Kinsale Capital Group’s fourth quarter was marked by ongoing headwinds in its Commercial Property division, which management attributed to heightened competition and a resulting slowdown in premium growth. CEO Michael Patrick Kehoe explained that while the company’s disciplined underwriting and cost advantages supported margins, the property segment’s performance represented a significant drag on overall growth. Kehoe remarked, “Much of the recent headwind to Kinsale’s overall growth rate is due to the shrinking of our Commercial Property division, which writes larger catastrophe-exposed accounts and operates in one of the more competitive segments of the market.” Management displayed a measured tone, noting that market conditions remain intensely competitive and acknowledging that stabilization in this area may take several more quarters.
Is now the time to buy KNSL? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).
Kinsale Capital Group (KNSL) Q4 CY2025 Highlights:
- Revenue: $483.3 million vs analyst estimates of $467.7 million (17.3% year-on-year growth, 3.3% beat)
- Adjusted EPS: $5.81 vs analyst estimates of $5.31 (9.5% beat)
- Adjusted Operating Income: $174.8 million (36.2% margin, 26.1% year-on-year growth)
- Operating Margin: 36.2%, up from 33.6% in the same quarter last year
- Market Capitalization: $8.83 billion
While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.
Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Kinsale Capital Group’s Q4 Earnings Call
- Michael Wayne Phillips (Oppenheimer): Asked about the sharp decline in Commercial Property premium growth versus prior quarters. President and COO Brian Donald Haney explained that late-quarter competition from London and MGAs was a key reason for the deceleration.
- Andrew E. Andersen (Jefferies): Inquired about changes in business retention ratios and potential business flow back to standard markets. CEO Michael Patrick Kehoe replied that renewal retention remained steady in the low 70% range, with no significant shift away from the excess and surplus (E&S) market.
- Mark Douglas Hughes (Truist): Questioned whether further shrinkage in the Commercial Property division should be expected. Kehoe confirmed the division is likely to remain under pressure from competition through next year.
- Joseph Thomas Tumillo (Bank of America): Asked about the impact of social inflation and litigation trends on smaller account business. Kehoe stated that litigation activity is present in both large and small accounts, requiring continued vigilance.
- Bob Huang (JPMorgan): Queried whether slower premium growth was due to pricing or submission flow. Kehoe attributed most of the slowdown to increased competition, though he noted submission growth outside Commercial Property remained robust.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
Looking forward, the StockStory team will be closely monitoring (1) the stabilization or further contraction in Commercial Property premium growth, (2) the pace and impact of AI and technology integration across underwriting and claims, and (3) the performance of new product lines and geographic expansion in homeowners and specialty casualty. Shifts in pricing trends and customer submission flow will also be essential indicators of strategic execution.
Kinsale Capital Group currently trades at $379.57, down from $401 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).
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