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Axis Capital Holdings (AXS)
NYSE:AXS

Axis Capital (AXS) AI Stock Analysis

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AX

Axis Capital

(NYSE:AXS)

83Outperform
Axis Capital's strong financial performance, particularly in cash flow and profitability, combined with positive earnings call guidance, underpin a high stock score. The technical indicators offer a stable outlook, and the valuation suggests the stock is undervalued, adding to its attractiveness. Overall, Axis Capital is well-positioned in the insurance industry with a promising outlook for continued growth.
Positive Factors
Earnings 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.
Underwriting Performance
Axis's focus on E&S/Wholesale has enhanced underwriting performance, contributing to strong earnings and outperformance compared to peers.
Valuation and Re-rating Potential
Axis's stock has room to re-rate further if it can execute on its expense ratio reduction efforts without materially compromising a growth trajectory.
Negative Factors
Expense Ratio Concerns
The company missed on the expense ratio, driven by higher variable compensation.
Loss Ratio Sustainability
Concerns exist about potential challenges in reserves and loss ratio deterioration due to social inflationary forces.
Pricing Environment Risks
Caution is advised regarding the pricing environment and the ability to sustain growth and improved loss ratios.

Axis Capital (AXS) vs. S&P 500 (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, collecting premiums from clients in exchange for assuming risk. Its revenue model is centered around two primary streams: Insurance and Reinsurance. The Insurance segment generates income by offering various specialty insurance products directly to businesses and individuals, focusing on high-margin, niche markets. The Reinsurance segment earns revenue by providing other insurance companies with risk mitigation services, allowing them to manage their exposure to large losses. In addition to underwriting income, Axis Capital also derives revenue from investment activities, where it manages and invests the premiums collected until claims are paid out. Strategic partnerships and a strong focus on risk management also play a significant role in enhancing the company's financial performance, allowing it to maintain a robust capital position and competitive edge in the insurance and reinsurance markets.

Axis Capital Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Axis Capital exhibits robust financial health characterized by strong profitability, effective cost management, and excellent cash flow generation. While the income statement and cash flow present a positive outlook with significant growth and efficiency, the balance sheet's missing data for 2024 poses limitations in evaluating long-term financial stability.
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
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
5.96B5.62B5.14B5.32B4.84B
Gross Profit
5.95B5.61B5.12B5.32B4.84B
EBIT
5.28B4.95B365.64M657.70M-124.66M
EBITDA
1.26B542.42M374.56M778.19M11.71M
Net Income Common Stockholders
1.08B376.29M223.08M618.61M-116.81M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
6.92B5.31B12.15B13.19B13.11B
Total Assets
32.52B30.25B27.60B27.37B25.88B
Total Debt
1.49B1.52B1.50B1.43B1.45B
Net Debt
-655.30M569.13M744.86M585.89M547.13M
Total Liabilities
26.43B24.99B22.96B21.96B20.58B
Stockholders Equity
6.09B5.26B4.64B5.41B5.30B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
1.84B1.26B655.39M1.08B298.84M
Operating Cash Flow
1.84B1.26B692.22M1.11B343.50M
Investing Cash Flow
280.45M-855.61M-655.80M-1.11B489.92M
Financing Cash Flow
-417.29M-202.37M-149.62M-186.09M-908.80M

Axis Capital Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price95.96
Price Trends
50DMA
94.36
Positive
100DMA
91.98
Positive
200DMA
84.89
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.17
Negative
RSI
53.49
Neutral
STOCH
70.22
Neutral
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 95.96 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 94.66, above the 50-day MA of 94.36, and above the 200-day MA of 84.89, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.17 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 53.49 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 70.22 is Neutral, 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 (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
AXAXS
83
Outperform
$7.55B7.6819.06%1.85%6.10%206.71%
AFAFG
78
Outperform
$10.52B11.8920.33%2.39%6.91%4.97%
RLRLI
76
Outperform
$7.02B20.4617.99%0.80%9.18%-16.06%
THTHG
76
Outperform
$5.87B13.9216.03%2.16%4.07%1110.92%
74
Outperform
$5.26B26.837.48%1.67%13.37%-35.09%
WTWTM
67
Neutral
$4.52B19.585.22%0.06%2.48%-54.02%
63
Neutral
$12.38B9.577.87%79.17%12.62%-4.94%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AXS
Axis Capital
95.96
35.92
59.83%
AFG
American Financial Group
127.31
7.99
6.70%
RLI
RLI
73.91
5.32
7.76%
SIGI
Selective Insurance Group
88.37
-11.66
-11.66%
THG
Hanover Insurance
162.91
36.17
28.54%
WTM
White Mountains Insurance Group
1,758.07
-19.13
-1.08%

Axis Capital Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 29, 2025
(Q4-2024)
|
% Change Since: 7.10%|
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted strong financial performance across key metrics such as operating earnings, return on equity, and premium growth in both insurance and reinsurance segments. Despite the tragic wildfires in Los Angeles, AXIS Capital's direct impact was limited and manageable. The increase in the expense ratio due to variable compensation was noted, but overall, the results reflected significant positive achievements.
Q4-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Operating Earnings
AXIS Capital reported record operating earnings per share of $11.18, a 98% increase over the prior year and 75% higher than the previous best in 2007.
Strong Financial Metrics
Operating return on equity was 18.6%, with a year-end book value of $65.27, representing a 20.7% growth compared to the prior year.
Insurance Segment Performance
The Insurance business performed well with a combined ratio of 89.1% and generated $6.6 billion in premium, up 7.7% over the prior year.
Reinsurance Segment Growth
Reinsurance produced a combined ratio of 91.8% and generated $2.4 billion in premiums, growing nearly 8% driven by a 16% increase in targeted short-tail specialty lines.
Record Net Investment Income
Net investment income was a record $759 million for the year, up 24% from the prior year.
Negative Updates
Wildfire Impact
Tragic wildfires in Los Angeles were acknowledged, but AXIS Capital's exposure was mentioned to be within a manageable range.
Expense Ratio Concerns
The fourth-quarter G&A expense ratio was 13.7%, up from the prior year's 13.4%, attributed to accruals for variable compensation.
Company Guidance
During the AXIS Capital Fourth Quarter 2024 Conference Call, the company highlighted significant achievements and provided guidance for 2025. AXIS reported a robust operating return on equity of 18.6%, with a year-end book value of $65.27, marking a 20.7% increase from the previous year. The company achieved record operating earnings per share of $11.18, a 98% rise over the prior year, and noted its top four quarters of operating earnings per share all occurred in 2024. The combined ratio improved by 7.6 points to 92.3%, while premium growth reached $9 billion, up 7.8% year-over-year. AXIS also reported a record net investment income of $759 million. The company's strategic focus on underwriting and product expansion, operational enhancements, and talent acquisition positions it for sustained, profitable growth and value creation in 2025 and beyond.

Axis Capital Corporate Events

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.

Spark’s Take on AXS Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, AXS is a Outperform.

Axis Capital’s strong financial performance, particularly in cash flow and profitability, combined with positive earnings call guidance, underpin a high stock score. The technical indicators offer a stable outlook, and the valuation suggests the stock is undervalued, adding to its attractiveness. The absence of significant corporate events or detracting factors contributes to a favorable overall evaluation.

To see Spark’s full report on AXS stock, click here.

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.

Spark’s Take on AXS Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, AXS is a Outperform.

Axis Capital’s overall score reflects its strong financial performance, effective cash management, and strategic initiatives. Key strengths include robust profitability and efficient operations, while technical indicators and valuation further support a positive outlook. The earnings call and corporate events bolster the company’s strategic positioning in the insurance industry.

To see Spark’s full report on AXS stock, click here.

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.