Goldman Sachs expects a significant wave of central-bank gold purchases for November. The bank’s outlook anticipates a continued shift in reserve management as policymakers hedge against geopolitical and financial risks.According to Reuters, Goldman’s latest estimates indicate 64 tons in September, a significant increase from the 21 tons projected for August. The estimate supports strong buying through year-end, as emerging-market central banks continue to purchase.Yet, a large portion of these purchases is ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group gross written premium was $4.4 billion, down 1% from last year, reflecting targeted re-underwriting in insurance and careful portfolio mix management in reinsurance [7][15] - Operating income was $316 million compared to $630 million last year, primarily due to reserve adjustments [7][15] - The combined ratio for the quarter was 103.4%, with an attritional combined ratio of 89.6%, indicating strong underlying performance [7][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reinsurance business reported gross written premium of $3.2 billion, down 2% year over year, with a combined ratio of 87%, improving year over year due to lower CAT losses and favorable prior year development [7][8][15] - The insurance segment saw gross premiums written increase by 2.7% in constant dollars to $1.1 billion, driven by strong growth in specialty and accident and health lines, offset by actions in U.S. casualty lines [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market conditions in the reinsurance business, particularly in CAT-exposed lines, are expected to remain favorable through the January 1, 2026 renewal [8][10] - The company is a preferred partner in the reinsurance market, with no barriers to continued attractive capital deployment [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is exiting global retail insurance to focus on core reinsurance and specialty insurance businesses, which are expected to yield better returns on capital [4][12] - A comprehensive adverse development cover has been established for the North America insurance division, covering reserves for accident years 2024 and prior, to ensure past underwriting issues do not overshadow current performance [5][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term prospects of core reinsurance and wholesale specialty operations, emphasizing a disciplined approach to capital deployment and risk management [6][10] - The company aims to maintain pricing momentum and improve risk selection in its insurance portfolio, with a significant portion of U.S. casualty business not renewed [9][10] Other Important Information - The company expects to take a pre-tax non-operating charge in the range of $250 million to $350 million associated with the transaction of selling renewal rights to AIG, recognized over 2025 and 2026 [12][13] - Shareholders' equity ended the quarter at $15.4 billion, with book value per share improving by 15.2% from year-end 2024 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the CAT load for the specialty business? - Management indicated that the CAT load is quite modest and very low relative to the overall insurance division burden [28][29] Question: What does the $2 billion of insurance gross written premiums mean in terms of capital liberation? - Management expects substantial capital release over time, with the renewal process taking place over the coming 12 months [30][35] Question: What is the plan for returning capital to shareholders? - Management views capital repatriation and share buybacks as attractive, especially given the stock trading below book value, and expects to unlock more capital for this purpose over time [38][39] Question: How confident is management about the casualty reserves in the reinsurance business? - Management expressed confidence that the casualty reserves in the reinsurance business will hold up, emphasizing the distinction between the performance of the insurance and reinsurance portfolios [50][52] Question: What are the pricing conditions for property reinsurance going forward? - Management characterized the environment as still favorable, with expectations of some pricing pressure but overall good pricing levels [56][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total production increased by 9% to 19.7 million barrels of oil equivalent, with sales volumes rising 16% to 24.7 million barrels of oil equivalent [15][16] - Sales revenue grew by 13% to $2 billion, driven by higher production and an increase in average realized gas price to $10.7 for domestic volumes [16][28] - Underlying EBITDA increased by 20% year on year to $1.1 billion, while underlying NPAT rose by 32% to $451 million [17][28] - The underlying EBITDA margin improved by 300 basis points to 57%, reflecting structural cost savings and improved commercial outcomes [17][28] - Pre-growth free cash flow increased fourfold to $657 million, with a payout ratio of 31% [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - East Coast gas production increased by 23% in FY 2025, with Beach supplying 90% of the East Coast gas demand [11][12] - The Otway Basin saw a 64% increase in production to 6.8 million barrels of oil equivalent, while the Bass Basin experienced a 91% increase to 1.4 million barrels [15] - The Cooper Basin faced challenges due to severe flooding, impacting production [15][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Beach's operated assets and non-operated interests now supply 19% of the entire East Coast domestic gas market, positioning the company as a significant supplier [3][5] - The gas supply available to the domestic market is declining, while long-term gas demand remains firm, leading to widening structural supply deficits [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become Australia's leading domestic energy company, focusing on core East Coast and West Coast hubs [5][18] - A disciplined gas marketing strategy has been implemented, allowing for a balanced approach between contracted volumes and spot market exposure [12][14] - The strategic pillars include high margins and sustainable growth, with a focus on operational efficiencies and accountability [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver growth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet and operational effectiveness [18][41] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities for disciplined, value-accretive growth, particularly in the East and West Coast markets [18][66] - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in the Cooper Basin but remains optimistic about future production and operational improvements [29][35] Other Important Information - A non-cash impairment of $474 million was recorded for the Cooper Basin and Perth Basin carrying values, primarily due to lower near-term commodity price outlooks [28][29] - The Moomba CCS project was completed, contributing to the company's emissions reduction goals [24][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk us through the dividend and concerns about potential lower dividends due to M&A or rising net debt? - Management explained that the decision to set the payout slightly below the targeted range was to ensure flexibility for future opportunities and maintain a strong balance sheet [45][46] Question: Is there further cost reduction potential in FY 2026 and 2027? - Management confirmed ongoing efforts to reduce costs, particularly in the Cooper Basin, and emphasized a focus on maintaining margins [48][49] Question: Can you provide details on the $11 per BOE cost target and its current status? - Management stated that the $11 target remains in place and is set to outperform peers, with operated assets achieving a unit operating cost of $10.68 [53][54] Question: What is the Board's confidence in the $06 per share final dividend despite Waitzier not being commissioned? - Management indicated that the Board's decision reflects confidence in the commissioning timeline for Waitzier and the company's overall performance [60][63] Question: Can you outline the framework for assessing new growth opportunities? - Management reiterated that the investment criteria include a hurdle rate of over 12% for gas projects and a focus on domestic opportunities [66][67] Question: Are there any new acreage releases of interest? - Management mentioned ongoing interest in acreage releases in South Australia and Queensland, particularly for CSG [77] Question: What is the potential pricing delta upside from the recontracting at the Cooper Basin? - Management indicated that recent recontracting has been at prevailing domestic gas prices, which are expected to positively impact future results [80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined ratio for the quarter was 102.7%, elevated due to catastrophe losses, particularly from California wildfires [5][20] - Total group written premium was $4.4 billion, similar to Q1 2024, with a gross written premium decrease of 2% in constant dollars [6][20] - Operating income for the quarter was $276 million, despite significant catastrophe loss activity [19][20] - The attritional loss ratio increased to 62.2%, a 330 basis point increase year-over-year, driven by aviation losses [21][29] - Shareholders' equity ended the quarter at $14.1 billion, with book value per share at $332.39, reflecting a 3.5% improvement from year-end 2024 [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In reinsurance, gross premiums decreased by 1.1% in constant dollars, with property lines showing double-digit increases offset by discipline in casualty lines [22] - Written premium in the insurance segment was down 1.3% year-over-year, with property lines growing 19% and specialty businesses growing 16% [11][24] - The attritional loss ratio in the insurance business was 68.8%, with aviation losses contributing 0.9 points to the ratio [26][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reinsurance book shrank marginally at the January 1, 2025 renewal, reflecting 6% property growth offset by cutbacks in casualty [8] - The international insurance business turned a modest profit in the quarter, with strong growth in key markets [14] - Casualty rate increases averaged approximately 20% across commercial auto, general liability, and excess umbrella [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growing where risk-adjusted returns meet or exceed thresholds, intentionally shrinking in areas with weak pricing relative to risk [7] - The strategy includes a one-year, one-renewal approach to improve the casualty lines within the insurance division [19] - The company expects to continue repurchasing shares throughout 2025, prioritizing shareholder value [17][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the significant impact of catastrophic events on financials but emphasized the importance of supporting communities [5] - The company anticipates moderate catastrophe pricing pressure for the remainder of 2025 but sees ample opportunities for capital deployment at attractive expected returns [8] - Management expressed confidence in the reserve position and the ability to respond to inflationary pressures [16][30] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $200 million of shares in the quarter at an average price of $348 per share [17][32] - Net investment income increased to $491 million for the quarter, driven by higher assets under management [29] - The company has completed a thorough assessment of exposure to new tariff regimes, expecting modest upward pressure on loss cost trends [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on growth opportunities in Florida - Management expects the June 1 renewal to be attractive, with potential growth opportunities across both domestic and nationwide carriers [35][36] Question: Competitive market dynamics in specialty lines - Management noted that while competition has increased, there are still significant opportunities in specialty underwriting areas [38][39] Question: Capital capacity for growth and buybacks - Management indicated that there is sufficient capacity to support both growth initiatives and share repurchases [42][43] Question: Pricing actions from underlying primaries - Management confirmed that pricing remains strong, and they are focused on portfolio management and claims handling to ensure expected results [45][46] Question: Clarification on moderate pricing pressure in the market - Management explained that while pricing is moderating, expected returns remain attractive, allowing for continued capital deployment [50][54] Question: Impact of California wildfire losses on financials - Management stated that the majority of wildfire losses are in reinsurance, and any recoveries would benefit the company, although they are taking a cautious approach [57][58] Question: Aviation loss details and industry impact - Management estimated industry losses around $1 billion, with their portfolio performing well despite the significant loss [84][85] Question: Reserve review process and expectations - Management clarified that while reserve reviews occur annually, they have increased the frequency of assessing loss trend assumptions [101][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined ratio for the quarter was 102.7%, elevated due to catastrophe losses, particularly from California wildfires, contributing 13.9 points to the ratio [4][19] - Total group written premium was $4.4 billion, similar to Q1 2024, with a gross written premium decrease of 2% in constant dollars [5][19] - Operating income for the quarter was $276 million, despite significant catastrophe loss activity [18][19] - The group attritional loss ratio increased to 62.2%, a 330 basis point increase year-over-year, primarily due to aviation losses [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In reinsurance, gross premiums decreased by 1.1% in constant dollars, with property lines growing by double digits while casualty lines remained disciplined [22] - The attritional loss ratio in reinsurance increased to 59.8%, influenced by aviation losses [23] - In the insurance segment, gross premiums written were relatively flat at $1.1 billion, with property lines growing by 19% and specialty businesses by 16%, offset by a 15% decline in the third-party book [10][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 16% growth in property lines within reinsurance, while casualty lines saw a 22% decline due to portfolio actions [7][8] - The international insurance business showed strong growth in key markets, turning a modest profit despite ongoing investments [13] - Casualty rate increases averaged approximately 20% across various lines, indicating a robust pricing environment [12][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined underwriting and risk management, intentionally shrinking areas with weak pricing relative to risk [6][8] - There is an emphasis on maintaining a strong capital position, with share buybacks prioritized given the excess capital [16][32] - The company anticipates moderate catastrophe pricing pressure but sees ample opportunities to deploy capital at attractive expected returns [7][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the significant impact of catastrophic events on financial performance but expressed confidence in the company's underwriting capabilities [4][6] - The outlook for the remainder of 2025 includes expectations for continued growth in property lines and a disciplined approach to casualty lines [7][18] - Management remains cautious about the potential impact of tariffs and inflation on loss trends, with a proactive approach to adjusting loss picks [16][75] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $200 million worth of shares during the quarter, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders [16][33] - The overall reserve position improved since the end of 2024, with a focus on maintaining strong reserves in the face of potential inflationary pressures [14][100] - The net investment income for the quarter was $491 million, driven by higher assets under management [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on growth opportunities in Florida at midyear - Management expects attractive opportunities at the June renewal, with increased demand from clients for higher limits [36][37] Question: Competitive market dynamics in specialty lines - Management noted that while competition has increased, there are still significant opportunities in specialty underwriting areas [38][40] Question: Capital capacity for growth and share repurchases - Management indicated that there is sufficient capacity to support both growth initiatives and share buybacks [43][45] Question: Pricing actions from underlying primary insurers - Management confirmed that pricing remains strong, but portfolio management and claims handling are also critical factors [46][48] Question: Clarification on moderate pricing pressure in the market - Management clarified that while pricing is moderating, expected returns remain attractive, allowing for continued growth [51][55] Question: Impact of California wildfire losses on financials - Management stated that the majority of wildfire losses are in reinsurance, and any recoveries would benefit the company, although they are taking a cautious approach [57][58] Question: New business opportunities in the insurance segment - Management highlighted that while U.S. casualty business is shrinking, there are strong growth opportunities in specialty lines and international markets [65][66] Question: Timing and mechanics of responding to tariffs - Management explained that they have increased the frequency of assessing loss trend assumptions to respond quickly to any inflationary pressures [74][75] Question: Updates on property cat portfolio and loss expectations - Management confirmed that while there are no dramatic changes in loss expectations, they are continuously adjusting models based on the latest data [110][111]