Insurance Flashcards
CENTENE CORPORATION (CNC)
Major player in the healthcare sector, primarily serving government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs. It is well-positioned due to its extensive reach and focus on under-insured and uninsured populations. Strengths include a strong market position and diversified revenue streams. Weaknesses involve high exposure to regulatory changes and operational risks associated with managing a large, diverse member base.
Ba1/BBB-(Neg)/BBB-
Health Insurance - Americas
$15.90bn in index across 7 issues
ELEVANCE HEALTH INC (ELV)
fka Anthem, offers a comprehensive range of health plans and services, including clinical, behavioral, pharmacy, and complex-care solutions. It differentiates itself through a focus on whole health and community-based care. Strengths include robust financial performance and a diversified service portfolio. Weaknesses are potential regulatory challenges and the complexity of managing a broad array of services.
Baa2(Pos)/A(Neg)/BBB+
Health Insurance - Americas
$24.53bn in index across 29 issues
HEALTH CARE SERVICE CORPORATION (HCSERV)
Customer-owned health insurer operating Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in five states. It focuses on providing cost-effective care and community investments. Strengths include strong financial ratings and a focus on long-term stability. Weaknesses are geographical concentration and potential challenges in scaling operations.
A3(Neg)/A+(Neg)
Health Insurance - Americas
$4.00bn in index across 5 issues ($4.00bn 144a)
HIGHMARK INC (HIMARK)
Offers health insurance and related services, with a strong presence in Western Pennsylvania. It is known for its integrated healthcare delivery model and strategic partnerships. Strengths include solid financial performance and a diversified product mix. Weaknesses involve geographical concentration and competitive pressures in its primary market.
Baa2/A-
Health Insurance - Americas
$0.80bn in index across 2 issues ($0.80bn 144a)
HUMANA INC (HUM)
Specializes in Medicare Advantage plans and has a strong presence in the senior health market. It is known for its focus on integrated care and value-based healthcare. Strengths include a solid market position in Medicare Advantage and consistent financial performance. Weaknesses involve reliance on government funding and exposure to regulatory changes.
Baa2/BBB/BBB(Neg)
Health Insurance - Americas
$12.00bn in index across 18 issues
MOLINA HEALTHCARE INC (MOH)
Provides managed healthcare services under Medicaid and Medicare programs, focusing on low-income families and individuals. It stands out due to its targeted approach and efficient cost management. Strengths include strong growth in membership and disciplined cost control. Weaknesses are high dependence on government contracts and potential volatility in regulatory environments.
Ba2/BB
Health Insurance - Americas
$2.20bn in index across 3 issues
UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC (UNH)
the largest health insurer in the U.S., offering a comprehensive range of healthcare products and services through its UnitedHealthcare and Optum segments. It is highly diversified and benefits from significant scale. Strengths include strong financial performance and extensive market reach. Weaknesses involve regulatory scrutiny and the complexity of managing a vast and diverse organization. Not committed to IG
A2/A+/A
Health Insurance - Americas
$73.98bn in index across 65 issues
AFLAC INCORPORATED (AFL)
Provides supplemental health and life insurance in the U.S. and Japan, known for its strong brand and innovative marketing. It is well-positioned due to its niche focus and strong market presence. Strengths include a robust financial position and consistent profitability. Weaknesses involve exposure to currency fluctuations and regulatory changes in its key markets. Third highest quality life insurance name
Upgrading to overweight to reflect ~10bp of decompression versus the IG life insurance index and 25y single-As over the last three months. We think spreads look attractive 5bp wide of ManuLife due to a lower risk investment portfolio and much lower (~27pts) debt-to-EV in the low-10% area. Valuations also look attractive only 5-10bp tight to REITs like SPG, which has a much higher (~20pts) debt-to-EV and a tenant base reliant, to a large extent, on discretionary retail. Recent decompression in spreads is overdone given a solid 2Q24 beat driven by higher net investment income and lower underwriting expenses. We think the investment portfolio should continue to benefit from reinvesting into higher yields in Japan. While this could put some pressure on capital levels of the Japan subsidiary, we think the company is well positioned to maintain debt-to-capital in the 20-25% range.
A3/A-
Life - Americas
$2.65bn in index across 5 issues
ATHENE HOLDING LTD (ATH)
A leading retirement services company with a focus on providing annuities and reinsurance solutions. It leverages its relationship with Apollo Global Management to enhance its investment capabilities. Strengths include a strong capital position and high-quality asset portfolio. Weaknesses include exposure to interest rate fluctuations and market risks.
Downgrading to an U/W recommendation on ATH because spread levels look tight trading only ~20 bps behind CRBG. We view CRBG as a higher quality US L&R credit owing to its low-risk and highly diversified liability profile, established distribution network, and consistent track record of distributing $2B of cash flow to the HoldCo each year. Additionally, CRBG screens as having lower investment risk given smaller exposure to more complex CLO/ABS assets (13% allocation vs. 20% for ATH), and we’d expect CRBG to hold up better in a downside scenario.
Baa1/A-/BBB+
Life - Americas
$16.26bn in index across 26 issues ($11.26bn 144a)
BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL INC (BHF)
Specializes in annuities and life insurance, focusing on helping clients protect their financial futures. It benefits from a conservative investment strategy and a strong distribution network. Strengths include a high-quality asset portfolio and solid capital position. Weaknesses include exposure to interest rate risks and market volatility.
Baa3/BBB+/BBB
Life - Americas
$4.79bn in index across 8 issues
Corebridge Financial (CRBG)
A prominent provider of retirement solutions and insurance products in the U.S. It benefits from its strong partnerships and strategic investments, positioning it well for long-term growth. Strengths include a diversified product portfolio and robust financial backing. Weaknesses involve exposure to market volatility and regulatory changes.
Continue to see value in CRBG spread levels trading wide of EQH and ~40 bps behind MET. Credit metrics are stable with RBC ratio >400%, financial leverage 28.4%, OpCo dividends of +$1.1B in 1H24 (+10% y/y), and HoldCo liquidity of +1.9B. Earnings trends remain healthy (+9% y/y in 1H24) with improving base spread and fee income, partially offset by lower underwriting income due to the Laya Healthcare and UK Life divestitures. CRBG sales levels are also robust ranking as the 2nd largest writer of fixed annuities (2nd in fixed-rate deferred, 4th in fixed indexed) and the 12th largest writer of variable annuities (7th in traditional VA).
Baa2/BBB+/A-
Life - Americas
$11.78bn in index across 15 issues
EQUITABLE HOLDINGS INC (EQH)
Offers retirement, wealth, and asset management solutions through its Equitable and AllianceBernstein franchises. It is well-positioned due to its comprehensive product offerings and strong distribution network. Strengths include a diversified revenue base and solid investment capabilities. Weaknesses involve sensitivity to market conditions and regulatory changes. Fift highest quality life insurance name
Upgrading back to O/W to reflect an improved valuation vs. MET (~30 bps behind now versus ~13 bps on the last comp sheet). EQH fundamentals remain solid - $2B of HoldCo liquidity, 2024E FCF of $1.4-1.5B with ~50% from non-regulated subsidiaries, 425-450% 1H24 RBC ratio.
Baa1/A-
Life - Americas
$8.33bn in index across 14 issues ($5.03bn 144a)
GLOBAL ATLANTIC (FIN) CO (GBLATL)
Now a wholly-owned subsidiary of KKR, provides retirement and life insurance products. It benefits from KKR’s investment expertise and long-term capital structure. Strengths include strong financial ratings and a stable capital base. Weaknesses include reliance on market performance and potential integration challenges.
Downgrading to a Neutral recommendation on GBLATL. Spreads have come a long way since this bond was issued at +450 bps in June of 2023, but the compression towards higher-quality L&R peers has stalled over the past six months with GBLATL settling in ~60-80 bps behind CRBG. At this point, we are struggling to find the next catalyst for this high-beta credit, barring a meaningful risk-on environment which seems unlikely given weakness in recent economic data, and are concerned about the spread widening that could occur in a downside scenario (see 2022 as an example). Recommend reducing/exiting our positions and reassessing in 3-6 months.
Baa2/BBB-(Pos)/BBB
Life - Americas
$6.85bn in index across 11 issues ($5.50bn 144a)
GUARDIAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA (GUARDN)
Mutual life insurance company offering a range of insurance and financial products. It is distinguished by its mutual ownership structure, aligning interests with policyholders. Strengths include strong financial ratings and a stable capital base. Weaknesses involve modest profitability and exposure to less creditworthy products.
Aa1/AA+
Life - Americas
$4.53bn in index across 11 issues ($4.53bn 144a)
JACKSON FINANCIAL INC (JXN)
Focuses on retirement savings and income solutions, leveraging its well-known brand and efficient operating platform. It is well-positioned due to its differentiated products and strong distribution network. Strengths include robust financial performance and a scalable operating model. Weaknesses involve sensitivity to market conditions and interest rate fluctuations.
Baa3/BBB/BBB
Life - Americas
$4.80bn in index across 10 issues ($3.05bn 144a)
LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION (LNC)
Offers a range of financial products including life insurance, annuities, and retirement plan services. It is distinguished by its strong brand and comprehensive service offerings. Strengths include a solid financial position and diversified product mix. Weaknesses involve exposure to market volatility and regulatory risks.
Downgrading to U/W to reflect a tight valuation only ~10 bps behind CRBG. In 2Q24, LNC’s RBC ratio improved to 420%, which is now above-target and concludes the company’s capital rebuild following the large actuarial charge incurred in 3Q22. However, HoldCo liquidity remains thin and leverage elevated, FCF is weak, and ongoing operating trends continue to be lackluster
Baa2/BBB+/BBB+
Life - Americas
$4.68bn in index across 11 issues
MANULIFE FINANCE DELAWARE LP (MFCCN)
Global financial services group offering insurance, wealth, and asset management solutions. It operates under the John Hancock brand in the U.S. and has a strong presence in Asia and Canada. Strengths include high financial ratings and a diversified business model. Weaknesses involve exposure to market volatility and regulatory changes. Fourth highest quality life insurance name
A/A+
Life - Americas
$3.75bn in index across 5 issues
MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE CO (MASSMU)
Offers a wide range of insurance and financial products. It is well-positioned due to its mutual ownership structure and long-term investment strategy. Strengths include strong financial ratings and a prudent investment approach. Weaknesses involve exposure to market fluctuations and interest rate risks.
Aa3/AA+/AA+
Life - Americas
$11.74bn in index across 18 issues ($11.74bn 144a)
METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (MET)
Global provider of insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs. It stands out due to its extensive global reach and diversified business model. Strengths include strong financial performance and a well-recognized brand. Weaknesses involve exposure to global economic conditions and regulatory changes. Top Life Insurance name
A3/A-/A-
Life - Americas
$29.80bn in index across 41 issues ($15.95bn 144a)
MINNESOTA LIFE INSURANCE CO (MNMUTC)
Part of Securian Financial Group, provides a variety of insurance products. It benefits from a strong focus on asset quality and capital strength. Strengths include high financial ratings and a stable investment portfolio. Weaknesses involve exposure to market volatility and economic cycles.
A3/A-/A
Life - Americas
$0.50bn in index across 1 issues ($0.50bn 144a)
NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE CO (LIFEVT)
Mutual insurance company providing life insurance and annuity products. It is well-positioned due to its mutual ownership structure, which aligns interests with policyholders, and its strong market position in life insurance. Strengths include high financial ratings and consistent operating profitability. Weaknesses involve exposure to market risks and regulatory changes.
A1/A+
Life - Americas
$0.50bn in index across 1 issues ($0.50bn 144a)
NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (NYLIFE)
A leading mutual life insurer offering a wide range of insurance and financial products. It is distinguished by its strong brand and extensive market reach. Strengths include robust financial performance and a well-diversified business model. Weaknesses involve exposure to global economic conditions and regulatory changes.
Aaa(Neg)/AA+/AAA
Life - Americas
$16.11bn in index across 21 issues ($16.11bn 144a)
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL GLOBAL FUNDING (NWMLIC)
Leading provider of insurance and investment solutions, known for its exceptional financial strength and mutual ownership structure. It is well-positioned due to its strong brand and diversified product offerings. Strengths include the highest available financial strength ratings and a stable capital base. Weaknesses involve exposure to market volatility and interest rate risks.
Aaa/AA+/AA+
Life - Americas
$10.35bn in index across 14 issues ($10.35bn 144a)
NUVEEN FINANCE LLC (TIAAGL)
Part of TIAA, offers investment solutions and funding agreements. It is well-positioned due to its strong brand and investment expertise. Strengths include robust financial performance and a diversified investment portfolio. Weaknesses involve exposure to market risks and regulatory changes.
Aa2/AA/AA+
Life - Americas
$8.20bn in index across 7 issues ($8.20bn 144a)
OHIO NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE CO (OHNAT)
Now operating under the name AuguStar Life Insurance Company, focuses on providing life insurance and annuity products. It benefits from disciplined financial management and strong investor backing. Strengths include solid financial ratings and a stable investment portfolio. Weaknesses include high exposure to interest rate risks and market volatility.
Continue to recommend an O/W positioning on OHNAT 6.8 2030 because of the attractive spread level relative to peers and our ‘Improving’ credit outlook. Capital ratios remain very strong and YTD statutory net income of +$71M is solid. More importantly, we’ve seen a strong pickup in new annuity sales over the past three quarters including individual annuity premiums of +$1.7B in 1H24 (up significantly from only +$37M in 1H23). Ratings are biased upwards with Fitch recently moving to a positive outlook (BBB- rating). While the Moody’s rating remains HY (Ba1) with a stable outlook, ongoing momentum in new sales, particularly if OHNAT can successfully grow its life insurance premiums, should increase the likelihood of a positive outlook over the next 1-2 years.
Baa1/BBB-(Pos)
Life - Americas
$0.68bn in index across 2 issues
ONEAMERICA FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC (ONEAM)
Provides a range of insurance and financial products, focusing on retirement and employee benefits. It benefits from a strong market presence and diversified product offerings. Strengths include solid financial ratings and a stable capital base. Weaknesses involve exposure to market volatility and economic cycles.
A-/BBB+
Life - Americas
$0.40bn in index across 1 issues ($0.40bn 144a)
PACIFIC LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (PACLIF)
Offers a variety of insurance and financial products, known for its strong brand and customer focus. It is well-positioned due to its diversified business model and investment expertise. Strengths include high financial ratings and a stable investment portfolio. Weaknesses involve exposure to market risks and regulatory changes.
Aa3/AA-/A+
Life - Americas
$7.50bn in index across 14 issues ($7.50bn 144a)