Insurer Arch Capital tops estimates on strong underwriting, investment income

Arch Capital

14/02/2024 23:23

Feb 14 (Reuters) - Arch Capital Group's  ACGL.O 
operating income for the fourth quarter surpassed market
expectations on Wednesday, as the insurer benefited from
stronger underwriting and better returns on its investments.
    Buoyed by employer-guaranteed and government-mandated
policies, the demand for insurance remains resilient
irrespective of the broader economic conditions.
    Arch Capital said its gross written premium increased 12% to
$4.25 billion in the quarter. It posted a combined ratio of
78.9%, compared with 73.5% a year earlier. A ratio below 100%
means the insurer earned more in premiums than it paid out in
claims.
    Investment returns at major insurers have rebounded as
global capital markets rallied on hopes that the U.S. Federal
Reserve is nearing the end of its rate-hike cycle.
    Arch Capital's net investment income improved to $313
million, compared with $181 million a year earlier.
    The company's after-tax operating income came in at $2.49
per share, compared with analysts' estimate of $2.03 per share,
according to LSEG data.

 (Reporting by Sri Hari N S and Pritam Biswas in Bengaluru;
Editing by Tasim Zahid)
 ((SriHari.NS@thomsonreuters.com;))