Axis Capital Holdings Limited (NYSE:AXS) has received an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from twelve analysts covering the firm, according to Marketbeat. The consensus includes three analysts who recommend holding the stock, eight who suggest buying, and one who has issued a strong buy rating. The average 12-month price target set by these brokerages stands at $124.00.
Several notable reports have emerged from equities research analysts regarding Axis Capital. On January 22, Weiss Ratings downgraded the company from a “buy (a-)” rating to a “buy (b)” rating. In a research note dated January 30, Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a “buy” rating with a target price of $122.00. Similarly, Compass Point set a target price of $121.00 in a report released on November 24. Wells Fargo & Company adjusted their price target from $124.00 to $121.00, maintaining an “overweight” rating for the company on January 30. Conversely, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective from $121.00 to $130.00, providing an “outperform” rating on January 6.
Current Stock Performance and Financials
As of Tuesday, Axis Capital’s shares opened at $101.08, reflecting a decrease of 0.5%. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $104.09 and a 200-day moving average price of $99.32. Financial metrics indicate a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.67, and a current ratio of 0.67. Axis Capital’s market capitalization is approximately $7.79 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.16 and a price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of 3.03. Over the past year, the stock has fluctuated between a low of $84.81 and a high of $110.34.
The insurance provider recently announced its quarterly earnings results on January 28. Axis Capital reported earnings per share (EPS) of $3.25, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.97 by $0.28. The company generated revenue of $1.73 billion, significantly exceeding analyst expectations of $1.33 billion. The firm achieved a net margin of 15.37% and a return on equity of 18.90%, with a year-over-year revenue increase of 17.8%. In the same quarter of the previous year, Axis Capital reported an EPS of $3.38. Analysts project that Axis Capital will post an EPS of 11.19 for the current year.
Dividend Announcement and Company Overview
Additionally, Axis Capital declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44, which was paid to shareholders on January 15. Shareholders of record as of December 31 received this dividend, with an ex-dividend date also set on December 31. This annualized dividend totals $1.76 and results in a dividend yield of 1.7%. The company’s dividend payout ratio currently stands at 14.21%.
Axis Capital Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of specialty insurance and reinsurance products across Bermuda, the United States, and other international markets. The firm operates in two primary segments: Insurance and Reinsurance. The Insurance segment includes products that cover directors’ and officers’ liability, errors and omissions, employment practices, fiduciary, crime, professional indemnity, medical malpractice, and other related financial insurance. Additionally, it offers property insurance for various types of buildings and projects, along with coverage for business interruptions caused by acts of terrorism.
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