The Bermuda-based specialty insurer and reinsurer posted net income of $172.2 million, or $1.69 per share, for the final quarter of the year. This represents a substantial leap from the $33.9 million recorded during the same period last year. On an operating basis, Hamilton earned $1.65 per share, comfortably beating the $1.15 consensus estimate provided by FactSet.

Premium Growth and Underwriting Momentum

The bottom-line growth was supported by a 23% increase in gross premiums written, which reached $669 million. Net premiums earned also saw a 20% uptick, reflecting broader expansion across the company’s specialty and reinsurance portfolios. This momentum drove shares up 8.4% to $31.78 before the opening bell.

In a move to return excess capital to shareholders, the board declared a special dividend totaling approximately $206 million. The payout is scheduled for March 30 for shareholders of record as of March 6. This one-time distribution underscores the firm's liquidity position following a year of improved underwriting margins and investment returns.