Ratings of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company

 Ratings of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company : A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a+” of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. (Ameritas Life) (Lincoln, NE), Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (Ameritas, NY), Acacia Life Insurance Company (Acacia Life) (headquartered in Bethesda, MD) and The Union Central Life Insurance Company (Union Central) (headquartered in Cincinnati, OH). These insurance entities comprise the life/health operations of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company (Ameritas) (Lincoln, NE). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the debt rating of “a-” on $50 million 8.20% surplus notes due 2026 of Union Central. The outlook for all ratings is stable.

The rating affirmations primarily reflect the group’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, diversified operating platform, high quality balance sheet and favorable business profile. The ratings also reflect Ameritas Life’s well-established market position in group dental insurance. As a mutual holding company, Ameritas has good financial flexibility with the ability to access the capital markets through debt offerings. The organization’s current financial leverage is modest, with a reasonable level of intangibles facilitating a high-quality capital base. Additionally, A.M. Best notes that Ameritas’ below investment grade bonds currently represent less than 4% of the company’s fixed income portfolio, and its non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) have declined in recent periods.

A.M. Best believes that Ameritas Life’s favorable business profile should strengthen further under its unified branding strategy and improved economies of scale. Its broad portfolio of individual life, individual annuity, disability income, retirement plans and dental and vision products provide a steady source of diversified earnings. More recently, Ameritas’ earnings have been impacted by non-insurance related lines of business; however, it has historically experienced favorable operating results within its core insurance and annuity lines. Although A.M. Best expects these favorable results to continue in the near to medium term, Ameritas may be challenged to increase sales due to the sluggish U.S. economy, prolonged low interest rates and the highly competitive landscape within many of the group’s core lines of business.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the modest decline in Ameritas’ operating income, primarily driven by the results of its Calvert Investments, Inc. (Calvert) subsidiary, which in 2012 experienced a noticeable drop in assets under management. Operating results also have been negatively impacted by a lack of scale, lower-than-expected persistency and the impact of the low interest rate environment within the group retirement plans segment. While earnings increased in the company’s individual life and annuity businesses, A.M. Best notes that a significant amount of Ameritas’ interest-sensitive reserves remain at or near the guaranteed minimum interest rate, which has caused some spread compression. However, this has been offset by an increase in earnings from its variable annuity product line as a result of increased sales and higher fees associated with an increase in fund balances. Moreover, while A.M. Best views favorably the pending sale of Acacia Federal Savings Bank due to the regulatory burden associated with being a bank holding company, the pending sale has resulted in a contingent net loss of approximately $35 million. Approximately $300 million of primarily interest-only loans have been excluded from the sale and have been transferred to Ameritas’ general account investment portfolio. A.M. Best will closely monitor the performance of these transferred loans.

Factors that could result in positive rating actions for Ameritas in the near to medium term include continued favorable earnings trends, improved operating performance at Calvert and continued overall top line growth.

Factors that may result in negative rating actions include deterioration in the group’s operating results, material investment losses or a lack of sustained revenue growth within its core lines of business.

A.M. Best also has withdrawn the FSR of A- (Excellent) and ICR of “a-” of Brokers National Life Assurance Company (BNLAC) (headquartered in Austin, TX). Following the reinsurance of its core dental and vision business to Ameritas Life, BNLAC will have a negligible amount of reserves and is expected to be sold (essentially as a shell) to a third party in the near term.

Hanover Insurance stock rating by A.M. Best Co

Hanover Insurance stock rating by A.M. Best Co : A.M. Best Co. has assigned a debt rating of "bb+" to the 40-year $175 million 6.35% fixed rate junior subordinated debentures recently issued by The Hanover Insurance Group Inc (Hanover, Inc.) (Worcester, MA) [NYSE: THG]. Additionally, A.M. Best has assigned indicative ratings of "bbb" on senior unsecured debt, "bb+" on junior subordinated debt and "bb+" on the preferred stock of the recently filed shelf registration of Hanover, Inc. The outlook assigned to all ratings is stable. All existing ratings of Hanover, Inc. and its subsidiaries are unchanged.

The rating assignments recognize Hanover P&C Group's (Hanover) favorable risk-adjusted capitalization and generally positive operating results despite significant catastrophic weather-related activity in the United States in recent years. The ratings also recognize Hanover's proactive and comprehensive risk management, its significant U.S. market presence in commercial and personal lines, as well as solid earnings in its international segment generated by its United Kingdom subsidiary, Chaucer Holdings, PLC.

As of December 31, 2012, Hanover, Inc.'s unadjusted debt-to-capital and debt-to-tangible capital ratios were 24.7% and 26.1%, respectively. The additional borrowings of $175 million will result in a slight increase of the unadjusted debt-to-capital and debt-to-tangible capital ratios to 27.1% and 28.5%, respectively, which remain well within the financial leverage guidelines for its assigned ratings.

While Hanover Inc.'s fixed charge coverage declined in 2012 from historical levels, largely due to a significant increase in catastrophe and weather-related losses (primarily from Hurricane Sandy), historical interest coverage has been supportive of its ratings.

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best's Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best's rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Key criteria utilized include: "Insurance Holding Company and Debt Ratings"; "Equity Credit for Hybrid Securities"; and "Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies." Best's Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

RBS Direct Line Insurance stock down today

RBS Direct Line Insurance stock down today : The shares of Royal Bank of Scotland  (LSE: RBS  ) (NYSE: RBS  )  slipped 1 pence to 305 pence during early London trade this morning after the bank announced late last night that it would sell more shares in Direct Line Insurance  (LSE: DLG  ) .

RBS confirmed it would offer 229.4 million shares -- equivalent to 15.3% of Direct Line's share capital -- to institutions via an 'accelerated bookbuild' process.


Direct Line's shares fell 4 pence, or 2%, to 206 pence during early trading, indicating RBS could raise about 470 million pounds from the disposal. The sale would take RBS's remaining stake in Direct Line to just below 50%.

RBS said the process could involve selling a further 22.9 million shares depending on sufficient institutional demand.

RBS is essentially a forced seller of Direct Line, having agreed to dispose of the insurer as part of the commitment made to the European Commission following the bank's taxpayer-funded bailout.

RBS sold 35% of Direct Line at 175 pence a share last year via a flotation and must sell the remainder before the end of 2014.

Within its annual results last month, Direct Line declared a maiden 8 pence per share dividend and implied the payout could have been 12 pence per share had the business operated separately from RBS throughout all of 2012.

Direct Line's results also showed underlying net earned premiums falling 5% to 3.7 billion pounds and underlying operating profits advancing 9% to 461 million pounds.

Based on those results, Direct Line is valued at less than 10 times profits and offers a possible 5.8% dividend income.

Of course, whether that 5.8% income, RBS's decision to sell more shares -- as well as the general outlook for the insurance industry -- actually combine to make Direct Line a buy remains your decision.

However, if you already own Direct Line shares and are looking for another dividend opportunity, this exclusive in-depth report reviews a solid income possibility within the FTSE 100.

Indeed, the blue chip in question offers a 5.7% income, might be worth 850 pence versus around 700 pence now -- and has just been declared the "Motley Fool's Top Income Stock For 2013!"

Prudential Financial PRU stock prediction 2013

Prudential Financial PRU stock prediction 2013 ; Prudential Financial Inc. (PRU), the second-largest life insurer in the U.S., said it expected to earn between $7.50 and $7.90 a share next year, an increase over 2012, driven in part by growth in existing units and the completion of previously announced deals. 

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had been predicting operating earnings per share of $7.88 next year on average. Prudential has earned $4.43 per share through the first nine months of 2012 and analysts so far expect $1.75 in the fourth quarter. The earnings guidance was disclosed in a slideshow included in a regulatory filing in advance of Prudential's third-quarter conference call, where executives plan to discuss their outlook for 2013. 

The company, which announced a 10% dividend increase, said it would end the year with "readily deployable capital" of $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion. Share buybacks were one driver of 2013 earnings growth listed by the company in the slides. Prudential also predicted operating return on equity, another measure of profitability, would rise to 12.2% to 12.8% in 2013. 

The company's operating return on equity was 10.2% through the first nine months of this year. The earnings-per-share outlook for next year assumes that interest rates, which have damped returns in investment portfolios across the insurance industry, will stay low. It also assumes the company will complete a previously announced acquisition of a life-insurance business from Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (HIG) in the first quarter and a large pension transaction in the fourth. 

The tentative model also predicted the price would grow in the first half of 2012 to $52. Therefore, we foresaw a negative correction in March-April. The actual price started to fall in the beginning of May and the monthly closing price for May was at the level of $45 per share. The updated model, as obtained with new data between March and October 2012, predicts a healthy growth in the price in 2012Q4. In January 2013, the price may reach the level of $64. On November 20, the closing price was $50.78. There is some potential of a 10% to 15% return at a three month horizon. One may consider PRU as an investment idea at this horizon.

The model has been obtained using our concept of share pricing as a decomposition of a share price into a weighted sum of two consumer price indices. The intuition is clear - there is a set of goods and services which any company produces and this set defines the share price evolution of a given company relative to other companies.

These other companies are also driven by prices for some goods and services. Hence, for a given company one needs two defining sets of goods and services to estimate its relative pricing power - one related and one as an independent reference. Thus, the relevant stock price can be defined by two CPIs which include corresponding goods and services.

Many SA readers have reasonable doubts that some consumer price, which is not directly related to goods and services produced by a given company, may affect its price. We allow the economy to be a more complex system than described by a number of simple linear relations between share prices and goods. The connection between a firm and its products may be better expressed by goods and services which the company does not produce or provide. The demand/supply balance is fragile and may evolve along many nonlinear paths. It would be too simplistic to directly define a company price only by its own products.

Originally, we addressed the PRU model in 2009 and found two CPIs explaining the monthly closing prices of PRU since 2003. They were the consumer price index of food and beverages (F) and the index of transportation services (TS). The defining time lags were as follows: the food index led the share price by 5 months and the TS index led by 4 months:

PRU(t) = -6.09F(t-5) - 3.15TS(t-4) + 59.76(t-1990) + 930.50, September 2009

In 2010 and 2012, we revisited the original model and estimated new coefficients and lags. These estimates were close to the original ones:

PRU(t) = -5.45F(t-5) - 3.98TS(t-3) + 59.66(t-1990) + 1055.38, September 2010

PRU(t) = -5.14F(t-5) - 3.80TS(t-4) + 56.20(t-1990) + 1005.63, February 2012

Here we revisit the model. We have borrowed the time series of monthly closing prices of PRU from Yahoo.com and the relevant (seasonally not adjusted) CPI estimates through October 2012 are published by the BLS. The best-fit model for PRU(t) is as follows:

PRU(t) = -5.09F(t-5) - 3.67TS(t-3) + 55.44(t-2000) + 1531.31, October 2012

where PRU(t) is the PRU share price in U.S. dollars, t is calendar time. One can conclude that the model has not been changing since January 2009 and thus provides a good estimate of the price at a three month horizon.

Figure 1 displays the evolution of both defining indices since 2002.

Figure 2 depicts the high and low monthly prices for a share together with the predicted and measured monthly closing prices (adjusted for dividends and splits). The predicted prices are well within the limits of the high/low share price which might be considered as the actual price uncertainty.

The model residual error is shown in Figure 3 with the standard deviation between July 2003 and October 2012 of $6.01 ($5.58 in March 2012).

Source ref:

http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires

http://seekingalpha.com/article/1024801-prudential-financial-may-rise-to-64-in-january-2013

pru shares prices 2013, pru stock prediction 2013, pru eps estimates 2013, pru earnings per share 2013, earnings-per-share outlook for next year 

W.R. Berkley insurance stock Rating prices target

Best Insurance Stock - W.R. Berkley insurance stock Rating prices target : Zacks reiterated their neutral rating on shares of W.R. Berkley (NYSE: WRB) in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday. The firm currently has a $41.00 target price on the stock.

Zacks’ analyst wrote, “Berkley posted third-quarter earnings ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimates on the back of higher premium written, pricing gains, higher investment income and a lower share count. Year-to-date, the company has performed favorably and we expect the trend to continue. Berkley is witnessing stable retention and a general rate hike for the seventh consecutive quarter. 

We believe that the insurance pricing cycle has entered a safe zone and the magnitude of the price rise will increase going forward. Berkley’s investments in a number of start-ups during the last four years will enable it to take greater advantage of the improved market scenario. Its International business is another area, which will fuel long-term earnings growth. A strong balance sheet and disciplined capital management are other positives. However, rising loss trends and a low interest rate environment keep us on the sidelines.”

A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on WRB. Analysts at Deutsche Bank cut their price target on shares of W.R. Berkley from $34.00 to $33.00 in a research note to investors on Monday, December 17th. They now have a sell rating on the stock. Separately, analysts at RBC Capital downgraded shares of W.R. Berkley from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research note to investors on Monday, December 17th. They now have a $45.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $42.00. Finally, analysts at Goldman Sachs downgraded shares of W.R. Berkley from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research note to investors on Tuesday, October 2nd. They now have a $35.00 price target on the stock. They noted that the move was a valuation call.

W.R. Berkley traded down 1.55% on Wednesday, hitting $38.00. W.R. Berkley has a 52-week low of $33.34 and a 52-week high of $40.39. The company has a market cap of $5.161 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.86.

W.R. Berkley last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 22nd. The company reported $0.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.55 by $0.06. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that W.R. Berkley will post $2.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a special dividend, which is scheduled for Monday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 24th will be paid a dividend of $1.00 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 20th.

W. R. Berkley Corporation (W. R. Berkley) is an insurance holding company. The Company operates in five segments of the property casualty insurance business: Specialty, Regional, Alternative markets, Reinsurance and International.

W. R. Berkley stock prices target, W. R. Berkley  stock rating neutral, zack Analysts W. R. Berkley stock rating, Analysts at Deutsche Bank,

AIG Insurance stock prices prediction 2013

AIG Insurance stock prediction 2013 : American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading international insurance organization serving customers in more than 130 countries. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional and individual customers through one of the most extensive worldwide property-casualty networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of life insurance and retirement services in the United States. AIG Common Stock, par value $2.50 per share (AIG Common Stock), is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the stock exchanges in Ireland and Tokyo. 

AIG is an insurance conglomerate that spans the globe, but during the great recession like many other giant financial institutions, AIG got itself into a lot of trouble taking on the counter-party risk of mortgage backed securities. During the 4th quarter of 2008, AIG set the world record for reporting the biggest loss. It lost $99.3 billion dollars in a single quarter.

The company currently operates one of the largest insurance networks in the world, with more than 85 million clients in 130 countries. AIG is split into four business divisions: Chartis, SunAmerica Financial Group, Aircraft Leasing, and other operations.

Chartis offers a unique portfolio of insurance products and services. The insurance products are: casualty, property, financial lines, and specialty. Chartis conducts its business through multiple entities such as: New Hampshire Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Company, Lexington Insurance Company, AIU Insurance Company, Chartis Overseas, Fuji Fire & Marine Insurance Company Limited, Chartis Europe Holdings Limited, and Chartis Europe.

SunAmerica Financial Group - offers a comprehensive suite of products such as: term life, universal life, fixed/variable annuities, mutual funds, financial planning. The SunAmerica Financial Group operates under these subsidiaries: American General Life Companies (American General), Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (Western National), SunAmerica Retirement Markets (SARM).

AIG's other operations primarily consisted of derivatives trading, and aircraft leasing. The other operations: International Lease Finance Corporation, AIG Markets, United Guaranty Corporation, AIG Financial Products, and AIG Trading Group Inc.

Currently AIG generates 91% of its revenue through the SunAmerica Financial Group, and Chartis. 

AIG's current management strategy remains simple: by 2015 achieve return on equity above 10%, generate share growth in mid-teens, grow insurance divisions, and reinvest retained earnings.

AIG aggressively competes with Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A/BRK.B), The Travelers Companies (TRV), Chubb (CB), Allstate (ALL), Loews (L), Progressive (PGR), Hartford Financial Services (HIG), CNA Financial (CNA), among many others.

Technical Analysis AIG insurance 2013

The stock has been on a continuous up-trend since November 2012. On 12/24/2012 the stock is between a very narrow symmetrical triangle formation. I anticipate the stock to break out no later than the 26th or 27th, meaning that the stock will be forced to make a major move.

Source: Chart from freestockcharts.com

The stock is trading above the 20-, 50-, and 200- Day Moving Averages. The stock will experience further upside through 2013, as investors have under-bought the growth prospects of the company.

Notable support is $23.00, $27.30, and $30.60 per share.

Notable resistance is $37.50, $46.00, and $60.00 per share.

Street Assessment

Analysts on a consensus basis have high expectations for the company going forward.

Growth Est	AIG	Industry	Sector	S&P 500
Current Qtr.	-113.40%	-99.90%	-93.80%	9.50%
Next Qtr.	-48.50%	-99.80%	-92.70%	15.30%
This Year	266.70%	99.80%	23.30%	7.20%
Next Year	-6.70%	20.80%	6.90%	13.10%
Past 5 Years (per annum)	-42.91%	N/A	N/A	N/A
Next 5 Years (per annum)	21.93%	13.20%	10.60%	8.72%
Price/Earnings (avg. for comparison categories)	9.41	19.56	13.83	14.69
PEG Ratio (avg. for comparison categories)	0.43	1.67	0.95	1.41

Source: Table and data from Yahoo Finance

Analysts have high expectations, as analysts on a consensus basis have a 5-year average growth rate forecast of 21.93% (based on the above table). This growth rate is above the industry average for next 5-years (13.20%).

Earnings History	11-Dec	12-Mar	12-Jun	12-Sep
EPS Est	0.63	1.12	0.57	0.86
EPS Actual	0.82	1.65	1.06	1
Difference	0.19	0.53	0.49	0.14
Surprise %	30.20%	47.30%	86.00%	16.30%

Source: Table and data from Yahoo Finance

The average surprise percentage is 44% above analyst forecast earnings over the past four quarters (based on the above table).

Forecast and History AIG Insurance

Year	Basic EPS	P/E Multiple
2003	$ 3.10	21.38
2004	$ 3.77	17.42
2005	$ 4.03	16.93
2006	$ 5.38	13.32
2007	$ 2.40	24.29
2008	$ (37.84)	-
2009	$ (93.69)	-
2010	$ 14.75	3.27
2011	$ 8.60	2.7
2012	$ 3.74	9.41

Source: Table created by Alex Cho, data from shareholder annual report

The EPS figure shows that throughout the 2003-2006 period earnings were growing due to favorable economic conditions. Then the company was adversely affected by the great recession throughout 2007-2009, as the net income rapidly declined, and AIG eventually logged the biggest loss in corporate history. During 2010 the company was able to generate a profit by restructuring the company; this involved selling business units, which inflated earnings by $17.7 billion dollars. Once the United States economy exited the recession in 2010-2012 the company earnings have improved, albeit gradually. In 2011 the abnormal earnings of $8.60 were due to a provisional benefit from taxes worth $18.03 billion dollars. The improvements in net income for 2010-2011 were one-time events and should not be considered a part of the long-term earnings growth trend. So in essence, 2012 is likely to be the most normal year for AIG over the past 5 years.

Source: Table created by Alex Cho, data from shareholder annual report

By observing the chart we can conclude that the business is somewhat cyclical and is affected by macroeconomics. Therefore one of the largest risk factors to AIG is the slowing of international gross domestic product growth. So as long as the global economy continues to grow, the company will generate reasonable returns over a 5-year time span based on the forecast below.

AIG Stock Prices Forecast Next 5 Year

Source: Forecast and table by Alex Cho

By 2018 I anticipate the company to generate $10.19 in earnings per share. This is because of earnings growth, improving global outlook, earnings management and continued development overseas.

The forecast is proprietary, and below is a non-linear chart indicating the price of the stock over the next 5-years.

AIG Stock Chart Forecast Next 5 Year

AIG Stock Chart Forecast Next 5 Year

Source: Forecast and chart by Alex Cho

Below is a price chart incorporating the past 10 years and the next 6 years. Detailing 16 years in pricing based on my forecast and price history on December 31st of each year.

Source: Forecast and chart created by Alex Cho, data from shareholder annual report, and price history is from Yahoo Finance.

*The period 2003-2008 were price quotes based on pre-split stock prices (multiply by 20 to accurately calculate the price of the shares between 2003 and 2008). On 7/01/2009 the stock had a 1:20 split (reverse split).

Investment Strategy AIG Insurance

AIG currently trades at $35.20. I have a price forecast of $37.94 for 2013. AIG is in a long-term up-trend. I anticipate momentum in the price of the stock, as the growth rate offers compelling stock appreciation for the foreseeable future.

Short Term

Over the next twelve months, the stock is likely to appreciate from $35.20 to $38.60 per share. This implies 9.6% upside from current levels. The technical analysis indicates an up-trend (break above the symmetrical triangle formation). While the previously mentioned price forecast using fundamental analysis further supports the trade set-up.

Investors should buy AIG at $35.20 and sell at $38.60 to pocket short-term gains of 9.6% in 2013. This return is pretty measly, meaning that short-term investors would likely do better investing in other opportunities.

Long Term

The company is a great investment for the long-term. I anticipate AIG to deliver upon the price and earnings forecast despite the risk factors (macroeconomic, competition, etc.). AIG's primary upside catalyst is international development, and earnings management. I anticipate the company to deliver upon my forecasted price target of $100.12 by 2018. This implies a return of 185% by 2018. This rate of return is exceptional, considering AIG has a market capitalization of $52B. The extra liquidity makes this a compelling growth investment for institutional investors who require higher liquidity.

Conclusion buy AIG Stock

Buy AIG on long-term growth. AIG has not died off the surface of the earth; it is more stubborn than a roach. The conclusion remains simple: buy AIG.

Articel copyright by Alex cho - published by seekingalpha.com

tag ; aig insurance stock prices forecast 2013, aig stock 2014, aig stock 2015, aig insurance stock 2016, aig investment strategy 2013, aig insurance stock  technical analysis 2013-18, aig stock prices forecast 2013-2014, aig shares prices forecast next 5 year,  AIG Common Stock, par value, aig company exspected 2013

Zack China Life Insurance stock rating prices target $49.00

Best Insurance Stock - China Life Insurance stock rating prices target $49.00 : Zacks reiterated their neutral rating on shares of China Life Insurance (NYSE: LFC) in a research report sent to investors on Friday morning. The firm currently has a $49.00 price target on the stock.

Zacks’ analyst wrote, “China Life reported a net loss in the third quarter, due to a surge in operating expenses, which offset the operating income increases. However, premiums earned and investment income witnessed a notable improvement. Total assets and shareholders’ equity also improved, while cash fund deteriorated. Meanwhile, the subordinated debt issue has improved solvency ratio. 

Extensive domestic distribution channel, strong investment and stable ratings are other positives. However, the constant decline in operating cash flow is affecting financials. The company also inherently faces substantial interest rate and currency risks, which limit the upside. Despite a strong brand name, significant competition on the domestic front hampers earnings growth. Overall, we expect limited upside in the near term.”

Shares of China Life Insurance traded down 0.43% during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $46.16. China Life Insurance has a 52 week low of $33.00 and a 52 week high of $47.39. The company has a market cap of $84.896 billion and a P/E ratio of 60.60.

Hiscox insurance Stocks outlook 2013

Best Insurance Stock - Hiscox insurance Stocks outlook 2013 : Hiscox estimates Sandy net claims of approximately £90 millio n for the impact of sandy, international specialist insurer Hiscox has today announced an estimate for the impact of Superstorm Sandy. Although considerable uncertainties still exist around the impact of Superstorm Sandy, the insurer said that based on an insured market loss of $20bn, it estimates net claims of approximately £90m. Superstorm Sandy hit parts of North America and Canada in October causing destruction of buildings and infrastructure. Twice a year Hiscox publishes its expected losses for modelled catastrophes including exposure to US windstorm. The insurer stated that the estimate was within the published range, and was within Hiscox's overall budgeted loss expectations for the year.

Key Statistics for HSX

Current P/E Ratio (ttm)	7.7493
Estimated P/E(12/2012)	10.5669
Relative P/E vs. UKX	0.5056
Earnings Per Share (GBP) (ttm)	0.6013
Est. EPS (GBP) (12/2012)	0.4410
Est. PEG Ratio	0.1110
Market Cap (M GBP)	1,837.35
Shares Outstanding (M)	394.28
30 Day Average Volume	333,287
Price/Book (mrq)	1.3739
Price/Sale (ttm)	1.4734
Dividend Indicated Gross Yield	3.84%
Cash Dividend (GBp)	6.0000
Last Dividend	08/08/2012
5 Year Dividend Growth	10.23%
Next Earnings Announcement	02/25/2013

About Hiscox Insurance Company Inc.

Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. provides animal mortality insurance products for animal owners in the United States and internationally. The company offers insurance coverages for horses and registered cattle, including full mortality, limited perils, special accident, prospective foal, mare guaranteed conception, colic surgery, and emergency surgery reimbursement solutions. It provides its products through agent representatives and online sellers. 

The company was formerly known as American Live Stock Insurance Company, Inc. and changed its name to Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. in December 2007. The company was founded in 1952 and is based in Geneva, Illinois. Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Hiscox, Ltd.

416 South 2nd Street Geneva, IL 60134 

United States Founded in 1952

Phone: 630-232-2100

Fax: 630-232-2292

www.amlivestock.com

Best Insurance Stocks rating to Buy today

Best Insurance Stocks to Buy today : This week, nine Insurance stocks are improving their overall ratings on Portfolio Grader. Each of these stocks is rated an “A” (“strong buy”) or “B” overall (“buy”).

Universal Insurance Holdings (AMEX:UVE) is making headway this week, with the company’s rating improving to an A (“strong buy”) from a B (“buy”) last week. Universal Insurance is an insurance company that offers homeowners, property and casualty insurance products. In Portfolio Grader’s specific subcategories of Earnings Growth, Earnings Momentum, Earnings Revisions, Cash Flow, and Sales Growth, UVE also gets A’s. The stock’s trailing PE Ratio is 7.50.

Kansas City Life Insurance (NASDAQ:KCLI) is making progress this week as its rating of C (“hold”) from last week increases to a B (“buy”) rating this week. Kansas City Life Insurance offers a variety of individual life insurance and annuity policies, as well as group life insurance distributed primarily through numerous general agencies.

Horace Mann Educator (NYSE:HMN). The company’s rating climbs to A from the previous week’s B. Horace Mann Educators markets and underwrites personal lines of property and casualty insurance, retirement annuities, and life insurance. The stock currently has a trailing PE Ratio of 7.50.

Alleghany (NYSE:Y) improves from a C to a B rating this week. Alleghany engages in the property and casualty, and surety insurance business in the United States. The stock’s trailing PE Ratio is 4.80.


The rating of Selective Insurance Group (NASDAQ:SIGI) moves up this week, rising from a C to a B. Selective Insurance Group offers property and casualty insurance products and services the eastern and midwestern regions of the United States.

Fortegra Financial (NYSE:FRF) improves from a B to a A rating this week. Fortegra Financial offers insurance products and services to insurance companies, agents and brokers.

 Maiden Holdings (NASDAQ:MHLD). The company’s rating climbs to B from the previous week’s C. Maiden Holdings focuses on providing non-catastrophic, customized reinsurance products and services. The stock has a trailing PE Ratio of 8.80.

Global Indemnity (NASDAQ:GBLI) earns a B this week, jumping up from last week’s grade of C.

Safety Insurance Group (NASDAQ:SAFT) is seeing ratings go up from a C last week to a B this week. Safety Insurance Group is a provider of private passenger automobile insurance in Massachusetts. At present, the stock has a dividend yield of 2.4%