Company: AXS-PE
Filing Date: 2025-02-26
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001214816-25-000056
Chunk: 226

Company: AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LTD
Filing Date: 2025-02-26
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1A
Chunk 226
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ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

Insurance Risk

Insurance risk is the inherent uncertainty as to the occurrence, amount and timing of insurance and reinsurance liabilities transferred to us through the underwriting process. 

The insurance and reinsurance business is historically cyclical, and we expect to experience periods with excess underwriting capacity and unfavorable premium rates.

The insurance and reinsurance business historically has been a cyclical industry characterized by periods of intense price competition due to excess underwriting capacity, as well as periods when shortages of capacity permit favorable premium levels. An increase in premium rates is often followed by an increased supply of insurance and reinsurance capacity, via capital driven by new entrants, new capital market instruments and structures and/or the commitment of additional capital by existing insurers and reinsurers. Any of these factors could lead to a significant reduction in premium rates, less favorable policy terms, increased expenses for customer acquisition and retention, and fewer submissions for our underwriting services. In addition to these considerations, changes in the frequency and severity of losses suffered by insureds and insurers may affect the cycles of the insurance and reinsurance business significantly, which in turn could affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity could be adversely affected by the occurrence of natural and man-made disasters, as well as outbreaks of pandemic or contagious diseases.

We have exposure to unexpected losses resulting from natural disasters, man-made catastrophes and other catastrophe events predominantly in our insurance business. Catastrophes can be caused by various events, including hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, hailstorms, floods, severe winter weather, fires, drought and other natural disasters and outbreaks of pandemic or contagious diseases. Catastrophes can also be man-made, such as terrorist attacks and other intentionally destructive acts, including those involving nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events, cyberattacks and other data security incidents, explosions and infrastructure failures. The incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable and losses from catastrophes could be substantial.

Increases in the values and concentrations of insured property, particularly in coastal regions, and increases in the cost of construction materials required to rebuild affected properties, may continue to increase the impact of natural catastrophe events. Changes in global climate conditions may further increase the frequency and severity of natural catastrophe activity and losses. Secondary perils, for example severe convective storms, may also become increasingly impactful. Similarly, changes in global political and economic conditions may increase both the frequency and severity of man