EX-99.1 2 axsex99-1.htm PRESS RELEASE DATED JULY 30, 2019 Exhibit

axislogo1.jpg


Matthew Rohrmann (Investor Contact):
(212) 940-3339;
investorrelations@axiscapital.com
Anna Kukowski (Media Contact):
(212) 715-3574;
anna.kukowski@axiscapital.com





AXIS CAPITAL REPORTS SECOND QUARTER NET INCOME OF $166 MILLION, OR $1.97 PER DILUTED COMMON SHARE; EX-PGAAP OPERATING INCOME OF $143 MILLION, OR $1.69 PER DILUTED COMMON SHARE

For the second quarter of 2019, the Company reports:
•
Current accident year loss ratio improved 2.7 points compared to the same period in the prior year
•
Pricing momentum continues to build across substantially all business lines
•
Annualized return on average common equity of 14.3% and annualized ex-PGAAP operating return on average common equity of 12.3%
•
Book value per diluted common share of $55.99, an increase of $3.15, or 6.0% compared to March 31, 2019

Pembroke, Bermuda, July 30, 2019 - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital" or "the Company") (NYSE: AXS) today reported net income available to common shareholders for the second quarter of 2019 of $166 million, or $1.97 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $93 million, or $1.11 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2018. Net income available to common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $265 million, or $3.14 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $155 million, or $1.85 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2018.
Operating income1 for the second quarter of 2019 was $137 million, or $1.62 per diluted common share1, compared to operating income of $103 million, or $1.23 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2018. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, AXIS Capital reported operating income of $242 million, or $2.86 per diluted common share, compared to operating income of $226 million, or $2.69 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2018.
EX-PGAAP operating income2 for the second quarter of 2019 was $143 million, or $1.69 per diluted common share2, compared to ex-PGAAP operating income of $117 million, or $1.39 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2018. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, AXIS Capital reported ex-PGAAP operating income of $255 million, or $3.03 per diluted common share, compared to ex-PGAAP operating income of $253 million, or $3.02 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2018.



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

- 1 -



Commenting on the second quarter 2019 financial results, Albert Benchimol, President and CEO of AXIS Capital, said:
"We are pleased to report strong second quarter results, which were highlighted by continuing improvement in our core underwriting margins, operating ROE of 12.3% ex PGAAP, and 6.0% growth in book value per share. 
"Our results speak to the progress made as we continue executing on our strategy to strengthen our market position and improve our underwriting profitability, which includes disciplined corrective actions on under-performing business, and reducing portfolio volatility. Furthermore, the actions we have taken to enhance our franchise in our chosen markets give us excellent opportunities for profitable growth. With our strong presence at Lloyd’s, U.S. E&S markets, professional lines and global reinsurance, we believe AXIS is in a superior position to take advantage of the necessary firming in re/insurance markets.
"In addition, we are continuing to invest in technology and data & analytics - all to enhance our ability to deliver differentiated service and value to our clients and partners in distribution.  
"While there is more work that needs to be done, we’re on the right path and are seeing tangible results as we continue to advance on our strategy and focus on driving long-term profitable growth and increased shareholder value."













1Operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) per diluted common share are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures 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.
2Ex-PGAAP operating income (loss), ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) per diluted common share and annualized ex-PGAAP operating return on average common equity ("ex-PGAAP operating ROACE") 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, earnings (loss) per diluted common share, and annualized return on average common equity ("ROACE"), respectively, and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items are provided later in this press release.

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

- 2 -

Second Quarter Highlights3 

•
Gross premiums written decreased by $3 million (increased $21 million or 1% on a constant currency basis4), to $1.6 billion with a decrease of $58 million or 6% in the insurance segment and an increase of $55 million, or 9% in the reinsurance segment. The increase in gross premiums written on a constant currency basis was principally due to improved market penetration in Japan which increased the reinsurance segment's gross premiums written, partially offset by a decrease in gross premiums written in the insurance segment due to the repositioning of the segment’s property book.
•
Net premiums written increased by $70 million, or 7% ($93 million or 9% on a constant currency basis), to $1.1 billion.
KEY RATIOS
Q2 2019
 
Q2 2018
 
Change
Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses
59.7
%
 
61.5
%
 
(1.8
 pts)
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio
2.3
%
 
3.2
%
 
(0.9
 pts)
Current accident year loss ratio
62.0
%
 
64.7
%
 
(2.7
 pts)
Prior year reserve development ratio
(2.2
%)
 
(5.1
%)
 
2.9
 pts
Net losses and loss expenses ratio
59.8
%
 
59.6
%
 
0.2
 pts
Acquisition cost ratio
21.6
%
 
19.6
%
 
2.0
 pts
General and administrative expense ratio
14.7
%
 
13.9
%
 
0.8
 pts
Combined ratio
96.1
%
 
93.1
%
 
3.0
 pts
•
Net favorable prior year reserve development of $24 million (Insurance $21 million; Reinsurance $2 million), compared to $60 million (Insurance $24 million; Reinsurance $36 million). The decrease in favorable prior year reserve development was primarily driven by catastrophe and weather events largely in the reinsurance segment.
•
Underwriting income for the second quarter of 2019 and 2018 included the recognition of premium attributable to Novae's balance sheet at October 2, 2017, without the recognition of the associated acquisition costs, which were written off at the closing date. The absence of $3 million and $40 million of acquisition expense related to premiums earned in the second quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, benefited our acquisition cost ratio by 0.3 points and 3.3 points, respectively.
•
Amortization of value of business acquired ("VOBA") of $7 million and $53 million, recognized in the second quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively. This expense impacted our operating income, but was not included in the results of our insurance and reinsurance segments.
•
Adjusted for dividends, book value per diluted common share increased by $3.55, or 7% in the quarter.








3 All comparisons are with the same period of the prior year, unless otherwise stated.
4Amounts 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 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

- 3 -

Segment Highlights

Insurance Segment
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Gross premiums written
$
968,325

 
$
1,026,644

 
(5.7)%
Net premiums written
591,909

 
598,179

 
(1.0)%
Net premiums earned
537,260

 
577,271

 
(6.9)%
Underwriting income
11,309

 
56,479

 
(80.0)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses
58.7
%
 
57.2
%
 
1.5
 pts
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio
2.7
%
 
4.0
%
 
(1.3
 pts)
Current accident year loss ratio
61.4
%
 
61.2
%
 
0.2
 pts
Prior year reserve development ratio
(3.9
%)
 
(4.2
%)
 
0.3
 pts
Net losses and loss expenses ratio
57.5
%
 
57.0
%
 
0.5
 pts
Acquisition cost ratio
20.8
%
 
15.7
%
 
5.1
 pts
Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio
19.5
%
 
17.7
%
 
1.8
 pts
Combined ratio
97.8
%
 
90.4
%
 
7.4
 pts
•
Gross premiums written decreased by $58 million, or 6%, ($43 million or 4% on a constant currency basis), attributable to property lines due to the repositioning of the portfolio, and accident and health lines due to the non-renewal of a significant contract, partially offset by increases in liability and professional lines driven by new business and favorable rate changes.
•
Net premiums written decreased by $6 million, or 1% (increased $8 million or 1% on a constant currency basis) reflecting the decrease in gross premiums written and changes in business mix in the quarter.
•
The current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses increased by 1.5 points in the second quarter compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to mid-size losses in marine lines and credit and political risk lines, as well as changes in business mix, partially offset by a decrease in attritional loss experience in property lines, and the impact of improved pricing over loss trend in business written in prior periods.
•
Pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses were $14 million, primarily attributable to weather events this quarter, compared to $23 million in 2018.
•
Net favorable prior year reserve development was $21 million this quarter, compared to $24 million in 2018.
•
Underwriting income for the second quarter of 2019 and 2018 included the recognition of premium attributable to Novae's balance sheet at October 2, 2017, without the recognition of the associated acquisition costs, which were written off at the closing date. The absence of $3 million and $38 million of acquisition expense related to premiums earned in the second quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, benefited the acquisition cost ratio by 0.5 points and 6.6 points, respectively. Adjusting the acquisition cost ratio for these amounts, the acquisition cost ratio decreased 1.0 points in the quarter compared to the same period in 2018 due to changes in business mix.
•
The general and administrative expense ratio increased by 1.8 points in the quarter attributable to a decrease in net premiums earned.

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

- 4 -


 
Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Gross premiums written
$
1,819,421

 
$
1,907,492

 
(4.6
)%
Net premiums written
1,121,149

 
1,146,071

 
(2.2
)%
Net premiums earned
1,094,022

 
1,157,330

 
(5.5
)%
Underwriting income
32,227

 
125,920

 
(74
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses
57.4
%
 
55.8
%
 
1.6

Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio
2.1
%
 
4.5
%
 
(2.4
)
Current accident year loss ratio
59.5
%
 
60.3
%
 
(0.8
)
Prior year reserve development ratio
(2.6
%)
 
(4.1
%)
 
1.5

Net losses and loss expenses ratio
56.9
%
 
56.2
%
 
0.7

Acquisition cost ratio
21.0
%
 
15.4
%
 
5.6

Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio
19.2
%
 
17.7
%
 
1.5

Combined ratio
97.1
%
 
89.3
%
 
7.8

•
Gross premiums written decreased by $88 million, or 5%, ($62 million or 3% on a constant currency basis), attributable to property lines due to the repositioning of the portfolio and timing differences, and accident and health lines due to the non-renewal of a significant program, partially offset by increases in liability, professional lines and marine lines driven by new business and favorable rate changes.
•
Net premiums written decreased by $25 million, or 2% (increased $3 million on a constant currency basis) reflecting the decrease in gross premiums written in the quarter, changes in business mix and an increase in premiums ceded in liability lines.
•
Underwriting income for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 included the recognition of premium attributable to Novae's balance sheet at October 2, 2017, without the recognition of the associated acquisition costs, which were written off at the closing date. The absence of $9 million and $76 million of acquisition expense related to premiums earned in the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, benefited the acquisition cost ratio by 0.8 points and 6.6 points, respectively. Adjusting the acquisition cost ratio for these amounts, the acquisition cost ratio decreased 0.2 points for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.




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

- 5 -

Reinsurance Segment
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Gross premiums written
$
679,435

 
$
624,181

 
8.9%
Net premiums written
478,412

 
402,276

 
18.9%
Net premiums earned
586,347

 
608,277

 
(3.6)%
Underwriting income
67,350

 
59,247

 
13.7%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses
60.5
%
 
65.5
%
 
(5.0
 pts)
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio
1.9
%
 
2.5
%
 
(0.6
 pts)
Current accident year loss ratio
62.4
%
 
68.0
%
 
(5.6
 pts)
Prior year reserve development ratio
(0.4
%)
 
(5.9
%)
 
5.5
 pts
Net losses and loss expenses ratio
62.0
%
 
62.1
%
 
(0.1
 pts)
Acquisition cost ratio
22.3
%
 
23.2
%
 
(0.9
 pts)
Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio
4.8
%
 
5.4
%
 
(0.6
 pts)
Combined ratio
89.1
%
 
90.7
%
 
(1.6
 pts)
•
Gross premiums written increased by $55 million, or 9% ($64 million or 10% on a constant currency basis) primarily attributable to catastrophe and liability lines driven by new business. The increase in catastrophe lines was due to improved pricing achieved during the Japanese and U.S. renewals season. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional lines due to the timing of the renewal of a significant contract, a decrease in motor lines due to premium adjustments, and a decrease in property lines associated with the repositioning of the portfolio.
•
Net premiums written increased by $76 million, or 19% ($85 million or 21% on a constant currency basis) reflecting the increase in gross premiums written in the quarter, together with decreases in premiums ceded in agriculture, and accident and health lines, partially offset by increases in premiums ceded in catastrophe and liability lines.
•
The current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses decreased by 5.0 points in the second quarter compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to a decrease in mid-size loss experience in property, engineering, and credit and surety lines, a decrease in attritional loss experience in credit and surety lines, the impact of changes in business mix, as well as improved pricing over loss trend in business written in prior periods.
•
Pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses were $11 million primarily attributable to weather events this quarter, compared to $15 million in 2018.
•
Net favorable prior year reserve development was $2 million this quarter, compared to $36 million in the second quarter of 2018. The decrease in favorable prior year reserve development was primarily driven by additional losses attributable to Typhoon Jebi and the late notification of property claims related to recent accident years.
•
The acquisition cost ratio decreased by 0.9 points in the quarter, due to adjustments related to loss sensitive features and changes in business mix, partially offset by the impact of retrocessional contracts.
•
The general and administrative expense ratio decreased by 0.6 points in the quarter, largely attributable to benefits related to arrangements with strategic capital partners.

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

- 6 -


 
Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Gross premiums written
$
2,411,565

 
$
2,406,128

 
0.2
 %
Net premiums written
1,726,232

 
1,840,255

 
(6.2
)%
Net premiums earned
1,163,797

 
1,195,620

 
(2.7
)%
Underwriting income
124,252

 
133,543

 
(7
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses
61.0
%
 
63.8
%
 
(2.8
)
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio
1.2
%
 
1.9
%
 
(0.7
)
Current accident year loss ratio
62.2
%
 
65.7
%
 
(3.5
)
Prior period reserve development
(0.8
%)
 
(5.7
%)
 
4.9

Net losses and loss expenses ratio
61.4
%
 
60.0
%
 
1.4

Acquisition cost ratio
23.5
%
 
23.7
%
 
(0.2
)
Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio
5.2
%
 
5.8
%
 
(0.6
)
Combined ratio
90.1
%
 
89.5
%
 
0.6


•
Gross premiums written increased by $5 million ($55 million or 2% on a constant currency basis) attributable to catastrophe, liability, and accident and health lines driven by new business. The increase in catastrophe lines was due to improved pricing achieved during the Japanese and U.S. renewals season. Increased line sizes on a number of treaties and the restructuring of several treaties which impacted the timing of premium recognition. In addition, liability lines increased due to premium adjustments and the restructuring of a large treaty. The decreases in motor, and credit and surety lines were due to non-renewals and premium adjustments. The decrease in property lines was primarily due to non-renewals associated with the repositioning of the portfolio and decreased line sizes on a number of treaties.
•
Net premiums written decreased by $114 million, or 6% ($65 million or 4% on a constant currency basis) reflecting the increase in premiums ceded in catastrophe, liability, credit and surety, and accident and health, partially offset by a decrease in premiums ceded in agriculture and property lines.


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

- 7 -

Investments

Net investment income of $138 million for the quarter included a realized gain of $13 million associated with the sale of an alternative investment and represents an increase of $28 million from the second quarter of 2018. Net realized and unrealized gains recognized in net income for the quarter were $21 million, compared to net realized and unrealized losses of $45 million in the second quarter of 2018.

Pre-tax total return on cash and investments5 was 2.0% including foreign exchange movements (2.1% excluding foreign exchange movements6), primarily due to net unrealized gains following an increase in market value of our fixed income portfolio and net investment income generated in the quarter. The prior year period pre-tax total return was 0% including foreign exchange movements (0.3% excluding foreign exchange movements). Our fixed income portfolio book yield at June 30, 2019 was 3.0% compared to 2.8% June 30, 2018. The market yield was 2.7% at June 30, 2019.
Capitalization / Shareholders’ Equity

Total capital7 at June 30, 2019 was $7.0 billion, including $1.4 billion of senior notes and $775 million of preferred equity, compared to $6.4 billion at December 31, 2018. The increase in total capital is attributable to net income generated in the six months ended June 30, 2019, and net unrealized investment gains reported in other comprehensive income following an increase in the market value of our fixed income portfolio, partially offset by common share dividends declared.

On April 1, 2019, we repaid the $250 million aggregate principal amount of 2.65% senior unsecured notes. On June 19, 2019, we issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.90% senior unsecured notes. We intend to use the proceeds from the issuance of these notes to partially repay or redeem our 5.875% senior unsecured notes due on June 1, 2020.

Book value per diluted common share, calculated on a treasury stock basis, increased by $3.15 in the current quarter, and by $3.52 over the past twelve months, to $55.99. The increase in the quarter and over the past twelve months was driven by net income generated and net unrealized investment gains reported in other comprehensive income, partially offset by common share dividends declared. During the second quarter of 2019, the Company declared dividends of $0.40 per common share, with total dividends declared of $1.59 per common share over the past twelve months. Adjusted for dividends declared, the book value per diluted common share increased by $3.55, or 7%, for the quarter and increased by $5.11 or 10%, over the past twelve months.



5 Pre-tax total return on cash and investments includes net investment income (loss), net investment gains (losses), interest in income (loss) of equity method investments and change in unrealized investment gains (losses) generated by average cash and investment balances. Total cash and invested assets represents the total cash and cash equivalents, fixed maturities, equity securities, mortgage loans, other investments, equity method investments, short-term investments, accrued interest receivable and net receivable (payable) for investments sold (purchased).
6 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 $(8)m and $(59)m for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and foreign exchange (losses) gains of $2m and $(19)m for six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
7 Total capital represents the sum of total shareholders' equity and senior notes.

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

- 8 -

Conference Call

We will host a conference call on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern) to discuss the second quarter 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 passcode 7666282. 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 (877) 344-7529 (U.S. callers) or (412) 317-0088 (international callers) and entering the passcode 10133136. The webcast will be archived in the Investor Information section of our website.

In addition, an investor financial supplement relating to our financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 is available in the Investor Information section of the our website.

About AXIS Capital
AXIS Capital, through its operating subsidiaries, is a global provider of specialty lines insurance and treaty reinsurance with shareholders' equity at June 30, 2019 of $5.6 billion and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, Canada and the Middle East. 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.

Website and Social Media Disclosure
We use our website (www.axiscapital.com) and our corporate Twitter (@AXIS_Capital) and LinkedIn (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 when 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, however, part of this press release.


Please be sure to follow AXIS Capital on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2kRYbZ5


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 BALANCE SHEETS
JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
Investments:
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value
$
12,522,955

 
$
11,435,347

Equity securities, at fair value
433,407

 
381,633

Mortgage loans, held for investment, at fair value
394,179

 
298,650

Other investments, at fair value
802,064

 
787,787

Equity method investments
112,956

 
108,103

Short-term investments, at fair value
32,421

 
144,040

Total investments
14,297,982

 
13,155,560

Cash and cash equivalents
712,463

 
1,232,814

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
382,251

 
597,206

Accrued interest receivable
82,567

 
80,335

Insurance and reinsurance premium balances receivable
3,732,529

 
3,007,296

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses
3,564,812

 
3,501,669

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss expenses
364,536

 
280,233

Deferred acquisition costs
657,275

 
566,622

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
1,291,979

 
1,013,573

Receivable for investments sold
25,850

 
32,627

Goodwill
102,003

 
102,003

Intangible assets
236,009

 
241,568

Value of business acquired
15,416

 
35,714

Operating lease right-of-use assets
132,940

 
—

Other assets
271,562

 
285,346

 
Total assets
 
 
$
25,870,174

 
$
24,132,566

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve for losses and loss expenses
$
12,254,711

 
$
12,280,769

Unearned premiums
4,503,132

 
3,635,758

Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
1,484,285

 
1,338,991

Senior notes
1,387,748

 
1,341,961

Payable for investments purchased
181,274

 
111,838

Operating lease liabilities
133,257

 
—

Other liabilities
359,290

 
393,178

 
Total liabilities
 
 
20,303,697

 
19,102,495

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity
 
 
 
 
Preferred shares
775,000

 
775,000

Common shares
2,206

 
2,206

Additional paid-in capital
2,303,592

 
2,308,583

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
156,145

 
(177,110
)
Retained earnings
6,108,577

 
5,912,812

Treasury shares, at cost
(3,779,043
)
 
(3,791,420
)
 
Total shareholders' equity
5,566,477

 
5,030,071

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
25,870,174

 
$
24,132,566


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 STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
1,123,607

 
$
1,185,548

 
$
2,257,819

 
$
2,352,950

 
Net investment income
137,949

 
109,960

 
245,254

 
210,961

 
Net investment gains (losses)
21,225

 
(45,093
)
 
33,996

 
(59,923
)
 
Other insurance related income
2,925

 
3,730

 
9,852

 
10,335

 
Total revenues
 
1,285,706

 
1,254,145

 
2,546,921

 
2,514,323

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
672,463

 
706,641

 
1,336,491

 
1,367,986

 
Acquisition costs
242,363

 
231,952

 
502,781

 
461,212

 
General and administrative expenses
165,395

 
165,213

 
340,486

 
335,049

 
Foreign exchange gains
(12,381
)
 
(44,099
)
 
(5,325
)
 
(6,239
)
 
Interest expense and financing costs
15,607

 
17,098

 
31,502

 
33,861

 
Transaction and reorganization expenses
3,276

 
18,772

 
18,096

 
31,825

 
Amortization of value of business acquired
7,194

 
53,407

 
20,298

 
110,517

 
Amortization of intangible assets
2,912

 
4,029

 
5,914

 
6,811

 
Total expenses
 
1,096,829

 
1,153,013

 
2,250,243

 
2,341,022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes and interest in income of equity method investments
188,877

 
101,132

 
296,678

 
173,301

 
Income tax (expense) benefit
(14,469
)
 
(996
)
 
(15,703
)
 
40


Interest in income of equity method investments
2,635

 
3,378

 
4,853

 
3,378

Net income
177,043

 
103,514

 
285,828

 
176,719

 
Preferred share dividends
10,656

 
10,656

 
21,313

 
21,313

Net income available to common shareholders
$
166,387

 
$
92,858

 
$
264,515

 
$
155,406

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per share data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
$
1.98

 
$
1.11

 
$
3.16

 
$
1.86

Earnings per diluted common share
$
1.97

 
$
1.11

 
$
3.14

 
$
1.85

Weighted average common shares outstanding
83,941

 
83,539

 
83,834

 
83,431

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
84,401

 
83,984

 
84,338

 
83,853

Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.40

 
$
0.39

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.78






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
CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Gross premiums written
$
968,325

 
$
679,435

 
$
1,647,760

 
$
1,026,644

 
$
624,181

 
$
1,650,825

Net premiums written
591,909

 
478,412

 
1,070,321

 
598,179

 
402,276

 
1,000,455

Net premiums earned
537,260

 
586,347

 
1,123,607

 
577,271

 
608,277

 
1,185,548

Other insurance related income (losses)
(695
)
 
3,620

 
2,925

 
1,214

 
2,516

 
3,730

Net losses and loss expenses
(308,703
)
 
(363,760
)
 
(672,463
)
 
(328,773
)
 
(377,868
)
 
(706,641
)
Acquisition costs
(111,655
)
 
(130,708
)
 
(242,363
)
 
(90,864
)
 
(141,088
)
 
(231,952
)
Underwriting-related general and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
administrative expenses(8)
(104,898
)
 
(28,149
)
 
(133,047
)
 
(102,369
)
 
(32,590
)
 
(134,959
)
Underwriting income (9)
$
11,309

 
$
67,350

 
78,659

 
$
56,479

 
$
59,247

 
115,726

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
 
 
 
137,949

 
 
 
 
 
109,960

Net investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
21,225

 
 
 
 
 
(45,093
)
Corporate expenses(8)
 
 
 
 
(32,348
)
 
 
 
 
 
(30,254
)
Foreign exchange gains
 
 
 
 
12,381

 
 
 
 
 
44,099

Interest expense and financing costs
 
 
 
 
(15,607
)
 
 
 
 
 
(17,098
)
Transaction and reorganization expenses
 
 
 
 
(3,276
)
 
 
 
 
 
(18,772
)
Amortization of value of business acquired
 
 
 
 
(7,194
)
 
 
 
 
 
(53,407
)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 
 
 
(2,912
)
 
 
 
 
 
(4,029
)
Income before income taxes and interest in income of equity method investments
 
 
 
 
$
188,877

 
 
 
 
 
$
101,132

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses ratio
57.5
%
 
62.0
%
 
59.8
%
 
57.0
%
 
62.1
%
 
59.6
%
Acquisition cost ratio
20.8
%
 
22.3
%
 
21.6
%
 
15.7
%
 
23.2
%
 
19.6
%
General and administrative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
expense ratio
19.5
%
 
4.8
%
 
14.7
%
 
17.7
%
 
5.4
%
 
13.9
%
Combined ratio
97.8
%
 
89.1
%
 
96.1
%
 
90.4
%
 
90.7
%
 
93.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to total general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included corporate expenses of $32 million and $30 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses are included in the general and administrative expense ratio.
9Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented above.





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

- 12 -

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Gross premiums written
$
1,819,421

 
$
2,411,565

 
$
4,230,986

 
$
1,907,492

 
$
2,406,128

 
$
4,313,620

Net premiums written
1,121,149

 
1,726,232

 
2,847,381

 
1,146,071

 
1,840,255

 
2,986,326

Net premiums earned
1,094,022

 
1,163,797

 
2,257,819

 
1,157,330

 
1,195,620

 
2,352,950

Other insurance related income
1,046

 
8,806

 
9,852

 
1,833

 
8,502

 
10,335

Net losses and loss expenses
(622,479
)
 
(714,012
)
 
(1,336,491
)
 
(650,312
)
 
(717,674
)
 
(1,367,986
)
Acquisition costs
(229,430
)
 
(273,351
)
 
(502,781
)
 
(178,193
)
 
(283,019
)
 
(461,212
)
Underwriting-related general and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
administrative expenses(10)
(210,932
)
 
(60,988
)
 
(271,920
)
 
(204,738
)
 
(69,886
)
 
(274,624
)
Underwriting income(11)
$
32,227

 
$
124,252

 
156,479

 
$
125,920

 
$
133,543

 
259,463

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
 
 
 
245,254

 
 
 
 
 
210,961

Net investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
33,996

 
 
 
 
 
(59,923
)
Corporate expenses(10)
 
 
 
 
(68,566
)
 
 
 
 
 
(60,425
)
Foreign exchange gains
 
 
 
 
5,325

 
 
 
 
 
6,239

Interest expense and financing costs
 
 
 
 
(31,502
)
 
 
 
 
 
(33,861
)
Transaction and reorganization expenses
 
 
 
 
(18,096
)
 
 
 
 
 
(31,825
)
Amortization of value of business acquired
 
 
 
 
(20,298
)
 
 
 
 
 
(110,517
)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 
 
 
(5,914
)
 
 
 
 
 
(6,811
)
Income before income taxes and interest in income of equity method investments
 
 
 
 
$
296,678

 
 
 
 
 
$
173,301

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses ratio
56.9
%
 
61.4
%
 
59.2
%
 
56.2
%
 
60.0
%
 
58.1
%
Acquisition cost ratio
21.0
%
 
23.5
%
 
22.3
%
 
15.4
%
 
23.7
%
 
19.6
%
General and administrative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
expense ratio
19.2
%
 
5.2
%
 
15.0
%
 
17.7
%
 
5.8
%
 
14.3
%
Combined ratio
97.1
%
 
90.1
%
 
96.5
%
 
89.3
%
 
89.5
%
 
92.0
%
10Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to total general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included corporate expenses of $69 million and $60 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses are included in the general and administrative expense ratio.
11Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented above.




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

- 13 -

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED)
OPERATING INCOME AND OPERATING RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
166,387

 
$
92,858

 
$
264,515

 
$
155,406

Net investment (gains) losses(12)
(21,225
)
 
45,093

 
(33,996
)
 
59,923

Foreign exchange (gains)(13)
(12,381
)
 
(44,099
)
 
(5,325
)
 
(6,239
)
Transaction and reorganization expenses(14)
3,276

 
18,772

 
18,096

 
31,825

Interest in (income) of equity method investments (15)
(2,635
)
 
(3,378
)
 
(4,853
)
 
(3,378
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
3,569

 
(5,996
)
 
3,164

 
(11,658
)
Operating income
$
136,991

 
$
103,250

 
$
241,601

 
$
225,879


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per diluted common share
$
1.97

 
$
1.11

 
$
3.14

 
$
1.85

Net investment (gains) losses
(0.25
)
 
0.54

 
(0.40
)
 
0.71

Foreign exchange (gains)
(0.15
)
 
(0.53
)
 
(0.06
)
 
(0.07
)
Transaction and reorganization expenses
0.04

 
0.22

 
0.21

 
0.38

Interest in (income) of equity method investments
(0.03
)
 
(0.04
)
 
(0.06
)
 
(0.04
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
0.04

 
(0.07
)
 
0.03

 
(0.14
)
Operating income per diluted common share
$
1.62

 
$
1.23

 
$
2.86

 
$
2.69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
84,401

 
83,984

 
84,338

 
83,853

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average common shareholders' equity
4,658,317

 
4,483,700

 
4,523,274

 
4,522,135

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized return on average common equity
14.3
%
 
8.3
%
 
11.7
%
 
6.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized operating return on average common equity(16)
11.8
%
 
9.2
%
 
10.7
%
 
10.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

12Tax cost (benefit) of $2,936 and ($4,531) for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively and $5,771 and $(3,388) for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, 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.
13Tax cost (benefit) of $1,170 and $779 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively and $588 and $(3,555) for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, 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.
14Tax cost (benefit) of $(537) and $(2,556) for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively and ($3,195) and ($5,027) for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.
15Tax cost (benefit) of $nil and $312 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $nil and $312 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.
16Annualized 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 release.



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

- 14 -

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED)
EX-PGAAP OPERATING INCOME AND EX-PGAAP OPERATING RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
166,387

 
$
92,858

 
$
264,515

 
$
155,406

Net investment (gains) losses(12)
(21,225
)
 
45,093

 
(33,996
)
 
59,923

Foreign exchange (gains)(13)
(12,381
)
 
(44,099
)
 
(5,325
)
 
(6,239
)
Transaction and reorganization expenses(14)
3,276

 
18,772

 
18,096

 
31,825

Interest in (income) of equity method investments (15)
(2,635
)
 
(3,378
)
 
(4,853
)
 
(3,378
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
3,569

 
(5,996
)
 
3,164

 
(11,658
)
Operating income
$
136,991

 
$
103,250

 
$
241,601

 
$
225,879

Amortization of VOBA and intangible assets(17)
10,093

 
56,328

 
26,095

 
113,438

Amortization of acquisition costs(18)
(2,854
)
 
(39,641
)
 
(9,121
)
 
(80,090
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(1,376
)
 
(3,170
)
 
(3,225
)
 
(6,336
)
Ex-PGAAP operating income(2)
$
142,854

 
$
116,767

 
$
255,350

 
$
252,891

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per diluted common share
$
1.97

 
$
1.11

 
$
3.14

 
$
1.85

Net investment (gains) losses
(0.25
)
 
0.54

 
(0.40
)
 
0.71

Foreign exchange (gains)
(0.15
)
 
(0.53
)
 
(0.06
)
 
(0.07
)
Transaction and reorganization expenses
0.04

 
0.22

 
0.21

 
0.38

Interest in (income) of equity method investments
(0.03
)
 
(0.04
)
 
(0.06
)
 
(0.04
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
0.04

 
(0.07
)
 
0.03

 
(0.14
)
Operating income per diluted common share
$
1.62

 
$
1.23

 
$
2.86

 
$
2.69

Amortization of VOBA and intangible assets(17)
0.12

 
0.67

 
0.31

 
1.35

Amortization of acquisition costs(18)
(0.03
)
 
(0.47
)
 
(0.11
)
 
(0.94
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(0.02
)
 
(0.04
)
 
(0.03
)
 
(0.08
)
Ex-PGAAP operating income per diluted common share(2)
$
1.69

 
$
1.39

 
$
3.03

 
$
3.02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
84,401

 
83,984

 
84,338

 
83,853

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average common shareholders' equity
4,658,317

 
4,483,700

 
4,523,274

 
4,522,135

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized return on average common equity
14.3
%
 
8.3
%
 
11.7
%
 
6.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized operating return on average common equity(16)
11.8
%
 
9.2
%
 
10.7
%
 
10.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized ex-PGAAP operating return on average common equity(2)
12.3
%
 
10.4
%
 
11.3
%
 
11.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17Tax cost (benefit) of $(1,918) and $(10,702) for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $(4,958) and $(21,553) for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.
18Tax cost (benefit) of $542 and $7,532 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $1,733 and $15,217 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, underwriting income included the recognition of premium attributable to Novae's balance sheet at October 2, 2017, without the recognition of the associated acquisition costs, which were written off at the closing date. The absence of $9 million and $80 million of acquisition expense related to premiums earned in the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, benefited our acquisition cost ratio by 0.4 points and 3.4 points, respectively.


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

- 15 -

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 upon 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 of losses related to catastrophes and other large losses, 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, our expectations regarding estimated synergies and the success of the integration of acquired entities, our expectations regarding the estimated benefits and synergies related to our transformation program, our expectations regarding pricing and other market conditions, our growth prospects, and valuations of the potential impact of movements in interest rates, equity securities' prices, credit spreads and foreign currency 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:

•
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;
•
the impact of global climate change on our business, including the possibility that we do not adequately assess or reserve for the increased frequency and severity of natural catastrophes;
•
losses from war, terrorism and political unrest or other unanticipated losses;
•
actual claims exceeding our loss reserves;
•
general economic, capital and credit market conditions;
•
the failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ;
•
the effects of emerging claims, coverage and regulatory issues, including uncertainty related to coverage definitions, limits, terms and conditions;

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

- 16 -

•
our inability to purchase reinsurance or collect amounts due to us;
•
the breach by third parties in our program business of their obligations to us;
•
difficulties with technology and/or data security;
•
the failure of our policyholders and intermediaries to pay premiums;
•
the failure of our cedants to adequately evaluate risks;
•
inability to obtain additional capital on favorable terms, or at all;
•
the loss of one or more key executives;
•
a decline in our ratings with rating agencies;
•
the loss of business provided to us by our major brokers and credit risk due to our reliance on brokers;
•
changes in accounting policies or practices;
•
the use of industry catastrophe models and changes to these models;
•
changes in governmental regulations and potential government intervention in our industry;
•
failure to comply with certain laws and regulations relating to sanctions and foreign corrupt practices;
•
increased competition;
•
changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operate or underwrite business including the United Kingdom's expected withdrawal from the European Union;
•
fluctuations in interest rates, credit spreads, equity securities' prices and/or currency values;
•
the failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses or realize the expected synergies resulting from such acquisitions;
•
the failure to realize the expected benefits or synergies relating to our transformation initiative;
•
changes in tax laws; and
•
the other factors including but not limited to those described under Item 1A, 'Risk Factors' and Item 7, 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' 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.

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

- 17 -

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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. 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), operating income (loss) (in total and on a per share basis), annualized operating ROACE, amounts presented on a constant currency basis, pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements, ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) (in total and on a per share basis) and annualized ex-PGAAP operating ROACE 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, better 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 individual 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 individual 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.

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

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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 (losses) 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 such, 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 statement 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 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, therefore, foreign exchange losses (gains) are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).

Interest expense and financing costs primarily relate to interest payable on our senior notes. As these expenses are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our individual underwriting operations, these expenses are excluded from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, and therefore, consolidated underwriting income (loss).

Transaction and 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 including VOBA 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 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 income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method

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

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investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Consolidated Segmental Data' section 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), transaction and 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. In addition, we recognize unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our equity securities and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized upon the sale of our available-for-sale investments and equity securities in net investment gains (losses). However, these movements are only one element of the overall impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our financial position. We also recognize unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our available-for-sale investments in other comprehensive income (loss). These unrealized and realized foreign exchange losses (gains) generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) reported in net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, thereby minimizing the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on total shareholders’ equity. As a result, the foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statement of operations in isolation are not a fair representation of the performance of our business.

Transaction and 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 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), transaction and reorganization expenses, and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments to understand the profitability of recurring sources of income.


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

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We believe that showing net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders exclusive of after-tax net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), transaction and 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 ROACE, respectively, in the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' 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 Movement
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 investment gains (losses) generated by average cash and investment balances. 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 in this release.

We believe this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze the performance of our investments.


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

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Ex-PGAAP Operating Income (Loss)
Ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) represents operating income (loss) exclusive of amortization of VOBA and intangible assets, net of tax and amortization of acquisition costs, net of tax associated with Novae's balance sheet at October 2, 2017 (the "closing date" or "acquisition date"). The reconciliation of ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) to net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is also presented in the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' of this press release.

We also present ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) per diluted common share and annualized ex-PGAAP operating ROACE, which are derived from the ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) measure and are reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, earnings per diluted common share and annualized ROACE, respectively, in the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' of this press release.

We believe the presentation of ex-PGAAP operating income (loss), ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) per diluted common share and annualized ex-PGAAP operating ROACE enables investors and other users of our financial information to better analyze the performance of our business.

Acquisition of Novae
On October 2, 2017, AXIS Capital acquired Novae. We identified VOBA which represents the present value of the expected underwriting profit within policies that were in-force at the closing date of the transaction. In addition, the allocation of the acquisition price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Novae based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date, resulted in the write-off of the deferred acquisition cost asset on Novae's balance sheet at the acquisition date as the value of policies in-force on that date are considered within VOBA. Consequently, underwriting income (loss) in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 included the recognition of premium attributable to Novae's balance sheet at the acquisition date without the recognition of the associated acquisition costs.









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

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