Categories Earnings, Finance

Earnings preview: No surprises expected when AIG reports Q1 results

The challenges facing the general insurance segment of American International Group (NYSE: AIG) have weighed down investor sentiment for long, and it is expected to continue this year. With revenues under pressure from competitive market conditions and an unfavorable property market, the outlook for the stock remains bearish.

When the insurance giant unveils its first-quarter numbers Monday evening, it is expected to report a 2% increase in earnings to $1.06 per share. The market’s revenue forecast is $12.28 billion, up 5% from last year.American International Group fourth quarter 2018 earnings snapshot

The fact that earnings missed Wall Street’s prediction in all of the trailing four quarters gives very little room for optimism this time. Over the last three years, the general insurance unit registered a decline in premiums written – except for a moderate revival last year – mainly due to the softness in the casualty and property markets.

Headwinds Galore

While the recent quarterly performances were impacted by calamities like hurricanes, low interest rates and currency exchange rates have added to the problems. The Federal Reserve’s dovish monetary policy could be a drag on net investment income in the near future. Moreover, the credit/equity market conditions remain unsupportive.

Over the last three years, the general insurance unit registered a decline in premiums written, except for a moderate revival last year

On the positive side, meanwhile, the management’s cost-cutting efforts and growth initiatives like reinsurance deals are starting to yield returns. This could have a positive effect on underwriting results in the coming quarters. But, there are concerns about the overall financial health of the company, which has one of the highest debts in the corporate world.

Looking Back

Revenues remained broadly unchanged year-over-year at $12.6 billion in the fourth quarter when AIG reported a loss of $0.70 per share, which however marked an improvement from the year-ago period.

Related: American International Group Q4 2018 Earnings Conference Call Transcript

Market watchers have mixed recommendations for the stock, which has been assigned buy and hold ratings by an almost equal number of analysts. The average price target is $55. Last month, Bank of America reaffirmed its ‘buy’ rating on the stock and raised the price target to $53.

After slipping to a multi-year low in December, AIG shares are currently on the recovery path, gaining 19% so far this year. Over the past twelve months, the stock lost about 11%, underperforming the industry.

We’re on Flipboard! Follow us to receive the latest stock market, earnings, and financial news at your fingertips

Most Popular

What to look for when CVS Health (CVS) reports Q3 earnings

Healthcare company CVS Health Corporation (NYSE: CVS) is all set to report earnings next week, with Wall Street expecting a mixed outcome. The company has been facing challenges in certain

eBay (EBAY): A few factors that helped drive growth in Q3 2024

Shares of eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY) stayed green on Friday. The stock has gained 32% year-to-date. The ecommerce leader delivered revenue and earnings growth for the third quarter of 2024,

CVX Earnings: Chevron reports lower revenue and profit for Q3 2024

Energy exploration company Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) on Friday announced third-quarter 2024 financial results, reporting a decline in net profit and revenues. Net income attributable to Chevron Corporation dropped to

Add Comment
Loading...
Cancel
Viewing Highlight
Loading...
Highlight
Close
Top