Core Viewpoint - Allianz SE and Oaktree Capital Management have established a reinsurance syndicate named "Syndicate 1890" in the Lloyd's of London market, marking a significant move of private capital into the non-life insurance sector [1][2]. Group 1: Syndicate Formation - The syndicate will commence underwriting operations on January 1, with Oaktree investing hundreds of millions of US dollars to fund and manage the syndicate's assets [2]. - Allianz will share its reinsurance programs with the syndicate, allowing for a more efficient capital provision without the collateral demands typical of traditional special-purpose vehicles [3]. Group 2: Market Trends - Alternative asset managers, traditionally focused on life insurance, are increasingly entering the property-and-casualty reinsurance market, as evidenced by Blackstone Inc.'s recent backing of another Lloyd's syndicate [4]. - The establishment of Syndicate 1890 is seen as a template for the convergence of alternative asset management and insurance, streamlining market entry and governance for these managers [5]. Group 3: Industry Implications - Fitch Ratings noted that while such partnerships introduce new third-party capital into the reinsurance market, they may also increase structural complexity and credit risks, particularly in stress scenarios [5]. - Allianz has engaged with approximately 10 other private capital firms regarding the syndicate, indicating a broader trend of collaboration between traditional reinsurers and alternative investment firms [6].

frankpeters/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Listen below or on the go on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Paramount looks to snake Netflix’s Warner Bros. deal at $30/share. (0:15) Wedbush gets more bullish on Apple. (1:54) Top Berkshire lieutenant following Buffett out the door. (2:29) This is an abridged transcript of the podcast: Our top story so far, Paramount is pitching a sequel. Paramount Skydance (PSKY) has launched a hostile $30 per share all-cash tender offer for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) — t ...

Berkshire Hathaway on Monday announced a slew of executive shakeups ahead of Warren Buffett’s departure this year, including Geico CEO Todd Combs, who is heading to JPMorgan Chase.Combs, 54, will lead JPMorgan’s new Security and Resiliency Initiative, where he will have $10 billion to start launching investments in defense, aerospace, health care and energy.The hedge fund manager came to Berkshire in 2010 to help manage the conglomerate’s portfolio of investments. He liquidated his hedge fund, Castle Point, ...

Berkshire Hathaway, the Warren Buffett-run holding company and conglomerate, has named Nancy L. Pierce as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEICO, effective immediately.She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of GEICO and, since joining the company in 1986, has held leadership roles across claims, underwriting, product management and regional operations.Ajit Jain, Vice Chairman – Insurance Operations, commented, “Nancy knows the business inside and out. She’s practical, decisive and focused on result ...

Core Insights - Tammi Wortham has successfully led HR at Sun Life U.S. for over five years, achieving high employee engagement and a nearly 95% retention rate during the pandemic [1][2] Company Overview - Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance, and health solutions to individual and institutional clients [6] - As of September 30, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.62 trillion [6] - Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, assisting approximately 50 million Americans [8] Leadership and Initiatives - Wortham has been recognized for her ability to lead with empathy and purpose, significantly contributing to employee engagement and benefits programs [2][3] - She led the development of Sun Life's paid family and medical leave program, which offers substantial support for employees [2] - Recently, Wortham oversaw the launch of menopause benefits for employees, showcasing her commitment to women's issues in the workplace [2] Community Engagement - Wortham serves as chair of the board of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, enhancing its impact in Eastern Massachusetts [4][5] - She has played a key role in diversifying non-profit leadership through the United Way Board's Connection program [5]

Core Points - The Progressive Corporation declared an annual common share dividend of $13.50 per share and a quarterly common share dividend of $0.10 per share [1][2] - Both dividends are payable on January 8, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 2, 2026 [2] - The annual dividend for 2025 was determined based on the company's capital position and expected future capital needs, with the Board expected to continue declaring quarterly dividends for 2026 [2] Company Overview - Progressive Insurance simplifies the process of understanding, buying, and using various insurance products, including car and home insurance [4] - The company is the second largest personal auto insurer in the United States and a leading provider of commercial auto, motorcycle, and boat insurance, as well as one of the top 15 homeowners insurance carriers [5] - Founded in 1937, Progressive offers innovative shopping tools and services aimed at saving customers time and money [5]

Core Insights - Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC) achieved a 52-week high of $35.62 on December 5, closing at $35.29, reflecting a 10.5% increase over the past year, outperforming the industry's decline of 1.4% [1] - MFC has outperformed peers such as Primerica, Voya Financial, and Reinsurance Group of America, which saw declines of 11.8%, 11.1%, and 10.4% respectively [1] Financial Performance - MFC has a market capitalization of $59.43 billion, with an average trading volume of 1.8 million shares over the last three months [2] - The company has a mixed earnings surprise history, beating estimates in two of the last four quarters with an average surprise of 4.93% [2] - MFC's price-to-earnings ratio stands at 11.34X, above the industry average of 7.85X, indicating a premium valuation [7] Growth Strategy - MFC aims for half of its core earnings to come from Asia by 2025, supported by strong regional performance [6][12] - The company is expanding its Wealth and Asset Management business, with Europe identified as a key growth area [6][13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a 1.4% increase in earnings per share for 2025 and a 9.4% increase for 2026 [10] Shareholder Returns - MFC has a strong commitment to returning wealth to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, with a seven-year CAGR of 10% in dividends and a target payout ratio of 35-45% [14] - The company maintains a free cash flow conversion rate above 100%, reflecting solid earnings [15] Operational Efficiency - MFC's return on equity over the trailing 12 months is 16.1%, surpassing the industry average of 15.4%, indicating effective use of shareholder funds [11] - The company targets a medium-term expense efficiency ratio of less than 45%, aiming for diligent expense management to drive growth [16] Market Outlook - The average price target for MFC from 12 analysts is $38.06 per share, suggesting a potential upside of 7.9% from the last closing price [8] - MFC's solid capital position and consistent wealth distribution make it an attractive option for yield-seeking investors [17]

Asia Pacific Equity Research 05 December 2025 (852) 2800-8517 mw.kim@jpmorgan.com J.P. Morgan Securities (Asia Pacific) Limited/ J.P. Morgan Broking (Hong Kong) Limited This material is neither intended to be distributed to Mainland China investors nor to provide securities investment consultancy services within the territory of Mainland China. This material or any portion hereof may not be reprinted, sold or redistributed without the written consent of J.P. Morgan. China Insurance Lower equity capital char ...

Insurance companies have been net buyers of stocks tied to artificial intelligence in the second half of the year as prices for the shares surge https://t.co/qifFX90py1 ...

>> WELCOME BACK TO SQUAWK BOX. GOT SOME NEWS FROM THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY. CONTESSA BREWER JOINS US AT THE TABLE THIS MORNING WITH MORE.WHAT'S GOING ON. >> MORNING GUYS. WELL WE CAN EXCLUSIVELY REPORT THIS MORNING USAA IS SET TO RETURN $3.7% BILLION TO ITS POLICYHOLDERS, 14.2% MILLION OF THEM MOSTLY SERVICE MEMBERS, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.USAA IS AN ASSOCIATION, AND SO ITS CUSTOMERS ARE ALSO ITS SHAREHOLDERS. THIS IS THE LARGEST PAYBACK IN THE COMPANY'S 103 YEAR HISTORY, AND THAT'S IN SPITE OF THE CONSI ...