Look for diversity in asset management companies. Firms that manage a number of asset classes - such as stocks, bonds, and hedge funds - are more stable during market gyrations. One-hit wonders are much more volatile and are subject to wild swings.
Keep an eye on asset growth. Make sure an asset manager is successful in consistently bringing in inflows greater than outflows.
Look for money managers with attractive niche markets, such as tax-managed funds or international investing.
Sticky assets add stability. Look for firms with a high percentage of stable assets, such as institutional money managers or fund firms who specialize in retirement savings.
Bigger is often better. Firms with more assets, longer track records, and multiple asset classes have much more to offer finicky customers.
Be wary of any insurance firm that grows faster than the industry average (unless the growth can be explained by acquisitions).
One of the best ways to protect against investment risk in the life insurance world is to consider companies with diversified revenue bases. Some products, such as variable annuities, have exhibited a good degree of cyclicality.
Look for life insurers with high credit ratings (AA) and a consistent ability to realise ROEs above their cost of capital.
Seek out property/casualty insurers who consistently achieve ROEs above 15 percent. This is a good indication of underwriting discipline and cost control.
Avoid insurers who take repeated reserving charges. This often indicates pricing below cost or deteriorating cost inflation.
Look for management teams committed to building shareholder value. These teams often have significant personal wealth invested in the businesses they run.
Ref: The Five Rules for Successful Stock Investing by Pat Dorsey
Read also:
Investor's Checklist: A Guided Tour of the Market...
Keep an eye on asset growth. Make sure an asset manager is successful in consistently bringing in inflows greater than outflows.
Look for money managers with attractive niche markets, such as tax-managed funds or international investing.
Sticky assets add stability. Look for firms with a high percentage of stable assets, such as institutional money managers or fund firms who specialize in retirement savings.
Bigger is often better. Firms with more assets, longer track records, and multiple asset classes have much more to offer finicky customers.
Be wary of any insurance firm that grows faster than the industry average (unless the growth can be explained by acquisitions).
One of the best ways to protect against investment risk in the life insurance world is to consider companies with diversified revenue bases. Some products, such as variable annuities, have exhibited a good degree of cyclicality.
Look for life insurers with high credit ratings (AA) and a consistent ability to realise ROEs above their cost of capital.
Seek out property/casualty insurers who consistently achieve ROEs above 15 percent. This is a good indication of underwriting discipline and cost control.
Avoid insurers who take repeated reserving charges. This often indicates pricing below cost or deteriorating cost inflation.
Look for management teams committed to building shareholder value. These teams often have significant personal wealth invested in the businesses they run.
Ref: The Five Rules for Successful Stock Investing by Pat Dorsey
Read also:
Investor's Checklist: A Guided Tour of the Market...
