On Tuesday, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised its rating on Assured Guaranty Ltd. (NYSE: NYSE:) stock from Market Perform to Outperform and increased the price target to $92 from $87.
The upgrade follows the recent announcement that Assured Guaranty is merging its two primary U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which will result in a $300 million special dividend to the holding company.
The firm cited the merger and the related capital release as unexpected developments that bolster the investment case for Assured Guaranty. The analyst noted that despite a favorable court ruling in June regarding the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), the stock price has remained relatively unchanged, presenting what they see as an attractive valuation opportunity.
The analyst believes that the valuation of Assured Guaranty at 0.70 times its year-end book value is very compelling, especially considering the potential for book value per share (BVPS) to increase.
This could occur if the company adjusts its expected recoveries on PREPA or opts to use the newly announced capital release to accelerate share repurchases, which could be accretive to shareholders.
The favorable appeals court ruling on PREPA in June was highlighted as a significant event, yet the stock’s performance did not reflect this positive outcome. The analyst suggests that the market has not fully appreciated the implications of the court decision and the subsequent strategic moves by Assured Guaranty.
In conclusion, the firm’s revised outlook on Assured Guaranty is based on a combination of recent strategic developments and a reassessment of the stock’s valuation in light of these changes and the June court ruling. The new price target of $92 reflects the firm’s increased confidence in the financial outlook for Assured Guaranty.
In other recent news, Assured Guaranty Ltd. has reported robust financial results for the first quarter of 2024, with a significant increase in adjusted operating income per share. The company’s adjusted operating income per share reached a record $1.96, up 75% from the previous year.
In addition, Assured Guaranty insured 53% of all primary market insured par sold in the quarter and repurchased $129 million of common shares. Despite a decrease in net investment income, the company’s overall performance indicates positive recent developments.
Assured Guaranty also announced an upcoming merger of its subsidiaries, Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. with Assured Guaranty Inc., effective August 1, 2024. The merger aims to enhance capital efficiency and simplify the company’s U.S. financial guaranty operations. Following the merger, a $300 million stock redemption by the combined company has been approved and is slated to occur.
Analysts have noted the decline in net investment income, but the company remains confident in its consistent performance and the anticipated approval of its special dividend request. Moody’s (NYSE:) has upgraded the insurance financial strength rating of AGC and affirmed AGM’s rating, reflecting strong capital adequacy and market position.
InvestingPro Insights
Recent strategic initiatives by Assured Guaranty Ltd. (NYSE: AGO) have caught the attention of analysts and investors alike. With a market capitalization of $4.17 billion and a compelling price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 5.82, the company’s financials warrant a closer look. Notably, the company’s adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024 stands at 9.22, reflecting a more nuanced valuation metric. Furthermore, Assured Guaranty’s revenue growth of 45.56% over the last twelve months signals a robust upward trajectory in its financial performance.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that management’s aggressive share buybacks and a high shareholder yield are key factors to consider. Additionally, the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to its dividends, having raised them for 12 consecutive years and maintained payments for 21 consecutive years. These elements, combined with the company’s profitability over the last twelve months and a high return over the last decade, paint a picture of a financially sound and shareholder-friendly company.
For investors looking to delve deeper into Assured Guaranty’s financial health, more InvestingPro Tips are available, offering detailed analysis and forecasts. To explore these further and benefit from a comprehensive investment tool, consider using the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.