Managing risk in 2022 with AIZ
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE:AIZ) is a global provider of risk management products and services. AIZ offers lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect, and connect major consumer purchases in 21 countries. More specifically, Assurant offers mobile device solutions, extended service contracts, vehicle protection services, pre-funded funeral insurance, renters’ insurance, and lender-placed homeowners’ insurance. At last check, AIZ is up 0.6% at $153.85.
On Feb. 3, Assurant announced that it has combined American Financial & Automotive Services, its major 2020 acquisition, and its Assurant Dealer Services team into one dealership development organization to both operate under the Assurant Dealer Services name. This news posted just days before the equity is slated to report earnings. Wall Street analysts currently anticipate that AIZ will post $2.30 per share in the upcoming earnings report due out on Feb. 8.
Assurant stock has increased about 14% year-over-year and AIZ is currently trading up 26% since bottoming at a 52-week low of $121.55. However, shares of AIZ have decreased 2% year-to-date and are down 11% from the stock's September record high of $172.22. Moreover, Assurant offers a forward dividend of $2.72 and a dividend yield of 1.78%.
From a fundamental point of view, Assurant stock is a very safe option for value investors looking to fend off the wave of volatility in the market. AIZ offers a forward price-earnings ratio of 12.64 and a price-sales ratio of 0.89.
Analyst are optimistic heading into today's trading. Specifically, all five covering brokerage firms sport "buy" or "strong buy" recommendations.