CommBank's non-renewal of contract to hit Australia's Helia hard, says Jefferies and Morningstar

Helia

24/03/2025 20:32

** Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) provider Helia HLI.AX said it anticipates its current supply and service contract with Commonwealth Bank of Australia CBA.AX might not get renewed after this year

** Morningstar says, "even multiple new agreements will not fill the void likely to be left by Commonwealth Bank"

** Morningstar lowers its fair value estimate by 14% to A$3.60, reflecting a 40% drop in gross written premiums from 2026

** Jefferies adds that HLI's business has been shrinking since 2015 because its partners are either insuring themselves or finding other insurance options, leading to contract losses

** QBE Insurance QBE.AX is likely an alternative provider for CBA, as they already offer LMI services to CBA's unit — Jefferies

** Jefferies maintains a "hold" rating at PT of A$3.14

** HLI down 10.9% YTD

 (Reporting by Kumar Tanishk in Bengaluru)

 ((Tanishk.Kumar@thomsonreuters.com; X: @thatstanishk))