Why is the IAG (ASX:IAG) share price sliding this week?

We take a look at what might be weighing on the insurer's stock.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • The IAG share price tumbled nearly 4% on Monday amid floods in parts of Queensland and NSW
  • River levels in Brisbane and northern NSW are now receding from their peak as Sydney is issued a flood warning 
  • Additionally, reports IAG's exposure to Greensill Capital's collapse could be greater than previously thought hit headlines over the weekend

The Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price is suffering this week.

Its struggles come amid severe weather and flooding in parts of Australia – which the company's peer flagged could cost it $75 million.

At the time of writing, the IAG share price is $4.56, 4.8% lower than it was at Friday's close.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 0.7% on Monday and is currently 1.03% higher today.  

Let's take a closer look at the news that could be dragging the blue-chip stock lower this week.

a man clasps his hand to his forehead as he looks down at his phone and grimaces with a pained expression on his face as he watches the Pilbara Minerals share price continue to fall

Image source: Getty Images

What's weighing on the IAG share price this week?

The IAG share price is suffering as many Australians prepare to tackle damage caused by a major flood event in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The Brisbane River peaked at 3.7 metres yesterday after heavy rain caused chaos across Queensland's southeast over recent days.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have responded to more than 9,000 requests for assistance with flood damage and 600 calls for rescue.

More than 43,000 homes in the state's south-east remain without power today as 9News reports 15,000 of the region's homes have been flooded.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood warning for Sydney as river levels in Lismore recede after the city's worst flood event in history.

As of 5am this morning, IAG had received 6,700 claims. That number is expected to rise over the coming days.

In a release, the company stated, "after allowing for quota share arrangements, the combination of all catastrophe covers results in IAG having a maximum event retention of $95 million."

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) updated the market on the impact the wild weather could have on its bottom line yesterday. It believes it could face a maximum retained cost of around $75 million for the event.

The IAG share price tumbled 7% in November when the insurer increased its expected financial year 2022 net natural perils claim costs to around $1 billion.

What else has been happening?

Additionally, over the weekend The Australian reported the company's exposure to the failed Greensill Capital has deepened.

A claim has reportedly been filed to the Federal Court of Australia by Credit Suisse Virtuoso alleging the insurer refused to pay out compensation after guaranteeing a debt.

It's the second time reports have emerged stating IAG is caught up in the Federal Court due to Greensill's collapse. The Australian Financial Review reported the insurer was hit with a US$35 million claim in November.

The insurer has previously stated, "[IAG] has no net insurance exposure to trade credit policies including those sold through [Bond & Credit Co] to Greensill entities."

IAG reportedly previously owned 50% of Bond & Credit Co.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Insurance Australia Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Financial Shares

People raise their hands to vote.
Financial Shares

Why is the Magellan share price rising today?

Magellan conducted a shareholder vote on the proposed Barrenjoey merger this morning.

Read more »

A mature age woman with a groovy short haircut and glasses, sits at her computer, pen in hand thinking about information she is seeing on the screen.
Financial Shares

Why this beaten-down ASX financial stock is still finding buyers today

AMP shares rise after the AGM update keeps investors holding steady.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Broker Notes

What is this broker's view on Magellan Financial Group after yesterday's disappointing results

Where to next for this funds manager?

Read more »

A white and black clock face is shown with three hands saying Time to Buy reflecting Citi's view that it's time to buy ASX 200 banks
Broker Notes

3 compelling reasons to buy QBE shares today

A top expert forecasts more outperformance from QBE shares.

Read more »

A mature age woman with a groovy short haircut and glasses, sits at her computer, pen in hand thinking about information she is seeing on the screen.
Financial Shares

Magellan Financial Group posts March 2026 AUM drop

Magellan Financial Group saw assets under management fall to $37.5 billion in the March 2026 quarter on continued outflows and…

Read more »

Close-up of a business man's hand stacking gold coins into piles on a desktop.
Financial Shares

Experts name 2 ASX financials stocks to watch closely

These stocks have drawn buy recommendations.

Read more »

A man with long hair and tattoos holds out an EFTPOS payment machine from behind a shop counter.
Financial Shares

This ASX payments stock jumped after a key RBA decision

RBA card reforms send Tyro shares 4% higher on Tuesday.

Read more »

Hand of a woman carrying a bag of money, representing the concept of saving money or earning dividends.
Financial Shares

This beaten-down ASX financial stock could deliver returns of better than 80%

Canaccord Genuity says there's plenty of upside for this stock.

Read more »