AMERISAFE (AMSF) grows Q1 2026 premiums as underwriting margins tighten
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
AMERISAFE, Inc. reported first-quarter 2026 results with net premiums earned of $75.1 million, up 9.0% from 2025. Gross premiums written rose 5.6% to $88.5 million, reflecting continued growth in its workers’ compensation business focused on high-hazard industries.
Despite this growth, net income declined to $8.1 million, down 9.0%, and diluted EPS fell to $0.43. The net combined ratio worsened to 93.2% from 89.1%, as higher loss and policyholder dividend costs reduced underwriting profit. Return on average equity was 13.1%.
The company maintained active capital management, paying a quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share and repurchasing 119,959 shares for $4.0 million. Book value per share was $13.18 at March 31, 2026, modestly below year-end 2025, while management highlighted ongoing expense discipline and long-term growth objectives.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- Core profitability weakened, with operating net income falling 17.4% to $9.5 million, operating EPS down 16.7% to $0.50, and the net combined ratio deteriorating to 93.2% from 89.1%, signaling higher claims costs and slimmer underwriting margins.
Insights
Premiums grew and margins tightened, leaving capital returns intact but profitability softer.
AMERISAFE grew net premiums earned 9.0% to $75.1M, extending its streak of premium expansion in high-hazard workers’ compensation. However, underwriting profit fell to $5.1M as loss and loss adjustment expenses rose 15.6%, driving the net combined ratio up to 93.2% from 89.1%.
Operating net income dropped from $11.4M to $9.5M, and operating EPS declined from $0.60 to $0.50, indicating weaker core profitability despite stable investment income. Return on average equity remained solid at 13.1%, with an operating return on average adjusted equity of 14.9%.
Capital management stayed shareholder-friendly: a $0.41 quarterly dividend and $4.0M of share repurchases, leaving $12.9M authorized. Book value per share eased to $13.18 at March 31, 2026. Future filings will clarify whether loss trends and higher policyholder dividends stabilize or continue to pressure margins.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
net combined ratio financial
operating net income financial
loss and loss adjustment expenses financial
tax-equivalent yield financial
Rule 10b5-1 regulatory
Earnings Snapshot
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
| Title of each class |
Trading |
Name of each exchange | ||
| Item 2.02. | Results of Operations and Financial Condition. |
On April 22, 2026, AMERISAFE, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
| Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 99.1 | Press Release of AMERISAFE, Inc. dated April 22, 2026 (Financial Results) | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |
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 hereunto duly authorized.
| AMERISAFE, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ G. Janelle Frost | |
| G. Janelle Frost, President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Date: April 22, 2026
Exhibit 99.1
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NEWS RELEASE
G. Janelle Frost President & CEO AMERISAFE 337.463.9052 |
AMERISAFE ANNOUNCES 2026 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
Reports 8.2% Growth in Voluntary Premiums on Policies Written
DeRidder, LA – April 22, 2026 – AMERISAFE, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMSF), a specialty provider of workers’ compensation insurance focused on high-hazard industries, today announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
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| 2026 | 2025 | % Change | ||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per share data) |
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| Gross premiums written |
$ | 88,500 | $ | 83,784 | 5.6 | % | ||||||
| Net premiums earned |
75,072 | 68,885 | 9.0 | % | ||||||||
| Net investment income |
6,597 | 6,652 | -0.8 | % | ||||||||
| Net realized gains (losses) on investments (pre-tax) |
(3 | ) | 2 | NM | ||||||||
| Net unrealized losses on equity securities (pre-tax) |
(1,653 | ) | (3,152 | ) | NM | |||||||
| Net income |
8,145 | 8,949 | -9.0 | % | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 0.43 | $ | 0.47 | -8.5 | % | ||||||
| Operating net income |
9,453 | 11,438 | -17.4 | % | ||||||||
| Operating earnings per share |
$ | 0.50 | $ | 0.60 | -16.7 | % | ||||||
| Book value per share |
$ | 13.18 | $ | 13.69 | -3.7 | % | ||||||
| Net combined ratio |
93.2 | % | 89.1 | % | ||||||||
| Return on average equity |
13.1 | % | 13.8 | % | ||||||||
G. Janelle Frost, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “AMERISAFE delivered a strong start to 2026, marking our eighth consecutive quarter of growth in both gross premiums written and net premiums earned, with net premiums earned increasing 9.0% during the first quarter. We continued to demonstrate expense discipline, achieving a third consecutive quarter of year over year improvement in the expense ratio. Despite a competitive market environment, we believe our targeted focus on high hazard industries continues to create meaningful opportunities for profitable growth and attractive returns on equity. Our disciplined underwriting approach, strong balance sheet, and consistent capital management—supported by the dedication of our employees—remain central to our strategy. We are confident in our ability to execute our long-term objectives and to deliver reliable value for shareholders while providing exceptional service to small and mid-sized businesses and their workers.”
INSURANCE RESULTS
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
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| 2026 | 2025 | % Change | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Gross premiums written |
$ | 88,500 | $ | 83,784 | 5.6 | % | ||||||
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| Net premiums earned |
75,072 | 68,885 | 9.0 | % | ||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred |
46,440 | 40,159 | 15.6 | % | ||||||||
| Underwriting and certain other operating costs, commissions, salaries and benefits |
22,269 | 20,599 | 8.1 | % | ||||||||
| Policyholder dividends |
1,229 | 634 | 93.8 | % | ||||||||
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| Underwriting profit (pre-tax) |
$ | 5,134 | $ | 7,493 | -31.5 | % | ||||||
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| Insurance Ratios: |
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| Current accident year loss ratio |
72.0 | % | 71.0 | % | ||||||||
| Prior accident year loss ratio |
-10.1 | % | -12.7 | % | ||||||||
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| Net loss ratio |
61.9 | % | 58.3 | % | ||||||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio |
29.7 | % | 29.9 | % | ||||||||
| Net dividend ratio |
1.6 | % | 0.9 | % | ||||||||
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| Net combined ratio |
93.2 | % | 89.1 | % | ||||||||
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| • | Voluntary premiums on policies written in the quarter increased 8.2%, compared to the first quarter of 2025, due to strong new business production and solid premium and policy retention. |
| • | Payroll audits and related premium adjustments contributed $3.7 million to premiums written in the quarter, compared to $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2025. |
| • | Loss and loss adjustment expenses were reduced by $7.6 million in the quarter due to favorable case reserve development on accident years 2023 and prior, resulting in a net loss ratio of 61.9%, compared to $8.7 million and 58.3%, respectively, in the prior-year quarter. |
| • | Underwriting expense ratio for the quarter was 29.7%, compared to 29.9% in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting improved operating scale as growth in premium volume and policy count continues to outpace controllable cost increases. |
| • | Our effective tax rate for the quarter was 19.8%, compared to 20.2% in the prior-year quarter. |
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INVESTMENT RESULTS
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
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| 2026 | 2025 | % Change | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Net investment income |
$ | 6,597 | $ | 6,652 | -0.8 | % | ||||||
| Net realized gains (losses) on investments (pre-tax) |
(3 | ) | 2 | NM | ||||||||
| Net unrealized losses on equity securities (pre-tax) |
(1,653 | ) | (3,152 | ) | NM | |||||||
| Pre-tax investment yield |
3.4 | % | 3.2 | % | ||||||||
| Tax-equivalent yield (1) |
3.9 | % | 3.8 | % | ||||||||
| (1) | The tax equivalent yield is calculated using the effective interest rate and the appropriate marginal tax rate. |
| • | Net investment income decreased 0.8% to $6.6 million for the quarter, driven by lower average investable assets compared to the prior-year period, partially offset by a higher overall book yield and reduced expenses. |
| • | Net unrealized losses on equity securities were $1.7 million for the quarter, driven by market volatility and lower valuations across the equity portfolio. |
| • | As of March 31, 2026, the carrying value of AMERISAFE’s investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, was $773.6 million. |
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
During the first quarter of 2026, the Company paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.41 per share on March 20, 2026, representing a 5.1% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025. On April 21, 2026, the Board of Directors of AMERISAFE declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.41 per share, payable on June 19, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 12, 2026.
Also during the quarter, the Company repurchased 119,959 shares of its common stock under the Company’s share repurchase program at an average cost of $33.60 per share, including commissions and excise tax, for a total of $4.0 million. Since the inception of its share repurchase program in 2010, the Company has repurchased 2,094,099 shares at an average cost of $27.79 per share, including commissions and excise tax, for a total of $58.2 million. The remaining outstanding share repurchase authorization under the program as of March 31, 2026, was $12.9 million.
Book value per share at March 31, 2026, was $13.18, a decrease of 1.6% from $13.39 at December 31, 2025.
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31, | ||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
| Net income |
8,145 | $ | 8,949 | |||||
| Less: |
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| Net realized gains (losses) on investments |
(3 | ) | 2 | |||||
| Net unrealized losses on equity securities (pre-tax) |
(1,653 | ) | (3,152 | ) | ||||
| Tax effect (1) |
348 | 661 | ||||||
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| Operating net income (2) |
9,453 | $ | 11,438 | |||||
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| Average shareholders’ equity (3) |
$ | 249,098 | $ | 259,077 | ||||
| Less: |
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| Average accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(4,441 | ) | (8,072 | ) | ||||
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| Average adjusted shareholders’ equity (2) |
$ | 253,539 | $ | 267,149 | ||||
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| Diluted weighted average common shares |
18,863,395 | 19,154,426 | ||||||
| Return on average equity (4) |
13.1 | % | 13.8 | % | ||||
| Operating return on average adjusted equity (2) |
14.9 | % | 17.1 | % | ||||
| Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 0.43 | $ | 0.47 | ||||
| Operating earnings per share (2) |
$ | 0.50 | $ | 0.60 | ||||
| (1) | The tax effect of net realized gains (losses) on investments and net unrealized losses on equity securities is calculated with an effective tax rate of 21%. |
| (2) | Operating net income, average adjusted shareholders’ equity, operating return on average adjusted equity and operating earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that investors’ understanding of core operating performance is enhanced by AMERISAFE’s disclosure of these financial measures. |
| (3) | Average shareholders’ equity is calculated by taking the average of the beginning and ending shareholders’ equity for the applicable period. |
| (4) | Return on average equity is calculated by dividing the annualized net income by the average shareholders’ equity. |
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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
This release contains non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and includes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP in the Supplemental Information in this release.
Management believes that investors’ understanding of core operating performance is enhanced by AMERISAFE’s disclosure of these standard industry financial measures, which include operating net income, average adjusted shareholders’ equity, operating return on average adjusted equity, and operating earnings per share.
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
AMERISAFE has scheduled a conference call for April 22, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results for the quarter. To participate in the conference call, dial 786-297-8744 (Conference Code: 5803016) at least ten minutes before the call begins.
Investors, analysts, and the general public will also have the opportunity to listen to the conference call over the Internet by visiting the “Investor Relations Home” page of the “Investors” section of the Company’s website (http://www.amerisafe.com). To listen to the live call on the web, please visit the website at least fifteen minutes before the call begins to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live webcast, an archive will be available shortly after the call at the same website location.
ABOUT AMERISAFE
AMERISAFE, Inc. is a specialty provider of workers’ compensation insurance focused on small to mid-sized employers engaged in hazardous industries, principally construction, trucking, logging and lumber, agriculture, services, manufacturing, and maritime. AMERISAFE actively markets workers’ compensation insurance in 27 states.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements accompanied by words such as “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” or similar words, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding AMERISAFE’s plans, expectations and performance. These statements are based on management’s estimates, assumptions and projections as of the date of this release and are not guarantees of future performance, and include statements regarding management’s current views and expectations of the workers’ compensation insurance market, AMERISAFE’s growth opportunities, underwriting margins and actions by competitors. Investors are cautioned that many of the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based might change after the date the forward-looking statements are made. Actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect or changes otherwise occur, or as the results of the materialization of risks, uncertainties and other factors impacting the business and operations of the Company, our policyholders or the market value of our investment portfolio. Factors that may affect our results are set forth in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including AMERISAFE’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and as may be further amended by subsequent filings with the SEC. AMERISAFE cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. AMERISAFE does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, notwithstanding any changes in its assumptions, changes in business plans, actual experience or other changes that arise after the date of this release.
Share repurchases may be effected from time to time pursuant to trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. The share repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any shares of the Company’s common stock and may be modified, increased, suspended or terminated at the discretion of the Board. The Board’s determination will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, market conditions and applicable regulatory considerations. It is anticipated that any future repurchases will be funded from available capital.
- Tables to Follow -
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AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31, | ||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Revenues: |
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| Gross premiums written |
$ | 88,500 | $ | 83,784 | ||||
| Ceded premiums written |
(4,069 | ) | (4,179 | ) | ||||
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| Net premiums written |
$ | 84,431 | $ | 79,605 | ||||
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| Net premiums earned |
$ | 75,072 | $ | 68,885 | ||||
| Net investment income |
6,597 | 6,652 | ||||||
| Net realized gains (losses) on investments |
(3 | ) | 2 | |||||
| Net unrealized losses on equity securities |
(1,653 | ) | (3,152 | ) | ||||
| Fee and other income |
77 | 210 | ||||||
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| Total revenues |
80,090 | 72,597 | ||||||
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| Expenses: |
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| Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred |
46,440 | 40,159 | ||||||
| Underwriting and other operating costs |
22,269 | 20,599 | ||||||
| Policyholder dividends |
1,229 | 634 | ||||||
| Provision for investment related credit loss benefit |
(8 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||
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| Total expenses |
69,930 | 61,376 | ||||||
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| Income before taxes |
10,160 | 11,221 | ||||||
| Income tax expense |
2,015 | 2,272 | ||||||
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| Net income |
$ | 8,145 | $ | 8,949 | ||||
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| Basic EPS: |
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| Net income |
$ | 8,145 | $ | 8,949 | ||||
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| Basic weighted average common shares |
18,759,526 | 19,036,309 | ||||||
| Basic earnings per share |
$ | 0.43 | $ | 0.47 | ||||
| Diluted EPS: |
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| Net income |
$ | 8,145 | $ | 8,949 | ||||
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| Diluted weighted average common shares: |
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| Weighted average common shares |
18,759,526 | 19,036,309 | ||||||
| Restricted stock and RSUs |
103,869 | 118,117 | ||||||
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| Diluted weighted average common shares |
18,863,395 | 19,154,426 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 0.43 | $ | 0.47 | ||||
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7 |
AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
| March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Assets |
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| Investments |
$ | 739,350 | $ | 734,855 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
34,226 | 61,926 | ||||||
| Amounts recoverable from reinsurers |
104,802 | 108,098 | ||||||
| Premiums receivable, net |
175,210 | 160,944 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes |
18,322 | 17,572 | ||||||
| Deferred policy acquisition costs |
22,126 | 21,085 | ||||||
| Other assets |
28,923 | 26,064 | ||||||
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| $ | 1,122,959 | $ | 1,130,544 | |||||
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| Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity |
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| Liabilities: |
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| Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses |
$ | 601,861 | $ | 613,583 | ||||
| Unearned premiums |
144,862 | 135,503 | ||||||
| Insurance-related assessments |
16,774 | 15,979 | ||||||
| Other liabilities |
112,865 | 113,881 | ||||||
| Shareholders’ equity |
246,597 | 251,598 | ||||||
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| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
$ | 1,122,959 | $ | 1,130,544 | ||||
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