Insurance
Search documents
Top 5 Low Price-to-Sales Stock Picks for Value-Focused Investors
ZACKS· 2026-02-03 17:20
Core Insights - Investing in stocks based on valuation metrics, particularly the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio, can identify opportunities with strong upside potential, especially for unprofitable or early-stage growth companies [1][2] Valuation Metrics - The P/S ratio provides a clearer picture of value when earnings are minimal or volatile, making it particularly valuable for assessing companies in recovery or growth phases [2][5] - A P/S ratio below 1 indicates a good bargain, as investors pay less than a dollar for each dollar of revenue generated [6] - The P/S ratio is preferred over the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio due to the difficulty of manipulating sales figures compared to earnings [7] Investment Opportunities - Low P/S stocks can offer compelling opportunities, often trading below intrinsic value, making them attractive for investors seeking upside potential [3] - Companies with low P/S ratios and strong fundamentals, such as Hamilton Insurance Group, Macy's Inc., G-III Apparel Group, California Water Service Group, and UFP Industries, are highlighted as having potential for higher returns [4][12] Company Profiles - **Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd. (HG)**: A specialty insurance and reinsurance company benefiting from strong execution and disciplined capital management, with gross premiums written rising significantly [12][13] - **Macy's Inc. (M)**: Undergoing a transformation with its "Bold New Chapter" program, focusing on digital initiatives and omnichannel retailing, currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 and Value Score of A [14][15] - **G-III Apparel Group (GIII)**: Focuses on product differentiation and international expansion, with owned brands generating higher margins, currently holds a Value Score of A and Zacks Rank 2 [16][17] - **California Water Service Group (CWT)**: One of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the U.S., focusing on expansion through acquisitions and high-quality service delivery, currently holds a Value Score of B and Zacks Rank 2 [18][20] - **UFP Industries (UFPI)**: A holding company benefiting from long-term business plans and product innovation, with a focus on acquisitions to solidify its product portfolio, currently holds a Value Score of A and Zacks Rank 2 [21][22]
13 Most Undervalued Quality Stocks to Buy Right Now
Insider Monkey· 2026-02-03 16:55
Market Overview - Easing volatility, AI-driven tech strength, and falling rates are supporting stock picking and potential new market highs [1] - The VIX has declined from above 20 to around 16, indicating that recent market volatility was an overreaction [1] - The market is broadening, with a downward trajectory of interest rates acting as a tailwind for US equities [2] Investment Opportunities - The AI revolution is creating a 10% to 15% run-up opportunity in tech stocks that investors should not miss [2] - There is excitement over the president's commitment to $18 trillion in domestic investments, which is expected to drive market performance [1] Company Analysis: WSFS Financial Corporation - WSFS Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:WSFS) is considered one of the most undervalued quality stocks, with a price target increase from $63 to $70 by Keefe Bruyette [7][8] - TD Cowen raised its price target for WSFS Financial to $73 from $67, reflecting an updated financial model anticipating sustained growth through 2026 [9] - The company reported a 29% year-over-year increase in EPS to $1.43 in Q4 2025, driven by strong performance in its Wealth and Trust divisions [9] Company Analysis: Primerica Inc. - Primerica Inc. (NYSE:PRI) is also identified as an undervalued quality stock, with TD Cowen increasing its price target to $326 from $322 [11] - The company reported a 7% increase in adjusted net operating income to $206 million, with diluted adjusted operating EPS rising 11% to $6.33 in Q3 2025 [12] - The Investment and Savings Product segment achieved record sales of $3.7 billion, a 28% year-over-year surge, although the Term Life segment faced challenges with a 15% drop in new policies issued [12][13]
MGIC Investment (MTG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-03 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $169 million for the fourth quarter, resulting in an annualized return on equity of 13% [5] - For the full year, net income reached $738 million, with a return on equity of 14.3% [6] - Book value per share increased to $23.47, reflecting a 13% year-over-year growth [6] - Insurance in force grew to over $303 billion, marking a 3% increase from the previous year [7] - The in-force premium yield remained stable at 38 basis points for the quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company wrote $17 billion in new business during the fourth quarter and $60 billion for the full year, an 8% increase from the prior year [8] - The average credit score at origination for the insurance portfolio was 748, indicating solid credit quality [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consensus mortgage origination forecasts suggest that the size of the mortgage insurance market in 2026 will be similar to that of 2025, with elevated mortgage rates expected [8] - Annual persistency remained stable at 85% throughout 2025, aligning with expectations [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a strong, well-diversified insurance portfolio while focusing on disciplined risk management and capital management strategies [9][10] - The reinsurance program was strengthened with a $250 million excess of loss transaction and a 40% quota share transaction covering most of the 2027 new insurance written [10] - The company is committed to enhancing housing affordability and actively participates in industry discussions to support responsible policy changes [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position and ability to execute business strategies in 2026 and beyond, despite challenges in housing affordability [20] - The company noted that while there is potential for increased refinance volume if mortgage rates decrease, this could lead to lower persistency [8][58] Other Important Information - The company paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $33 million and repurchased 6.8 million shares for $189 million in the fourth quarter [17] - For the full year, the company returned $915 million to shareholders, representing a 124% payout ratio of the year's net income [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Price competition in the industry - Management noted that premiums remained stable and they were able to find value without major adjustments in premiums [25][26] Question: Potential reduction in FHA premiums - Management indicated that while affordability discussions are ongoing, there is no imminent indication of a reduction in FHA premiums [27] Question: Credit trends by region - Management reported no significant geographic movement in new delinquencies, with no areas of concern identified [30][32] Question: Reserve release comparison - Management explained that reserve releases are based on the comparison of initial estimates to current best estimates, with recent quarters showing different drivers for reserve development [33][36] Question: Composition of new delinquencies - Management stated that there has been no significant divergence in cure activity based on vintage, with recent vintages performing better than pre-COVID levels [40][42] Question: Improving returns on capital - Management emphasized the importance of a robust reinsurance program to enhance returns on equity, especially in a challenging market environment [46][47] Question: In-force premium yield decline - Management clarified that the slight decline in in-force premium yield was within the margin of flat and attributed it to increased business written due to refinance activity [54][55] Question: Default rate expectations - Management suggested that while there may be modestly higher delinquency rates in newer vintages, the overall impact on default rates is expected to be limited [60][62]
American International Group (AIG) Reports Next Week: Wall Street Expects Earnings Growth
ZACKS· 2026-02-03 16:01
Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates American International Group (AIG) to report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues for the quarter ending December 2025, with actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - AIG is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.89 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +45.4% [3]. - Revenues are projected to be $7.1 billion, which is a 3.7% increase from the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.31% lower in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for AIG is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +0.39%, suggesting a bullish outlook from analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) [10]. - AIG currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, which, along with the positive Earnings ESP, suggests a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, AIG exceeded the expected earnings of $1.68 per share by delivering $2.20, resulting in a surprise of +30.95% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, AIG has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates [14]. Conclusion - AIG is positioned as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider additional factors influencing stock performance ahead of the earnings release [17].
Mark Cuban Says Berkshire Should Reconsider Insurance Bets: 'I Hate To Say This'
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-03 16:01
Billionaire Mark Cuban reiterated his criticism of the practices of major insurance companies, urging investors to reconsider their insurance investments. Cuban took to X on Sunday, to call out the big insurance companies for shifting the risk to independent physicians, pharmacists, and patients, who are unable to fight back due to financial constraints. Next step is to identify the funds who have invested in the biggest insurance companies and to move your IRAs and savings elsewhere. Anyone have the dat ...
Erie Indemnity to host fourth quarter and year-end 2025 pre-recorded conference call and webcast
Prnewswire· 2026-02-03 16:00
Core Viewpoint - Erie Indemnity Company will announce its financial results for the fourth quarter and year-end 2025 on February 24, 2026, with a press release issued after market close on February 23, 2026 [1]. Company Overview - Erie Insurance Group is the 11th largest homeowners insurer, 12th largest automobile insurer, and 10th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written, according to AM Best Company [3]. - Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company and ranks as the 16th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on net premiums written [3]. - The company has more than 7 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia, holding an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best [3].
WTW ‘very happy’ with Willis Re’s participation at Jan renewals and trajectory of build-out: Krasner, CFO
ReinsuranceNe.ws· 2026-02-03 15:29
Core Insights - WTW is satisfied with the participation of Willis Re in the January 2026 renewals, indicating a positive trajectory for the business build-out [1][4] - The joint venture with Bain Capital is progressing well, with numerous hires made since the announcement [3][4] - WTW expects Willis Re to impact Adjusted Diluted EPS negatively by approximately $0.30 this year, but will continue to invest in the reinsurance joint venture [5] Company Developments - WTW completed the sale of Willis Re's treaty reinsurance operations to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in late 2021 and confirmed plans to re-enter the market via a joint venture in late 2024 [3] - The CEO of WTW, Carl Hess, has expressed confidence in the progress of the joint venture [3][4] - WTW's CFO, Andrew Krasner, highlighted the operational success of Willis Re during the recent earnings call [4] Market Position and Strategy - WTW is focusing on enhancing its competitiveness in the digital infrastructure business, leveraging its existing relationships with major data center developers [6][7] - The company has developed an integrated global risk framework to address the complex risk profiles of data center projects [7][8] - There is a strong demand for WTW's offerings from both new business and existing clients, indicating a robust pipeline [9]
AAA pet insurance review 2026
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-03 15:24
Core Insights - AAA partners with various pet insurance companies to provide insurance options to its members, with coverage and costs varying by club and partner [1][2][3] Pet Insurance Offerings - AAA does not underwrite its own policies but collaborates with pet insurance companies, leading to diverse plan choices, waiting periods, and reimbursement rates [2][3] - Coverage typically includes treatment for accidents and illnesses, with some plans requiring optional endorsements for comprehensive coverage [4][5] - Accident-only plans are available through some partners, covering unexpected accidents but not illnesses [7] Coverage Details - Common coverage includes hereditary conditions, dental accidents, prescription medications, and cancer treatment [6] - Wellness plans may be added for routine care, but preexisting conditions are generally not covered unless specific criteria are met [8][16] Exclusions - AAA pet insurance does not cover euthanasia, alternative therapies, behavioral therapy, and certain elective procedures [10][16] Cost and Discounts - The cost of AAA pet insurance varies based on the partner company, plan type, and pet specifics, with average costs provided for different coverage limits [13][14] - Discounts may be available for multi-pet policies and AAA members, with specific percentages varying by partner [14][17] Claims Process - Claims must be submitted within 90 to 180 days, with some partners allowing longer periods [19] - Direct payment to veterinarians may be possible depending on the insurance partner [18] Availability - AAA pet insurance is available in most states, and members should contact their regional club for specific offerings [22][24]
MGIC Investment (MTG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Presentation
2026-02-03 15:00
Quarterly Supplement Q4 2025 NYSE: MTG Forward-Looking Statements As used below, "we," "our" and "us" refer to MGIC Investment Corporation's consolidated operations or to MGIC Investment Corporation, as the context requires, and "MGIC" refers to Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation. This presentation may contain forward looking statements. Our actual results could be affected by the risks affecting the company which can be found in the risk factors included in our 8-K filing for the quarter ended Decembe ...
TD Cowen Reviews Aflac (AFL) Ahead of Q4 Life Insurance Preview
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-03 14:38
Group 1: Company Overview - Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) provides supplemental insurance and financial protection products primarily in the United States and Japan [3]. Group 2: Price Target Adjustment - TD Cowen has reduced its price target for Aflac from $102 to $100 while maintaining a Hold rating, citing modest headwinds from lower returns on alternative investments [1]. Group 3: Cybersecurity Incident - Aflac experienced a significant cybersecurity breach, with hackers accessing customer data affecting approximately 22.65 million individuals [2]. - The stolen data included sensitive information such as names, dates of birth, home addresses, Social Security numbers, and health insurance details [3]. - Aflac is notifying affected customers and providing support resources, while stating that it is not aware of any fraudulent use of the compromised personal information [3].