Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, with the aim of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] Company Overview: Axis Capital (AXS) - Axis Capital currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook for the stock [3][4] - The stock has shown strong performance, with a price increase of 6.65% over the past week, compared to a 3.66% increase in the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry [6] - Over the past quarter, AXS shares have risen 11.97%, and are up 15.91% in the last year, outperforming the S&P 500, which has moved 3.31% and 13.94% respectively [7] Trading Volume - AXS has an average 20-day trading volume of 578,266 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, three earnings estimates for AXS have been revised upwards, increasing the consensus estimate from $12.15 to $12.67 [10] - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have also moved upwards, with no downward revisions during the same period [10] Conclusion - Given the positive momentum indicators and earnings outlook, AXS is positioned as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a potential candidate for near-term investment [12]

Core Viewpoint - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited has declared quarterly dividends for both common and preferred shares, reflecting the company's strong financial performance and commitment to returning value to shareholders [1][2][9]. Dividend Declaration - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per common share, payable on January 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2025 [1]. - Additionally, a dividend of $34.375 per Series E 5.50% preferred share (equivalent to $0.34375 per depositary share) was also declared, payable on January 15, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2025 [2]. Financial Performance - For the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, AXIS Capital reported a net income available to common shareholders of $294 million, or $3.74 per diluted common share [7]. - The company achieved an operating income of $255 million, or $3.25 per diluted common share, with a 14% year-over-year increase in diluted book value per common share and an annualized operating return on equity of 18% [7]. Company Overview - AXIS Capital is a global specialty underwriter and provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions, with shareholders' equity of $6.4 billion as of September 30, 2025 [3]. - The company operates in multiple locations, including Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, and Canada, and has received strong financial strength ratings from Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best [3].

Core Insights - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) shares closed at $102.21, near its 52-week high, indicating strong investor confidence and potential for further price appreciation [1] - The stock is trading above its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages, suggesting solid upward momentum [1] Valuation - AXIS Capital's shares are trading at a forward price-to-book value of 1.35X, lower than the industry average of 1.54X and the Finance sector's 4.21X [3] - The company has a Value Score of B and is cheaper compared to peers like The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV), Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL), and American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG) [3] Performance - AXIS Capital shares have gained 15.4% over the past year, outperforming the industry and Finance sector growth of 12% and 15%, respectively [7] - The company has a market capitalization of $7.99 billion, with an average trading volume of 0.7 million shares over the last three months [2] Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AXIS Capital's 2025 earnings per share indicates a year-over-year increase of 13.2%, with revenues projected at $6.42 billion, reflecting a 5.3% improvement [8] - Earnings have grown 67.1% over the past five years, significantly outperforming the industry average of 20.9% [8] Analyst Sentiment - Two of the three analysts covering AXIS Capital have raised their earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 in the past 30 days, leading to a 3.2% and 1.2% increase in the consensus estimates for those years [9] Target Price - The Zacks average price target for AXIS Capital is $115.60 per share, suggesting a potential upside of 13.07% from the last closing price [10] Return on Capital - The return on equity for AXIS Capital in the trailing 12 months was 18.9%, outperforming the industry average of 8% [14] Strategic Focus - AXIS Capital aims to be a leading specialty underwriter, focusing on growth areas such as wholesale insurance and lower middle markets [15] - The company is enhancing its digital capabilities and operational efficiencies, targeting a general and administrative ratio below 11% by 2026 [17] Dividend History - AXIS Capital has a strong dividend track record, having increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years, currently yielding 1.7%, significantly above the industry average of 0.2% [18] Conclusion - AXIS Capital is repositioning its portfolio and strengthening its business, focusing on efficient resource deployment and improving underwriting profitability, which positions the company for growth [19][20]

Bermuda-based insurer and reinsurer, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, has appointed Lewis Edwards to the newly created role of Head of Delegated Strategy, Global Markets, effective immediately.He will be based in London and reports to Sara Farrup, Head of Global Markets, and joins her leadership team.In his new role, Edwards will oversee the development and leadership of Global Markets’ portfolios of coverholder and managing general agent business.Most recently, he was the Head of the Delegated Authority Prac ...

Core Viewpoint - American Healthcare REIT (AHR) is currently outperforming its peers in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date return of 78.7% compared to the sector average of 15% [4]. Group 1: Company Performance - AHR is part of the Finance group, which consists of 863 companies and holds the 1 position in the Zacks Sector Rank [2]. - AHR has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on earnings estimates and revisions [3]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AHR's full-year earnings has increased by 1.8% over the past quarter, reflecting improved analyst sentiment [3]. Group 2: Comparative Analysis - AHR's year-to-date performance of 78.7% significantly exceeds the average return of 15% for the Finance sector [4]. - Another outperforming stock in the Finance sector is Axis Capital (AXS), which has returned 15.4% year-to-date [4]. - AHR belongs to the REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry, which ranks 95 among 97 companies, with an average gain of 6.7% this year, further highlighting AHR's strong performance [5].

Core Insights - Axis Capital's shares have increased by approximately 9.2% since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500 [1][2] Financial Performance - For Q3 2025, Axis Capital reported an operating income of $3.25 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 19.4%, and reflecting a 20% year-over-year increase [3] - Total operating revenues reached $1.6 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.6%, and showing a 4% year-over-year growth due to higher premiums [4] - Net premiums written rose by 9% to $1.4 billion, driven by an 11% increase in the insurance segment and a 3% increase in the reinsurance segment [5] - Net investment income decreased by 9.7% year-over-year to $185 million, falling short of estimates [5] - Total expenses decreased by 5.7% year-over-year to $1.3 billion, attributed to lower interest expenses and financing costs [6] Underwriting and Losses - Pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses were $44 million, including $20 million related to the Middle East Conflict, which is an improvement from the previous year's loss of $78 million [7] - Underwriting income increased by 39% year-over-year to $188 million, with the combined ratio improving by 370 basis points to 89.4 [7] Segment Results - In the insurance segment, gross premiums written improved by 10.8% year-over-year to $1.7 billion, with underwriting income increasing by 55.2% [8] - In the reinsurance segment, gross premiums written increased by 5.6% year-over-year to $432.3 million, although underwriting income decreased by 3.7% [9] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, Axis Capital had cash and cash equivalents of $825.9 million, a decrease of 61% from the end of 2024, while debt increased slightly to $1.3 billion [10] - Book value per share increased by 13% from the end of 2024 to $73.82 [10] Capital Deployment - Axis Capital has $400 million remaining under its share repurchase program as of September 30, 2025 [12] Market Outlook - Axis Capital holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [15] - The company has a subpar Growth Score of D but a better Momentum Score of B, with an aggregate VGM Score of C [14]

Core Insights - Investors primarily utilize price-to-earnings (P/E) and price-to-sales (P/S) ratios for stock evaluation, while the price-to-book (P/B) ratio serves as an additional metric for identifying undervalued stocks with growth potential [1][5][10] Group 1: P/B Ratio and Its Importance - The P/B ratio is defined as the ratio of stock price to book value, calculated as market capitalization divided by book value of equity [2] - A P/B ratio of less than one indicates that a stock is trading below its book value, suggesting it may be undervalued and a good buy [5] - Conversely, a P/B ratio greater than one suggests the stock may be overvalued [5][6] Group 2: Book Value Definition - Book value represents the total value remaining for shareholders if a company were to liquidate its assets after settling all liabilities [3] - It is calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets, equating to common stockholders' equity on the balance sheet [4] Group 3: Limitations of P/B Ratio - The P/B ratio is particularly useful for industries with tangible assets, such as finance and manufacturing, but may be misleading for companies with high R&D expenses or significant debt [8] - A low P/B ratio could indicate weak asset returns or overstated assets, while a high P/B may suggest a company is a takeover target [7] Group 4: Stocks with Low P/B Ratios - StoneCo (STNE) has a low P/B ratio with a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 30.3% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [9][15] - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) also features a low P/B ratio with a projected EPS growth rate of 12.0% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [9][16] - Keros Therapeutics (KROS) is highlighted with a projected EPS growth rate of 23.6% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [9][20] Group 5: Screening Parameters for Investment - Screening for stocks involves comparing P/B, P/S, and P/E ratios against industry medians to identify attractive investment opportunities [11][12][13] - A PEG ratio of less than 1 indicates undervaluation relative to future growth prospects [13] - Stocks should have a minimum trading price of $5 and a substantial average trading volume for liquidity [14]

Core Insights - Top Wall Street analysts have revised their outlook on several prominent stocks, indicating a shift in market sentiment and potential investment opportunities [1] Company Analysis - Analysts are considering buying OSK stock, suggesting a positive outlook for the company [1]

Core Viewpoint - Investors interested in Property and Casualty insurance stocks may find Axis Capital (AXS) to be a more attractive option compared to Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL) due to its undervaluation based on various financial metrics [1]. Valuation Metrics - AXS has a forward P/E ratio of 8.04, significantly lower than KNSL's forward P/E of 20.98, indicating that AXS may be undervalued [5]. - The PEG ratio for AXS is 1.07, while KNSL's PEG ratio stands at 1.42, suggesting AXS offers better value relative to its expected earnings growth [5]. - AXS has a P/B ratio of 1.35 compared to KNSL's P/B of 4.95, further supporting the notion that AXS is undervalued [6]. Earnings Outlook - AXS is currently experiencing an improving earnings outlook, which is a positive indicator in the Zacks Rank model, suggesting it may be a superior value option at this time [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 14% year-over-year increase in diluted book value per common share, reaching $73.82, and an 18% annualized operating return on equity [6][18] - Operating earnings per share increased by 20% year-over-year to $3.25, with net income available to common shareholders at $294 million, or $3.74 per diluted common share [6][18] - Gross premiums written were $2.1 billion, up 9.7% from the prior year quarter, with a combined ratio of 89.4% [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The insurance segment achieved record third-quarter premium production of $1.7 billion, an 11% increase compared to the prior year, with underwriting income rising 55% to $153 million [11][20] - The reinsurance segment grew by 6%, with a combined ratio of 92.2% and an ex-cat accident year loss ratio of 67.9% [24][25] - The property line grew by 8%, with North America E&S premiums increasing by 12.5% [11][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company observed a disciplined competitive landscape in the insurance market, with liability rates up 10% and property book growth of 8% [12][13] - The lower middle market segment showed exceptional growth, contributing significantly to the overall premium increases [11][31] - The company noted increased competition in large account E&S business but continued to see rate increases in small account business [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on modernizing its underwriting platform and leveraging emerging technologies and AI to drive efficiency and support scalable growth [8][9] - Investments in new business lines and partnerships, such as Axis Capacity Solutions, are aimed at enhancing product capabilities and meeting diverse distribution partner needs [7][10] - The company is committed to maintaining premium adequacy across its portfolio while actively managing the insurance cycle [7][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a changing risk landscape and emphasized the importance of a disciplined underwriting approach [12][17] - The outlook for the company remains positive, with expectations for continued profitable growth driven by strategic investments and strong relationships with distribution partners [17][26] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong capital position and returning capital to shareholders while investing in growth initiatives [26] Other Important Information - The company has returned substantial capital to shareholders, completing $600 million in share repurchases and declaring $105 million in common dividends [26] - A new repurchase authorization for $400 million has been approved, indicating a continued commitment to returning capital [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth in property segment - Management noted 8% growth in property, emphasizing solid premium adequacy and a well-constructed portfolio [28][30] Question: Potential for more deals with Axis Capacity Solutions - Management confirmed a pipeline of opportunities and emphasized the importance of maintaining underwriting discipline [36][38] Question: Insurance growth guidance - Management indicated that RAC Re could contribute to double-digit growth next year, depending on market conditions [43][44] Question: G&A ratio expectations - Management discussed the impact of RAC Re on G&A and indicated that the benefits would take time to materialize [45][46] Question: Paid to incurred ratios - Management expressed comfort with the current paid to incurred ratios, attributing them to improvements in claims management [53][55] Question: Renewal rights impact on professional lines growth - Management reported positive performance from the Markel renewal rights transaction, meeting expectations [71][72] Question: A&H growth drivers - Management highlighted pet insurance as a key growth driver within the A&H segment [77][78]