Fitch Publishes U.S. Insurance Brokers Dashboard

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fitch Ratings has published a new Dashboard Report for the U.S. Insurance Brokers sector.

The U.S. Insurance Brokers Dashboard looks at 2015 year-end results for a group of five publicly held insurance brokers, highlighting year-to-year changes in key rating factors including: financial leverage, interest coverage and profit margins.

Balance sheet strength and solid operating performance continue to support current long-term ratings of Fitch's broker universe. Operating margins for the group averaged 16.5% in 2014 and 2015. Fitch anticipates stable to modestly improved broker profit margins in 2016 from reduced expenses and earnings growth.

Organic revenue growth for the group was 3% in 2015. Revenue and organic growth rates will remain pressured from continued flat or declining premium rate changes in most commercial insurance segments and a soft reinsurance market.

Financial leverage increased for the group in the last two years. The aggregate debt to EBITDA ratio for the group was 2.3x at year-end 2015. Higher leverage has modestly reduced interest coverage to an aggregate level of approximately 10x. Going forward, brokers within the group are anticipated to continue to report mid to high single digit coverage ratios or better.

Revenues from diverse product and geographic platforms such as healthcare and benefits consulting, and a need for new coverages such as cyber insurance, should help offset these headwinds. Acquisition interest overall, and particularly from private equity firms, has also risen in recent years partly as a result of an improving global economy with increased opportunities for both buyers and sellers, and the availability of low-cost funding.

The 'U.S. Insurance Brokers Dashboard' is available on Fitch's website at 'www.fitchratings.com' or by clicking on the link.

Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.

U.S. Insurance Brokers Dashboard

https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=879068

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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160323006387/en/

Fitch Ratings
Gretchen Roetzer
Director
+1-312-606-2327
Fitch Ratings, Inc.
70 W. Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60602
or
Media Relations:
Hannah James, New York, + 1 646-582-4947
Email: [email protected]

Source: Fitch Ratings

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