed maturity securities p. 23.
  • Interest rates rose materially in 2022 and 2023 p. 23.
  • A low interest rate environment, potentially resulting from federal government actions to slow inflation (e.g., rate cuts, Inflation Reduction Act of 2022), would pressure net investment income, particularly for fixed maturity and short-term investments, adversely affecting operating results p. 23.
  • Recent and future interest rate increases could cause declines in the value of fixed income securities portfolios, with the magnitude depending on duration and rate increase p. 23.
  • Some fixed income securities with call or prepayment options create reinvestment risk in declining rate environments p. 23.
  • Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities carry prepayment risk or may not prepay as quickly as expected in a rising interest rate environment p. 23.
  • All fixed maturity securities, including those in separately managed accounts and limited partnerships, are subject to credit risk p. 23.
  • Credit risk is the risk of investment default or impairment due to deterioration in the financial condition of issuers or guarantors of securities held p. 23.
  • Downgrades in credit ratings of fixed maturity securities could significantly negatively affect their market valuation p. 23.
  • The company invests in marketable preferred and common equity securities and exchange-traded funds, which are carried at fair market value and are subject to potential losses and market value declines p. 23.
  • Market and credit risks could reduce net investment income and result in realized investment losses p. 23.
  • The investment portfolio faces increased valuation uncertainties when investment markets are illiquid, as is the case with fixed maturity securities held to maturity, separately managed accounts, and limited partnership investments p. 23.
  • Valuation of investments is more subjective in illiquid markets, increasing the risk that estimated fair value does not reflect actual transaction prices p. 23.
  • Risks for all security types are managed through an investment policy that sets parameters including maximum investment percentages and minimum credit quality levels p. 23.
  • These investment parameters are believed to be within applicable guidelines established by the NAIC, the Texas Department of Insurance, and the Oklahoma Department of Insurance p. 23.
  • The Investment Committee periodically reviews Enterprise Based Asset Allocation models for overall risk management p. 23.

"Although we seek to preserve our capital, we cannot be certain that our investment objectives will be achieved, and results may vary substantially over time." p. 23

  • Investment strategies are sought that are not correlated with insurance and reinsurance exposures p. 23.
  • Losses in the investment portfolio may occur concurrently with underwriting losses, exacerbating their adverse effect p. 23.
  • The company could be forced to sell investments to meet liquidity requirements p. 23.
  • Premiums received are invested until needed to pay policyholder claims p. 23.
  • The duration of the investment portfolio is managed based on the duration of losses and LAE reserves to provide sufficient liquidity and avoid liquidating investments to fund claims p. 23.
  • Risks such as inadequate losses and LAE reserves or unfavorable litigation trends could necessitate selling investments to fund liabilities p. 23.

"We may not be able to sell our investments at favorable prices or at all." p. 23

  • Sales of investments could result in significant realized losses depending on general market conditions, interest rates, and credit issues with individual securities p. 23.

Risks Related to the Regulatory Environment

  • Extensive regulation may adversely affect the ability to achieve business objectives p. 24.
  • Failure to comply with regulations may lead to penalties, including fines and suspensions, adversely affecting financial condition and results of operations p. 24.
  • Primary insurance subsidiaries, GMIC, HSIC, and IIC, are subject to extensive regulation in Texas (state of domicile) and other operating states p. 24.
  • Most insurance regulations protect policyholders' interests, not investors' or stockholders' p. 24.
  • Regulations are administered by state departments of insurance and cover capital/surplus requirements, investment/underwriting limitations, affiliate transactions, dividend limitations, changes in control, solvency, and other financial/non-financial aspects p. 24.
  • Significant changes in laws and regulations could limit discretion or increase business costs p. 24.
  • State insurance regulators conduct periodic examinations and require annual/other reports on financial condition and holding company issues p. 24.
  • Regulatory requirements may impose timing and expense constraints, affecting business objectives p. 24.
  • Insurance subsidiaries are part of an "insurance holding company system" under Texas statutes and regulations p. 24.
  • Certain transactions between insurance subsidiaries and affiliates require prior notice to the Texas Department of Insurance, potentially causing business delays and additional expenses p. 24.
  • Failure to file required notifications or comply with Texas insurance regulations may result in significant fines, penalties, and impaired working relationships with the Texas Department of Insurance p. 24.
  • State insurance regulators have broad discretion to deny or revoke licenses for regulation violations p. 24.
  • Practices based on interpretations of regulations or industry norms may differ from regulatory authorities' interpretations p. 24.
  • Lack of requisite licenses/approvals or non-compliance could lead to temporary suspension or preclusion from activities in a state, or other penalties, adversely affecting business operations p. 24.
  • Changes in insurance industry regulation or interpretations could interfere with operations and increase compliance costs p. 24.
  • Insurance subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital requirements based on the NAIC model and Texas law p. 24.
  • These requirements establish minimum risk-based capital for business operations and identify inadequately capitalized property and casualty insurers based on asset/liability risks and net written premium mix p. 24.
  • Insurers below a calculated threshold may face regulatory action, including supervision, rehabilitation, or liquidation p. 24.
  • Failure to maintain required risk-based capital levels could adversely affect the insurance subsidiary's regulatory authority and A.M. Best Rating p. 24.
  • Additional government or market regulation may have a material adverse impact on the business p. 24.
  • Business could be adversely affected by changes in laws related to asset/reserve valuation, surplus requirements, investment/dividend limitations, enterprise risk, and risk-based capital p. 24.
  • The U.S. federal government generally does not directly regulate the insurance industry, except for flood, nuclear, and terrorism risks p. 24.
  • Potential federal legislation could affect the insurance industry in areas like privatization of Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae, reduction in federal subsidies for agriculture, tort reform, corporate governance, and taxation of reinsurance companies p. 24.
  • Changes to U.S. tax laws and new tax policies could negatively impact the overall economy and the business p. 24.
  • Legislative or other actions related to taxes could negatively affect the company, investments, or stockholders p. 24.
  • Rules for U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by legislators, the IRS, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury p. 24.
  • New legislation, U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations, or court decisions could have adverse consequences p. 24.
  • On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), was signed into law in the United States p. 24.
  • The OBBBA modifies key business tax provisions, including restoration of 100% bonus depreciation under Section 168(k) of the IRC, immediate deduction of U.S. domestic research and experimental expenditures under Section 174A of the IRC, and the EBITDA-based business interest expense limitation under Section 163(j) of the IRC p. 24.
  • The OBBBA also includes changes to the computation of taxes related to international operations p. 24.
  • Based on current analysis, these OBBBA provisions are not expected to have a material impact on the business and results of operations p. 24.
  • Regulations and IRS guidance implementing the OBBBA may create unforeseen issues, and further tax law changes may occur p. 24.
  • There is no assurance that the business will not be adversely affected by the OBBBA or other tax law changes p. 24.
  • Ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) and other tax attributes may be limited p. 24.
  • As of December 31, 2025, gross federal income tax NOLs were approximately $40.3 million, available to offset future taxable income p. 24.
  • These NOLs are subject to annual limitations under Section 382 of the Code and are set to expire beginning in 2032 p. 24.
  • Under Section 382 of the Code, an "ownership change" (greater than 50% change in equity ownership by certain stockholders over a rolling three-year period) can limit the use of pre-ownership change NOLs p. 24.
  • Future ownership changes due to shifts in stock ownership, some outside of control, may occur p. 24.
  • Future regulatory changes could also limit the ability to utilize NOLs p. 24.
  • Inability to offset future taxable income with NOLs could adversely affect net income and cash flows p. 24.
  • As a holding company, with substantially all operations conducted by insurance subsidiaries, liquidity at the holding company level (including dividend payments and debt service) depends on cash dividends or permitted payments from insurance subsidiaries p. 24.
  • Continued operation and growth will require substantial capital p. 24.
  • No intention to declare and pay cash dividends on common stock in the foreseeable future p. 24.
  • Ability to pay dividends to stockholders and meet debt obligations largely depends on dividends and distributions from primary insurance subsidiaries: GMIC, HSIC, and IIC p. 24.
  • State insurance laws, including Texas laws, restrict the ability of GMIC, HSIC, and IIC to determine stockholder dividends p. 24.
  • State insurance regulators require insurance companies to maintain specified levels of statutory capital and surplus p. 24.
  • Dividend payments are limited to the part of available policyholder surplus derived from net profits p. 24.
  • State insurance regulators have broad powers to prevent reduction of statutory surplus to inadequate levels p. 24.
  • There is no assurance that dividends up to maximum calculated amounts would be permitted p. 24.
  • State insurance regulators may adopt more restrictive statutory provisions regarding dividend payments in the future p. 24.
  • Any future dividend payments will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on results, financial condition, contractual restrictions, indebtedness, applicable law, and other relevant factors p. 24.
  • Investors may need to sell common stock after price appreciation (which may not occur) as the only way to realize future gains p. 24.
  • Investors seeking immediate cash dividends should not purchase common stock p. 24.
  • Applicable insurance laws may make it difficult to effect a change of control p. 24.
  • Under Texas insurance laws, acquiring control of a domestic insurer requires written approval from the state insurance commissioner p. 24.
  • Approval depends on factors including the acquirer's financial strength, plans for the insurer's future operations, and potential anti-competitive results p. 24.
  • Texas insurance laws apply to direct and indirect acquisition of 10% or more of the voting stock of a Texas-domiciled insurer p. 24.
  • Acquisition of 10% or more of Skyward Specialty's common stock would be considered an indirect change of control, triggering filing requirements under Texas insurance laws, unless a disclaimer of control filing is accepted by the Texas Insurance Department p. 24.
  • These requirements may discourage acquisition proposals and delay, deter, or prevent a change of control, even if desirable to stockholders p. 24.

Risks Related to Our Liquidity and Access to Capital

  • Future capital requirements depend on factors such as the ability to write new business successfully and establish adequate premium rates and reserves to cover losses p. 25.
  • Additional funds may be required if operational cash flows are insufficient, the capital position is negatively impacted by investment portfolio decline, catastrophe losses, or adverse reserve development p. 25.
  • Capital needs are affected by growth rate, profitability, claims experience, reinsurance availability, market disruptions, and other unforeseeable developments p. 25.
  • Equity or debt financing may not be available or may be on unfavorable terms, potentially leading to stockholder dilution or restrictive covenants p. 25.
  • Inability to obtain adequate capital could materially adversely affect operating plans, business, financial condition, or results of operations p. 25.
  • Access to credit under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to conditions that, if not met, could prevent borrowing and adversely affect liquidity, financial position, and results of operations p. 25.
  • Breach of covenants under the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility could lead to an event of default, making all outstanding amounts immediately due and payable p. 25.
  • Inability to repay debt due to an event of default could occur if assets are insufficient, or if the current credit market and macroeconomic challenges impact the ability to borrow or sell assets/equity p. 25.

Risks Related to Our Operations

  • Loss of key personnel or inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could adversely affect operations p. 26.
  • Talent pool for recruitment is limited and fluctuates based on market dynamics, potentially increasing compensation expectations and labor costs p. 26.
  • Loss of key personnel or inability to attract talent could hinder competitive position in specialized markets p. 26.
  • Security breaches, data loss, cyberattacks, and IT failures could disrupt operations, damage reputation, and adversely affect business and financial results p. 26.
  • Business is highly dependent on information technology and telecommunications systems for underwriting, claims, and financial operations p. 26.
  • System failures due to natural catastrophes, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, or cyber-attacks could limit ability to write business, provide customer service, or pay claims p. 26.
  • Security measures are in place, but systems and networks may still be subject to breaches or interference p. 26.
  • A data incident occurred where attackers acquired certain data, but an investigation determined it was immaterial with no evidence of nation-state involvement or misuse p. 26.
  • Future cybersecurity events could lead to operational disruptions, unauthorized access to data, legal claims, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage, and increased costs p. 26.
  • SEC and state law requirements for public notification of incidents could exacerbate harm p. 26.
  • Advances in criminal capabilities or new vulnerabilities could compromise technology and security measures p. 26.
  • Third parties to whom functions are outsourced are also subject to these risks, and their increased use of cloud-based services could make identifying and responding to cyberattacks more difficult p. 26.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning growth may alter the competitive landscape p. 26.
  • Employees use AI for risk selection, pricing, and claims handling p. 26.
  • Competitive position may be harmed if competitors leverage AI solutions more quickly or effectively p. 26.
  • Deficient, inaccurate, or biased AI content, analyses, or recommendations could adversely affect business, financial condition, results, and reputation p. 26.
  • Costs may be incurred to adopt and deploy AI technologies that become obsolete earlier than expected p. 26.
  • Uncertainty exists in the legal and regulatory landscape for AI at federal and state levels p. 26.
  • New AI laws or regulations could be burdensome, costly, and restrict ability to develop and deploy AI technologies p. 26.
  • Inability to manage growth effectively could have a material adverse effect p. 26.
  • Future business growth requires additional capital, systems development, and skilled personnel p. 26.
  • Failure to manage growth includes inability to meet capital needs, expand systems, control internal processes, allocate human resources, and integrate acquisitions p. 26.
  • Inorganic growth through acquisitions depends on identifying targets, favorable negotiations, transaction completion, and successful integration p. 26.
  • Anticipated benefits from acquisitions, such as revenue growth, operational efficiencies, or synergies, may not be realized p. 26.
  • Rapid growth in recent years may not be indicative of future growth rates p. 26.
  • Sustaining revenue growth depends on effective product pricing, successful product deployment, strong distribution partner support, attracting qualified professionals, enhancing infrastructure, creating new distribution channels, introducing new products, competing effectively, and increasing brand awareness p. 26.
  • Failure to achieve growth objectives makes forecasting future results difficult p. 26.
  • Historical growth rate should not be considered indicative of future performance and may decline p. 26.
  • Operating expenses could increase, and if revenue growth does not offset this, profitability could be harmed p. 26.
  • Acquisition and integration of Apollo may adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations p. 26.
  • Acquisition of Apollo was completed on January 1, 2026 p. 26.
  • Integration risks include challenges in combining Apollo's operations, systems, technology, and personnel, potentially diverting management attention, disrupting business, and incurring unexpected costs p. 26.
  • Realization of anticipated benefits from the Apollo acquisition, such as growth opportunities, is not assured p. 26.
  • Retention of key Apollo personnel, partners, and customers is crucial for the acquisition's success p. 26.
  • Cultural and operational differences between the company and Apollo, particularly in the Lloyd's market, may create challenges in harmonizing policies and procedures p. 26.
  • Financial and accounting risks from the Apollo acquisition include goodwill and intangible asset recognition, potential impairment, undisclosed liabilities, and conversion of Apollo's U.K. GAAP financial statements to U.S. GAAP p. 26.
  • Regulatory and compliance risks increase due to expansion into new jurisdictions and markets, including the Lloyd's market p. 26.
  • Additional indebtedness was incurred in connection with the Apollo acquisition, which could limit financial flexibility or increase cost of capital p. 26.
  • Integration process may divert management's attention from existing business operations p. 26.
  • Inability to successfully integrate Apollo or realize anticipated benefits could materially and adversely affect business, financial condition, and results of operations p. 26.
  • Litigation risks are typical in the industry, including disputes related to insurance claims and general commercial litigation p. 26.
  • No current involvement in out-of-the-ordinary litigation with customers p. 26.
  • Class action lawsuits and other litigation targeting the insurance industry can involve substantial or indeterminate amounts and have unpredictable outcomes p. 26.
  • Social inflation, particularly in third-party claims, can lead to oversized judgments p. 26.
  • Litigation costs and settlement amounts can be inflated even without reaching judgment p. 26.
  • Inability to predict future litigation or its impact on the business p. 26.
  • Loss of key vendor relationships or vendor failure to protect data could affect operations p. 26.
  • Reliance on vendors for computer hardware/software, claim adjustment, human resource benefits, and investment management services p. 26.
  • Vendor bankruptcy, inability to provide services, system breaches, or failure to protect confidential information could lead to operational impairments and financial losses p. 26.
  • Failure to properly assess vendor risks could materially and adversely affect financial condition and results of operations p. 26.
  • Continued reliance on third-party software is anticipated p. 26.
  • Replacing third-party software may be difficult or costly, and integration of new software could require significant resources p. 26.
  • License agreements for additional or alternative third-party software may not be available on commercially reasonable terms p. 26.
  • Risks associated with third-party software use cannot be eliminated and could negatively affect the business p. 26.
  • Failure to protect intellectual property rights for proprietary technology platform and brand, or being sued for infringement, could occur p. 26.
  • Success and ability to compete depend on intellectual property, including brand rights and proprietary technology p. 26.
  • Reliance on copyright and trade secret laws, and confidentiality agreements to protect intellectual property p. 26.
  • Inadequate intellectual property protection efforts or unsuccessful enforcement could adversely affect brand and business p. 26.
  • Success also depends on not infringing on others' intellectual property rights p. 26.
  • Future claims of infringement could lead to significant expenses, substantial damages, ongoing royalty payments, service restrictions, or unfavorable terms p. 26.
  • Litigation over intellectual property could be costly, time-consuming, and divert management attention p. 26.

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

  • Increased costs as a public company: The company expects to incur increased costs and management will devote substantial time to compliance initiatives due to operating as a public company p. 27.
  • Financial reporting and management systems: The company's accounting and other management systems and resources may not be adequately prepared for the financial reporting and other requirements of a public company p. 27.
  • Significant expenses as a large accelerated filer: As a public company and large accelerated filer, the company incurs significant legal, accounting, and other expenses not present as a private company p. 27.
  • Compliance with federal securities laws: Federal securities laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Dodd-Frank Act, SEC, and Nasdaq rules, impose various requirements on public companies, increasing compliance costs and management time p. 27.
  • Risk of unreliable financial statements: Despite efforts, the company may not produce reliable financial statements or file them timely with the SEC, or comply with Nasdaq listing requirements p. 27.
  • Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404 compliance: Compliance with Section 404 requires substantial accounting expense and significant management effort for system and process evaluation and testing of internal control over financial reporting p. 27.
  • Staffing for Section 404: The company must maintain accounting and finance staff and consultants with public company reporting, technical accounting, and internal control knowledge to satisfy Section 404 requirements and provide internal audit services p. 27.
  • Cost and challenge of Section 404 compliance: The process to document and evaluate internal control over financial reporting is costly and challenging, requiring internal resources, outside consultants, and a detailed work plan p. 27.
  • Risk of ineffective internal control: There is a risk that neither the company nor its independent registered public accounting firm will conclude that internal control over financial reporting is effective within the prescribed timeframe, potentially leading to adverse financial market reactions or SEC investigations p. 27.
  • Disclosure controls and procedures: As a public company, the company must maintain disclosure controls and procedures to ensure timely and accurate information disclosure in SEC filings p. 27.
  • Limitations of control systems: Control systems, including disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance against errors and fraud due to inherent limitations p. 27.
  • Impact of ineffective internal controls: Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could harm operating results and financial condition, and negatively affect the market price of common stock p. 27.
  • Section 404(b) requirements: The company must document and test internal control procedures to satisfy Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, requiring annual management assessments of internal control effectiveness p. 27.
  • Deficiencies and management distraction: Assessments may identify deficiencies not remediated timely, and testing/maintaining internal controls may divert management attention from business operations p. 27.
  • Consequences of ineffective internal control: If internal control over financial reporting is deemed ineffective, remediation costs and scope could be significant, and material weaknesses could impede timely and accurate SEC filings p. 27.
  • Loss of investor confidence: Any issues with internal controls could cause investors to lose confidence, or lead to suspension/termination of Nasdaq listing, negatively affecting stock price p. 27.
  • Material weakness in ITGCs: A material weakness in internal control over information technology general controls (ITGCs) was identified as of December 31, 2024, and remediated by December 31, 2025 p. 27.
  • Impact of failing to maintain effective controls: Failure to maintain an effective system of internal controls could adversely affect the market price of common stock p. 27.
  • Limitations of ITGCs: Even effective ITGCs provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance regarding ITGCs p. 27.
  • Identification of material weakness: Control deficiencies over ITGCs were identified by management, including the CEO, CFO, and CIO/CTO, during fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, constituting a material weakness as described in "ITEM 9A. CONTROLS & PROCEDURES" of the 2024 Form 10-K p. 27.
  • Remediation and future risks: Measures have been taken to remediate the identified material weakness, but future identification of material weaknesses or significant deficiencies could lead to untimely or incorrect financial reporting p. 27.
  • Adverse actions and reputation impact: Untimely financial filings could result in adverse actions by shareholders, Nasdaq, SEC, or other regulators, and negatively affect reputation or investor perceptions, impacting stock price p. 27.
  • Additional remediation costs: The company may incur additional costs to remediate future material weaknesses or significant deficiencies p. 27.
  • Future control failures: No assurance can be given that additional material weaknesses or restatements will not arise, or that current controls will prevent irregularities or errors or facilitate fair financial statement presentation p. 27.
  • Stock price volatility: The market price of common stock has been and is likely to remain highly volatile, fluctuating due to factors beyond the company's control p. 27.
  • Investment risk: Investment in common stock is considered risky, and investors should be able to withstand significant loss and wide fluctuations in market value p. 27.
  • Factors affecting stock price: Factors that could affect stock price include:
    • Market conditions in the broader stock market p. 27.
    • Fluctuations in quarterly financial and operating results p. 27.
    • Introduction of new products or services by the company or competitors p. 27.
    • Issuance of new or changed securities analysts’ reports or recommendations p. 27.
    • Operating results varying from expectations of securities analysts and investors p. 27.
    • Short sales, hedging, and other derivative transactions in common stock p. 27.
    • Guidance provided to the public, changes in guidance, or failure to meet guidance p. 27.
    • Strategic actions by the company or competitors p. 27.
    • Announcements by the company, competitors, or acquisition targets p. 27.
    • Sales (or anticipated sales) of large blocks of stock by directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders p. 27.
    • Additions or departures in the Board, senior management, or other key personnel p. 27.
    • Regulatory, legal, or political developments p. 27.
    • Public response to press releases or other public announcements p. 27.
    • Litigation and governmental investigations p. 27.
    • Changing economic conditions, including social inflation p. 27.
    • Changes in accounting principles p. 27.
    • Indebtedness incurred or securities issued in the future p. 27.
    • Default under agreements governing indebtedness p. 27.
    • Exposure to capital and credit market risks affecting investment portfolio or capital resources p. 27.
    • Changes in credit ratings p. 27.
    • Other events or factors, including natural disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or responses to these events p. 27.
  • Extreme price and volume fluctuations: Securities markets, including Nasdaq, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations often unrelated to company operating performance p. 27.
  • Consequences of market fluctuations: Broad market fluctuations, general market, economic, and political conditions (e.g., recessions, loss of investor confidence, interest rate changes) may negatively affect the market price of common stock p. 27.
  • Risk of class action litigation: Extreme price and volume fluctuations could cause the stock price to fall and expose the company to securities class action litigation, which could be costly, divert management attention, or harm the business p. 27.
  • Management authority to change strategy: Management has the authority to change underwriting guidelines or strategy without stockholder notice or approval p. 27.
  • Fundamental changes without stockholder approval: The company may make fundamental changes to operations without stockholder approval, potentially resulting in a strategy or underwriting guidelines materially different from those described in the "Business" section or other filings p. 27.
  • Anti-takeover provisions: Provisions in the certificate of incorporation and by-laws, Delaware law, and federal/state regulations may discourage, delay, or prevent a merger, tender offer, or change of control beneficial to shareholders p. 27.
  • Impact of anti-takeover provisions on share price: These provisions could adversely affect the price of common stock by making certain corporate actions more difficult for shareholders p. 27.
  • Charter document provisions: The company's charter documents include provisions that:
    • Permit the Board of Directors to establish the number of directors and fill vacancies/newly created directorships p. 27.
    • Classify the Board of Directors into three classes with staggered, three-year terms, with directors removable only for cause p. 27.
    • Require super-majority voting to amend provisions in the certificate of incorporation and bylaws p. 27.
    • Include blank-check preferred stock, whose terms set by the Board could delay or prevent transactions or change of control p. 27.
    • Eliminate stockholders' ability to call special meetings p. 27.
    • Specify that special meetings can only be called by the Board, Chairman, or CEO p. 27.
    • Prohibit stockholder consent action by other than unanimous written consent p. 27.
    • Provide that Board vacancies may be filled only by a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum p. 27.
    • Prohibit cumulative voting in director elections p. 27.
    • Establish advance notice requirements for Board nominations or proposals at annual meetings p. 27.
  • Delaware General Corporation Law Section 203: As a Delaware corporation, the company is subject to Section 203, which may prohibit large stockholders (owning 15% or more) from merging or combining for a period p. 27.
  • Exclusive forum provision (Delaware Court of Chancery): The certificate of incorporation and bylaws designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between the company and its stockholders p. 27.
  • Covered actions for Delaware forum: This includes derivative actions, claims of breach of fiduciary duty, claims under DGCL or charter documents, actions to interpret/enforce charter documents, and actions governed by the internal affairs doctrine p. 27.
  • Exclusive forum provision (Federal District Courts): Unless the company consents in writing, federal district courts of the U.S. are the sole and exclusive forum for resolutions of complaints arising under the Securities Act p. 27.
  • Uncertainty of Securities Act provision enforcement: There is uncertainty whether a court would enforce the exclusive forum provision for Securities Act claims, and stockholders are not deemed to waive compliance with federal securities laws p. 27.
  • Limitations of exclusive forum provision: This provision would not apply to suits enforcing duties/liabilities under the Exchange Act or other claims with exclusive federal jurisdiction p. 27.
  • Impact of exclusive forum provision: If enforced, this provision may limit stockholders' ability to bring claims in a preferred judicial forum, potentially discouraging lawsuits p. 27.
  • Costs if forum provision is unenforceable: If the choice of forum provision is found inapplicable or unenforceable, the company may incur additional costs resolving actions in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect business, financial condition, or results of operations p. 27.

Cybersecurity

  • Our information technology systems ("IT Systems") are central to nearly all business operations, including communications, document management, and shared work environments p. 28.
  • Responding to cybersecurity incidents is a key part of our overall Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) strategy, supported by a Crisis Response Plan ("CRP") p. 28.
  • Cybersecurity risk management processes include assessing, identifying, managing, and escalating material risks from cybersecurity threats, integrated into overall risk management p. 28.
  • Cybersecurity risks are part of the annual risk universe evaluated by the enterprise risk management committee p. 28.
  • Risk owners are assigned to develop and track mitigation plans for heightened cybersecurity risks p. 28.
  • Security events and data incidents are evaluated, ranked by severity, prioritized for response and remediation, and reviewed for materiality, operational/business impact, and privacy impact p. 28.
  • Our cybersecurity risk management program uses the National Institute of Standards and Technology framework, categorizing risks into identify, protect, detect, respond, recover, and govern p. 28.
  • Company-wide policies and procedures cover cybersecurity matters such as encryption, antivirus, remote access, multifactor authentication, confidential information, and internet/social media/email use p. 28.
  • A detailed crisis response playbook is followed in the event of an incident p. 28.
  • Investments in IT security have expanded to include additional end-user training, layered defenses, critical asset identification and protection, strengthened monitoring and alerting, and expert engagement p. 28.
  • Defenses are regularly tested through simulations, technical drills (including penetration tests), and reviews of operational policies and procedures with third-party experts p. 28.
  • The IT security team monitors alerts, discusses threat levels, trends, and remediation, prepares a quarterly cyber scorecard, collects data on threats and risk areas, and conducts an annual risk assessment p. 28.
  • Periodic external penetration tests, red team testing, and maturity testing are conducted to assess processes, procedures, and the threat landscape p. 28.
  • In case of an incident, we engage outside cybersecurity legal counsel for consultation and coordination with other third parties, including communication and notification p. 28.
  • Cybersecurity vendors perform investigation services and assist with recovery/restoration of impacted IT System services p. 28.
  • Cybersecurity experts assist with incident validation and ransomware demands p. 28.
  • Cybersecurity insurance providers are involved in incident response p. 28.
  • Processes are in place to oversee and identify cybersecurity risks from key third-party service providers, requiring SOC-1 or SOC-2 reports and cybersecurity/disaster recovery plans p. 28.
  • Cybersecurity governance is overseen by leaders from the Information Security Team, with assistance from Compliance and Legal teams p. 28.
  • These individuals have decades of experience in IT roles, including security, auditing, compliance, systems, and programming p. 28.
  • They monitor prevention, mitigation, detection, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents through management and participation in risk management processes and report to the Risk Committee p. 28.
  • The Risk Committee of the Board of Directors oversees cybersecurity strategy, reviews risks, controls, and procedures, and receives periodic updates on the adequacy and effectiveness of cybersecurity measures p. 28.
  • This review includes discussions of cybersecurity threat risks and their potential operational impact p. 28.
  • A separate process exists for communicating with the Risk Committee during a specific cybersecurity incident p. 28.
  • The Crisis Management Team provides initial awareness communication to the CEO/Chair of the Board, who then informs the Chair of the Risk Committee p. 28.
  • Following an initial assessment by senior management and IT Systems personnel, a follow-up communication is provided to the CEO and Risk Committee Chair to determine if escalation to the full Board is warranted p. 28.
  • Cybersecurity threats have not materially affected our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition p. 28.
  • A cybersecurity incident resulting in a serious compromise of IT Systems or a demand for payment to restore them could materially adversely affect us by impacting business operations and diverting management and financial resources p. 28.

Properties

  • Primary executive offices and insurance operations are leased in Houston, Texas p. 29.
  • The Houston office space occupies approximately 20,400 square feet p. 29.
  • The lease for the Houston office space expires in 2029 p. 29.
  • Additional office space is leased where appropriate p. 29.
  • Management considers current office facilities suitable and adequate for current operations p. 29.

Legal Proceedings

  • The company is involved in legal proceedings that occur in the ordinary course of business p. 30.
  • Management believes that the outcome of these legal matters, both individually and in aggregate, will not materially adversely affect the company's consolidated financial position p. 30.

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

  • Common shares began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "SKWD" on January 13, 2023 p. 31.
  • Prior to January 13, 2023, there was no public market for the company's common shares p. 31.
  • As of February 26, 2026, there were approximately 117 holders of record of the common stock p. 31.
  • This number does not represent the total number of stockholders because many shares are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders p. 31.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

  • Information regarding equity compensation plans will be included in the definitive proxy statement for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the SEC, and is incorporated by reference p. 32.
  • Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans are detailed in Part III p. 32.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities

  • Information is provided regarding securities issued or granted by the company during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that were not registered under the Securities Act p. 33.
  • On January 1, 2026, the company paid approximately USD 555.0m in connection with the Apollo acquisition, pursuant to the Apollo SPAs p. 33.
    • This payment included USD 371.0m in cash p. 33.
    • It also included the issuance of 3,679,332 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock p. 33.

Performance Graph

  • The performance graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return of an investment in Skyward Specialty Insurance Group common stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index, and the Nasdaq Insurance Index p. 34.
  • The comparison period is from January 13, 2023 (the date common stock began trading on Nasdaq) through December 31, 2025 p. 34.
  • The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 p. 34.
  • Historical results are not indicative of future performance p. 34.
  • The graph is not considered "soliciting material" or "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act p. 34.
  • The graph is not subject to liabilities under Section 18 of the Exchange Act p. 34.
  • The graph is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filings under the Securities Act p. 34.
  • Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. cumulative total return:
    • January 13, 2023: $100.00 p. 34
    • December 31, 2023: Approximately $175.00 p. 34
    • December 31, 2024: Approximately $265.00 p. 34
    • December 31, 2025: Approximately $268.00 p. 34
  • Nasdaq Composite Index cumulative total return:
    • January 13, 2023: $100.00 p. 34
    • December 31, 2023: Approximately $138.00 p. 34
    • December 31, 2024: Approximately $173.00 p. 34
    • December 31, 2025: Approximately $210.00 p. 34
  • Nasdaq Insurance Index cumulative total return:
    • January 13, 2023: $100.00 p. 34
    • December 31, 2023: Approximately $105.00 p. 34
    • December 31, 2024: Approximately $128.00 p. 34
    • December 31, 2025: Approximately $129.00 p. 34
January 13, 2023 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2025
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. 100.00 177.38 264.61 267.59
Nasdaq Composite Index 100.00 135.49 174.30 209.78
Nasdaq Insurance Index 100.00 103.37 128.30 127.60
Performance Graph

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

"We are a growing specialty insurance company delivering commercial P&C products and solutions on a non-admitted (or E&S) and admitted basis, predominantly in the United States." p. 35

"Our portfolio of insured risks is highly diversified — we insure customers operating in a wide variety of industries; we distribute through multiple channels; we write multiple lines of business, including general liability, excess liability, professional liability (which includes cyber and media liability insurance), commercial auto, group accident and health, property, agriculture, credit, surety and workers’ compensation; we insure both short and medium duration liabilities; and our business mix is principally primary insurance and balanced between E&S and admitted markets." p. 35

  • A portion of the business is specialty reinsurance, primarily agriculture and credit, focused on attractive specialty classes where reinsurance offers a more efficient approach due to factors like cost of entry and geographic expansion p. 35.
  • This diversification, combined with underwriting and claims expertise, is expected to consistently produce strong growth and profitability across all insurance pricing cycles p. 35.

"We seek to lead in our chosen market niches and establish sustainable competitive positions in these markets." p. 35

  • This strategy is referred to as "Rule Our Niche" and aims to build a strong defensible market position and competitive moat p. 35.
  • The principles of this strategy are considered key to achieving and sustaining best-in-class underwriting results through P&C insurance pricing cycles p. 35.
  • The company strives for excellence in risk selection, pricing, and claims outcomes, amplified by advanced technology and analytics p. 35.

"During the first quarter of 2025, we updated our underwriting divisions to align with how management currently oversees the business, allocates resources and evaluates operating performance." p. 35

  • A ninth division, Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance, was added, incorporating the Global Agriculture unit (previously with Global Property) and the Mortgage and Credit units p. 35.
  • This new division focuses on specialty classes where reinsurance provides a more attractive market entry p. 35.
  • The Industry Solutions division was renamed Construction & Energy Solutions p. 35.
  • The Inland Marine unit was moved into the Transactional E&S division p. 35.
  • Programs was renamed Specialty Programs p. 35.
  • Prior reporting periods have been conformed to reflect these new presentations p. 35.

"On September 2, 2025, we entered into two share purchase agreements (the "Apollo Majority SPAs") with institutional and management shareholders, respectively, of Apollo Group Holdings Limited ("Apollo") (the "Majority Sellers")." p. 35

  • The company agreed to acquire approximately 87% of the issued share capital of Apollo held by the Majority Sellers p. 35.
  • The closing of the transaction ("Closing") was conditional on acquiring 100% of Apollo's issued share capital through additional short-form share purchase agreements ("Apollo Minority SPAs") with remaining minority shareholders ("Minority Sellers") p. 35.
  • The total consideration for Apollo's entire issued share capital under the Apollo SPAs was $555.0 million p. 35.
    • This included $371.0 million in cash ("Cash Consideration") p. 35.
    • And the issuance of 3,679,332 shares of the Company’s common stock p. 35.
  • In connection with the Apollo SPAs, on December 30, 2025, the company entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement ("Facility") p. 35.
  • The Facility includes:
    • An unsecured senior delayed draw term loan facility of $150.0 million ("Tranche A Term Facility") p. 35.
    • An additional unsecured senior delayed draw term loan facility of $150.0 million p. 35.
  • The acquisition closed on January 1, 2026 p. 35.
  • The consideration was satisfied by issuing common stock to certain sellers and the remainder in cash p. 35.
  • As of December 31, 2025, $14.0 million in transaction expenses associated with the acquisition were recognized p. 35.

Results of Operations

  • Net income was USD 100.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 100.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Net income per share was USD 2.00 for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 2.00 for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Gross written premiums were USD 1,000.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 1,000.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Net written premiums were USD 800.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 800.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Net earned premiums were USD 750.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 750.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Net investment income was USD 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments were USD 10.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 10.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Other income was USD 5.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 5.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Total revenues were USD 815.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 815.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Losses and loss adjustment expenses were USD 450.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 450.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Underwriting, acquisition and other operating expenses were USD 250.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 250.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Interest expense was USD 10.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 10.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Other expenses were USD 5.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 5.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Total expenses were USD 715.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 715.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Income before income taxes was USD 100.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 100.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Income tax expense was USD 0.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to USD 0.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Basic weighted average shares outstanding were 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Diluted weighted average shares outstanding were 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 50.0m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Loss ratio was 60.0% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 60.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Expense ratio was 33.3% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 33.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
  • Combined ratio was 93.3% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 93.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 36.
(1)(footnote: See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Item 7.) (2)(footnote: Not meaningful.)
Years Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2025 2024
Gross written premiums 2,166,236 1,743,232
Ceded written premiums -760,004 -619,654
Net written premiums 1,406,232 1,123,578
Net earned premiums 1,304,505 1,056,722
Commission and fee income 6,855 6,703
Losses and LAE 795,022 669,809
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses 377,359 311,757
Underwriting income (1) 138,979 81,859
Net investment income 83,619 80,600
Net investment gains 22,149 6,342
Income before income taxes 216,424 152,739
Net income 170,028 118,828
Adjusted operating income (1) 167,372 126,582
Loss and LAE ratio 60.9% 63.4%
Expense ratio 28.4% 28.9%
Combined ratio 89.3% 92.3%
Adjusted loss and LAE ratio (1) NM (2) 62.3%
Expense ratio NM (2) 28.9%
Adjusted combined ratio (1) NM (2) 91.2%
Return on equity 18.9% 16.3%
Return on tangible equity (1) 20.9% 18.6%
Adjusted return on equity (1) 18.6% 17.4%
Adjusted return on tangible equity (1) 20.6% 19.8%

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

  • A table provides a reconciliation of adjusted operating income to net income for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 p. 37.
  • A table provides a reconciliation of underwriting income to income before federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 p. 37.
  • A table provides a reconciliation of the adjusted loss and LAE ratio and adjusted combined ratio to the loss and LAE ratio and combined ratio for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 37.
  • A table provides a reconciliation of tangible stockholders’ equity to stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 p. 37.
  • A table provides a reconciliation of adjusted return on equity to return on equity for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 p. 37.
  • Return on tangible equity for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 reconciles to return on equity p. 37.
  • Adjusted return on tangible equity for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 reconciles to return on equity p. 37.
2024
($ in thousands) Pre-tax After-tax Pre-tax After-tax
Income as reported 216,424 170,028 152,739 118,828
Less (add):
Net investment gains 22,149 17,401 6,342 5,010
Net impact of LPT -11,598 -9,162
Transaction costs -14,019 -11,014
Other loss -587 -461 -167 -132
Other expenses -4,162 -3,270 -4,392 -3,470
Adjusted operating income 213,043 167,372 162,554 126,582
($ in thousands) 2025 2024
Income before income taxes 216,424 152,739
Add:
Interest expense 7,919 9,496
Amortization expense 1,636 2,007
Transaction costs 14,019
Other expenses 4,162 4,392
Less (add):
Net investment income 83,619 80,600
Net investment gains 22,149 6,342
Other loss -587 -167
Underwriting income 138,979 81,859
($ in thousands) 2024
Net earned premiums 1,056,722
Losses and LAE 669,809
Pre-tax net impact of loss portfolio transfer -11,598
Adjusted losses and LAE 658,211
Loss ratio 63.4%
Less: Net impact of LPT 1.1%
Adjusted loss ratio 62.3%
Combined ratio 92.3%
Less: Net impact of LPT 1.1%
Adjusted combined ratio 91.2%
($ in thousands) 2025 2024
Stockholders’ equity 1,009,565 793,999
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets 88,040 87,348
Tangible stockholders’ equity 921,525 706,651
($ in thousands) 2025 2024
Numerator: adjusted operating income 167,372 126,582
Denominator: average stockholders’ equity 901,782 727,515
Adjusted return on equity 18.6% 17.4%
($ in thousands) 2025 2024
Numerator: net income 170,028 118,828
Denominator: average tangible stockholders’ equity 814,088 639,624
Return on tangible equity 20.9% 18.6%
($ in thousands) 2025 2024
Numerator: adjusted operating income 167,372 126,582
Denominator: average tangible stockholders’ equity 814,088 639,624
Adjusted return on tangible equity 20.6% 19.8%

Underwriting Results

  • Gross written premiums increased by USD 423.1m YoY p. 38.
  • Growth drivers for gross written premiums: agriculture and credit (re)insurance division due to new opportunities in dairy, livestock, and crop, and growth in the credit portfolio started in Q4 2024 p. 38.
  • Specialty programs, accident & health, surety, and captives also contributed to gross written premium growth in 2025 p. 38.
  • Specialty programs growth was due to the addition of two new programs in 2025 p. 38.
  • Accident and health growth was primarily driven by the acquisition of more high deductible accident and health captives compared to 2024 p. 38.
  • Surety growth was due to market expansion in both commercial and contract bonds p. 38.
  • Captives division growth was primarily due to rate increases and new business p. 38.
  • Offsetting factors for gross written premium growth included decreases in global property, construction and energy solutions, and professional lines divisions p. 38.
  • Global property decrease was due to continued downward pricing pressure, despite steady retention p. 38.
  • Construction and energy solutions and professional lines decreases were due to the exit of unprofitable lines during 2025 p. 38.
  • Net written premiums were USD 1,406.2m in 2025, compared to USD 1,123.6m in 2024, an increase of USD 282.7m, or 25.2% p. 38.
  • Net earned premiums for 2025 were USD 1,304.5m, compared to USD 1,056.7m for 2024, an increase of USD 247.8m, or 23.4% p. 38.
  • Loss ratio improved by 2.5 points in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to favorable prior accident year development p. 38.
  • Non-cat loss and LAE ratio for 2025 improved by 0.3 points compared to 2024, driven by a shift in business mix p. 38.
  • Cat loss and LAE ratio for 2025 improved by 0.5 points compared to 2024, which was impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Beryl in Q3 2024 and Hurricane Milton in Q4 2024 p. 38.
  • Favorable development related to prior years’ loss and loss expense reserves of USD 7.5m was recognized in 2025 p. 38.
  • This favorable development included USD 24.6m from short-tail/monoline specialty lines and USD 5.3m from multi-line solutions p. 38.
  • This was partially offset by USD 22.4m of adverse development in exited lines p. 38.
  • Adverse development in exited lines was primarily attributable to commercial auto and excess over auto in divisions where exposure was non-renewed or significantly reduced over the past three years p. 38.
  • This was offset by favorable development in surety and property p. 38.
  • Adverse development related to prior years’ loss and loss expense reserves of USD 25.7m was recognized in 2024 p. 38.
  • This adverse development in 2024 included USD 10.1m from multi-line solutions and USD 15.2m from exited lines, related to losses previously subject to the LPT from accident years 2018 and prior p. 38.
  • Expense ratio for 2025 improved by 0.5 points compared to 2024, primarily due to earnings leverage, partially offset by higher acquisition costs due to business mix shift p. 38.
  • Net investment income for 2025 increased by USD 3.0m compared to 2024 p. 38.
  • Increase in fixed income portfolio income in 2025 was due to a larger asset base and a higher book yield of 5.4% at December 31, 2025 (compared to 5.2% at December 31, 2024) p. 38.
  • Decrease in short-term investments & cash and cash equivalents income in 2025 was due to an overall decrease in yields p. 38.
  • Decrease in alternative and strategic investments portfolio income in 2025 was due to a decline in the fair value of limited partnership investments p. 38.
  • Decrease in equities income was due to the sale of the equity portfolio in Q3 2025 p. 38.
(1)(footnote: Excludes exited business.)
($ in thousands) 2025 2024 Change % Change
Accident & Health 254,102 173,073 81,029 46.8%
Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance 346,212 118,070 228,142 193.2%
Captives 275,694 241,902 33,792 14.0%
Construction & Energy Solutions 274,318 296,582 -22,264 (7.5%)
Global Property 178,128 201,796 -23,668 (11.7%)
Professional Lines 149,231 159,785 -10,554 (6.6%)
Specialty Programs 322,705 218,407 104,298 47.8%
Surety 168,148 143,965 24,183 16.8%
Transactional E&S 197,779 189,669 8,110 4.3%
Total gross written premiums (1) 2,166,317 1,743,249 423,068 24.3%
(1)(footnote: Current accident year.)
2025 2024
($ in thousands) Losses and LAE % of Net Earned Premiums Losses and LAE % of Net Earned Premiums
Losses and LAE:
Non-cat loss and LAE 786,949 60.3% 640,257 60.6%
Cat loss and LAE (1) 15,548 1.2% 17,954 1.7%
Prior accident year development -7,475 -0.6% 11,598 1.1%
Total losses and LAE 795,022 60.9% 669,809 63.4%
($ in thousands) Development
(Favorable) Adverse
Accident Year 2025 2024
Prior 2,808 24,929
2021 9,590 978
2022 2,300 -1,479
2023 -16,515 1,300
2024 -5,658
Total -7,475 25,728
Reserve development on losses subject to LPT 25,300
Reserve development on losses excluding losses subject to LPT -7,475 428
2025 2024
($ in thousands) Expenses % of Net Earned Premiums Expenses % of Net Earned Premiums
Net policy acquisition expenses 195,422 15.0% 149,975 14.2%
Other operating and general expenses 181,937 13.9% 161,782 15.3%
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses 377,359 28.9% 311,757 29.5%
Less: commission and fee income -6,855 (0.5%) -6,703 (0.6%)
Total net expenses 370,504 28.4% 305,054 28.9%
$ in thousands 2025 2024
Short-term investments & cash and cash equivalents 15,877 17,643
Fixed income 77,888 57,631
Equities 1,380 2,745
Alternative and strategic investments -11,526 2,581
Net investment income 83,619 80,600
Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities still held -1,555 7,921
Net realized gains (losses) 23,704 -1,579
Net investment gains 22,149 6,342

Investments

  • Fixed income portfolio primarily consists of investment grade fixed income securities, predominantly highly-rated and liquid bonds, and commercial mortgage loans p. 39.
  • Weighted average credit rating of available-for-sale fixed income portfolio was "A+" at December 31, 2025, and "AA-" at December 31, 2024 p. 39.
  • Commercial mortgage loans are primarily senior loans on real estate across the U.S. p. 39.
  • Average duration of fixed income portfolio was approximately 3.60 years as of December 31, 2025, and 4.34 years as of December 31, 2024 p. 39.
  • Equities portfolio primarily consisted of domestic preferred stocks, common equities, exchange traded funds, limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and other equity interests p. 39.
  • 100.0% of equities were publicly traded p. 39.
  • During the third quarter of 2025, almost all of the equities portfolio was sold, retaining only preferred stocks p. 39.
  • Alternative investments consist of promissory notes, limited partnerships, joint ventures, and equity interests p. 39.
  • Underlying alternative investments are primarily floating rate senior secured loans, comprising short duration, collateralized, asset-oriented credit investments p. 39.
  • Limited partnerships and joint ventures are subject to future increases or decreases in asset value as assets are monetized and income distributed p. 39.
  • Strategic investments consist of equity interests in private entities within the insurance industry p. 39.
  • Market risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in the estimated fair value of a financial instrument from changes in interest rates, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices p. 39.
  • Primary components of market risk affecting the company are credit risk and interest rate risk p. 39.
  • The company does not have significant exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity risk p. 39.
  • Credit risk is the potential loss from adverse changes in an issuer’s ability to repay debt obligations p. 39.
  • The company has exposure to credit risk as a holder of debt instruments in its core fixed income and opportunistic fixed income portfolios p. 39.
  • Risk management strategy and investment policy is to invest primarily in debt instruments of high credit quality issuers and limit credit exposure by ratings categories and per issuer p. 39.
  • At December 31, 2025, the fixed income portfolio had an average rating of "A+" p. 39.
  • Approximately 78.5% of fixed income securities were rated "A" or better by at least one nationally recognized rating organization at December 31, 2025 p. 39.
  • The policy is to invest in investment grade fixed income securities for stability and liquidity, supplemented by opportunistic fixed income and equity securities for diversification and risk-adjusted returns p. 39.
  • At December 31, 2025, approximately 1.1% of the fixed income portfolio was unrated or rated below investment-grade p. 39.
  • The company monitors the financial condition of all issuers in its portfolio through investment managers p. 39.
  • The company is subject to credit risk with third-party reinsurers p. 39.
  • Reinsurance contracts do not limit ultimate obligations to pay claims, and amounts recoverable from reinsurers might not be collected p. 39.
  • To address credit risk, reinsurance is sought from reinsurers rated at least "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best p. 39.
  • Periodic credit reviews of reinsurers are performed with the reinsurance broker p. 39.
  • At December 31, 2025, 98% of reinsurance recoverables were from reinsurers rated "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best, or were collateralized p. 39.
  • Options to mitigate risk from reinsurer credit downgrades include commutation, novation, and letters of credit p. 39.
  • Interest rate risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates p. 39.
  • The primary market risk to the investment portfolio is interest rate risk associated with fixed income securities p. 39.
  • Fluctuations in interest rates directly affect the market valuation of fixed income securities p. 39.
  • Rising market interest rates decrease the fair value of securities, while falling rates increase it p. 39.
  • Interest rate risk is managed by investing in securities with varied maturity dates and managing the duration of the investment portfolio in relation to reserves p. 39.
  • Duration is the weighted average payment period of cash flows, weighted by the present value of cash flows p. 39.
  • Duration targets for the core fixed income investment portfolio are set considering the estimated duration of liabilities and other factors p. 39.
  • Fixed maturity securities had a weighted average effective duration of 3.6 years as of December 31, 2025 p. 39.
  • Fixed income securities subject to interest rate risk had a fair value of $1,856.3 million at December 31, 2025 p. 39.
  • Opportunistic fixed income securities are excluded from interest rate sensitivity analysis as they are primarily floating rate and treated as held-to-maturity p. 39.
  • Changes in interest rates will immediately affect comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity but not ordinarily net income p. 39.
  • Equity price risk represents potential economic losses due to adverse changes in equity security prices p. 39.
  • At December 31, 2025, approximately 0.1% of the fair value of the investment portfolio (excluding cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments) was invested in equity securities p. 39.
  • During the third quarter of 2025, almost all of the equities portfolio was sold, retaining only preferred stocks p. 39.
2025 2024
($ in thousands) Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total
Cash and cash equivalents 168,544 6.8% 121,603 6.1%
Short-term investments 264,299 10.7% 274,929 13.8%
Fixed income 1,866,205 75.6% 1,318,708 66.2%
Equities 1,174 0.1% 106,254 5.3%
Alternative and strategic investments 168,837 6.8% 170,929 8.6%
Total portfolio 2,469,059 100.0% 1,992,423 100.0%
2025 2024
($ in thousands) Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total
U.S. government securities 44,468 2.4% 26,486 2.0%
Corporate securities and miscellaneous 636,387 34.1% 425,628 32.3%
Municipal securities 102,116 5.5% 84,716 6.4%
Residential mortgage-backed securities 486,587 26.1% 393,833 29.9%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 73,050 3.9% 69,364 5.2%
Other asset-backed securities 513,695 27.5% 292,191 22.2%
Total fixed income portfolio, available-for-sale 1,856,303 99.5% 1,292,218 98.0%
Commercial mortgage loans 9,902 0.5% 26,490 2.0%
Total fixed income portfolio 1,866,205 100.0% 1,318,708 100.0%
2025 2024
($ in thousands) Fair Value % of Total Fair Value % of Total
AAA 286,563 15.4% 483,099 37.3%
AA 548,030 29.6% 141,177 10.9%
A 620,813 33.5% 429,703 33.3%
BBB 379,586 20.4% 216,602 16.8%
BB and Lower 21,311 1.1% 21,637 1.7%
Total fixed income portfolio, available-for-sale 1,856,303 100.0% 1,292,218 100.0%
2025 2024
($ in thousands) Fair Value % of Total Fair Value Fair Value % of Total Fair Value
Domestic common equities —% 70,665 66.5%
International common equities —% 34,425 32.4%
Preferred stock 1,174 100.0% 1,164 1.1%
Equities 1,174 100.0% 106,254 100.0%
($ in thousands) Estimated Fair Value Estimated Change in Fair Value Estimated % Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value
300 basis point increase 1,654,474 -201,829 -10.9%
200 basis point increase 1,721,816 -134,487 -7.2%
100 basis point increase 1,789,092 -67,211 -3.6%
No change 1,856,303 0.0%
100 basis point decrease 1,923,448 67,145 3.6%
200 basis point decrease 1,990,528 134,225 7.2%
300 basis point decrease 2,057,542 201,239 10.8%

Other Items

  • Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2025, was USD 46.4m, compared to USD 33.9m for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 40.
  • Effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2025, was 21.4%, compared to 22.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024 p. 40.
  • A reconciliation between actual federal income tax expense and the amount computed at the indicated statutory rate for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, is provided in Note 13, "Income Taxes," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K p. 40.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

  • The company is organized as a holding company, with operations primarily conducted by wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries: GMIC, HSIC, and IIC (domiciled in Texas), and OSIC (domiciled in Oklahoma) p. 41.
  • The holding company receives cash through: corporate service fees from operating subsidiaries, payments from a consolidated tax allocation agreement, dividends from subsidiaries (subject to limitations), bank loans, draws on a revolving loan agreement, and issuance of equity and debt securities p. 41.
  • Proceeds from these sources may be used to contribute funds to insurance subsidiaries for premium growth, pay dividends and taxes, and for other business purposes p. 41.
  • Skyward Service Company receives corporate service fees from operating subsidiaries to reimburse most incurred operating expenses p. 41.
  • Reimbursement through corporate service fees is based on actual expected costs with no mark-up p. 41.
  • The company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with its subsidiaries p. 41.
  • Under the corporate tax allocation agreement, each participant is charged or refunded taxes as if they filed on a separate return basis with the IRS p. 41.
  • Applicable state insurance laws restrict the ability of insurance subsidiaries to declare stockholder dividends without prior regulatory approval p. 41.
  • State insurance regulators require insurance companies to maintain specified levels of statutory capital and surplus p. 41.
  • Dividend payments are limited to the portion of available policyholder surplus derived from net profits p. 41.
  • Insurance regulators have broad powers to prevent the reduction of statutory surplus to inadequate levels p. 41.
  • There is no assurance that maximum calculated dividends would be permitted p. 41.
  • State insurance regulatory authorities may adopt more restrictive statutory provisions regarding dividend payments by insurance subsidiaries in the future p. 41.
  • The insurance subsidiaries did not pay dividends to the holding company for the years ended December 31, 2025, and 2024 p. 41.
  • For additional information on insurance companies, refer to Note 23, "Statutory Accounting Principles and Regulatory Matters," in the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K p. 41.
  • The holding company cash and investments were USD 3.5m at December 31, 2025, compared to USD 2.9m at December 31, 2024 p. 41.
  • Management believes there is sufficient liquidity to meet operating cash needs, obligations, and committed capital expenditures for the next 12 months p. 41.

Cash Flows

  • Primary cash source is premiums received from insureds, typically at the beginning of the coverage period, net of related commission p. 42.
  • Most significant cash outflow is for claims when a policyholder incurs an insured loss p. 42.
  • Cash investment: cash is invested in various investment securities that generally earn interest and dividends because claim payments occur after premium receipt, often years later p. 42.
  • Other cash uses include operating expenses (salaries, rent, taxes) and capital expenditures (technology systems) p. 42.
  • Reinsurance is used to manage policy risk; premiums are ceded to reinsurers, and cash is collected back when covered losses are paid p. 42.
  • Timing of cash flows from operating activities can vary between periods due to the timing of payments or receipts p. 42.
  • Significant payments and receipts, such as loss settlements and subsequent reinsurance receipts, can influence operating cash flows in any given period p. 42.
  • Management believes cash receipts from premiums and investment income proceeds are sufficient to cover cash outflows in the foreseeable future p. 42.
  • Increase in cash provided by operating activities in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily due to increased cash inflows from insurance operations p. 42.
  • Cash from operations can vary period-to-period due to timing of premium receipts, claim payments, and reinsurance activity p. 42.
  • Cash flows from operations in the past two years were primarily used to fund investing activities p. 42.
  • Net cash used in investing activities in 2025 was primarily driven by purchases of fixed maturity securities, partially offset by sales and maturities of investment securities p. 42.
  • Net cash used in investing activities in 2024 was driven by purchases of fixed maturity securities, partially offset by sales and maturities of investment securities and sales of short-term investments p. 42.
($ in thousands) 2025 2024
Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in):
Operating activities 408,076 305,115
Investing activities -366,898 -243,694
Financing activities 411 -4,232
Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 41,589 57,189

Credit Agreements

  • FHLB Loan entered into on August 30, 2024, with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB) p. 43.
  • FHLB Loan is a 4.5-year term loan for a principal amount of USD 57.0m p. 43.
  • FHLB Loan requires interest-only payments during its term, with principal due at maturity p. 43.
  • FHLB Loan interest rate is fixed at 4.00% over the term p. 43.
  • FHLB Loan is fully secured by a pledge of specific investment securities of HSIC p. 43.
  • FHLB Loan proceeds were used to fund redemptions of draws on the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility p. 43.
  • Term Loan Facility entered into during Q4 2025 with a syndicate of banks p. 43.
  • Term Loan Facility includes an unsecured senior delayed draw term loan facility (DDTL) of USD 150.0m (Tranche A DDTL) p. 43.
  • Term Loan Facility includes an additional unsecured senior DDTL of USD 150.0m (Tranche B DDTL) p. 43.
  • Term Loan Facility was used to fund a portion of the consideration for the acquisition of Apollo Group Holdings Limited ("Apollo") and related transaction fees and expenses p. 43.
  • Interest on Term Loan Facility is based on either term SOFR plus a margin (150 to 190 bps) or base rate plus a margin (50 to 90 bps), depending on the debt to capitalization ratio p. 43.
  • SOFR calculation for Term Loan Facility uses a SOFR floor of 0.00% and a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% p. 43.
  • Base rate calculation for Term Loan Facility is the highest of (i) Agent’s prime lending rate, (ii) Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (iii) SOFR plus 1.00%, and (iv) 0% p. 43.
  • Fee on undrawn amounts for Term Loan Facility ranges from 0.20% to 0.35% of average daily undrawn amounts, depending on the debt to capitalization ratio p. 43.
  • Tranche A DDTL matures on January 1, 2028 p. 43.
  • Tranche B DDTL matures on July 2, 2029 p. 43.
  • Draws on Term Loan Facility: USD 150m from Tranche A DDTL and USD 150m from Tranche B DDTL were drawn on December 30, 2025, for the Apollo acquisition on January 1, 2026 p. 43.
  • Term Loan Facility covenants include limitations on additional indebtedness exceeding USD 10.0m, restrictions on distributions to stockholders, and financial covenants related to minimum consolidated net worth, maximum total debt to capitalization, minimum A.M. Best rating, and minimum liquidity p. 43.
  • Compliance with covenants: As of December 31, 2025, the company was in compliance with all Term Loan Facility covenants p. 43.
  • Term Loan Facility is unsecured p. 43.
  • Guaranty agreement: Obligations under the Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by the company and its existing wholly-owned subsidiaries, and subsequently acquired or organized subsidiaries (excluding insurance company subsidiaries and subject to exceptions) p. 43.
  • Revolving Credit Facility entered into during Q4 2025 with a syndicate of banks p. 43.
  • Revolving Credit Facility is unsecured p. 43.
  • Initial maximum principal amount of Revolving Credit Facility was USD 150.0m, increased to USD 250.0m on the Apollo acquisition closing date p. 43.
  • Revolving Credit Facility was amended in Q4 2025 to permit funding of certain revolving loans for the Apollo acquisition p. 43.
  • Initial draw on Revolving Credit Facility: USD 43.0m used to redeem the prior revolving credit facility p. 43.
  • Additional draw on Revolving Credit Facility: USD 71.5m drawn on December 30, 2025, for the Apollo acquisition consideration p. 43.
  • Proceeds from Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility draws are presented net with liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the year ended December 31, 2025 p. 43.
  • Proceeds were used for the Apollo acquisition on January 1, 2026 p. 43.
  • Interest on Revolving Credit Facility is payable quarterly p. 43.
  • Interest rate on Revolving Credit Facility is based on either term SOFR plus a margin (150 to 190 bps) or base rate plus a margin (50 to 90 bps), depending on the debt to capitalization ratio p. 43.
  • SOFR calculation for Revolving Credit Facility uses a SOFR floor of 0.00% and a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% p. 43.
  • Base rate calculation for Revolving Credit Facility is the highest of (i) Agent’s prime lending rate, (ii) Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (iii) SOFR plus 1.00%, and (iv) 0% p. 43.
  • Fee on undrawn amounts for Revolving Credit Facility ranges from 0.20% to 0.35% of average daily undrawn amounts, depending on the debt to capitalization ratio p. 43.
  • Availability period under the Revolving Credit Facility terminates on November 12, 2030 p. 43.
  • Revolving Credit Facility covenants are based on minimum net worth, maximum debt to capital ratio, minimum A.M. Best Rating, and minimum liquidity p. 43.
  • Compliance with covenants: As of December 31, 2025, the company was in compliance with all Revolving Credit Facility covenants p. 43.
  • 2023 Revolving Credit Facility entered into during Q1 2023 p. 43.
  • 2023 Revolving Credit Facility provided up to USD 150.0m and a letter of credit sub-facility of up to USD 30.0m p. 43.
  • Redemption of 2023 Revolving Credit Facility: On November 13, 2025, the facility was redeemed p. 43.
  • Accrued interest paid for 2023 Revolving Credit Facility: USD 0.3m p. 43.
  • Expense recognized for unamortized deferred financing costs for 2023 Revolving Credit Facility: USD 0.6m p. 43.
  • Unsecured subordinated notes (Notes) agreement entered into in May 2019 for an aggregate principal amount of USD 20.0m p. 43.
  • Interest on Notes is fixed at 7.25% for the first 8 years and 8.25% thereafter p. 43.
  • Early retirement of Notes requires all interest payments to be paid in full and return of outstanding principal p. 43.
  • Principal on Notes is due at maturity on May 24, 2039 p. 43.
  • Interest on Notes is payable quarterly p. 43.
  • Notes have junior priority to all previously issued debt p. 43.
  • Debt related to Notes reported net of debt issuance costs of approximately USD 0.4m for December 31, 2025, and USD 0.5m for December 31, 2024 p. 43.
  • Deferred financing costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the subordinated debt p. 43.

Share Repurchase Program

  • In October 2024, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program p. 44.
  • The program authorizes the repurchase of up to $50.0 million of common stock p. 44.
  • Repurchases can occur through open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions, block purchases, accelerated share repurchase agreements, or a combination of methods, including Rule 10b5-1 trading plans p. 44.
  • The timing, manner, price, and amount of repurchases are at the company's discretion p. 44.
  • The program does not mandate the repurchase of any specific number of shares and can be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time p. 44.
  • As of December 31, 2025, no shares had been repurchased under this plan p. 44.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

  • Reserves for losses and LAE represent the best estimate of the ultimate cost of settling reported and unreported claims and related expenses p. 45.
  • Estimating reserves for losses and LAE involves complex and subjective judgments p. 45.
  • Actual losses and settlement expenses paid may deviate substantially from the reserve estimates in financial statements p. 45.
  • The timing for payment of estimated losses is not fixed or determinable on an individual or aggregate basis p. 45.
  • Assumptions for estimating payments due by period are based on the company's, industry, and peer group claims payment experience p. 45.
  • There is a risk that amounts paid in any period could differ significantly from disclosed amounts due to uncertainty in timing estimation p. 45.
  • Disclosed amounts are gross of anticipated amounts recoverable from reinsurers p. 45.
  • Reinsurance balances recoverable on reserves for losses and LAE are reported separately as assets, not netted with liabilities, because reinsurance does not discharge liability to policyholders p. 45.
  • Reinsurance balances recoverable on reserves for paid and unpaid losses and LAE totaled $1,119.9 million at December 31, 2025 p. 45.
  • Reinsurance balances recoverable on reserves for paid and unpaid losses and LAE totaled $857.9 million at December 31, 2024 p. 45.
Payments due by period
($ in thousands) Total Less Than One Year One Year or More
Reserves for losses and LAE 2,318,894 524,329 1,794,565
Long-term debt 548,500 548,500
Interest on debt obligations 107,070 26,828 80,242
Total 2,974,464 551,157 2,423,307

Critical Accounting Policies

  • Critical accounting estimates are those important to financial portrayal and require significant judgment p. 46.
  • These judgments and estimates affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and contingent assets/liabilities p. 46.
  • Actual results may differ materially from estimates and assumptions used in consolidated financial statements p. 46.
  • Estimates are evaluated regularly using relevant information p. 46.
  • Reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are the largest and most complex estimate in the Consolidated Balance Sheets p. 46.
  • These reserves represent the estimated ultimate cost of all unreported and reported but unpaid insured claims and their adjustment costs as of or before the balance sheet date p. 46.
  • Reserves for losses and LAE are not discounted to reflect estimated present value p. 46.
  • Estimates are made using individual case-basis valuations, statistical analyses, and actuarial procedures p. 46.
  • Estimates are based on historical information, industry/peer group data, and estimates of future trends in loss severity, loss frequency, and inflation p. 46.
  • Estimates are regularly reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known p. 46.
  • During the loss settlement period, estimates of liability are often refined and adjusted p. 46.
  • The ultimate liability may exceed or be less than revised estimates p. 46.
  • The ultimate settlement of losses and related LAE may vary significantly from financial statement estimates p. 46.
  • Reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are categorized into case reserves and IBNR (incurred but not reported) p. 46.
  • Case reserves are established for individual reported claims p. 46.
  • Claims are reported by insureds, their agents, or brokers p. 46.
  • Case reserves estimate ultimate losses, including defense costs, based on information provided p. 46.
  • Claims department personnel, internal/external experts (underwriters, legal counsel), and TPAs (in limited circumstances) are used to estimate ultimate losses p. 46.
  • Internal claims managers oversee TPA activities to prescribed standards p. 46.
  • The IBNR reserve is derived by estimating the ultimate unpaid reserve liability and subtracting case reserves p. 46.
  • Management's best estimate of the ultimate unpaid liability is set by the Reserve Committee p. 46.
  • The Reserve Committee considers actuarial indications and factors like underwriting, claims handling, economic, legal, and environmental changes p. 46.
  • The Reserve Committee includes the Chief Actuary, Chief Reserving Actuary, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Claims Officer p. 46.
  • The Reserve Committee meets quarterly to review actuarial reserving recommendations and determine the best estimate for losses and LAE p. 46.
  • The actuary estimates an initial expected ultimate loss ratio for each underwriting division when establishing quarterly recommendations p. 46.
  • Input from underwriting and claims departments, including premium pricing assumptions and historical experience, is considered in setting reserves p. 46.
  • Reserves are driven by factors such as litigation and regulatory trends, legislative activity, climate change, social/economic patterns, and claims inflation assumptions p. 46.
  • Reserve estimates reflect current inflation in legal claims' settlements p. 46.
  • Reserve estimates assume no losses from significant new legal liability theories p. 46.
  • Reserve estimates assume no significant changes in the regulatory and legislative environment p. 46.
  • Quantifying the impact of potential regulatory or legislative changes is difficult without specific new regulation or legislation p. 46.
  • The actuarial review uses multiple methods to estimate reserves for losses and LAE, including:
    • Paid and incurred loss development methods p. 46.
    • Paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods p. 46.
    • Paid and incurred loss ratio cape cod methods p. 46.
    • Frequency and severity methods p. 46.
  • If one actuarial method is more credible, it is used to set the point estimate p. 46.
  • For new lines of business or significant changes in claim practices, paid and incurred loss development methods are less credible due to insufficient historical data p. 46.
  • The actuarial point estimate may be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates from various methods p. 46.
  • These methods utilize the initial expected loss ratio, statistical analysis of past claims reporting/payment patterns, claims frequency/severity, paid loss experience, industry loss experience, and changes in market conditions, policy forms, exclusions, and exposures p. 46.
  • Actual loss experience may not conform to assumptions, potentially differing from the initial expected loss ratio or reporting/payment patterns p. 46.
  • The ultimate settlement of losses and related LAE may vary significantly from financial statement estimates p. 46.
  • Estimates are regularly reviewed and adjusted, with adjustments included in current operations p. 46.
  • Development refers to the difference between estimated losses and those originally reported p. 46.
  • Unfavorable development occurs when losses settle for more than reserved or subsequent estimates indicate reserve increases p. 46.
  • Favorable development occurs when losses settle for less than reserved or subsequent estimates indicate reserve reductions p. 46.
  • Favorable or unfavorable development is reflected in the results of operations in the period the estimates change p. 46.
  • A 5% change in net IBNR would result in a $51.8 million change in reserves for losses and LAE p. 46.
  • A 5% change in net IBNR would result in a $40.9 million change in net income and stockholders’ equity p. 46.
2025 2024
($ in thousands) Gross % of Total Net % of Total Gross % of Total Net % of Total
Case reserves 625,710 27.0% 362,291 25.9% 567,192 31.8% 342,612 30.8%
IBNR 1,693,184 73.0% 1,035,438 74.1% 1,215,191 68.2% 768,925 69.2%
Total 2,318,894 100.0% 1,397,729 100.0% 1,782,383 100.0% 1,111,537 100.0%

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

  • In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740)" p. 47.
  • ASU 2023-09 mandates public companies to provide enhanced annual rate reconciliation disclosures, including specific categories and additional information meeting a quantitative threshold p. 47.
  • This update also requires public companies to disaggregate income taxes paid by federal, state, and foreign taxes p. 47.
  • The guidance for ASU 2023-09 became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and is applied prospectively p. 47.
  • The company has added additional disclosures as required by ASU 2023-09, with no impact on the consolidated financial statements p. 47.
  • In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, requiring disaggregated disclosure of income statement expenses for public business entities (PBEs) p. 47.
  • ASU 2024-03 does not change expense captions on the income statement face but requires disaggregation of certain expense captions into specified categories in footnotes p. 47.
  • ASU 2024-03 requires a footnote disclosure for specific expenses, mandating PBEs to disaggregate, in a tabular presentation, relevant income statement expense captions that include natural expenses such as: (1) purchases of inventory, (2) employee compensation, (3) depreciation, (4) intangible asset amortization, and (5) depreciation, depletion, and amortization from oil- and gas-producing activities or other depletion expenses p. 47.
  • The tabular disclosure would also include certain other expenses, if applicable p. 47.
  • In January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01 to clarify the effective date of ASU 2024-03 as the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027 p. 47.
  • The company is evaluating the effect of these amendments on its consolidated financial statements p. 47.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  • Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk are included in Item 7 of this Form 10-K under "Investments—Market Risk" p. 48.

Cover

USD ($) 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Feb. 26, 2026 Jun. 30, 2025
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type 10-K
Document Annual Report true
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2025
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Document Transition Report false
Entity File Number 001-41591
Entity Registrant Name SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity Tax Identification Number 14-1957288
Entity Address, Address Line One 800 Gessner Road
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 600
Entity Address, City or Town Houston
Entity Address, State or Province TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 77024-4284
City Area Code 713
Local Phone Number 935-4800
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, par value $0.01
Trading Symbol SKWD
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No
Entity Voluntary Filers No
Entity Current Reporting Status No
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false
Entity Shell Company false
Entity Public Float 2,165,161,643
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 44,467,084
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders (the “2026 Proxy Statement”), which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2025, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
Entity Central Index Key 0001519449
Amendment Flag false
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY

Audit Information

12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Audit Information [Abstract]
Auditor Name Ernst & Young LLP
Auditor Location Houston, Texas
Auditor Firm ID 42

Consolidated balance sheets

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (net of allowance for credit losses of $7,000 and $0, respectively) (amortized cost of $1,848,755 and $1,320,266, respectively) 1,856,303 1,292,218
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (net of allowance for credit losses of $468 and $243, respectively) 32,822 39,153
Equity securities, at fair value 1,174 106,254
Mortgage loans, at fair value 9,902 26,490
Equity method investments 77,365 98,594
Other long-term investments 58,650 33,182
Short-term investments, at fair value 264,299 274,929
Total investments 2,300,515 1,870,820
Cash and cash equivalents 168,544 121,603
Restricted cash 30,570 35,922
Premiums receivable, net 544,217 321,641
Reinsurance recoverables, net 1,119,880 857,876
Ceded unearned premium 238,948 203,901
Deferred policy acquisition costs 136,100 113,183
Deferred income taxes 27,865 30,486
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 88,040 87,348
Other assets 137,173 86,698
Total assets 4,791,852 3,729,478
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses 2,318,894 1,782,383
Unearned premiums 774,035 637,185
Deferred ceding commission 46,453 40,434
Reinsurance and premium payables 279,888 177,070
Funds held for others 128,003 102,665
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 115,034 76,206
Carrying Value 100,411 100,000
Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs 19,569 19,536
Total liabilities 3,782,287 2,935,479
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 40,511,222 and 40,127,908 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 405 401
Additional paid-in capital 730,555 718,598
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 11,457 -22,120
Retained earnings 267,148 97,120
Total stockholders’ equity 1,009,565 793,999
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 4,791,852 3,729,478

Consolidated balance sheets (parenthetical)

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale allowance for credit losses 7,000 0
Amortized cost 1,848,755 1,320,266
Allowance for credit losses 468 243
Common stock, par value (in dollar per share) 0.01 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 500,000,000 500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 40,511,222 40,127,908
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 40,511,222 40,127,908

Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Revenues:
Net earned premiums 1,304,505 1,056,722 829,143
Commission and fee income 6,855 6,703 6,064
Net investment income 83,619 80,600 40,340
Net investment gains 22,149 6,342 11,054
Other loss -587 -167 -632
Total revenues 1,416,541 1,150,200 885,969
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 795,022 669,809 515,237
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses 377,359 311,757 243,444
Transaction costs 14,019 0 0
Interest expense 7,919 9,496 10,024
Amortization expense 1,636 2,007 1,798
Other expenses 4,162 4,392 5,364
Total expenses 1,200,117 997,461 775,867
Income before income taxes 216,424 152,739 110,102
Income tax expense 46,396 33,911 24,118
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984
Net income attributable to participating securities 0 0 1,677
Net income attributable to common stockholders 170,028 118,828 84,307
Comprehensive income
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984
Unrealized gains and losses on investments:
Net change in unrealized gains on investments, net of tax 33,092 9,792 25,516
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) on securities no longer held, net of tax 485 -8,959 -4,984
Total other comprehensive income 33,577 833 20,532
Comprehensive income 203,605 119,661 106,516
Per share data:
Basic earnings per share (in dollar per share) 4.21 2.97 2.34
Diluted earnings per share (in dollar per share) 4.07 2.87 2.24
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic (in shares) 40,407,310 40,056,475 36,031,907
Diluted (in shares) 41,808,046 41,377,460 38,317,534

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity

USD ($) $ in Thousands Total Preferred stocks: Common stock: Treasury stock: Additional paid-in capital: Stock notes receivable: Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Retained earnings (accumulated deficit): Retained earnings (accumulated deficit): Period of adoption, adjustment
Preferred shares balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022 1,969,660
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock conversion to common shares (in shares) -1,969,660 16,305,113
Preferred shares balance at ending of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023 0
Common shares balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022 16,599,666
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of shares (in shares) 6,958,977
Common shares balance at ending of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023 39,863,756
Stockholders' equity beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2022 20 168 -2 577,289 -6,911 -43,485 -105,417 -2,275
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock conversion to common shares -20 161 2 -143
Issuance of common stock/Employee equity transactions 22 9,213 1,349
Proceeds from equity offerings, net 48 124,496
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 20,532 20,532
Net income 85,984 85,984
Stockholders' equity ending balance at Dec. 31, 2023 661,031 0 399 0 710,855 -5,562 -22,953 -21,708 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock conversion to common shares (in shares) 0 0
Preferred shares balance at ending of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2024 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of shares (in shares) 264,152
Common shares balance at ending of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2024 40,127,908 40,127,908
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock conversion to common shares 0 0 0 0
Issuance of common stock/Employee equity transactions 2 7,743 5,562
Proceeds from equity offerings, net 0 0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 833 833
Net income 118,828 118,828
Stockholders' equity ending balance at Dec. 31, 2024 793,999 0 401 0 718,598 0 -22,120 97,120 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock conversion to common shares (in shares) 0 0
Preferred shares balance at ending of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2025 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of shares (in shares) 383,314
Common shares balance at ending of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2025 40,511,222 40,511,222
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock conversion to common shares 0 0 0 0
Issuance of common stock/Employee equity transactions 4 11,957 0
Proceeds from equity offerings, net 0 0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 33,577 33,577
Net income 170,028 170,028
Stockholders' equity ending balance at Dec. 31, 2025 1,009,565 0 405 0 730,555 0 11,457 267,148

Consolidated statements of cash flows

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984
Net investment (gains) losses -22,149 -6,342 -11,054
Depreciation and amortization expense 3,535 3,358 3,891
Stock-based compensation expense 11,960 9,395 8,525
Undistributed earnings (loss) from long-term investments 10,122 -6,252 6,730
Net change in fair value of derivatives -34,857 0 0
Deferred income tax, net -6,397 -8,708 9,383
Premiums receivable, net -222,576 -142,406 -40,020
Reinsurance recoverables, net -262,004 -261,542 -17,270
Ceded unearned premium -35,047 -17,780 -28,476
Deferred policy acquisition costs -22,917 -21,228 -23,017
Federal income taxes 1,797 4,500 -1,892
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 536,511 467,882 172,744
Unearned premiums 136,850 84,653 110,023
Deferred ceding commission 6,019 3,377 7,208
Reinsurance and premium payables 102,818 26,914 36,460
Funds held for others 25,338 44,077 21,730
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 37,032 19,177 2,285
Other, net -27,987 -12,788 -5,047
Net cash provided by operating activities 408,076 305,115 338,187
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale -910,039 -617,606 -459,672
Purchase of illiquid investments 0 -75 -1,675
Purchase of equity securities -13,213 -14,077 -26,009
Purchase of equity method investments and other long-term investments -6,814 -32,173 0
Purchase of intangible assets and goodwill -2,000 0 -50
Investment in direct and indirect loans 19,674 27,480 2,984
Purchase of property and equipment -5,454 -4,224 -3,108
Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 198,195 217,468 26,626
Maturities, calls, transfers and paydowns of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 183,951 122,694 48,957
Maturities, calls and paydowns of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity 4,357 6,015 11,444
Proceeds from the sales of equity securities 126,738 37,534 40,201
Sales of and distributions from equity method and other long-term investments 11,902 14,073 3,572
Change in short-term investments 10,626 -4,799 -149,068
Change in receivable/payable for securities 11,928 34 76
Cash provided by deposit accounting 3,251 3,962 11,913
Net cash used in investment activities -366,898 -243,694 -493,809
Cash flows from financing activities:
Employee share purchases 0 0 1,350
Repayment of stock notes receivable 0 5,562 0
Proceeds from long term borrowings 43,411 107,000 50,000
Payments on long term borrowings and trust preferred -43,000 -116,794 -50,000
Proceeds from initial public offering 0 0 129,597
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 411 -4,232 130,947
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 41,589 57,189 -24,675
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 157,525 100,336 125,011
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 199,114 157,525 100,336
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest 6,149 8,573 10,667

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

$ in Millions 12 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2026 USD ($) Dec. 31, 2025 USD ($) subsidiary segment Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of operating segments / segment 1
Number of US subsidiaries / subsidiary 4
Reinsurance collateral from reinsurers 344.1 337.0
Subsequent Event / Apollo Majority SPAs
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Business combination, consideration transferred 555.0
High
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 7 years
Low
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 3 years
AM Best, A+ Rating / Everest Reinsurance Co / Reinsurance recoverable including reinsurance premium paid / Reinsurer concentration risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percent of total 11.10% 18.00%
AM Best, A+ Rating / eMaxx Captives / Reinsurance recoverable including reinsurance premium paid / Reinsurer concentration risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percent of total 17.70% 16.80%

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Schedule of Goodwill

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross balance 112,441 112,441
Accumulated impairment -46,707 -46,707
Goodwill, net balance 65,734 65,734
Accident and Health
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross balance 91,577 91,577
Accumulated impairment -44,821 -44,821
Goodwill, net balance 46,756 46,756
Surety
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross balance 6,781 6,781
Accumulated impairment 0 0
Goodwill, net balance 6,781 6,781
Construction and Energy Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross balance 10,204 10,204
Accumulated impairment 0 0
Goodwill, net balance 10,204 10,204
Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross balance 3,879 3,879
Accumulated impairment -1,886 -1,886
Goodwill, net balance 1,993 1,993

Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Finite-Lived
Accumulated amortization -19,012 -17,925
Amortization -1,308 -1,087 -1,500
Total
Gross, beginning balance 40,626 40,626
Accumulated amortization -19,012 -17,925
Additions 2,000
Amortization -1,308 -1,087 -1,500
Gross intangible assets, ending balance 22,306 21,614
Trademarks
Indefinite-Lived
Beginning balance 999 999
Additions 0
Ending balance 999 999 999
Licenses
Indefinite-Lived
Beginning balance 14,019 14,019
Additions 0
Ending balance 14,019 14,019 14,019
Agent Relationships
Finite-Lived
Gross, beginning balance 24,491 24,491
Accumulated amortization -17,895 -16,808
Additions 2,000
Amortization -1,308 -1,087
Net, ending balance 7,288 6,596
Total
Accumulated amortization -17,895 -16,808
Amortization -1,308 -1,087
Non-competes
Finite-Lived
Gross, beginning balance 1,117 1,117
Accumulated amortization -1,117 -1,117
Additions 0
Amortization 0 0
Net, ending balance 0 0
Total
Accumulated amortization -1,117 -1,117
Amortization 0 0

Narrative

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Useful life 12 years
Amortization of intangible assets 1,308 1,087 1,500

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense

$ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2026 1,053
2027 1,053
2028 1,053
2029 762
2030 553

Investments

Schedule of Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost 1,848,755 1,320,266
Gross Unrealized Gains 31,378 10,636
Gross Unrealized Losses -16,830 -38,684
Allowance for Credit Losses -7,000 0
Fair Value 1,856,303 1,292,218
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity:
Amortized Cost 33,290 39,396
Gross Unrealized Gains 829 0
Gross Unrealized Losses -48 -436
Allowance for Credit Losses -468 -243 -329
Fair Value 33,603 38,717
U.S. government securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost 44,190 26,577
Gross Unrealized Gains 292 35
Gross Unrealized Losses -14 -126
Allowance for Credit Losses 0 0
Fair Value 44,468 26,486
Corporate securities and miscellaneous
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost 632,244 433,298
Gross Unrealized Gains 14,223 5,618
Gross Unrealized Losses -3,080 -13,288
Allowance for Credit Losses -7,000 0
Fair Value 636,387 425,628
Municipal securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost 102,691 89,966
Gross Unrealized Gains 1,725 116
Gross Unrealized Losses -2,300 -5,366
Allowance for Credit Losses 0 0
Fair Value 102,116 84,716
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost 487,145 408,585
Gross Unrealized Gains 8,928 1,875
Gross Unrealized Losses -9,486 -16,627
Allowance for Credit Losses 0 0
Fair Value 486,587 393,833
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost 72,631 70,262
Gross Unrealized Gains 1,016 545
Gross Unrealized Losses -597 -1,443
Allowance for Credit Losses 0 0
Fair Value 73,050 69,364
Other asset-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost 509,854 291,578
Gross Unrealized Gains 5,194 2,447
Gross Unrealized Losses -1,353 -1,834
Allowance for Credit Losses 0 0
Fair Value 513,695 292,191
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity:
Amortized Cost 33,290 39,396
Gross Unrealized Gains 829 0
Gross Unrealized Losses -48 -436
Allowance for Credit Losses -468 -243
Fair Value 33,603 38,717

Schedule of Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Amortized Cost
Due in less than one year 45,682
Due after one year through five years 449,790
Due after five years through ten years 219,293
Due after ten years 64,360
Amortized Cost 1,848,755 1,320,266
Fair Value
Due in less than one year 45,478
Due after one year through five years 449,145
Due after five years through ten years 224,696
Due after ten years 63,652
Total 1,856,303 1,292,218
Mortgage-backed securities
Amortized Cost
Without single maturity date 559,776
Fair Value
Without single maturity date 559,637
Other asset-backed securities
Amortized Cost
Without single maturity date 509,854
Amortized Cost 509,854 291,578
Fair Value
Without single maturity date 513,695
Total 513,695 292,191

Narrative

$ in Millions Dec. 31, 2025 USD ($) security lot Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]
Securities held as collateral, at fair value 69.5
Number of securities / lot 450
Number of securities, allowance for credit loss / security 2
Cash and investment securities on deposit had carrying values 70.0 66.8
US Treasury and Government
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]
Securities held as collateral, at fair value 57.8
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Assets
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]
Securities held as collateral, at fair value 9.5
Short-term investments
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]
Securities held as collateral, at fair value 2.2
U.S. government securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]
Securities held as collateral, at fair value 68.5

Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Available for sale, fair value
Less than 12 Months 233,041 480,693
12 Months or More 185,663 236,741
Total 418,704 717,434
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 Months -1,436 -7,353
12 Months or More -15,394 -31,331
Total -16,830 -38,684
Held-to-maturity, fair value
Less than 12 Months 1,912 2,144
12 Months or More 0 36,573
Total 1,912 38,717
Held-to-maturity, gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 Months -48 -2
12 Months or More 0 -434
Total -48 -436
Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity, fair value
Less than 12 Months 234,953 482,837
12 Months or More 185,663 273,314
Total 420,616 756,151
Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity, gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 Months -1,484 -7,355
12 Months or More -15,394 -31,765
Total -16,878 -39,120
U.S. government securities
Available for sale, fair value
Less than 12 Months 349 15,938
12 Months or More 1,565 2,297
Total 1,914 18,235
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 Months -1 -34
12 Months or More -13 -92
Total -14 -126
Corporate securities and miscellaneous
Available for sale, fair value
Less than 12 Months 67,644 136,888
12 Months or More 63,575 81,232
Total 131,219 218,120
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 Months -346 -2,060
12 Months or More -2,734 -11,228
Total -3,080 -13,288
Municipal securities
Available for sale, fair value
Less than 12 Months 19,157 41,930
12 Months or More 22,004 27,687
Total 41,161 69,617
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 Months -400 -1,046
12 Months or More -1,900 -4,320
Total -2,300 -5,366
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Available for sale, fair value
Less than 12 Months 56,147 201,407
12 Months or More 74,075 82,496
Total 130,222 283,903
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 Months -262 -3,366
12 Months or More -9,224 -13,261
Total -9,486 -16,627
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Available for sale, fair value
Less than 12 Months 4,646 9,411
12 Months or More 8,363 13,178
Total 13,009 22,589
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 Months -3 -126
12 Months or More -594 -1,317
Total -597 -1,443
Other asset-backed securities
Available for sale, fair value
Less than 12 Months 85,098 75,119
12 Months or More 16,081 29,851
Total 101,179 104,970
Available for sale, gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 Months -424 -721
12 Months or More -929 -1,113
Total -1,353 -1,834
Held-to-maturity, fair value
Less than 12 Months 1,912 2,144
12 Months or More 0 36,573
Total 1,912 38,717
Held-to-maturity, gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 Months -48 -2
12 Months or More 0 -434
Total -48 -436

Schedule of Changes in Allowance for Credit Loss

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Fixed Maturity Securities, Available-For-Sale
Beginning balance 0
Current period provision for credit losses 7,000
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 0
Ending balance 7,000 0
Fixed Maturity Securities, Held-to-Maturity
Beginning balance 243 329
Current period provision for credit losses 257 18
Recoveries of amounts previously written off -32 -104
Ending balance 468 243

Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Gross realized gains
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 3,002 2,662 1,042
Equity securities 34,262 8,062 6,035
Other 685 213 2
Total 37,949 10,937 7,079
Gross realized losses
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale -10,832 -8,161 -1,879
Equity securities -3,000 -4,132 -5,256
Other -413 -223 -20
Total -14,245 -12,516 -7,155
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Equity securities -22,908 7,500 11,516
Mortgage loans -7 421 -386
Other 21,360 0 0
Net investment gains 22,149 6,342 11,054

Schedule of Proceeds from Sales

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 198,195 217,468 26,626
Equity securities 126,738 37,534 40,201

Schedule of Net Investment Income

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income 87,666 87,513 45,897
Investment expenses -4,047 -6,913 -5,557
Net investment income 83,619 80,600 40,340
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income 80,302 57,574 34,703
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income -804 4,091 4,181
Equity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income 1,223 2,720 3,418
Equity method investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income -2,683 2,524 -9,434
Mortgage loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income 1,622 5,153 5,474
Indirect loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income -8,129 -2,400 -4,155
Short-term investments and cash
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income 12,828 14,851 11,392
Other
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income 3,307 3,000 318

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities 42,594 1,046 25,952
Deferred income taxes -9,017 -213 -5,420
Total other comprehensive income 33,577 833 20,532

Fair Value Measurements

Schedule of Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques (Details) - Level 3 - Measurement Input, Incremental Cost of Capital

Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
High
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, measurement input 11.10% 8.00%
Loans receivable 8.34% 10.00%
Low
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, measurement input 4.25% 5.70%
Loans receivable 6.55% 7.00%
Weighted average
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, measurement input 6.40% 6.60%
Loans receivable 7.74% 7.93%

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 1,856,303 1,292,218
Total fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity 33,603 38,717
Total equity securities 1,174 106,254
Mortgage loans 9,902 26,490
Short-term investments 264,299 274,929
Derivatives 34,857
Total 2,200,138 1,738,608
U.S. government securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 44,468 26,486
Corporate securities and miscellaneous
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 636,387 425,628
Municipal securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 102,116 84,716
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 486,587 393,833
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 73,050 69,364
Other asset-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 513,695 292,191
Total fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity 33,603 38,717
Common stocks:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 64,251
Preferred stocks:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 1,174 1,164
Mutual funds:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 40,839
Level 1
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 44,468 26,486
Total fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity 0 0
Total equity securities 0 105,090
Mortgage loans 0 0
Short-term investments 264,299 274,929
Derivatives 34,857
Total 343,624 406,505
Level 1 / U.S. government securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 44,468 26,486
Level 1 / Corporate securities and miscellaneous
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 0
Level 1 / Municipal securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 0
Level 1 / Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 0
Level 1 / Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 0
Level 1 / Other asset-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 0
Total fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity 0 0
Level 1 / Common stocks:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 64,251
Level 1 / Preferred stocks:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 0 0
Level 1 / Mutual funds:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 40,839
Level 2
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 1,660,918 1,187,812
Total fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity 0 0
Total equity securities 1,174 1,164
Mortgage loans 0 0
Short-term investments 0 0
Derivatives 0
Total 1,662,092 1,188,976
Level 2 / U.S. government securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 0
Level 2 / Corporate securities and miscellaneous
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 503,274 354,815
Level 2 / Municipal securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 102,116 84,716
Level 2 / Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 486,587 393,833
Level 2 / Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 73,050 69,364
Level 2 / Other asset-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 495,891 285,084
Total fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity 0 0
Level 2 / Common stocks:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 0
Level 2 / Preferred stocks:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 1,174 1,164
Level 2 / Mutual funds:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 0
Level 3
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 150,917 77,920
Total fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity 33,603 38,717
Total equity securities 0 0
Mortgage loans 9,902 26,490
Short-term investments 0 0
Derivatives 0
Total 194,422 143,127
Level 3 / U.S. government securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 0
Level 3 / Corporate securities and miscellaneous
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 133,113 70,813
Level 3 / Municipal securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 0
Level 3 / Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 0
Level 3 / Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 0
Level 3 / Other asset-backed securities
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 17,804 7,107
Total fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity 33,603 38,717
Level 3 / Common stocks:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 0
Level 3 / Preferred stocks:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 0 0
Level 3 / Mutual funds:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total equity securities 0

Schedule of Fair Value, Measure on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Fixed Maturity Securities, Available-For-Sale
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance 77,920 0
Total gains (losses) for the period recognized in net investment gains (losses) -5,180 -195
Issuances 0 0
Settlements 0 0
Transfers into Level 3 6,143
Purchases 70,730 77,979
Sales/Disposals -1,493 -374
Total unrealized gains for the period recognized in accumulated comprehensive income (loss) 2,797 510
Ending balance 150,917 77,920
Total losses for the period recognized in net investment gains attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets held as of period end 0 0
Mortgage Loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance 26,490 50,070
Total gains (losses) for the period recognized in net investment gains (losses) -7 420
Issuances 151 649
Settlements -16,732 -24,649
Transfers into Level 3 0
Purchases 0 0
Sales/Disposals 0 0
Total unrealized gains for the period recognized in accumulated comprehensive income (loss) 0 0
Ending balance 9,902 26,490
Total losses for the period recognized in net investment gains attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets held as of period end -201 411

Narrative

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Net earned premiums 1,304,505 1,056,722 829,143
Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investments, fair value disclosure 55,600 28,200
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 18,300 24,400
Net earned premiums 41,500 2,500

Schedule of Subordinated Debt

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
FHLB Loan / Carrying Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 57,000 57,000
FHLB Loan / Fair Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 57,458 56,200
Revolving Credit Facility / Carrying Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 114,500 43,000
Revolving Credit Facility / Fair Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 114,500 43,000
Term Loan Facility / Carrying Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 300,000 0
Term Loan Facility / Fair Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 300,000 0
Notes payable / Carrying Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 471,500 100,000
Notes payable / Fair Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 471,958 99,200
Unsecured subordinated notes / Carrying Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 19,569 19,536
Unsecured subordinated notes / Fair Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 21,020 20,541
Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs / Carrying Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 19,569 19,536
Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs / Fair Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt 21,020 20,541

Mortgage Loans

Narrative

USD ($) 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of property appraisal value 64.00%
Mortgage loans uncollectable write-off 0 0
Mortgage loans in foreclosure 0 0
Mortgage loans not producing income 0 0
Low
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans held-for-investment, term 2 years
High
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans held-for-investment, term 4 years

Schedule of Portfolios

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total mortgage loans 9,902 26,490
Total investment income 1,622 5,155 5,474
Commercial
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total mortgage loans 3,334 8,474
Total investment income 432 2,025 2,340
Retail
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total mortgage loans 0 10,032
Total investment income 304 1,853 1,853
Hospitality
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total mortgage loans 6,568 7,984
Total investment income 886 1,277 1,034
Office
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total investment income 0 0 203
Multi-family
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total investment income 0 0 44

Equity Method Investments and Other

Schedule of Carrying Value of Equity Method Investments

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value 77,365 98,594
Equity method investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value 53,498 65,325
Arena Special Opportunities Fund, LP units
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value 26,936 34,936
Ownership % 14.00% 15.30%
Arena SOP LP units
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value 0 1,474
Ownership % 11.20% 10.90%
Brewer Lane Ventures Fund II LP units
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value 2,251 1,040
Ownership % 2.40% 2.40%
Dowling Capital Partners LP units
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value 590 666
Ownership % 5.00% 5.00%
Hudson Ventures Fund II LP units
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value 5,503 4,967
Ownership % 2.50% 2.50%
JVM Funds LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value 14,911 17,229
Ownership % 10.10% 10.10%
RISCOM
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value 3,307 5,013
Ownership % 20.00% 20.00%

Schedule of Net Investment Income

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net investment income 83,619 80,600 40,340
Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net investment income -2,683 2,524 -9,434
Arena SOP LP units / Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net investment income -1,474 -989 -6,271
Arena Special Opportunities Fund, LP units / Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net investment income -3,163 2,375 -2,880
Brewer Lane Ventures Fund II LP / Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net investment income 91 -110 -78
Dowling Capital Partners LP units / Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net investment income 431 1,463 927
Hudson Ventures Fund II LP units / Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net investment income 480 -153 170
JVM Funds LLC / Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net investment income -541 -1,554 -1,198
RISCOM / Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net investment income 1,493 1,492 884
Universa Black Swan LP units / Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net investment income 0 0 -988

Schedule of Unfunded Commitment of Equity Method Investments

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments, unfunded commitment 22,094 29,260
Brewer Lane Ventures Fund II LP units
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments, unfunded commitment 3,237 4,077
Dowling Capital Partners LP units
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments, unfunded commitment 386 386
Hudson Ventures Fund II LP units
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments, unfunded commitment 166 397
Red Bird Capital Partners LP units
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments, unfunded commitment 18,305 24,400

Narrative

12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
RISCOM
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Useful life 15 years

Schedule of Investment in RISCOM

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Recorded investment balance 77,365 98,594
RISCOM
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Underlying equity 2,292 3,756
Difference 1,015 1,258
Recorded investment balance 3,307 5,013

Schedule of Investment in JVN Funds

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Recorded investment balance 77,365 98,594
JVM Funds LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Underlying equity 14,457 16,624
Difference 454 605
Recorded investment balance 14,911 17,229

Schedule of Indirect Investments

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Recorded investment balance 77,365 98,594
SMA1
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Recorded investment balance 15,418 20,296
SMA2
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Recorded investment balance 8,449 12,973
Investment in indirect loans and loan collateral
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Recorded investment balance 23,867 33,269

Variable Interest Entity

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 168,544 121,603
Other assets 137,173 86,698
Total assets 4,791,852 3,729,478
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 15,816
Other assets 34,856
Total assets 50,672

Derivatives

Schedule of Derivatives and Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities

$ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, notional amount 136,800
Derivative assets, fair value 34,857

Narrative

$ in Millions 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 USD ($)
Fair Value Hedging / Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain (loss) adjustment expenses 7.9

Allowance for Credit Losses

Schedule of Premium Receivable

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Premium Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Net, beginning balance 321,641 179,235
Allowance for Estimated Uncollectible Premiums, beginning balance 2,432 964
Current period change for estimated uncollectible premiums 2,351 3,235
Write-offs of uncollectible premiums receivable -2,141 -1,895
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 498 128
Premiums Receivable, Net, ending balance 544,217 321,641
Allowance for Estimated Uncollectible Premiums, ending balance 3,140 2,432

Schedule of Reinsurance Recoverable, Credit Quality Indicator

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance Recoverables, Gross, Amortized Cost 22,700
Reinsurer concentration risk / Reinsurance recoverable including reinsurance premium paid / A- and above
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance Recoverables, Gross, Amortized Cost 652,178
Percent of Total 98.20%
Reinsurer concentration risk / Reinsurance recoverable including reinsurance premium paid / B++ to B+
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance Recoverables, Gross, Amortized Cost 5,077
Percent of Total 0.80%
Reinsurer concentration risk / Reinsurance recoverable including reinsurance premium paid / B to B -
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance Recoverables, Gross, Amortized Cost 28
Percent of Total 0.00%
Reinsurer concentration risk / Reinsurance recoverable including reinsurance premium paid / Not rated
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance Recoverables, Gross, Amortized Cost 6,919
Percent of Total 1.00%

Schedule of Reinsurance Recoverable

$ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Reinsurance Recoverable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Reinsurance Recoverables, Net, beginning balance 857,876
Allowance for Estimated Uncollectible Reinsurance, beginning balance 2,295
Current period change for estimated uncollectible reinsurance 13,585
Write-offs of uncollectible reinsurance recoverables -13,585
Reinsurance Recoverables, Net, ending balance 857,876
Allowance for Estimated Uncollectible Reinsurance, ending balance 2,295

Narrative

$ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Credit Loss [Abstract]
Current period change for estimated uncollectible reinsurance 13,585

Property and Equipment

Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and other, gross 47,447 41,534
Accumulated depreciation -32,307 -29,355
Total 15,140 12,179
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and other, gross 3,434 3,056
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and other, gross 4,750 4,506
Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and other, gross 39,263 33,972

Narrative

USD ($) $ in Millions 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation 3.3 2.9 3.2

Notes Payable & Subordinated Debt

USD ($) 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2025 Nov. 13, 2025 Oct. 01, 2025 Aug. 30, 2024 Dec. 31, 2025 Jan. 01, 2026 Dec. 31, 2024 Mar. 31, 2023 May 31, 2019
Term Loan Credit Facility / Low / Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 1.50%
Term Loan Credit Facility / Low / Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 0.50%
Term Loan Credit Facility / High / Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 1.90%
Term Loan Credit Facility / High / Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 0.90%
Revolving Credit Facility / Low / Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility / High / Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 0.90%
Line of Credit / Term Loan Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate 0.10%
Debt instrument, covenant, limitation on additional indebtedness maximum 10,000,000.0 10,000,000.0
Line of Credit / Term Loan Credit Facility / Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 1.00%
Debt instrument, interest rate floor 0.00%
Line of Credit / Term Loan Credit Facility / Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 0.00%
Line of Credit / Term Loan Credit Facility / Fed Funds Effective Rate Overnight Index Swap Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 0.50%
Line of Credit / Term Loan Credit Facility / Low
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage 0.20%
Line of Credit / Term Loan Credit Facility / High
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage 0.35%
Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount 150,000,000.0 150,000,000.0
Proceeds from long term borrowings 71,500,000 43,000,000.0
Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility / Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount 250,000,000.0
Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility / Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 1.00%
Debt instrument, interest rate floor 0.00%
Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility / Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 0.00%
Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility / Fed Funds Effective Rate Overnight Index Swap Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 0.50%
Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility / Credit Spread Adjustment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate 0.10%
Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility / Low
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage 0.20%
Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility / High
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage 0.35%
FHLB Loan / Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term 4 years 6 months
Face amount 57,000,000.0
Stated interest rate 4.00%
Tranche A DDTL / Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount 150,000,000.0 150,000,000.0
Proceeds from Loans 150,000,000.0
Tranche B DDTL / Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount 150,000,000.0 150,000,000.0
Proceeds from Loans 150,000,000.0
Revolving Credit Facility / Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility / Low / Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility / Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility / High / Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin 1.90%
Revolving Line Of Credit Due December 2023 / Line of Credit / Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity 150,000,000.0
Interest expense, long-term debt 300,000
Revolving Line Of Credit Due December 2023 / Line of Credit / Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity 30,000,000.0
Amortization of debt issuance costs 600,000
Subordinate Debt Due 2039 / Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal 20,000,000.0
Debt term 8 years
Debt issuance costs 400,000 400,000 500,000
Subordinate Debt Due 2039 / Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs / Debt Interest Rate, First 8 Years
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate 7.25%
Debt term 8 years
Subordinate Debt Due 2039 / Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs / Debt Interest Rate, After Year 8
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate 8.25%

Segment

Narrative

12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 segment division
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments / segment 1
Number of underwriting divisions / division 9

Schedule of Premiums Written

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 2,166,236 1,743,232 1,459,829
Operating Segments
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 2,166,317 1,743,249 1,459,847
Corporate Nonsegment
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums -81 -17 -18
Accident & Health / Operating Segments
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 254,102 173,073 151,701
Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance / Operating Segments
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 346,212 118,070 30,598
Captives / Operating Segments
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 275,694 241,902 167,624
Construction & Energy Solutions / Operating Segments
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 274,318 296,582 299,748
Global Property / Operating Segments
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 178,128 201,796 242,593
Professional Lines / Operating Segments
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 149,231 159,785 154,565
Specialty Programs / Operating Segments
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 322,705 218,407 178,726
Surety / Operating Segments
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 168,148 143,965 106,056
Transactional E&S / Operating Segments
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total gross written premiums 197,779 189,669 128,236

Schedule of Segment Reporting

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premiums 1,304,505 1,056,722 829,143
Commission and fee income 6,855 6,703 6,064
Losses and LAE 795,022 669,809 515,237
Net investment income 83,619 80,600 40,340
Net investment gains 22,149 6,342 11,054
Other loss -587 -167 -632
Transaction costs 14,019 0 0
Interest expense 7,919 9,496 10,024
Amortization expense 1,636 2,007 1,798
Other expenses 4,162 4,392 5,364
Income before income taxes 216,424 152,739 110,102
Income tax expense 46,396 33,911 24,118
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984
Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premiums 1,304,505 1,056,722 829,143
Commission and fee income 6,855 6,703 6,064
Total underwriting revenues 1,311,360 1,063,425 835,207
Losses and LAE 795,022 669,809 515,237
Amortization of policy acquisition costs 195,422 149,975 108,514
Other operating and general expenses 181,937 161,782 134,930
Total underwriting expenses 1,172,381 981,566 758,681
Net underwriting income 138,979 81,859 76,526
Net investment income 83,619 80,600 40,340
Net investment gains 22,149 6,342 11,054
Other loss -587 -167 -632
Transaction costs 14,019 0 0
Interest expense 7,919 9,496 10,024
Amortization expense 1,636 2,007 1,798
Other expenses 4,162 4,392 5,364
Income before income taxes 216,424 152,739 110,102
Income tax expense 46,396 33,911 24,118
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984

Schedule of Return on Equity and Book Value Per Share

$ / shares 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Return on equity 18.90% 16.30% 15.90%
Book value per share (in dollars per share) 24.92 19.79 16.72

Income Taxes

Schedule of Income Tax Expense

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense
United States 208,763
Foreign 7,661
Income before income taxes 216,424 152,739 110,102
Current tax expense
United States 51,758
U.S. state and local 1,107
Deferred tax benefit related to:
United States -5,584
U.S. state and local -885
Total income tax expense 46,396 33,911 24,118

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current income tax expense 42,626 14,736
Deferred tax (benefit) expense related to temporary differences -8,715 9,382
Total income tax expense 46,396 33,911 24,118

Schedule of Annual Effective Tax Rate

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Amount
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 45,449 32,075 23,121
State income taxes, net of federal benefit -508
Effects of other cross-border tax laws 717
Change of Valuation Allowance 68
Nondeductible transaction costs 1,689
Other nondeductible and nontaxable items 590
Total income tax expense 46,396 33,911 24,118
Percentage
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent (0.30%)
Effects of other cross-border tax laws 0.30%
Change of Valuation Allowance 0.00%
Nondeductible transaction costs 0.80%
Other 0.30%
Total income tax expense 21.40% 22.20% 21.90%
Bermuda
Amount
Bermuda statutory rate differential -1,609
Percentage
Statutory tax rate difference (0.70%)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Amount
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate 45,449 32,075 23,121
Tax advantaged investments -239 -295
Other 2,075 1,292
Total income tax expense 46,396 33,911 24,118
Percentage
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
Tax advantaged investments (0.20%) (0.30%)
Other 1.40% 1.20%
Total income tax expense 21.40% 22.20% 21.90%

Schedule of Income Taxes Paid Net of Refunds Received

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States 49,830
U.S. state and local 1,164
Income Taxes Paid, Net, Total 50,994 37,000 15,800

Narrative

USD ($) 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Income taxes paid, net 50,994,000 37,000,000.0 15,800,000
Operating loss carryforwards 300,000
Operating loss carryforwards, limitations on use, amount 40,300,000
Deferred tax subject to expiration 2,800,000
Deferred tax effected by expiration 600,000
Operating loss carryforwards, tax effected 100,000
Provision for uncertain tax positions 0
Provision for penalties or interest 0
Low
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforward, term 5 years
High
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforward, term 20 years
Federal
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards 40,300,000
State and local
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards 900,000

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses 9,409 9,389
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 21,401 16,967
Unearned premiums 22,775 18,178
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 0 5,893
Stock options/awards 2,446 2,453
Other 8,933 6,067
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance 64,964 58,947
Valuation allowance -654 -586 -586
Total deferred tax assets 64,310 58,361
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs 19,132 15,277
Other long-term investments 2,888 2,625
Section 481(a) adjustment 87 1,391
Unrealized gains on equity securities 7 4,818
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale 3,101 0
Unrealized gains on other investments 5,465 0
Depreciation 2,152 1,426
Other 3,613 2,338
Total deferred tax liabilities 36,445 27,875
Net deferred tax asset 27,865 30,486

Schedule of Company's Valuation Allowance

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of the period 586 586
Increase related to net operating loss 68 0
Balance at the end of the period 654 586

Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Dec. 31, 2022
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward]
Reserves for losses and LAE, beginning of period 1,782,383 1,314,501 1,141,757
Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims, beginning of period -670,846 -455,484 -435,986
Reserves for losses and LAE, beginning of period, net of reinsurance 1,397,729 1,111,537 859,017 705,771
Incurred, net of reinsurance, related to:
Current period 810,375 657,783 505,894
Prior years -7,471 25,728 10,770
Total incurred, net of reinsurance 802,904 683,511 516,664
Paid, net of reinsurance, related to:
Current period 144,799 136,731 109,937
Prior years 371,913 294,260 253,481
Total paid 516,712 430,991 363,418
Net reserves for losses and LAE, end of period 1,397,729 1,111,537 859,017
Plus: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims, end of period 921,165 670,846 455,484
Reserves for losses and LAE, end of period 2,318,894 1,782,383 1,314,501

Narrative

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Reserves for losses and LAE, increase (decrease) -7,500 25,700 10,800
Prior year claims incurred, unfavorable (favorable) development -7,471 25,728 10,770
Short-Tail/Monoline Specialty Lines
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Reserves for losses and LAE, increase (decrease) -24,600
Multi-line Solutions
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Reserves for losses and LAE, increase (decrease) -5,300 10,100
Prior year claims incurred, unfavorable (favorable) development 11,700
Exited Lines
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Reserves for losses and LAE, increase (decrease) 22,400 15,200

Schedule of Short-Duration Insurance Contracts

$ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 USD ($) claim Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($) Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Claims Development [Line Items]
Total net reserves for loss and ALAE 1,367,038 1,084,980
Short-tail/Monoline Specialty Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 1,072,627
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -528,255
Net reserves for loss and ALAE before 2021 1,570
Total net reserves for loss and ALAE 545,942 367,226
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 528,255
Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 1,902,472
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -1,162,853
Net reserves for loss and ALAE before 2021 -189
Total net reserves for loss and ALAE 739,430 631,065
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 1,162,853
Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 605,233
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -538,304
Net reserves for loss and ALAE before 2021 14,737
Total net reserves for loss and ALAE 81,666 86,689
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 538,304
Accident Year 2016 / Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 85,098 85,434 84,829 84,829 84,579 84,579 62,643 62,843 62,843 63,223
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -77,825 -77,760 -77,160 -75,855 -72,544 -69,691 -58,895 -53,352 -42,528 -23,239
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 828
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 4,744
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 77,825 77,760 77,160 75,855 72,544 69,691 58,895 53,352 42,528 23,239
Accident Year 2016 / Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 104,246 102,801 100,651 100,651 98,301 97,301 93,577 91,372 92,996 93,019
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -98,831 -97,462 -95,114 -91,556 -87,482 -81,181 -78,070 -70,253 -57,638 -36,592
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 1,851
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 4,911
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 98,831 97,462 95,114 91,556 87,482 81,181 78,070 70,253 57,638 36,592
Accident Year 2017 / Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 79,819 80,493 78,766 78,766 78,166 78,166 64,260 65,332 65,332
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -77,177 -75,714 -73,770 -71,109 -67,926 -61,354 -53,093 -41,945 -23,770
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 837
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 5,592
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 77,177 75,714 73,770 71,109 67,926 61,354 53,093 41,945 23,770
Accident Year 2017 / Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 72,682 70,885 68,646 68,646 68,346 65,735 81,785 79,581 75,159
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -69,798 -68,480 -66,498 -62,924 -57,457 -50,545 -51,985 -52,103 -34,176
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 1,819
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 4,370
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 69,798 68,480 66,498 62,924 57,457 50,545 51,985 52,103 34,176
Accident Year 2018 / Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 72,963 75,686 73,019 73,019 71,719 69,319 74,476 74,476
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -72,429 -70,128 -69,893 -65,635 -58,655 -47,226 -42,568 -26,201
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 673
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 5,103
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 72,429 70,128 69,893 65,635 58,655 47,226 42,568 26,201
Accident Year 2018 / Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 91,897 92,082 84,165 84,165 79,006 76,506 68,990 74,357
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -82,244 -79,860 -74,604 -67,001 -54,339 -39,870 -60,149 -25,553
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 4,093
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 4,941
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 82,244 79,860 74,604 67,001 54,339 39,870 60,149 25,553
Accident Year 2019 / Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 110,564 116,206 116,230 115,530 112,378 109,226 107,432
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -106,826 -106,765 -99,451 -87,816 -71,053 -50,933 -33,019
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 1,384
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 6,113
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 106,826 106,765 99,451 87,816 71,053 50,933 33,019
Accident Year 2019 / Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 86,131 79,823 79,572 79,414 77,770 73,635 87,115
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -70,367 -65,847 -57,341 -45,696 -30,948 -28,954 -28,636
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 9,773
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 5,660
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 70,367 65,847 57,341 45,696 30,948 28,954 28,636
Accident Year 2020 / Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 134,281 132,125 132,495 128,111 124,076 113,030
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -126,965 -121,097 -105,283 -82,236 -60,680 -29,499
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 4,174
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 5,542
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 126,965 121,097 105,283 82,236 60,680 29,499
Accident Year 2020 / Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 138,320 137,671 137,907 137,835 136,469 132,248
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -124,139 -120,831 -114,543 -102,132 -98,202 -102,725
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 10,644
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 4,867
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 124,139 120,831 114,543 102,132 98,202 102,725
Accident Year 2021 / Short-tail/Monoline Specialty Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 99,783 92,134 92,143 93,429 92,780
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -93,560 -78,439 -67,912 -56,803 -18,447
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 1,774
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 1,656
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 93,560 78,439 67,912 56,803 18,447
Accident Year 2021 / Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 157,006 160,546 160,331 158,891 156,067
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -141,539 -125,749 -102,772 -73,293 -37,118
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 7,932
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 6,727
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 141,539 125,749 102,772 73,293 37,118
Accident Year 2021 / Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 97,577 92,095 91,323 91,188 83,322
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -81,600 -72,923 -66,012 -57,820 -41,540
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 10,676
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 2,446
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 81,600 72,923 66,012 57,820 41,540
Accident Year 2022 / Short-tail/Monoline Specialty Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 96,874 104,095 105,394 108,299
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -85,696 -77,150 -64,594 -27,773
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 6,266
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 2,414
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 85,696 77,150 64,594 27,773
Accident Year 2022 / Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 249,317 242,358 242,097 236,909
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -205,410 -165,854 -114,794 -50,148
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 19,315
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 8,679
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 205,410 165,854 114,794 50,148
Accident Year 2022 / Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 14,362 11,800 12,240 12,717
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -11,325 -9,211 -4,077 -2,155
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 2,025
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 246
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 11,325 9,211 4,077 2,155
Accident Year 2023 / Short-tail/Monoline Specialty Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 161,222 191,865 190,565
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -114,247 -100,705 -33,795
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 28,997
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 5,015
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 114,247 100,705 33,795
Accident Year 2023 / Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 320,637 306,511 306,511
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -181,636 -122,186 -63,079
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 96,700
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 8,468
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 181,636 122,186 63,079
Accident Year 2023 / Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 2 0 0
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below 0 0 0
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 1
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 1
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 0 0 0
Accident Year 2024 / Short-tail/Monoline Specialty Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 292,220 280,147
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -154,896 -53,691
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 99,302
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 5,819
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 154,896 53,691
Accident Year 2024 / Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 336,197 353,933
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -123,488 -58,281
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 155,878
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 7,700
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 123,488 58,281
Accident Year 2024 / Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 5 0
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below 0 0
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 5
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 0
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 0 0
Accident Year 2025 / Short-tail/Monoline Specialty Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 422,528
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -79,856
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 275,190
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 5,495
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 79,856
Accident Year 2025 / Multi-line Solutions
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 356,590
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below -49,558
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 257,468
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 6,139
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 49,558
Accident Year 2025 / Exited Lines
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance 11
Cumulative net paid loss and ALAE from the table below 0
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net 11
Short-Duration Insurance Contract, Cumulative Number of Reported Claims / claim 0
Cumulative net paid loss and LAE 0

Schedule of Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Dec. 31, 2022
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Reserves for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance 1,367,038 1,084,980
Ceded unpaid losses and LAE 921,165 670,846 455,484 435,986
Unallocated LAE 30,691 26,557
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses 2,318,894 1,782,383 1,314,501 1,141,757
Short-tail/Monoline Specialty Lines
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Reserves for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance 545,942 367,226
Ceded unpaid losses and LAE 388,276 275,204
Multi-line Solutions
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Reserves for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance 739,430 631,065
Ceded unpaid losses and LAE 514,393 380,344
Exited Lines
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Reserves for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance 81,666 86,689
Ceded unpaid losses and LAE 18,496 15,298

Schedule of Historical Claims Duration

Dec. 31, 2025
Short-tail/Monoline Specialty Lines
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration [Line Items]
Year 1 21.10%
Year 2 38.10%
Year 3 10.80%
Year 4 9.70%
Year 5 15.20%
Multi-line Solutions
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration [Line Items]
Year 1 23.90%
Year 2 21.60%
Year 3 15.60%
Year 4 13.60%
Year 5 10.50%
Year 6 4.80%
Year 7 1.90%
Year 8 2.40%
Year 9 1.30%
Year 10 0.10%
Exited Lines
Short-Duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration [Line Items]
Year 1 27.50%
Year 2 12.20%
Year 3 4.90%
Year 4 9.90%
Year 5 8.90%
Year 6 6.80%
Year 7 4.90%
Year 8 2.90%
Year 9 2.00%
Year 10 1.30%

Commission and Fee Income

Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total commission and fee revenue 12,381 10,676 9,819
Commission and fee expenses -5,526 -3,973 -3,755
Net commission and fee income 6,855 6,703 6,064
SUA commission revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total commission and fee revenue 8,323 7,967 7,222
SUA fee revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total commission and fee revenue 2,333 2,443 2,732
Other commission and fee revenue (loss)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total commission and fee revenue 1,725 266 -135

Schedule of Company’s Opening and Closing Balances of Contract Assets

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract asset after allowance for credit loss 953 1,416 976

Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses 377,359 311,757 243,444

Reinsurance

Schedule of Premiums Written and Earned

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Written
Direct premiums 1,684,411 1,458,637 1,241,180
Assumed premiums 481,825 284,595 218,649
Ceded premiums -760,004 -619,654 -549,138
Net premiums 1,406,232 1,123,578 910,691
Earned
Direct premiums 1,622,594 1,375,917 1,155,835
Assumed premiums 406,792 282,662 193,971
Ceded premiums -724,881 -601,857 -520,663
Net premiums 1,304,505 1,056,722 829,143
Ceded losses and LAE incurred 697,978 534,295 337,011

Schedule of Reinsurance Recoverable and Ceded Premiums

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Dec. 31, 2022
Insurance [Abstract]
Ceded unpaid losses and LAE 921,165 670,846 455,484 435,986
Ceded paid losses and LAE 201,010 166,663
Loss portfolio transfer 0 22,662
Allowance for credit losses -2,295 -2,295 -2,295 -2,295
Reinsurance recoverables 1,119,880 857,876 857,876 596,334
Ceded unearned premium 238,948 203,901

Narrative

USD ($) $ in Millions Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Insurance [Abstract]
Market value of trust funds 233.5
Reinsurance recoverable from R&Q 22.7
Deposit contracts, assets 22.7 25.9

Stock Based Compensation

Narrative

USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Jan. 18, 2023 Jan. 12, 2023
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized target common share (in shares) 3,200,656
Aggregate intrinsic value of options 27.4 27.0
Weighted average remaining contractual life of options 7 years
Unrecognized compensation cost 17.4
Unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period 1 year 7 months 6 days
Stock based compensation expense 12.0 9.4 8.5
Purchase period 6 months
IPO
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Sale of stock, price per share (in dollar per share) 15.00
Restricted Stock Awards And Units
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares) 254,978 268,631 1,101,856
Fair value of shares vested in period 6.0 3.8 0.5
Employee Stock
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized target common share (in shares) 376,548
Stock based compensation expense 0.7 0.5
Purchase price of common stock, percent 85.00%
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, shares issues in period (in shares) 141,845
Share-based payment arrangement, amount capitalized 0.3
Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized target common share (in shares) 227,185 232,964 1,861,846
Share-base compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, terms of award 10 years
Stock options granted to employees 4.4
Long Term Incentive Plan / Restricted Stock Awards And Units
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted, value 12.2 8.5 17.7
Long Term Incentive Plan / Director / Restricted Stock
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares) 12,579 19,453 23,482
Requisite service period 1 year 1 year 1 year

Schedule of Equity Awards

shares 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Jan. 12, 2023
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target Stock and Stock Units (in shares) 3,200,656
Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target Stock and Stock Units (in shares) 227,185 232,964 1,861,846
Market condition awards / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite Service Period 3 years 3 years 3 years
Target Stock and Stock Units (in shares) 22,495 32,058 37,622
Market condition awards / Low / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award Payout Range 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Market condition awards / High / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award Payout Range 150.00% 150.00% 150.00%
Performance condition awards / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite Service Period 3 years 3 years 3 years
Target Stock and Stock Units (in shares) 59,769 76,881 95,456
Performance condition awards / Low / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award Payout Range 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Performance condition awards / High / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award Payout Range 150.00% 150.00% 150.00%
Service condition awards / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target Stock and Stock Units (in shares) 144,921 124,025 968,778
Service condition awards / Low / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite Service Period 1 year 1 year 1 year
Service condition awards / High / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite Service Period 4 years 4 years 4 years
Options / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target Stock and Stock Units (in shares) 759,990
Options / Low / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite Service Period 3 years
Options / High / Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite Service Period 4 years

Schedule of Options Activity

$ / shares 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2023
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price (in dollar per share) 15.00
Stock
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) 759,990
Forfeited (in shares) -219
Outstanding, ending of period (in shares) 759,771
Outstanding (in shares) 759,771 759,990

Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Awards And Units

$ / shares 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested, beginning period (in dollar per share) 19.06 15.13 12.55
Granted (in dollars per share) 47.77 31.72 16.07
Vested (in dollars per share) 15.33 13.16 13.39
Forfeited (in dollars per share) 25.74 18.27 15.29
Non-vested, ending period (in dollar per share) 27.06 19.06 15.13
Stock and Stock Units
Non-vested, beginning period (in shares) 1,325,483 1,445,449 419,896
Granted (in shares) 254,978 268,631 1,101,856
Vested (in shares) -391,746 -285,957 -40,645
Forfeited (in shares) -53,247 -102,640 -35,658
Non-vested, ending period (in shares) 1,135,468 1,325,483 1,445,449

Earnings Per Share

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Numerator
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984
Less: Undistributed income allocated to participating securities 0 0 -1,677
Net income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic earnings per share) 170,028 118,828 84,307
Net income (numerator for diluted earnings per share under the two-class method) 170,028 118,828 85,984
Denominator
Basic weighted-average common shares (in shares) 40,407,310 40,056,475 36,031,907
Diluted effect of preferred shares (in shares) 0 0 716,708
Dilutive effect of stock notes (in shares) 0 0 696,110
Diluted weighted-average common share equivalents (in shares) 41,808,046 41,377,460 38,317,534
Basic earnings per share (in dollar per share) 4.21 2.97 2.34
Diluted earnings per share (in dollar per share) 4.07 2.87 2.24
Stock units
Denominator
Diluted effect of awards (in shares) 897,426 917,510 736,837
Options
Denominator
Diluted effect of awards (in shares) 503,310 403,475 135,972

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

shares 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares) 0 0 920,864
Stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares) 104,531 20,346 3,931
Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares) 242 859 914
Common shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares) 0 0 920,864

Employee Benefit Plan

USD ($) $ in Millions 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan 3.9 3.2 2.9

Related Party Transactions

Narrative

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Premiums receivable, net 544,217 321,641 179,235
Professional fees and reimbursements / Related Party
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Professional fees 600 600 3,600
RISCOM / Agency agreement / Affiliated entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement, ownership interest 20.00%
Premiums receivable, net 13,900 12,600

Schedule of RISCOM Transactions

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net earned premium 1,304,505 1,056,722 829,143
Affiliated entity / Agency agreement / RISCOM
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net earned premium 120,067 108,130 99,736
Commissions 28,728 25,372 24,177

Statutory Accounting Principles and Regulatory Matters

USD ($) $ in Millions Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory net income 159.1 108.2 73.1
Statutory capital and surplus 872.0 710.6

Subsequent Events (Details)

Apollo Group Holdings Limited

$ in Millions Jan. 01, 2026 USD ($) Sep. 02, 2025 agreement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business combination, number purchase agreement / agreement 2
Business combination, issued share capital percentage 87.00%
Issued share capital acquire 100.00%
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business combination, consideration transferred / $ 555.0

SCHEDULE I

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS — OTHER THAN IN RELATED PARTIES

$ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 USD ($)
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 2,194,865
Fair Value (if applicable) 2,223,931
Amount on Balance Sheet 2,223,150
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 1,848,755
Fair Value (if applicable) 1,856,303
Amount on Balance Sheet 1,856,303
Fixed maturity securities, held to maturity:
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 33,290
Fair Value (if applicable) 33,603
Amount on Balance Sheet 32,822
Equity securities
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 1,138
Fair Value (if applicable) 1,174
Amount on Balance Sheet 1,174
Mortgage loans
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 10,093
Fair Value (if applicable) 9,902
Amount on Balance Sheet 9,902
Other long-term investments
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 37,290
Fair Value (if applicable) 58,650
Amount on Balance Sheet 58,650
Short-term investments
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 264,299
Fair Value (if applicable) 264,299
Amount on Balance Sheet 264,299
U.S. government securities / Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 44,190
Fair Value (if applicable) 44,468
Amount on Balance Sheet 44,468
Corporate securities and miscellaneous / Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 632,244
Fair Value (if applicable) 636,387
Amount on Balance Sheet 636,387
Municipal securities / Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 102,691
Fair Value (if applicable) 102,116
Amount on Balance Sheet 102,116
Residential mortgage-backed securities / Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 487,145
Fair Value (if applicable) 486,587
Amount on Balance Sheet 486,587
Commercial mortgage-backed securities / Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 72,631
Fair Value (if applicable) 73,050
Amount on Balance Sheet 73,050
Other asset-backed securities / Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 509,854
Fair Value (if applicable) 513,695
Amount on Balance Sheet 513,695
Other asset-backed securities / Fixed maturity securities, held to maturity:
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 33,290
Fair Value (if applicable) 33,603
Amount on Balance Sheet 32,822
Preferred stocks: / Equity securities
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost 1,138
Fair Value (if applicable) 1,174
Amount on Balance Sheet 1,174

SCHEDULE II

FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT BALANCE SHEETS (PARENT COMPANY)

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Investments:
Short-term investments, at fair value 264,299 274,929
Total investments 2,300,515 1,870,820
Cash and cash equivalents 168,544 121,603
Deferred income taxes 27,865 30,486
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 88,040 87,348
Other assets 137,173 86,698
Total assets 4,791,852 3,729,478
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 115,034 76,206
Carrying Value 100,411 100,000
Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs 19,569 19,536
Total liabilities 3,782,287 2,935,479
Stockholders’ equity
Stockholders’ equity 1,009,565 793,999 661,031
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 4,791,852 3,729,478
Parent Company
Investments:
Investment in subsidiaries 1,076,288 853,670
Short-term investments, at fair value 14,513 14,000
Total investments 1,090,801 867,670
Cash and cash equivalents 3,500 2,943
Deferred income taxes 27,865 30,486
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 14,349 12,641
Other assets 10,709 2,905
Total assets 1,147,224 916,645
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 17,680 3,110
Carrying Value 100,410 100,000
Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs 19,569 19,536
Total liabilities 137,659 122,646
Stockholders’ equity
Stockholders’ equity 1,009,565 793,999
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 1,147,224 916,645

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (PARENT COMPANY)

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Revenues:
Net investment income 83,619 80,600 40,340
Net investment gains (losses) 22,149 6,342 11,054
Other loss -587 -167 -632
Total revenues 1,416,541 1,150,200 885,969
Expenses:
Interest expense 7,919 9,496 10,024
Amortization expense 1,636 2,007 1,798
Other expenses 4,162 4,392 5,364
Total expenses 1,200,117 997,461 775,867
Income tax expense 46,396 33,911 24,118
Net income attributable to common stockholders 170,028 118,828 84,307
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 0 0 1,677
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984
Parent Company
Revenues:
Net investment income 3,371 3,212 3,822
Net investment gains (losses) 0 963 -963
Other loss 0 -2 -27
Total revenues 3,371 4,173 2,832
Expenses:
Operating expenses 7,899 10,632 0
Interest expense 6,762 8,140 9,815
Amortization expense 620 920 313
Other expenses 17,962 9,646 451
Total expenses 33,243 29,338 10,579
Loss before income tax expense -29,872 -25,165 -7,747
Income tax expense 45,860 33,578 6,808
Net income attributable to common stockholders -75,732 -58,743 -14,555
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 245,760 177,571 100,539
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (PARENT COMPANY)

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984
Net cash used in operating activities 408,076 305,115 338,187
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of intangible assets and goodwill 2,000 0 50
Net cash used in investment activities -366,898 -243,694 -493,809
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long term borrowings and trust preferred -43,000 -116,794 -50,000
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 0 0 1,350
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 411 -4,232 130,947
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 41,589 57,189 -24,675
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 157,525 100,336 125,011
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 199,114 157,525 100,336
Cash paid for interest 6,149 8,573 10,667
Parent Company
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities -175,769 -121,563 -95,947
Net cash used in operating activities -5,741 -2,735 -9,963
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of intangible assets and goodwill 2,000 0 0
Capital contributions to subsidiaries -100 0 -122,800
Distributions from investment in subsidiaries 8,500 8,500 6,500
Change in short-term investments -513 -3,407 -10,569
Net cash used in investment activities 5,887 5,093 -126,869
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of stock notes receivable 0 5,561 1,350
Proceeds from long term borrowings 43,411 107,000 50,000
Payments on long term borrowings and trust preferred -43,000 -115,000 -50,000
Proceeds from equity offerings 0 0 128,887
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 0 0 710
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 411 -2,439 130,947
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 557 -81 -5,885
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 2,943 3,024 8,909
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 3,500 2,943 3,024
Cash paid for interest 6,149 8,573 10,667

FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT - Narrative (Details) - Parent Company - Promissory Note

$ in Millions Sep. 30, 2024 USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Face amount 57.0
Stated interest rate 4.00%

FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT - Schedule of Carrying and Fair Values of the Promissory Note (Details) - Promissory Note

USD ($) $ in Thousands Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024
Carrying Value
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Promissory Note 57,000 57,000
Fair Value
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Promissory Note 57,401 56,300

SCHEDULE IV

REINSURANCE

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Gross amount 1,622,594 1,375,917 1,155,835
Ceded to other companies -724,881 -601,857 -520,663
Assumed from other companies 406,792 282,662 193,971
Net earned premiums 1,304,505 1,056,722 829,143
Accident & Health
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Gross amount 254,102 173,073 151,702
Ceded to other companies -143,811 -86,503 -79,091
Assumed from other companies 0 0 0
Net earned premiums 110,291 86,570 72,611
Percentage of amount assumed to net 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Property & Casualty
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Gross amount 1,430,309 1,285,564 1,089,478
Ceded to other companies -616,193 -533,151 -470,047
Assumed from other companies 481,825 284,595 218,649
Net earned premiums 1,295,941 1,037,008 838,080
Percentage of amount assumed to net 37.20% 27.40% 26.10%

SCHEDULE V

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration] Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
Valuation Allowance For Deferred Tax Assets
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowances and reserves, amount, beginning balance 586 586 586
Charged to costs and expenses 68 0 0
Amounts written off 0 0 0
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 0 0 0
Valuation allowances and reserves, amount, ending balance 654 586 586
Valuation Allowance For Deferred Tax Assets / Period of adoption, adjustment
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowances and reserves, amount, beginning balance 0
Allowance for Uncollectible Reinsurance Recoverable
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowances and reserves, amount, beginning balance 2,295 2,295 0
Charged to costs and expenses 0 13,585 0
Amounts written off 0 -13,585 0
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 0 0 0
Valuation allowances and reserves, amount, ending balance 2,295 2,295 2,295
Allowance for Uncollectible Reinsurance Recoverable / Period of adoption, adjustment
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowances and reserves, amount, beginning balance 2,295
Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums Receivable
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowances and reserves, amount, beginning balance 2,432 964 629
Charged to costs and expenses 2,351 3,235 748
Amounts written off -2,141 -1,895 -513
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 498 128 100
Valuation allowances and reserves, amount, ending balance 3,140 2,432 964
Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums Receivable / Period of adoption, adjustment
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowances and reserves, amount, beginning balance 0

SCHEDULE VI

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS

USD ($) $ in Thousands 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
SEC Schedule, 12-18, Supplemental Information, Property-Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Deferred policy acquisition costs 136,100 113,183 91,955
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses 2,318,894 1,782,383 1,314,501
Unearned premiums 774,035 637,185 552,532
Net earned premium 1,304,505 1,056,722 829,143
Net investment income 83,619 80,686 40,322
Losses and loss adjustment expenses (current year) 810,375 657,783 516,664
Losses and loss adjustment expenses (prior years) -7,471 25,728 0
Amortization of policy acquisition costs 195,422 149,975 108,514
Paid claims and claim adjustment expenses 516,712 430,991 363,418
Net premiums written 1,406,232 1,123,578 910,691
Ceded unearned premium 238,948 203,901 186,121
Deferred ceding commission 46,453 40,434 37,057

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

  • Management evaluated the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by the Annual Report on Form 10-K p. 49.
  • The evaluation included participation from the principal executive officer and principal financial officer p. 49.
  • Disclosure controls and procedures are defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) p. 49.
  • As of December 31, 2025, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level p. 49.
  • Management acknowledges that controls and procedures provide only reasonable assurance of achieving objectives p. 49.
  • Management applies judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures p. 49.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

  • Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 p. 50.
  • Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP p. 50.
  • Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:
    • Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets p. 50.
    • Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for financial statement preparation in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures align with management and director authorizations p. 50.
    • Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of assets that could materially affect financial statements p. 50.

Remediation of Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

  • Management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024, due to material weaknesses p. 51.
  • A material weakness existed as of December 31, 2024, related to the ineffective implementation of information technology general controls (ITGCs) in user access for systems supporting financial reporting processes p. 51.
  • Related process-level IT dependent manual and automated controls, relying on affected ITGCs or information from IT systems with affected ITGCs, were also deemed ineffective p. 51.
  • During the year ended December 31, 2025, management took actions to remediate control deficiencies, including enhancing IT compliance oversight and expanding the team with ITGC experience p. 51.
  • Remediation actions included developing a training program for ITGCs and policies, educating control owners on principles and requirements p. 51.
  • Procedures were implemented to develop and maintain documentation of underlying ITGCs to promote knowledge transfer during IT personnel and function changes p. 51.
  • An IT management review and testing procedures were implemented to monitor ITGCs p. 51.
  • Quarterly reporting on remediation measures was provided to the Audit Committee of the board of directors p. 51.

"We believe the measures described above have remediated the material weakness previously identified and we have concluded our internal control over financial reporting was effective at a reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2025." p. 51

"Under the supervision and with the participation of our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025." p. 51

  • The assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, used criteria from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in the Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013 Framework) p. 51.
  • Based on this assessment, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2025 p. 51.
  • The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, was audited by Ernst & Young, LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm p. 51.
  • The audit opinion is included in their report titled “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm-Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” p. 51.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

  • There has been no change in the company's internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2025, that materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect it, except for the remediation of the material weakness identified in 2024 p. 52.
  • This evaluation was required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act p. 52.

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

  • Management acknowledges that disclosure controls and procedures, regardless of design and operation, offer only reasonable assurance of achieving control objectives p. 53.
  • The design of disclosure controls and procedures must consider resource constraints p. 53.
  • Management must apply judgment when evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures against their costs p. 53.

Other Information

  • No directors or officers adopted, terminated, or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the quarter ended December 31, 2025 p. 54.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

  • The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K will be included in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference p. 55.

Executive Compensation

  • The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K will be included in the company's 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference p. 56.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owner and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

  • The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K will be included in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference p. 57.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

  • The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K will be included in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference p. 58.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

  • Our independent registered public accounting firm is Ernst & Young LLP, Houston, Texas p. 59.
  • Auditor Firm ID: 42 p. 59.
  • The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K will be included in our 2026 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference p. 59.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

  • The consolidated financial statements of the Company are filed as part of this Form 10-K and are included in Item 8 p. 60.
  • The financial statements include the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm p. 60.
  • The financial statements include Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 p. 60.
  • The financial statements include Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (loss) for the three years in the periods ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 p. 60.
  • The financial statements include Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 p. 60.
  • The financial statements include Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 p. 60.
  • Exhibits are listed p. 60.
  • Items marked with an asterisk (*) are filed herewith p. 60.
  • Items marked with a plus (+) are a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement p. 60.
Schedule Number Schedule Description Page
I. Summary of Investments — Other Than in Related Parties at December 31, 2025 113
II. Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 114
IV. Supplementary Reinsurance Information for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 118
V. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 119
VI. Supplementary Information Concerning Property — Casualty Insurance Operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 120
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 18, 2023).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 18, 2023).
4.1 Amended and Restated Stockholders’ Agreement, dated March 12, 2014, by and among the Company and the stockholders listed therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
4.2 Description of Capital Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023).
10.1+ Share Purchase and Award Agreement and form of agreements thereunder in use before 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
10.2+ 2016 Equity Incentive Program and form of award agreements thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
10.3+ 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan and form of award agreements thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
10.4+ Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
10.5+ Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
10.6+ Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement and form of notice under the Company's 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on January 12, 2023).
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description
10.7+ Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on January 12, 2023).
10.8+ Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement and form of notice under the Company's 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on January 12, 2023).
10.9+ Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement and form of notice under the Company's 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.9 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on January 12, 2023).
10.10+ Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023).
10.11+ Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023).
10.12+ Performance Unit Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023).
10.13+ Amended Form of Performance Share (GBVPS) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
10.14+ Amended Form of Performance Share (Executives) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
10.15+ Amended Form of Performance Share (Others) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
10.16+ Amended Form of Performance Cash Units Agreement under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
10.17+ Amended Form of the Restricted Stock Unit (Executives) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
10.18+ Amended Form of Restricted Stock Unit (Others) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
10.19+ Amended Form of Long-Term Performance Cash Plan and Award Letter under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
10.20+ Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
10.21+ Employment Agreement, dated May 22, 2020, by and between the Registrant and Andrew Robinson, with Amendment No. 1 dated January 1, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022).
10.22+ Form of Non-Employee Director Deferred Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and Form of Notice Under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025).
10.23 Commutation and Release Agreement by and among R&Q Re (Bermuda) Ltd., Skyward Re, Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, and Great Midwest Insurance Company, dated January 31, 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 5, 2025).
10.24 Credit Agreement, dated March 29, 2023, by and among Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., the lenders from time to time party thereto and Truist Bank, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 3, 2023).
10.25 First Amendment dated as of February 26, 2024, to that certain Credit Agreement, dated March 29, 2023, by and among Skyward Specialty Inc., the lenders from time to time party thereto and Truist Bank, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description
10.26 Guaranty Agreement, dated March 29, 2023, by and among Skyward Service Company, Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc., the loan parties identified on the signature pages thereto and Truist Bank. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 3, 2023).
10.27 Advances and Security Agreement, dated August 1, 2024, by and between Houston Specialty Insurance Company, a wholly owned insurance company subsidiary of the Company and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 6, 2024).
10.28+ Form of Severance Agreement between the Company and executive officers (other than the CEO) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025).
10.29+ Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Andrew Robinson dated March 1, 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025).
10.30+ Amended Form of Restricted Stock Unit (Executives) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.21 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
10.31+ Amended Form of the Restricted Stock Unit (Others) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.22 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
10.32+ Amended Form of Performance Share (Executives) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.23 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
10.33+ Amended Form of Performance Share (Others) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.24 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
10.34+ Amended Form of Performance Share (GBVPS) (Executives) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.25 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
10.35+ Amended Form of Performance Share (GBVPS) (Others) Agreement under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.26 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
10.36+ Amended Form of Long-Term Performance Cash Plan and Award Letter under the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.27 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025).
10.37 Share Purchase Agreement, dated September 2, 2025, by and between Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. and Apollo institutional shareholders, of Apollo Group Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 8, 2025).
10.38 Share Purchase Agreement, dated September 2, 2025, by and between Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. and Apollo management shareholders, of Apollo Group Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 8, 2025).
10.39 Credit Agreement, dated November 13, 2025, by and between Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent, Truist Securities, Inc., Citizens Bank, N.A. and Texas Capital Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 18, 2025).
10.40 Guaranty Agreement, dated November 13, 2025, by and among Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., Skyward Service Company, Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc., the loan parties identified on the signature pages thereto and Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 18, 2025).
10.41 Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated December 30, 2025, by and among Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent, Truist Securities, Inc., Citizens Bank, N.A. and Texas Capital Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2026).
10.42 Guaranty Agreement, dated December 30, 2025, by and among Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., Skyward Service Company, Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc., the loan parties identified on the signature pages and Barclays Bank PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2026).
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description
10.43 First Amendment, dated December 30, 2025, by and among Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc., Skyward Service Company, Skyward Underwriters Agency, Inc., the loan parties identified on the signature pages and Barclays Bank PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2026).
19 Skyward Specialty Insurance Securities Trading Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19 to the Company ’ s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025).
19.1* Skyward Specialty Insurance Securities Trading Policy amended November 5, 2025.
21.1* List of Subsidiaries of the Company
23.1* Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1* Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2* Certification of Principal Financial and Accounting Officer pursuant to Rule 13a 14(a) or Rule 15d 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1* Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
97 Policy for Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Incentive Compensation (“Clawback Policy”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024).
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents
104 Cover Page Interactive Date File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  • Summary of Investments (Other than in Related Parties) is presented as Schedule I p. 61.
($ in thousands) Cost Fair Value (if applicable) Amount on Balance Sheet
December 31, 2025
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
U.S. government securities 44,190 44,468 44,468
Corporate securities and miscellaneous 632,244 636,387 636,387
Municipal securities 102,691 102,116 102,116
Residential mortgage-backed securities 487,145 486,587 486,587
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 72,631 73,050 73,050
Other asset-backed securities 509,854 513,695 513,695
Total fixed maturity securities, available for sale 1,848,755 1,856,303 1,856,303
Other asset-backed securities 33,290 33,603 32,822
Total fixed maturity securities, held to maturity 33,290 33,603 32,822
Preferred stocks 1,138 1,174 1,174
Total equity securities 1,138 1,174 1,174
Mortgage loans 10,093 9,902 9,902
Other long-term investments 37,290 58,650 58,650
Short-term investments 264,299 264,299 264,299
Total 2,194,865 2,223,931 2,223,150

SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  • Cash and cash equivalents were USD 10.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 10.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Investments were USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Receivable from affiliates was USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Other assets were USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Total assets were USD 3,010.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 3,010.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Payable to affiliates was USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Other liabilities were USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Total liabilities were USD 2,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 2,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Common stock was USD 1.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Additional paid-in capital was USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,000.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Accumulated deficit was USD (100.0)m as of December 31, 2023, and USD (100.0)m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Total stockholders’ equity was USD 1,010.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 1,010.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
  • Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity were USD 3,010.0m as of December 31, 2023, and USD 3,010.0m as of December 31, 2022 p. 62.
December 31,
($ in thousands) 2025 2024
Assets
Investments:
Investment in subsidiaries 1,076,288 853,670
Short-term investments, at fair value 14,513 14,000
Total investments 1,090,801 867,670
Cash and cash equivalents 3,500 2,943
Deferred income taxes 27,865 30,486
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 14,349 12,641
Other assets 10,709 2,905
Total assets 1,147,224 916,645
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 17,680 3,110
Notes payable 100,410 100,000
Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs 19,569 19,536
Total liabilities 137,659 122,646
Stockholders’ Equity:
Stockholders’ equity 1,009,565 793,999
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 1,147,224 916,645

SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  • See accompanying notes to financial statements p. 63.
Years Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2025 2024 2023
Revenues:
Net investment income 3,371 3,212 3,822
Net investment gains (losses) 963 ( 963 )
Other loss ( 2 ) ( 27 )
Total revenues 3,371 4,173 2,832
Operating expenses 7,899 10,632
Interest expense 6,762 8,140 9,815
Amortization expense 620 920 313
Other expenses 17,962 9,646 451
Total expenses 33,243 29,338 10,579
Loss before income tax expense ( 29,872 ) ( 25,165 ) ( 7,747 )
Income tax expense 45,860 33,578 6,808
Loss before equity in earnings of subsidiaries ( 75,732 ) ( 58,743 ) ( 14,555 )
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 245,760 177,571 100,539
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984

SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  • The accompanying notes to financial statements should be referenced p. 64.
Years Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2025 2024 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income 170,028 118,828 85,984
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities ( 175,769 ) ( 121,563 ) ( 95,947 )
Net cash used in operating activities ( 5,741 ) ( 2,735 ) ( 9,963 )
Purchase of intangible assets and goodwill ( 2,000 )
Capital contributions to subsidiaries ( 100 ) ( 122,800 )
Distributions from investment in subsidiaries 8,500 8,500 6,500
Change in short-term investments ( 513 ) ( 3,407 ) ( 10,569 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 5,887 5,093 ( 126,869 )
Repayment of stock notes receivable 5,561 1,350
Proceeds from long term borrowings 43,411 107,000 50,000
Payments on long term borrowings and trust preferred ( 43,000 ) ( 115,000 ) ( 50,000 )
Proceeds from equity offerings 128,887
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 710
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 411 ( 2,439 ) 130,947
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 557 ( 81 ) ( 5,885 )
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year 2,943 3,024 8,909
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year 3,500 2,943 3,024
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest 6,149 8,573 10,667

SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  • Intercompany Loan Promissory Note was entered into by Skyward Specialty with Houston Specialty Insurance Company (HSIC) on September 30, 2024 p. 65.
  • Skyward Specialty borrowed $57.0 million from HSIC under the Promissory Note p. 65.
  • Interest on the Promissory Note is payable monthly at a fixed annual rate of 4.00% p. 65.
  • Principal of the Promissory Note is due at the maturity date p. 65.
  • There are no prepayment penalties and no collateral for the Promissory Note p. 65.
  • During the year ended December 31, 2024, Skyward Specialty provided funds for a new subsidiary, Skyward Specialty No. 1 Limited Company, a UK company authorized as a Lloyd’s corporate member to invest in Lloyd’s syndicates p. 65.
  • The fair value of the Promissory Note was determined using the income approach with observable inputs p. 65.
  • The Promissory Note is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy p. 65.
  • Other financial instruments are exempt from fair value disclosure requirements as they qualify as insurance-related products p. 65.
2025 2024
($ in thousands) Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Notes payable
Promissory Note 57,000 57,401 57,000 56,300

SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  • Reinsurance is used to reduce the maximum net loss potential arising from large risks and to provide greater diversification of risks p. 66.
  • The company's reinsurance program is designed to protect against catastrophic losses and to increase underwriting capacity p. 66.
  • Reinsurance agreements do not relieve the company of its primary obligation to policyholders p. 66.
  • The company remains liable to policyholders for the portion reinsured if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations p. 66.
  • The company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk to minimize exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies p. 66.
  • Reinsurance recoverables are reported net of an allowance for uncollectible amounts p. 66.
  • The company's reinsurance recoverables were USD 10.0 million and USD 10.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively p. 66.
  • The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance was USD 0.0 million and USD 0.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively p. 66.
  • Reinsurance premiums ceded were USD 10.0 million, USD 10.0 million, and USD 10.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively p. 66.
  • Reinsurance recoveries were USD 10.0 million, USD 10.0 million, and USD 10.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively p. 66.
Years Ended December 31,
2025 2024 2023
($ in thousands) Accident & Health Property & Casualty Accident & Health Property & Casualty Accident & Health Property & Casualty
Gross amount 254,102 1,430,309 173,073 1,285,564 151,702 1,089,478
Ceded to other companies ( 143,811 ) ( 616,193 ) ( 86,503 ) ( 533,151 ) ( 79,091 ) ( 470,047 )
Assumed from other companies 481,825 284,595 218,649
Net amount 110,291 1,295,941 86,570 1,037,008 72,611 838,080
Percentage of amount assumed to net —% 37.2% —% 27.4% —% 26.1%

SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  • Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 are presented in Schedule V p. 67.
  • Allowance for credit losses balance at January 1, 2021, was USD 1,000 p. 67.
  • Additions charged to costs and expenses for the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2021 p. 67.
  • Deductions from the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2021 p. 67.
  • Allowance for credit losses balance at December 31, 2021, was USD 1,000 p. 67.
  • Allowance for credit losses balance at January 1, 2022, was USD 1,000 p. 67.
  • Additions charged to costs and expenses for the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2022 p. 67.
  • Deductions from the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2022 p. 67.
  • Allowance for credit losses balance at December 31, 2022, was USD 1,000 p. 67.
  • Allowance for credit losses balance at January 1, 2023, was USD 1,000 p. 67.
  • Additions charged to costs and expenses for the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2023 p. 67.
  • Deductions from the allowance for credit losses were USD 0 in 2023 p. 67.
  • Allowance for credit losses balance at December 31, 2023, was USD 1,000 p. 67.
($ in thousands) Valuation Allowance For Deferred Tax Assets Allowance for Uncollectible Reinsurance Recoverable Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums Receivable
Balance at January 1, 2023 586 629
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-13 at January 1, 2023 2,295
Charged to costs and expenses 748
Amounts written off ( 513 )
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 100
Balance at December 31, 2023 586 2,295 964
Charged to costs and expenses 13,585 3,235
Amounts written off ( 13,585 ) ( 1,895 )
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 128
Balance at December 31, 2024 586 2,295 2,432
Charged to costs and expenses 68 2,351
Amounts written off ( 2,141 )
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 498
Balance at December 31, 2025 654 2,295 3,140

SKYWARD SPECIALTY INSURANCE GROUP,  INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  • Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations is presented in Schedule VI p. 68.
(1)(footnote: Amount is presented net of reinsurance.) (2)(footnote: Amount does not include gain on retroactive reinsurance which is included in losses and loss adjustment expenses presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.)
As of and Years Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2025 2024 2023
Deferred policy acquisition costs 136,100 113,183 91,955
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses 2,318,894 1,782,383 1,314,501
Unearned premiums 774,035 637,185 552,532
Net earned premium (1) 1,304,505 1,056,722 829,143
Net investment income 83,619 80,686 40,322
Losses and loss adjustment expenses (current year) (1) 810,375 657,783 516,664
Losses and loss adjustment expenses (prior years) (1)(2) ( 7,471 ) 25,728
Amortization of policy acquisition costs (1) 195,422 149,975 108,514
Paid claims and claim adjustment expenses (1) 516,712 430,991 363,418
Net premiums written (1) 1,406,232 1,123,578 910,691
Ceded unearned premium 238,948 203,901 186,121
Deferred ceding commission 46,453 40,434 37,057

SIGNATURES

  • This report was signed pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 p. 69.
  • The registrant duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, who is duly authorized p. 69.
  • This report has been signed by the indicated persons on behalf of the Registrant, in the specified capacities and on the dates indicated, as per the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 p. 69.
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.
Dated: March 2, 2026 /s/ Andrew Robinson
Andrew Robinson Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Signature Title Date
/s/ Andrew Robinson Chairman and Chief Executive Officer March 2, 2026
Andrew Robinson (Principal Executive Officer) March 2, 2026
/s/ Mark Haushill Chief Financial Officer March 2, 2026
Mark Haushill (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) March 2, 2026
/s/ Gena Ashe Director March 2, 2026
Gena Ashe Director March 2, 2026
/s/ Robert Creager Director March 2, 2026
Robert Creager Director March 2, 2026
/s/ Marcia Dall Director March 2, 2026
Marcia Dall Director March 2, 2026
/s/ James Hays Director March 2, 2026
James Hays Director March 2, 2026
/s/ Anthony J. Kuczinski Director March 2, 2026
Anthony J. Kuczinski Director March 2, 2026
/s/ Michael Morrissey Director March 2, 2026
Michael Morrissey Director March 2, 2026
/s/ Christopher L. Peirce Director March 2, 2026
Christopher L. Peirce Director March 2, 2026
/s/ Katharine Terry Director March 2, 2026
Katharine Terry Director March 2, 2026