Down 10% this year, is it time to buy IAG shares in the dip?

Is it time to jump in or jump ship on this ASX 200 insurance company?

| More on:
Woman insurance agent fills out insurance form for car damage after traffic accident.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) is one of Australia's largest general insurance companies, providing products like car, home, and business insurance.

IAG owns well-known brands such as NRMA Insurance, CGU, and SGIC, among others. 

At the time of writing, IAG's share price is down 10.30% in 2025. 

Why have IAG shares tanked this year?

Long term holders of IAG shares have still enjoyed strong returns over the past year.

It is up more than 20% over that period. 

However the insurance company saw its share price crash over the course of a few days in February (more than 15%) on the back of earnings season news. 

Although IAG delivered a 91.2% increase in net profit after tax to $778 million, investors seemed disappointed with its second half projections. 

IAG share price fell on results day

  • Gross written premium (GWP) up 6% to $8,426 million
  • Net earned premium up 9.7% to $4,930 million
  • Insurance profit up 55.9% to $957 million
  • Net profit after tax up 91.2% to $778 million
  • Interim dividend per share up 20% to 10 cents

The insurer noted that the increase was,

mainly driven by the $140m post-tax release of the COVID Business Interruption provision, an increase in net earned premiums, and an improvement in the insurance profit

IAG's interim dividend per share was also up 20% to 10 cents. 

However, Goldman Sachs was forecasting an interim dividend of 14.2 cents per share.

Does the current share price reflect its value?

On face value, IAG posted seemingly strong results in its HY 2025 results.

It would seem brokers tend to agree the company is slightly undervalued right now based on its earnings season results and current share price. 

Broker Bell Potter has a current target price of $8.33 per share. This suggests a 8.75% upside based on the current share price of $7.66. 

Similarly, online brokerage platform SelfWealth has an "undervalued" tag on IAG with an average share price target of $8.56. 

Future outlook

IAG management has expressed confidence in the company's financial setting, targeting a net profit margin of
around 15% and ROE of 14% to 15%.

They emphasised a continued focus on growth and maintaining pricing discipline.

Forecasts from Bell Potter show revenue is expected to grow in 2026 (+7.43%) and 2027 (+4.64%).

Last year IAG also invested heavily in the integration of a new Retail Enterprise Platform. More than 3 million policies
migrated to the new digital platform resulting in significant increase in customer satisfaction.

Managing Director and CEO Nick Hawkins said the platform would allow IAG the ability to better price and manage risk.

So, is IAG a buy?

The company is seemingly committed to innovation and growth, and posted strong earnings results last month. However as suggested by the company itself, this was influenced by the COVID Business Interruption provision.

Based on forecasts from brokers, IAG shares are slightly undervalued, but punters should temper their expectations if they expect lofty returns.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Financial Shares

Woman with an amazed expression has her hands and arms out with a laptop in front of her.
Financial Shares

Why this top broker just upgraded AMP shares

Let's see which broker has become bullish on the financial services company.

Read more »

A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price
Financial Shares

What's happening with the AMP share price on Thursday?

A lot of AMP shares are changing hands on Thursday. But at what price?

Read more »

A man leans forward over his phone in his hands with a satisfied smirk on his face although he has just learned something pleasing or received some satisfying news.
Financial Shares

Why now is the time to buy Macquarie shares at 'a top value price'

Down 20% in 2025, these experts say Macquarie shares are now in bargain basement territory.

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Financial Shares

Macquarie put a price target of $2.90 on GQG Partners shares

A leading expert is very bullish on this stock.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
Technology Shares

Surging earnings and a slumping share price: Should I buy this ASX 200 tech stock today?

With profits and earnings soaring and shares down in 2025, is this ASX 200 tech stock too good to ignore?

Read more »

Man pointing at a blue rising share price graph.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX 200 stock just surged 16% in today's crashing market!

How is this ASX 200 stock leaping higher in Monday’s tumbling market?

Read more »

A young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptop.
Financial Shares

Up 52% in 6 months, is this $22 billion ASX 200 stock now a sell?

A leading expert expects lower interest rates will negatively impact this surging ASX 200 stock.

Read more »

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
Financial Shares

HMC Capital announces plans for new equity fund: Should I invest?

Let's see if some big news makes it a good time to buy this stock.

Read more »