StarStone benefits from investment results in challenging 2016

StarStone, which was formerly known as Torus and which is now owned by Bermuda-based Enstar, has almost doubled its profits in 2016 despite what it described as challenging circumstances.

The company reported net earnings for 2016 of $42.8 million which compares to $23.2 million in 2015. Its investment results saw a sharp increase, going from $6.2 million in 2015 to $27.9 million.

Gross written premiums also increased, going from $825 million in 2015 to $855 million in 2016. StarStone also reported that its combined ratio remained the same year-on-year at 98.6 percent, which the company attributed to an improvement in its operating expense ratio.

According to StarStone the company saw continued disciplined underwriting focus with further improvement in year-on-year result. It also pointed to strong profit contributions, in particular from marine liability, offshore energy and terrorism lines as well as its US excess casualty portfolio which is distributed through StarStone’s broker portal, ESCAPE.

StarStone added that it had actively managed the current market cycle by growing business lines where pricing was adequate while shrinking in lines where rates are under significant pressure. It also claimed to have invested in further operational efficiencies including new policy, claims and administration systems.

"In a challenging market, StarStone continued to develop its niche specialty expertise and increase its distribution footprint while retaining the focus and discipline required to maintain underwriting profitability," said Demian Smith, group CEO of StarStone, in a statement.

"The diligence and focus of our staff in servicing our clients while seeking areas of long-term profitability remains our primary focus.

"Our improved profits, in a very difficult market, is testament to the efforts of my colleagues in StarStone and the wider Enstar Group in transforming StarStone since we were acquired in April 2014. With no immediate signs of improvement in the pricing environment we continue to focus on doing the basics well, delivering for our clients, underwriting for profit not scale, and management of expenses."

Today’s top stories

'Expensive' London Market is losing business to overseas hubs

JLT Re enjoys strong growth despite continued price declines

R&Q raises £16.9m; eyes growth in Malta, US and seeks more acquisitions

Reinsurers warn changes to UK personal injury calculations may hit them hard

Enstar posts solid 2016 results but warns on impact of deteriorating rates

JLT appoints group COO amid management reshuffle

Did you enjoy reading this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.