AXIS Capital(US:AXS) Globenewswire·2026-01-28 21:15Core Insights - AXIS Capital reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2025, highlighting an 18% year-over-year increase in diluted book value per common share and record gross premiums written of $9.6 billion, up 7% from the previous year [1][5]. Financial Performance - The company achieved an operating return on equity (ROE) of 18.1% and a combined ratio of 89.8% for the year [1][4]. - Underwriting income for the year was $725 million, reflecting a 27% increase compared to 2024 [5]. - Net income available to common shareholders for 2025 was $979 million, a decrease of 7% from the previous year, while operating income increased by 8% to $1.0 billion [5][4]. Premiums and Ratios - Gross premiums written in the insurance segment increased by 9% to $7.2 billion, with a combined ratio of 86.1% [2][5]. - The reinsurance segment saw gross premiums written rise by 3% to $2.2 billion, with a combined ratio of 93.9% [21][22]. Investment Income - Net investment income for the year was $767 million, a slight increase of 1% from 2024, primarily due to higher returns on alternative investments [5][35]. - The book yield of fixed maturities was 4.6% at year-end, compared to 4.5% in the previous year [5][35]. Shareholder Returns - Total capital returned to common shareholders was $1.0 billion, including share repurchases of $888 million and dividends of $139 million [4][13]. - The book value per diluted common share increased by 18.3% year-over-year to $77.20 [4][13]. Operational Efficiency - The company emphasized its strategy of operating as "One AXIS," focusing on efficiency gains and market differentiation [3][5]. - The current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses, was 56.2% for the fourth quarter, down from 60.4% in the previous year [12][18].