AXIS Capital announces preliminary 2023 Full-Year financial results and conclusion of reserve review

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (“AXIS Capital” or “AXIS” or “the Company”) (NYSE: AXS) today announced preliminary financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the conclusion of its previously announced review of prior year reserves. AXIS expects to release financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023 on January 31, 2024, after the close of the financial markets, as previously announced.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company anticipates reporting net income available to common shareholders of $346 million, or $4.02 per diluted common share and operating income of $486 million, or $5.65 per diluted common share, an increase in gross premiums written of $142 million, or 2%, current accident year combined ratio of 91.8%, compared to 96.3% for the prior year, and book value per diluted common share of $54.06, an increase of 15.1% over the past twelve months.

The Company strengthened its prior year reserves in the fourth quarter by $425 million, pre-tax ($361 million, post-tax) attributable to both its insurance and reinsurance segments in liability lines and professional lines predominantly related to 2019 and older accident years. This amount is equal to 4.5% of net loss reserves at September 30, 2023.

Commenting on the 2023 financial results, Vince Tizzio, President and CEO of AXIS Capital, said:

“AXIS delivered strong underlying performance in 2023 and we believe the Company is on a clear trajectory to becoming a specialty underwriting leader. This was a year where we drove consistent premium growth with double-digit increases across the vast majority of our specialty insurance lines, and continued to cultivate a diversified and resilient portfolio, further improved and streamlined our operating model, and grew the tailored products and capabilities that we provide to our customers.

“The decisive actions we are taking this quarter address reserve development that is predominantly related to 2019 and older accident years as current economic and social inflation trends impact the overall U.S. Casualty market. We undertook a rigorous review that included an examination of trend assumptions, emerging development patterns, new industry data, and current legal trends.

“AXIS concludes the year with a portfolio that is well-positioned in the market, underpinned by our strong capital position. We approach the future with confidence and our team is relentlessly committed to achieving our specialty leadership ambition.”

Authored by AXIS Capital