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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:81Outperform
Price Target:
$118.00
â–²(14.33%Upside)
AXIS Capital's strong financial performance and strategic initiatives, such as the loss portfolio transfer, position it well in the insurance sector. The stock's undervaluation and positive earnings call highlights further enhance its attractiveness. However, technical indicators suggest cautious optimism, and challenges in property rates and tariffs may impact future performance.
Positive Factors
Earnings Performance
AXIS’s 1Q25 result exceeded forecast due to lower catastrophe losses, better expense ratios, and favorable prior-year development.
Expense Management
Axis has already achieved more than 50% of its 2026 expense target, suggesting potential material upside to 2026 EPS.
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.
Premium Growth
Higher cession rates resulted in weak premium growth in the Insurance segment.
Pricing Environment
There is some caution 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: 7.15%|
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 presents a robust financial profile characterized by strong revenue growth, high profitability margins, and efficient cash flow management. The company benefits from low leverage and a solid equity base, reducing financial risk. However, fluctuations in EBIT margins and potential equity declines require attention. Overall, the company is well-positioned in the insurance sector, demonstrating resilience and growth potential.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Axis Capital demonstrates strong revenue growth, with total revenue increasing from $5.61 billion in 2023 to $6.03 billion TTM 2025, reflecting a solid growth trajectory. Gross profit margins are consistently high, showing efficient cost management. The net profit margin for TTM 2025 is approximately 14.61%, indicating profitability improvement. However, the significant drop in EBIT margin from 88.09% in 2023 to 18.51% TTM 2025 suggests potential volatility in operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
Axis Capital maintains a healthy balance sheet with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25 for TTM 2025, indicating low leverage. The equity ratio of 17.75% reflects a solid equity base relative to total assets. Return on equity is robust at 14.91% for TTM 2025, showcasing effective use of shareholders' funds. Despite these strengths, the decline in stockholders' equity from 2024 to 2025 warrants monitoring.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Axis Capital's cash flow position is strong, with a significant increase in free cash flow from $1.25 billion in 2023 to $1.78 billion TTM 2025. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 2.01 for TTM 2025 indicates efficient cash generation relative to net earnings. Stability in free cash flow to net income ratio suggests consistent cash conversion. However, fluctuations in investing and financing cash flows may indicate variability in cash management strategies.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue6.03B5.96B5.62B5.14B5.32B4.84B
Gross Profit6.02B5.95B5.61B5.12B5.32B4.84B
EBITDA1.10B1.08B542.42M374.56M778.19M11.71M
Net Income880.40M1.08B376.29M223.08M618.61M-116.81M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets33.25B32.52B30.25B27.60B27.37B25.88B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments2.85B6.92B5.31B4.95B13.19B13.11B
Total Debt1.49B1.49B1.52B1.50B1.43B1.45B
Total Liabilities27.35B26.43B24.99B22.96B21.96B20.58B
Stockholders Equity5.90B6.09B5.26B4.64B5.41B5.30B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.78B1.84B1.26B655.39M1.08B298.84M
Operating Cash Flow1.77B1.84B1.26B692.22M1.11B343.50M
Investing Cash Flow531.70M280.45M-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 Price103.21
Price Trends
50DMA
100.65
Positive
100DMA
97.21
Positive
200DMA
90.85
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.41
Positive
RSI
53.01
Neutral
STOCH
44.68
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 103.21 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 103.26, above the 50-day MA of 100.65, and above the 200-day MA of 90.85, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.41 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 53.01 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 44.68 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 (67)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
AXAXS
81
Outperform
$8.09B9.8415.43%1.75%6.76%54.56%
THTHG
78
Outperform
$5.95B13.8015.74%2.17%3.09%168.29%
RLRLI
72
Outperform
$6.54B23.4517.99%0.89%9.18%-16.06%
68
Neutral
$5.12B22.997.48%1.77%13.37%-35.09%
67
Neutral
$16.66B11.449.71%3.92%11.61%-10.70%
AFAFG
66
Neutral
$10.39B12.8818.51%7.83%3.76%-9.12%
WTWTM
62
Neutral
$4.51B152.690.61%0.06%-4.09%-94.77%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AXS
Axis Capital
103.21
34.25
49.67%
AFG
American Financial Group
124.92
10.10
8.80%
RLI
RLI
71.32
3.14
4.61%
SIGI
Selective Insurance Group
86.00
-6.74
-7.27%
THG
Hanover Insurance
167.50
45.29
37.06%
WTM
White Mountains Insurance Group
1,783.93
20.87
1.18%

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
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: Jun 19, 2025