On Thursday, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage on Selective Insurance Group (NASDAQ:SIGI) with an Equalweight rating and a price target of $105.00. The new rating is based on several key factors that the analyst believes will contribute to the company's stable margins and long-term growth. According to InvestingPro data, SIGI, currently valued at $6.07 billion, has demonstrated strong financial stability with a GOOD overall health score and impressive revenue growth of 15.77% in the last twelve months.
Selective Insurance Group's pricing power, proximity to distribution partners through a unique field model, and a focused SMid-Cap underwriting risk appetite are central to Morgan Stanley's investment thesis. The firm's approach is expected to underpin Selective's ability to meet its growth and profitability targets, which include a sub 95% overall total combined ratio and approximately 12% return on equity (ROE).
InvestingPro analysis reveals the company has maintained dividend payments for an impressive 50 consecutive years, with 11 straight years of dividend growth, demonstrating long-term financial stability. Get access to more exclusive insights and detailed analysis with InvestingPro's comprehensive research reports.
Despite challenges faced in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first half of 2024, where Selective's overall reserve position was impacted by general liability reserve charges, the most recent quarter showed more stability in prior year development (PYD). While the industry may continue to experience headwinds from social inflation issues, the analyst suggests that Selective's current reserve position is comparatively solid.
The company's durable pricing power and distribution model are seen as significant advantages that should help in achieving its long-term objectives. The analyst's commentary underscores the belief that despite recent hits to the reserve position, Selective Insurance Group is positioned for future success.
In other recent news, Selective Insurance Group reported mixed Q3 results, with operating earnings per share of $1.40 and a 12.1% operating return on equity. However, significant catastrophe losses led to a combined ratio of 99.5%, impacting the full-year guidance, which now anticipates a high single-digit return on equity.
BMO Capital Markets has upgraded the stock from Market Perform to Outperform, raising the price target to $105, indicating confidence in the company's ability to surpass consensus expectations in upcoming quarters. This upgrade follows Selective Insurance's efforts to bolster its reserves, with over $250 million added across three quarters.
RBC Capital also maintained its Sector Perform rating on Selective Insurance shares while increasing the price target to $99.00, reflecting stability in the company's performance. The company also reported a 9% increase in its quarterly dividend and executed modest stock buybacks, underlining its commitment to returning value to shareholders.
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