Core Viewpoint - A securities class action lawsuit has been filed against SelectQuote, Inc. for allegedly misleading investors regarding its business practices and compliance with regulations [1][2]. Allegations - SelectQuote allegedly steered Medicare beneficiaries to insurance plans that provided the highest commissions rather than those best suited for customers [7]. - The company is accused of failing to provide unbiased Medicare Advantage comparisons as claimed [7]. - SelectQuote reportedly accepted illegal kickbacks to favor certain insurers, limiting competition [7]. - The company is alleged to have been non-compliant with laws, regulations, and contracts, exposing it to regulatory and legal risks, including under the False Claims Act [7]. - Positive statements made by SelectQuote about its business and prospects were misleading and lacked a reasonable basis [7]. Impact on Investors - Following the announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice on May 1, 2025, SelectQuote's stock price fell by 19.2%, decreasing by $0.61 to close at $2.56 per share [3]. Legal Context - Investors have until October 10, 2025, to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the case [4]. - The law firm representing the investors, Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP, has over 125 years of experience in securities litigation [4]. Key Events - The U.S. Department of Justice filed a False Claims Act complaint against SelectQuote, alleging that from 2016 to 2021, the company received tens of millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks from insurers [7]. - The DOJ also alleged that SelectQuote conspired with major insurers to discriminate against less profitable beneficiaries, including those with disabilities [7]. - The DOJ concluded that SelectQuote falsely claimed to provide "unbiased coverage comparisons" while steering customers toward higher-paying plans [7].

Core Viewpoint - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG) is experiencing a short-term bearish trend as it trades below its 50-day simple moving average (SMA), which is a key indicator for identifying support and resistance levels [1] Price Performance - AJG shares have increased by 6.1% year-to-date, contrasting with a 13.9% decline in the industry. The Finance sector and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite have risen by 10.7% and 9.6%, respectively, during the same period [2] - The market capitalization of AJG stands at $77.2 billion, with an average trading volume of 1.5 million shares over the last three months [2] Valuation Metrics - AJG shares are trading at a price-to-book value of 3.35X, which is lower than the industry average of 4.31X, indicating that the shares are affordable compared to peers [4] Growth Projections - AJG has posted a 15% revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2019 to 2024, with margins expanding to 33.3%. The company has completed 770 acquisitions since 2002, contributing to its inorganic growth [8][15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues is $13.7 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 20.8%. Current-year earnings are estimated at $10.98 per share, suggesting an 8.8% growth from the previous year [9] - Analysts project a 23% increase in earnings per share and a 22.8% increase in revenues for 2026 [9] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have recently lowered their estimates for 2025 earnings, with a 0.2% decrease in the past week and a 0.1% decrease over the past month [11] Operational Insights - AJG's organic growth is expected to be between 6% and 8% in both the Brokerage and Risk Management segments for 2025, with an adjusted EBITDAC margin of 20.5% [14] - The company’s international operations currently account for about one-third of its revenues, with expectations for further growth in this area [16] Profitability Challenges - Rising expenses have impacted AJG's profitability, with net margin declining to 10.9% in Q2 2025 from 13.3% year-over-year [17] - Total debt has reached $13 billion, with a debt-to-capital ratio of 35.87, which is favorable compared to the industry average of 50.12 [18] - Return on equity has fallen to 13.2%, down 610 basis points year-over-year, indicating inefficiencies in utilizing shareholders' funds [19] Shareholder Value - AJG has raised its dividend five times in the past five years, achieving a five-year annualized growth of 7.9% and maintaining a payout ratio of 25% [20] Conclusion - AJG's strong global presence, client retention, and strategic acquisitions provide a solid foundation for growth in the insurance brokerage and risk management sectors. However, increasing expenses, high debt levels, and declining return metrics are beginning to affect profitability, which may temper near-term performance [21]

CNA Financial (CNA) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.The rising trend in estimate revisions, which is a result of growing analyst optimism on the earnings prospects of this insurance holding company, should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between ...

Core Viewpoint - Assurant (AIZ) is experiencing solid improvement in earnings estimates, which is likely to positively impact its stock price momentum [1][2] Earnings Estimate Revisions - Analysts are increasingly optimistic about Assurant's earnings prospects, leading to higher estimates that correlate with stock price movements [2] - The current-quarter earnings estimate is $4.05 per share, reflecting a +35.0% change from the previous year [6] - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Assurant has increased by 7.08%, with four estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [6] - For the full year, Assurant is expected to earn $17.46 per share, representing a +4.9% change from the prior year [7] - There has been a positive trend in estimate revisions for the current year, with four estimates moving up and no negative revisions [7] Zacks Rank - Assurant currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong agreement among analysts in revising earnings estimates upward [8] - The Zacks Rank system has a proven track record, with Zacks 1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008 [3] Stock Performance - Assurant's stock has increased by 13.6% over the past four weeks due to strong estimate revisions [9] - There may still be further upside potential in the stock, suggesting it could be a good addition to investment portfolios [9]

Core Viewpoint - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) is experiencing strong investor confidence, with shares closing at $64.88, near its 52-week high of $70.92, indicating potential for further price appreciation [1] Price Performance - FAF shares have gained 4.2% over the past year, although this is below the industry's growth of 6.8% [3] Earnings Surprise History - The company has a solid track record of beating earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 20.30% over the last four quarters [2] Growth Projections - FAF anticipates modest improvements in residential purchase and refinance businesses for 2025, driven by direct premiums, escrow fees, and title agent premiums [7][14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FAF's 2025 earnings per share indicates a year-over-year increase of 16.1%, with revenues expected to reach $7.10 billion, reflecting a 15.8% improvement [8] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have raised earnings estimates for FAF, with a 2.6% increase for 2025 and a 1.2% increase for 2026 over the past 30 days [9] Price Target - The average price target for FAF is $77 per share, suggesting a potential upside of 20.4% from the last closing price [10] Valuation Metrics - FAF shares are trading at a forward price-to-book value of 1.28X, lower than the industry average of 1.52X, indicating affordability [11] Return on Equity - The company's return on equity (ROE) stands at 10.4%, outperforming the industry average of 7.6%, showcasing efficiency in utilizing shareholders' funds [12] Key Growth Drivers - Increased demand for first-time home purchases among millennials, along with an improving economy and labor market, is expected to drive home price appreciation [13][14] - The company is focused on enhancing its product offerings and expanding its valuation and data businesses, which should contribute to long-term growth [15] Shareholder Returns - FAF is committed to returning wealth to shareholders through dividend hikes and share buybacks, with a dividend yield and payout ratio better than the industry average [15]

Core Insights - Mercury General Corporation (MCY) has outperformed its industry and major indices, with a share price increase of 20.4% over the past year compared to 6.8% for the Zacks S&P 500 composite [1] - The company has a market capitalization of $4.07 billion and an average trading volume of 0.3 million shares over the last three months [2] - MCY's shares are trading above both the 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages, indicating strong upward momentum [3] Financial Performance - MCY's top line has experienced a 7.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2020 to 2024, driven by higher net premiums earned and other revenues [6] - Net investment income has surged with a CAGR of 15.7% over the past five years [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues is $5.81 million, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 7.8% [7] Earnings and Growth Potential - MCY has consistently surpassed earnings estimates, with an average beat of 166% over the last four quarters [8] - The company has a Growth Score of A, indicating strong growth prospects [8] - The average price target for MCY is $90 per share, suggesting a potential upside of 23% from the last closing price [10] Return on Capital - Return on equity (ROE) for the trailing 12 months is 16.6%, significantly higher than the industry average of 7.6% [9] - Return on invested capital stands at 9.6%, compared to the industry average of 5.9%, reflecting efficient fund utilization [9] Market Position and Strategy - MCY is benefiting from rate increases in California's automobile and homeowners insurance sectors, contributing to the growth in net premiums written [11] - The company has maintained positive cash flow from operations since its public offering in 1985, ensuring adequate liquidity without forced asset sales [13][14] - The combination of solid performance, favorable estimates, and higher return on capital positions MCY as a strong investment opportunity [15][16]

Amid concerns about rising costs and administrative burdens, 75% favor a move to a "defined contribution" approach to health benefits Awareness of this approach remains unchanged from last year, despite recent discussion by Congress to offer tax incentives as part of the Big Beautiful Bill AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH), a leading health insurance marketplace, today released new research showing most small- to mid-sized employers are worried about being able to aff ...

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, OHIO, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) today reported the following results for the month ended July 31, 2025: July(millions, except per share amounts and ratios; unaudited) 2025 2024 ChangeNet premiums written$7,057 $6,378 11<td style="max-width:1%; width:1%; min-width:1%;;padding-left: 0 ; ...

Core Insights - Bankers Insurance Group has selected Sapiens CoreSuite for Property & Casualty to modernize its technology stack and support its growth strategy [1][2] - The partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and deliver new products, starting with builder's risk and business owner's policy [2][3] - Sapiens CoreSuite will facilitate Bankers' transition from legacy systems to a modern, automated platform, improving service levels and responsiveness [3][4] Company Overview - Bankers Insurance Group, a subsidiary of Bankers Financial Corporation, specializes in commercial insurance in the Southeastern United States and has a history of managing catastrophic events [5] - Founded in 1976, the company has grown significantly and focuses on providing tailored insurance solutions to meet customer needs [6] Sapiens Overview - Sapiens International Corporation is a leader in SaaS-based software solutions for the insurance industry, serving over 600 customers in more than 30 countries [7][8] - The company's CoreSuite is designed to support insurers in adapting to market changes and enhancing operational excellence through automation and advanced analytics [4][8]

HONG KONG, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On 20 August, ZhongAn Online P & C Insurance Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 6060.HK, "ZhongAn" or the "Company") released its 2025 interim report. In the first half of 2025 (the "Reporting Period"), ZhongAn Online recorded GWP of RMB16,661 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 9.3%. During the Reporting Period, the underwriting combined ratio was 95.6%, representing an improvement of 2.3 percentage points year-on-year, while underwriting profit grew by 108.9%. Sup ...