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Investing.com -- Shares of Hiscox (LSE:LON:HSX) edged down 0.5% following the release of its first quarter results, which showed a slight underperformance in premium growth, although net premium growth was better than anticipated. The insurer’s investment performance and claims data were in line with forecasts.
Hiscox reported insurance written premium (ICWP) of $1,558 million, marking a 3.3% growth at constant currency but only 2.4% year-on-year (YoY) in USD terms. The Retail division’s gross ICWP grew 4% YoY on a like-for-like basis.
While growth in the UK & Europe was 4% YoY in dollar terms, the company saw a greater-than-expected dampening in the UK market. In the US, growth was aligned with expectations.
The Reinsurance and Insurance-Linked Securities (Re&ILS) division, however, posted a net ICWP growth of 8% YoY. The company reiterated its estimated loss of $170 million for the California Wildfire.
The investment return for the first quarter was $114 million, while the reinvestment yield stood at 4.5%.
In terms of noteworthy areas, the US Direct and Partnerships (DPD) Q1 premium growth was 6.6%, below the anticipated 8%. Hiscox has also initiated a new brand campaign expected to contribute positively going forward.
Additionally, the company has acquired $33 million of its $175 million proposed share buyback program as of April 30.
Pricing data indicated a dampening of rates, with London Market rates down 3% and Re&ILS down 7%, while Retail rates showed a modest increase of 2%.
The company’s guidance remains unchanged, targeting >6% growth in constant currency in 2025 for the Retail division, with medium-term growth of 5-15% aimed for Retail.
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