Bermuda based re-insurers were crushed by massive claims during last year's record hurricane season. But they've apparently bounced back to record billions in profits--thanks to almost no disaster claims this year. That's good news for share prices--but investors might what to look before they leap. In today's Stock Screener on "Power Lunch"--Ian McDonald from The Wall Street Journal gave a couple of his "picks."
Here they are:
Arch Capital Group
Renaissance Re
Both companies have had good growth this year. Arch does not pay a dividend.
FYI--McDonald says it's important to remember that when insurance companies have extra cash on hand--there is a tendency for them to make risky deals and/or diversify into non-core businesses. He also says the extra cash usually forces premiums down--and that could turn into an eventual loss for any insurance company. The bottom line--when it comes to these type of stocks--investor beware according to McDonald.
