Insurance behemoth Marsh McLennan is launching a direct assault on rival Howden in its home territory of London. The company has established a new specialist team, McGriff MMA London, with the explicit goal of recapturing a substantial $700 million portfolio of business. This aggressive move signals an intensifying battle for market share in the lucrative corporate insurance sector, even as the firm’s shares continue to face significant headwinds.
Wall Street Skepticism Persists Amid Ambitious Plans
Despite the bold strategic initiative, Marsh McLennan’s stock remains under pressure from market analysts. Goldman Sachs recently reinforced its pessimistic outlook, lowering its price target from $212 to $200 on Monday while maintaining its “Sell” rating. The shares are currently trading at $201.34, hovering just above this reduced target. The equity’s performance this year tells a stark story, having declined more than 16% since January and sitting nearly 25% below its annual peak.
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Leadership and Execution Strategy
The newly formed unit operating within Marsh Specialty UK will be led by Lizzy Howe, an experienced manager tasked with overseeing the operation. The team’s mandate is to manage McGriff business more efficiently while directly targeting approximately $700 million in revenue currently held by competitor Howden. This calculated maneuver represents a significant escalation in the ongoing power struggle within the insurance industry’s premium client segment.
Third-Quarter Results to Provide Crucial Test
All eyes are now fixed on the upcoming quarterly earnings report scheduled for October 16. The financial community awaits insights from CEO John Doyle and CFO Mark McGivney regarding the company’s genuine business trajectory. While the average analyst price target still stands at $239, indicating potential upside, market skepticism is mounting. The fundamental question remains whether Marsh McLennan’s London expansion strategy can catalyze a meaningful turnaround or if the downward trend will persist.
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