Selective Insurance (SIGI) Up 0.5% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?

Core Viewpoint - Selective Insurance reported mixed results for Q3 2025, missing earnings estimates but showing strong year-over-year growth in operating income and total revenues [2][3]. Financial Performance - Operating income for Q3 2025 was $1.75 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.9%, but increased by 25% year over year [2]. - Total revenues reached $1.4 billion, an 8.9% increase from the previous year, driven by higher net premiums written and net investment income [3]. - Net premiums written increased by 4% year over year to $1.2 billion, with average renewal pure price decreasing by 90 basis points to 9.6% [3]. - Net investment income rose by 18% year over year to $110 million [4]. - Net catastrophe losses were $24.9 million, significantly lower than the previous year's loss of $148.8 million [4]. - Total expenses increased by 7.7% year over year to $1.2 billion, primarily due to higher loss and loss expenses [5]. Segmental Results - Standard Commercial Lines' net premiums written increased by 4% year over year to $940.8 million, with a combined ratio of 101.1 [6]. - Standard Personal Lines' net premiums written decreased by 6% year over year to $104.2 million, with a combined ratio improving to 110.1 [7]. - Excess & Surplus Lines' net premiums written increased by 14% year over year to $162.9 million, with a combined ratio improving to 76.2 [8]. Financial Update - Total assets at the end of Q3 2025 were $15 billion, an 11% increase from December 2024 [10]. - Long-term debt surged by 78% to $902.3 million, with a debt-to-total capitalization ratio of 20.5% [10]. - Adjusted book value per share increased by 12% year over year to $54.46 [10]. - Operating return on common equity was 13.2%, up 110 basis points year over year [10]. Shareholder Returns - The company repurchased $36 million worth of shares in Q3 2025 [11]. - A quarterly cash dividend of 43 cents per share was authorized, marking a 13% increase and the 12th consecutive annual increase [11]. - A new share repurchase program was authorized for up to $200 million, effective from October 27, 2025 [12]. Guidance - The company estimates a GAAP combined ratio of 97% to 98% for 2025 [13]. - After-tax net investment income is estimated at $420 million, up from previous guidance of $415 million [13]. Market Position - Selective Insurance has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating an expectation of an in-line return in the coming months [16]. - The stock has a Growth Score of B, a Momentum Score of F, and a Value Score of A, placing it in the top 20% for value investors [15].