Core Insights - Warren Buffett will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025, sharing financial wisdom in his Thanksgiving letter to shareholders that can be applied in 2026 and beyond [1] Group 1: Stock Market Volatility - Berkshire Hathaway is viewed as a safe-haven stock due to its diversification, including a large insurance business and significant stakes in tech companies like Apple [2] - Despite its safe reputation, Buffett acknowledged that Berkshire's stock price can fluctuate significantly, with potential drops of 50% occurring three times in 60 years under current management, suggesting that investors should not despair during downturns [3] - Investors should accept normal market volatility and avoid panic trading, considering the benefits of staying invested and possibly consulting a financial advisor for guidance [4] Group 2: Learning and Personal Growth - Buffett emphasized the importance of learning from past financial mistakes without dwelling on them, encouraging individuals to identify behaviors that led to those mistakes and to move forward [5] - The pursuit of money should not be the primary goal; instead, individuals should focus on what they want their lives to look like, balancing financial aspirations with the importance of relationships and kindness [6] - Buffett highlighted that true greatness is not defined by the accumulation of wealth, reminding readers to value all individuals equally, regardless of their financial status [7]

Core Insights - W.R. Berkley Corporation (WRB) is anticipated to show improvements in both revenue and earnings for the fourth quarter of 2025, with revenue expected to reach $3.75 billion, reflecting a 6.8% increase year-over-year [1] - The earnings consensus estimate is $1.14 per share, indicating a 0.8% year-over-year growth, with a slight upward revision of 0.8% in the past 30 days [2] Financial Performance Expectations - Gross premiums written in the Insurance segment are projected to be $3.4 billion, marking a 9.6% increase from the previous year [5] - The Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment is expected to see gross premiums written of $345.1 million, a rise of 2.7% year-over-year [6] - The consensus estimate for premiums earned is $3.2 billion, indicating a 6.8% increase from the prior year [7] - Net investment income is estimated at $362 million, reflecting a 14.2% increase year-over-year, supported by strong operating cash flow and favorable new money rates [8] Cost and Profitability Analysis - Total expenses are expected to rise by 9% to $3.2 billion, driven by higher losses, operating costs, and expenses from non-insurance businesses [9] - The expense ratio is projected to improve to 28.11, aided by growth in net premiums earned and a non-recurring benefit related to compensation costs [10] - The combined ratio is estimated at 89.15, indicating improved underwriting profitability due to better pricing and prudent underwriting practices [11] Market Position and Stock Recommendations - W.R. Berkley currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), and its Earnings ESP is -0.37%, suggesting uncertainty regarding an earnings beat [3][4] - Other P&C insurance stocks with favorable conditions for potential earnings beats include Arch Capital Group Ltd. (Earnings ESP +4.06%), Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (Earnings ESP +2.06%), and RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Earnings ESP +7.57%) [12][13][14]

Core Insights - RLI Corp. reported fourth-quarter 2025 operating earnings of 94 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 23.6% and reflecting an 80.8% increase from the prior-year quarter [1][8] Operational Performance - Operating revenues for the quarter were $449 million, a 3% year-over-year increase, driven by higher net premiums earned and net investment income, although it missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.4% [2] - Gross premiums written decreased by 2.1% year over year to $463.2 million, attributed to the Casualty segment's solid performance, which increased by 2.4% [2] - Net investment income rose by 9.2% year over year to $42.3 million, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $42.9 million [3] - Total expenses declined by 10% year over year to $341.1 million, mainly due to lower loss and settlement expenses [3] - Underwriting income surged more than threefold year over year to $70.8 million, significantly exceeding the estimate of $32.6 million [4] - The combined ratio improved by 1,180 basis points year over year to 82.6, outperforming the estimate of 92 [4] Full-Year Highlights - For the full year, operating earnings were $3.47 per share, a 19.2% improvement from the prior year [5] - Operating revenues totaled $1.8 billion, up 6.3% year over year [5] - Net premiums earned increased by 5.8% to $1.6 billion, matching the estimate [5] - Underwriting income rose by 25.4% to $264.2 million, surpassing the estimate of $226 million [5] - The combined ratio improved by 260 basis points to 83.6, better than the estimate of 86 [5] - The investment portfolio's total return was 9% [5] Financial Update - RLI ended the quarter with total investments and cash of $4.7 billion, a 14.2% increase from the end of 2024 [6] - Book value per share was $19.35 as of December 31, 2025, reflecting a 33% increase from December 31, 2024 [6] - Net cash flow from operations was $616.1 million, up 10% year over year [6] - The statutory surplus increased by 3.3% from the end of 2024 to $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2025 [6] - Return on equity was 28.7%, expanding by 700 basis points from the year-ago period [6] Dividend Update - RLI paid a special dividend of $2.00 per share for the fourth quarter, marking 198 consecutive quarters of dividend payments and 50 years of dividend increases [8][9] - Shareholder returns totaled $198.4 million, with the company returning nearly $1.6 billion to shareholders over the last 10 years [9]

Core Insights - Old Republic International (ORI) reported a revenue of $2.36 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 9.5% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31 billion by 2.1% [1] - The company's EPS for the same period was $0.74, down from $0.90 a year ago, resulting in an EPS surprise of -16.85% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.89 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - The Specialty Insurance Segment reported a loss ratio of 67.6%, higher than the average estimate of 63.3% [4] - The Specialty Insurance Segment's expense ratio was 29.7%, slightly above the estimated 29.5% [4] - The Title Insurance Segment had a combined ratio of 94%, better than the average estimate of 96.5% [4] - The Title Insurance Segment's loss ratio was 0.7%, significantly lower than the average estimate of 1.5% [4] - The Title Insurance Segment's expense ratio was 93.3%, below the estimated 95% [4] Revenue Breakdown - Operating revenue for the Specialty Insurance Segment showed net premiums earned of $1.34 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $1.35 billion, with a year-over-year change of +8.1% [4] - The net investment income for the Specialty Insurance Segment was $157 million, exceeding the estimate of $154.08 million, representing a +10.2% change year-over-year [4] - Operating revenue for Corporate & Other was $11.2 million, above the estimate of $10.65 million, but this reflects a -21.7% change compared to the year-ago quarter [4] - The Title Insurance Segment's net premiums earned were $718.1 million, below the average estimate of $733.34 million, with a year-over-year change of +2.4% [4] - The net investment income for the Title Insurance Segment was $17.9 million, slightly above the estimate of $17.39 million, showing an +11.9% change year-over-year [4] - Other income for the Specialty Insurance Segment was reported at $47.2 million, exceeding the average estimate of $45.81 million, with a year-over-year change of +6.3% [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Old Republic have returned -7.5% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Top executives from five of the largest health insurers in the U.S. are testifying before lawmakers regarding the increasing costs of healthcare for Americans [1] Group 1: Industry Overview - The testimony is taking place in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, indicating a high level of governmental scrutiny on the healthcare sector [1]

长沙晚报掌上长沙1月22日讯（全媒体记者 刘攀 通讯员 严晓玲）22日，由长沙市人社局主办的长沙市多层次多支 柱养老保险体系政策推介会召开，来自政府部门、企事业单位、金融机构的200余位代表齐聚一堂，通过政策解 读、经验分享、实地体验等形式，推动养老保险体系建设向纵深发展。 随着人口老龄化程度不断加深，单纯依靠基本养老保险"第一支柱"已难以满足人民群众日益增长的多样化、品质 化养老需求，而年金和个人养老金作为"第二支柱"和"第三支柱"，能够有效弥补基本养老保险的不足，为积极应 对人口老龄化提供坚实的制度保障。 目前，长沙通过政府、企事业单位、金融机构、个人四方协同发力，已初步建成并持续完善以基本养老保险为基 础、企业（职业）年金为补充，与个人养老金和商业养老保险相衔接的多层次多支柱养老保险体系。截至2025年 底，全市基本养老保险参保人数已达842万人；基本实现有条件的国有企业企业年金全覆盖，民营企业企业年金深 入推进；个人养老金稳步发展，开户数达到268万。 会上，市人社局相关负责人详细介绍了企业年金和个人养老金作为养老保险体系的第二、第三支柱的具体政策内 容、参保条件、缴费标准及税收优惠政策。泰康养老保险 ...

TORONTO, Jan. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Financial 15 Split Corp. (the “Company”) announces it has renewed its at-the-market equity program (“ATM Program”) that allows the Company to issue shares of the Company to the public from time to time at the Company’s discretion, effective until February 21, 2028 unless terminated prior to such date by the Company. This program replaces the prior program established in December 2023 that has terminated. Any Class A Shares or Preferred Shares sold in the ATM Progra ...

Core Viewpoint - Dividend Select 15 Corp. has renewed its at-the-market equity program, allowing the issuance of shares until February 21, 2028, with a maximum gross proceeds of $30 million [1][2]. Group 1: ATM Program Details - The renewed ATM Program replaces the previous program established in December 2023 and allows the company to issue shares at its discretion through the Toronto Stock Exchange or other Canadian marketplaces [1][2]. - Sales of equity shares will occur at prevailing market prices, which may vary among purchasers during the distribution period [2]. - The program is offered under a prospectus supplement dated January 21, 2026, linked to the company's short form base shelf prospectus dated January 20, 2026 [2]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - Proceeds from the ATM Program will be utilized in alignment with the company's investment objectives and strategies, adhering to its investment restrictions [3]. - The company invests in a portfolio of Canadian companies that are among the highest dividend-yielding stocks in Canada [3]. Group 3: Portfolio Composition - The portfolio includes notable Canadian companies such as Bank of Montreal, BCE Inc., and Royal Bank of Canada, among others [4].

This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Employment-based health insurance coverage remains the most common source of coverage among the nonelderly population, at roughly 60%, according to a recent research report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Meanwhile, the share of employers providing coverage inched upward to 49% in 2024, from a near record low of 46.3% the year before, EBRI found. ...

Core Insights - Travel insurance often excludes coverage for high-risk activities and extreme sports unless a specific rider is purchased [1] - Recent geopolitical events have raised concerns about travel insurance coverage amid political unrest and civil disturbances [5] - Many travelers are unaware of the limitations of their travel insurance, leading to potential financial exposure during emergencies [2][3] Insurance Coverage Limitations - Common travel disruptions are generally covered, but exclusions exist for civil unrest, military activity, political coups, terrorism, and acts of war [3] - Travelers may face significant financial burdens if they rely solely on airlines for reimbursements for delayed or canceled flights [7][8] - A survey indicated that only 50% of Americans purchase travel insurance, with just 15% buying it for every trip [9] Types of Coverage - Travel insurance bundles typically include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage, and emergency medical coverages [11] - Additional coverages or riders can be added for specific risks, such as political or security evacuation [12] - Options like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) insurance allow for partial recouping of costs, but typically only cover 50% to 75% of the total trip cost [13] Recommendations for Travelers - It is crucial for travelers to understand the definitions of terms like "government action" and "unforeseen events" in their policies [10] - Consulting the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs can provide destination-specific travel and risk information [14] - Engaging a travel agent can help clarify exclusions and navigate various insurance options, including riders [14]