On Monday, HSBC (LON:HSBA) revised its stance on Scor SE (SCR:FP) (OTC: SCRYY), downgrading the stock from Buy to Hold and adjusting the price target to €33 from the previous €38.
The revision follows the company's report of adverse results due to an uptick in US mortality claims in the first quarter.
Scor SE's Life & Health Reinsurance (L&H Re) segment experienced a setback attributable to the higher number of claims and adverse experiences in US mortality during the first quarter. The firm anticipates that the reported increase in claims might return to normal levels later in the year, which could potentially reverse the negative results observed in the first quarter.
The analyst from HSBC highlighted concerns about whether the surge in US mortality claims represents a structural issue. While Scor SE could undertake corrective actions, such as renegotiating with cedants and repricing, these measures are considered reactive and may not resolve issues as swiftly as in the Property & Casualty Reinsurance (P&C Re) business.
The ongoing process of identifying and addressing the underlying issues is expected to exert continued pressure on Scor SE's earnings. The analyst indicated that until these concerns are adequately resolved, they could significantly weigh on the company's share price.
InvestingPro Insights
As investors digest HSBC's downgrade of Scor SE (OTC: SCRYY), it's worth considering some key financial metrics and insights from InvestingPro. With a market capitalization of $5.71 billion and a trailing P/E ratio of 7.76, the company presents an interesting valuation picture. Although Scor SE's revenue has seen a decline over the last twelve months, analysts remain optimistic about the company's profitability, predicting Scor SE will be profitable this year.
InvestingPro Tips suggest that while Scor SE suffers from weak gross profit margins, currently at 10.08%, its liquid assets do exceed short-term obligations, indicating a level of financial stability. Additionally, the company has been profitable over the last twelve months, which could provide some reassurance to investors concerned about the recent uptick in US mortality claims impacting earnings.
For those looking to delve deeper into Scor SE's financial health and future prospects, InvestingPro offers additional tips that could guide investment decisions. By using the coupon code PRONEWS24, investors can get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription, unlocking further insights that may inform a more comprehensive investment strategy.
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