A strong stock as of late has been United Fire Group (UFCS) . Shares have been marching higher, with the stock up 19.1% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $36.7 in the previous session. United Fire has gained 27.5% since the start of the year compared to the 14.1% gain for the Zacks Finance sector and the 8.3% return for the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry.What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, having beaten the Z ...

Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing involves following a stock's recent trend, with the aim of buying high and selling even higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps identify stocks with strong momentum characteristics, addressing the challenges in defining momentum [2] Group 2: United Fire Group (UFCS) Performance - United Fire Group currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong potential for outperformance [3] - Over the past week, UFCS shares increased by 16.87%, significantly outperforming the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry, which rose by 4.15% [5] - In the last quarter, UFCS shares rose by 15.23%, and over the past year, they gained 45.15%, while the S&P 500 only increased by 6.44% and 13.97%, respectively [6] Group 3: Trading Volume and Earnings Outlook - The average 20-day trading volume for UFCS is 116,328 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7] - In terms of earnings estimates, UFCS has seen one upward revision in the past two months, increasing the consensus estimate from $3.03 to $3.93 for the full year [9] - The positive trends in both price changes and earnings estimate revisions contribute to UFCS's strong momentum profile [8][11]

Core Insights - Five stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) List, indicating strong potential for investment Group 1: Company Earnings Estimates - Encore Capital Group, Inc. (ECPG) has seen its earnings estimate increase by 18.5% over the last 60 days [1] - PJT Partners Inc. (PJT) has experienced a 9.6% increase in its earnings estimate over the last 60 days [2] - Everus Construction Group, Inc. (ECG) has had its earnings estimate rise by 11.6% in the past 60 days [3] - United Fire Group, Inc. (UFCS) has seen a significant increase of 29.7% in its earnings estimate over the last 60 days [3] - BioLife Solutions, Inc. (BLFS) has experienced the largest increase, with a 40% rise in its earnings estimate over the last 60 days [4]

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Financial Performance - Net premiums earned for Q3 2025 were $328,431,000, an increase of 9.4% from $300,185,000 in Q3 2024[129]. - Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, reached $1,020,606,000, up from $920,132,000 in the same period of 2024, reflecting an increase of 10.9%[129]. - For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, net income was $79,837,000, compared to $30,515,000 in the same period of 2024, representing a substantial increase of 161.5%[129]. - Direct written premium for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $311,878,000, an increase of 5.5% compared to $295,729,000 in 2024, while for the nine months, it rose by 11.6% to $1,005,908,000 from $901,286,000[131]. - Net earned premium for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $328,431,000, reflecting a 9.4% increase from $300,185,000 in 2024, and for the nine months, it increased by 9.6% to $951,644,000 from $868,613,000[133]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, total net earned premium increased to $951.6 million, up from $868.6 million in the same period of 2024, representing an increase of 9.5%[168]. Loss Ratios and Underwriting Performance - The net loss ratio improved to 57.3% in Q3 2025 from 62.3% in Q3 2024, indicating better loss management[129]. - The combined ratio for Q3 2025 was 91.9%, a significant improvement from 98.2% in Q3 2024, demonstrating enhanced underwriting performance[129]. - The underlying loss ratio for Q3 2025 was 56.0%, down from 57.9% in Q3 2024, indicating improved operational efficiency[129]. - The net loss ratio for commercial lines in the three months ended September 30, 2025, was 56.7%, compared to 59.9% in 2024, indicating improved performance across major lines[148]. - The net loss ratio for commercial lines improved to 59.7% in the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 66.1% in the same period of 2024, reflecting a 6.4 percentage point improvement[149]. - The net loss ratio for workers' compensation improved by 35.2 points in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024[156]. - The net loss ratio for fidelity and surety improved by 4.0 points in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024[157]. - The net loss ratio for reinsurance assumed improved by 18.3 points in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024[158]. Investment Performance - Net investment income increased to $25,992,000 in Q3 2025, compared to $24,459,000 in Q3 2024, marking a growth of 6.3%[129]. - Net investment income for the third quarter of 2025 was $26.0 million, an increase of $1.5 million compared to the same period in 2024, while for the nine-month period, it rose to $71.1 million, up by $12.3 million[137][138]. - The investment portfolio increased to $2.3 billion at September 30, 2025, up from $2.1 billion at December 31, 2024, marking a growth of $178 million[168]. - The carrying value of fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2025, was $2,016.4 million, with AAA rated securities comprising 28.9% and AA rated securities 38.6%[171]. - The weighted average effective duration of the fixed maturity securities portfolio increased to 4.29 years as of September 30, 2025, from 4.22 years at December 31, 2024[174]. - Net unrealized investment losses improved to $28.5 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $72.2 million at December 31, 2024, due to a decrease in bond market interest rates[175]. Operational Efficiency - The underwriting expense ratio decreased to 34.6% in the third quarter of 2025, down from 35.9% in the same period of 2024, indicating improved operational efficiency[160]. - The company reported a favorable reserve development of (0.5) for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to no unfavorable development in the same period of 2024[129]. - The company experienced favorable reserve development of $0.1 million and $5.1 million for prior accident years during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2025, respectively[144]. Cash Flow and Equity - Cash provided by operating activities was $149.9 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, down from $184.0 million in the same period of 2024[186]. - Net cash flows used in investing activities were $133.6 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, compared to $143.1 million for the same period in 2024[189]. - Stockholders' equity increased to $898.7 million at September 30, 2025, from $781.5 million at December 31, 2024, with a book value per share of $35.22, reflecting a 14.4% increase[195]. - Dividends paid to shareholders remained consistent at $12.2 million for both the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2025, and 2024[192]. - The company anticipates sufficient cash flows to meet future liquidity needs, with cash and cash equivalents including $47.8 million in money market accounts as of September 30, 2025[185]. Strategic Changes - The company has discontinued exposure to direct personal lines of business as of September 30, 2025, following its strategic withdrawal in 2020[112]. - Approximately 48.9% of property and casualty premiums were written in Texas, California, Iowa, Missouri, and New Jersey for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025[123]. - Assumed premiums decreased by $5.1 million and $5.4 million in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2025, respectively, due to targeted management actions[135]. - The company has a remaining potential contractual obligation of $17.7 million related to capital contributions for limited liability partnership investments as of September 30, 2025[194].

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's third-quarter net income increased to $39.2 million, nearly doubling from the prior year, marking the highest net income in a quarter in at least 20 years [7] - The combined ratio for the quarter was 91.9%, the best third-quarter underwriting result in nearly 20 years [7] - Return on equity for the first nine months of 2025 was 12.7%, the best year-to-date financial performance in nearly two decades [10] - Earnings per diluted share for the third quarter was $1.49, with non-GAAP adjusted operating income of $1.50 per diluted share [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The underlying loss ratio improved by 1.9 percentage points to 56% in the third quarter and by 2 percentage points to 56.7% year-to-date compared to the same periods last year [12] - Net written premium grew by 7% in the quarter, led by a 22% increase in the core commercial business [16] - Catastrophe loss ratio was 1.3%, significantly below expectations and historical averages [14] - Retention rate remained stable at 86% in the third quarter, consistent with the second quarter [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty excess and surplus lines premiums were down slightly compared to the prior year, reflecting competitive pressure in the E&S market [21] - The company remains selective in its underwriting, choosing to non-renew a small number of treaties that no longer met profitability standards [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver superior financial and operational performance while increasing relevance with distribution partners to access a wider range of business opportunities [33] - The strategic focus includes consistent profitability, diversifying growth, attracting talent, innovation, and expense management [34] - The company is evolving from a generalist to a specialist, enhancing underwriting expertise and aligning risk control capabilities [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the evolving market dynamics, supported by a portfolio that is well-positioned for consistent, profitable growth [38] - The company is prepared to adapt its strategy as it transitions into a moderating or softening market [32] Other Important Information - The company declared and paid a $0.16 per share cash dividend to shareholders [27] - The high-quality fixed income portfolio generated 17% more income than in the prior year, benefiting from extensive portfolio repositioning [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on adjusting strategy in a soft market - Management emphasized the importance of delivering superior financial performance and increasing relevance with distribution partners to access more business opportunities [32][36] Question: Changes in capital management philosophy - Management confirmed no changes in capital management approach, focusing on maintaining the right amount of capital for growth and continuing the dividend philosophy [40]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's third-quarter net income increased to $39.2 million, nearly doubling from the prior year, marking the highest net income in a quarter in at least 20 years [5] - The combined ratio for the quarter was 91.9%, the best third-quarter underwriting result in nearly 20 years [5] - Return on equity for the first nine months of 2025 reached 12.7%, the best year-to-date financial performance in nearly two decades [6][7] - The third-quarter net income per diluted share was $1.49, with non-GAAP adjusted operating income of $1.50 per diluted share [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The underlying loss ratio improved by 1.9 percentage points to 56% in the third quarter and by 2 percentage points to 56.7% year-to-date compared to the same periods last year [8] - Net written premium grew by 7% in the quarter, led by a 22% increase in the core commercial business [10] - Retention rate remained consistent at 86% in the third quarter, reflecting confidence in the portfolio [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty excess and surplus lines premiums were down slightly compared to the prior year after strong growth in the first half of the year [12] - The construction industry remains strong, with ongoing vigilance regarding the impacts of tariffs, material cost inflation, and labor supply [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering superior financial and operational performance while increasing relevance with distribution partners to access a wider range of business opportunities [20][21] - The strategy includes diversifying growth across the portfolio, attracting and retaining talent, and maintaining expense management [21] - The company is evolving from a generalist to a specialist, enhancing underwriting expertise and aligning risk control capabilities [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the evolving market dynamics, emphasizing the importance of deep expertise and capability expansion [22] - The company is well-positioned to carry momentum through the end of the year and into 2026, marking its 80th year in business [8][29] Other Important Information - The company declared and paid a $0.16 per share cash dividend to shareholders of record as of August 29, 2025 [16] - The third-quarter expense ratio improved by 1.3 points from the prior year to 34.6% [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on adjusting strategy in a soft market - Management highlighted the focus on delivering superior financial performance and increasing relevance with distribution partners to access more business opportunities [20][21] Question: Changes in capital management philosophy - Management confirmed no changes in capital management approach, prioritizing the right amount of capital for growth and maintaining the dividend philosophy [25]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $39.2 million for Q3 2025, nearly doubling from the prior year and marking the highest quarterly net income in at least 20 years [5] - The combined ratio improved to 91.9%, representing the best third-quarter underwriting result in nearly 20 years [5] - Return on equity for the first nine months of 2025 reached 12.7%, the best year-to-date financial performance in nearly two decades [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net written premium grew to a record $328 million in Q3 2025, reflecting a 7% increase, with core commercial business growing by 22% [5][10] - The underlying loss ratio improved by 1.9 percentage points to 56% in Q3, and by 2 percentage points to 56.7% year-to-date compared to the same periods last year [8] - Catastrophe loss ratio was exceptionally low at 1.3%, well below expectations and historical averages [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a retention rate of 86% in Q3, consistent with the previous quarter [10] - Specialty excess and surplus lines premiums decreased slightly compared to the prior year, while competitive pressure persists in the E&S market [12] - Premium volume remained steady in Q3 compared to earlier quarters of 2025 but was down year-over-year due to selective non-renewals of treaties [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver superior financial and operational performance while increasing relevance with distribution partners to access a wider range of business opportunities [19] - The strategic focus includes consistent profitability, diversifying growth, attracting talent, innovation, and expense management [20] - The company is evolving from a generalist to a specialist, enhancing underwriting expertise and aligning risk control capabilities [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the evolving market dynamics, supported by a portfolio where over 45% of the core commercial book was underwritten under tighter guidelines [23] - The company remains committed to maintaining its capital management philosophy, prioritizing growth and dividend consistency [25] Other Important Information - The company declared and paid a cash dividend of $0.16 per share to shareholders of record as of August 29, 2025 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on adjusting strategy in a soft market - Management emphasized the importance of delivering superior financial performance and increasing relevance with distribution partners as the market softens [19][20] Question: Changes in capital management philosophy - Management confirmed no changes in capital management approach, focusing on maintaining the right amount of capital for growth and continuing the dividend philosophy [25]

Financial Performance - Third quarter net income reached $39 million, or $1.49 per share, nearly doubling from the previous year[8] - The combined ratio for the third quarter was 91.9%, and the year-to-date ROE was 12.7%, marking the best results in nearly 20 years[8] - Net investment income increased by 6% due to a 17% growth in fixed maturity income[8] - Adjusted operating income reached $40 million, compared to $21 million in the prior year[5] - Net premiums written grew by 7% to a third quarter record of $328 million[8, 15] Underwriting Performance - The net loss ratio improved by 5 percentage points to 57.3% in the third quarter[5] - The underwriting expense ratio improved to 34.6%, reflecting disciplined expense management and business growth[5, 15] - The catastrophe loss ratio was 1.3% in Q3, outperforming historical averages[5, 15] Production Results - Core commercial net written premium increased 22% from the prior year[17] - Core commercial rate increases moderated to 5.8% while maintaining strong margins[17] Investment Portfolio - Invested assets totaled $2.3 billion, with 89% allocated to fixed income securities[20] - The average credit rating on fixed maturity assets improved to AA[20] - Fixed maturity income increased 17% due to portfolio management and reinvestment at higher yields[21, 24]