Nationwide provides a wide range of insurance products, including auto, home, life, pet, farm, and commercial insurance. Wondering how to buy Nationwide stock? You can't, as it's not publicly traded. But don't worry! We'll show you similar companies you can invest in.
Is Nationwide publicly traded?
Nationwide is not publicly traded on the stock market. This means you cannot directly buy shares of Nationwide as you would with a publicly traded company such as Apple (AAPL -1.66%) or Walmart (WMT +0.87%).
Nationwide operates as a mutual company, which means it is owned by its policyholders rather than shareholders. With Nationwide and other mutual companies, policyholders benefit from profits through dividends or reduced premiums.
Publicly Traded Company
Although Nationwide is not publicly traded, there are several ways investors can gain indirect exposure to its success, including:
- Investing in companies with a similar profile to Nationwide
- Investing in companies that provide services related to Nationwide
- Investing in the insurance industry via exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
When will Nationwide IPO?
Nationwide has not announced any plans to go public. An initial public offering (IPO) would involve Nationwide selling shares to the public and being listed on a stock exchange. However, there has been no indication from the company that it intends to pursue this path in the near future. It's difficult for a mutual company to change its structure.
How to buy Nationwide stock
Although you can't buy shares of Nationwide, there are different companies whose stock prices might rise when Nationwide performs well because they are in the same industry or their business provides products or services to the insurance industry. Here are three companies that have ties to Nationwide's performance, providing indirect exposure to the company:
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Guidewire Software
Guidewire Software (GWRE -1.57%) is a leading provider of software solutions tailored for the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. Its products, which include systems for underwriting, policy administration, billing, and claims management, are designed to help insurers streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer service. Nationwide and many other major insurance companies use Guidewire's technology.
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Lemonade
Lemonade (LMND -1.13%) is transforming the industry with its technology-driven approach, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to streamline processes and enhance customer experience. This innovative model allows for rapid claims processing and a highly user-friendly digital platform, attracting tech-savvy, younger consumers. By investing in Lemonade, you can gain exposure to an up-and-coming company that is changing the game for insurance practices and industry standards.
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Reasons to avoid the investment
While there are good reasons for investing in insurance companies, there are several reasons you might decide it's not right for your portfolio. These include:
You aren't interested in stocks with limited growth potential
Traditional insurance companies like Nationwide often exhibit slower growth compared to other sectors. While they provide stability and steady returns, they may not offer the high growth potential some investors seek. This can be less appealing to those looking for significant capital appreciation over a shorter period.
You want something that's insulated from the interest rate environment
Interest rates heavily influence insurance companies' financial performance. When interest rates are low, returns on their investment portfolios, which primarily consist of bonds and other fixed-income securities, are also low. This can reduce overall profitability and hurt stock performance.
You feel there will be a reason for high claims payouts
In periods of increased claims, such as during natural disasters or pandemics, insurance companies can face substantial financial strain. High claims payouts can significantly affect an insurance company's financial health and reduce its profit margins, making its stocks less attractive to investors seeking stable returns.
ETFs with exposure to Nationwide
For those looking for broader exposure to the insurance sector, there are several ETFs that include companies similar to Nationwide. Here are a few options:
ETF Name and Ticker | Exposure to Nationwide-Related Companies | Net Assets | Expense Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
Vanguard Financials Index Fund ETF (NYSEMKT:VFH) | Broad exposure to the financial sector, including insurance companies | $13.04 billion | 0.09% |
Invesco KBW Property & Casualty Insurance ETF (NASDAQ:KBWP) | Targeted exposure to property and casualty insurance companies | $505.43 million | 0.35% |
Fidelity MSCI Financials Index ETF (NYSEMKT:FNCL) | Tracks the MSCI USA IMI Financials Index, covering a wide range of financial companies, including insurers | $2.23 billion | 0.08% |
Global X FinTech ETF (NASDAQ:FINX) | Invests in financial technology companies affecting the insurance industry | $281.15 million | 0.68% |
SPDR S&P 500 Financials ETF (NYSEMKT:XLF) | Tracks the financial sector of the S&P 500, including major insurance companies | $49.63 billion | 0.08% |
iShares Global Financials ETF (NYSEMKT:IXG) | Provides exposure to global financial companies, including insurers across various regions | $506.22 million | 0.41% |
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The bottom line on Nationwide
Although you can't directly invest in Nationwide since it's not publicly traded, there are several ways to gain indirect exposure to its performance. By investing in related companies and ETFs, you can benefit from Nationwide's success and the broader insurance sector's stability.
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