Core Insights - Brown & Brown, Inc. has been Certified™ by Great Place to Work® for the seventh consecutive year, with its Canadian and U.K. teams receiving certification for the first time [1][2] - The company has also been recognized on the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women™ List for the fifth year, highlighting its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture [1][2] Employee Experience - 92% of employees reported that Brown & Brown is a Great Place to Work, while 95% felt welcomed upon joining the company [2] - The Great Place To Work Certification is based on real-time employee feedback, emphasizing the importance of employee experience in achieving this recognition [3] Recognition and Awards - Earlier in 2025, Brown & Brown was included in Fortune's Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance list [4] - The company received the 2024-2025 Platinum Level Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America for the third consecutive year [4] Company Overview - Brown & Brown, Inc. is a leading insurance brokerage firm with over 700 locations and a workforce of more than 23,000 professionals, providing customized insurance solutions since 1939 [5]

Market Overview - U.S. equities saw significant gains in Q3, driven by the Federal Reserve's first rate cut of the year, strong corporate earnings growth, and increased market participation [2] - Investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence contributed to substantial gains in technology stocks, particularly among the "Magnificent Seven" [2] - Small-cap stocks outperformed as capital shifted into undervalued market segments, despite ongoing concerns about tariffs, inflation, and labor market softness [2] Company Highlights - Resideo Technologies, Inc. (REZI) was the top contributor in Q3, with organic revenue, EBITDA, and adjusted EPS exceeding expectations, and a positive outlook supported by demand for smart home solutions [3] - Barrick Mining Corporation (B) experienced a rise in shares due to strong financial results and rising gold prices, alongside a strategic divestiture of its Hemlo Gold Mine for $1.09 billion [4] - ZimVie, Inc. (ZIMV) advanced following an announcement of its acquisition by ARCHIMED, expected to close by year-end [5] - Mosaic Co. (MOS) was the biggest detractor from performance due to an earnings miss, with pressures from lower volumes and rising production costs, although phosphate markets are expected to remain tight through 2025 [6] - Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (PBH) declined after mixed earnings results and a downward revision to guidance, but plans to strengthen supply through an acquisition of Pillar5 [7] - Schlumberger Limited (SLB) traded lower due to a challenging macroeconomic environment, with pressures from OPEC+ supply increases and geopolitical uncertainty impacting oil prices [8] New Positions and Exits - New positions included Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG), which faced pressure due to a delay in closing its $13.4 billion acquisition of AssuredPartners, but is expected to benefit from stronger synergies [10] - Fiserv, Inc. (FI) was also purchased, seen as a leading provider of payment processing and financial services technology, with a recent stock pullback providing an attractive entry point [11] - Exited positions included ZimVie, Inc., Core Laboratories, Inc. (CLB), and Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. (BIO) to pursue more compelling opportunities [12] Economic Outlook - As Q4 approaches, U.S. markets are balancing elevated valuations against emerging macroeconomic headwinds, with the Federal Reserve's rate cut providing some support [13] - Investor sentiment remains positive, driven by AI momentum, although risks related to market concentration and policy uncertainty may lead to increased volatility [14] - There is a belief that small-cap equities may outperform large caps over the next two years, with small caps trading at historically attractive levels [14]

Core Points - Brown & Brown, Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.165 per share, marking a 10% increase from the previous dividend of $0.15 per share, and this is the company's 32nd consecutive annual dividend increase [1] - The board has authorized the purchase of up to an additional $1.25 billion of the company's outstanding common stock, bringing the total authorized repurchase amount to approximately $1.5 billion [2] - The company operates as a leading insurance brokerage firm with over 700 locations and a workforce of more than 23,000 professionals, providing customized insurance solutions since 1939 [3]

Core Insights - Brown & Brown, Inc. has appointed Steve Hearn as president of the Retail segment while he continues as chief operating officer, a strategic move aimed at ensuring business continuity during a significant growth phase [1][2] Leadership and Strategy - Steve Hearn is recognized for his 35-year industry experience and is expected to drive excellence, scale, and maintain a market-leading position for the retail business, facilitating U.S. and international growth [2][3] - Hearn will work with an enhanced Retail senior leadership team to expand and optimize the global Retail platform, focusing on delivering innovative solutions and enhancing capabilities for customers and stakeholders [3] Operational Focus - Hearn will split his time between the UK and the U.S., with plans for a full relocation to Daytona Beach, Florida, pending work visa approvals, to support global Retail operations [4] - The previous president of the Retail segment, Barrett Brown, is currently on a personal leave of absence [4] Company Overview - Brown & Brown, Inc. is a leading insurance brokerage firm with over 700 locations and a workforce of more than 23,000 professionals, dedicated to providing customized insurance solutions since 1939 [5]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the evolving role of employers as proactive financial partners to support employees facing financial challenges due to inflation, healthcare costs, and student debt [1][2] Financial Wellbeing as a Strategic Imperative - Financial wellbeing has become a top priority for employees, with 47% of employers increasing their focus on this area, second only to emotional wellbeing at 56% [3] - There has been a two-point increase in the number of employers offering at least one financial wellbeing initiative [3] Tailored Resources for Employees - Employers are introducing various resources to support employees through different life stages, including: - 54% offer will preparation and estate planning - 51% provide financial planning or wealth management services - 25% offer debt counseling services - These initiatives enhance employees' confidence in managing finances and reduce financial stress, leading to improved engagement and loyalty [4] Integrating Retirement Planning - Retirement planning is increasingly integrated into broader wellbeing strategies, with the SECURE 2.0 Act introducing measures like auto-enrollment and increased catch-up contributions [5] - Currently, 81% of employers offer self-service tools for employees to check balances and adjust contributions, while 67% provide one-on-one financial planning appointments [6] Expanding Financial Wellness Initiatives - Employers are expanding financial wellness initiatives beyond traditional retirement plans to address financial stress, with 55% offering consumer-directed health plans with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) [7] - 66% of employers contribute to HSAs, enhancing their value for employees [7] Tuition Assistance and Student Loan Repayment - Tuition assistance programs are offered by 67% of employers, proving valuable for attracting younger employees [8] - Currently, 12% of employers provide student loan repayment contributions, with 2% offering matching contributions and 8% considering it [8] Competitive Advantage through Financial Wellbeing - Investing in employee financial wellbeing provides organizations with a competitive edge, fostering a culture of trust, loyalty, and shared success [9]

Core Viewpoint - Abacus Global Management has acquired AccuQuote, a US-based insurance brokerage, to enhance its growth strategy and support clients throughout the full life cycle of their insurance needs [1][3]. Company Overview - AccuQuote has nearly 40 years of experience in the insurance brokerage industry, helping clients understand and purchase life insurance policies [1][3]. - The acquisition allows Abacus to provide solutions for clients who may not qualify to sell their policies, thus capturing a broader market [3][4]. Strategic Alignment - The acquisition aligns with Abacus's strategy to transition into personal wealth management and asset management, creating opportunities for shareholders and new investors [6]. - Abacus aims to integrate AccuQuote's technology-driven instant quote platform to enhance client services on both the protection and asset management fronts [5][6]. Market Potential - There is a significant market opportunity for clients to understand their life insurance policies as assets, which can lead to better financial planning [4]. - The insurance industry is moving towards comprehensive client care, providing various options from the beginning to the end of the insurance lifecycle [4].

Core Viewpoint - Rosen Law Firm is reminding investors who purchased SelectQuote, Inc. securities between September 9, 2020, and May 1, 2025, of the lead plaintiff deadline on October 10, 2025, for a class action lawsuit [1] Group 1: Class Action Details - Investors who bought SelectQuote securities during the specified period may be entitled to compensation without any out-of-pocket fees through a contingency fee arrangement [1] - A class action lawsuit has already been filed, and interested parties must move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff by October 10, 2025 [2] - The Rosen Law Firm emphasizes the importance of selecting qualified counsel with a successful track record in securities class actions [3] Group 2: Allegations Against SelectQuote - The lawsuit alleges that SelectQuote made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose critical information regarding its business practices [4] - Specific allegations include directing Medicare beneficiaries to insurers that compensated SelectQuote, not providing unbiased comparisons for Medicare Advantage plans, and receiving illegal kickbacks [4] - The lawsuit claims that these actions made SelectQuote vulnerable to regulatory and legal sanctions, including potential violations of the False Claims Act [4]

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against SelectQuote, Inc. for allegedly receiving illegal kickbacks from health insurance companies and misleading investors about its business practices [5]. Allegation Details - The U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint against SelectQuote, alleging that from 2016 to at least 2021, the company received "tens of millions of dollars" in illegal kickbacks for steering Medicare beneficiaries to specific insurance plans [5]. - The lawsuit claims that SelectQuote made materially false statements regarding its services, asserting it provided unbiased coverage comparisons while actually directing beneficiaries to the most profitable plans for the company [5]. Stock Impact - Following the DOJ's announcement, SelectQuote's stock price dropped by $0.61, or 19.2%, closing at $2.56 per share on May 1, 2025, with unusually high trading volume [5]. Legal Process - Investors who purchased SelectQuote securities between September 9, 2020, and May 1, 2025, have until October 10, 2025, to apply to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit [5].

Group 1 - Proactive provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2] - The news team covers medium and small-cap markets, as well as blue-chip companies, commodities, and broader investment stories [3] - Proactive's content includes insights across various sectors such as biotech, pharma, mining, natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging technologies [3] Group 2 - Proactive is committed to adopting technology to enhance workflows and content production [4] - The company utilizes automation and software tools, including generative AI, while ensuring all content is edited and authored by humans [5]

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against SelectQuote, Inc. for allegedly receiving illegal kickbacks from health insurance companies and misleading investors about its business practices [6]. Allegation Details - The U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint against SelectQuote, alleging that from 2016 to at least 2021, the company received "tens of millions of dollars" in illegal kickbacks for steering Medicare beneficiaries to specific insurance plans [6]. - The lawsuit claims that SelectQuote made materially false statements and failed to disclose adverse facts about its operations, including directing beneficiaries to plans that compensated the company the most, rather than providing unbiased comparisons [6]. Stock Impact - Following the DOJ's announcement, SelectQuote's stock price dropped by $0.61, or 19.2%, closing at $2.56 per share on May 1, 2025, with unusually high trading volume [6]. Legal Process - Investors who purchased SelectQuote securities between September 9, 2020, and May 1, 2025, have until October 10, 2025, to apply to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit [6].