Broker urges investors to buy the QBE share price dip

Is the QBE share price good value after its pullback last week?

| More on:
A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price was out of form on Friday.

The insurance giant's shares dropped almost 4% to end the week at $14.61.

Investors were selling down the QBE share price after the company's first-quarter trading update revealed a couple of items that overshadowed an otherwise strong start to the year.

In light of this, investors may be wondering if a buying opportunity has opened up. Let's find out.

Should you buy the QBE share price dip?

The team at Morgans remains positive on QBE following its update.

And while the broker described the quarter as a "blip", its analysts "still see the fundamental story of QBE's earnings improving strongly over the next few years as intact."

According to the note, the broker has retained its add rating with a trimmed price target of $16.50.

Based on the current QBE share price, this suggests potential upside of 13% for investors over the next 12 months.

And of course, QBE is traditionally a big dividend payer. Pleasingly, Morgans doesn't expect this to be any different this year. It is forecasting a 5.8% dividend yield for investors, boosting the total potential return to almost 19%.

What did the broker say?

Morgans remains positive and sees plenty of value in the QBE share price despite the mixed quarter. It explained:

QBE has given a 1Q23 performance update. Overall FY23 GWP growth guidance has been increased to +10% on the pcp (up from mid-to-high single digit growth previously), but disappointingly combined operating ratio guidance has also been lifted to 94.5% (previously 93.5%) due to higher CAT claims and a prior year reserve top up. We downgrade QBE FY23F/FY24F EPS by 3%-5% reflecting higher current year claims forecasts and more conservative outer year earnings estimates. Our PT is set at A$16.50.

Whilst higher claims than expected impacted QBE's 1Q23 performance, we still see the fundamental story of QBE's earnings improving strongly over the next few years as intact. We maintain our ADD recommendation, with the stock trading on an undemanding ~10x FY23F PE multiple.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Financial Shares

A man holds his head as he looks at his laptop and contemplates more bills to pay.
Financial Shares

Down 19%! Is the GQG share price selloff an overreaction and buying opportunity?

Is now the time to pounce on this beaten down stock? Let's see what Goldman Sachs is saying.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
Financial Shares

IAG share price reaches new 5-year high! What next?

It’s been a great period for the insurance giant. Could it keep rising?

Read more »

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
Financial Shares

This $7 billion ASX 200 stock just crashed 11%. What's going on?

There's trouble in India and it's weighing on this stock today.

Read more »

A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements
Financial Shares

Here's what this top broker is saying about Macquarie shares

Is this investment bank heading to a new record high?

Read more »

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Financial Shares

Up 25% in a year, why this ASX All Ords stock has 'plenty more upside'

Analysts think this stock could still have plenty of gas left in its tank.

Read more »

Two people climb to the summit and raise their arms in success as the sun rises brightly over the mountains.
Financial Shares

'Strong momentum': 2 ASX financial shares backed by top fundie for 2025

ASX financial shares had a strong trading session on Tuesday with several new price records set.

Read more »

A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.
Financial Shares

AMP shares on radar as M&A spotlight shines bright

The stock has rallied hard in 2024.

Read more »

Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.
Financial Shares

Are IAG shares still a buy for dividends at a 5-year high?

Here's my take on IAG's place in an income portfolio today.

Read more »