BUZZ-Esure: bottom of FTSE 250 on H1 profit fall, weaker outlook

** British insurer esure Group down 4.1 pct as co reports 1.9 pct fall in H1 underlying PBT; stock biggest loser on FTSE 250

** Blames adverse weather conditions; cuts dividend to 3p/share from 4.2p a year earlier

** Co sees FY combined operating ratio of 98-99 pct, on assumption of normal weather conditions

** RBC Capital Markets analysts say the revised combined operating ratio guidance of 98-99 pct, up from previous level of 97-98 pct, would hurt share prices on Friday

** Combined operating ratio is the sum of the claims, commissions and expenses divided by net earned premium; a number lower than 100 indicates a profit

** More than a half 30-day daily avg volume through in 1.5 hrs

** Up to Thursday's close, stock had risen c.11.5 pct YTD vs a 10.7 pct rise in the FTSE 350 Nonlife Insurance index (RM (LSE: RM.L - news) :sanjeeban.sarkar.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)