(TOWSON, MD)—Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company’s Board of Directors declared the company’s highest-ever policyholder dividend of $60 million for 2026.
This marks the ninth consecutive year that the company is declaring dividends for its customers. Chesapeake Employers will begin distributing the 2026 policyholder divided in May. Between 2018 and 2026, Chesapeake Employers will have returned $235 million to Maryland employers.
In 2025, the company declared a $55 million dividend. Nearly 97% of the company’s policyholders qualified for the return of premium.
“As we celebrate our highest-ever policyholder dividend of $60 million for 2026, Chesapeake Employers remains steadfast in our commitment to Maryland’s employers and their workers,” said Mark Isakson, President & CEO of Chesapeake Employers Insurance. “Our nonprofit business model empowers us to return profits directly to our policyholders, reinforcing the importance of workplace safety and financial stability. By reinvesting in those who prioritize safety, we help build stronger businesses and communities across Maryland. We are proud to continue this tradition of giving back, minimizing uncertainty, and supporting the well-being of both employees and business owners.”
Dividends are based on performance and are not guaranteed. The policyholder dividend was approved by the Maryland Insurance Administration.
About Chesapeake Employers
Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company is Maryland’s largest writer of workers’ compensation insurance. It is a nonprofit, non-stock, private corporation. Chesapeake Employers has served as a continuous, guaranteed source for fairly priced workers’ compensation insurance since 1914.
Executives at middle market companies and private equity firms are optimistic about mergers and acquisitions with 58% expecting volume of M&A to climb in 2026. Transactions among large corporations accounted for most of the activity in 2025.
“After the recent megadeals, we expect optimism with economic growth, interest rates and valuations to broaden the wave of M&A activity,” said Jason Wallace, Citizens’ head of M&A, in a phone interview with Reuters.
The majority of executives surveyed in November expect valuations to rise mainly in technology, media and telecommunications, as well as financial services and real estate, lodging and leisure.
