AXIS Capital Greenlights Dividend, Unveils $400 Million Buyback Program

Key Takeaways:

  • AXIS Capital Holdings approves $0.44 per share dividend and $34.375 preferred dividend.
  • Board authorizes up to $400 million in common‐stock repurchases.
  • Open‐ended buyback program replaces fully utilized prior authorization.

Lead AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (NYSE: AXS) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per common share and $34.375 per Series E preferred share, while its board approved a new $400 million common‐stock repurchase program, aiming to bolster shareholder returns.

Nut Graf The announcement underscores AXIS Capital’s ongoing commitment to shareholder value, marking 23 consecutive years of dividend payments and introducing an open‐ended buyback to capitalize on market opportunities and reinforce its financial strategy.

Dividend Details

  • Quarterly common dividend: $0.44 per share
  • Series E preferred dividend: $34.375 per share
  • Record date: September 30, 2025
  • Payment date: October 17, 2025

Share Repurchase Program

  • Authorization: Up to $400 million of common shares
  • Scope: Open-ended, replacing a fully utilized prior program
  • Execution: Opportunistic purchases in the open market or via negotiated transactions

Strategic Rationale AXIS Capital cited strong capital position and market conditions in approving the repurchase plan. The company’s financial strength ratings-A+ from S&P and A from A.M. Best-support its ability to deliver consistent shareholder returns without compromising underwriting discipline.

Financial Context In Q2 2025, AXIS reported net income of $216 million ($2.72 per diluted share) and operating income of $261 million ($3.29 per diluted share), achieving an 88.9% combined ratio and 19.0% annualized operating ROACE. Shareholders’ equity stood at $6.2 billion as of June 30, 2025, reinforcing the company’s capacity for continued capital deployment.

Investor Implications With dividend continuity and enhanced buyback flexibility, AXIS Capital aims to attract yield‐seeking investors and support its share price, while maintaining agility to deploy capital in alignment with market, economic, and regulatory conditions.