Beazley still Berenberg's 'top pick' in London market

Analysts at Berenberg nudged up their profit estimates and target price for Beazley following the specialist insurer's "solid" trading statement for the first quarter, naming it their 'top pick' in the London market.

In their opinion, its strong growth momentum should reassure investors concerned about the outlook for growth in 2023.

Indeed, given the claims environment, its profitability was in line or better than market estimates, they said.

They also noted that Beazley's underwriting and risk management practices were above the market average.

Management's appetite for further exposure to property reinsurance was also deemed positive, saying that growth in the space was expected to be accretive to the firm's overall combined ratio.

All in all, the analysts judged that the shares remained fundamentally undervalued.

Their target price was nudged up from 875.0p 880.0p and their recommendation was kept at a 'buy'.