Analysts positive on Star Health despite tepid listing – what should investors do now?

Despite the tepid listing of Star Health and Allied Insurance’s shares, the majority of the market analysts including Zee Business Managing Editor Anil Singhvi believe that the company and its stock has a scope to grow further and urge investors to Hold the stock with a long-term view for better returns 

The counter is listed at around a 6 per cent discount to Rs 848.8 per share on the BSE and Rs 845 per share on the NSE. It made a 52-week high of Rs 910.9 per share on the BSE and Rs 911 per share on the NSE during the early morning trade on Friday. 

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Amarjeet Maurya - AVP - Mid Caps, Angel One Ltd is positive on the stock and states that every dip in share prices provides buying opportunities to long-term investors. 

He added, “Star Health and Allied Insurance Company stock is down nearly 2 per cent mainly due to fear of new Covid variant omicron (further impact of the Covid-19 pandemic could increase claim).” 

Besides, the company has strong growth rates (around 32 per cent Gross Written Premium CAGR over FY18-21) and better operational performance which is reflected in pre-Covid numbers for the company (93% combined ratio), Maurya said in his post listing comment. 

Star Health insurance is debuting the secondary market on a weaker note as expected on the back of a very poor response from the investors, sadi Parth Nyati, Founder, Tradingo. 

Investors who applied for this IPO for listing gain can exit while long-term investors should keep patience and hold this stock, Nyati said, “New investors can wait for some time before taking entry because we have to understand that at what level, the market will be comfortable.” 

Expensive valuations and dent in profitability due to Covid19 were key concerns for the investors however the long-term outlook for the company is bullish thanks to the strong brand name and low penetration of health insurance in India, Tradingo founder pointed in his post listing note. 

Dr Ravi Singh- Vice President & Head of Research at ShareIndia said that taking into view the business parameters, the long-term outlook of the health insurance sector is positive. Investors may buy at lower levels and keep their holdings for better gains, Singh suggested. 

The celebrity investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala has a 14.98 per cent stake, while his wife Rekha Jhunjhunwala has a 3.23 per cent stake in the company.  

The initial public offer (IPO), which was launched between November 30 and December 1, 2021, had witnessed a poor subscription response. The offer was filled a mere 79 per cent than the issue offered.