United Fire Group, Inc. reports third quarter 2026 results

GlobeNewswire | United Fire Group, Inc
Today at 9:01pm UTC

Third quarter net income of $1.34 per diluted share
and adjusted operating income of $1.34 per diluted share

Third quarter 2026 highlights compared to third quarter 2025, unless otherwise noted:(1)

  • Net income decreased $4.1 million to $35.1 million.
  • Net investment income increased 13% to $29.3 million.
  • Combined ratio increased 2.7 points to 94.6%, composed of an underlying loss ratio of 57.3%, catastrophe loss ratio of 2.4%, no prior year reserve development, and underwriting expense ratio of 34.9%.
  • Underlying combined ratio increased 1.6 points to 92.2%.
  • Net written premium(2) increased 13% to $371.4 million.
  • Book value per share decreased $0.37 to $36.51 as of September 30, 2026, compared to December 31, 2025.
  • Adjusted book value per share increased $3.07 to $40.94 as of September 30, 2026, compared to December 31, 2025.
  • Return on equity was 14.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2026.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Nov. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Fire Group, Inc. (UFG) (Nasdaq: UFCS) today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, with net income decreasing 10% over the prior year to $35.1 million ($1.34 per diluted share) and adjusted operating income decreasing 11% over the prior year to $35.1 million ($1.34 per diluted share).

In the third quarter of 2026, net written premium increased 13% compared to the prior-year quarter, led by growth in the company's core commercial business. The combined ratio increased 2.7 points to 94.6% as compared to the third quarter of 2025, which was the company's best third quarter combined ratio in nearly 20 years. Prior year reserve development remained neutral overall. Net investment income increased 13% to $29.3 million in the third quarter.

On a year-to-date basis, the company achieved record net income and earnings per share. The year-to-date combined ratio of 95.2% is the best in more than a decade, improving 0.7 points over prior year due to decreases in the expense ratio and catastrophe loss ratio. Return on equity improved to 14%.

“UFG delivered its strongest quarter of 2026, contributing to an exceptional first nine months of the year,” said President and CEO Kevin Leidwinger. “The quarter's overall performance reflects the quality of the portfolio we have built by deepening our underwriting expertise, strengthening our distribution partnerships, expanding our capabilities and improving operational effectiveness.

“Through the first nine months of 2026, we generated record earnings, achieved a 14.0% return on equity and produced a 95.2% combined ratio.

“Looking ahead, we believe we are well positioned to navigate an evolving market. Our focus remains on pursuing profitable growth opportunities, maintaining underwriting discipline, delivering consistent profitability and creating long-term value for our shareholders.”

Earnings call access information

An earnings call will be held at 9:00 a.m. CT on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, to allow securities analysts, shareholders and other interested parties the opportunity to hear management discuss the company’s third quarter of 2026 results.

Teleconference: Dial-in information for the call is toll-free 1-844-492-3723 (international 1-412-542-4184). Participants should request to join the United Fire Group call. The event will be archived and available for digital replay through November 11, 2026. The replay access information is toll-free 1-855-669-9658 (international 1-412-317-0088); conference ID no. 7395592.

Webcast: An audio webcast of the teleconference can be accessed at the company’s investor relations page at https://ir.ufginsurance.com/events-and-presentations/ or https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=diu4S67f. The archived audio webcast will be available for one year.

Transcript: A transcript of the teleconference will be available on the company’s website soon after the completion of the teleconference.

(1) Underlying loss ratio, underlying combined ratio, adjusted book value per share and adjusted operating income are non-GAAP financial measures. See Definitions of non-GAAP information and reconciliations to comparable GAAP measures for additional information.
(2) Net written premium is a performance measure reflecting the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. See Certain performance measures for additional information.

Consolidated financial highlights:
 
Consolidated financial highlights(1)
(Unaudited)Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(In thousands, except ratios and per share data) 2026   2025   2026   2025 
Net earned premium$362,482  $328,431  $1,059,584  $951,644 
Net written premium(2) 371,439   328,212   1,154,724   1,036,472 
        
Combined ratio:       
Net loss ratio 59.7%  57.3%  60.1%  60.1%
Underwriting expense ratio 34.9%  34.6%  35.1%  35.8%
Combined ratio 94.6%  91.9%  95.2%  95.9%
        
Additional ratios:       
Net loss ratio 59.7%  57.3%  60.1%  60.1%
Catastrophes 2.4%  1.3%  2.9%  3.9%
Reserve development (favorable) unfavorable —%  —%  —%  (0.5)%
Underlying loss ratio 57.3%  56.0%  57.2%  56.7%
Underwriting expense ratio 34.9%  34.6%  35.1%  35.8%
Underlying combined ratio 92.2%  90.6%  92.3%  92.5%
        
Net investment income$29,295  $25,992  $85,263  $71,123 
Net investment gains (losses) 24   (405)  (658)  (2,161)
Net income (loss) 35,085   39,190   98,502   79,837 
Adjusted operating income (loss) 35,066   39,510   99,022   81,544 
        
Net income (loss) per diluted share$1.34  $1.49  $3.78  $3.03 
Adjusted operating income (loss) per diluted share 1.34   1.50   3.80   3.10 
        
Return on equity(3)     14.0%  12.7%
            

(1) Underlying loss ratio, underlying combined ratio and adjusted operating income (loss) are non-GAAP financial measures. See Definitions of non-GAAP information and reconciliations to comparable GAAP measures for additional information.
(2) Net written premium is a performance measure reflecting the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. See Certain performance measures for additional information.
(3) Return on equity is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average stockholders’ equity, which is calculated using a simple average of the beginning and ending balances for the period.

Third quarter 2026 results:
(All comparisons vs. third quarter 2025, unless noted otherwise)

Net written premium and net earned premium increased by 13.2% and 10.4%, respectively. Core commercial average renewal premium increased 3.0% with rates increasing 2.0% and exposure changes of 1.0%. Excluding the workers' compensation line of business, the overall average increase in renewal premium was 3.3%, with 2.4% from rate increases and 0.9% from exposure changes.

The third quarter combined ratio increased 2.7 points to 94.6% compared to 91.9%, primarily driven by the following:

  • The underlying loss ratio increased 1.3 points to 57.3%, primarily driven by lower favorable impacts in 2026 compared to an exceptional third quarter of 2025.
  • Catastrophe losses increased 1.1 points to 2.4%, below both the five-year and 10-year historical averages.
  • The underwriting expense ratio increased 0.3 points to 34.9%, driven by normal variability experienced quarter to quarter.

Net investment income was $29.3 million for the third quarter of 2026, an increase of $3.3 million or 13%. Income from the fixed maturity portfolio increased by $5.6 million as a result of portfolio growth and reinvestment at higher yields. Income on other long-term investments was $1.3 million during the third quarter of 2026, which decreased from $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2025 due to higher total returns related to market movements in 2025.

Investment results
(Unaudited)Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(In thousands, except average yields) 2026   2025   2026   2025 
Investment income:       
Interest on fixed maturities$27,428  $21,874  $78,697  $64,300 
Income (loss) on other long-term investments 1,343   2,655   4,927   4,584 
Other 2,903   4,381   8,317   11,415 
Total investment income$31,674  $28,910  $91,941  $80,299 
Less investment expenses 2,379   2,918   6,678   9,176 
Net investment income$29,295  $25,992  $85,263  $71,123 
        
Average yields on fixed income securities pre-tax(1) 4.65%  4.37%  4.55%  4.29%
                

(1) Fixed income securities yield excluding net unrealized investment gains/losses and expenses.

Balance sheet
    
 September 30, 2026 December 31, 2025
(In thousands, except per share data)(unaudited)  
Invested assets$2,528,549  $2,464,687 
Cash 150,741   156,332 
Total assets 4,083,291   3,840,789 
Losses and loss settlement expenses 2,062,147   1,924,826 
Total liabilities 3,144,397   2,899,619 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), after-tax (113,923)  (25,268)
Total stockholders’ equity 938,894   941,170 
    
Book value per share$36.51  $36.88 
Adjusted book value per share(1) 40.94   37.87 
        

(1) Adjusted book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. See Definitions of non-GAAP information and reconciliations to comparable GAAP measures for additional information.

The company’s book value per share was $36.51, a decrease of $0.37 per share, or 1.0%, from December 31, 2025. This decrease is primarily attributable to an increase in unrealized investment losses on fixed maturity securities and shareholder dividends, offset by an increase in net income during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2026.

Capital management

During the third quarter of 2026, the company declared and paid a $0.20 per share cash dividend to shareholders of record as of September 4, 2026.

About UFG

Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, UFG, through its insurance company subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance. The company is licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and is represented by approximately 850 independent agencies. AM Best assigns a rating of “A-” (Excellent) for members of the United Fire & Casualty Group. For more information about UFG, visit www.ufginsurance.com.

Contact:

Investor relations
Email: ir@unitedfiregroup.com

Media inquiries
Email: news@unitedfiregroup.com

Disclosure of forward-looking statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the company, the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as “expect(s),” “anticipate(s),” “intend(s),” “plan(s),” “believe(s),” “continue(s),” “seek(s),” “estimate(s),” “goal(s),” “remain(s) optimistic,” “target(s),” “forecast(s),” “project(s),” “predict(s),” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “hope,” “can” and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (“2025 Annual Report”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 26, 2026. The risks identified in our 2025 Annual Report and in our other SEC filings are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release or as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, future dividend payments are within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on numerous factors, including our financial condition, our capital requirements and other factors that our Board of Directors considers relevant.

Definitions of non-GAAP information and reconciliations to comparable GAAP measures

The company prepares its financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States of America. Management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate its operations and profitability. Management also believes that disclosure of certain non-GAAP financial measures enhances investor understanding of our financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in this report include: adjusted operating income, underlying loss ratio, underlying combined ratio, and adjusted book value per share. The company has provided the following definitions and reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures:

Adjusted operating income: Adjusted operating income is calculated by excluding net investment gains and losses, after applicable federal and state income taxes from net income (loss). Management believes adjusted operating income is a meaningful measure for evaluating insurance company performance and a useful supplement to GAAP information because it better represents the normal, ongoing performance of our business. Investors and equity analysts who invest in and report on the insurance industry and the company generally focus on this metric in their analyses.

Net income reconciliation
(Unaudited)Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2026  2025   2026   2025 
Income statement data       
Net income (loss)$35,085 $39,190  $98,502  $79,837 
Less: after-tax net investment gains (losses) 19  (320)  (520)  (1,707)
Adjusted operating income (loss)$35,066 $39,510  $99,022  $81,544 
Diluted earnings per share data       
Net income (loss)$1.34 $1.49  $3.78  $3.03 
Less: after-tax net investment gains (losses) —  (0.01)  (0.02)  (0.07)
Adjusted operating income (loss)$1.34 $1.50  $3.80  $3.10 
               

Underlying loss ratio and underlying combined ratio: Underlying loss ratio represents the net loss ratio less the impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior year reserve development. The underlying combined ratio represents the combined ratio less the impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior year reserve development. The company believes that the underlying loss ratio and underlying combined ratio are meaningful measures to understand the underlying trends in the core business in the current accident year, removing the volatility of catastrophes and prior year impacts. Management believes separate discussions on catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development are important to understanding how the company is managing catastrophe risk and identifying reserve developments in longer-tailed business.

Catastrophe losses is an operational measure which utilizes the designations of the Insurance Services Office (“ISO”) and is reported with losses and loss adjustment expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables, unless specified otherwise. In addition to ISO catastrophes, we also include as catastrophes those events, which may include U.S. or international losses, that we believe are, or will be, material to our operations, either in amount or in number of claims made. Catastrophes are not predictable and are unique in terms of timing and financial impact. While management estimates catastrophe losses as incurred, due to the inherently unique nature of catastrophe losses, the impact in a reporting period is inclusive of catastrophes that occurred in the reporting period, as well as development on catastrophes that have occurred in prior periods.

Prior year reserve development is the increase (unfavorable) or decrease (favorable) in incurred loss and loss adjustment expense at the valuation dates for losses which occurred in previous calendar years. This measure excludes reserve development on catastrophe losses.

Adjusted book value per share: Adjusted book value per share is calculated by dividing shareholders' equity, excluding net unrealized investment gains and losses, net of tax, by the number of common shares outstanding. Management believes adjusted book value per share is a meaningful measure for evaluating the company's net worth that is primarily attributable to our business operations, because it removes the effect of changing prices on invested assets that can fluctuate from period to period. Book value per share is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Book value per share reconciliation
(Unaudited) 
(In thousands, except per share data)September 30, 2026 December 31, 2025
Shareholders' equity$938,894  $941,170 
Less: Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax (113,923)  (25,268)
Shareholders' equity, excluding net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax$1,052,817  $966,438 
    
Common shares outstanding 25,719   25,522 
Book value per share$36.51  $36.88 
Adjusted book value per share 40.94   37.87 
        

Certain performance measures

The company uses the following measure to evaluate its financial performance. Management believes a discussion of this measure provides financial statement users with a better understanding of the company’s results of operations. The company has provided the following definition:

Net written premium: Net written premium is frequently used by industry analysts and other recognized reporting sources to facilitate comparisons of the performance of insurance companies. Net written premium is the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. Management believes net written premium is a meaningful measure for evaluating insurance company sales performance and geographical expansion efforts. Net written premium for an insurance company consists of direct premiums written and premiums assumed, less premiums ceded. Net earned premium is calculated on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premium reserves are established for the portion of written premium applicable to the unexpired terms of the insurance policies in force. The difference between net earned premium and net written premium is the change in unearned premium and the change in prepaid reinsurance premiums.

Supplemental tables

Income statement
(Unaudited)Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2026   2025   2026   2025 
Revenues       
Net earned premium$362,482  $328,431  $1,059,584  $951,644 
Net investment income 29,295   25,992   85,263   71,123 
Net investment gains (losses) 24   (405)  (658)  (2,161)
Other income (loss) (172)  —   608   — 
Total revenues$391,629  $354,018  $1,144,797  $1,020,606 
        
Benefits, losses and expenses       
Losses and loss settlement expenses$216,364  $188,180  $636,763  $571,608 
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 87,533   81,513   253,615   233,280 
Other underwriting expenses 39,109   32,124   117,834   107,017 
Interest expense 3,187   3,118   9,556   8,085 
Other non-underwriting expenses 625   407   2,262   884 
Total benefits, losses and expenses$346,818  $305,342  $1,020,030  $920,874 
        
Income (loss) before income taxes$44,811  $48,676  $124,767  $99,732 
Income tax expense (benefit) 9,726   9,486   26,265   19,895 
Net income (loss)$35,085  $39,190  $98,502  $79,837 
                


Net written premium by line of business
(Unaudited)Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(In thousands)2026
 2025
 2026
 2025
Net written premium(1)       
Commercial lines:       
Other liability(2)$120,302 $97,916 $368,722  $314,052
Fire and allied lines(3) 66,041  66,403  199,837   205,922
Automobile 83,227  73,831  268,250   239,468
Workers’ compensation 23,256  18,166  75,759   59,361
Surety(4) 13,982  15,877  51,811   47,803
Miscellaneous 275  632  1,185   4,543
Total commercial lines$307,083 $272,825 $965,564  $871,149
        
Personal lines:       
Fire and allied lines(5)$5,327 $7,164 $17,146  $15,304
Automobile —  46  (1)  465
Total personal lines$5,327 $7,210 $17,145  $15,769
Assumed reinsurance(6) 59,029  48,177  172,015   149,554
Total$371,439 $328,212 $1,154,724  $1,036,472
 

(1) Net written premium is a performance measure reflecting the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. See Certain performance measures for additional information.
(2) Commercial lines “Other liability” is business insurance covering bodily injury and property damage arising from general business operations, accidents on the insured’s premises and products manufactured or sold.
(3) Commercial lines “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, commercial multiple peril and inland marine.
(4) Commercial lines “Surety” previously referred to as “Fidelity and surety.”
(5) Personal lines “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, homeowners and inland marine.
(6) Assumed reinsurance includes Funds at Lloyd's.

Net earned premium, net losses and loss settlement expenses and net loss ratio by line of business
Three months ended September 30, 2026   2025 
   Net losses     Net losses  
   and loss     and loss  
 Net settlement Net Net settlement Net
(Unaudited)earned expenses loss earned expenses loss
(In thousands, except ratios)premium incurred ratio premium incurred ratio
Commercial lines           
Other liability$117,417 $79,134 67.4% $101,540 $73,890  72.8%
Fire and allied lines 65,328  26,176 40.1   64,071  23,537  36.7 
Automobile 82,667  49,293 59.6   74,696  42,033  56.3 
Workers’ compensation 23,561  18,691 79.3   17,657  12,295  69.6 
Surety 17,182  6,119 35.6   16,909  4,422  26.2 
Miscellaneous 280  588 NM  2,299  1,030  44.8 
Total commercial lines$306,435 $180,001 58.7% $277,172 $157,207  56.7%
            
Personal lines           
Fire and allied lines$5,262 $2,505 47.6% $5,211 $2,323  44.6%
Automobile —  115 NM  364  232  NM
Miscellaneous —  57 NM  —  (6) NM
Total personal lines$5,262 $2,677 50.9% $5,575 $2,549  45.7%
Assumed reinsurance 50,785  33,686 66.3   45,684  28,424  62.2 
Total$362,482 $216,364 59.7% $328,431 $188,180  57.3%
NM = Not meaningful
 


            
Net earned premium, net losses and loss settlement expenses and net loss ratio by line of business
Nine months ended September 30, 2026   2025 
   Net losses     Net losses  
   and loss     and loss  
 Net settlement Net Net settlement Net
(Unaudited)earned expenses loss earned expenses loss
(In thousands, except ratios)premiums incurred ratio premiums incurred ratio
Commercial lines           
Other liability$340,074  $220,347  64.8% $283,797 $207,438  73.1%
Fire and allied lines 194,811   88,296  45.3   193,013  88,600  45.9 
Automobile 238,026   146,240  61.4   208,198  124,858  60.0 
Workers’ compensation 65,156   48,108  73.8   47,073  30,607  65.0 
Surety 48,574   19,205  39.5   48,104  14,372  29.9 
Miscellaneous 1,334   1,508  113.0   8,694  5,122  58.9 
Total commercial lines$887,975  $523,704  59.0% $788,879 $470,997  59.7%
            
Personal lines           
Fire and allied lines$16,882  $7,654  45.3% $9,876 $4,226  42.8%
Automobile (1)  (419) NM  1,522  972  63.9 
Miscellaneous —   64  NM  2  (47) NM
Total personal lines$16,881  $7,299  43.2% $11,400 $5,151  45.2%
Assumed reinsurance 154,728   105,760  68.4   151,365  95,460  63.1 
Total$1,059,584  $636,763  60.1% $951,644 $571,608  60.1%
NM = Not meaningful



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