Industry Overview - The Zacks Property and Casualty Insurance (P&C) industry is experiencing softer pricing after years of improvement, but is expected to benefit from prudent underwriting, exposure growth, and accelerated digitalization [1] - The industry includes companies providing commercial and personal property insurance, casualty insurance products, and services, with premiums being the primary revenue source [3] - The industry is currently ranked 173 in the Zacks Industry Rank, placing it in the bottom 29% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating weak prospects in the near term [8][9] Trends and Challenges - Global commercial insurance rates fell by 4% in Q3, marking a decline after seven years of rising rates, with personal auto insurance expected to perform strongly due to improved investment returns and reduced claims [4] - The property and casualty insurance industry is vulnerable to catastrophe events, which can negatively impact underwriting profits, with estimated insured losses from natural catastrophes reaching approximately $107 billion by 2025 [5] - Increased adoption of technology, including blockchain and AI, is transforming the industry, although it also introduces cyber threats [7] Company Insights - **Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. (SKWD)**: Focuses on complex, underserved risk segments and is well-positioned for growth, with a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings suggesting a 29.4% year-over-year growth [17][18] - **Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF)**: Continues to grow through better pricing and strong renewal rates, with a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings indicating a 16.2% year-over-year growth [21][22] - **Hagerty Inc. (HGTY)**: A specialty insurer with a diversified model, expected to achieve 17.6% year-over-year growth in 2026 earnings [24][25] - **Chubb Limited (CB)**: One of the largest P&C insurers, focusing on middle-market businesses and cyber insurance, with a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings suggesting an 8.9% year-over-year growth [27][28] - **The Travelers Companies (TRV)**: A leading writer of auto and homeowners' insurance, expected to see a 6.9% year-over-year increase in 2026 earnings [30][32] Financial Performance - The Property and Casualty Insurance industry has underperformed compared to its sector and the S&P 500, with a collective stock increase of 6.9% versus 16.8% for the sector and 19.8% for the S&P 500 over the past year [10] - The industry is currently trading at a trailing 12-month price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 1.46X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 8.69X and the sector's 4.23X [13]

Core Insights - The 1992 Benetton B192-05, driven by Michael Schumacher to his first Grand Prix victory, is being offered for public sale for the first time as part of Broad Arrow's Global Icons: Europe Online auction from January 23-30, 2026 [1][3][10] - This car is significant as it is the last race-winning Formula One car to utilize a manual gearbox, marking a pivotal moment in the sport's history [2][4] Auction Details - The auction will feature the Benetton B192-05, which is expected to fetch over €8,500,000 [5] - Alongside the car, the auction will also include various memorabilia related to Michael Schumacher, such as a signed helmet and overalls, with estimates ranging from €2,000 to €30,000 [6][10] Historical Significance - The B192-05 is recognized as one of the most iconic Formula One cars, symbolizing the beginning of Schumacher's record-setting career, which includes seven World Drivers' Championship titles and 91 victories [4][10] - The car's victory at the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix was achieved under challenging conditions, showcasing Schumacher's talent and the engineering excellence of the vehicle [3][4] Ownership and Restoration - After its racing career, the car was retained by Renault and later sold to LRS Formula, where it underwent a complete restoration, including a chassis overhaul and engine rebuild [5] - The current owner, a known racer of modern F1 machinery, acquired the car in 2016 [5] Auction House Background - Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty company, is a leading global collector car auction house, known for its high-quality offerings and rapid growth in the auction segment [11]

Core Viewpoint - Broad Arrow, a Hagerty company, is set to auction the iconic 1992 Benetton B192-05, which Michael Schumacher drove to his first Grand Prix victory, marking a significant event for collectors and motorsport history [1][3]. Auction Details - The auction will take place from January 23 to January 30, 2026, as part of the Global Icons: Europe Online auction series [1]. - The Benetton B192-05 is expected to fetch over €8,500,000 during the auction [5]. Historical Significance - Chassis B192-05 is recognized as a pivotal Formula One car, being the last to win a race with a manual gearbox, symbolizing a shift in the sport [2]. - This car not only represents Schumacher's first victory but also the end of an era for manual gearboxes in Formula One [3]. Collectible Memorabilia - The auction will also feature collectible items related to Michael Schumacher, including a signed 1994 Original Benetton Helmet (estimated at €20,000 - €30,000) and his 1995 Benetton Overalls (estimated at €15,000 - €25,000) [6]. Other Auction Highlights - Additional notable items in the auction include a 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 S (estimated at €1,600,000 - €1,800,000) and a 1990 Ferrari Mondial T Cabriolet (estimated at €45,000 - €65,000) [7].

Company Performance - Hagerty, Inc. (HGTY) shares have increased by 3% over the past month, reaching a new 52-week high of $14, and have gained 40.9% year-to-date compared to 17.6% for the Zacks Finance sector and 10.2% for the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry [1] - The company has a strong record of positive earnings surprises, not missing earnings consensus estimates in the last four quarters, with the latest EPS reported at $0.13 against a consensus of $0.09 [2] Earnings Forecast - For the current fiscal year, Hagerty is expected to post earnings of $0.37 per share on revenues of $1.39 billion, reflecting a 54.17% increase in EPS and a 16.17% increase in revenues [3] - The next fiscal year is projected to see earnings of $0.43 per share on the same revenue of $1.39 billion, indicating a year-over-year change of 14.86% in EPS and a slight decrease of 0.57% in revenues [3] Valuation Metrics - Hagerty's current valuation metrics show a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 36.5X for the current fiscal year, significantly higher than the peer industry average of 11.5X, and a trailing cash flow ratio of 37.9X compared to 12.9X for its peers [6] - The stock has a Value Score of D, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of C, resulting in a VGM Score of B [6] Zacks Rank - Hagerty holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), supported by a solid earnings estimate revision trend, indicating potential for further price appreciation [7] Industry Comparison - American Coastal Insurance Corporation (ACIC), a peer in the industry, also has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and shows strong earnings performance, beating consensus estimates by 56.41% [8][9] - ACIC is expected to post earnings of $1.40 per share on revenues of $332.48 million for the current fiscal year, with shares gaining 5.5% over the past month [9][10] - The Insurance - Property and Casualty industry is performing well, ranking in the top 22% of all industries, suggesting favorable conditions for both HGTY and ACIC [10]

Core Insights - The classic-car market is expected to maintain its strength into 2026, driven by a new generation of collectors [1] Group 1: Market Performance - Auctions and online sales of collectible cars increased by 10% in 2025, reaching $4.8 billion [2] - Online classic-car sales surged by 12% this year, totaling $2.5 billion [3] Group 2: Demographic Shifts - A new generation of collectors, including Generation X, millennials, and Gen Z, is redefining the classic-car market as baby boomers exit [3] - Younger buyers are showing a preference for high-performance supercars from the '90s and later, moving away from the traditional 1950s and '60s sports cars [4]

Core Insights - Broad Arrow, a Hagerty company, reported a total transaction value of over $624 million in 2025, marking a 97% increase from $316 million in 2024 [1][2]. Auction Performance - Broad Arrow Auctions achieved total sales of $257 million across eight live auctions and two online memorabilia auctions in 2025, with an 88% sell-through rate for 949 lots sold [3][8]. - The company set 11 world record auction prices and attracted bidders from 52 countries, with significant growth in registered bidders, particularly in Europe [3][9]. Private Sales - Broad Arrow's Private Sales business generated over $281 million in transaction value across 190 transactions, surpassing auction totals for the first time, with an average transaction value of approximately $1.48 million [14][8]. - Notable sales included a 1995 McLaren F1 and a 2019 Ferrari FXX-K Evo, highlighting the company's expertise in high-value collector cars [15][16]. Financing Capabilities - Broad Arrow Capital facilitated over $85 million in new financing transactions in 2025, supporting clients in the U.S., U.K., and Europe [17][8]. Future Outlook - The company plans to expand its auction calendar in 2026 with new online sales and live events, including the flagship Amelia Auction scheduled for March 2026 [18][19].

Market Overview - The classic car market has shown strong performance in 2025, with significant activity in live auctions, digital sales, and private transactions, indicating a solid year overall [2][3] - There is optimism that this strength will continue into 2026, with no indicators suggesting a downturn [3] Supercar Segment - The supercar segment has emerged as the biggest story of 2025, with 80% of vehicles purchased by major collectors being supercars, particularly models from the 1990s and later [4][5][6] - New manufacturers and boutique brands are contributing to the growth of this segment, with high-value cars being sold rapidly [7] Generational Trends - The baby boomer generation is simplifying their collections as they age, while younger generations (Gen X, millennials, Gen Z) are beginning to enter the market and show interest in car collecting [10][11][12] - The anticipated wealth transfer of approximately $4 trillion annually is expected to influence the classic car market, as younger generations inherit and decide the fate of these vehicles [13][14] Market Dynamics - Luxury car manufacturers are producing and selling vehicles in greater numbers than in the past, with brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini setting record sales [17][18] - The market is also seeing a rise in interest for trucks, SUVs, and vintage restorations, indicating diverse opportunities for collectors [19][20] Collector Insights - A list of 11 cars has been identified as great value options for collectors, including iconic models like the Porsche Carrera GT and more affordable options like the Mazda Miata [22][23] - The Porsche 911 continues to be a strong investment, with various generations maintaining popularity among collectors [30] Economic Indicators - The strength of the classic car market is linked to consumers feeling positive about their financial situations, which encourages purchases despite uncertainties like tariffs [34][36] - The performance of the stock market is seen as a potential tailwind for the classic car market, as strong stock performance may lead to increased spending on luxury items [37]

Core Viewpoint - AM Best has revised the outlooks for Hagerty Reinsurance Limited and Drivers Edge Insurance Company to positive from stable, affirming their Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of "a-" (Excellent) [1] Group 1 - Hagerty Re and Drivers Edge are wholly owned subsidiaries of Hagerty Insurance Holdings Inc [1] - The revised ratings reflect the companies' strong financial performance and stability in the insurance market [1]

Industry Overview - The Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance sector is expected to benefit from improved pricing, prudent underwriting, increased exposure, and a strong capital position, ranking in the top 12% of the Zacks Industry Rank [1] - The industry is projected to outperform the market over the next three to six months due to these favorable conditions [1] Technological Advancements - Insurers are heavily investing in technology, with an expected generation of approximately $4.7 billion in annual global premiums from AI-related insurance by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of nearly 80% [2] - The adoption of technologies such as blockchain, AI, advanced analytics, telematics, and insurtech solutions is enhancing efficiency and reducing costs for P&C insurers [2] Company Highlights The Travelers Companies Inc. (TRV) - TRV has a strong market presence in auto, homeowners', and commercial property-casualty insurance, with a high retention rate and positive renewal premium changes [6] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for TRV are 3.4% and 6.7%, respectively, for the next year, with a 1.5% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [8] RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (RNR) - RNR is experiencing steady premium growth, with a projected 5.4% year-over-year growth in net premiums earned in 2025 [10] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for RNR are -1.8% and 9.4%, respectively, for the next year, with a 0.9% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [11] The Allstate Corp. (ALL) - ALL is witnessing consistent premium growth, with a 7.6% year-over-year increase in net premiums earned in the first nine months of 2025 [12] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for ALL are 5.7% and -14.5%, respectively, for the next year, with a 5% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [14] Mercury General Corp. (MCY) - MCY is positioned for top-line growth due to sustained premium increases and a higher number of policies written [15] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for MCY are 6.7% and 23.5%, respectively, for the next year, with a 13.5% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [17] Hagerty Inc. (HGTY) - HGTY specializes in insurance services for collector cars and enthusiast vehicles, offering bundled memberships with various benefits [18][19] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for HGTY are 7.3% and -14.3%, respectively, for the next year, with a 6.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [20]

Core Insights - Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty company, is set to host its flagship Amelia Auction on March 6-7, 2026, featuring approximately 150 collector cars, marking its fourth year as the official auction house of the Amelia Concours d'Elegance [1][2] The Bill Spurling Collection - The Bill Spurling Collection includes 14 pre- and post-war American classics, offered without reserve, highlighting the passion of a dedicated collector [3][4] - The collection is led by a 1935 Duesenberg Supercharged Model J LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton, estimated between $1,300,000 and $1,600,000, which has a notable history as the company car of Duesenberg President Lucius B. Manning [3][4] - Additional notable cars in the collection include: - 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe - 1931 Cadillac Series 452A V-16 Fleetwood Convertible Coupe, estimated at $425,000 to $525,000 [5][7] - 1931 Cadillac Series 370A V-12 Fleetwood Five-Passenger Phaeton, estimated at $200,000 to $250,000 [7] - 1934 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible Coupe, estimated at $120,000 to $160,000 [7] The Wellington Morton Collection - The Wellington Morton Collection features 14 European, British, and American collector cars, also offered without reserve, showcasing the diverse interests of a lifelong car enthusiast [9][10] - The collection is highlighted by a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, estimated between $1,400,000 and $1,800,000, which retains its original matching-numbers components [9][10] - Additional highlights from the collection include: - 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Coupe Series I, estimated at $350,000 to $450,000 [16] - 2005 Ford GT, estimated at $350,000 to $450,000 [16] - 1967 BSA Lightning, estimated at $15,000 to $25,000 [16] Auction Details - Consignments for the Amelia Auction are open until mid-January 2026, inviting interested consignors to connect with Broad Arrow car specialists [11]