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Stock Analysis: HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. (HCC)

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. (HCC). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. is a multi-line insurer specializes in aviation, marine, medical stop-loss, offshore energy and property and casualty insurance in the U.S. and the U.K.

Fair Value: I consider four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. Avg. High Yield Price
2. 20-Year DCF Price
3. Avg. P/E Price
4. Graham Number

HCC is trading at a discount to 1.), 3.) and 4.) above. The stock is trading at a 9.7% discount to its calculated fair value of $28.99. HCC earned a Star in this section since it is trading at a fair value.

Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. Free Cash Flow Payout
2. Debt To Total Capital
3. Key Metrics
4. Dividend Growth Rate
5. Years of Div. Growth
6. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15%

HCC earned three Stars in this section for 1.), 2.) and 3.) above. A Star was earned since the Free Cash Flow payout ratio was less than 60% and there were no negative Free Cash Flows over the last 10 years. The stock earned a Star as a result of its most recent Debt to Total Capital being less than 45%. HCC earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15% means that dividends grew on average in excess of 15% for each consecutive 4 year period over the last 10 years (2000-2003, 2001-2004, 2002-2005, etc.) I consider this a key metric since dividends will double every 5 years if they grow by 15%. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1996 and has increased its dividend payments for 14 consecutive years.

Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA)? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. NPV MMA Diff.
2. Years to > MMA

HCC earned a Star in this section for its NPV MMA Diff. of the $2,883. This amount is in excess of the $2,100 target I look for in a stock that has increased dividends as long as HCC has. If HCC grows its dividend at 15.0% per year, it will take 5 years to equal a MMA yielding an estimated 20-year average rate of 3.71%.

Memberships and Peers: HCC is a member of the Broad Dividend Achievers™ Index. HCC's peer group includes: American Financial Group Inc. (AFG) with a 1.8% yield, American National Insurance Co. (ANAT) with a 4.1% yield, Assurant Inc. (AIZ) with a 1.6% yield and Unitrin Inc. (UTR) with a 3.5% yield.

Conclusion: HCC earned one Star in the Fair Value section, earned three Stars in the Dividend Analytical Data section and earned one Star in the Dividend Income vs. MMA section for a total of five Stars. This quantitatively ranks HCC as a 5 Star-Strong Buy.

Using my D4L-PreScreen.xls model, I determined the share price would need to increase to $29.56 before HCC's NPV MMA Differential decreased to the $2,100 minimum that I look for in a stock with 14 years of consecutive dividend increases. At that price the stock would yield 1.89%.

Resetting the D4L-PreScreen.xls model and solving for the dividend growth rate needed to generate the target $2,100 NPV MMA Differential, the calculated rate is 13.9%. This dividend growth rate is below the 15% used in this analysis, thus providing a margin of safety. HCC has a risk rating of 1.50 which classifies it as a low risk stock.

HCC's diverse business mix along with its underwriting discipline have positioned it well in an environment that has left many other insurers struggling. The company's investment portfolio reflects management's conservative bias and a culture that rewards profitability rather than growth. With very little debt and a low free cash flow payout, HCC's financials are strong. The stock is favorably priced to my calculated fair value of $28.99. However, its yield of 2.14% is below by current minimum, so for now I will stay on the sidelines. For additional information, including the stock's dividend history, please refer to its data page.

Disclaimer: Material presented here is for informational purposes only. The above quantitative stock analysis, including the Star rating, is mechanically calculated and is based on historical information. The analysis assumes the stock will perform in the future as it has in the past. This is generally never true. Before buying or selling any stock you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion. See my Disclaimer for more information.

Full Disclosure: At the time of this writing, I held no position in HCC (0.0% of my Income Portfolio). See a list of all my income holdings here.


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