Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent poor performance of certain stocks, highlighting the need for investors to discern between genuine buying opportunities and potential pitfalls in the market [1]. Group 1: Stocks to Sell - **FactSet (FDS)**: The stock has seen a one-month return of -5.7% and is currently trading at $261.06 per share, with a forward P/E ratio of 14.6x [2][3]. - **Kemper (KMPR)**: This stock has experienced a significant one-month return of -26.8%, trading at $36.43 per share with a forward P/B ratio of 0.8x [4][6]. Group 2: Stock to Watch - **Broadridge (BR)**: The stock has a one-month return of -7.3%. It has shown muted annual revenue growth of 5.5% over the last two years, with earnings growth lagging behind peers at an annual increase of 8.1% [7][8]. - Broadridge processes over $10 trillion in trades daily and manages proxy voting for over 800 million equity positions, providing technology-driven solutions for financial institutions [9]. - The company stands out due to its unique value proposition, achieving above-market annual sales growth of 8.9% over the last five years, an increase in free cash flow margin by 8.6 percentage points, and rising returns on capital [10].

Low-volatility stocks may offer stability, but that often comes at the cost of slower growth and the upside potential of more dynamic companies. Choosing the wrong investments can cause you to fall behind, which is why we started StockStory - to separate the winners from the losers. That said, here are three low-volatility stocks to steer clear of and a few better alternatives. Crocs (CROX) Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.46 Founded in 2002, Crocs (NASDAQ:CROX) sells casual footwear and is known for its iconi ...

Core Insights - Small-cap stocks present lucrative investment opportunities due to frequent mispricings resulting from limited analyst coverage [1] - The focus is on identifying long-term winners among small-cap stocks, with two recommended stocks and one to avoid [2] Company Analysis The Toro Company (TTC) - Market Cap: $7.20 billion - Current share price is $73.01, trading at a forward P/E of 16.1x [3][5] - The company has historical significance, having ceased production during World War II to support the war effort [3] TTM Technologies (TTMI) - Market Cap: $7.04 billion - Operates as one of the largest printed circuit board manufacturers globally, serving various industries including aerospace and telecommunications [6] - Current share price is $66.25, trading at a forward P/E of 24.7x [8] Skyward Specialty Insurance (SKWD) - Market Cap: $1.85 billion - Experienced a 2.4% annual sales decline over the last two years, indicating significant end-market challenges [9] - Free cash flow margin decreased by 5.6 percentage points over the past five years, suggesting increased capital intensity due to rising competition [9] - Despite challenges, the company achieved a 10.5% annual revenue growth over the last two years and projects 11.2% revenue growth for the next 12 months [10] - Earnings per share grew by 32.4% annually over the last two years, significantly outperforming peers [10] - Founded in 2006, the company provides specialized insurance solutions for underserved markets [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 44% increase in gross written premiums, reaching $597.2 million for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [19] - Adjusted net income grew 70% to $55.2 million or $2.01 per share, up from $32.4 million or $1.23 per share year-over-year [18] - The adjusted combined ratio improved to 74.8% from 77.1% in the previous year, indicating better underwriting performance [18] - Annualized adjusted return on equity was 25.6%, compared to 21% for the same period last year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The earthquake franchise grew 11% year-over-year, driven by strong performance in the residential earthquake market with an 88% policy retention rate [7] - Inland marine and other property categories saw a 50% year-over-year growth, significantly up from 28% in the second quarter [10] - The casualty business experienced a remarkable 170% year-over-year growth in gross written premiums [12] - The Crop franchise doubled its gross written premium to $120 million, exceeding the previous year's $60 million [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial earthquake business faced rate pressure, with average risk prices decreasing approximately 18% on a risk-adjusted basis [8] - The company expects single-digit growth in the earthquake book for the fourth quarter, influenced by a one-time under premium transfer from the previous year [9] - The partnership with Neptune Flood is anticipated to accelerate growth in the residential flood product over the next three years [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on profitable growth and has entered select specialty markets that offer compelling, risk-adjusted returns [5] - The acquisition of Gray Casualty and Surety Company is expected to enhance the company's surety platform and market position [5] - The company aims to double adjusted net income over a three to five-year timeframe as part of its Palomar 2X initiative [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term ability to profitably grow the earthquake business despite market challenges [9] - The company anticipates favorable conditions in the Crop market, with expectations to exceed the 15-year average industry loss ratio [15] - Management remains optimistic about achieving the revised full-year adjusted net income guidance of $210 million to $215 million [27] Other Important Information - The company placed seven reinsurance treaties during the third quarter, all renewing on favorable terms [15] - Investment income for the third quarter increased by 55% year-over-year, driven by higher yields on invested assets [25] - The acquisition of Gray Surety is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 and should be accretive to earnings in its first year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market opportunity in surety and competition - Management highlighted the complementary nature of Gray Surety to existing operations and the potential to become a top 20 surety carrier [29][30] Question: Future of the Crop business - Management expressed confidence in growing the Crop business to $500 million in the near term, emphasizing service and technology investments [33] Question: Net income guidance and catastrophe losses - Management confirmed that the updated guidance includes expectations for catastrophe losses, with a favorable outlook for the loss ratio [34] Question: Rate pressure in commercial earthquake - Management acknowledged ongoing rate pressure but indicated that the residential earthquake book's strength would support growth [36] Question: Net earned premium ratio expectations - Management expects the net earned premium ratio to increase in the fourth quarter and into the first half of the following year [37] Question: Healthcare liability book specifics - Management provided details on the healthcare liability book, including targeted segments and the current market conditions [45] Question: Stickiness of flood policies - Management noted strong policy renewal rates and increased interest in new business due to the federal program's shutdown [46] Question: Growth trajectory and future hiring - Management indicated plans for continued organic growth and potential opportunistic hiring to sustain growth momentum [51]

Industry Overview - The property and casualty (P&C) insurance market is experiencing consistent growth, driven by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increased awareness of risk mitigation strategies. The global P&C insurance market size was estimated at $3,674.46 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $6,180.14 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2024 to 2030 [1][2] Factors Driving Growth - Key factors contributing to the growth of the P&C insurance market include rising awareness of risk management, an increasing number of natural disasters, and heightened property and auto values, which are driving demand for comprehensive insurance coverage [2] Company Analysis: Progressive Corporation (PGR) - Progressive is one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S., holding leading positions in motorcycle, boat, and commercial auto insurance, as well as being among the top 15 homeowners' insurers based on premiums written [4] - The majority of Progressive's premiums come from personal auto insurance, which contributes around 90% of Personal Lines net premiums written and nearly 75% of total company premiums [5] - Progressive's profitability is supported by rate hikes, higher new policy applications, and strategic non-rate actions designed to capture market share [5] - The company has maintained an average combined ratio below 93% over the last decade, outperforming the industry average above 100%, indicating disciplined underwriting and prudent reserving [6] - Progressive's net margins have expanded by 950 basis points in the past two years, driven by increased demand for personal auto insurance and effective risk management [8] - The return on equity for Progressive is 33.9%, significantly higher than the industry average of 7.7% [9] Company Analysis: W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRB) - W.R. Berkley is among the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the U.S., benefiting from steady growth in direct premiums written [12] - The company has strategically invested in startups since 2006 to expand its geographic footprint and diversify its business portfolio [12] - W.R. Berkley's diversified business model provides resilience against cyclical market pressures, ensuring stable cash flows even during industry volatility [13] - The company has recorded over 60 consecutive quarters of favorable reserve development, reflecting disciplined underwriting and prudent risk management [16] - W.R. Berkley's return on equity is 18.9%, which is better than the industry average [17] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PGR's 2025 revenues and EPS implies a year-over-year increase of 15.5% and 26.9%, respectively [18] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WRB's 2025 revenues and EPS implies a year-over-year increase of 6.9% and 2.7%, respectively [20] Valuation Metrics - Progressive is trading at a price-to-book multiple of 3.47, below its five-year median of 4.8, while Berkley's price-to-book multiple is at 3.04, above its five-year median of 2.6 [21] Conclusion - Progressive is focused on increasing the share of auto and home-bundled households and investing in mobile applications to drive growth [22] - W.R. Berkley has a strong growth profile supported by rate increases, reserving discipline, and a solid balance sheet [22] - Despite PGR's year-to-date share decline, it has a higher return on equity compared to WRB, indicating greater efficiency in generating profit from shareholders' equity [23]

Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance and settlement services in the real estate and mortgage industries, competing with major players like Fidelity National Financial and Old Republic International [1] Performance Summary - FAF's stock has gained approximately 1.93% over the past 30 days, indicating a steady upward trend, despite a recent 10-day decline of about 4.55, which may present a buying opportunity for investors [2][6] Growth Potential - Analysts project a significant stock price growth of 20.85%, with a target price set at $73.50, suggesting substantial upside from current levels, making FAF attractive for growth-oriented investors [3][6] Financial Strength - FAF's strong financial health is underscored by a Piotroski Score of 8, indicating robust fundamentals and operational efficiency, reflecting excellence in profitability, leverage, liquidity, and operating efficiency [4][6] Investment Opportunity - Overall, FAF presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong growth potential, solid financial foundation, and recent stock price dip, making it attractive for investors [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the lack of financial planning for long-term care insurance among middle-class families, despite a significant probability of needing such services as individuals age [2][3]. Group 1: Reasons for Lack of Planning - Many middle-class families underestimate the need for long-term care insurance or believe they will not require it [3]. - There is a general lack of awareness about long-term care insurance, with many individuals not knowing its comprehensive coverage options beyond nursing home care [4]. - The perception that long-term care insurance is too expensive deters planning, although even small policies can alleviate financial pressure [5][6]. Group 2: Misconceptions about Coverage - Many individuals mistakenly believe that Medicare will cover most long-term care costs, which is not the case, leading to a false sense of security [7].

Core Insights - Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (BHF) reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted net income of $4.54 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.8%, but showing a year-over-year increase of 13.7% [1][9] - Total operating revenues reached $2.2 billion, a slight increase of 0.3% year over year, primarily driven by higher net investment income [2][9] - Premiums decreased by 5.5% year over year to $170 million [2] Financial Performance - Adjusted net investment income was $1.3 billion, up 2.5% year over year, mainly due to higher alternative investment income, with an adjusted investment income yield of 4.40% [2] - Total expenses were $1.2 million, reflecting a significant decrease of 32.7% year over year, while corporate expenses increased by 0.9% to $205 million [3] Segment Performance - Annuities segment recorded adjusted earnings of $304 million, down 7% year over year, despite an 8% increase in annuity sales to $2.7 billion [4] - Life insurance segment saw adjusted earnings of $40 million, a recovery from a loss of $25 million in the previous year, with sales increasing by 27% to $38 million [4] - Run-off segment's adjusted earnings rose by 38.4% year over year to $641 million, attributed to higher underwriting margins and net investment income [5] Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents increased by 17.3% year over year to $6.6 billion [6] - Shareholders' equity reached $6.4 billion, up 15.2% year over year, with a book value per share of $151.94, reflecting a 14.3% increase [6] - Statutory combined total adjusted capital was $5.4 billion, down 5.2% year over year [6] Capital Adequacy - As of September 30, 2025, the estimated combined risk-based capital ratio was between 435% and 455% [7] - The company expects to maintain the combined RBC ratio target range of 400% to 450% under normal market conditions by the end of 2025 [8]

Core Insights - Palomar Holdings, Inc. (PLMR) reported a third-quarter 2025 operating income of $2.01 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 25.6% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 63.4% [1][9] - Total revenues rose 65% year over year to $241 million, driven by higher premiums and investment income, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.6% [2][9] - The company raised its 2025 adjusted net income forecast to a range of $210 million to $215 million, up from the previous estimate of $198 million to $208 million [7][9] Revenue and Premiums - Gross written premiums increased by 43.9% year over year to $597.2 million, although this was below the estimate of $676.8 million [2] - Net earned premiums saw a significant rise of 66% year over year, reaching $225.1 million, exceeding the estimate of $194.2 million [2] Investment Income - Net investment income grew by 54.9% year over year to $14.6 million, driven by higher yields and a larger average balance of investments [3] Underwriting Performance - Adjusted underwriting income was reported at $56.6 million, an increase of 82.5% from the previous year, while total underwriting income rose 86% year over year to $49.2 million [4] - The loss ratio was recorded at 32.3, deteriorating by 260 basis points year over year, while the adjusted combined ratio improved by 230 basis points to 74.8 [5] Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents increased by 38.9% from the end of 2024 to $111.7 million at the end of Q3 2025 [6] - Shareholder equity rose by 20.4% from the end of 2024 to $878.1 million [6] - The annualized adjusted return on equity for Q3 2025 was 25.6%, expanding by 460 basis points year over year [6]

Core Viewpoint - Oxbridge is conducting its Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, indicating a focus on financial performance and strategic direction for the upcoming period [1]. Group 1 - The call is hosted by key executives including the Chairman, President, and CEO, Jay Madhu, and the CFO, Wrendon Timothy, highlighting the importance of leadership in communicating financial results [1]. - The earnings call will be available for replay until November 20, 2025, suggesting a commitment to transparency and accessibility for stakeholders [2]. - Wrendon Timothy will address forward-looking statements, indicating that the company is preparing to discuss future expectations and potential risks associated with its financial outlook [2].