PEMBROKE, Bermuda, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital" or the “Company”) (NYSE: AXS) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per common share payable on April 15, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2026. In addition, the Board declared a dividend of $34.375 per Series E 5.50% preferred share (equivalent to $0.34375 per depositary share) payable on April 15, 2026 to shareholders of rec ...

Core 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].

Core Viewpoint - Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited (NYSE:FIHL) is considered a promising stock for long-term investment, despite facing challenges in the Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance market due to a softening phase and increased competition [1][2][3]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Goldman Sachs raised the price target for Fidelis Insurance to $18 from $17 while maintaining a Sell rating, citing expected strong profitability in the Americas Insurance sector but warning of a softening P&C market [1]. - Evercore ISI increased its price target for Fidelis Insurance to $21 from $20, keeping an In Line rating, while highlighting the tough cyclical backdrop for the P&C insurance industry [2]. - JPMorgan downgraded Fidelis Insurance from Neutral to Underweight but raised its price target to $21 from $19, expressing concerns over the company's high concentration in the property sector [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited provides insurance and reinsurance solutions in Bermuda, the Republic of Ireland, and the UK, operating in two segments: Insurance and Reinsurance [4].

Group 1 - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited is set to release its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025 on January 28, 2026 after market close [1] - The investor teleconference to discuss the fourth quarter results will be hosted by Vince Tizzio, President and CEO, and Peter Vogt, CFO, on January 29, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. ET [2] - The teleconference can be accessed via specific dialing numbers for U.S., Canada, and international callers, with a live webcast available on the company's website [3] Group 2 - AXIS Capital has shareholders' equity of $6.4 billion as of September 30, 2025, and operates in multiple locations including Bermuda, the U.S., Europe, Singapore, and Canada [5] - The company's operating subsidiaries have received strong financial strength ratings of "A+" from Standard & Poor's and "A" from A.M. Best [5]

Core Viewpoint - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited has declared quarterly dividends for both common and preferred shares, reflecting the company's strong financial performance and commitment to returning value to shareholders [1][2][9]. Dividend Declaration - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per common share, payable on January 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2025 [1]. - Additionally, a dividend of $34.375 per Series E 5.50% preferred share (equivalent to $0.34375 per depositary share) was also declared, payable on January 15, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2025 [2]. Financial Performance - For the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, AXIS Capital reported a net income available to common shareholders of $294 million, or $3.74 per diluted common share [7]. - The company achieved an operating income of $255 million, or $3.25 per diluted common share, with a 14% year-over-year increase in diluted book value per common share and an annualized operating return on equity of 18% [7]. Company Overview - AXIS Capital is a global specialty underwriter and provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions, with shareholders' equity of $6.4 billion as of September 30, 2025 [3]. - The company operates in multiple locations, including Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, and Canada, and has received strong financial strength ratings from Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best [3].

Core Viewpoint - Ariel Re Managing Agency has received Lloyd's approval to establish and manage Syndicate 2006, which will underwrite business for the 2026 year of account, focusing on specialty and property reinsurance lines [1][3]. Group 1: Syndicate Formation and Business Plan - Syndicate 2006 is authorized to underwrite both specialty and property reinsurance lines, following the approval of its business plan and economic capital assessment by Lloyd's Capital & Planning Group [1]. - The syndicate will maintain a diversified portfolio that includes property catastrophe, other property, marine, specialty, cyber, and clean energy classes, with the clean energy segment branded as Ariel Green [4]. Group 2: Operational Strategy and Growth - Ariel Re plans to leverage its expertise in marine, energy, cyber, transition, and renewables as part of its growth strategy [2]. - Starting in 2026, Ariel Re will operate two separate syndicates: the established Syndicate 1910, which will focus exclusively on property catastrophe reinsurance, and the newly created Syndicate 2006 [3][4]. Group 3: Recent Developments - In April 2023, Ariel Re appointed Rohan Pai as chief financial officer to oversee financial reporting and treasury functions [5]. - The company has also implemented Phinsys' finance and accounting solutions to streamline its operational and financial tasks [6].

Core Insights - MNK International has expanded its global presence by acquiring a new brokerage in Türkiye, focusing on insurance and reinsurance solutions for specialty and complex risks [1][4] - The Turkish branch will serve local clients with a diverse range of services, including engineering, financial lines, aviation, and property insurance [1][4] Company Strategy - As a subsidiary of the MNK Group, the Türkiye branch will leverage internal resources, including a global network of managing general agents (MGAs), to enhance its offerings across various jurisdictions [2] - The strategic positioning aims to provide innovative, high-quality solutions tailored to the unique needs of Turkish businesses operating internationally [3][5] Leadership - Erhan Ergunes, with 20 years of industry experience, will lead MNK International Türkiye as CEO, bringing expertise from previous roles at major insurance companies [2][3] - Ergunes is expected to drive the company's mission to address risk challenges and build long-term partnerships in the Turkish market [3][4] Market Opportunities - The Turkish market presents significant opportunities in sectors such as construction, engineering, aviation, and agriculture, with a focus on tailored coverage for evolving client needs [4] - MNK Group's extensive network includes MGAs in the UK, Italy, the US, and the Middle East, enhancing its competitive edge in the region [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the outlook on SiriusPoint Ltd. to Positive from Stable, highlighting the company's strong underwriting profits and reduced risk profile over the past two and a half years [1][2]. Group 1: Ratings and Outlook - S&P has affirmed SiriusPoint's 'A-' issuer credit and financial strength ratings on all core operating subsidiaries, along with a 'BBB' long-term issuer credit rating [1]. - Fitch Ratings and AM Best have also revised SiriusPoint's outlook to Positive from Stable earlier this year, citing similar reasons related to underwriting performance and portfolio repositioning [3]. Group 2: Risk Management and Performance - The Positive outlook is attributed to a significant reduction in SiriusPoint's exposure to natural catastrophe risk and investment risk, with effective management of catastrophe exposure and shareholder equity losses [2]. - SiriusPoint has reported "robust" underwriting results, indicating strong operational performance [2]. Group 3: Company Strategy and Leadership - The CEO of SiriusPoint expressed pride in the recognition from rating agencies, emphasizing the company's focus on reducing risk and volatility, underwriting excellence, and a disciplined investment approach [4]. - SiriusPoint operates as a global underwriter of insurance and reinsurance, with a total capital of approximately $2.8 billion and a strong financial strength rating from multiple agencies [4].