Highlights

  • Steadfast and AUB shares declined sharply on Monday and consensus rating stands at buy, as per Refinitiv data.
  • Consensus target prices remain at AUD 6.28 for SDF and AUD 38.01 for AUB.
  • Recent sector weakness followed news of AI integration within insurance platforms.

Two ASX-listed insurance brokers, Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX:SDF) and AUB Group Ltd (ASX:AUB), recorded notable share price declines on Monday. The moves came amid broader sector weakness following news that OpenAI has approved the first insurer-built artificial intelligence application on ChatGPT. Despite the market reaction, broker consensus ratings for both stocks continue to sit at buy.

Insurance Stocks Decline in Monday Trade

Steadfast Group shares closed at AUD 4.50, down 9.46% on the day. The stock has declined 24.75% over the past six months and 11.59% in the last five trading sessions.

AUB Group shares fell 6.11% to AUD 25.95. Over the past six months, the stock is down 20.52%, while losses over the last five days total 9.99%.

Broker Consensus Ratings Remain at Buy

According to Refinitiv data-

  • Steadfast Group (ASX:SDF) holds a consensus buy rating, with a target price of AUD 6.28.
  • AUB Group (ASX:AUB) also retains a consensus buy rating, with a target price of AUD 38.01.

The consensus positions remain in place despite recent price volatility across the sector.

AUB Group: Acquisition and Earnings Outlook

AUB Group is scheduled to release its 1H26 financial results on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. In a trading update released on 27 January, the company announced an agreement to acquire 95.9% of PIHL Holdings Limited (Prestige) for AUD 432 million.

Prestige is a UK-based insurance broking and underwriting platform with more than GBP 300 million in gross written premium. The acquisition values Prestige at 12.9x EV/CY25 EBITDA, or 10.0x including quantified synergies.

AUB also announced a AUD 400 million institutional placement, a AUD 40 million share purchase plan, and an additional AUD 200 million debt facility. The company expects 1H26 UNPAT to be between AUD 90 million and AUD 91 million, while reaffirming FY26 UNPAT guidance of AUD 215 million to AUD 227 million, before the impact of recent acquisitions.

Steadfast Group: Operational Update

In an update released on 11 December, Steadfast outlined initiatives focused on organic growth, acquisitions, and expense management. Acquisitions totalling AUD 127.7 million were completed by 30 November 2025, alongside an increase in the maximum gearing ratio to 40%, excluding premium funding borrowings.

The company also flagged cost-saving measures expected to deliver approximately AUD 3.6 million in annualised savings during 2H26, driven by reductions in non-critical marketing spend, vendor costs, and selected overheads.

While Steadfast Group and AUB Group experienced notable share price declines during the session, broker consensus ratings and target prices remain unchanged. Market attention is now expected to turn toward upcoming earnings updates, acquisition integration, and broader developments within the insurance technology landscape.

FAQs

Q1: Why did insurance stocks fall today?
Insurance stocks declined following broader sector weakness after OpenAI approved the first insurer-built AI application on ChatGPT.

Q2: What is the broker outlook for Steadfast Group?
Steadfast Group holds a consensus buy rating with a target price of AUD 6.28, according to Refinitiv data.

Q3: When will AUB Group report its next results?
AUB Group is scheduled to release its 1H26 results on 24 February 2026.