UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 24, 2021

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Palomar Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Commission File Number: 001-38873

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7979 Ivanhoe Avenue, Suite 500

La Jolla, California 92037

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

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(619) 567-5290

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

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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):

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 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR 240.12b-2).

Emerging Growth Company ◻

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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 Selection 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

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Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

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On February 24, 2021, Palomar Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fiscal quarter and year ended December 31, 2020. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

The information contained under this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in any such filing, unless the Company expressly sets forth in such filing that such information is to be considered “filed” or incorporated by reference therein.

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Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

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(d)Exhibits

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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.

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Exhibit 99.1

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Palomar Holdings, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2020 Results

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LA JOLLA, Calif., Feb. 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Palomar Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLMR) (“Palomar” or “Company”) reported a net loss of $1.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to net income of $10.9 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2019.

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Fourth Quarter 2020 Highlights

Full Year 2020 Highlights

(1)See discussion of “Non-GAAP and Key Performance Indicators” below.

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“I am inspired by the efforts of our team to grow and evolve our business during the past year,” commented Mac Armstrong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We launched new products and a new insurance carrier, entered into new geographies, made key additions to our team, and continued our pursuit of the Company’s strategic vision all while navigating circumstances that few of us could have anticipated. Our newly launched E&S carrier, Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company, or PESIC, represents an exciting progression in our evolution.  PESIC enables us to extend the breadth and reach of our product suite and was a key contributor to the 95% year on year growth in our commercial lines gross written premiums for the full year. Overall, we grew gross written premiums by 31.0% in the fourth quarter and 40.6% for the full year while maintaining profitability in the face of an historic wind season.”

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Mr. Armstrong shared, “We are committed to applying data and lessons learned to the continuous improvement of our business. During this past year we modified our approach to and participation in specific wind-exposed markets upon review of potential risk-adjusted returns, catastrophe payback and prevailing market conditions. We also made additional refinements to our risk transfer strategy. The combination of these efforts will not only reduce volatility but also further enhance visibility into our financial results. Finally, we continued investing in our technology and our team as we position Palomar for near and long-term success.”

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Mr. Armstrong further offered, “Separately, I would like to address the severe weather activity throughout the country this past week, specifically Winter Storm Uri in Texas where Palomar has a considerable market presence. I want to tell our policyholders in Texas that our thoughts are with them, we stand ready to support them and we are here to help them rebound. Palomar has substantial resources in place to support both residential and commercial policyholders in Texas, including comprehensive reinsurance coverage

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on both an excess of loss and quota share basis. Both our commercial and residential quota shares will apply to this event from the first dollar of loss, and as such we do not expect to incur material losses from the storm.”

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Underwriting Results

Gross written premiums increased 31.0% to $96.1 million compared to $73.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, while net earned premiums increased 25.6% compared to the prior year’s fourth quarter. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the fourth quarter were $17.2 million including $14.5 million of catastrophe losses and $2.7 million of non-catastrophe attritional losses. The loss ratio for the quarter was 44.2%, comprised of a catastrophe loss ratio of 37.2%⁽¹⁾ and an attritional loss ratio of 7.0%, compared to a loss ratio of 7.1% during the same period last year comprised entirely of attritional losses. The fourth quarter losses include $0.1 million of favorable prior year development. In addition to catastrophe losses, the Company’s fourth quarter 2020 results were impacted by a reinsurance expense acceleration charge of $4.1 million and reinstatement premium of $0.8 million on backup reinsurance purchased. Underwriting loss⁽¹⁾ was $5.0 million resulting in a combined ratio of 112.8% compared to underwriting income of $11.4 million and a combined ratio of 63.1% during the same period last year. The fourth quarter of 2020 results include certain expenses related to stock-based compensation and catastrophe losses. The fourth quarter of 2019 results include certain expenses related to the Company’s stock offering and stock-based compensation. Without these items, the Company’s adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses⁽¹⁾ was 73.8% in the fourth quarter compared to 60.7% during the same period last year.  This increase was significantly due to the reinsurance acceleration charge and reinstatement premium incurred in the fourth quarter of 2020.

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Investment Results

Net investment income increased by 29.0% to $2.3 million compared to $1.8 million in the prior year’s fourth quarter. The year over year increase was primarily due to a higher average balance of investments held during the three months ended December 31, 2020 due to cash generated from operations as well as proceeds from the Company’s January and June 2020 stock offerings, offset by lower yields on invested assets. Funds are generally invested conservatively in high quality securities, including government agency, asset and mortgage-backed securities, municipal and corporate bonds with an average credit quality of "A2/A". The weighted average duration of the fixed-maturity investment portfolio, including cash equivalents, was 3.96 years at December 31, 2020. Cash and invested assets totaled $456.1 million at December 31, 2020. During the fourth quarter, the Company recognized realized and unrealized gains of $245 thousand related to its investment portfolio as compared to a $1.2 million gain in last year’s fourth quarter.  

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Tax Rate

The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was 23.1% compared to 24.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2019. For the current quarter, the Company’s income tax rate differed from the statutory rate due to the tax impact of the permanent component of employee stock option exercises. The 2019 fourth quarter tax rate includes an adjustment from prior periods of $0.4 million, or approximately 3 points of the effective tax rate for the fourth quarter.

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Stockholders’ Equity and Returns

Stockholders' equity was $363.7 million at December 31, 2020, compared to $218.6 million at December 31, 2019. For the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company’s annualized return on equity was (2.0%) compared to 20.4% for the same period last year.

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Full Year 2021 Outlook

For the full year 2021, the Company expects to achieve adjusted net income of $62 million to $67 million. This adjusted net income guidance considers the impact of Winter Storm Uri in Texas.

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Conference Call

As previously announced, Palomar will host a conference call February 25, 2021, to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2020 results at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-877-423-9813 (domestic) or 1-201-689-8573 (international) and asking for the Palomar Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Earnings Call. A telephonic replay will be available approximately two hours after the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921, or for international callers 1-412-317-6671 and providing the access code 13716031. The telephonic replay will be available until 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on March 4, 2021.

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Interested investors and other parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the investor relations section of the Company’s website at http://ir.palomarspecialty.com/.  The online replay will remain available for a limited time beginning immediately following the call.

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About Palomar Holdings, Inc.

Palomar Holdings, Inc. is the holding company of subsidiaries Palomar Specialty Insurance Company, Palomar Specialty Reinsurance Company Bermuda Ltd., Palomar Insurance Agency, Inc. and Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company. Palomar is an innovative insurer that focuses on the provision of specialty insurance for residential and commercial clients. Palomar’s underwriting and analytical expertise allow it to concentrate on certain markets that it believes are underserved by other insurance companies, such as the markets for earthquake, hurricane and flood insurance. Palomar’s principal insurance subsidiary, Palomar Specialty Insurance Company, is an admitted carrier in 32 states and has an A.M. Best financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent).

Follow Palomar on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter: @PLMRInsurance

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Non-GAAP and Key Performance Indicators

Palomar discusses certain key performance indicators, described below, which provide useful information about the Company’s business and the operational factors underlying the Company’s financial performance.

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Underwriting revenue is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as total revenue, excluding net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of total revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP to underwriting revenue.

Underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as income before income taxes excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments and interest expense. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of income before income taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP to underwriting income (loss).

Adjusted net income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook, net of tax impact. Palomar calculates the tax impact only on adjustments which would be included in calculating the Company’s income tax expense using the estimated tax rate at which the company received a deduction for these adjustments. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of net income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP to adjusted net income (loss).

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Return on equity is net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.

Adjusted return on equity is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of return on equity calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted return on equity.

Loss ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses, to net earned premiums.

Expense ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of acquisition and other underwriting expenses, net of commission and other income to net earned premiums.

Combined ratio is defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss.

Adjusted combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio calculated excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of combined ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted combined ratio.

Diluted adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted net income (loss) divided by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period, reflecting the dilution which could occur if equity-based awards are converted into common share equivalents as calculated using the treasury stock method. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of diluted earnings per share calculated in accordance with GAAP to diluted adjusted earnings per share.

Catastrophe loss ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as the ratio of catastrophe losses to net earned premiums. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of loss ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to catastrophe loss ratio.

Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted combined ratio excluding the impact of catastrophe losses.  See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of combined ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses.

Tangible stockholders’ equity is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as stockholders’ equity less intangible assets. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of stockholders’ equity calculated in accordance with GAAP to tangible stockholders’ equity.

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Safe Harbor Statement

Palomar cautions you that statements contained in this press release may regard matters that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the company’s current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Palomar that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business. The forward-looking statements

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are typically, but not always, identified through use of the words "believe," "expect," "enable," "may," "will," "could," "intends," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "predict," "probable," "potential," "possible," "should," "continue," and other words of similar meaning. Actual results could differ materially from the expectations contained in forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, including unexpected expenditures and costs, unexpected results or delays in development and regulatory review, regulatory approval requirements, the frequency and severity of adverse events and competitive conditions. These and other factors that may result in differences are discussed in greater detail in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

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Contact

Media Inquiries

Sarah Flocken

1-240-630-0316

[email protected]

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Investor Relations

Shannon Devine

1-619-771-1743

[email protected]

Source: Palomar Holdings, Inc.

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Summary of Operating Results

The following table summarizes the Company’s results for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

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The following table summarizes the Company’s results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

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Condensed Consolidated Balance sheets

Palomar Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and par value data)

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Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

Palomar Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

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Underwriting Segment Data

The Company has a single reportable segment and offers primarily earthquake, wind, and flood insurance products. Gross written premiums (GWP) by product and location are presented below:

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Gross and net earned premiums

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The table below shows the amount of premiums the Company earned on a gross and net basis and the Company’s net earned premiums as a percentage of gross earned premiums for each period presented:

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