Piccoli bignamini (beato chi non sa a cosa mi riferisco) di JPM (29/03/2017) su Groupama , Unipol, ASR, Ageas, Takko :
We maintain a Neutral rating on Unipol Gruppo Finanziario (and UnipolSai). We view positively the group’s strong Italian
market position in non-life (no.1), as well as the company’s focus on the more conservative retail market. However, we note the
banking business has been weak (steadily increasing NPLs over last few years), while the legacy real estate business warrants
monitoring, and the Solvency II ratios for UFG/UnipolSai (140%/209% as of FY16) are relatively low. Also, Unipol is exposed
purely to Italy, meaning it holds a large amount of Italian debt on its balance sheet as a result (c. 56%). The group’s ratings
(Ba2, senior) are low due to being tied to the Italian sovereign’s ratings (Baa2/BBB-), with Moody’s downgrading their outlook to
negative from stable in Dec-16, along with other Italian insurers, reflecting concerns around Italian sovereign risk. While we are
comfortable with the fundamental business of Unipol, we acknowledge the ‘peripheral effect’ and that historic concerns around
the Italian banking sector/macro position have driven wide spread levels. In May-16, UFG/UnipolSai announced 2016-18
targets including cumulative net profits of; €1.5-1.7bn/€1.4-1.6bn, combined ratios of; 95.5%/96.0% and Solvency II ratios of;
120-160%/150-200%. These targets look achievable but we note the target Solvency II ratio range is lower than many
European peers. For FY16, UFG total revenues fell -11% (€17.2bn), while PBT fell -26% (€706m). Similarly for UnipolSai,
revenue fell -13.4% (€14.3bn), while PBT dipped -35% (€681m). Declines were driven mainly by the non-life business where
combined ratios were higher and realised investment gains were lower. Downside risks include any deterioration in the Italian
banking/macro environment driving negative sentiment, and any softening in Solvency II ratios. Upside risks include the
potential sale of Unipol's banking operations, any lessening of the competitive non-life environment in Italy and any signs of
exceeding Solvency II targets.