EX-99.1 2 axsex99-1.htm PRESS RELEASE DATED FEBRUARY 3, 2015 Q4 2014 Press Release

Investor Contact
Media Contact
Linda Ventresca
Michael Herley
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited
Kekst and Company
investorrelations@axiscapital.com
michael-herley@kekst.com
(441) 405-2727
(212) 521-4897


AXIS CAPITAL REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER OPERATING INCOME OF $120 MILLION, OR $1.18 PER DILUTED COMMON SHARE

For the fourth quarter of 2014 the company reports:

•
Annualized return on average common equity of 12.6%
•
Annualized operating return on average common equity of 9.3%
•
Growth in diluted book value per common share of 2% to $50.63

Pembroke, Bermuda, February 3, 2015 - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (“AXIS Capital”) (NYSE: AXS) today reported a net income available to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2014 of $164 million, or $1.60 per diluted common share, compared with net income of $172 million, or $1.52 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2013. Net income available to common shareholders for the full year 2014 was $771 million, or $7.29 per diluted common share, compared with $684 million, or $5.93 per diluted common share, for 2013.

Our operating income1 for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $120 million, or $1.18 per diluted common share, compared with an operating income of $159 million, or $1.41 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2013. For the full year 2014, AXIS Capital reported operating income of $563 million, or $5.32 per diluted common share, compared with operating income of $633 million, or $5.49 per diluted common share, for 2013.




1 Operating income and operating return on average common equity are “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined in Regulation G. A reconciliation of operating income to net income available to common shareholders (the nearest GAAP financial measure) and the calculation of operating return on average common equity are provided in this release, as is a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items.



AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 1 -


Full Year Highlights2
•
Gross premiums written were flat at $4.7 billion, with growth of $38 million, or 2%, in our reinsurance segment offset by a decrease of $24 million, or 1%, in our insurance segment;
•
Net premiums written decreased 1% to $3.9 billion and net premiums earned increased by 4% to $3.9 billion;
•
Combined ratio of 91.6% (including 2.4 points related to 2014 natural catastrophe and weather-related losses), compared with 91.0% (including 5.4 points related to 2013 natural catastrophe and weather-related events);
•
Net favorable prior year reserve development of $259 million (benefiting the combined ratio by 6.7 points), compared to $219 million (benefiting the combined ratio by 5.9 points);
•
Net investment income decreased 16% to $343 million;
•
Pre-tax total return on cash and investments of 2.0%, compared to 1.6%;
•
Net income available to common shareholders of $771 million and return on average common equity of 14.8%, compared to $684 million and 13.1%;
•
Operating income of $563 million, representing an operating return on average common equity of 10.8%, compared to operating income of $633 million, representing an operating return on average common equity of 12.1%;
•
Net cash flows from operations of $887 million, compared to $1.1 billion in 2013;
•
Share repurchases total of $543 million for the year;
•
Diluted book value per common share of $50.63, an 11% increase from December 31, 2013;
•
Total dividends declared during the year of $1.10 per common share;
•
Growth in diluted book value per share, adjusted for dividends declared during the year, of $5.93, or 13%, per common share.
Fourth Quarter Highlights2 
•
Gross premiums written decreased 8% to $762 million;
•
Net premiums written decreased 14% to $555 million and net premiums earned increased 2% to $959 million;
•
Natural catastrophe and weather-related losses of $21 million;
•
Net favorable prior year reserve development of $66 million (benefiting the combined ratio by 6.9 points) compared to $43 million (benefiting the combined ratio by 4.6 points);
•
Net investment income decreased 31% to $79 million;
•
Net cash flows from operations of $152 million, compared to $208 million;
•
Share repurchases totaled $75 million in the quarter. During the quarter, we announced that effective January 1, 2015, the share repurchase authorization program was increased to $750 million of the Company's common shares effective through December 31, 2016;
•
Quarterly common share dividend declared increased 7% to $0.29 per share; and
•
Repaid $500 million of senior unsecured notes that matured on December 1, 2014.

On January 25, 2015, the Company announced the signing of a definitive amalgamation agreement with PartnerRe Ltd. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2015, subject to approval by the shareholders of both companies, regulatory clearance and customary closing conditions. 

2All comparisons are with the same period of the prior year, unless otherwise stated.



AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 2 -

Commenting on the fourth quarter 2014 financial results, Albert Benchimol, President and CEO of AXIS Capital, said "We are pleased to report AXIS closed 2014 with an annual operating ROACE of 10.8% and an all-time high diluted book value per share of $50.63, up 10.5% over the last year.  Adjusted for dividends, diluted book value grew 13% over the past twelve months. We delivered operating income of $563 million and net income of $771 million, and returned $661 million to our shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases, reducing our outstanding shares by more than 10% over the year.  Our consolidated combined ratio was 91.6% for the year. Each of our segments performed well and delivered solid underwriting results, reflecting low cat activity, ongoing favorable reserve development and a broadly diversified, well-constructed portfolio of risks.  In addition, our fourth quarter results showed meaningful positive results from the targeted portfolio enhancements on which we have worked diligently throughout the year.
The market environment has become increasingly competitive, particularly in the reinsurance market, but AXIS has leveraged its attributes to mitigate the worst effects of a highly competitive market.  AXIS has the breadth and depth, coupled with innovation and technical strength, to provide clients with a meaningful, multi-faceted relationship and the financial strength and full-scale services that set us apart from smaller players.  Nevertheless, we determined that greater scale and resources would provide even more benefit to our clients and shareholders, and last week we announced an exciting merger of equals with PartnerRe that would create a top 20 global P&C leader with more than $10 billion in gross premiums written and $14 billion in capital. The union of our two strong companies will allow us to do even more for our clients and partners in distribution, develop and convert on more business opportunities, generate significant expense and capital synergies, and deliver greater value creation for our shareholders."
Segment Highlights

Insurance Segment

Our insurance segment reported gross premiums written of $624 million in the quarter, up 3% from the fourth quarter of 2013. The increase was primarily driven by our property lines, mainly due to timing differences, while growth in the U.S. excess casualty markets continued to benefit our liability lines. The growth in gross premiums written was partially offset by a decrease in the credit and political risk lines.

For the full year, gross premiums written were $2.5 billion, a 1% decrease compared to 2013. The decrease was primarily driven by a reduction in the professional lines, reflecting the reshaping of our U.S. D&O portfolio undertaken during the year, and decreases in the property lines which were impacted by continuing

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 3 -

competitive market conditions. These decreases were partially offset by growth in our liability lines in the U.S. casualty markets and increases in the aviation lines.

Net premiums written were down 2% in the fourth quarter and for the full year compared to the same periods of 2013, and were impacted by an increase in the premiums ceded following increased reinsurance protection purchased, primarily in the professional and property lines. Net premiums earned increased 3% and 6%, for the quarter and for the full year, respectively. The growth in gross premiums written during prior periods, most notably in our accident & health lines of business, drove the increases.

Our insurance segment reported underwriting income of $34 million for the current quarter, compared to an underwriting income of $11 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. The current quarter’s underwriting results reflected a combined ratio of 92.7%, compared to 97.8% in the prior year quarter. The segment’s current accident year loss ratio decreased from 64.3% in the fourth quarter of 2013 to 61.2% this quarter, driven primarily by improved loss experience, most notably in the property and professional lines. Natural catastrophe and weather-related losses were $11 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared to the benign losses incurred for natural catastrophe and weather-related losses during the same period of 2013.

Net favorable prior year reserve development was $10 million, or 2.1 points, this quarter compared with $4 million, or 0.9 points, in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The increase in the segment's acquisition cost ratio for the quarter and the full year was primarily driven by changes in the business mix and the impact of changes in our reinsurance programs.

For the full year, underwriting income was $79 million compared with $85 million in 2013. The decrease was primarily driven by a rise in the current accident year loss ratio, impacted by a higher underlying loss ratio for the property classes reflecting recent loss experience, and a change in the business mix with a shift towards less volatile lines that carry a higher loss ratio. The decrease was partially offset by a reduction in natural catastrophe and weather-related losses and an increase in favorable prior year reserve development from $50 million to $64 million.


Reinsurance Segment
 
For the fourth quarter, which is generally not a significant premium renewal period for our reinsurance segment, we reported gross premiums written of $138 million in 2014, compared to $219 million written

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 4 -

in the corresponding quarter of 2013. The decrease was driven by professional lines, due to a timing difference on renewal of a large treaty, and property lines, which were impacted by premium adjustments and timing differences. The decrease was partially offset by growth in the liability lines, reflecting increased participations on certain treaties and new business.

For the full year, our reinsurance segment reported gross premiums written of $2.2 billion, an increase of 2% from $2.1 billion written during 2013. Growth was primarily driven by a number of treaties written on a multi-year basis, especially in the liability, property and catastrophe lines, and included $131 million of written premiums relating to future underwriting years. Partially offsetting this growth was a decrease in the professional lines, driven by timing differences, non-renewals and decreased treaty participations.

Underwriting income in our reinsurance segment was $79 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $84 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. The current accident year loss ratios were comparable at 62.0% in the fourth quarters of 2014 and 2013. Current quarter's results included $10 million in losses related to natural catastrophe and weather events, with an insignificant amount of losses for such events reported during the comparative quarter of 2013. Excluding the impact of the natural catastrophe and weather events, the current accident year loss ratio improved by 2.1 points, driven by improvements in loss experience, primarily in the property, professional and motor lines, partially offset by changes in the mix of business.

Net favorable prior period reserve development was $56 million, or 11.3 points, this quarter compared with $39 million, or 7.9 points, in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The increase in the segment's acquisition cost ratio for the quarter and for the full year was primarily driven by variances in accruals for loss-sensitive features in underlying contracts and higher acquisition costs paid on certain lines of business.

For the full year, our reinsurance segment reported underwriting income of $383 million, compared to $343 million in 2013. A significant decrease in the level of natural catastrophe and weather-related losses was the primary driver of this variance. An increase in the favorable prior year loss reserve development, as well as growth in net premiums earned also contributed. These factors were partially offset by an increase in the current accident year loss ratio primarily due to changes in the mix of business.


AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 5 -

Investments

Net investment income of $79 million for the quarter represented a $35 million decrease from the fourth quarter of 2013 and a $12 million increase from the third quarter of 2014, with the variances primarily driven by the market value of our alternative investments ("other investments"). These investments generated $12 million of income in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared to a $3 million loss in the third quarter of 2014 and income of $41 million in the fourth quarter of 2013.

For the full year, net investment income was $343 million, down $67 million from 2013. The variance was primarily driven by changes in the fair value of our alternative investments. These investments generated $58 million of income in 2014, compared to income of $129 million in 2013.

Net realized investment gains for the quarter were $11 million, compared to $77 million of net realized investment gains in the third quarter of 2014 and $20 million of net realized investment gains in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Capitalization / Shareholders’ Equity

Our total capital3 at December 31, 2014 was $6.8 billion, including $1.0 billion of long-term debt and $0.6 billion of preferred equity, comparable to $6.8 billion at December 31, 2013. During the fourth quarter we repaid $500 million of our 5.75% senior unsecured notes that matured on December 1, 2014.

Diluted book value per common share, calculated on a treasury stock basis, increased by $0.75, or 2%, in the fourth quarter and by $4.83, or 11%, for the year and was primarily driven by our operating income. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company declared common dividends of $0.29 per common share, with the total dividends declared of $1.10 per common share over the past twelve months. Combined, the growth in the diluted book value per common share adjusted for dividends was $1.04, or 2%, for the quarter and $5.93, or 13%, for the year.

During the quarter we repurchased 1.5 million common shares at an average price of $50.16 per share, for a total cost of $75 million. For the year, our share repurchases totaled 11.8 million common shares, which represents more than 10% of our shares outstanding at the beginning of the year, at an average

3 Total capital represents the sum of total shareholders' equity attributable to AXIS Capital and our senior notes.



AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 6 -


price of $46.22 per share for a total cost of $543 million. During the fourth quarter, we announced that effective January 1, 2015, the share repurchase authorization program was increased to $750 million of the Company's common shares effective through December 31, 2016. On January 25, 2015, the Company announced the signing of a definitive amalgamation agreement with PartnerRe Ltd. The Company plans to suspend its share repurchase program until the closing date of the amalgamation transaction.

Conference Call

We will host a conference call on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 8:00 AM (Eastern) to discuss the fourth quarter and year-end financial results and related matters. The teleconference can be accessed by dialing (888) 317-6003 (U.S. callers) or (412) 317-6061 (international callers) approximately ten minutes in advance of the call and entering the code 1-8-6-2-2-4-9. A live, listen-only webcast of the call will also be available via the Investor Information section of the Company’s website at www.axiscapital.com. A replay of the teleconference will be available for three weeks by dialing (877) 344-7529 (U.S. callers) or (412) 317-0088 (international callers) and entering the code 1-0-0-5-8-8-2-1. The webcast will be archived in the Investor Information section of our website.

In addition, a financial supplement relating to our financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 is available in the Investor Information section of our website.

AXIS Capital is a Bermuda-based global provider of specialty lines insurance and treaty reinsurance with total shareholders’ equity attributable to AXIS Capital at December 31, 2014 of $5.8 billion and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, Canada, Australia and Latin America. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a rating of “A+” (“Strong”) by Standard & Poor’s and “A+” (“Superior”) by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com.

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 7 -

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2014 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
Investments:
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value
$
12,129,273

 
$
11,986,327

Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value
567,707

 
701,987

Other investments, at fair value
965,465

 
1,045,810

Short-term investments, at fair value and amortized cost
107,534

 
46,212

Total investments
13,769,979

 
13,780,336

Cash and cash equivalents
921,830

 
923,326

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
287,865

 
64,550

Accrued interest receivable
83,070

 
97,132

Insurance and reinsurance premium balances receivable
1,808,620

 
1,688,957

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses
1,926,145

 
1,929,988

Deferred acquisition costs
466,987

 
456,122

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
351,441

 
330,261

Receivable for investments sold
169

 
1,199

Goodwill and intangible assets
88,960

 
89,528

Other assets
250,670

 
273,385

 
Total assets
 
 
$
19,955,736

 
$
19,634,784

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve for losses and loss expenses
$
9,596,797

 
$
9,582,140

Unearned premiums
2,735,376

 
2,683,849

Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
249,186

 
234,412

Senior notes
990,790

 
995,855

Payable for investments purchased
188,176

 
21,744

Other liabilities
315,471

 
248,822

 
Total liabilities
 
 
14,075,796

 
13,766,822

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity
 
 
 
 
Preferred shares
627,843

 
627,843

Common shares
2,191

 
2,174

Additional paid-in capital
2,285,016

 
2,240,125

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(45,574
)
 
117,825

Retained earnings
5,715,504

 
5,062,706

Treasury shares, at cost
(2,763,859
)
 
(2,232,711
)
 
Total shareholders' equity attributable to AXIS Capital
5,821,121

 
5,817,962

Noncontrolling interests
58,819

 
50,000

 
Total shareholders' equity
5,879,940

 
5,867,962

 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
19,955,736

 
$
19,634,784


AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 8 -

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE QUARTERS AND YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarters ended
 
Years ended
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
958,517

 
$
941,911

 
$
3,870,999

 
$
3,707,065

 
Net investment income
78,595

 
113,863

 
342,766

 
409,312

 
Net realized investment gains
10,779

 
19,558

 
132,108

 
75,564

 
Other insurance related income (loss)
(11,818
)
 
2,668

 
650

 
4,424

 
 
Total revenues
1,036,073

 
1,078,000

 
4,346,523

 
4,196,365

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
524,625

 
551,360

 
2,186,722

 
2,134,195

 
Acquisition costs
187,349

 
175,299

 
737,197

 
664,191

 
General and administrative expenses
165,150

 
144,183

 
621,876

 
575,390

 
Foreign exchange losses (gains)
(46,086
)
 
14,484

 
(104,439
)
 
26,143

 
Interest expense and financing costs
17,783

 
15,625

 
74,695

 
61,979

 
 
Total expenses
848,821

 
900,951

 
3,516,051

 
3,461,898

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
187,252

 
177,049

 
830,472

 
734,467

 
Income tax expense (benefit)
16,382

 
(4,497
)
 
25,908

 
7,002

Net income
170,870

 
181,546

 
804,564

 
727,465

 
Amounts attributable to (from) noncontrolling interests
(2,815
)
 
—

 
(6,181
)
 
—

Net income attributable to AXIS Capital
173,685

 
181,546

 
810,745

 
727,465

Preferred shares dividends
10,022

 
10,022

 
40,088

 
40,474

Loss on repurchase of preferred shares
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,081

Net income available to common shareholders
$
163,663

 
$
171,524

 
$
770,657

 
$
683,910

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per share data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income
$
1.63

 
$
1.55

 
$
7.38

 
$
6.02

Diluted net income
$
1.60

 
$
1.52

 
$
7.29

 
$
5.93

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic
100,468

 
110,757

 
104,368

 
113,636

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted
102,038

 
112,702

 
105,713

 
115,328

Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.29

 
$
0.27

 
$
1.10

 
$
1.02


AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 9 -

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Gross premiums written
$
624,313

 
$
137,727

 
$
762,040

 
$
606,591

 
$
219,366

 
$
825,957

Net premiums written
418,150

 
136,867

 
555,017

 
427,647

 
220,318

 
647,965

Net premiums earned
461,860

 
496,657

 
958,517

 
450,465

 
491,446

 
941,911

Other insurance related income (loss)
(12
)
 
(11,806
)
 
(11,818
)
 
681

 
1,987

 
2,668

Net losses and loss expenses
(272,787
)
 
(251,838
)
 
(524,625
)
 
(285,634
)
 
(265,726
)
 
(551,360
)
Acquisition costs
(71,444
)
 
(115,905
)
 
(187,349
)
 
(65,266
)
 
(110,033
)
 
(175,299
)
Underwriting-related general and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
administrative expenses4
(84,005
)
 
(38,000
)
 
(122,005
)
 
(89,722
)
 
(34,039
)
 
(123,761
)
Underwriting income4
$
33,612

 
$
79,108

 
112,720

 
$
10,524

 
$
83,635

 
94,159

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate expenses
 
 
 
 
(43,145
)
 
 
 
 
 
(20,422
)
Net investment income
 
 
 
 
78,595

 
 
 
 
 
113,863

Net realized investment gains
 
 
 
 
10,779

 
 
 
 
 
19,558

Foreign exchange (losses) gains
 
 
 
 
46,086

 
 
 
 
 
(14,484
)
Interest expense and financing costs
 
 
 
 
(17,783
)
 
 
 
 
 
(15,625
)
Income before income taxes
 
 
 
 
$
187,252

 
 
 
 
 
$
177,049

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss expense ratio
59.1
%
 
50.7
%
 
54.7
%
 
63.4
%
 
54.1
%
 
58.5
%
Acquisition cost ratio
15.5
%
 
23.3
%
 
19.5
%
 
14.5
%
 
22.4
%
 
18.6
%
General and administrative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
expense ratio
18.1
%
 
7.7
%
 
17.3
%
 
19.9
%
 
6.9
%
 
15.4
%
Combined ratio
92.7
%
 
81.7
%
 
91.5
%
 
97.8
%
 
83.4
%
 
92.5
%

4Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and consolidated underwriting income are "non-GAAP financial measures", as defined in SEC Regulation G. Reconciliations of these amounts to the nearest GAAP financial measures (total general and administrative expenses and income before income taxes, respectively) are provided in this release, as are discussions of the rationale for the presentation of these items.



AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 10 -

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL DATA
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 (UNAUDITED) AND 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Gross premiums written
$
2,535,415

 
$
2,176,104

 
$
4,711,519

 
$
2,559,138

 
$
2,137,903

 
$
4,697,041

Net premiums written
1,779,501

 
2,127,474

 
3,906,975

 
1,813,538

 
2,114,662

 
3,928,200

Net premiums earned
1,830,544

 
2,040,455

 
3,870,999

 
1,722,762

 
1,984,303

 
3,707,065

Other insurance related income (loss)
(11
)
 
661

 
650

 
2,436

 
1,988

 
4,424

Net losses and loss expenses
(1,131,880
)
 
(1,054,842
)
 
(2,186,722
)
 
(1,050,402
)
 
(1,083,793
)
 
(2,134,195
)
Acquisition costs
(278,804
)
 
(458,393
)
 
(737,197
)
 
(242,363
)
 
(421,828
)
 
(664,191
)
Underwriting-related general and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
administrative expenses
(341,214
)
 
(144,987
)
 
(486,201
)
 
(347,684
)
 
(137,450
)
 
(485,134
)
Underwriting income
$
78,635

 
$
382,894

 
461,529

 
$
84,749

 
$
343,220

 
427,969

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate expenses
 
 
 
 
(135,675
)
 
 
 
 
 
(90,256
)
Net investment income
 
 
 
 
342,766

 
 
 
 
 
409,312

Net realized investment gains
 
 
 
 
132,108

 
 
 
 
 
75,564

Foreign exchange (losses) gains
 
 
 
 
104,439

 
 
 
 
 
(26,143
)
Interest expense and financing costs
 
 
 
 
(74,695
)
 
 
 
 
 
(61,979
)
Income before income taxes
 
 
 
 
$
830,472

 
 
 
 
 
$
734,467

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss expense ratio
61.8
%
 
51.7
%
 
56.5
%
 
61.0
%
 
54.6
%
 
57.6
%
Acquisition cost ratio
15.2
%
 
22.5
%
 
19.0
%
 
14.1
%
 
21.3
%
 
17.9
%
General and administrative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
expense ratio
18.7
%
 
7.1
%
 
16.1
%
 
20.1
%
 
6.9
%
 
15.5
%
Combined ratio
95.7
%
 
81.3
%
 
91.6
%
 
95.2
%
 
82.8
%
 
91.0
%

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 11 -

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED)
OPERATING INCOME, OPERATING RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY
AND UNDERWRITING-RELATED GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
FOR THE QUARTERS AND YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarters ended
 
Years ended
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
163,663

 
$
171,524

 
$
770,657

 
$
683,910

Net realized investment (gains) losses, net of tax(1)
1,180

 
(26,295
)
 
(106,196
)
 
(77,603
)
Foreign exchange losses (gains), net of tax(2)
(44,551
)
 
13,627

 
(101,586
)
 
23,684

Loss on repurchase of preferred shares, net of tax(3)
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,081

Operating income
$
120,292

 
$
158,856

 
$
562,875

 
$
633,072


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share - diluted
$
1.60

 
$
1.52

 
$
7.29

 
$
5.93

Net realized investment (gains) losses, net of tax
0.01

 
(0.23
)
 
(1.00
)
 
(0.68
)
Foreign exchange losses (gains), net of tax
(0.43
)
 
0.12

 
(0.97
)
 
0.21

Loss on repurchase of preferred shares, net of tax
—

 
—

 
—

 
0.03

Operating income per common share - diluted
$
1.18

 
$
1.41

 
$
5.32

 
$
5.49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares and common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 equivalents - diluted
102,038

 
112,702

 
105,713

 
115,328

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average common shareholders' equity
$
5,191,962

 
$
5,175,053

 
$
5,191,699

 
$
5,233,519

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized return on average common equity
12.6
%
 
13.3
%
 
14.8
%
 
13.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized operating return on average common equity
9.3
%
 
12.3
%
 
10.8
%
 
12.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Tax cost (benefit) of $11,959 and ($6,737) for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $25,912 and ($2,039) for 2014 and 2013, 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.
(2)
Tax cost (benefit) of $1,535 and ($857) for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $2,853 and ($2,459) for 2014 and 2013, 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.
(3)
Tax impact is nil.




In addition to underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, our total general and administrative expenses of $165,150 and $144,183 for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $621,876 and $575,390 for 2014 and 2013, respectively, include corporate expenses.


AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 12 -

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements contained in this release include our expectations regarding market conditions and information regarding our estimates of losses related to natural disasters. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual events or results may differ materially from our expectations. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to be materially different from our expectations include (1) the occurrence and magnitude of natural and man-made disasters, (2) actual claims exceeding our loss reserves, (3) general economic, capital, and credit market conditions, (4) the failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ, (5) the effects of emerging claims, coverage and regulatory issues, including uncertainty related to coverage definitions, limits, terms and conditions, (6) the failure of our cedants to adequately evaluate risks, (7) inability to obtain additional capital on favorable terms, or at all, (8) the loss of one or more key executives, (9) a decline in our ratings with rating agencies, (10) the loss of business provided to us by our major brokers, (11) changes in accounting policies or practices, (12) the use of industry catastrophe models and changes to these models, (13) changes in governmental regulations, (14) increased competition, (15) changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operate or underwrite business, (16) fluctuations in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices and/or currency values, and (17) the other factors set forth in our most recent report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and other documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 13 -

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this release, we present operating income , consolidated underwriting income and underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, which are “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined in Regulation G.

Operating income represents after-tax operational results without consideration of after-tax net realized investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains) and losses on the repurchase of preferred shares. We also present diluted operating earnings per share and operating return on average common equity ("operating ROACE"), which are derived from the non-GAAP operating income measure. Reconciliations of operating income, diluted operating earnings per share and operating ROACE to the nearest GAAP financial measures (based on net income available to common shareholders) are included above.

Consolidated underwriting income 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 costs as expenses. Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses include those general and administrative expenses that are incremental and/or directly attributable to our individual underwriting operations. While these measures are presented in the Segment Information footnote to our Consolidated Financial Statements, they are considered non-GAAP financial measures when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis. A reconciliation of consolidated underwriting income (loss) to income before income taxes (the nearest GAAP financial measure) is included in the 'Consolidated Segmental Data' section of this release. Our total general and administrative expenses (the nearest GAAP financial measure to underwriting-related general and administrative expenses) also includes corporate expenses; the two components are separately presented in the 'Consolidated Segmental Data' section of this release.

We present our results of operations in the way we believe will be most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use our financial information to evaluate our performance. This includes the presentation of “operating income” (in total and on a per share basis), “annualized operating return on average common equity” (which is based on the “operating income” measure) and "consolidated underwriting income ", which incorporates "underwriting-related general and administrative expenses".

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 14 -

Operating Income

Although the investment of premiums to generate income and realized investment gains (or losses) is an integral part of our operations, the determination to realize investment gains (or 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 (or losses) is somewhat opportunistic for many companies.

Foreign exchange losses (gains) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations are primarily driven by the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on net insurance-related liabilities. However, this movement is only one element of the overall impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our financial position. In addition, we recognize unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our available-for-sale investments in other comprehensive income and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized upon the sale of these investments in net realized investment gains (losses). These unrealized and realized foreign exchange movements generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) reported separately in earnings, thereby minimizing the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on total shareholders’ equity. As such, the Consolidated Statements of Operations foreign exchange losses (gains) in isolation are not a fair representation of the performance of our business.

Losses on repurchase of preferred shares arise from capital transactions and, therefore, are not reflective of underlying business performance.

In this regard, certain users of our financial statements evaluate earnings excluding after-tax net realized investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains) and losses on repurchase of preferred shares to understand the profitability of recurring sources of income.

We believe that showing net income available to common shareholders exclusive of net realized gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains) and losses on repurchase of preferred shares 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.

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 15 -

Consolidated Underwriting Income/Underwriting-Related General and Administrative Expenses

Corporate expenses include holding company costs necessary to support our worldwide (re)insurance operations and costs associated with operating as a publicly-traded company. As these costs are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our individual underwriting operations, we exclude them from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and, therefore, consolidated underwriting income. Interest expense and financing costs primarily relate to interest payable on our senior notes and are excluded from consolidated underwriting income for the same reason.

We evaluate our underwriting results separately from the performance of our investment portfolio. As such, we believe it appropriate to exclude net investment income and net realized investment gains (losses) from our underwriting profitability measure.

As noted above, foreign exchange losses (gains) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations primarily relate to our net insurance-related liabilities. However, we manage our investment portfolio in such a way that unrealized and realized foreign exchange rate gains (losses) on our investment portfolio generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) arising from our underwriting portfolio. As a result, we believe that foreign exchange losses (gains) are not a meaningful contributor to our underwriting performance and, therefore, exclude them from consolidated underwriting income.

We believe that presentation of underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and consolidated underwriting income provides investors with an enhanced understanding of our results of operations, by highlighting the underlying pre-tax profitability of our underwriting activities.


AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 92 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke, Bermuda HM08
Tel. 441.496.2600 Fax 441.405.2600
www.axiscapital.com
- 16 -