Salut tout le monde,
avis de KBC ce matin :
Backed by the strong H1 and increased visibility on SII, we expect Ageas to be able to significantly boost its dividend over 2015. We expect a 13% increase to € 1.75 ps, which is 6% ahead of CSS. For 2016 as well pay-outs should remain generous, as the insurance surplus (i.e. >200% SI target) has increased to € 1.5bn. BUY reiterated as the stock remains cheap at 0.8x TBV and 8.5x P/E (adj. for net cash).
Reassuring on Solvency II: Management sounded increasingly confident on Solvency II during the Q2 conference call, stating that many of the remaining uncertainties were dealt with in discussions with the regulator(s). The company also reiterated that it felt at ease with its capital position under SII.
2015 CSS DPS looks too cautious: We suspect the full-year dividend could increase substantially after the group reiterated its intention to pay-out 40-50% of the insurance result (which was up 48% in H1). Consensus DPS therefore looks too conservative at ~€ 1.65, 6.5% below our forecast of € 1.75.
Solid FCF generation: Management expects ~€ 0.2bn additional dividends from subsidiaries in H2, which would result in a FY HoldCo FCF of ~€ 0.6bn, amply covering the dividend and holding opex. With an insurance excess of ~€ 1.5bn (based on 200% SI target), there is probably room for more in 2016, once there is more clarity on SII.
Litigation update: Nothing really new to announce here. Many of the ongoing proceedings have been delayed, while no major rulings are expected for H2. The litigation overhang is in our view more manageable than generally expected as similar lawsuits are typically settled at a fraction of the actual losses suffered.
TP raised to € 44.5, BUY reiterated: Trading at 8.5x 2016 earnings (adj. for net cash) and 0.8x TBV, Ageas remains one of the cheapest EU insurance stocks. The gradual redeployment of capital towards Asia coupled with strong shareholder returns could in our view drive a further re-rating from current levels. BUY reiterated. A key risk is M&A, which remains the number one capital redeployment priority despite management’s relatively weak external growth track record.
Bien à vous,
demat