AMERISAFE (NASDAQ:AMSF) Hits New 12-Month Low on Disappointing Earnings

AMERISAFE, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMSF)’s share price hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Thursday after the company announced weaker than expected quarterly earnings. The stock traded as low as $35.40 and last traded at $35.4250, with a volume of 16306 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $36.89.

The insurance provider reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.57 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $81.59 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $80.05 million. AMERISAFE had a net margin of 14.86% and a return on equity of 15.66%.

AMERISAFE Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be paid a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. AMERISAFE’s payout ratio is presently 63.16%.

AMERISAFE News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting AMERISAFE this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Company raised its quarterly dividend ~5.1% (annualized yield ~4.9%), which supports income-focused investors and signals capital-return confidence. AMERISAFE Increases Dividend by 5.1%
• Positive Sentiment: Revenue and written premiums showed year-over-year growth in Q4 and management highlighted solid ROE on the earnings call — positives for longer-term underwriting trends. Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights
• Neutral Sentiment: Full Q4 earnings call and multiple transcripts are available; they provide detail but contain mixed signals (premium growth vs. expense pressure). Useful for investors doing deeper due diligence. Earnings Call Transcript
• Negative Sentiment: Q4 EPS missed consensus ($0.51 vs. ~$0.57); expenses rose, compressing margins despite higher premiums and investment income — the primary near-term driver of the share decline. AMSF Misses on Q4 Earnings Despite Rising Premiums, Hikes Dividend
• Negative Sentiment: Truist cut its price target from $45 to $36 and set a “hold” rating; an analyst downgrade/target cut increases selling pressure and may anchor near-term sentiment. Truist Lowers Price Target
• Negative Sentiment: Short interest rose materially in February (reports show ~372,998 shares at one point, ~2% of float) and there have been recent insider sales; both can amplify downward moves and volatility. Quiver Quant Coverage (contains short/insider data)
• Negative Sentiment: Technically the stock is trading below its 50- and 200-day moving averages, which typically weighs on sentiment and can trigger additional selling from trend-following funds.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Citigroup restated a “market outperform” rating on shares of AMERISAFE in a report on Friday, January 16th. Wall Street Zen raised AMERISAFE from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday, January 31st. Truist Financial reduced their target price on AMERISAFE from $45.00 to $36.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a report on Friday. Morgan Stanley set a $55.00 price target on AMERISAFE in a report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Citizens Jmp reduced their price objective on shares of AMERISAFE from $60.00 to $55.00 and set a “market outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, AMERISAFE currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $48.67.

Institutional Trading of AMERISAFE

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of AMSF. VARCOV Co. acquired a new position in AMERISAFE in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $419,000. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL bought a new stake in shares of AMERISAFE during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $360,000. Millennium Management LLC increased its position in shares of AMERISAFE by 0.9% during the fourth quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 193,628 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $7,437,000 after purchasing an additional 1,803 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of AMERISAFE by 18.6% in the fourth quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 12,218 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $469,000 after purchasing an additional 1,913 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Engineers Gate Manager LP lifted its position in AMERISAFE by 175.9% in the fourth quarter. Engineers Gate Manager LP now owns 56,048 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $2,153,000 after purchasing an additional 35,735 shares during the period. 97.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

AMERISAFE Stock Down 3.3%

The firm has a 50-day moving average of $37.79 and a 200 day moving average of $40.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $615.47 million, a P/E ratio of 13.17 and a beta of 0.35.

AMERISAFE Company Profile

Amerisafe, Inc (NASDAQ: AMSF) is a specialty provider of workers’ compensation insurance products and services in the United States. The company focuses on underwriting and managing workers’ compensation policies for small to mid-sized public and private businesses, particularly in higher-hazard industries such as retail, manufacturing, distribution and wholesale. Through its network of independent agents, Amerisafe delivers tailored coverage solutions that combine robust risk management support with loss prevention programs designed to enhance workplace safety.

In addition to core insurance offerings, Amerisafe provides extensive risk control resources, including safety training, on-site consultations and claims management services.