Why Is Arch Capital (ACGL) Up 7.1% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Insights - Arch Capital Group reported a strong second-quarter 2025 operating income of $2.58 per share, exceeding estimates by 11.7% and showing a year-over-year increase of 0.49% [2] - The company experienced a 15.1% year-over-year growth in gross premiums written, reaching $6.2 billion, and a 15% increase in net premiums written to $4.3 billion [3] - Operating revenues rose by 20.9% year over year to $4.8 billion, driven by higher net premiums earned and net investment income [4] Financial Performance - Pre-tax net investment income increased by 11.3% year over year to $405 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $401 million [3] - Underwriting income grew by 7.3% year over year to $818 million, while the combined ratio deteriorated by 250 basis points to 81.2 [5] - The company reported pre-tax current accident year catastrophic losses of $154 million, an improvement from the previous year's loss of $196 million [4] Segment Analysis - Insurance Segment: Gross premiums written increased by 27.5% year over year to $2.7 billion, with net premiums written climbing 30.7% to $2 billion [6] - Reinsurance Segment: Gross premiums written improved by 8.7% year over year to $3.2 billion, with net premiums written rising 5.8% to $2.1 billion [7] - Mortgage Segment: Gross premiums written decreased by 5% year over year to $323 million, attributed to a one-time expense and lower mortgage originations [8] Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, Arch Capital had cash of $983 million, a slight increase from the end of 2024, and debt remained unchanged at $2.7 billion [9] - The book value per share was reported at $59.17, reflecting an 11.4% increase from the end of 2024 [10] - Cash from operations declined by 26% year over year to $1.1 billion, while the company repurchased $163 million worth of shares in the second quarter [10] Market Outlook - Estimates for Arch Capital have been trending upward, indicating a positive outlook for the stock [11][13] - The company holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [13] - In comparison, Cincinnati Financial, a peer in the same industry, reported a year-over-year revenue increase of 15.3% and is expected to post earnings growth of 18.3% for the current quarter [14][15]