Bowhead Specialty Holdings Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results and Cancels Earnings Conference Call Following Announcement of Merger Agreement with American Family

About this update from Bowhead Specialty Holdings Inc.

NEW YORK, August 03, 2026 --( BUSINESS WIRE )--Following the issuance of a news release earlier today announcing that Bowhead Specialty Holdings Inc. ("Bowhead", the "Company" or "us") (NYSE: BOW), has entered into a definitive merger agreement under which American Family will acquire Bowhead, the Company today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026(1) and cancelled the previously scheduled conference call to discuss its second quarter ended June 30, 2026 financial results. Second Quarter 2026 Highlights Bowhead Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Sills, commented, "Since Bowhead's founding, we have benefited from a strong and trusting relationship with American Family, whose support and partnership have enabled us to build the company we are today. Over the years, they have developed a deep understanding of our business, our culture, and the underwriting discipline that defines Bowhead. I believe this transaction delivers compelling value to our stockholders while bringing together two organizations that share a long history, aligned values, and a commitment to disciplined underwriting and long-term success. I am proud of what the Bowhead team has accomplished, and I believe this combination recognizes the strength of the Bowhead franchise while continuing to enhance our ability to create value for our insureds, distribution partners and employees. I look forward to joining American Family and continuing to lead the Bowhead franchise." Mr. Sills continued, "Turning to our second quarter results, Bowhead once again delivered a strong quarter highlighted by consistent strong top and bottom line growth. Gross written premiums in the second quarter grew over 28% year-over-year, while adjusted net income grew over 26%, and diluted adjusted earnings per share grew just under 30%." Underwriting Results The 28.2% increase in gross written premiums to $297.9 million in the second quarter of 2026 was driven by our increasing renewal book, new business and continued growth in our platform across all divisions: Our loss ratio of 67.3% for the second quarter of 2026 increased 1.1 points compared to 66.2% in the same period of 2025 due to an increase in our current accident year loss ratio. The higher current accident year loss ratio was driven by lower ceded loss activity under our excess of loss treaties, and to a lesser extent, changes in our portfolio mix. As communicated in the past, the development in our prior accident year losses were driven by expected loss ratios applied to net additional premiums that were billed and fully earned in the quarter, but associated with policies from prior accident years. Once again, these amounts were not based on actual losses settling for more than reserved, and did not represent an increase in estimated reserves on unresolved claims. Our expense ratio was 28.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2026, reflecting a decrease of 2.0 points compared to 30.6% for the same period in 2025. This decrease in our expense ratio was primarily driven by the 3.4 point decrease in our operating expense ratio and a 0.3 point increase in other insurance-related income, which contributed to the lowering of our expense ratio. These improvements were partially offset by the 1.7 point increase in our net acquisition costs ratio. The decrease in our operating expense ratio was due to the continued scaling of our business, where net earned premiums grew at a higher rate than our expenses, as well as the prudent management of our expenses, including estimates of deferrable costs. The increase in our net acquisition costs ratio was driven by the increase in earned broker commissions due to changes in our portfolio mix and higher commission rates, an increase in the ceding fee we pay to American Family and deferred employment related underwriting costs, partially offset by an increase in earned ceding commissions from our ceded reinsurance treaties. Investment Results Net investment income increased 37.6% in the quarter to $18.8 million, driven by a higher balance of investments. Our investment portfolio had a book yield of 4.7% and a new money rate of 4.9% as of June 30, 2026. The weighted average effective duration of our investment portfolio, which included cash equivalents, was 3.3 years and had an average rating of "AA-" as of June 30, 2026. Summary of Operating Results The following table summarizes the Company's results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025: Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Written Premiums The following tables present gross written premiums by underwriting division for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025:

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