Core Viewpoint - Two stocks in the financial sector are showing signs of being overbought, which may concern momentum-focused investors [1] Group 1: UBS Group AG - UBS Group AG has been upgraded from Neutral to Buy by B of A Securities analyst Antonio Reale, with a price target raised from $44 to $60.3 [6] - The stock has gained approximately 21% over the past month, reaching a 52-week high of $47.30 [6] - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) for UBS is at 75.5, indicating it is overbought [6] - On the latest trading day, UBS shares slipped 0.1% to close at $46.52 [6] - UBS has an Edge Stock Ratings momentum score of 89.48 [6] Group 2: Assurant Inc - Assurant reported better-than-expected third-quarter financial results, highlighting strong performance in Global Housing and Global Automotive [6] - The stock has gained around 7% over the past month, with a 52-week high of $243.76 [6] - The RSI for Assurant is at 74.5, also indicating it is overbought [6] - On the latest trading day, Assurant shares gained 0.3% to close at $242.13 [6]

Core Insights - Two stocks in the financial sector are identified as potentially overbought, which may concern momentum-focused investors [1] Group 1: UBS Group AG - UBS Group AG has been upgraded from Neutral to Buy by B of A Securities analyst Antonio Reale, with a price target raised from $44 to $60.3 [6] - The stock has gained approximately 21% over the past month, reaching a 52-week high of $47.30 [6] - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) for UBS is reported at 75.5, indicating it is overbought [6] - On the latest trading day, UBS shares slipped 0.1% to close at $46.52 [6] - UBS has an Edge Stock Ratings momentum score of 89.48 [6] Group 2: Assurant Inc - Assurant Inc reported better-than-expected third-quarter financial results, highlighting strong performance in Global Housing and Global Automotive [6] - The stock has increased around 7% over the past month, with a 52-week high of $243.76 [6] - The RSI for Assurant is noted at 74.5, also indicating it is overbought [6] - On the latest trading day, Assurant shares gained 0.3% to close at $242.13 [6]

Market Overview - The Santa Claus Rally is a topic of interest as traders enter the final trading week of the year, with historical data suggesting favorable odds for market gains during this period [1] - The S&P 500 has historically averaged a gain of 0.95% during the last trading week of the year, with a 71% win rate over 95 years [2] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average has shown an average gain of 1.06% in the same period, with a 77% win rate based on 128 years of data [3] - The Nasdaq 100 has underperformed, averaging only a 0.4% gain with a 55% win rate over 40 years [3] Notable Stocks - Newmont Corp. (NYSE:NEM) has the highest average gain of 2.24% during the Santa Claus Rally, with a 75% win rate, although it experienced a 2.46% decline last year [9] - Assurant Inc. (NYSE:AIZ) has an average gain of 1.52% and a 70% win rate, with its best year being 2008 at 14.11% [8] - The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:GS) has averaged a 1.36% gain with an 80% win rate, peaking at 12.2% in 2008 [7] - J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) has delivered an average gain of 1.34% and an 85% win rate, with its strongest performance in 2008 at 8.31% [6] - Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE:RL) has averaged a 1.29% gain with a 65% win rate, achieving its best performance in 2018 at 8.21% [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing and highlights Assurant (AIZ) as a strong value stock based on its Zacks Rank and valuation metrics [1][2][3]. Group 1: Value Investing Strategy - Value investing is a popular strategy that has shown success across various market conditions, utilizing valuation metrics to identify undervalued stocks [2]. - Zacks has developed a Style Scores system to identify stocks with specific traits, particularly in the "Value" category, where stocks with "A" grades and high Zacks Ranks are considered strong value stocks [3]. Group 2: Assurant's Valuation Metrics - Assurant (AIZ) currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Value grade of A, indicating it is a strong candidate for value investors [3]. - AIZ's price-to-book (P/B) ratio is 1.94, which is attractive compared to the industry average of 2.69. The P/B ratio has fluctuated between 1.71 and 2.25 over the past year, with a median of 1.98 [4]. - The price-to-sales (P/S) ratio for AIZ is 0.95, which is lower than the industry average of 1.13, suggesting that AIZ may be undervalued [5]. - These valuation metrics indicate that Assurant is likely undervalued, and combined with a strong earnings outlook, it is considered a great value stock at this time [6].

Core Insights - The broader equity markets experienced a mini recovery, ending a four-day losing streak, driven by cooling inflation and strong performances from key blue-chip stocks [1][2] - The November consumer price index report indicated an annual inflation increase of 2.7%, lower than the expected 3.1%, while core consumer price inflation was at 2.6%, compared to a forecast of 3% [1] Investment Opportunities - Investors are encouraged to focus on "cash cow" stocks with high return on equity (ROE) to maximize returns, as high ROE indicates effective reinvestment of cash [2][3] - TE Connectivity plc (TEL), ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (ZTO), Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC), Assurant, Inc. (AIZ), and Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (HST) are highlighted as stocks with high ROE and favorable efficiency scores [2][7] Financial Metrics - ROE is defined as Net Income divided by Shareholders' Equity, serving as a key indicator of a company's profitability and financial health [3] - A higher ROE signifies better management efficiency in generating profits without new equity capital [4] Screening Parameters - Stocks were screened based on criteria including cash flow greater than $1 billion, ROE greater than the industry average, price/cash flow ratio lower than the industry average, return on assets (ROA) greater than the industry average, and a 5-year EPS historical growth greater than the industry average [5][6][7] - Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) was also considered, indicating stocks likely to outperform the market [7] Company Profiles - **TE Connectivity**: A global technology company focused on connectivity and sensor solutions, with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 12.3% and a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 6.5% [8][9] - **ZTO Express**: A leading express delivery service in China, with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a long-term earnings growth expectation of 3.1% [10][11] - **Pilgrim's Pride**: Engaged in the production and distribution of chicken products, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.4% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [11][12] - **Assurant**: A provider of risk management solutions, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 22.7% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [12][13] - **Host Hotels**: A leading lodging REIT with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [14][15]

Core Viewpoint - Assurant, Inc. is a global provider of risk management solutions, focusing on housing and lifestyle markets, and competes with other firms in the insurance and risk management sector [1] Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Piper Sandler maintains an "Overweight" rating for Assurant, raising its price target from $252 to $264, indicating confidence in the company's future performance [2][6] - Assurant has received an average recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from ten research firms, with eight analysts recommending buying the stock and two suggesting holding it, reflecting general optimism [3][6] - Truist Financial set a price objective of $255 for Assurant, while UBS Group raised their price target from $255 to $257, maintaining a "buy" rating [4] Group 2: Stock Performance and Market Capitalization - Assurant's stock is currently priced at $238.03, with a slight increase of 0.42%, and has fluctuated between $234.66 and $240.58 today [5][6] - The stock's year-high is $240.58, and the lowest price over the past year was $174.97, indicating significant price movement [5] - Assurant's market capitalization is approximately $11.92 billion, with a trading volume of 305,710 shares today [5][6]

Company Overview - Assurant, Inc. (AIZ) is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and provides protection services for connected devices, homes, and automobiles, with a market cap of $11.7 billion [1] - The company offers a range of services including mobile device solutions, extended service contracts, insurance products, vehicle protection, and housing-related coverage [1] Market Position - AIZ is classified as a "large-cap stock" due to its market cap exceeding $10 billion, highlighting its size and influence in the insurance - property & casualty industry [2] - The company has introduced new financial services programs that enhance its mobile device protection and extended service contracts [2] Financial Performance - AIZ shares reached a 52-week high of $236.74 recently, with a 13.6% increase in stock price over the past three months, outperforming the Nasdaq Composite's 3.5% gains [3] - Over a six-month period, AIZ shares rose by 16.7% and increased by 7.4% over the past 52 weeks, although this was below the Nasdaq's six-month gains of 17.3% and 14.6% returns over the last year [4] - In Q3, AIZ reported an adjusted EPS of $5.73, surpassing Wall Street expectations of $4.23, with revenue of $3.2 billion, reflecting an 8.9% year-over-year increase [5] Competitive Landscape - The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (HIG) has shown stronger performance than AIZ, with 24.4% gains over the past 52 weeks, although AIZ outperformed HIG with 9.5% returns over the last six months [5] Analyst Sentiment - Wall Street analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating for AIZ, with a mean price target of $253.67, indicating a potential upside of 8.7% from current price levels [6]

The author has an honours degree in economics and politics with a focus on economic development. With 36 years of experience in executive management he has extensive knowledge of insurance/reinsurance, Global and Asia Pacific markets, climate change and ESG. He invests in his personal capacity.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Short position through short-selling of the stock, or purchase of put opt ...

The author has an honours degree in economics and politics with a focus on economic development. With 36 years of experience in executive management he has extensive knowledge of insurance/reinsurance, Global and Asia Pacific markets, climate change and ESG. He invests in his personal capacity.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Short position through short-selling of the stock, or purchase of put opt ...

Market Overview - Broader equity markets experienced a four-day winning streak as the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate cut increased to approximately 89%, up from 67% a month ago [1] - The surge in the 10-year Treasury yield raised skepticism, impacting the short-term market rally following the release of key economic data [1] Economic Indicators - The core personal consumption expenditures price index for September showed an annual increase of 2.8%, slightly below the expected 2.9% [2] - U.S. consumer sentiment improved in December, with the Consumer Sentiment Index rising to 53.3 from 51 in November [2] Investment Strategy - Investors are advised to focus on "cash cow" stocks with high returns, emphasizing the importance of attractive efficiency ratios like return on equity (ROE) [2] - High ROE indicates effective reinvestment of cash at a high rate of return, helping to identify financially healthy companies [3][4] Screening Parameters - Stocks were shortlisted based on criteria including cash flow greater than $1 billion and ROE exceeding industry averages [5] - Additional metrics included price/cash flow lower than industry averages and return on assets (ROA) greater than industry averages [6] Stock Picks - Selected stocks with high ROE and strong cash flow include TE Connectivity (TEL), ZTO Express (ZTO), Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC), Assurant, Inc. (AIZ), and Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (HST) [7] - These stocks also exhibit solid earnings surprises, strong growth outlooks, and favorable valuation metrics [7] Company Profiles - **TE Connectivity**: A global technology company focused on connectivity and sensor solutions across various industries, with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 12.3% and a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 6.5% [8][9] - **ZTO Express**: A leading express delivery service in China with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 1.7% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [10][11] - **Pilgrim's Pride**: Engaged in the production and distribution of chicken products, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.4% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [11][12] - **Assurant**: Provides risk management solutions in housing and lifestyle markets, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 22.7% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [12][13] - **Host Hotels**: A leading lodging REIT focused on luxury and upper-upscale hotels, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [14][15]