BEAZLEY PLC LS -,05

Moody's has affirmed the credit ratings of the Zurich Group following its purchase of the British specialist insurer Beazley. The financial strength rating for Zurich Insurance Company (ZIC) remains at 'Aa2' and the outlook is 'stable'. Moody's highlights the strong earnings position, prudent risk and capital management, and the strengthening of the business profile through the margin-rich specialty insurance. On the SIX, Zurich shares reacted with slight gains. » More on finanzen.net

At the annual general meeting a dividend of £0.25 per share was approved for 2025, unchanged from the prior period; the total payout is £160.10m, 69.78% above the previous year. The dividend yield for 2025 is 3.00% (previous year 3.06%); the share will be marked down on the ex-dividend date and payment will follow shortly after. Beazley has seen a five-year price rise of 284.72% and a real total return of 693.60%; FactSet expects an increase to $0.35 per share for 2026. Market value is currently £7.522bn and the P/E ratio is 7.34. » More on finanzen.net

Shareholders of Beazley voted to approve the takeover plan by Zurich Versicherungen at a court-convened meeting with 99.91% of votes cast in favour. At the general meeting the required special resolution was passed with 99.92%. The transaction will be implemented by a court-sanctioned Scheme of Arrangement and remains subject to court approval and other conditions set out in the offer document. If approved by the court, completion is planned for the second half of 2026. » More on de.investing.com