Skyward Specialty Insurance Group Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (Nasdaq: SKWD) has expanded its renewable energy coverage solutions to meet the growing demand in the specialty property and casualty market. The company now offers casualty coverage options for various renewable energy classes, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal sectors.

Rob Roberts, president of Energy at Skyward Specialty, emphasized the rising demand for renewable energy and the need for specialized risk management solutions. He highlighted the company's team of industry experts who are equipped to develop strategies and apply best-in-class underwriting to address the needs of this dynamic market opportunity.

This expansion aligns with Skyward Specialty's strategy to deliver innovative, customized solutions to specialized markets and further diversifies their energy portfolio.

The Westaim (TSXV: WED) has successfully sold its remaining 1,919,639 common shares in Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKWD). This transaction, executed through a wholly-owned subsidiary, generated net proceeds of approximately US$79.0 million, after deducting commissions. The sale marks Westaim's complete exit from its investment in Skyward Specialty, a significant move that could potentially impact the company's financial position and future investment strategy.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (Nasdaq: SKWD) has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Insurance for 2024 by Business Insurance and Best Companies Group for the second consecutive year. This award highlights Skyward Specialty's commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture that promotes innovation, inclusion, and professional growth.

Key highlights from the employee engagement survey:

• 95% of employees are very satisfied with their employer
• 93% would recommend working at Skyward Specialty to a friend

The company's focus on employee engagement, diversity, and inclusion initiatives has positioned it as an employer of choice in the insurance industry. Tom Schmitt, Chief People and Administration Officer, emphasized the company's dedication to maintaining a high-quality workplace where employees can thrive.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (Nasdaq: SKWD) has partnered with Acceleration Aviation Underwriters to launch a comprehensive aviation insurance program. The new offering covers a wide range of aviation-related businesses, including commercial and general aviation aircraft, fixed based operators, flight schools, and airports. This strategic move aims to address the challenges of capacity and coverage in the aviation insurance market.

Kirby Hill, president of Captives, Programs & Alternative Risk at Skyward Specialty, emphasized the partnership's alignment with the company's strategy to target underserved markets. Chris Jones, president of Acceleration Underwriters, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to Skyward Specialty's success in the P&C market through this collaboration.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (NASDAQ: SKWD) has strengthened its regional Contract Surety teams with the addition of six surety specialists. The company has recruited experienced professionals to key positions:

- Gregg Callahan as regional VP in New England
- Larry Mastalski as regional VP in Texas and Midwest
- Sam Allison as assistant regional VP in Texas
- Sean Fallows as regional assistant VP in the Pacific Northwest
- Joe Waynauskas as senior underwriter in the north-central region
- Joe Michalewsky as underwriter in the Northeast region

These strategic hires bring extensive expertise and established relationships in the surety market, positioning Skyward Specialty to capitalize on market opportunities and reinforce its regional growth strategy.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (NASDAQ: SKWD) announced its entry into the mortgage (re)insurance market on August 13, 2024. To spearhead this new venture, the company has brought on Jean-Philippe “JP” Latour as senior vice president. Latour joined in May 2024, bringing extensive experience from Arch and Vantage Risk, where he played key roles in developing reinsurance solutions and leading market entries. Latour's background includes significant expertise in banking, capital markets, and mortgage banking.

Andrew Robinson, chairman and CEO, highlighted the positive reception from GSEs, primary insurers, and brokers. The new unit marks Skyward's second reinsurance initiative, following its entry into the Global Agriculture market in 2023. The move aligns with Skyward's strategy to diversify its portfolio and focus on less P&C cycle-exposed markets. Robinson emphasized the ongoing evaluation of niche (re)insurance opportunities to create shareholder value.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (SKWD) reported strong Q2 2024 results, with net income of $31.0 million ($0.75 per diluted share), up from $19.5 million in Q2 2023. Adjusted operating income reached $33.1 million ($0.80 per diluted share), compared to $16.0 million in Q2 2023. Key highlights include:

- Gross written premiums increased 17.6%
- Underwriting income of $23.9 million
- Combined ratio improved to 90.7%
- Annualized return on equity of 19.6% for H1 2024
- AM Best upgraded rating to A (Excellent) with stable outlook

The company's growth was driven by strong performance in captives, transactional E&S, and surety underwriting divisions. CEO Andrew Robinson expressed confidence in the company's position to deliver attractive returns and profitable growth.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (Nasdaq: SKWD) has achieved an upgraded Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of 'A' (Excellent) with a stable outlook from A.M. Best Company for its subsidiary insurance companies. This upgrade reflects Skyward Specialty's very strong balance sheet, adequate operating performance, neutral business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management.

A.M. Best noted the company's sustained trend of improving underwriting results since 2020, following a change in executive leadership, as well as consistent investment income. The upgrade positions Skyward Specialty to profitably grow its business, meet customer and broker needs, and capitalize on new market opportunities.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (Nasdaq: SKWD) has made two key appointments to expand its Healthcare Solutions portfolio and broaden its Transactional Property E&S underwriting units. Julie Miglin joins as vice president to lead the new Life Sciences solutions within Healthcare Solutions. With over 15 years of experience, Miglin previously specialized in Life Sciences underwriting at Chubb and Beazley.

Steven Smith has been appointed to lead the Transactional E&S Property portfolio. Smith brings more than 30 years of underwriting expertise, including 13 years at RSUI Group, Inc. These strategic hires aim to strengthen Skyward Specialty's position in the specialty property and casualty market, particularly in healthcare-related professional and product liability solutions and E&S property solutions.