Core Insights - United Fire Group (UFG) reported a record-setting performance in 2025, highlighting significant improvements in underwriting profitability, investment income, and premium growth following a multi-year operational transformation [5][8]. Financial Performance - For the full year, net written premium increased by 9% to over $1.3 billion, driven by record new business production and strong retention in core commercial lines [2][8]. - Underwriting profit surged to $67 million in 2025 from $9 million in 2024, marking the best annual underwriting profit in over a decade [3][8]. - Return on equity reached 13.7%, the highest in nearly two decades [1][8]. - Net investment income rose by nearly 20% year over year, contributing to improved overall financial performance [3][8]. Operational Improvements - The company emphasized deeper underwriting expertise, enhanced actuarial insights, and improved alignment with distribution partners as key factors in its operational transformation [4][5]. - UFG achieved record new business of $247 million in 2025, nearly double the level produced at the start of its transformation [10]. Underwriting and Loss Ratios - The annual combined ratio improved to 94.8%, with management citing enhancements in the underlying loss ratio and expense ratio [2][8]. - The underlying loss ratio was reported at 55.4% for the fourth quarter and 56.3% for the full year, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 1.6 points [19]. Catastrophe Losses and Reinsurance - Catastrophe losses were favorable, with a full-year catastrophe loss ratio of 3.2%, outperforming expectations [13][15]. - UFG's reinsurance renewals on January 1 resulted in lower ceded margins and expanded coverage, with exposure-adjusted rate decreases across major programs [15]. Dividend and Capital Management - The board approved a 25% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.20 per share, reflecting the company's strengthened profitability and capital position [7][9]. - UFG maintains authorization to repurchase up to 1 million shares, focusing on funding profitable growth and returning excess capital to shareholders [9].

Over 40% of UK consumers would be comfortable receiving an insurance quote from a chatbot, a GlobalData survey has found. Meanwhile, OpenAI has approved the first insurer AI app on ChatGPT, letting users generate personalised home insurance quotes in-chat. GlobalData’s 2025 UK Insurance Consumer Survey found that 42% of consumers would be either quite comfortable or very comfortable receiving an insurance quote from an AI chatbot. By comparison, 24.5% were neutral about the prospect, while 33.6% said they ...

Market Overview - The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange experienced a decline, with the Tel Aviv 35 Index falling by 0.79% to 4,160.40 points, and the Tel Aviv 125 Index decreasing by 0.62% to 4,136.01 points. The BlueTech Global Index saw a more significant drop of 2.21%, closing at 677.48 points. The All Bond corporate bond index slightly decreased by 0.03% to 423.72 points. Total turnover in equities was NIS 5.30 billion, while bonds totaled NIS 5.57 billion [1]. Currency Exchange Rates - In the foreign exchange market, the shekel-dollar rate was set at NIS 3.078, reflecting a decrease of 0.195% from the previous day. The shekel-euro rate was set at NIS 3.667, down by 0.109% [2]. Company Performance - Tower Semiconductor Ltd. led the market decline, falling by 5.28% despite reporting strong fourth-quarter results, marking the largest drop on the Tel Aviv 35 Index. Other notable declines included Bank Leumi at 0.54%, Harel Insurance at 2.34%, Elbit Systems at 3.52%, and Nice at 4.80% [3]. - Conversely, Strauss Group saw the largest increase on the Tel Aviv 35 Index, rising by 5.28%. Other companies that experienced gains included Nova Ltd. at 1.32%, Camtek at 3.98%, Israel Discount Bank at 1.06%, and Enlight Renewable Energy at 0.47% [4]. - Notably, shares of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange itself surged by 11.4% following the announcement that US cybersecurity giant Palo Alto Networks will dual-list on the TASE [4].

Core Insights - Aflac is experiencing positive growth in both the Japanese and U.S. insurance markets, with a focus on innovative products to meet changing consumer needs [2][3] Group 1: Japanese Market - Aflac has successfully introduced new products such as Tsumitasu and Miraito, focusing on cancer insurance to align with the aging population's needs [2] - The company is committed to reinventing its offerings in Japan to drive sales growth [2] Group 2: U.S. Market - Aflac reports a 3% overall increase in its U.S. market, with group products showing tremendous growth that outpaces the market [3] - The company is placing greater emphasis on its traditional business to enhance performance in the U.S. [3]

Core Insights - Assurant, Inc. (AIZ) reported a fourth-quarter 2025 net operating income of $5.61 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.08%, with a year-over-year increase of 17% [1] - Total revenues rose by 7.5% year over year to $3.3 billion, driven by higher net earned premiums, net investment income, and fees, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.7% [2] - Adjusted EBITDA, excluding reportable catastrophes, increased by 3% to $445.9 million, reflecting growth in both Global Housing and Global Lifestyle segments [2] Financial Performance - Total benefits, losses, and expenses increased by 7.4% to $3.1 billion, primarily due to higher policyholder benefits and administrative expenses, exceeding the estimate of $2.8 billion [3] - Net earned premiums, fees, and other income in Global Housing increased by 10% to $711.4 million, driven by growth in policies in-force and higher average premiums, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $697 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Global Housing was $275.6 million, up 22% year over year, aided by lower pre-tax reportable catastrophes [5] Segment Analysis - Global Lifestyle's net earned premiums, fees, and other income rose by 7% to $2.5 billion, primarily due to growth in Connected Living and Global Automotive, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.4 billion [6] - Adjusted EBITDA for Global Lifestyle was $195.3 million, a 2% year-over-year increase, driven by improved loss experience in Global Automotive and growth in Connected Living [7] - The adjusted EBITDA loss at Corporate & Other was $34.4 million, an improvement from the previous year's loss of $35.7 million, mainly due to lower third-party expenses [8] Full-Year Highlights - Adjusted earnings for 2025 increased by 19% to $19.77 per share, slightly beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate [9] - Total net earned premiums, fees, and other income from Global Lifestyle and Global Housing segments totaled $12.35 billion, up 8.1% [11] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, liquidity stood at $887 million, significantly above the targeted minimum of $225 million, with total assets increasing by 3.6% to $36.3 billion [12] - Debt increased by 6% year over year to $2.2 billion, while total shareholders' equity rose by 15% to $5.87 billion [12] Shareholder Returns - In 2025, share repurchases and dividends totaled $468 million, with $300 million spent on repurchasing 1.4 million shares [13] - As of early February 2026, Assurant had $745 million remaining under its current repurchase authorization [13] 2026 Guidance - Assurant expects adjusted EBITDA for 2026 to be flat to mid-high single-digit growth, with Global Lifestyle projected to increase in the high single digits [14] - Global Housing adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to decrease, while Corporate and Other adjusted EBITDA loss is expected to approximate $140 million [15] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share are expected to remain consistent with 2025 levels or increase mid-to-high single digits [16] Capital Deployment - Capital deployment priorities will focus on maintaining a strong financial position, supporting business growth through organic investments and M&A, and returning capital to shareholders [17]

Core Viewpoint - Shares of American International Group (AIG) have shown mixed performance over the past year, remaining essentially flat despite solid results from the company, primarily due to pressures in the insurance sector related to concerns about thinning margins [1] Company Performance - AIG has delivered solid results, indicating operational stability [1] - The stock has not experienced significant growth, reflecting a flat trading performance over the past year [1] Industry Context - The insurance sector is facing challenges, particularly concerns regarding thinning margins, which have impacted stock performance [1]

Market Overview - The broader equity markets experienced a recovery after a significant sell-off, particularly driven by technology stocks like NVIDIA and Broadcom [1] - Bitcoin rebounded after dropping to $60,062.00, indicating a shift in investor sentiment towards risk-off strategies [1][2] Financial Sector Insights - The finance sector faces latent threats from AI and disappointing retail sales data, contributing to market volatility [2] - Investors are adopting a "wait-and-see" approach, focusing on "cash cow" stocks that offer higher returns [2] Key Financial Metrics - Return on Equity (ROE) is highlighted as a crucial metric for assessing a company's profitability and financial health [3][4] - A high ROE indicates effective reinvestment of cash at high rates of return, distinguishing profit-generating companies from less efficient ones [3][4] Stock Screening Criteria - Stocks are screened based on parameters such as Cash Flow greater than $1 billion and ROE exceeding industry averages [5] - Additional criteria include Price/Cash Flow lower than industry averages and Return on Assets (ROA) greater than industry benchmarks [6] Selected Stocks - Alcoa Corporation (AA): Engaged in mining and electricity generation, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 44.5% and a Zacks Rank 1 [7][8] - Globe Life Inc. (GL): An insurance holding company with a Zacks Rank 2 and a focus on life and supplemental health insurance [9][10] - Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (BBVA): Provides banking and asset management services, with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 12% and a Zacks Rank 1 [10][11] - The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX): A leading off-price retailer with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 10.2% and a Zacks Rank 2 [12][13] - TE Connectivity plc (TEL): A global technology company focused on connectivity solutions, with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 12% and a Zacks Rank 1 [14][15]

Summary of Pershing Square Holdings Investor Meeting (February 11, 2026) Company Overview - **Company**: Pershing Square Holdings (OTCPK:PSHZ.F) - **Key Speaker**: Ryan Israel, Chief Investment Officer - **Chairman**: Rupert Morley Core Industry Insights - **Market Context**: The current market environment is seen as fascinating for public market investors, with significant updates across the portfolio and broader business strategies being discussed [1][3]. Key Financial Performance - **2025 Performance**: - Net Asset Value (NAV) grew by **20.9%** - Total shareholder return was **33.9%** - Compound growth in NAV and share price over 8 years is **23%** [9][10]. - **Share Buybacks**: In 2025, **6.6 million shares** were repurchased for approximately **$370 million**, totaling **$1.8 billion** in buybacks since inception [12]. - **Dividends**: The company has paid out **$666 million** in dividends, with an **86%** increase since the dividend policy was amended in 2022 [11][12]. Strategic Updates - **Howard Hughes Holdings**: - Acquired **$900 million** worth of shares, increasing ownership to **46.9%** [8][9]. - Committed to purchasing up to **$1 billion** in preferred securities to facilitate the acquisition of Vantage, an insurance company [9][22]. - The transformation aims to turn Howard Hughes into a diversified holding company akin to Berkshire Hathaway [17][20]. Investment Strategy - **Investment Focus**: The strategy emphasizes acquiring high-quality, durable growth companies, with a focus on long-term value creation [17][20]. - **Recent Investments**: - New investments in **Hertz**, **Amazon**, and **Meta** were disclosed, with a focus on companies with strong growth potential [43][46]. - Exited positions in **Chipotle**, **Canadian Pacific**, and **Nike** due to underperformance [44][41]. Market Analysis - **S&P 500 Performance**: The S&P 500 has seen a **112%** increase over the last six years, with earnings growth being the primary driver [53][56]. - **Top Companies**: The top 10 companies in the S&P 500 are expected to grow earnings at **25%**, significantly influencing overall market growth [58][59]. - **Valuation Insights**: Current market multiples are seen as potentially undervalued given the expected earnings growth, suggesting optimism for future performance [59][60]. Organizational Updates - **Team Expansion**: New hires include Jordan Aguiar-Lucander, Jill Chapman, and Lucas Richards, enhancing the investment and legal teams [49][50]. - **Investment Philosophy**: The firm maintains a concentrated investment strategy, focusing on a select number of high-quality businesses while keeping a library of potential investment opportunities [52][60]. Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: The firm is optimistic about navigating the current market environment, leveraging its investment strategy and organizational strengths to capitalize on emerging opportunities [45][51].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underwriting profit increased from $9 million in 2024 to $67 million in 2025, marking a significant improvement [6] - Net investment income grew by nearly 20%, contributing to the overall financial performance [6] - Full-year operating earnings per share improved by 80%, reaching $4.60, while book value per share increased by more than $6 [6][10] - Full-year net written premium rose by 9% to over $1.3 billion, driven by record new business production and strong retention [7] - The annual combined ratio improved to 94.8%, reflecting ongoing enhancements in the underlying loss ratio and expense ratio [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth in net written premium was strongest in the core commercial business, which includes small business, middle market, and construction [12] - Specialty E&S net written premium experienced double-digit growth in both the fourth quarter and full year [15] - The surety business also delivered double-digit net written premium growth for the quarter and full year [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rate increases moderated to 4.8% for the quarter, indicating a more competitive environment, particularly in property lines [13] - Casualty lines experienced modest impacts, with umbrella lines returning to double-digit increases [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has focused on deepening underwriting expertise and enhancing actuarial insights to attract a broader customer base [5] - Strategic investments in technology are aimed at improving operational efficiency and expanding underwriting capabilities [8] - The company is positioned to deliver continued profitable growth as a disciplined, solution-oriented underwriting company [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of improved profitability and the ability to navigate competitive market dynamics [26] - The company anticipates continued attractive business opportunities despite increased competition [35] - Management highlighted the importance of disciplined underwriting and maintaining a conservative reserve posture to protect the balance sheet [17] Other Important Information - The board of directors declared a 25% increase in the quarterly cash dividend from $0.16 to $0.20 per share [11] - The company reported a strong capital position, allowing for flexibility in capital management and shareholder returns [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current pricing expectations in a competitive market - Management noted that while the market is more competitive, they are still achieving positive rates and will maintain disciplined risk selection to navigate the environment [26] Question: Long-term target for underwriting expense ratio - The target run rate for the expense ratio is around 35%, with expectations for gradual reduction over time as growth continues [30][31] Question: Margin compression in the assumed insurance business - Management acknowledged increased competition affecting rates and terms but emphasized their commitment to disciplined underwriting and long-term relationships [34] Question: Profitability dynamics in the other liability line - Management indicated pressure on profitability in the umbrella line due to large losses but is taking a conservative approach to pricing and reserves [36][39]

In the first nine months of 2025, the company spent $15.31 billion on 26 acquisitions, taking its M&A strategy to the next level. The biggest being its $13.78 billion purchase of Dolphin TopCo, the parent of AssuredPartners Inc., a retail middle-market property/casualty and employee benefits business with nearly 11,000 employees working in 400 locations in the U.S., the UK, and Ireland.As I said back then, one of its main levers of growth is through acquisitions. In 2023, it made 51 tuck-in acquisitions, ad ...