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Insurance Expertise

FBR Capital Markets has become the dominant player in the small- to mid-cap insurance market, a sector in the midst of major transition as smaller companies gain increasing access to capital. Since 2004, we have been the #1 underwriter of initial equity capital raises for insurance companies with a market capitalization of $1 billion or less.1

Our focus is on small-cap specialty insurance companies which have strong underwriting performance. Typically, they have a market capitalization under $2 billion, a strong and defensible market position and solid management. We provide them with the capital to expand their businesses through organic growth and acquisitions. We also provide advisory services for the sale of insurance companies to strategic and financial buyers. FBR Capital Markets' Insurance Research group covers a universe of insurance companies that includes carriers in the property, casualty, life, marine, liability and health sectors, as well as specialty insurers.

1)Source: Dealogic. Relates to total deal value of all common stock or common equity, including private placements, offered for all U.S. and Bermuda insurance companies with a market capitalization of $1 billion or less. Transactions priced between 1/1/04 and 12/31/08, with apportioned credit to all book-runners including overallotment. Includes only rank eligible transactions.


Investment Banking

In 2006, we raised $3.1 billion in six transactions, five of which we lead managed. These transactions included a $97 million IPO for AmCOMP Insurance, Inc, a $179 million 144A private equity placement for a multinational property and casualty insurer and a $270 million private placement for a Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance company. We also lead managed a $107 million follow-on for AMERISAFE, Inc. and a $116 million follow-on for SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc.

In March of 2007, we completed a $128 million IPO for CastlePoint Holdings. We also undertook advisory assignments for CastlePoint and Argonaut Group, Inc., and in January of 2007, we completed a $95 million follow-on transaction for Tower Group, Inc.

Institutional Brokerage

With a substantial team of brokers, traders and sales traders, FBR Capital Markets was, as of March 31, 2009, a market-maker or trader in more than 1,400 equity and debt securities and provided independent research on more than 373 companies representing 23% of the S&P 500 by market capitalization.


Investment Banking Leads

FBR believes that the independence and integrity of our Research team are paramount to our mission. FBR Research is completely independent from FBR Investment Banking.

Research Analysts
  • David Khani, CFA
    Director of Research, Senior Managing Director, Energy & Natural Resources
  • David Hilal, CFA
    Associate Director of Research, Senior Managing Director and Group Head of Technology, Media & Telecom