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Axis Capital Holdings (AXS)
NYSE:AXS

Axis Capital (AXS) AI Stock Analysis

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Axis Capital

(NYSE:AXS)

Rating:82Outperform
Price Target:
Axis Capital's strong profitability, efficient cash flow management, and undervalued stock position it as a favorable choice in the insurance industry. Positive technical indicators and strategic corporate actions further support its high stock score, despite some challenges highlighted in the earnings call.
Positive Factors
Expense Management
Axis has already achieved more than 50% of its 2026 expense target, suggesting potential material upside to 2026 EPS.
Financial Performance
AXIS's recent run of strong earnings generation is attributable to a favorable specialty underwriting environment, talent additions, and deliberate volatility-reducing underwriting decisions.
Share Repurchase
AXIS repurchased $440mn of its shares, ahead of the forecast of $247mn.
Negative Factors
Expense Ratio
The company missed on the expense ratio, driven by higher variable compensation.
Growth Challenges
Higher cession rates resulted in weak premium growth in the Insurance segment.
Pricing Environment
Analyst is somewhat cautious on its ability to sustain its loss ratio given the pricing environment.

Axis Capital (AXS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Axis Capital Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAXIS Capital Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides various specialty insurance and reinsurance products worldwide. It operates through two segments, Insurance and Reinsurance. The Insurance segment offers property insurance products for commercial buildings, residential premises, construction projects, and onshore energy installations; marine insurance products covering offshore energy, cargo, liability, recreational marine, fine art, specie, and hull war; and terrorism, aviation, credit and political risk, and liability insurance products. It also provides professional insurance products that cover directors' and officers' liability, errors and omissions liability, employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, crime, professional indemnity, cyber and privacy, medical malpractice, and other financial insurance related coverages for commercial enterprises, financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and other professional service providers. In addition, this segment offers accidental death, travel, and specialty health products for employer and affinity groups. The Reinsurance segment offers reinsurance products to insurance companies, including catastrophe reinsurance products; property reinsurance products covering property damage and related losses resulting from natural and man-made perils; professional lines; credit and surety; and motor liability products. This segment also provides agriculture reinsurance products; coverages for various types of construction risks and risks related to erection, testing, and commissioning of machinery and plants during the construction stage; marine and aviation reinsurance products; and personal accident, specialty health, accidental death, travel, life and disability reinsurance products. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.
How the Company Makes MoneyAxis Capital makes money primarily through the underwriting of insurance and reinsurance policies. In the Insurance segment, the company generates revenue by collecting premiums from policyholders in exchange for providing coverage against specified risks. In the Reinsurance segment, Axis Capital earns income by accepting risks from other insurance companies, allowing those companies to mitigate their own risk exposure. The company's earnings are further influenced by investment income, which is derived from the management of its investment portfolio. Key factors contributing to Axis Capital's revenue include its underwriting expertise, risk management strategies, and strategic partnerships with brokers and clients that facilitate access to diverse and profitable markets.

Axis Capital Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 30, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 11.02%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 05, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
AXIS Capital demonstrated strong financial performance with record earnings per share and significant growth in premiums and investment income. However, challenges such as a decline in property rates and potential impacts from tariffs create a mixed outlook.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Operating Earnings Per Share
AXIS Capital achieved a record operating earnings per share of $3.17, representing a 23% increase over the prior year quarter.
Strong Operating Return on Equity
The company reported an annualized operating return on equity of 19.2% for the quarter.
Record Premiums Growth
AXIS Capital generated record premiums of $2.8 billion, representing 5% growth over the prior year quarter, including $738 million in new premiums.
Net Investment Income Increase
The company reported net investment income of $208 million, up 24% over the prior year quarter.
Successful Share Repurchase
AXIS Capital completed $440 million in share repurchases during the quarter.
Negative Updates
Decline in Property Rate
The company experienced a 7% decline in property rates across its portfolio.
Challenges in Reinsurance Market
The reinsurance market remains varied by line, affecting the company's ability to grow consistently in certain areas.
Impact of Tariffs on Loss Costs
Potential impacts of tariffs on loss costs were noted, which could affect the company's property and cargo lines.
Increased Competition in UK Motor Market
The company faced increased competition in the UK motor market post-Ogden rate change, impacting premium volume.
Company Guidance
During the first quarter of 2025, AXIS Capital reported robust financial performance, highlighted by an annualized operating return on equity of 19.2% and a record diluted book value per common share of $66.48. Operating earnings per share reached $3.17, marking a 23% increase from the previous year and the highest quarterly operating earnings per share recorded by the company. The all-in combined ratio stood at 90.2%, even as natural catastrophe losses, including wildfires, amounted to over $55 billion, with AXIS' share being less than 10 basis points. The company achieved record premiums of $2.8 billion, reflecting 5% growth, and generated net investment income of $208 million, a 24% increase from the prior year. AXIS also successfully repurchased $440 million in shares and closed an LPT agreement with NSTAR, further affirming confidence in its reserves. The insurance segment delivered a combined ratio of 86.7%, while reinsurance reported a 92.3% combined ratio, with the company maintaining a strategic focus on profitable growth and adapting to evolving market conditions.

Axis Capital Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Axis Capital exhibits robust financial health characterized by strong profitability, effective cost management, and excellent cash flow generation. The income statement and cash flow show significant growth and efficiency, though the balance sheet's missing 2024 data poses some limitations.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Axis Capital demonstrates strong profitability with a significant gross profit margin averaging around 99% and a robust net profit margin increasing from 6.4% in 2023 to 18.2% in 2024. Revenue growth is healthy at approximately 6.1% from 2023 to 2024, indicating positive business momentum. The company also showcases high EBIT and EBITDA margins, reflecting efficient operations and cost management. However, fluctuations in past profitability metrics suggest some historical volatility.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
Axis Capital maintains a sound equity position with a solid equity ratio of around 17.4% in 2023. The debt-to-equity ratio is low at 0.29, indicating prudent financial leverage. However, the 2024 balance sheet lacks reported stockholders' equity and liabilities data, which limits a complete analysis. Historically, the balance sheet shows consistent asset growth, though equity volatility in recent years could pose potential risks.
Cash Flow
90
Very Positive
The company displays impressive cash flow performance with a strong free cash flow growth rate of 46.9% from 2023 to 2024. Operating cash flow significantly exceeds net income, indicating excellent cash generation ability. The free cash flow to net income ratio is highly favorable, suggesting the company's capacity to generate cash far exceeds its reported earnings. Axis Capital's effective cash management strategies are a notable strength.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
6.03B5.96B5.62B5.14B5.32B4.84B
Gross Profit
6.02B5.95B5.61B5.12B5.32B4.84B
EBIT
1.12B1.08B4.95B365.64M657.70M-124.66M
EBITDA
1.10B1.08B542.42M374.56M778.19M11.71M
Net Income Common Stockholders
880.40M1.08B376.29M223.08M618.61M-116.81M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
0.006.92B5.31B12.15B13.19B13.11B
Total Assets
0.0032.52B30.25B27.60B27.37B25.88B
Total Debt
0.001.49B1.52B1.50B1.43B1.45B
Net Debt
0.00-655.30M569.13M744.86M585.89M547.13M
Total Liabilities
0.0026.43B24.99B22.96B21.96B20.58B
Stockholders Equity
5.90B6.09B5.26B4.64B5.41B5.30B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
1.78B1.84B1.26B655.39M1.08B298.84M
Operating Cash Flow
1.77B1.84B1.26B692.22M1.11B343.50M
Investing Cash Flow
531.70M280.45M-855.61M-655.80M-1.11B489.92M
Financing Cash Flow
-805.45M-417.29M-202.37M-149.62M-186.09M-908.80M

Axis Capital Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price106.93
Price Trends
50DMA
98.43
Positive
100DMA
95.14
Positive
200DMA
88.85
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.82
Negative
RSI
64.36
Neutral
STOCH
86.38
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AXS, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 106.93 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 102.06, above the 50-day MA of 98.43, and above the 200-day MA of 88.85, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.82 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 64.36 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 86.38 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for AXS.

Axis Capital Risk Analysis

Axis Capital disclosed 54 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Axis Capital reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Axis Capital Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
AXAXS
82
Outperform
$8.26B10.2815.43%1.68%6.76%54.56%
THTHG
79
Outperform
$6.29B14.5915.74%2.00%3.09%168.29%
RLRLI
76
Outperform
$6.97B24.9817.99%0.79%9.18%-16.06%
71
Outperform
$5.31B23.847.48%1.70%13.37%-35.09%
AFAFG
66
Neutral
$10.28B12.9218.51%2.53%3.76%-9.12%
64
Neutral
$12.77B9.777.59%16985.66%12.30%-7.71%
WTWTM
63
Neutral
$4.62B156.660.61%0.05%-4.09%-94.77%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AXS
Axis Capital
106.93
37.18
53.30%
AFG
American Financial Group
125.16
6.26
5.26%
RLI
RLI
75.93
7.45
10.88%
SIGI
Selective Insurance Group
87.42
-5.34
-5.76%
THG
Hanover Insurance
175.12
50.67
40.72%
WTM
White Mountains Insurance Group
1,818.56
92.28
5.35%

Axis Capital Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Axis Capital Holds Annual General Meeting 2025
Neutral
May 21, 2025

On May 15, 2025, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited’s Human Capital and Compensation Committee approved amendments to the Executive RSU Retirement Plan, effective June 30, 2025. The changes expand eligibility to employees aged 60 or older with at least five years of service, allowing a substantial portion of equity awards to vest upon retirement if a Restrictive Covenant Agreement is executed. On May 16, 2025, the company held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, where all Class III Director nominees were elected, executive compensation was approved in a non-binding vote, and Deloitte Ltd. was appointed as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (AXS) stock is a Buy with a $90.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Axis Capital stock, see the AXS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
AXIS Capital Completes Major Loss Portfolio Transfer
Positive
Apr 24, 2025

On April 24, 2025, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited completed a significant loss portfolio transfer transaction with Enstar Group Limited, covering reinsurance segment reserves primarily related to casualty portfolios from 2021 and prior years. The transaction, involving a $3.1 billion reinsurance segment reserve, was structured as a 75% quota share, with AXIS retroceding $2.3 billion to Enstar’s subsidiary, Cavello Bay Reinsurance Limited. This strategic move, following regulatory approvals, is expected to enhance AXIS’s operational focus and financial positioning in the reinsurance industry.

Executive/Board Changes
Axis Capital Announces Resignation of Key Officer
Neutral
Apr 21, 2025

On April 16, 2025, Axis Capital Holdings Limited announced the resignation of Kent Ziegler as Global Corporate Controller and principal accounting officer, effective May 1, 2025. His departure was amicable and not due to any disagreements with the company’s operations or policies. The company has initiated a search for his successor, and in the interim, CFO Peter Vogt will assume the role of principal accounting officer without additional compensation.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.