Here at Zacks, we focus on our proven ranking system, which places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, to find winning stocks. But we also understand that investors develop their own strategies, so we are constantly looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong companies for our readers.Considering these trends, value investing is clearly one of the most preferred ways to find strong stocks in any type of market. Value investors use fundamental analysis and ...

While the proven Zacks Rank places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find strong stocks, we also know that investors tend to develop their own individual strategies. With this in mind, we are always looking at value, growth, and momentum trends to discover great companies. Of these, value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to find stocks that ...

Horace Mann Educators Corporation (HMN) shares are trading at a discount to the Zacks Multiline Insurance industry. Its forward price-to-earnings of 1.21X is lower than the industry average of 2.78X. This company has a market capitalization of $1.5 billion. The average volume of shares traded in the last three months was 0.2 million. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The stock, however, remains expensive compared with other players like Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (BHF) and Lincoln National Corporatio ...

GRAND FORKS, N.D. and ROCHESTER, Minn., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alerus Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: ALRS) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alerus Financial, National Association, (together, "Alerus") announced today they have received all regulatory approvals necessary to complete the previously announced acquisition of HMN Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: HMNF) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Home Federal Savings Bank (together, "Home Federal"). The merger was unanimously approved by the board of dir ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported second quarter core earnings of $0.20 per diluted share, a significant increase from $0.03 a year ago [4][16] - Total revenues increased by 9%, with net premiums and contract deposits earned rising by 8% [4] - The pre-tax investment yield rose to 4.46%, with new money rates exceeding the portfolio book yield by 163 basis points [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Property and Casualty (P&C) sales increased by 37%, while supplemental and group benefit sales rose by 20% [4] - In the P&C segment, net written premiums rose nearly 17% to $199 million, with a combined ratio of 111.5, improving by 13 points over the prior year [21] - Life and retirement core earnings were $12 million, down 29% year-over-year due to lower income from commercial mortgage loan funds [23] - Worksite direct sales increased by 14%, with employer-sponsored sales also up, although overall sales volume in the second quarter was generally light [12][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of covered lives in the employer-sponsored business reached 830,000, a 2% increase over the prior year [12] - Catastrophe losses in the second quarter amounted to $41 million, slightly lower than the previous year but above historical averages [8][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve an underwriting profit in the P&C segment in 2024 and target profitability in 2025, with a goal of a double-digit return on equity [4][13] - The diversified business model is expected to generate about $50 million in excess capital annually above dividends and interest expenses [25] - Share repurchases are part of a thoughtful capital management strategy, with $7.7 million spent on buybacks year-to-date [14][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving target profitability across all segments by 2025, despite challenges in the commercial mortgage loan portfolio [14][25] - The company anticipates a recovery in investment income as market conditions improve, particularly in the commercial real estate sector [6][20] - Management noted that the agency force is more engaged and productive, contributing to strong retail sales growth [11] Other Important Information - The company has implemented new roof rating schedules in six wind-prone states, with initial estimates showing close to $1 million in cost savings [9] - The company has been actively engaging with educators through appreciation activities, resulting in doubled website traffic [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on auto accident frequency and severity trends - Management noted that elevated accident frequency in the quarter was due to seasonal factors, with overall frequency flat year-over-year [27][28] Question: Inquiry about the delta between filed rate increases - Management indicated that while rate increases have been broad, future adjustments may align more closely with underlying coverage inflation [29] Question: Timeline for recovery in unrealized marks in the CML portfolio - Management stated that two-thirds of the CML portfolio will mature over the next 18 months, which is expected to provide a tailwind for investment income [30][31] Question: Interest rates and their impact on CML portfolio valuation - Management explained that the portfolio primarily consists of floating-rate loans, which have helped cash yields but put pressure on valuations [32][33] Question: Favorable prior year developments and their sustainability - Management expressed confidence in the favorable trends observed in auto claims, although future developments cannot be guaranteed [34][36][37] Question: Share repurchase strategy and expectations - Management reiterated that share repurchases are opportunistic and part of a broader capital management strategy, with confidence in excess capital production capabilities [38][40]

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates Horace Mann (HMN) will report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues for the quarter ending June 2024, with actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Revenue Expectations - Revenues are projected to reach $401.1 million, reflecting a 12.5% increase compared to the same quarter last year [3]. Earnings Per Share (EPS) Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 13.53% over the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - The expected EPS for the upcoming report is $0.19, which signifies a substantial year-over-year increase of 533.3% [9]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with a positive Earnings ESP being a strong predictor of an earnings beat [5][6]. - For Horace Mann, the Most Accurate Estimate aligns with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting no recent differing analyst views [7]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Horace Mann was expected to post earnings of $0.77 per share but only achieved $0.60, resulting in a surprise of -22.08% [17]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has exceeded consensus EPS estimates twice [18]. Current Stock Ranking - Horace Mann currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5, indicating a challenging outlook for predicting an earnings beat [16]. Conclusion - While the company does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, investors should consider other factors before making investment decisions [21].

Group 1 - Monteverde & Associates PC is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report, indicating a strong reputation in the field of class action litigation [2] - The firm is currently investigating HMN Financial, Inc. in relation to its proposed merger with Alerus Financial Corporation, where each share of HMNF common stock will be converted into the right to receive 1.25 shares of Alerus common stock, with cash paid for fractional shares [2] - The firm has a successful track record in recovering money for shareholders, emphasizing its capability in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court [1][2] Group 2 - The headquarters of Monteverde & Associates PC is located in the Empire State Building, New York City, which adds to its prominence as a national class action securities firm [2] - The firm encourages shareholders with concerns regarding HMN Financial to reach out for additional information, highlighting its commitment to shareholder rights [3]

NEW YORK, July 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating HMN Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: HMNF), relating to its proposed merger with Alerus Financial Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, each share of HMNF common stock will be converted ...

NEW ORLEANS, May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq. and the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") are investigating the proposed sale of HMN Financial, Inc. (NasdaqGM: HMNF) to Alerus Financial Corporation (NasdaqCM: ALRS). Under the terms of the proposed transaction, shareholders of HMN will receive 1.25 shares of Alerus for each share of HMN that they own. KSF is seeking to determine whether this consideration and the process that led to it are ad ...

Horace Mann (HMN) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.60 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.77 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.23 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -22.08%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this provider of auto and homeowners' insurance for teachers and other educators would post earnings of $0.65 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.84, deliverin ...