Erm, amounts ceded to re-insurers need to be analyzed. There is a MINIMUM statutory requirement. You can always cede more.
Claims - These vary substantially year on year. Its the long-term trend that matters but even then it can be volatile e.g. Japan's tsunami.
Erm, I don't use the media for analysis.
How does a 10% INCREASE in Operating Profits confirm they are taking on too much risky business? Unless you can audit the books, this info is tough to assess.
As is analyzing Insurance Firms is very hard. I do not bother. If you can do it using the little info provided, then good luck.
Again, I look at multiple metrics but if I don't trust the Management then I will NOT invest in an Insurance Firm.
Warren Buffett looks for 'float' not an underwriting profit. If JIC had sold their stocks in 4Q 2010 then they are very, very smart coz they can buy back in 2012 at a 25% discount + 10% interest gain in 2011. Very smart folks!
BTW, I doubt JIC sells their holdings in TPSEA, NMG & DTBK which are all tremendous firms.
Greedy when others are fearful. Very fearful when others are greedy - to paraphrase Warren Buffett