QBE Insurance Group Ltd's stock soared 6.08% during intraday trading on Friday, following the release of its full-year financial results that significantly exceeded market expectations.
The Australian insurer reported a 23.3% rise in full-year profit, with adjusted net cash profit after income tax reaching $2.13 billion, beating the Visible Alpha consensus estimate of A$2.06 billion. The strong performance was driven by lower catastrophe claims, which fell to $751 million and remained within the company's allowance, coupled with higher investment income.
Additionally, QBE reported gross written premiums of $23.96 billion for 2025, representing 7% growth and surpassing analyst estimates. The company also increased its final dividend to 78 Australian cents per share, up from 63 cents a year earlier, while providing guidance for mid-single-digit constant currency growth in gross written premiums for 2026.