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Underwriting improves as Aspen Insurance Holdings (AHL) reports Q1 2026 loss

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Form Type
6-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited reported unaudited financial highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2026. The company recorded net loss after tax of $55.6 million, compared with net income of $36.8 million a year earlier, and net loss available to ordinary shareholders of $66.6 million versus $19.9 million of income.

Despite the loss, underlying performance improved: operating income rose to $85.0 million from $50.4 million, underwriting income increased to $79.1 million from $27.2 million, and the combined ratio improved to 89.1% from 96.1%. Catastrophe loss ratio fell to 3.5% from 13.0%, while the current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes was broadly stable at 52.8%.

Following Aspen’s February 24, 2026 acquisition by a Sompo subsidiary, the available-for-sale investment portfolio was reclassified to trading, moving $27 million of cumulative unrealized gains into the income statement, after which fair value changes flow through net income. Total shareholders’ equity was $3,296.8 million as of March 31, 2026, down from $3,625.1 million at December 31, 2025, reflecting a $300.0 million dividend on ordinary shares declared March 4 and paid March 11, 2026.

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Insights

Net loss driven by non-operating items, while core underwriting and catastrophe experience improved.

Aspen shows a contrast between headline results and underlying operations. Net loss to ordinary shareholders was $66.6 million, yet operating income rose to $85.0 million and underwriting income to $79.1 million, supported by a lower combined ratio of 89.1%.

Catastrophe losses were materially lower, with the catastrophe loss ratio dropping to 3.5% from 13.0%, helping reduce the overall loss ratio to 55.8%. Management highlights non-GAAP measures such as operating income and adjusted combined ratio of 89.5% to portray ongoing portfolio performance.

Capital levels declined, as total shareholders’ equity fell to $3,296.8 million from $3,625.1 million, reflecting both the quarterly loss and a $300.0 million ordinary share dividend. The reclassification of the AFS portfolio to trading after the Sompo acquisition also moves future investment fair value changes through net income, which may increase earnings volatility.

Net (loss)/income after tax $55.6 million loss Three months ended March 31, 2026 vs $36.8 million income 2025
Net (loss)/income to ordinary shareholders $66.6 million loss Three months ended March 31, 2026 vs $19.9 million income 2025
Operating income $85.0 million Three months ended March 31, 2026 vs $50.4 million 2025
Underwriting income $79.1 million Three months ended March 31, 2026 vs $27.2 million 2025
Combined ratio 89.1% Three months ended March 31, 2026 vs 96.1% 2025
Catastrophe loss ratio 3.5% Three months ended March 31, 2026 vs 13.0% 2025
Total shareholders’ equity $3,296.8 million As of March 31, 2026 vs $3,625.1 million at December 31, 2025
Ordinary share dividend $300.0 million Declared March 4, 2026, paid March 11, 2026
non-GAAP financial measures financial
"Operating income, underwriting income, adjusted underwriting income and adjusted combined ratio are non-GAAP financial measures"
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
combined ratio financial
"Combined ratio | | 89.1 | % | | 96.1 | %"
The combined ratio is a way insurance companies measure how well they are doing by adding up all their costs and claims and comparing them to the money they earn from premiums. If the ratio is below 100%, it means the company is making a profit; if it's above 100%, they are losing money. It helps see if an insurance company is financially healthy or not.
loss portfolio transfer agreement financial
"Impact of loss portfolio transfer agreement (“LPT”)"
retroactive reinsurance contracts financial
"deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance contracts in order to economically match the loss recoveries under the LPT"
available for sale (AFS) investment portfolio financial
"the Company has reclassified its available for sale (AFS) investment portfolio to trading"
adjusted combined ratio financial
"Adjusted combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure"
A measure used by insurance companies to show how profitable their core insurance business is after making specific adjustments to the raw underwriting numbers. It starts with the combined ratio — losses paid plus operating costs as a share of premiums — then removes or smooths one‑off items (like big natural disaster losses, prior‑year reserve changes, or unusual fees) so investors can see whether regular insurance operations are making or losing money, much like looking at a company’s “everyday” earnings without one‑time spikes.

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of May 2026

Commission File Number: 001-31909

ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

Waterloo House
100 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke HM 08
Bermuda

(Address of principal executive office)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F  ý Form 40-F  ¨






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On May 28, 2026, Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (“Aspen,” the Company,” “our,” “we” or “us”) reported certain unaudited financial highlights * in connection with the performance of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2026.

*The financial information as at and/or for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025 presented herein (i) is based on a number of assumptions that are subject to inherent uncertainties and subject to change, and such variations could be material, (ii) is based on internal management accounts, and (iii) has not been audited, reviewed or verified by our independent registered public accounting firm and such financial information is therefore subject to adjustment. Such financial information may also be revised as a result of management’s further review of such information and any adjustments that may result from the completion of the audit of our consolidated financial statements for the 2026 fiscal year. As such, you should not place undue reliance on the financial information presented herein. Additionally, the financial information presented herein may not be indicative of any future period.

Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
Unaudited Results *
($ in millions, except for percentages)
Gross written premiums$1,211.5 $1,287.2 
Net written premiums$734.9 $751.7 
Net earned premiums$723.5 $702.7 
Net (loss)/income (after income tax) (1)
$(55.6)$36.8 
Net (loss)/ income available to ordinary shareholders$(66.6)$19.9 
Operating income (2)
$85.0 $50.4 
Net investment income$77.5 $75.9 
Underwriting income (2)
$79.1 $27.2 
Adjusted underwriting income (2)
$76.5 $36.2 
Aspen Capital Markets fee income
$50.6 $45.6 
Current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe losses52.8 %51.8 %
Catastrophe loss ratio3.5 %13.0 %
Prior year reserve development ratio, post LPT years— %(1.3)%
Impact of loss portfolio transfer agreement (“LPT”)(0.4)%1.3 %
Loss ratio55.8 %64.8 %
Expense ratio33.3 %31.3 %
Combined ratio89.1 %96.1 %
Adjusted combined ratio (2)
89.5 %94.8 %
______________
(1) On February 24, 2026, the Company was acquired by a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Sompo. Following the acquisition, and as a result of changes in the Company's investment strategy, the Company has reclassified its available for sale (AFS) investment portfolio to trading. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, at the date of reclassification, the cumulative unrealized gains of $27 million previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income were reclassified into the income statement. After reclassification, all changes in the fair value of these securities will be recognized in net income.
(2) Operating income, underwriting income, adjusted underwriting income and adjusted combined ratio are non-GAAP financial measures as defined under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for further details.


2



As at March 31, 2026As at December 31, 2025
Unaudited Results *
($ in millions)
Audited Results
($ in millions)
Total shareholders’ equity (1)
$3,296.8 $3,625.1 
Total shareholders’ equity available to ordinary shareholders, excluding preference shares and accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $2,745.8 $3,123.5 
______________

(1) On March 4, 2026, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $300.0 million on the Company’s Ordinary Shares. This dividend was paid on March 11, 2026.




3



Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 6-K or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts. In particular, statements using the words such as “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “aim,” “project,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “will,” “likely,” “assume,” “estimate,” “may,” “continue,” “guidance,” “objective,” “outlook,” “trends,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “target,” “predict,” “potential,” “on track” or their negatives or variations and similar terminology and words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions, estimates and data concerning future results and events and that are subject to a number of uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, many of which are outside Aspen’s control that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there are important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, our exposure to weather-related natural disasters and other catastrophes, the direct and indirect impact of global climate change, our relationship with, and reliance upon, a limited number of brokers for both our insurance and reinsurance business, the impact of inflation, our exposure to credit, currency, interest and others risks within our investment portfolio, the cyclical nature of the insurance and reinsurance industry and many other factors. For a detailed description of these uncertainties and other factors that could impact the forward-looking statements in this Form 6-K and other communications issued by or on behalf of Aspen, please see the “Risk Factors” section in Aspen’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, as filed with the SEC, which should be deemed incorporated herein.
The inclusion of forward-looking statements in this Form 6-K or any other communication should not be considered as a representation by Aspen that current plans or expectations will be achieved. Aspen undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.
The information included in this Form 6-K shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In presenting Aspen’s results, management has included and discussed certain measurements that are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under SEC rules and regulations. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, help explain and enhance the understanding of Aspen’s results of operations and aligns with how management view internal financial performance. However, these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with GAAP.
Operating income is a non-GAAP financial measure. Operating income is an internal performance measure used by Aspen in the management of its operations and represents after-tax operating results. Operating income includes an adjustment for the change in deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance contracts in order to economically match the loss recoveries under the LPT contract with the underlying loss development of the assumed net loss reserves for the subject business of 2019 and prior accident years. Operating income also excludes certain costs related to the LPT contract with a subsidiary of Enstar Group Limited, net foreign exchange gains or losses, including net realized and unrealized gains and losses from foreign exchange contracts, net realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, non-operating expenses and income, and preference share redemption costs. Non-operating expenses include expenses incurred in connection with non-recurring projects, such as consulting fees and other non-recurring transformation program costs, and are included within general, administrative and corporate expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. The non-operating income tax (benefit)/expense is calculated on the above items by applying the Company’s effective current tax rate for each of the Company’s material tax jurisdictions to the relevant income/expense for those same jurisdictions. The non-operating income tax (benefit)/expense is included within income tax benefit/(expense) in the consolidated statement of operations.

4



Aspen excludes these items above from its calculation of operating income because management believes they are not reflective of underlying performance or the amount of these gains or losses is heavily influenced by, and fluctuates according to, prevailing investment market and interest rate movements. Aspen believes these amounts are either largely independent of its business and underwriting process, not aligned with the economics of transactions undertaken, or including them would distort the analysis of trends in its operations. In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with GAAP, Aspen believes that showing operating income enables users of its financial information to analyze Aspen's results of operations in a manner consistent with how management analyzes Aspen's underlying business performance. Operating income should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP net income.



Operating Income ReconciliationThree Months Ended
(in $ millions)March 31, 2026*March 31, 2025*
Net (loss)/income available to Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited’s ordinary shareholders$(66.6)$19.9 
Add/(deduct) items before tax
Net foreign exchange losses37.8 12.9 
Net realized and unrealized investment losses76.7 0.3 
Non-operating expenses76.7 8.3 
Impact of the LPT(2.7)11.9 
Non-operating income tax (benefit)(36.9)(7.3)
Preference share redemption costs— 4.4 
Operating income$85.0 $50.4 

Underwriting result or income/loss is a non-GAAP financial measure. Income or loss for each of the business segments is measured by underwriting income or loss. Underwriting income or loss is the excess of net earned premiums over the underwriting expenses. Underwriting expenses are the sum of losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses. Underwriting income or loss provides a basis for management to evaluate the segment’s underwriting performance.
Adjusted underwriting income or loss is a non-GAAP financial measure. It is the underwriting income or loss adjusted for the change in deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance contracts in order to economically match the loss recoveries under the LPT with the underlying loss development of the assumed net loss reserves for the subject business of 2019 and prior accident years. Adjusted underwriting income or loss represents the performance of our business for accident years 2020 onwards, which management believes reflects the underlying underwriting performance of the ongoing portfolio.
Adjusted combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. It is the sum of the adjusted loss ratio and the expense ratio. The adjusted loss ratio is calculated by dividing the adjusted losses and loss adjustment expenses by net earned premiums. The expense ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses, by net earned premium.
5



Adjusted losses and loss adjustment expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure. It is the sum of current accident year losses, catastrophe losses and prior year reserve strengthening/(releases) post-LPT years. Adjusted losses and loss adjustment expenses excludes the change in the deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance contracts and represents the performance of our business for accident years 2020 onwards, which management believes reflects the underlying underwriting performance of the ongoing business.

Underwriting Income, Adjusted Underwriting Income and Adjusted Combined RatioThree Months Ended March 31,
(in $ millions except where stated)March 31, 2026*March 31, 2025*
Net earned premium$723.5 $702.7 
Current accident year net losses and loss expenses(381.9)(363.9)
Catastrophe losses(25.0)(91.4)
Prior year reserve development, post LPT years0.3 9.0 
Adjusted losses and loss adjustment expenses (1)
(406.6)(446.3)
Impact of the LPT (2)
2.7 (9.0)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses(403.9)(455.3)
Acquisition costs(117.8)(95.7)
General and administrative expenses(122.7)(124.5)
Underwriting expenses$(644.4)$(675.5)
Underwriting income$79.1 $27.2 
Combined ratio89.1 %96.1 %
Adjusted underwriting income$76.5 $36.2 
Adjusted combined ratio89.5 %94.8 %
Adjusted loss ratio56.3 %63.5 %
______________

(1) Adjusted losses and loss adjustment expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined under the rules and regulations of the SEC. Refer to the discussion above in this section for further details.
(2) Impact of the LPT includes the impact of prior year development on 2019 and prior accident years, net of the change in the deferred gain recognized in relation to retroactive reinsurance contracts as per accounting requirements for retroactive reinsurance under U.S. GAAP.





SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
  ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
Dated: May 28, 2026
  By: /s/ Mark Pickering
  Name: Mark Pickering
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
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FAQ

How did Aspen Insurance Holdings (AHL) perform in Q1 2026?

Aspen reported a net loss after tax of $55.6 million for Q1 2026, versus net income of $36.8 million a year earlier. However, operating income improved to $85.0 million and underwriting income to $79.1 million, reflecting stronger core insurance performance despite adverse non-operating items.

What happened to Aspen’s underwriting and combined ratios in Q1 2026?

Aspen’s underwriting income increased to $79.1 million, compared with $27.2 million in Q1 2025. The combined ratio improved to 89.1% from 96.1%, and the adjusted combined ratio was 89.5% versus 94.8%, indicating more profitable underwriting and lower catastrophe impact.

How did catastrophe losses affect Aspen (AHL) in Q1 2026?

Catastrophe losses were significantly lower in Q1 2026, with a catastrophe loss ratio of 3.5% compared to 13.0% in Q1 2025. This reduction contributed to a lower overall loss ratio of 55.8%, supporting higher underwriting income and a better combined ratio for the quarter.

What is Aspen’s operating income and why is it important?

Operating income, a non-GAAP measure, was $85.0 million in Q1 2026 versus $50.4 million a year earlier. It adjusts for items like investment fair value changes, foreign exchange, LPT impacts, and non-recurring expenses, aiming to show underlying performance of Aspen’s ongoing insurance and reinsurance business.

How did Aspen’s shareholders’ equity change by March 31, 2026?

Total shareholders’ equity was $3,296.8 million at March 31, 2026, down from $3,625.1 million at December 31, 2025. The decline reflects the quarterly net loss and a $300.0 million dividend on ordinary shares declared March 4, 2026 and paid March 11, 2026.

What investment portfolio change did Aspen make after the Sompo acquisition?

Following its February 24, 2026 acquisition by a Sompo subsidiary, Aspen reclassified its AFS investment portfolio to trading. $27 million of cumulative unrealized gains moved from accumulated other comprehensive income into the income statement, and future fair value changes will now flow through net income.