Key Takeaways FedEx trades at a discount to peers, boasting a Value Score of A and a low forward P/S ratio.Q1 earnings beat the consensus mark as cost cuts and U.S. deliveries offset weaker international demand.Despite the recent dividend hike and share buybacks, freight declines and trade headwinds weigh on FDX.FedEx Corporation (FDX) , the Memphis, TN-based parcel delivery heavyweight, looks highly attractive from a valuation standpoint. With a forward price-to-sales (P/S) of 0.61X, FDX stock trades at a ...

Core Insights - Unum Group's premiums are benefiting from healthy in-force block growth and higher sales [1] - The company has maintained profitability through conservative pricing and reservation practices, with premium income increasing across its main operating segments [2] - Long-term projections indicate sales growth of 8-12%, premium growth of 4-7%, and adjusted operating earnings per share growth of 8-12% [3] Financial Performance - Unum Group expects improved sales growth in the second half of 2025, with flat sales growth anticipated for the full year [4] - The company projects after-tax adjusted operating earnings per share to be approximately $8.50 in 2025 [4] - Unum Group maintains a strong capital position, with an expected year-end Risk-Based Capital (RBC) ratio of 425% to 450% and holding company liquidity between $2 billion and $2.5 billion [4] Shareholder Value - The board has increased the shareholder dividend by 15%, effective in Q3 2024, marking the 15th dividend hike in the last 14 years [5] - Unum Group plans to complete share repurchases in the range of $500 million to $1 billion by the end of 2025, enhancing its attractiveness for yield-seeking investors [5] Industry Context - Other players in the Accident and Health insurance industry include Aflac, Trupanion, and Globe Life, with varying earnings performance [7][10][11] - Aflac has benefited from strategic growth investments and product enhancements, while Trupanion focuses on the pet insurance market [8][10] - Globe Life is experiencing revenue growth driven by premium increases in its Life and Health Insurance segments [11]

Core Viewpoint - Unum Group has approved a 10% increase in its dividend, making it an attractive option for yield-seeking investors due to its higher dividend yield compared to the industry average [1][2]. Group 1: Dividend and Capital Deployment - The recent dividend hike marks the 16th increase in the last 15 years, with a 10-year CAGR of 10.8% [2]. - The company estimates a dividend payout of $300-$330 million in 2025 [2]. - Unum Group has a strong capital and liquidity position, supported by cash flow generation, which instills confidence in its capital deployment strategy [2][4]. Group 2: Share Buybacks - Unum Group has been actively buying back shares, with a $200 million repurchase in Q1 2025 and plans for at least the same amount in Q2 [3]. - A $1 billion buyback program was approved, starting on April 1, 2025, with expectations to buy back $0.5-$1 billion in shares throughout 2025 [3]. Group 3: Operational Performance - Unum Group is the leading disability income writer and the second-largest writer of voluntary business in the U.S., demonstrating strong operating performance across key insurance segments [5]. - The two primary divisions, Unum U.S. and Colonial Life, have shown ongoing growth in operating income, driven by disciplined sales efforts and increasing premium income [6]. Group 4: Growth Projections - The company forecasts high-single-digit sales growth and 4% to 7% premium growth over the long term, with earnings growth expected between 6% and 10% for 2025 [7]. - Unum Group maintains a robust capital position, with a return on equity of 14.2%, although it lags behind the industry average of 15.5% [7]. Group 5: Stock Performance and Valuation - Shares of Unum Group have gained 6.5%, outperforming the industry growth of 2% and the sector's return of 3.9% [8]. - The current price-to-book multiple is 1.24, above its five-year median of 0.87, indicating that the shares are relatively expensive [9]. - Compared to other insurers like Prudential Financial Inc and Lincoln National Corporation, Unum Group shares are also considered expensive [10]. Group 6: Analyst Sentiment - The Zacks average price target for Unum Group is $92.36 per share, suggesting a potential 16% upside from the last closing price [12]. - However, the consensus estimates for 2025 and 2026 earnings have seen slight declines of 0.7% and 0.6%, reflecting analysts' muted sentiment [12].

Core Viewpoint - Radian Group Inc. has authorized a new $750 million share buyback program, reflecting confidence in its financial strength and capital flexibility, while also increasing its quarterly dividend by 4.1% [1][4][3]. Group 1: Share Buyback Program - The board of directors has approved a new share repurchase program of $750 million, which will expire on December 31, 2027, bringing the total repurchase authority to approximately $863 million [1][2]. - Since 2020, Radian Group has repurchased 74 million shares for $1.8 billion, representing over 36% of shares outstanding as of January 1, 2020 [2][3]. - As of March 31, 2025, Radian repurchased shares for $207 million, with $336 million remaining under the current program [3]. Group 2: Dividend Increase - The board has approved a quarterly dividend of 25.5 cents per share, to be paid on June 17, 2025, to stockholders of record as of June 2 [4]. - This marks the sixth consecutive year of dividend increases, with the dividend more than doubling over the past five years and a six-year CAGR of 13% [4]. - Radian's current dividend yield stands at 3.1%, surpassing the industry average of 2.5%, making it attractive for yield-seeking investors [4]. Group 3: Financial Position and Growth - Radian Group maintains a solid balance sheet with sufficient liquidity and strong cash flows, enabling effective capital deployment through share repurchases and dividend hikes [3][5]. - The company is well-positioned to return capital to stockholders while pursuing growth initiatives and delivering innovative products and services [5]. - An improving mortgage insurance portfolio, declining claims, and a solid capital position are expected to contribute to impressive results for the insurer [5]. Group 4: Stock Performance - Radian's stock has gained 4.3% year-to-date, underperforming the industry and sector returns of 5.7%, but outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite growth of 0.2% [6][8].

U.S. auto giant General Motors (GM) just gave investors a reason to cheer, announcing a 25% dividend hike and a $6 billion share buyback program. The stock rose 3.75% yesterday on the news as the automaker reinforced its commitment to shareholder returns.While the payout boost is exciting, should you buy General Motors stock now? Tariff risks loom large. U.S. President Trump is set to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. And GM — which has the highest exposure to Mexico among U.S. automake ...