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Investing.com - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised its price target on Fidelis Insurance Holdings (NYSE:FIHL) to $21.00 from $20.00 while maintaining an Outperform rating.
KBW analyst Meyer Shields cited "strong underlying fundamentals" that should become clearer as Fidelis moves past aviation-related earnings challenges in the second quarter of 2025, making its current valuation at 78% of expected second-quarter book value per share "very attractive." This aligns with InvestingPro data showing the stock trading at just 0.76 times book value, while management has been actively buying back shares - one of several bullish indicators identified by InvestingPro analysts.
The firm lowered its 2025 earnings per share estimate to $1.50 from $2.60, incorporating a $150 million aviation leasing reserve charge and a $15 million provision for the recent Air India crash.
KBW raised its 2026 earnings per share estimate to $3.70 from $3.65, assuming slightly lower core and catastrophe loss ratios, and introduced an initial 2027 earnings per share estimate of $4.00.
The new $21 price target represents 89% of KBW’s year-end 2025 estimated book value per share, with the firm expecting Fidelis shares to outperform as the company generates "strong (occasionally volatile) underwriting results, augmented by steady, accretive share repurchases" now that the airline leasing reserve issue is resolved.
In other recent news, Fidelis Insurance Holdings has announced the pricing of $400 million in 7.750% Fixed-Rate Reset Subordinated Notes due 2055. The company plans to use part of the proceeds to redeem its 9.00% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Cumulative Preference Shares, Series A, with the rest allocated for general corporate purposes. Goldman Sachs recently raised its price target for Fidelis Insurance to $15.50, citing a 7% increase from the previous target, though it maintained a Sell rating due to concerns over the company’s long-term return on equity guidance.
Jefferies also adjusted its outlook, raising the price target to $17 while maintaining a Hold rating, noting growth in several sectors but advising caution in the aviation segment. Meanwhile, Citizens JMP has increased its price target significantly to $27, emphasizing Fidelis’ strong market position in specialty insurance and reinsurance markets. Despite these positive notes, Fidelis Insurance is dealing with dissatisfaction over an English High Court ruling related to its aircraft lessor business, part of ongoing Russia-Ukraine aviation litigation. The company is considering an appeal and has resolved approximately 95% of the related exposure. These developments highlight a mix of strategic financial maneuvers and ongoing legal challenges for Fidelis Insurance.
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