Reinsurance Group Trades at a Discount: How to Play the Stock

Core Viewpoint - Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) shares are trading at a discount compared to the industry average, indicating potential investment opportunities due to its strong fundamentals and growth prospects [1][2]. Financial Metrics - RGA has a market capitalization of $13.09 billion and a forward price-to-book value of 1.2X, lower than the industry average of 1.83X, the Finance sector's 4.05X, and the S&P 500 Composite's 7.89X [1][2]. - The average trading volume over the last three months was 0.5 million shares [2]. Price Performance - RGA's shares have gained 2.4% over the past year, underperforming the industry growth of 13.8%, the Finance sector's return of 15.4%, and the S&P 500 composite's appreciation of 8.1% [3]. Earnings Surprise History - RGA has a solid earnings surprise history, beating estimates in three of the last four quarters with an average surprise of 14.67% [4]. Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RGA's 2025 earnings per share indicates a year-over-year increase of 1.8%, with revenues projected at $24.22 billion, reflecting a 7.3% improvement [5]. - For 2026, earnings per share and revenues are expected to increase by 8.6% and 8.7%, respectively, from the 2024 estimates [5]. Historical Earnings Growth - RGA's earnings have grown by 15.3% over the past five years, outperforming the industry average of 7.8% [6]. Return on Invested Capital - RGA's return on invested capital (ROIC) has consistently increased, reaching 6.3% in the trailing 12 months, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.6% [7]. Market Position and Strategy - RGA is a leader in the U.S. and Latin American markets, with a strong product line and capabilities that contribute to stable earnings and capital generation [10]. - In Canada, RGA holds a significant block of in-force business, which is expected to drive future earnings, particularly in longevity insurance [11]. - The company is well-capitalized and plans to deploy capital in attractive growth opportunities while returning excess capital to shareholders [12][14]. Technological Integration - RGA is enhancing its product offerings through technological advancements and is recognized as a global leader in biometric liability reinsurance [13]. Capital Management - The company effectively manages capital through share buybacks, dividends, and prudent investments, aiming to balance growth opportunities with shareholder returns [14]. Long-term Outlook - RGA's diversified business model, favorable longevity experience, and effective capital deployment strategies position it well for long-term growth [15].