It's been a disappointing start to the trading week so far this Monday. At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has slipped by 0.56% and is back under 8,930 points. But let's talk about what's happening to Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) shares.
Unlike the broader market, IAG shares are running hot this session. The ASX 200 financial stock closed at $8.71 a share last week. But this morning, those same shares opened at $8.81 before rising as high as $8.84 in mid-morning trade. At the time of writing, the insurer has cooled off a little, but remains up 0.8% at $8.78.
So why is the IAG share price outperforming the ASX 200 by more than 1% this Monday? Well, it could have something to do with the ASX announcement IAG made to investors this morning before market open.
Why are IAG shares rising today?
This ASX announcement informed the market that IAG has completed the $855 million acquisition of the insurance business of the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ). IAG now controls 90% of the shares in RACQ Insurance, and holds the option to acquire the remainng 10% in two years' time.
This acquisition was announced some time ago, with IAG gaining the green light from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) back in May.
IAG has previously told investors that it expected this acquisition to be finalised today, 1 September. Even so, it seems the market is still pleased that it has gone off without a hitch. That's judging by the IAG share price jump this Monday.
Here's some of what IAG CEO Nick Hawkins had to say on this deal being put to bed today:
Today is an exciting day as we begin our partnership with RACQ, supporting its member-first approach, welcoming around 840 new team members to IAG, and strengthening our commitment to Queensland. RACQ Insurance members will continue to receive the same high-quality service from the same teams and will soon benefit from IAG's best-in-class technology, providing an enhanced customer-focused claims experience and strong underwriting expertise.
IAG can now add RACQ to its growing stable of insurance brands. Back in May, the company also announced the acquisition of the insurance arm of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia under similar conditions.
Insurance Australia Group share price snapshot
IAG shares have proven to be decent investments to have held in recent times. As of today's pricing, the insurer is sitting on a year-to-date gain of just under 3%. That extends to 15.5% over the past 12 months. IAG shares have also risen more than 100% since mid-2022.
At current prices, IAG shares are sitting on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 15.6, with a trailing dividend yield of 3.53%.
