Brown & Brown Inc
NYSE:BRO
Brown & Brown Inc
In the myriad world of insurance, Brown & Brown Inc. stands as a testament to strategic resilience and enduring growth. Born from humble beginnings in 1939 as a small, family-owned retail insurance agency in Daytona Beach, Florida, the company has meticulously expanded its footprint across North America, leading to its current stature as one of the largest and most revered insurance brokerage firms in the United States. At the heart of Brown & Brown’s operations is its astute ability to balance acquisitions with organic growth. It doesn't just sell policies; it curates a broad portfolio of insurance solutions ranging from property and casualty to benefits consulting, tapping into diverse sectors such as aviation and health care. The company’s distinctive decentralized structure empowers its regional leaders, allowing these local managers to leverage their market-specific insights, thereby maintaining a nimbleness that belies its size.
Brown & Brown’s financial engine is fueled by its expansive network of subsidiaries and affiliates, which serve a vast clientele comprising businesses, governmental institutions, and individuals. Primarily, it generates revenue through commissions earned on the insurance policies it brokers. Unlike traditional insurance companies that assume risk, Brown & Brown acts as an intermediary, facilitating transactions between insurers and their customers. Its revenue model is anchored in negotiating favorable terms for clients and delivering tailored risk management solutions, ensuring it earns a cut of the sprawling insurance landscape. This role as a broker, combined with their consulting services, fosters a business model that capitalizes on a steady stream of commission and fee-based income, giving the company the agility to adapt to market fluctuations while continuously seeking pathways for expansion.
In the myriad world of insurance, Brown & Brown Inc. stands as a testament to strategic resilience and enduring growth. Born from humble beginnings in 1939 as a small, family-owned retail insurance agency in Daytona Beach, Florida, the company has meticulously expanded its footprint across North America, leading to its current stature as one of the largest and most revered insurance brokerage firms in the United States. At the heart of Brown & Brown’s operations is its astute ability to balance acquisitions with organic growth. It doesn't just sell policies; it curates a broad portfolio of insurance solutions ranging from property and casualty to benefits consulting, tapping into diverse sectors such as aviation and health care. The company’s distinctive decentralized structure empowers its regional leaders, allowing these local managers to leverage their market-specific insights, thereby maintaining a nimbleness that belies its size.
Brown & Brown’s financial engine is fueled by its expansive network of subsidiaries and affiliates, which serve a vast clientele comprising businesses, governmental institutions, and individuals. Primarily, it generates revenue through commissions earned on the insurance policies it brokers. Unlike traditional insurance companies that assume risk, Brown & Brown acts as an intermediary, facilitating transactions between insurers and their customers. Its revenue model is anchored in negotiating favorable terms for clients and delivering tailored risk management solutions, ensuring it earns a cut of the sprawling insurance landscape. This role as a broker, combined with their consulting services, fosters a business model that capitalizes on a steady stream of commission and fee-based income, giving the company the agility to adapt to market fluctuations while continuously seeking pathways for expansion.
Strong Revenue Growth: Brown & Brown reported Q4 revenue of $1.6 billion, up 35.7%, and full-year revenue of $5.9 billion, up 23%.
Margin Performance: Adjusted EBITDAC margin was 32.9% for Q4 (flat year-over-year) and 35.9% for the year, up 70 basis points.
EPS Growth: Adjusted diluted net income per share rose over 8% in Q4 to $0.93 and 10.9% for the year to $4.26.
Accession Acquisition: Completed the largest acquisition in company history; Accession contributed $405 million in Q4 revenue, below prior guidance, but annual expectations remain unchanged.
Headcount & Retention: 275 former employees left for a competitor, taking $23 million in annual revenue; management has taken legal action and is focused on rehiring.
Guidance & Outlook: Expect modest improvement in Retail organic growth in 2026, flat Specialty Distribution organic growth in Q1, and a slightly lower margin due to reduced investment income.
M&A Pipeline: Management expects to remain active in acquisitions in 2026, with integration of Accession progressing well.
Long-term Margin Target Raised: The long-term adjusted EBITDAC margin target range increased to 32–37%.
