•Annualized return on average common equity ("ROACE") of 17.0% and annualized operating ROACE of 17.7%

•Combined ratio of 89.8%

•Underwriting income of $187 million, an increase of $24 million, or 15%, compared to the first quarter of 2025

•Book value per diluted common share of $78.19, an increase of $0.99, or 1.3%, compared to December 31, 2025

Pembroke, Bermuda, April 29, 2026 - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital" or "AXIS" or "the Company") (NYSE: AXS) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

Commenting on the first quarter 2026 financial results, Vince Tizzio, President and CEO of AXIS Capital said:

•Net income available to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2026 was $247 million, an increase of $60 million, or 33%, compared to the first quarter of 2025.

•Operating income(1) for the first quarter of 2026 was $257 million, a decrease of $5 million, or 2%, compared to the first quarter of 2025.

•Underwriting income(2) for the first quarter of 2026 was $187 million, an increase of $24 million, or 15%, compared to the first quarter of 2025.

•Net investment income for the first quarter of 2026 was $185 million, a decrease of $23 million, or 11%, primarily attributable to lower income from cash following the loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement ("LPT transaction") completed with Enstar in the second quarter of 2025.

•Fees related to arrangements with strategic capital partners for the first quarter of 2026 of $23 million, compared to $16 million in the prior year.

•Book yield of fixed maturities was 4.7% at March 31, 2026, compared to 4.5% at March 31, 2025. The market yield was 5.1% at March 31, 2026.

•The effective tax rate of 18.0% for the quarter was principally due to pre-tax income in our U.S. and U.K. operations, compared to 18.6% for the first quarter of 2025 principally due to pre-tax income in our Bermuda, U.K., U.S., and European operations.

•Reorganization expenses for the first quarter of 2026 were $23 million, primarily related to costs attributable to streamlining our reinsurance operations and costs attributable to transitions in executive leadership.

•Total capital returned to common shareholders of $93 million, including common share repurchases of $60 million pursuant to our Board-authorized share repurchase program, and common share dividends of $33 million in the quarter.

•Book value per diluted common share was $78.19 at March 31, 2026, an increase of $0.99, or 1.3%, compared to December 31, 2025.

•Book value per diluted common share increased by $11.71, or 17.6%, over the past twelve months, driven by net income, and a reduction in net unrealized investment losses, partially offset by common share repurchases, and common share dividends of $1.76 per share.

* Amounts may not reconcile due to rounding differences.

1 Operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) per diluted common share 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 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.

2 Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is provided later in this press release.

First Quarter Consolidated Underwriting Highlights3

•Gross premiums written increased by $303 million, or 11% ($244 million, or 9%, on a constant currency basis(6)), to $3.1 billion with an increase of $328 million, or 20% in the insurance segment, partially offset by a decrease of $25 million, or 2% in the reinsurance segment.

•Net premiums written increased by $157 million, or 9% ($101 million, or 6%, on a constant currency basis), to $1.9 billion with an increase of $248 million, or 24% in the insurance segment, partially offset by a decrease of $92 million, or 13% in the reinsurance segment.

•Pre-tax, catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance, were $48 million ($38 million after-tax), or 3.2 points, related to the Insurance segment, including natural catastrophe losses of $33 million or 2.2 points, primarily attributable to U.S. winter storms and other weather-related events. The remaining losses of $15 million or 1.0 point were attributable to the Middle East conflict.

•Net favorable prior year reserve development was $18 million (Insurance: $15 million; Reinsurance: $3 million), compared to $18 million in 2025.

•The underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio decreased by 1.2 points, mainly driven by an increase in net premiums earned and efficiencies gained from investments in underwriting platforms.

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

4 The current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses is calculated by dividing the current accident year losses less pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance, by net premiums earned less reinstatement premiums.

5 Current accident year loss ratio, catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio, current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses, current accident year combined ratio, and current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, net losses and loss expenses ratio and combined ratio are provided above and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items is provided later in this press release.

6 Amounts 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 above/later in this press release, and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items is provided later in this press release. Variances that are unchanged on a constant currency basis are omitted from the narrative.

•Gross premiums written increased by $328 million, or 20% ($309 million, or 19%, on a constant currency basis), primarily attributable to property, professional lines and accident and health lines. Our AXIS Capacity Solutions capability contributed $173 million, or 10% of the increase with approximately half attributable to discrete Funds at Lloyds ("FAL") transactions.

•Net premiums written increased by $248 million, or 24% ($232 million, or 22%, on a constant currency basis), reflecting the increase in gross premiums written in the quarter, together with a decreased cession rate in liability lines, partially offset by an increased cession rate in property lines.

•The current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses increased by 1.0 point, principally due to increased competition in property and cyber lines.

•The acquisition cost ratio increased by 0.4 points, primarily related to increases in gross acquisition costs in property lines and changes in business mix.

•The underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio decreased by 1.3 points, mainly driven by an increase in net premiums earned.

•Gross premiums written decreased by $25 million, or 2% ($65 million, or 6%, on a constant currency basis), primarily attributable to non-renewals and decreased line sizes in liability and motor lines, partially offset by increased line sizes and new business in credit and surety lines.

•Net premiums written decreased by $92 million or 13% ($131 million, or 19%, on a constant currency basis), reflecting the decrease in gross premiums written in the quarter, together with increased cession rates in motor, professional lines and liability lines.

•The current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses is consistent with recent quarters.

•The acquisition cost ratio increased by 2.5 points, primarily related to increases in gross acquisition costs associated with changes in business mix attributable to credit and surety, and motor lines.

•The underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio decreased by 1.2 points, mainly driven by an increase in fees related to arrangements with strategic capital partners.

•Net investment income decreased by $23 million, or 11%, compared to the first quarter of 2025, primarily attributable to lower income from cash following the LPT transaction completed in the second quarter of 2025.

•Net investment gains (losses) recognized in net income (loss) for the quarter was primarily related to net unrealized losses on equity securities and net realized gains on the sale of equities and fixed maturities.

•Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities, pre-tax of $(159) million ($(135) million excluding foreign exchange movements) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) in the quarter was due to a decrease in the market value of our fixed maturities portfolio associated with the increase in sovereign yields and the widening of credit spreads.

•Book yield of fixed maturities was 4.7% at March 31, 2026, compared to 4.5% at March 31, 2025. The market yield was 5.1% at March 31, 2026.

7 Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities is calculated by taking net unrealized gains (losses) at period end less net unrealized gains (losses) at the prior period end.

8 The average cash and investments balance is the average of the monthly fair value balances.

9 Pre-tax, total return on average 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 average cash and investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included foreign exchange (losses) gains of $(24) million and $47 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.

We will host our first quarter earnings conference call on Thursday, April 30 2026 at 8:30 a.m. (ET). The earnings conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-877-883-0383 (U.S. callers), 1-866-605-3850 (Canada callers), or 1-412-902-6506 (international callers), and entering the passcode 2973873. 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 will be available for one week by dialing 1-855-669-9658 (U.S. and Canada callers), or 1-412-317-0088 (international callers), and entering the passcode 5212333. The webcast will be archived in the Investor Information section of our website.

In addition, an investor financial supplement for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 is available in the Investor Information section of our website.

AXIS Capital, through its operating subsidiaries, is a global specialty underwriter and provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions. The Company has shareholders' equity of $6.4 billion at March 31, 2026, and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore and Canada. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a financial strength rating of "A+" ("Strong") by Standard & Poor's and "A" ("Excellent") by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com.

10 Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included corporate expenses of $31 million and $29 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses are included in the general and administrative expense ratio.

12 Tax expense (benefit) associated with the adjustments to net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.

13 Annualized 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 press release.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. This press release or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company may include forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "plan", "believe", "predict", "potential", "aim", "will", "target", "continue", "intend" or similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature or their negative or similar terminology.

Forward-looking statements made in this press release, such as those related to our performance, pricing, growth prospects, the outcome of our strategic initiatives, our expectations relating to our ability to successfully implement and manage technology initiatives – including artificial intelligence, our expectations about the current trade and geopolitical environment on our business, economic and market conditions, and other statements that are not historical facts, reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

We present our results of operations in a way we believe will be 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), current accident year loss ratio, catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio, current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses, current accident year combined ratio, current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses, operating income (loss) (in total and on a per share basis), annualized operating return on average common equity ("operating ROACE"), amounts presented on a constant currency basis and pre-tax, total return on average cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements 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, help 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").

The reconciliation of consolidated 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.

Foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements 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, including unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our equity securities, and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized on the sale of our available for sale investments and equity securities recognized in net investment gains (losses), and unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our available for sale investments in other comprehensive income (loss), generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) arising from our underwriting portfolio, thereby minimizing the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on total shareholders' equity. As a result, we believe that foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations in isolation 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 debt and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. As these expenses are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our underwriting operations, these expenses are excluded from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, and therefore, consolidated underwriting income (loss).

Reorganization expenses in 2026 primarily related to costs attributable to streamlining our reinsurance operations and costs attributable to transitions in executive leadership. 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).

We believe that the 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 net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Consolidated Segmental Data' section of this press release.

Current accident year loss ratio represents net losses and loss expenses ratio exclusive of net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development. We believe that the presentation of current accident year loss ratio provides investors with an enhanced understanding of our results of operations by highlighting net losses and loss expenses associated with our underwriting activities excluding the impact of volatile prior year reserve development. The reconciliation of current accident year loss ratio to net losses and loss expenses ratio, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Consolidated Underwriting Highlights' section of this press release.

The reconciliation of catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio and current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses to net losses and loss expenses ratio, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Consolidated Underwriting Highlights' section of this press release.

Current accident year combined ratio represents underwriting results exclusive of net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development. We believe that the presentation of current accident year combined ratio provides investors with an enhanced understanding of our results of operations by highlighting the profitability of our underwriting activities excluding the impact of volatile prior year reserve development. The reconciliation of current accident year combined ratio to combined ratio, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Consolidated Underwriting Highlights' section of this press release.

Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses represents underwriting results exclusive of net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development and net losses and loss expenses associated with natural catastrophes, man-made disasters, other significant catastrophe events and other weather-related events.

We believe that the presentation of current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses provides investors with an enhanced understanding of our results of operations by highlighting the profitability of our underwriting activities excluding the impact of volatile prior year reserve development and by separately identifying net losses and loss expenses associated with catastrophe and weather-related events due to the inherently unpredictable nature of the occurrence of these events, the potential magnitude of these losses and the complexity that affects our ability to accurately estimate ultimate losses associated with these events.

The reconciliation of current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses to combined ratio, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Consolidated Underwriting Highlights' section of this press release.

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. However, we manage our investment portfolio in such a way that unrealized and realized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our investment portfolio, including unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our equity securities and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized on the sale of our available for sale investments and equity securities recognized in net investment gains (losses) and unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our available for sale investments in other comprehensive income (loss), generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) arising from our underwriting portfolio, thereby minimizing the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on total shareholders' equity. As a result, we believe that foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations in isolation are not a meaningful contributor to the performance of our business. Therefore, foreign exchange losses (gains) are excluded from operating income (loss).

Reorganization expenses in 2026 primarily related to costs attributable to streamlining our reinsurance operations and costs attributable to transitions in executive leadership. 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).

We believe that showing net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders exclusive of after-tax net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), 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 return on average common equity ("ROACE"), respectively, in the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' section of this press release.

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 average cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements measures net investment income (loss), net investment gains (losses), interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, and change in unrealized gains (losses) generated by average cash and investment balances. We believe this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze the performance of our investment portfolio. The reconciliation of pre-tax, total return on average cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements to pre-tax, total return on average cash and investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Investments' section of this press release.

 

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited's ("AXIS Capital" or the "Company") underwriting operations are organized around its global underwriting platforms, AXIS Insurance and AXIS Re. The Company has determined that it has two reportable segments, insurance and reinsurance.

•All financial information contained herein is unaudited, except for the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2025 and consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

•Amounts may not reconcile due to rounding differences.

•Unless otherwise noted, all data is in thousands, except for ratio information.

•NM - Not meaningful is defined as a variance greater than +/- 100%; NA - Not applicable

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. This document or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company may include forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this document are forward-looking statements. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "plan", "believe", "predict", "potential", "aim", "will", "target", "continue", "intend" or similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature or their negative or similar terminology.

Forward-looking statements made in this document, such as those related to our performance, pricing, growth prospects, the outcome of our strategic initiatives, our expectations relating to our ability to successfully implement and manage technology initiatives – including artificial intelligence, our expectations about the current trade and geopolitical environment on our business, economic and market conditions, and other statements that are not historical facts, reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

[a]    Operating income (loss), operating income (loss) per diluted common share, annualized operating return on average common equity ("operating ROACE"), current accident year loss ratio, catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio, current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses and tangible book value per diluted common share are non-GAAP financial measures as defined by 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, annualized return on average common equity ("ROACE"), net losses and loss expenses ratio and book value per diluted common share, respectively, and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items are provided above/later in this document.

[b]    Annualized ROACE is calculated by dividing annualized net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders for the period by the average common shareholders’ equity determined using the

common shareholders’ equity balances at the beginning and end of the period.

[c]    Annualized operating ROACE is calculated by dividing annualized operating income (loss) for the period by the average common shareholders’ equity determined using the common shareholders’ equity balances at the beginning and end of the period.

[d]    Operating income (loss) per diluted common share is calculated by dividing operating income (loss) for the period by weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.

[e]    The current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses is calculated by dividing the current accident year losses less pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance, by net premiums earned less reinstatement premiums.

[f]    Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses are included in the general and administrative expense ratio.

[g]    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).