Investopedia: Flagstone A Multi-Year Rebuilding Story

Insurance is a mixed bag these days. Rates seem to be firming up, but many reinsurance companies have had to absorb losses tied to several disasters. Unfortunately, underwriting discipline has apparently become a problem at Flagstone Reinsurance (NYSE:FSR), and investors are looking at a multi-year rebuilding story with this insurer.

Fourth Quarter Results More of the Same, Only More so  
Flagstone ended the year on pretty weak footing. Gross written premiums dropped 3%, while net written premiums fell 18%. To a certain extent, this was not very surprising - not only have many reinsurers seen iffy premium growth, but Flagstone has been actively looking to cut its risk exposure.

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Investopedia: Can Arch Capital Keep Pulling Rabbits Out Of Its Hat?

Years of superior performance have established quite a reputation for the management of Arch Capital (Nasdaq:ACGL). In good times and bad, this seems to be one of the best-run Bermuda-based insurance companies. The question investors have to ask, though, is whether there is enough leeway in the present valuation to really make this one of the best-performing stocks out there over the coming year or two.

Fourth Quarter Results  
Arch Capital reported that gross written premiums rose more than 5% for the fourth quarter, with particular strength (up 17%) in reinsurance. Net written premium growth was a little stronger, coming in at nearly 6%, while net investment income was down 11%.

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http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2012/Can-Arch-Capital-Keep-Pulling-Rabbits-Out-Of-Its-Hat-ACGL-ACE-AXS-ENH0216.aspx