Lorne Steinberg Allstate ALL-N BUY Aug 04, 2023

It is the premier property casualty company in the U.S. Over the past decade it has had double digit dividend growth, huge share buybacks, great cash flow and a very disciplined approach. It is an incredible asset allocator and also cheap. Its 3 1/2% dividend could double over time. The stock is down a little due to supply chain issues which increases the costs to fix houses and cars, but these issues are temporary. An app that tracks driving habits can give the client a discount but it gives the company a strong picture of those habits.

Increase in catastrophic losses means most insurers are suffering this year. For P&C insurers, bad news is good news, as they just raise prices. Great capital allocators. Raise dividends. Favour profits over market share, so divesting unprofitable businesses. Spectacularly well run. Free cashflow machine. Yield is 3.28%.

Has owned company for 15 years, and will keep position. Company has purchased ~50% of shares last 10 years. Ability to raise prices with inflation. Very attractive capital allocation skills. Consistently raised dividend. 

P&C insurance. All they do is homes and cars in NA, no foreign exposure. In NA, but mostly US. Cheaper valuation than any in Canada, and at least as good a company as those in Canada. Bond portfolio benefitting now that rates are high.

House insurance always goes up and it is the best in its field with little competition. Trades at 11X earnings.

They home and car insurance in North America, doing an amazing job. Over 20 years, they bought back 66% of their shares. At this rate, they will buy the rest in 16 years. Trades at 11x PE with double-digit earnings growth. Insurance rates are rising.