BUZZ-Esure: down as much as 8 pct on weak quarterly premiums

** Insurer Esure fell as much as 8 pct to 220.1 pence on 7.4 pct decline in quarterly written premiums due to continued fierce competition in UK motor & home insurance.

** Stock among top pct losers on FTSE 250 biggest loser on FTSE 350 non-life insurance index.

** Co expects FY combined operating ratio (COR) to tick up towards 92 pct, assuming normal weather for remainder of year. A lower ratio means an insurer earns more in premiums than it pays out in claims.

** Revised COR outlook drove Shore Capital analyst Eamonn Flanagan to downgrade his EPS forecast for co by about 7 pct, & reiterate 'sell' rating. Flanagan had forecast a COR of 90.3 percent.

** Underperforms peers; Admiral drops 1.3 pct, RSA Insurance up 1.3 pct & Direct Line 0.3 pct firmer.

(rm://richa.naidu.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)