Beazley’s shares surged to nearly one-year highs as the specialty insurer announced plans to distribute approximately $300 million to shareholders following an improvement in its undiscounted combined ratio for 2023, driven by a stronger underwriting performance.
Impressive Stock Performance
At 0948 GMT, the stock rose by 9.0% to 634.5 pence, marking its highest price since March and making it the FTSE 100’s top performer in morning trade.
Enhanced Financial Health
The London-listed company reported a boost in its undiscounted combined ratio to the mid-70s, surpassing its earlier forecast of low-80s, in an unscheduled statement released on Thursday.
“This improvement is attributed to a better-than-expected claims experience throughout the year,” the company stated.
Analyst Insights
Analysts are eager to evaluate the extent to which this outperformance is sustainable and its potential impact moving forward.
“Given the favorable pricing environment, we anticipate that a portion of the improved claims experience is fundamental and likely to recur rather than being solely due to reduced catastrophe losses,” Jefferies analysts commented in a client note.
However, Numis highlighted that the mention of positive claims experience implies a non-repetition factor but also suggested that a portion of the 2023 outcome could reduce future claims assumptions.
Future Plans
Beazley is set to disclose its full-year results on March 7 and confirm the total amount and methodology of the additional capital returns, which will be distributed in addition to its regular dividend. The supplementary payout surpasses market expectations by approximately double.
Analyst Remarks
J.P. Morgan Cazenove analysts remarked on Beazley’s share performance over the past year, stating that concerns over meeting high expectations had led to a 7% decline in the stock price. However, they noted that this recent announcement demonstrates the company’s ability to meet and exceed expectations, restoring investor confidence.