PEMBROKE, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital" or "AXIS" or "the Company") (NYSE: AXS) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023.
Commenting on the fourth quarter 2023 financial results, Vince Tizzio, President and CEO of AXIS Capital, said:
"This was a transformative year for AXIS, one where we further elevated all aspects of how we operate and go to market, and we believe the Company is on a clear path to becoming a specialty underwriting leader. We're capitalizing on favorable conditions in our chosen specialty markets while exhibiting underwriting discipline and strong cycle management. This was evidenced by our operating income of $486 million and a 4.5 point year-over-year improvement in the current accident year combined ratio to 91.8%.
"We're energized by the continued profitable growth within our core specialty insurance business, highlighted by year-over-year increases in premium generation of 10% including new business premiums of 18%, and an excellent current accident year combined ratio of 87.4%. In parallel, we further solidified our repositioning of AXIS Re as a focused specialist reinsurer with increased profitability and reduced volatility.
"In 2023, through our 'How We Work' program, we made significant improvements to our operational infrastructure, while investing in talent, and becoming a more efficient and consistent company. We look ahead to 2024 with excitement. We have a robust global platform, strong and deep relationships with our customers, a great team and culture - and we're relentlessly committed to taking this Company to the next level."
Consolidated Highlights*
- Net income available to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $346 million, or $4.02 per diluted common share, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $193 million, or $2.25 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2022.
- Operating income(1) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $486 million, or $5.65 per diluted common share, compared to operating income of $498 million, or $5.81 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2022.
- Underlying operating income(2) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $847 million, or $9.85 per diluted common share.
- Book value per diluted common share was $54.06 at December 31, 2023, an increase of $2.89, or 5.6%, compared to September 30, 2023, driven by net unrealized investment gains reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), partially offset by net loss for the period, and common share dividends declared.
- Book value per diluted common share increased by $7.11, or 15.1%, over the past twelve months, driven by net income, and net unrealized investment gains reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), partially offset by common share dividends declared.
- Adjusted for dividends declared, book value per diluted common share increased by $8.87, or 18.9%, over the past twelve months.
- Book yield of fixed maturities was 4.2% at December 31, 2023, compared to 3.5% at December 31, 2022. The market yield was 5.4% at December 31, 2023.
- Net investment income for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $187 million, compared to $147 million, for the fourth quarter of 2022, attributable to an increase in income from our fixed maturities portfolio due to increased yields.
| * Amounts may not reconcile due to rounding differences. |
| 1 Operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) per diluted common share are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders and earnings (loss) per diluted common share, respectively, and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items are provided later in this press release. |
| 2 Underlying operating income (loss) and underlying operating income (loss) per diluted common share are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders and earnings (loss) per diluted common share, respectively, and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items are provided later in this press release. |
Fourth Quarter Consolidated Underwriting Highlights3
- Gross premiums written increased by $26 million, or 1%, to $1.8 billion with an increase of $113 million, or 8% in the insurance segment, partially offset by a decrease of $87 million, or 30% in the reinsurance segment.
- Net premiums written decreased by $24 million, or 2%, ($30 million, or 3%, on a constant currency basis(4)), to $1.1 billion with an increase of $83 million, or 9% in the insurance segment, offset by a decrease of $107 million, or 51% in the reinsurance segment.
Quarters ended December 31, | |||||||
KEY RATIOS | 2023 | 2022 | Change | ||||
Current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses(5) | 55.4 | % | 55.5 | % | (0.1 pts) | ||
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio | 2.1 | % | 4.7 | % | (2.6 pts) | ||
Current accident year loss ratio | 57.5 | % | 60.2 | % | (2.7 pts) | ||
Prior year reserve development ratio | 33.6 | % | (0.6 | %) | 34.2 pts | ||
Net losses and loss expenses ratio | 91.1 | % | 59.6 | % | 31.5 pts | ||
Acquisition cost ratio | 20.1 | % | 20.6 | % | (0.5 pts) | ||
General and administrative expense ratio | 13.4 | % | 13.9 | % | (0.5 pts) | ||
Combined ratio | 124.6 | % | 94.1 | % | 30.5 pts | ||
Current accident year combined ratio | 91.0 | % | 94.7 | % | (3.7 pts) | ||
Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 88.9 | % | 90.0 | % | (1.1 pts) | ||
- Pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance, were $26 million ($21 million, after-tax), (Insurance: $23 million; Reinsurance: $3 million), or 2.1 points.
- Net (adverse) favorable prior year reserve development was $(425) million (Insurance: $(182) million; Reinsurance: $(243) million).
| 3 All comparisons are with the same period of the prior year, unless otherwise stated. |
| 4 Amounts presented on a constant currency basis are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation G. The constant currency basis is calculated by applying the average foreign exchange rate from the current year to prior year amounts. The reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is provided above and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items is provided later in this press release. |
| 5 The current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses is calculated by dividing the current accident year losses less pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance, by net premiums earned less reinstatement premiums. |
Full Year Consolidated Underwriting Highlights
- Gross premiums written increased by $142 million, or 2%, to $8.4 billion with an increase of $555 million, or 10% in the insurance segment, partially offset by a decrease of $413 million, or 16% in the reinsurance segment.
- Net premiums written decreased by $161 million, or 3% ($101 million, or 2%, on a constant currency basis), to $5.1 billion with an increase of $381 million, or 11% in the insurance segment, offset by a decrease of $542 million, or 29% in the reinsurance segment.
Years ended December 31, | |||||||
KEY RATIOS | 2023 | 2022 | Change | ||||
Current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 55.9 | % | 55.5 | % | 0.4 pts | ||
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio | 2.7 | % | 7.8 | % | (5.1 pts) | ||
Current accident year loss ratio | 58.6 | % | 63.3 | % | (4.7 pts) | ||
Prior year reserve development ratio | 8.1 | % | (0.5 | %) | 8.6 pts | ||
Net losses and loss expenses ratio | 66.7 | % | 62.8 | % | 3.9 pts | ||
Acquisition cost ratio | 19.7 | % | 19.8 | % | (0.1 pts) | ||
General and administrative expense ratio | 13.5 | % | 13.2 | % | 0.3 pts | ||
Combined ratio | 99.9 | % | 95.8 | % | 4.1 pts | ||
Current accident year combined ratio | 91.8 | % | 96.3 | % | (4.5 pts) | ||
Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 89.1 | % | 88.5 | % | 0.6 pts | ||
- Pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance, were $138 million ($116 million, after-tax), (Insurance: $111 million; Reinsurance: $27 million), or 2.7 points.
- Net (adverse) favorable prior year reserve development was $(412) million (Insurance: $(176) million; Reinsurance: $(236) million).
Segment Highlights
Insurance Segment
Quarters ended December 31, | ||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
Gross premiums written | $ | 1,583,378 | $ | 1,470,805 | 7.7 | % | ||||
Net premiums written | 969,871 | 886,786 | 9.4 | % | ||||||
Net premiums earned | 916,779 | 830,514 | 10.4 | % | ||||||
Underwriting income (loss) | (61,675 | ) | 123,370 | nm | ||||||
Underwriting ratios: | ||||||||||
Current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 52.0 | % | 49.3 | % | 2.7 pts | |||||
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio | 2.5 | % | 4.1 | % | (1.6 pts) | |||||
Current accident year loss ratio | 54.5 | % | 53.4 | % | 1.1 pts | |||||
Prior year reserve development ratio | 19.8 | % | (0.5 | %) | 20.3 pts | |||||
Net losses and loss expenses ratio | 74.3 | % | 52.9 | % | 21.4 pts | |||||
Acquisition cost ratio | 19.1 | % | 18.6 | % | 0.5 pts | |||||
Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio | 13.3 | % | 13.7 | % | (0.4 pts) | |||||
Combined ratio | 106.7 | % | 85.2 | % | 21.5 pts | |||||
Current accident year combined ratio | 86.9 | % | 85.7 | % | 1.2 pts | |||||
Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 84.4 | % | 81.6 | % | 2.8 pts | |||||
nm - not meaningful is defined as a variance greater than +/- 100% | ||||||||||
- Gross premiums written increased by $113 million, or 8% ($102 million, or 7%, on a constant currency basis), attributable to increases in all lines of business with the exception of professional lines which decreased in the quarter, principally due to the unattractive pricing environment for U.S. public D&O business.
- Net premiums written increased by $83 million, or 9% ($74 million, or 8%, on a constant currency basis), reflecting the increase in gross premiums written in the quarter, together with a decrease in premiums ceded in professional lines.
- The current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses is consistent with recent quarters whereas the ratio in the prior year quarter was particularly favorable.
- The acquisition cost ratio increased by 0.5 points, primarily related to an increase in profit commissions.
- The underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio decreased by 0.4 points, mainly driven by an increase in net premiums earned, partially offset by an increase in personnel costs.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
Gross premiums written | $ | 6,140,764 | $ | 5,585,581 | 9.9 | % | ||||
Net premiums written | 3,758,720 | 3,377,906 | 11.3 | % | ||||||
Net premiums earned | 3,461,700 | 3,134,155 | 10.5 | % | ||||||
Underwriting income | 260,944 | 327,318 | (20.3 | %) | ||||||
Underwriting ratios: | ||||||||||
Current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 51.8 | % | 51.0 | % | 0.8 pts | |||||
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio | 3.2 | % | 6.5 | % | (3.3 pts) | |||||
Current accident year loss ratio | 55.0 | % | 57.5 | % | (2.5 pts) | |||||
Prior year reserve development ratio | 5.1 | % | (0.5 | %) | 5.6 pts | |||||
Net losses and loss expenses ratio | 60.1 | % | 57.0 | % | 3.1 pts | |||||
Acquisition cost ratio | 18.7 | % | 18.4 | % | 0.3 pts | |||||
Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio | 13.7 | % | 14.2 | % | (0.5 pts) | |||||
Combined ratio | 92.5 | % | 89.6 | % | 2.9 pts | |||||
Current accident year combined ratio | 87.4 | % | 90.1 | % | (2.7 pts) | |||||
Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 84.2 | % | 83.6 | % | 0.6 pts | |||||
- Gross premiums written increased by $555 million, or 10%, attributable to increases in all lines of business with the exception of professional lines which decreased in the year principally due to the unattractive pricing environment for U.S. public D&O business, together with the reduction in activity in transactional liability business.
- Net premiums written increased by $381 million, or 11% ($392 million, or 12%, on a constant currency basis), reflecting the increase in gross premiums written, together with a decrease in premiums ceded in professional lines.
Reinsurance Segment
Quarters ended December 31, | ||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
Gross premiums written | $ | 200,915 | $ | 287,891 | (30.2 | %) | ||||
Net premiums written | 102,384 | 209,768 | (51.2 | %) | ||||||
Net premiums earned | 348,494 | 509,648 | (31.6 | %) | ||||||
Underwriting income (loss) | (212,398 | ) | 8,861 | nm | ||||||
Underwriting ratios: | ||||||||||
Current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 64.5 | % | 65.5 | % | (1.0 pts) | |||||
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio | 0.8 | % | 5.7 | % | (4.9 pts) | |||||
Current accident year loss ratio | 65.3 | % | 71.2 | % | (5.9 pts) | |||||
Prior year reserve development ratio | 69.8 | % | (0.8 | %) | 70.6 pts | |||||
Net losses and loss expenses ratio | 135.1 | % | 70.4 | % | 64.7 pts | |||||
Acquisition cost ratio | 22.6 | % | 23.7 | % | (1.1 pts) | |||||
Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio | 5.1 | % | 4.7 | % | 0.4 pts | |||||
Combined ratio | 162.8 | % | 98.8 | % | 64.0 pts | |||||
Current accident year combined ratio | 93.0 | % | 99.6 | % | (6.6 pts) | |||||
Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 92.2 | % | 93.9 | % | (1.7 pts) | |||||
nm - not meaningful is defined as a variance greater than +/- 100% | ||||||||||
- Gross premiums written decreased by $87 million, or 30% ($83 million, or 29%, on a constant currency basis), primarily attributable to a lower level of positive premium adjustments in the quarter compared to the prior year and the timing of renewals of significant contracts.
- Net premiums written decreased by $107 million, or 51% ($104 million, or 49%, on a constant currency basis), reflecting the decrease in gross premiums written in the quarter, together with an increase in premiums ceded associated with a new quota share retrocession agreement.
- The current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses, decreased by 1.0 point, principally due to favorable pricing over loss trends experienced in most lines of business. In addition, the prior year quarter included the impact of a year-to-date update to loss ratios to reflect the inflationary environment.
- The acquisition cost ratio decreased by 1.1 points, primarily related to an increase in ceding commissions from retrocessional agreements due to changes in business mix largely associated with increases in credit and surety, accident and health, liability, and motor lines written in recent periods.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
Gross premiums written | $ | 2,215,761 | $ | 2,629,014 | (15.7 | %) | ||||
Net premiums written | 1,343,605 | 1,885,150 | (28.7 | %) | ||||||
Net premiums earned | 1,622,081 | 2,026,171 | (19.9 | %) | ||||||
Underwriting income (loss) | (100,182 | ) | 31,365 | nm | ||||||
Underwriting ratios: | ||||||||||
Current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 64.8 | % | 62.6 | % | 2.2 pts | |||||
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio | 1.6 | % | 9.7 | % | (8.1 pts) | |||||
Current accident year loss ratio | 66.4 | % | 72.3 | % | (5.9 pts) | |||||
Prior year reserve development ratio | 14.6 | % | (0.4 | %) | 15.0 pts | |||||
Net losses and loss expenses ratio | 81.0 | % | 71.9 | % | 9.1 pts | |||||
Acquisition cost ratio | 21.7 | % | 21.9 | % | (0.2 pts) | |||||
Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio | 4.9 | % | 5.3 | % | (0.4 pts) | |||||
Combined ratio | 107.6 | % | 99.1 | % | 8.5 pts | |||||
Current accident year combined ratio | 93.0 | % | 99.5 | % | (6.5 pts) | |||||
Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 91.4 | % | 89.8 | % | 1.6 pts | |||||
nm - not meaningful is defined as a variance greater than +/- 100% | ||||||||||
- Gross premiums written decreased by $413 million, or 16% ($365 million, or 14%, on a constant currency basis) including a decrease of $280 million attributable to run-off lines. In addition, a decrease of $19 million was associated with the exit from aviation business. In ongoing specialty lines, decreases in liability, motor, and professional lines were due to non-renewals.
- Net premiums written decreased by $542 million, or 29% ($493 million, or 26%, on a constant currency basis), reflecting the decrease in gross premiums written, together with an increase in premiums ceded associated with a new quota share retrocession agreement.
Investments
Quarters ended December 31, | Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 186,937 | $ | 147,085 | $ | 611,742 | $ | 418,829 | |||||||
Net investments gains (losses) | 23,041 | (42,558 | ) | (74,630 | ) | (456,789 | ) | ||||||||
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities(6) | 466,386 | 233,273 | 448,477 | (909,150 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments | 1,328 | (3,045 | ) | 4,163 | 1,995 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 677,692 | $ | 334,755 | $ | 989,752 | $ | (945,115 | ) | ||||||
Average cash and investments(7) | $ | 16,395,033 | $ | 15,782,384 | $ | 16,155,418 | $ | 15,963,535 | |||||||
Total return on average cash and investments, pre-tax: | |||||||||||||||
Including investment related foreign exchange movements | 4.1 | % | 2.1 | % | 6.1 | % | (5.9 | %) | |||||||
Excluding investment related foreign exchange movements(8) | 3.8 | % | 1.6 | % | 5.8 | % | (5.2 | %) | |||||||
- Net investment income increased by $40 million, or 27%, in the quarter, compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, attributable to an increase in income from our fixed maturities portfolio due to increased yields.
- Net investment gains recognized in net income for the quarter included net unrealized gains of $50 million ($37 million excluding foreign exchange movements), attributable to an increase in the market value of our equity securities portfolio.
- Net unrealized gains, pre-tax of $466 million ($422 million excluding foreign exchange movements) were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) in the quarter due to an increase in the market value of our fixed maturities portfolio attributable to a decline in yields, compared to net unrealized gains, pre-tax of $233 million ($182 million excluding foreign exchange movements) recognized during the fourth quarter of 2022.
- Book yield of fixed maturities was 4.2% at December 31, 2023, compared to 3.5% at December 31, 2022. The market yield was 5.4% at December 31, 2023.
| 6 Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities is calculated by taking net unrealized gains (losses) at period end less net unrealized gains (losses) at the prior period end. |
| 7 The average cash and investments balance is calculated by taking the average of the monthly fair value balances. |
| 8 Pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to pre-tax total return on cash and investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included foreign exchange (losses) gains of $60 million and $78 million for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and foreign exchange (losses) gains of $51 million and $(110) million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. |
Capitalization / Shareholders' Equity
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||
Total capital(9) | $ | 6,576,910 | $ | 5,952,224 | $ | 624,686 | ||
- Total capital of $6.6 billion included $1.3 billion of debt and $550 million of preferred equity, compared to $6.0 billion at December 31, 2022, with the increase driven by net income, and net unrealized investment gains reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), partially offset by common share dividends declared.
- On December 7, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the renewal of the share repurchase program for up to $100 million of the Company's common shares, effective January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
Book Value per diluted common share
December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2023 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Book value per diluted common share(10) | $ | 54.06 | $ | 51.17 | $ | 46.95 | ||
- Dividends declared were $0.44 per common share in the current quarter and $1.76 per common share over the past twelve months.
Three months ended, | Twelve months ended, | ||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
Change | % Change | Change | % Change | ||||||||
Book value per diluted common share | $ | 2.89 | 5.6 | % | $ | 7.11 | 15.1 | % | |||
Book value per diluted common share - adjusted for dividends declared | $ | 3.33 | 6.5 | % | $ | 8.87 | 18.9 | % | |||
- Book value per diluted common share increased by $2.89 in the quarter, driven by net unrealized investment gains reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), partially offset by the net loss for the period, and common share dividends declared.
- Book value per diluted common share increased by $7.11 over the past twelve months, driven by net income, and net unrealized investment gains reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), partially offset by common share dividends declared.
- Adjusted for net unrealized investment losses, after-tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), book value per diluted common share was $58.05.
- Adjusted for dividends declared, the book value per diluted common share increased by $3.33 for the quarter, and increased by $8.87 over the past twelve months.
| 9 Total capital represents the sum of total shareholders' equity and debt. |
| 10 Calculated using the treasury stock method. |
Conference Call
We will host a conference call on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. (EST) to discuss the fourth quarter and year-end financial results and related matters. The teleconference can be accessed by dialing 1-877-883-0383 (U.S. callers), or 1-412-902-6506 (international callers), and entering the passcode 4812106 approximately ten minutes in advance of the call. A live, listen-only webcast of the call will also be available via the Investor Information section of our website at www.axiscapital.com. A replay of the teleconference will be available for two weeks by dialing 1-877-344-7529 (U.S. callers), or 1-412-317-0088 (international callers), and entering the passcode 6289247. The webcast will be archived in the Investor Information section of our website.
In addition, an investor financial supplement for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 is available in the Investor Information section of our website.
About AXIS Capital
AXIS Capital, through its operating subsidiaries, is a global specialty underwriter and provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions. The Company has shareholders' equity of $5.3 billion at December 31, 2023, and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore and Canada. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a financial strength rating of "A+" ("Strong") by Standard & Poor's and "A" ("Excellent") by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com.
Website and Social Media Disclosure
We use our website (www.axiscapital.com) and our corporate LinkedIn (AXIS Capital) and X Corp. (@AXIS_Capital) accounts as channels of distribution of Company information. The information we post through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. In addition, e-mail alerts and other information about AXIS Capital may be received by those enrolled in our "E-mail Alerts" program which can be found in the Investor Information section of our website (www.axiscapital.com). The contents of our website and social media channels are not part of this press release.
Follow AXIS Capital on LinkedIn and X Corp.
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2kRYbZ5
AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2022 | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
Assets | |||||||
Investments: | |||||||
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value | $ | 12,234,742 | $ | 11,326,894 | |||
Fixed maturities, held to maturity, at amortized cost | 686,296 | 698,351 | |||||
Equity securities, at fair value | 588,511 | 485,253 | |||||
Mortgage loans, held for investment, at fair value | 610,148 | 627,437 | |||||
Other investments, at fair value | 949,413 | 996,751 | |||||
Equity method investments | 174,634 | 148,288 | |||||
Short-term investments, at fair value | 17,216 | 70,310 | |||||
Total investments | 15,260,960 | 14,353,284 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 953,476 | 751,415 | |||||
Restricted cash and cash equivalents | 430,509 | 423,238 | |||||
Accrued interest receivable | 106,055 | 94,418 | |||||
Insurance and reinsurance premium balances receivable | 3,067,554 | 2,733,464 | |||||
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses | 6,323,083 | 5,831,172 | |||||
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss expenses | 575,847 | 539,676 | |||||
Deferred acquisition costs | 450,950 | 473,569 | |||||
Prepaid reinsurance premiums | 1,916,087 | 1,550,370 | |||||
Receivable for investments sold | 8,767 | 16,052 | |||||
Goodwill | 100,801 | 100,801 | |||||
Intangible assets | 186,883 | 197,800 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 108,093 | 92,214 | |||||
Loan advances made | 305,222 | 87,160 | |||||
Other assets | 456,385 | 438,338 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 30,250,672 | $ | 27,682,971 | |||
Liabilities | |||||||
Reserve for losses and loss expenses | $ | 16,434,018 | $ | 15,168,863 | |||
Unearned premiums | 4,747,602 | 4,361,447 | |||||
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable | 1,792,719 | 1,609,924 | |||||
Debt | 1,313,714 | 1,312,314 | |||||
Federal Home Loan Bank advances | 85,790 | 81,388 | |||||
Payable for investments purchased | 26,093 | 19,693 | |||||
Operating lease liabilities | 123,101 | 102,577 | |||||
Other liabilities | 464,439 | 386,855 | |||||
Total liabilities | 24,987,476 | 23,043,061 | |||||
Shareholders' equity | |||||||
Preferred shares | 550,000 | 550,000 | |||||
Common shares | 2,206 | 2,206 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 2,383,030 | 2,366,253 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (365,836 | ) | (760,300 | ) | |||
Retained earnings | 6,440,528 | 6,247,022 | |||||
Treasury shares, at cost | (3,746,732 | ) | (3,765,271 | ) | |||
Total shareholders' equity | 5,263,196 | 4,639,910 | |||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 30,250,672 | $ | 27,682,971 | |||
AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE QUARTERS AND YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Quarters ended | Years ended | ||||||||||||||
2023
| 2022
| 2023
| 2022 | ||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||||
Net premiums earned | $ | 1,265,273 | $ | 1,340,162 | $ | 5,083,781 | $ | 5,160,326 | |||||||
Net investment income | 186,937 | 147,085 | 611,742 | 418,829 | |||||||||||
Net investment gains (losses) | 23,041 | (42,558 | ) | (74,630 | ) | (456,789 | ) | ||||||||
Other insurance related income | 6,050 | 3,076 | 22,495 | 13,073 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | 1,481,301 | 1,447,765 | 5,643,388 | 5,135,439 | |||||||||||
Expenses | |||||||||||||||
Net losses and loss expenses | 1,152,262 | 798,214 | 3,393,102 | 3,242,410 | |||||||||||
Acquisition costs | 253,918 | 275,573 | 1,000,945 | 1,022,017 | |||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 169,849 | 187,472 | 684,446 | 680,343 | |||||||||||
Foreign exchange losses (gains) | 69,871 | 78,989 | 58,115 | (157,945 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest expense and financing costs | 18,344 | 16,426 | 68,421 | 63,146 | |||||||||||
Reorganization expenses | - | 9,485 | 28,997 | 31,426 | |||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 2,729 | 2,729 | 10,917 | 10,917 | |||||||||||
Total expenses | 1,666,973 | 1,368,888 | 5,244,943 | 4,892,314 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments | (185,672 | ) | 78,877 | 398,445 | 243,125 | ||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | 41,762 | (27,341 | ) | (26,316 | ) | (22,037 | ) | ||||||||
Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments | 1,328 | (3,045 | ) | 4,163 | 1,995 | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (142,582 | ) | 48,491 | 376,292 | 223,083 | ||||||||||
Preferred share dividends | 7,563 | 7,563 | 30,250 | 30,250 | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders | $ | (150,145 | ) | $ | 40,928 | $ | 346,042 | $ | 192,833 | ||||||
Per share data | |||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per common share: | |||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per common share | $ | (1.76 | ) | $ | 0.48 | $ | 4.06 | $ | 2.27 | ||||||
Earnings (loss) per diluted common share | $ | (1.76 | ) | $ | 0.48 | $ | 4.02 | $ | 2.25 | ||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 85,268 | 84,667 | 85,142 | 84,864 | |||||||||||
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding | 85,268 | 85,655 | 86,012 | 85,669 | |||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per common share | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.44 | $ | 1.76 | $ | 1.73 | |||||||
AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL DATA (UNAUDITED) FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Insurance | Reinsurance | Total | Insurance | Reinsurance | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross premiums written | $ | 1,583,378 | $ | 200,915 | $ | 1,784,293 | $ | 1,470,805 | $ | 287,891 | $ | 1,758,696 | |||||||||||
Net premiums written | 969,871 | 102,384 | 1,072,255 | 886,786 | 209,768 | 1,096,554 | |||||||||||||||||
Net premiums earned | 916,779 | 348,494 | 1,265,273 | 830,514 | 509,648 | 1,340,162 | |||||||||||||||||
Other insurance related income (loss) | (289 | ) | 6,339 | 6,050 | 89 | 2,987 | 3,076 | ||||||||||||||||
Net losses and loss expenses | (681,515 | ) | (470,747 | ) | (1,152,262 | ) | (439,268 | ) | (358,946 | ) | (798,214 | ) | |||||||||||
Acquisition costs | (175,050 | ) | (78,868 | ) | (253,918 | ) | (154,859 | ) | (120,714 | ) | (275,573 | ) | |||||||||||
Underwriting-related general and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
administrative expenses(11) | (121,600 | ) | (17,616 | ) | (139,216 | ) | (113,106 | ) | (24,114 | ) | (137,220 | ) | |||||||||||
Underwriting income (loss)(12) | $ | (61,675 | ) | $ | (212,398 | ) | (274,073 | ) | $ | 123,370 | $ | 8,861 | 132,231 | ||||||||||
Net investment income | 186,937 | 147,085 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment gains (losses) | 23,041 | (42,558 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate expenses(11) | (30,633 | ) | (50,252 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (losses) gains | (69,871 | ) | (78,989 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense and financing costs | (18,344 | ) | (16,426 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Reorganization expenses | - | (9,485 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | (2,729 | ) | (2,729 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments | (185,672 | ) | 78,877 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | 41,762 | (27,341 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments | 1,328 | (3,045 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (142,582 | ) | 48,491 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred share dividends | 7,563 | 7,563 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) available (attributable to common shareholders | $ | (150,145 | ) | $ | 40,928 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net losses and loss expenses ratio | 74.3 | % | 135.1 | % | 91.1 | % | 52.9 | % | 70.4 | % | 59.6 | % | |||||||||||
Acquisition cost ratio | 19.1 | % | 22.6 | % | 20.1 | % | 18.6 | % | 23.7 | % | 20.6 | % | |||||||||||
General and administrative expense ratio | 13.3 | % | 5.1 | % | 13.4 | % | 13.7 | % | 4.7 | % | 13.9 | % | |||||||||||
Combined ratio | 106.7 | % | 162.8 | % | 124.6 | % | 85.2 | % | 98.8 | % | 94.1 | % | |||||||||||
| 11 Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included corporate expenses of $31 million and $50 million for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses are included in the general and administrative expense ratio. |
| 12 Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the table above. |
AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL DATA FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED) AND 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Insurance | Reinsurance | Total | Insurance | Reinsurance | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross premiums written | $ | 6,140,764 | $ | 2,215,761 | $ | 8,356,525 | $ | 5,585,581 | $ | 2,629,014 | $ | 8,214,595 | |||||||||||
Net premiums written | 3,758,720 | 1,343,605 | 5,102,325 | 3,377,906 | 1,885,150 | 5,263,056 | |||||||||||||||||
Net premiums earned | 3,461,700 | 1,622,081 | 5,083,781 | 3,134,155 | 2,026,171 | 5,160,326 | |||||||||||||||||
Other insurance related income (loss) | (198 | ) | 22,693 | 22,495 | 559 | 12,514 | 13,073 | ||||||||||||||||
Net losses and loss expenses | (2,080,001 | ) | (1,313,101 | ) | (3,393,102 | ) | (1,785,854 | ) | (1,456,556 | ) | (3,242,410 | ) | |||||||||||
Acquisition costs | (648,463 | ) | (352,482 | ) | (1,000,945 | ) | (577,838 | ) | (444,179 | ) | (1,022,017 | ) | |||||||||||
Underwriting-related general and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
administrative expenses(13) | (472,094 | ) | (79,373 | ) | (551,467 | ) | (443,704 | ) | (106,585 | ) | (550,289 | ) | |||||||||||
Underwriting income (loss)(14) | $ | 260,944 | $ | (100,182 | ) | 160,762 | $ | 327,318 | $ | 31,365 | 358,683 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | 611,742 | 418,829 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment gains (losses) | (74,630 | ) | (456,789 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate expenses(13) | (132,979 | ) | (130,054 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (losses) gains | (58,115 | ) | 157,945 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense and financing costs | (68,421 | ) | (63,146 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Reorganization expenses | (28,997 | ) | (31,426 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | (10,917 | ) | (10,917 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes and interest in income of equity method investments | 398,445 | 243,125 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (26,316 | ) | (22,037 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest in income of equity method investments | 4,163 | 1,995 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 376,292 | 223,083 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred share dividends | 30,250 | 30,250 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 346,042 | $ | 192,833 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net losses and loss expenses ratio | 60.1 | % | 81.0 | % | 66.7 | % | 57.0 | % | 71.9 | % | 62.8 | % | |||||||||||
Acquisition cost ratio | 18.7 | % | 21.7 | % | 19.7 | % | 18.4 | % | 21.9 | % | 19.8 | % | |||||||||||
General and administrative expense ratio | 13.7 | % | 4.9 | % | 13.5 | % | 14.2 | % | 5.3 | % | 13.2 | % | |||||||||||
Combined ratio | 92.5 | % | 107.6 | % | 99.9 | % | 89.6 | % | 99.1 | % | 95.8 | % | |||||||||||
| 13 Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included corporate expenses of $133 million and $130 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses are included in the general and administrative expense ratio. |
| 14 Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the table above. |
AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED) OPERATING INCOME, UNDERLYING OPERATING INCOME, AND OPERATING RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY FOR THE QUARTERS AND YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Quarters ended | Years ended | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders | $ | (150,145 | ) | $ | 40,928 | $ | 346,042 | $ | 192,833 | ||||||
Net investment (gains) losses (15) | (23,041 | ) | 42,558 | 74,630 | 456,789 | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange losses (gains) (16) | 69,871 | 78,989 | 58,115 | (157,945 | ) | ||||||||||
Reorganization expenses (17) | - | 9,485 | 28,997 | 31,426 | |||||||||||
Interest in (income) loss of equity method investments (18) | (1,328 | ) | 3,045 | (4,163 | ) | (1,995 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax benefit | (2,348 | ) | (8,397 | ) | (17,488 | ) | (23,177 | ) | |||||||
Operating income (loss) (19) | $ | (106,991 | ) | $ | 166,608 | $ | 486,133 | $ | 497,931 | ||||||
Net losses and loss expenses (20) | 425,001 | - | 425,001 | - | |||||||||||
Associated income tax benefit (20) | (64,038 | ) | - | (64,038 | ) | - | |||||||||
Underlying operating income | $ | 253,972 | $ | 166,608 | $ | 847,096 | $ | 497,931 | |||||||
Earnings (loss) per diluted common share | $ | (1.76 | ) | $ | 0.48 | $ | 4.02 | $ | 2.25 | ||||||
Net investment (gains) losses | (0.27 | ) | 0.50 | 0.87 | 5.33 | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange losses (gains) | 0.82 | 0.92 | 0.68 | (1.84 | ) | ||||||||||
Reorganization expenses | - | 0.11 | 0.34 | 0.37 | |||||||||||
Interest in (income) loss of equity method investments | (0.02 | ) | 0.04 | (0.05 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax benefit | (0.02 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.28 | ) | |||||||
Operating income (loss) per diluted common share (19) | $ | (1.25 | ) | $ | 1.95 | $ | 5.65 | $ | 5.81 | ||||||
Net losses and loss expenses | 4.93 | - | 4.94 | - | |||||||||||
Associated income tax benefit | (0.74 | ) | - | (0.74 | ) | - | |||||||||
Underlying operating income per diluted common share | $ | 2.94 | $ | 1.95 | $ | 9.85 | $ | 5.81 | |||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 85,268 | 84,667 | 85,142 | 84,864 | |||||||||||
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding (19) | 85,268 | 85,655 | 86,012 | 85,669 | |||||||||||
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding | 86,270 | 85,655 | 86,012 | 85,669 | |||||||||||
Average common shareholders' equity | $ | 4,598,202 | $ | 3,941,666 | $ | 4,401,553 | $ | 4,475,283 | |||||||
Annualized return on average common equity | (13.1 | %) | 4.2 | % | 7.9 | % | 4.3 | % | |||||||
Annualized operating return on average common equity (21) | (9.3 | %) | 16.9 | % | 11.0 | % | 11.1 | % | |||||||
| 15Tax expense (benefit) of $(1) million and $(2) million for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $(10) million and $(36) million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions, after consideration of other relevant factors including the ability to utilize capital losses. |
| 16Tax expense (benefit) of $(1) million and $(5) million for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $(3) million and $16 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions, after consideration of other relevant factors including the tax status of specific foreign exchange transactions. |
| 17Tax expense (benefit) of $nil and $(1) million for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $(5) million and $(4) million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions. |
| 18Tax expense (benefit) of $nil for the quarters and years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions. |
| 19Due to the operating loss recognized for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, the share equivalents were anti-dilutive. |
| 20Net adverse prior year reserve development of $425 million, pre-tax ($361 million, post-tax) for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. |
| 21Annualized operating return on average common equity ("operating ROACE") is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to annualized ROACE, the most comparable GAAP financial measure is presented in the table above, and a discussion of the rationale for its presentation is provided later in this press release. |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including statements regarding our estimates, beliefs, expectations, intentions, strategies or projections are forward-looking statements. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the United States federal securities laws. In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "plan", "believe", "predict", "potential", "intend" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond management's control.
Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may include, but are not limited to, information regarding our estimates for losses and loss expenses, measurements of potential losses in the fair market value of our investment portfolio and derivative contracts, our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, the outcome of our strategic initiatives including our exit from catastrophe and property reinsurance lines of business, our expectations regarding pricing and other market and economic conditions including the liquidity of financial markets, developments in the commercial real estate market, inflation, our growth prospects, and valuations of the potential impact of movements in interest rates, credit spreads, equity securities' prices, and foreign currency exchange rates.
Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
Insurance Risk
- the cyclical nature of the insurance and reinsurance business leading to periods with excess underwriting capacity and unfavorable premium rates;
- the occurrence and magnitude of natural and man-made disasters, including the potential increase of our exposure to natural catastrophe losses due to climate change and the potential for inherently unpredictable losses from man-made catastrophes, such as cyber-attacks;
- the effects of emerging claims, systemic risks, and coverage and regulatory issues, including increasing litigation and uncertainty related to coverage definitions, limits, terms and conditions;
- actual claims exceeding reserves for losses and loss expenses;
- losses related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, terrorism and political unrest, or other unanticipated losses;
- the adverse impact of inflation;
- the failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ;
- the failure of our cedants to adequately evaluate risks;
Strategic Risk
- underwriting and investment exposure in light of the recent disruption in the banking sector, which we expect to be within our risk appetite for an event of this nature;
- changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operate or underwrite business, including the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union;
- the loss of business provided to us by major brokers;
- a decline in our ratings with rating agencies;
- the loss of one or more of our key executives;
- increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from investors, customers, regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders regarding environmental, social and governance matters;
- the adverse impact of contagious diseases (including COVID-19) on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity;
Credit and Market Risk
- the inability to purchase reinsurance or collect amounts due to us from reinsurance we have purchased;
- the failure of our policyholders or intermediaries to pay premiums;
- general economic, capital and credit market conditions, including banking and commercial real estate sector instability, financial market illiquidity and fluctuations in interest rates, credit spreads, equity securities' prices, and/or foreign currency exchange rates;
- breaches by third parties in our program business of their obligations to us;
Liquidity Risk
- the inability to access sufficient cash to meet our obligations when they are due;
Operational Risk
- changes in accounting policies or practices;
- the use of industry models and changes to these models;
- difficulties with technology and/or data security;
- the failure of the processes, people or systems that we rely on to maintain our operations and manage the operational risks inherent to our business, including those outsourced to third parties;
Regulatory Risk
- changes in governmental regulations and potential government intervention in our industry;
- inadvertent failure to comply with certain laws and regulations relating to sanctions, foreign corrupt practices, data protection and privacy; and
Risks Related to Taxation
- changes in tax laws.
Readers should carefully consider the risks noted above together with other factors including but not limited to those described under Item 1A, 'Risk Factors' in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as those factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic and other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Rationale for the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We present our results of operations in a way we believe will be meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use our financial information to evaluate our performance. Some of the measurements we use are considered non-GAAP financial measures under SEC rules and regulations. In this press release, we present underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, consolidated underwriting income (loss), current accident year combined ratio, operating income (loss) (in total and on a per share basis), annualized operating return on average common equity ("operating ROACE"), underlying operating income (loss) (in total and on a per share basis), amounts presented on a constant currency basis and pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements which are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation G. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, which may be defined and calculated differently by other companies, help explain and enhance the understanding of our results of operations. However, these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").
Underwriting-Related General and Administrative Expenses
Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses include those general and administrative expenses that are incremental and/or directly attributable to our underwriting operations. While this measure is presented in the 'Segment Information' note to our Consolidated Financial Statements, it is considered a non-GAAP financial measure when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis.
Corporate expenses include holding company costs necessary to support our worldwide insurance and reinsurance operations and costs associated with operating as a publicly-traded company. As these costs are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our underwriting operations, these costs are excluded from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, and therefore, consolidated underwriting income (loss). General and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure to underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, also includes corporate expenses.
The reconciliation of underwriting-related general and administrative expenses to general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Consolidated Segmental Data' section of this press release.
Consolidated Underwriting Income (Loss)
Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a pre-tax measure of underwriting profitability that takes into account net premiums earned and other insurance related income (loss) as revenues and net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and underwriting-related general and administrative expenses as expenses. While this measure is presented in the 'Segment Information' note to our Consolidated Financial Statements, it is considered a non-GAAP financial measure when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis.
We evaluate our underwriting results separately from the performance of our investment portfolio. As a result, we believe it is appropriate to exclude net investment income and net investment gains (losses) from our underwriting profitability measure.
Foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations primarily relate to the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on our net insurance-related liabilities. However, we manage our investment portfolio in such a way that unrealized and realized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our investment portfolio, including unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our equity securities, and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized on the sale of our available for sale investments and equity securities recognized in net investment gains (losses), and unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our available for sale investments in other comprehensive income (loss), generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) arising from our underwriting portfolio, thereby minimizing the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on total shareholders' equity. As a result, we believe that foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations in isolation are not a meaningful contributor to our underwriting performance. Therefore, foreign exchange losses (gains) are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).
Interest expense and financing costs primarily relate to interest payable on our debt and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. As these expenses are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our underwriting operations, these expenses are excluded from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, and therefore, consolidated underwriting income (loss).
Reorganization expenses in 2023 include impairments of computer software assets and severance costs mainly attributable to our "How We Work" program which is focused on simplifying our operating structure. Reorganization expenses in 2022 included severance costs and impairments of computer software assets mainly attributable to our exit from catastrophe and property reinsurance lines of business which was part of an overall approach to reduce our exposure to volatile catastrophe risk. Reorganization expenses are primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process. Therefore, these expenses are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).
Amortization of intangible assets arose from business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process. Therefore, these expenses are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).
We believe that the presentation of underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and consolidated underwriting income (loss) provides investors with an enhanced understanding of our results of operations by highlighting the underlying pre-tax profitability of our underwriting activities. The reconciliation of consolidated underwriting income (loss) to net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Consolidated Segmental Data' section of this press release.
Current accident year combined ratio
Current accident year combined ratio represents underwriting results exclusive of net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development. We believe that the presentation of current accident year combined ratio provides investors with an enhanced understanding of our results of operations by highlighting the profitability of our underwriting activities excluding the impact of volatile prior year reserve development. A reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure, combined ratio is provided in the 'Fourth Quarter Consolidated Underwriting Highlights' and 'Full Year Consolidated Underwriting Highlights' sections of this press release.
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income (loss) represents after-tax operational results exclusive of net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments.
Although the investment of premiums to generate income and investment gains (losses) is an integral part of our operations, the determination to realize investment gains (losses) is independent of the underwriting process and is heavily influenced by the availability of market opportunities. Furthermore, many users believe that the timing of the realization of investment gains (losses) is somewhat opportunistic for many companies.
Foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations primarily relate to the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on net insurance-related liabilities. However, we manage our investment portfolio in such a way that unrealized and realized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our investment portfolio, including unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our equity securities, and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized on the sale of our available for sale investments and equity securities recognized in net investment gains (losses), and unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our available for sale investments in other comprehensive income (loss), generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) arising from our underwriting portfolio, thereby minimizing the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on total shareholders' equity. As a result, we believe that foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations in isolation are not a meaningful contributor to the performance of our business. Therefore, foreign exchange losses (gains) are excluded from operating income (loss).
Reorganization expenses in 2023 include impairments of computer software assets and severance costs mainly attributable to our "How We Work" program which is focused on simplifying our operating structure. Reorganization expenses in 2022 included severance costs and impairments of computer software assets mainly attributable to our exit from catastrophe and property reinsurance lines of business which was part of an overall approach to reduce our exposure to volatile catastrophe risk. Reorganization expenses are primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process. Therefore, these expenses are excluded from consolidated operating income (loss).
Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments is primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process. Therefore, this income (loss) is excluded from operating income (loss).
Certain users of our financial statements evaluate performance exclusive of after-tax net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments to understand the profitability of recurring sources of income.
We believe that showing net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders exclusive of after-tax net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments reflects the underlying fundamentals of our business. In addition, we believe that this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze performance in a manner similar to how our management analyzes the underlying business performance. We also believe this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, facilitates comparison of our performance with our peer group. We believe that equity analysts and certain rating agencies that follow us, and the insurance industry as a whole, generally exclude these items from their analyses for the same reasons. The reconciliation of operating income (loss) to net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' section of this press release.
We also present operating income (loss) per diluted common share and annualized operating ROACE, which are derived from the operating income (loss) measure and are reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, earnings (loss) per diluted common share and annualized return on average common equity ("ROACE"), respectively, in the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' section of this press release.
Underlying Operating Income (Loss)
Underlying operating income (loss) represents underwriting results exclusive of net adverse prior year reserve development of $425 million, pre-tax and $361 million, post-tax for the fourth quarter of 2023. We believe that the presentation of underlying operating income (loss) provides investors with an enhanced understanding of our results of operations by highlighting the profitability of our underwriting activities excluding the impact of the fourth quarter net adverse prior year reserve development. The reconciliation of underlying operating income (loss) to net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' section of this press release.
We also present underlying operating income (loss) per diluted common share which is derived from the underlying operating income (loss) measure and is reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure, earnings (loss) per diluted common share in the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' section of this press release.
Constant Currency Basis
We present gross premiums written and net premiums written on a constant currency basis in this press release. The amounts presented on a constant currency basis are calculated by applying the average foreign exchange rate from the current year to the prior year amounts. We believe this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze growth in gross premiums written and net premiums written on a constant basis. The reconciliation to gross premiums written and net premiums written on a GAAP basis is presented in the 'Insurance Segment' and 'Reinsurance Segment' sections of this press release.
Pre-Tax Total Return on Cash and Investments excluding Foreign Exchange Movements
Pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements measures net investment income (loss), net investments gains (losses), interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, and change in unrealized gains (losses) generated by average cash and investment balances. We believe this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze the performance of our investment portfolio. The reconciliation of pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements to pre-tax total return on cash and investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Investments' section of this press release.
Contacts
Cliff Gallant (Investor Contact): (415) 262-6843; investorrelations@axiscapital.com
Nichola Liboro (Media Contact): (917) 705-4579; nichola.liboro@axiscapital.com
