Shares of IAG have rallied over 2.5% in early trade, hitting an all-time high of $7.89, as the company lifted their earnings guidance for the year ahead.
The general insurer reported a 23 % increase in net profit after tax, which hit $551 million in the six months to December, helped by price rises in its consumer and commercial insurance products.
IAG also reported insurance margin widened to 17 %, compared with 13% a year earlier. Further, the company lifted its dividend by 1 cent to 14 cents, which will be fully franked and paid on the 29th of March.
IAG has been in our Top 50 Model Portfolio since January of last year.
We suggest investors can sell the 7.50 calls into June for 25 cents. This will increase cash flow into the portfolio and allow for the 14 cent dividend.
Insurance Australia Group