HSBC cuts Munich Re stock rating, raises price target to EUR620

Published 28/04/2025, 09:08
HSBC cuts Munich Re stock rating, raises price target to EUR620

On Monday, HSBC analysts adjusted their stance on Munich Re (MUV2:GR) (OTC: MURGY (OTC:MURGY)), downgrading the stock from Buy to Hold while simultaneously increasing the price target from EUR575.00 to EUR620.00. The revision reflects a mixed outlook, recognizing the company’s defensive qualities but also suggesting that the stock’s value is now fully realized in the market. The stock has shown remarkable strength, with a 55.96% return over the past year and is currently trading near its 52-week high of $14.09.

The analysts at HSBC employ a combination of valuation methodologies, including Price to Tangible Net Asset Value (P/TNAV), Price to Earnings (PE), and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models to assess the insurer’s business line. The revised price target to EUR620 indicates a modest 1.5% upside potential for Munich Re shares. According to InvestingPro data, Munich Re trades at a P/E ratio of 13.88 and has maintained a strong financial health score of GOOD, with additional metrics and insights available to subscribers.

HSBC’s decision to raise the target price is supported by a reduction in their cost of equity (COE) estimate, which has been lowered to 8.9% from the previous 9.4%. This adjustment is based on a risk-free rate of 3.75% and an equity risk premium (ERP) of 4.75%, both derived from the equity strategy team’s assumptions at HSBC, along with a lowered beta of 1.05, down from 1.15. The reduced beta reflects Munich Re’s relatively favorable defensive qualities, which may offer some resilience in volatile markets. The company’s strong defensive position is further evidenced by its 34-year track record of consecutive dividend payments and robust market capitalization of $88.76 billion.

The analysts have acknowledged the attractive capital returns that Munich Re has been able to offer. However, they believe that these positives are already reflected in the current stock price, leading to their conclusion that Munich Re shares are now fully valued and warranting the downgrade to Hold.

In summary, while HSBC recognizes Munich Re’s strengths and has raised the price target to EUR620, the firm’s analysts suggest that the stock’s current price adequately reflects its value, prompting the downgrade in rating to Hold. This change in rating and price target is based on a detailed analysis of the company’s financial metrics and market position.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.