HOUSTON, Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SKWD) (“Skyward Group” or the “Company”) today reported second quarter 2026 results.
Summary Financial Data ($ in thousands, except per share amounts)Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,unaudited20262025(1) 2026
2025(1)Managed Premiums$1,058,675 $900,849 $2,026,384 $1,710,234 Gross written premiums(2)$740,554 $653,861 $1,408,258 $1,248,431 Fee generating gross written premiums(2)$318,121 $246,988 $618,126 $461,803 Net written premiums$485,616 $339,213 $918,499 $682,484 Net income$49,038 $38,839 $98,769 $80,897 Net operating income(3)$59,198 $37,496 $116,091 $75,233 Basic earnings per share$1.10 $0.96 $2.22 $2.01 Diluted operating earnings per share$1.30 $0.89 $2.55 $1.78 Annualized ROE (4) 15.7% 17.7% 17.3% 19.1%Annualized operating ROE (5) 19.0% 17.1% 20.4% 17.8%(1) Select second quarter 2025 metrics for the Skyward Group and Apollo are presented on a pro forma basis for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that Skyward Group would have recognized had the acquisition actually been completed on January 1, 2025. Pro forma information is unaudited(2) Prior year pro forma gross written premiums are adjusted for the impact of the change in participations. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.(3) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”(4) Annualized ROE is net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders' equity during the period.(5) Annualized operating ROE is operating income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders' equity during the period.
Highlights for the second quarter included:
- Managed premiums increased 17.5%(2) compared to 2025;
- Gross written premiums increased 13.3%(1)(2) compared to 2025;
- Combined ratio of 89.5%;
- Ex-Cat combined ratio of 87.6%;
- Repurchased 223 thousand shares of common stock for $9.7 million and expanded the share repurchase authorization from $50 million to $100 million;
- Annualized return on equity(4) and annualized operating return on equity(5) of 17.3% and 20.4%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2026; and,
- Book value per share of $28.55, an increase of 14.6% compared to December 31, 2025.
Skyward Group Chairman and CEO Andrew Robinson commented, “We delivered another quarter of excellent results reflecting the strength, resilience and earnings power of our Rule Our Niche strategy, our uniquely diversified business portfolio, and disciplined execution. Diluted operating earnings per share of $1.30 increased 46% year over year, and our annualized operating return on equity of 20.4% for the first half of the year underscores our continued strong returns and outstanding earnings growth. Our combined ratio of 89.5%, inclusive of 1.9 points of catastrophe losses, again demonstrates the quality of our underwriting and disciplined risk management. Gross written premiums grew 13% and fee generating premiums grew 29% to $318 million in the quarter. Book value per share increased to $28.55 during the quarter. We believe we are exceptionally well positioned to continue to deliver top quartile results and long-term value for shareholders.”
Results of Operations
Gross Written Premiums By Underwriting Division
($ in thousands)Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 20262025
% Change 2026
2025 % ChangeSkyward Specialty Segment Accident & Health$95,456 $60,489 57.8% $187,465 $123,658 51.6%Captives 64,251 76,994 (16.6)% 122,165 143,923 (15.1)%Credit & Surety 63,759 55,131 15.6% 127,933 100,159 27.7%Energy Solutions 62,690 74,822 (16.2)% 111,556 150,416 (25.8)%Global Agriculture 111,939 57,179 95.8% 214,291 137,796 55.5%Global Property 71,109 83,992 (15.3)% 105,626 130,678 (19.2)%Professional Lines 34,978 37,555 (6.9)% 71,206 77,772 (8.4)%Specialty Programs 111,441 85,955 29.7% 206,208 148,630 38.7%Transactional E&S 52,296 53,461 (2.2)% 102,360 105,467 (2.9)%Total continuing business$667,919 $585,578 14.1% 1,248,810 1,118,499 11.7%Exited business (146) (664) (78.0)% 767 1,741 (55.9)%Total Skyward Specialty Segment gross written premiums$667,773 $584,914 14.2% 1,249,577 1,120,240 11.5%Apollo Segment(1)(2) Syndicate 1969 59,431 55,207 7.7% 124,439 99,059 25.6%Syndicate 1971 13,350 13,740 (2.8)% 34,242 29,132 17.5%Total Apollo Segment gross written premiums 72,781 68,947 5.6% 158,681 128,191 23.8%Total gross written premiums(1)(2)$740,554 $653,861 13.3% $1,408,258 $1,248,431 12.8% (1) Prior year information is pro forma.
(2) Prior year information is adjusted for the impact of the change in participations. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
Managed Premiums
Apollo provides managing agency services to nine syndicates within its Lloyd’s platform. The capital-aligned syndicates, Syndicate 1969, Syndicate 1971 and Syndicate 1972, are wholly managed and partly capitalized by Apollo with Apollo retaining a portion of the underwriting risk via its Lloyd's Corporate Member, Apollo No. 16. Platform Partner syndicates are managed by Apollo on behalf of third‑party partners and Apollo does not currently provide capital for underwriting of these syndicates. Apollo receives managing agency fees and performance‑based income for their managing agency services from all syndicates on its Lloyd's platform.
($ in thousands)Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 20262025 % Change 2026
2025 % ChangeTotal gross written premiums(1)(2)$740,554 $653,861 13.3% $1,408,258 $1,248,431 12.8%Fee generating gross written premiums(1)(2): Aligned Syndicates 217,196 191,527 13.4% 427,745 347,630 23.0%Partner Syndicates 100,925 55,461 82.0% 190,381 114,173 66.7%Total fee generating gross written premiums$318,121 $246,988 28.8% $618,126 $461,803 33.9%Total Skyward Group managed premiums$1,058,675 $900,849 17.5% $2,026,384 $1,710,234 18.5% (1) Prior year information is pro forma.(2) Prior year information is adjusted for the impact of the change in participations. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
Underwriting Results
($ in thousands)Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 Skyward Specialty Apollo Corporate Total Skyward Specialty Apollo Corporate TotalRevenues: Net earned premiums$378,346 $66,126 $— $444,472 $742,289 $136,190 $— $878,479 Underwriting fee income — 12,588 — 12,588 — 22,666 — 22,666 Commission and fee income 2,334 — — 2,334 3,861 — — 3,861 Total revenues 380,680 78,714 — 459,394 746,150 158,856 — 905,006 Expenses: Losses and loss adjustment expenses 236,967 39,774 — 276,741 465,198 76,766 — 541,964 Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses 94,131 24,778 4,372 123,281 191,094 47,520 9,281 247,895 Fee‑based service expenses — 4,562 — 4,562 — 8,732 — 8,732 Total expenses 331,098 69,114 4,372 404,584 656,292 133,018 9,281 798,591 Underwriting Income$49,582 $9,600 $— $54,810 $89,858 $25,838 $— $106,415 Combined Ratio Non-cat loss and LAE 61.3% 54.7% —% 60.4% 61.0% 53.8% —% 59.8%Cat loss and LAE 1.3% 5.4% —% 1.9% 1.7% 2.6% —% 1.9%Loss Ratio 62.6% 60.1% —% 62.3% 62.7% 56.4% —% 61.7%Net policy acquisition costs 14.0% 27.6% —% 16.0% 14.0% 19.7% —% 14.8%Other operating and general expenses 10.9% 9.9% —% 10.7% 11.7% 15.2% —% 12.3%Commission and fee income(0.6)% —% —% (0.5)% (0.5)% —% —% (0.4)%Corporate expenses(1) —% —% 1.0% 1.0% —% —% 1.1% 1.1%Expense ratio 24.3% 37.5% 1.0% 27.2% 25.2% 34.9% 1.1% 27.8%Combined ratio 86.9% 97.6% —% 89.5% 87.9% 91.3% —% 89.5%Ex-Cat Combined Ratio 85.6% 92.2% —% 87.6% 86.2% 88.7% —% 87.6%(1) Calculated using consolidated net earned premiumsThe Skyward Specialty segment loss and LAE ratios for the second quarter and first half of 2026 increased 1.3 points and 0.8 points, respectively, when compared to the same 2025 periods primarily due to shifts in business mix driven by growth in the accident & health and global agriculture divisions. The Apollo segment loss and LAE ratios for the second quarter and first half of 2026 were impacted by catastrophe losses, primarily from the conflict in the Middle East.
The expense ratios for the second quarter and first half of 2026 improved 0.9 points and 0.3 points, respectively, when compared to the same 2025 periods. The Skyward Specialty segment’s expense ratio improved 2.7 points and 1.7 points, respectively, when compared to the same 2025 periods, primarily driven by business mix shift, enhanced operating efficiencies, and scale benefits as net earned premiums outpaced expense growth. In the first quarter of 2026, the Company revised its expense presentation to report corporate expenses separately from segment expenses following the closing of the Apollo acquisition. The prior year period has been recast to reflect this change.
Investment Results
Net Investment Income $ in thousandsThree months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,(unaudited)2026 2025 2026 2025Short-term investments$2,469 $3,713 $4,957 $6,914 Cash and cash equivalents$2,583 $976 4,242 $1,900 Fixed income 29,310 17,822 56,675 34,552 Alternative & strategic investments (3,635) (3,807) (8,092) (5,240)Net investment income$30,727 $18,704 $57,782 $38,126 Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities still held$1,927 $(3,181) $3,702 $2,310 Net realized (losses) gains (2,528) 6,271 (1,118) 7,530 Net investment (losses) gains$(601) $3,090 $2,584 $9,840In the first quarter of 2026, the Company revised its presentation of net investment income to (i) report short-term investments separately from cash and cash equivalents following the closing of the Apollo acquisition, and (ii) include equities in alternative & strategic investments after the sale of the majority of the equity portfolio in 2025. The prior year period has been recast to reflect this change.
Net investment income for the second quarter and first half of 2026 increased $12.0 million and $19.7 million, respectively, when compared to the same 2025 periods, driven by the addition of the Apollo portfolio, a higher yield and a larger asset base. The increase in income from cash and cash equivalents was due to an overall increase in the invested asset base from the addition of Apollo when compared to the same 2025 periods.
The alternative & strategic investments portfolio continued to be impacted by the decline in the fair value of limited partnership investments.
Stockholders’ Equity
Stockholders’ equity was $1,267.5 million at June 30, 2026 which represented an increase of 3.5% when compared to stockholders' equity of $1,224.9 million at March 31, 2026. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily attributable to net income, partially offset by repurchases of the Company’s common stock.
Conference Call
At 9:00 a.m. eastern time tomorrow, August 5, 2026, Company management will hold a conference call to discuss quarterly results with insurance industry analysts. Interested parties may listen to the discussion at investors.skywardinsurance.com under Events & Presentations. Additionally, investors can access the earnings call via conference call by registering via the conference link. Users will receive dial-in information and a unique PIN to join the call upon registering.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This release contains certain financial measures and ratios that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). We refer to these measures as “non-GAAP financial measures.” We use these non-GAAP financial measures when planning, monitoring, and evaluating our performance.
We consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be useful metrics for our management and investors to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our business, this information should be considered supplemental in nature and is not meant to be a substitute for revenue or net income, in each case as recognized in accordance with GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate such measures differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures. For more information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of such measures to comparable GAAP financial measures, see the section entitled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
About Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.
Skyward Group is the holding company brand for its U.S. and U.K. businesses, Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.® and Apollo, respectively, delivering a comprehensive suite of specialized insurance solutions across global specialty property and casualty markets. Focused on the specialty industry’s most niche, complex risks of today and the emerging challenges of tomorrow, Skyward Group leverages the forward-looking insight and disciplined execution of each organization to drive sustainable growth and long-term value for its shareholders, distribution partners, and other stakeholders.
For more information about Skyward Group, Skyward Specialty and Apollo, please visit skywardgroup.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information, all other information in this news release consists of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are typically, but not always, identified through use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “enable,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “intends,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “predict,” “probable,” “potential,” “possible,” “should,” “continue,” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied. The most significant of these uncertainties are described in Skyward Group's Form 10-K, and include (but are not limited to) legislative changes at both the state and federal level, state and federal regulatory rule making promulgations and adjudications, class action litigation involving the insurance industry and judicial decisions affecting claims, policy coverages and the general costs of doing business, the potential loss of key members of our management team or key employees and our ability to attract and retain personnel, the impact of competition on products and pricing, inflation in the costs of the products and services insurance pays for, product development, geographic spread of risk, weather and weather-related events, other types of catastrophic events, our ability to obtain reinsurance coverage at prices and on terms that allow us to transfer risk and adequately protect our company against financial loss, and losses resulting from reinsurance counterparties failing to pay us on reinsurance claims. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.
Investor Contact
Jordan Arnold
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group
346-215-0250
[email protected]
Media Contact
Haley Doughty
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group
713-935-4944
[email protected]
2026 December 31, 2025Assets Investments: Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (net of allowance for credit losses of $6,228 and $7,000, respectively) (amortized cost of $2,206,626 and $1,848,755, respectively)$2,192,183 $1,856,303 Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (net of allowance for credit losses of $2,256 and $468, respectively) 28,192 32,822 Equity securities, at fair value 1,141 1,174 Mortgage loans, at fair value 9,218 9,902 Equity method investments 62,725 77,365 Other long-term investments 52,295 58,650 Short-term investments, at fair value 392,634 264,299 Total investments 2,738,388 2,300,515 Cash and cash equivalents 219,221 168,544 Restricted cash 83,302 30,570 Funds at Lloyd’s 121,630 2,509 Options, at fair value 40,535 34,857 Premiums and commissions receivable, net 978,409 544,217 Reinsurance recoverables, net 1,411,648 1,119,880 Ceded unearned premium 337,180 238,948 Deferred policy acquisition costs and VOBA 186,491 136,100 Deferred tax assets 47,987 27,865 Goodwill and intangible assets, net 471,185 88,040 Other assets 145,163 99,807 Total assets$6,781,139 $4,791,852 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities: Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses$3,070,598 $2,318,894 Unearned premiums 1,078,246 774,035 Deferred ceding commission 54,466 46,453 Reinsurance and premium payables 509,081 279,888 Funds held for others 169,051 128,003 Deferred tax liabilities 67,801 — Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 127,154 115,034 Notes payable 417,620 100,411 Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs 19,585 19,569 Total liabilities 5,513,602 3,782,287 Stockholders’ equity Common stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 44,827,499 shares issued and 44,396,493 shares outstanding at June 30, 2026; 40,511,222 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025 448 405 Treasury stock, at cost, 431,006 and 0 shares, respectively (19,427) — Additional paid-in capital 927,690 730,555 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (7,091) 11,457 Retained earnings 365,917 267,148 Total stockholders’ equity 1,267,537 1,009,565 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$6,781,139 $4,791,852
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Operating income – We define operating income as net income excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook, net of tax impact. We use operating income as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Operating income should not be viewed as a substitute for net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define operating income differently.
($ in thousands)Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,(unaudited)2026 2025 2026 2025 Pre-tax After-tax Pre-tax After-tax Pre-tax After-tax Pre-tax After-taxIncome as reported$63,557 $49,038 $49,795 $38,839 $125,633 $98,769 $101,230 $80,897 Less (add): Net investment (losses) gains (601) (464) 3,090 2,410 2,584 2,031 9,840 7,864 Amortization expense (8,843) (6,823) (372) (290) (17,686) (13,904) (709) (567)Other income 13 10 7 5 28 22 20 16 Other expenses (3,737) (2,883) (1,002) (782) (6,959) (5,471) (2,063) (1,649)Operating income$76,725 $59,198 $48,072 $37,496 $147,666 $116,091 $94,142 $75,233Underwriting income – We define underwriting income as net income before income taxes excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, impairment charges, interest expense, amortization expense and other income and expenses. Underwriting income represents the pre-tax profitability of our underwriting operations and allows us to evaluate our underwriting performance without regard to investment income. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our underlying business performance. Underwriting income should not be viewed as a substitute for pre-tax income calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting income differently.
($ in thousands)Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
(unaudited)2026 2025 2026
2025Income before income taxes$63,557 $49,795 $125,633 $101,230 Add: Interest expense 8,812 1,876 16,531 3,710 Amortization expense 8,843 372 17,686 709 Other expenses 3,737 1,002 6,959 2,063 Less: Net investment income 30,727 18,704 57,782 38,126 Net investment (losses) gains (601) 3,090 2,584 9,840 Other income 13 7 28 20 Underwriting income$54,810 $31,244 $106,415 $59,726
Tangible Stockholders’ Equity – We define tangible stockholders’ equity as stockholders’ equity excluding goodwill and intangible assets and the related deferred tax impact. Our definition of tangible stockholders’ equity may not be comparable to that of other companies and should not be viewed as a substitute for stockholders’ equity calculated in accordance with GAAP. We use tangible stockholders’ equity internally to evaluate the strength of our balance sheet and to compare returns relative to this measure.
($ in thousands)June 30,December 31,(unaudited)2026
2025 2025Stockholders’ equity$1,267,537 $899,915 $1,009,565 Less: Goodwill and intangible assets 471,185 88,795 88,040 Add: Deferred tax impact 65,500 — — Tangible stockholders’ equity$861,852 $811,120 $921,525
Adjusted pro forma gross written premiums – We define adjusted pro forma gross written premiums as pro forma gross written premiums adjusted for the impact of changes in Apollo syndicate participation. We use this measure to evaluate premium growth trends on a consistent participation basis across periods. Adjusted pro forma gross written premiums is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered a substitute for gross written premiums calculated in accordance with GAAP.
$ in thousandsThree months ended June 30, 2025 Syndicate 1969 Syndicate 1971Total Apollo Segment Total Skyward GroupPro forma gross written premiums$65,854 $10,337 $76,191 $661,105 Impact of the change in participations (10,647) 3,403 (7,244) (7,244)Adjusted pro forma gross written premiums$55,207 $13,740 $68,947 $653,861
Adjusted pro forma fee generating gross written premiums – We define adjusted pro forma fee generating gross written premiums as pro forma fee generating gross written premiums adjusted for the impact of changes in Apollo syndicate participation percentages. We believe this measure provides a more meaningful comparison of fee generating business on a consistent participation basis across periods. Adjusted pro forma fee generating gross written premiums is a non-GAAP financial measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
$ in thousandsThree months ended June 30, 2025Aligned Syndicates
Partner Syndicates
Total
Pro forma fee generating gross written premiums$184,283 $55,461 $239,744 Impact of the change in participations 7,244 N/A 7,244 Adjusted pro forma fee generating gross written premiums$191,527 $55,461 $246,988
Aligned Syndicates
Partner Syndicates
Total
Pro forma fee generating gross written premiums$327,240 $114,173 $441,413 Impact of the change in participation(s) 20,390 N/A 20,390 Adjusted pro forma fee generating gross written premiums$347,630 $114,173 $461,803