QBE Insurance Group
Analysts say QBE ‘not a passive investment’
| David JamesThe global insurer QBE is attracting some non-committal ratings from analysts. A report by Morningstar opines that the stock is not a passive investment.
QBE
| Michael BaileyThe ever-acquisitive QBE has entered into agreements to buy the general insurance businesses of HSBC in Argentina and Hang Seng Bank in Hong Kong. The $420 million purchase has not altered forecasts for the stock - trading at $11.84 at press time, Deutsche Bank has a price target of $12.50 and Morningstar a discounted cash flow fair value of $19.65. Morningstar expects 5-7 per cent growth in net premium income over the next five years, although with 75 per cent of it sourced offshore, risk is ever-present.
QBE
| David JamesThe insurer’s exposure to the American speciality property market may be a vulnerability.
Code blue
| Damon Frith
While no stock is shockproof in volatile times, investors can expect these 10 blue chips to weather the storms.
When the apple falls
| Jeanne-Vida Douglas
Strong leaders shine bright, but what happens to their companies when they fall?
Insurance
| David JamesThe looming renegotiation of the reinsurance contracts has brokers wondering.
The new face of asset protection
| Phil Ruthven
Phil Ruthven | As we enter the second decade of this century, a new cycle is emerging in the insurance industry, which seems to typically run in 50-55-year cycles.
Canada beckons Australian capital
| damon frith
Frith | Watch out, fellow Commonwealth citizens, because cashed-up Australian energy and resources giants and even a grocery chain are eyeing Canadian assets.
Market Update
| David James
Early reporting leads to earnings expectations downgrade, PaperlinX leaves analysts enthused, Invocare may be fully priced, and mining services company set to grow.
Ten must-have shares in a tricky market
| Damon Frith
With the economic recovery still a little shaky, BRW selects a diverse mix of the most solid companies to invest in.
Exposure Warranted
| Damon Frith
Strong results in the US suggest equities may be a goer both locally and in Asia.