Detailed Narrative
Record Performance and Strategic Investments
Assurant achieved its second consecutive quarter of record earnings, with adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS growing in the high teens, excluding reportable catastrophes. This performance reflects the durability of its business model and the value of embedded partnerships. The company continues to invest in data, automation, and AI capabilities to enhance operational speed, decision-making, and client support, contributing to its strong market position and multi-year track record of profitable growth.
Global Lifestyle Momentum
The Global Lifestyle segment delivered an outstanding quarter, with adjusted EBITDA increasing 21% both in Q2 and year-to-date. Connected Living saw a 29% EBITDA growth in Q2 (22% normalized), driven by mobile business expansion, 7 million devices serviced, and 4 million new device protection subscribers. Global Automotive's adjusted EBITDA grew 6% in Q2 and 15% year-to-date, benefiting from global partnership expansion, particularly in Latin America and Europe, and improving loss experience.
Global Housing Growth and New Partnerships
Global Housing demonstrated strong earnings performance, with adjusted EBITDA (excluding cats) increasing 18% in Q2. This was supported by a lower non-cat loss ratio of approximately 35% and reduced cat reinsurance costs. A significant new partnership with Freedom Mortgage, a top 10 U.S. mortgage servicer, added approximately 2.6 million loans to the lender-placed business. The Cover360 platform in renters insurance continues to drive growth, now serving 7 of the top 10 property management companies.
Capital Allocation and Financial Strength
Assurant maintains a strong capital position, with $911 million in liquidity at quarter-end, providing flexibility for growth investments and shareholder returns. The company returned $123 million to shareholders in Q2, comprising $75 million in share repurchases and $48 million in dividends. Year-to-date, share repurchases totaled $230 million through July 31, and the full-year repurchase expectation was raised to the upper end of the $300 million to $350 million range.
Inflation Management and Business Resiliency
Management addressed claims inflation, noting that auto inflation has been stable and housing inflation is manageable. In auto, rate increases and claims cost management mitigate inflation. For housing, an automatic inflation guard feature, which saw average insured values up 5% year-over-year, provides an offset. The business model, combining fee-based revenue, specialized protection products, and strategic risk management, creates a stable and less cyclical earnings profile, giving confidence in long-term results across various market environments.