Expanded Functionality Allows RELI Exchange Agency Partners to Prioritize Growth While Ensuring High-Quality Client ServicingLAKEWOOD, NJ, Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reliance Global Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: RELI) (“Reliance”, “we” or the “Company”) today announced a significant enhancement to its RELI Exchange InsurTech platform through the launch of a next-generation Client Service Center. This expanded functionality empowers independent insurance agents to focus on acquiring new business while RELI Exc ...

Core Viewpoint - Zhibao Technology Inc. has announced the acquisition of a controlling interest in Zhonglian Jinan Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd., which will significantly expand its branch network and enhance its insurance brokerage capabilities across China [2][5]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Zhibao China will acquire 51% of Zhonglian Jinan for a total purchase price of RMB25.5 million (approximately $3.5 million), based on a valuation of RMB50 million for 100% equity [2][3]. - The payment will be made in four installments, with the first three installments of RMB7.65 million (approximately $1.05 million) due on July 31, 2025, July 31, 2025, and January 31, 2026, respectively [3]. - The fourth installment of RMB2.55 million (approximately $0.35 million) is contingent on Zhonglian Jinan generating revenue of at least RMB140 million (approximately $19.18 million) within one year following the first installment payment [3]. Group 2: Strategic Benefits - The acquisition is expected to more than double Zhibao's branch offices, enhancing its geographic reach and market presence [5]. - Zhibao gains immediate access to Zhonglian Jinan's existing brokerage licenses, which typically require lengthy regulatory approval to obtain [6]. - The integration of Zhonglian Jinan's product portfolio will complement Zhibao's offerings in various insurance sectors, including liability, accident, health, and commercial property [7]. Group 3: Company Background - Zhibao Technology Inc. is a leading InsurTech company focused on digital insurance brokerage services in China, having launched the first digital insurance brokerage platform in 2020 [9]. - Zhonglian Jinan, founded in June 2015, operates 28 province-level and 30 city-level branches, primarily focusing on non-auto insurance lines [11].

Industry Overview - The property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry is expected to continue growing despite an increase in catastrophic events, driven by personalized offerings and enhanced customer engagement through digital advancements [1] - Insurers are maintaining profitability through increased premium volumes, strong policyholder retention, and favorable rate environments [1] Heritage Insurance Holdings (HRTG) - HRTG is focusing on profitability by maintaining rate adequacy and applying stringent underwriting criteria, limiting new policy issuance in saturated markets [3] - The company plans to cautiously resume personal lines underwriting in Florida and the Northeast due to recent legislative changes and a more favorable reinsurance environment [3][4] - HRTG aims to re-enter high-margin markets by 2025 while emphasizing rate integrity and operational efficiency to support sustainable growth [4] - The excess and surplus (E&S) lines segment is a significant growth driver as HRTG expands into new states, with a projected decrease in ceded premium ratio due to improved reinsurance cost-efficiency [5] - HRTG is investing in technology to enhance InsurTech capabilities, including predictive modeling and cloud-based systems, and has initiated a $10 million share buyback program [6] HCI Group (HCI) - HCI's property insurance business is growing through the strategic assumption of policies from Florida's Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, supported by advanced underwriting and a strong reinsurance structure [7] - The launch of HCI's second reciprocal insurer, Tailrow, is part of its long-term expansion strategy, acquiring approximately 14,000 policies and $35 million in premiums from Citizens [8] - HCI has improved profitability through disciplined pricing and operational efficiency, opting not to renew high-risk policies [10] - A tax-free spin-off of HCI's technology arm, Exzeo, is expected to unlock significant value for shareholders [11] - HCI has strengthened its capital position by redeeming $172 million in convertible notes, enhancing flexibility and demonstrating strong shareholder alignment with a track record of dividend payments [12] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HRTG's 2025 revenues and EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of 4.6% and 61.7%, respectively [13] - HCI's 2025 revenue estimates imply an 18.4% year-over-year increase, with EPS expected to rise by 109.7% [14] Valuation and Performance - HRTG is trading at a price-to-book multiple of 2.19, while HCI's multiple is at 2.96, both above their respective five-year medians [15] - HRTG shares have gained 92.3% year-to-date, outperforming HCI's 28.3% gain, with HRTG being considered a safer investment option [18]

Core Viewpoint - Reliance Global Group, Inc. has filed a request for withdrawal of its Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the SEC, indicating it will not pursue a public offering at this time [1] Company Overview - Reliance Global Group, Inc. is an InsurTech pioneer utilizing artificial intelligence and cloud-based technologies to enhance efficiencies in the insurance agency and brokerage industry [3] - The company's B2B platform, RELI Exchange, offers independent insurance agencies a suite of business development tools to compete with larger national agencies while reducing operational costs [3] - The B2C platform, 5minuteinsure.com, provides quick online insurance quotes for auto, home, and life insurance using AI and data mining [3] - The company also operates a portfolio of retail insurance agencies across the United States, offering a variety of insurance products [3]

Core Insights - Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. (HRTG) shares have surged 96.1% in the past three months, significantly outperforming the industry growth of 0.3%, sector increase of 6.3%, and the Zacks S&P 500 composite rise of 7.1% [1][9] - The company is focusing on profitability through rate adequacy, profit-driven underwriting, and limiting new business in saturated markets [2][3] Company Strategy - HRTG has halted the issuance of new personal lines policies in Florida and the Northeast since December 2022 due to declining returns and a tightening reinsurance market, but has resumed writing new personal lines business with a controlled growth strategy following legislative changes and stabilization in reinsurance pricing [4] - The company's 2025 strategy includes selectively re-entering profitable markets, disciplined capital allocation, and maintaining rate adequacy while leveraging data-driven analytics for effective exposure management [5] Growth Drivers - The excess and surplus (E&S) segment is a key growth driver, with HRTG actively expanding into additional states and enhancing its reinsurance strategy to mitigate hurricane and severe weather risks [6] - HRTG is investing in technology, particularly in the InsurTech space, to improve underwriting expertise and claims processing [7][10] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HRTG's earnings in 2025 and 2026 has increased by 33.7% and 17.6%, respectively, over the past 60 days, indicating optimistic growth expectations [11] - HRTG's return on equity in the trailing 12 months was 28.7%, significantly higher than the industry average of 8.3%, reflecting effective utilization of shareholders' equity [14] - The return on invested capital (ROIC) was 19.4%, also above the industry average of 6%, showcasing the company's efficiency in generating income [15] Valuation and Market Position - HRTG's stock is currently trading at a price-to-book multiple of 2.22, which is higher than the industry average of 1.57, indicating it may be overvalued [17] - Despite its premium valuation, the company is considered a strong buy due to its growth potential and strategic focus [20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commission income increased by $154,000 or 4% to $4,200,000 in Q1 2025 compared to $4,100,000 in Q1 2024, reflecting organic growth across insurance distribution channels [12] - Net loss decreased by $3,600,000 or 68% to $1,700,000 in Q1 2025 versus $5,300,000 in Q1 2024, indicating improved operational efficiency [14] - Adjusted EBITDA improved significantly by 300% from a loss of $74,000 in Q1 2024 to a gain of $145,000 in Q1 2025, marking a $220,000 increase [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The launch of Reliance Auto Leasing is a significant development, allowing agency partners to offer vehicle leasing, which is expected to generate additional income and deepen client relationships [8][9] - The acquisition of Spetner Associates is anticipated to enhance market footprint and create cross-selling opportunities, contributing to revenue growth and margin improvement [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its market share through organic revenue growth and strategic acquisitions, positioning itself for scalable long-term growth [7][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation, disciplined growth, and enhancing shareholder value through new service offerings and strategic acquisitions [11] - The integration of Spetner Associates is viewed as a significant step toward the company's InsurTech growth strategy, expected to broaden capabilities and revenue opportunities [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's trajectory towards scalable long-term growth, supported by a disciplined financial approach and operational efficiencies [8][11] - The positive adjusted EBITDA is attributed to a combination of increased revenue and cost control measures, with expectations for continued improvement moving forward [19][20] Other Important Information - The company is committed to building a highly profitable business enterprise that delivers long-lasting value to employees, investors, and shareholders [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights into the Septner acquisition benefits - The acquisition is expected to significantly increase EBITDA positivity and revenue, with potential for substantial cross-selling opportunities due to access to new insurance products [17][18] Question: Key drivers behind positive adjusted EBITDA - Positive adjusted EBITDA is driven by a multi-faceted approach including streamlining expenses, cross-selling, and maintaining cost consciousness [19]

Core Viewpoint - Reliance Global Group, Inc. reported improved financial results for Q1 2025, highlighting organic revenue growth, reduced net loss, and increased AEBITDA, positioning the company for long-term growth and enhanced profitability [2][5]. Financial Performance - Commission income revenue increased by $153,782, or 4%, to $4,236,220 in Q1 2025 from $4,082,438 in Q1 2024, reflecting organic growth in insurance distribution channels [5]. - Commission expense rose by $192,885, or 15%, to $1,469,427 in Q1 2025 compared to $1,276,542 in Q1 2024, due to higher payouts to agents [5]. - Salaries and wages increased by $398,175, or 22%, to $2,229,837 in Q1 2025 from $1,831,662 in Q1 2024, primarily due to $540,015 in non-cash equity awards [5]. - General and administrative expenses increased by $141,388 to $1,516,228 in Q1 2025 from $1,374,890 in Q1 2024, mainly due to $484,970 of non-cash equity pay [5]. - Net loss decreased by $3,609,781, or 68%, to $1,736,882 in Q1 2025 from $5,346,663 in Q1 2024, driven by the elimination of impairment charges [5]. - Adjusted EBITDA (AEBITDA) increased by $219,061, or 297%, to a gain of $145,407 in Q1 2025 compared to a loss of ($73,654) in Q1 2024, indicating a trend toward increased profitability [5][14]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on completing the Spetner acquisition, which is expected to enhance its insurance capabilities and strengthen its market position [2]. - The launch of RELI Auto Leasing allows agency partners to offer vehicle leasing services, enhancing client relationships and creating a new revenue stream [2]. - Continued adoption of advanced InsurTech solutions is transforming the agent experience through AI-driven automation and improved underwriting precision [2].

Core Insights - Vertafore recognized Brown & Brown with the 2025 Agency Impact Leader Award for its leadership and impactful decisions in the insurance industry [1] - Brown & Brown has been providing customer-centric risk management solutions since 1939 and is among the top 10 insurance brokerage firms globally [2] - The company operates over 500 locations and employs more than 17,000 professionals, focusing on strategic investments that benefit customers and the insurance ecosystem [2] Company Operations - Brown & Brown utilizes AMS360® to create centralized service centers and specialized practices, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service [3] - The collaboration with Vertafore has been pivotal in shaping AMS360 to meet the evolving needs of modern insurance agencies [3] Industry Impact - Vertafore's CEO highlighted Brown & Brown's commitment to delivering scalable and innovative strategies, emphasizing their role in positively shaping the insurance industry's future [4] - Vertafore, as a leader in InsurTech, aims to simplify and automate the insurance lifecycle, benefiting independent agents, MGAs, and carriers [5]