Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Stock Upgraded (THG)

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG) has been upgraded by TheStreet Ratings from hold to buy. Among the primary strengths of the company is its robust revenue growth -- not just in the most recent periods but in previous quarters as well. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had lackluster performance in the stock itself.

Highlights from the ratings report include:

• The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 5.0%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 25.9%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• HANOVER INSURANCE GROUP INC's earnings per share declined by 18.4% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has suffered a declining pattern of earnings per share over the past two years. However, we anticipate this trend to reverse over the coming year. During the past fiscal year, HANOVER INSURANCE GROUP INC reported lower earnings of $0.71 versus $3.30 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($4.00 versus $0.71).
• The change in net income from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the Insurance industry average, but is less than that of the S&P 500. The net income has decreased by 15.6% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, dropping from $58.40 million to $49.30 million.
• Reflecting the weaknesses we have cited, including the decline in the company's earnings per share, THG has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, declining 12.53% from its price level of one year ago. Looking ahead, although the push and pull of the overall market trend could certainly make a critical difference, we do not see any strong reason stemming from the company's fundamentals that would cause a continuation of last year's decline. In fact, the stock is now selling for less than others in its industry in relation to its current earnings.

.

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, underwrites commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance coverage in the United States. It operates in three segments: Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, and Other Property and Casualty. The company has a P/E ratio of 57.6, above the average insurance industry P/E ratio of 36.8 and above the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7. Hanover Insurance Group has a market cap of $1.63 billion and is part of the financial sector and insurance industry. Shares are up 15.7% year to date as of the close of trading on Tuesday.

You can view the full Hanover Insurance Group Ratings Report or get investment ideas from our investment research center.
-- Written by a member of TheStreet RatingsStaff

For more information on Hanover Insurance Group Inc. click any of the following:

• Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Stock Price

• Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Analyst Ratings

• Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Key Stats & Profile

• Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Earnings

• Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Ratio Comparison

• Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Growth Rates

• Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Balance Sheet

• Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Cash Flow

• Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Income Statement