Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the "long context," investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.Whil ...

For those looking to find strong Finance stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is American Healthcare REIT (AHR) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Finance peers, we might be able to answer that question.American Healthcare REIT is a member of our Finance group, which includes 863 different companies and currently sits at #1 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges ...

Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the "long context," investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.Whil ...

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Axis Capital (AXS) . Shares have added about 9.2% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Axis Capital due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Axis Capital Holdings Limited before we dive into how investors and ...

Core Insights - RenaissanceRe reported a strong Q3 2025 operating income of $15.62 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 64.6% and showing a year-over-year increase of 52.7% [2] - Total operating revenues were $2.9 billion, down 4.5% year over year, missing the consensus estimate by 3.7% [2] Financial Performance - The quarterly results were driven by lower expenses and strong underwriting performance, particularly in the Property segment, while net investment income also improved [3] - Total expenses decreased by 23.3% year over year to $1.7 billion, significantly lower than estimates, due to declines in net claims, acquisition costs, and operational expenses [6] - Underwriting income reached $770.2 million, a 95.6% increase year over year, with a combined ratio improving by 1,640 basis points to 68.4% [6] Segment Analysis - **Property Segment**: Gross premiums written fell 7.3% year over year to $733.3 million, with net premiums earned decreasing by 5.8% to $936.9 million [8] - **Casualty & Specialty Segment**: Gross premiums written dipped 1.2% to $1.6 billion, with net premiums earned down 5.7% to $1.5 billion, resulting in an underwriting loss of $21.3 million [10][11] Investment Income - Net investment income was $438.4 million, a 3.4% year-over-year increase, attributed to improved average invested assets [5] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $1.7 billion, total assets increased to $54.5 billion, and total shareholders' equity rose to $11.5 billion [12] Share Repurchase Activity - RenaissanceRe repurchased common shares worth approximately $205.2 million in Q3 2025, with an additional $100 million in repurchases from October 1 to October 24, 2025 [13] Market Outlook - The consensus estimate for RenaissanceRe has shifted by 12.01% since the earnings release, indicating a flat trend in fresh estimates [14] - The company holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [16] Industry Comparison - RenaissanceRe operates within the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry, where competitor Chubb reported a 7.5% year-over-year revenue increase to $16.14 billion [17]

Core Insights - Arch Capital Group Ltd. reported a strong third-quarter 2025 operating income of $2.77 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 26.5% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 39.2% [3][4] - The company's stock has appreciated approximately 10.5% since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500 [1][2] Financial Performance - Gross premiums written decreased by 0.6% year over year to $5.4 billion, while net premiums written fell by 2.1% to $4 billion [4] - Operating revenues rose by 7.8% year over year to $4.7 billion, although this figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.6% [5] - Pre-tax net investment income increased by 2.3% year over year to $408 million, slightly below estimates [4] - Underwriting income surged by 61.9% year over year to $871 million, with the combined ratio improving by 680 basis points to 79.8 [6] Segment Analysis - **Insurance Segment**: Gross premiums written increased by 9.7% year over year to $2.6 billion, with net premiums written climbing 7.3% to $2 billion [7] - **Reinsurance Segment**: Gross premiums written declined by 9% year over year to $2.5 billion, while net premiums written fell by 10.7% to $1.7 billion, despite a significant increase in underwriting income by 223.5% to $482 million [8] - **Mortgage Segment**: Gross premiums written dipped by 2.7% year over year to $330 million, with net premiums written decreasing by 2.8% to $274 million [9] Financial Health - As of September 30, 2025, Arch Capital had cash reserves of $1.1 billion, an increase of 8.6% from the end of 2024, and maintained a debt level of $2.7 billion [10] - The book value per share rose by 17.3% to $62.32, and the annualized operating return on average common equity expanded by 70 basis points to 18.5% [10][11] Market Outlook - Estimates for Arch Capital have been trending upward, indicating a positive outlook, with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) suggesting an expectation of above-average returns in the coming months [12][14] - The stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A, indicating strong performance across various investment strategies [13] Industry Comparison - Arch Capital operates within the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry, where peer W.R. Berkley has seen a 7.3% gain over the past month, reporting revenues of $3.69 billion, a year-over-year increase of 8.2% [15]

Core Insights - Cincinnati Financial Corporation reported strong Q3 2025 earnings, with operating income of $2.85 per share, exceeding estimates by 41.8% and showing a year-over-year increase of 100.7% [3] - Total operating revenues reached $2.9 billion, a 12.1% increase year-over-year, driven by higher earned premiums and investment income [4] - The company experienced significant growth in its property & casualty insurance business, with underwriting income increasing nearly fivefold to $293 million and an improved combined ratio of 88.2 [6] Financial Performance - Net written premiums rose 9% year-over-year to $2.5 billion, supported by premium growth initiatives and price increases [4] - Investment income increased 14% year-over-year to $295 million, attributed to higher interest income from fixed-maturity securities [5] - Total benefits and expenses increased 14.5% year-over-year to $2.3 billion, primarily due to higher underwriting and acquisition expenses [5] Segment Performance - Commercial Lines Insurance revenues increased 8% year-over-year to $1.2 billion, with underwriting income jumping nearly 37% to $111 million [7] - Personal Lines Insurance revenues rose 23% year-over-year to $839 million, with an underwriting profit of $99 million compared to a loss in the previous year [8] - Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance revenues grew 11% year-over-year to $157 million, with underwriting profit increasing 138% to $19 million [9] - Life Insurance revenues were up 5% year-over-year to $135 million, exceeding estimates [10] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, total assets were $40.6 billion, an 11.1% increase from the end of 2024 [11] - Total debt remained unchanged at $815 million, with a debt-to-capital ratio of 5%, improving by 50 basis points from the previous year [12] - Book value per share increased 12% year-over-year to $98.76 [12] Market Outlook - Recent estimates for Cincinnati Financial have shown a downward trend, indicating a potential pullback in stock performance [13][15] - The company holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [15] - Cincinnati Financial is part of the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry, which has seen competitors like Progressive report strong earnings growth [16]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Universal Insurance Holdings (UVE) - UVE currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating a favorable momentum characteristic [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting strong potential for outperformance in the market [3] Performance Metrics - UVE shares have increased by 2.35% over the past week, outperforming the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry, which rose by 1.98% [6] - Over the past month, UVE's price has risen by 13.83%, significantly higher than the industry's 2.01% [6] - In the last quarter, UVE shares rose by 34.12%, and over the past year, they increased by 44.27%, while the S&P 500 only moved 2.58% and 11.81%, respectively [7] Trading Volume - UVE's average 20-day trading volume is 218,856 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, one earnings estimate for UVE has increased, while none have decreased, raising the consensus estimate from $2.65 to $4.63 [10] - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has also moved upwards with no downward revisions [10] Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, UVE is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a compelling investment option [12]

Core Viewpoint - Selective Insurance reported mixed results for Q3 2025, missing earnings estimates but showing strong year-over-year growth in operating income and total revenues [2][3]. Financial Performance - Operating income for Q3 2025 was $1.75 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.9%, but increased by 25% year over year [2]. - Total revenues reached $1.4 billion, an 8.9% increase from the previous year, driven by higher net premiums written and net investment income [3]. - Net premiums written increased by 4% year over year to $1.2 billion, with average renewal pure price decreasing by 90 basis points to 9.6% [3]. - Net investment income rose by 18% year over year to $110 million [4]. - Net catastrophe losses were $24.9 million, significantly lower than the previous year's loss of $148.8 million [4]. - Total expenses increased by 7.7% year over year to $1.2 billion, primarily due to higher loss and loss expenses [5]. Segmental Results - Standard Commercial Lines' net premiums written increased by 4% year over year to $940.8 million, with a combined ratio of 101.1 [6]. - Standard Personal Lines' net premiums written decreased by 6% year over year to $104.2 million, with a combined ratio improving to 110.1 [7]. - Excess & Surplus Lines' net premiums written increased by 14% year over year to $162.9 million, with a combined ratio improving to 76.2 [8]. Financial Update - Total assets at the end of Q3 2025 were $15 billion, an 11% increase from December 2024 [10]. - Long-term debt surged by 78% to $902.3 million, with a debt-to-total capitalization ratio of 20.5% [10]. - Adjusted book value per share increased by 12% year over year to $54.46 [10]. - Operating return on common equity was 13.2%, up 110 basis points year over year [10]. Shareholder Returns - The company repurchased $36 million worth of shares in Q3 2025 [11]. - A quarterly cash dividend of 43 cents per share was authorized, marking a 13% increase and the 12th consecutive annual increase [11]. - A new share repurchase program was authorized for up to $200 million, effective from October 27, 2025 [12]. Guidance - The company estimates a GAAP combined ratio of 97% to 98% for 2025 [13]. - After-tax net investment income is estimated at $420 million, up from previous guidance of $415 million [13]. Market Position - Selective Insurance has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating an expectation of an in-line return in the coming months [16]. - The stock has a Growth Score of B, a Momentum Score of F, and a Value Score of A, placing it in the top 20% for value investors [15].

Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) reported strong third-quarter earnings, with operating income per share of $1.70, exceeding estimates by 19.7% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 26.8% [3] - The company experienced a significant rise in operating revenues, which reached $1.9 billion, marking a 40.7% increase year-over-year, driven by higher direct premiums and improved net investment income [4] - The board of directors raised the dividend by 2 cents to $2.20 per share, indicating confidence in the company's financial health [10] Financial Performance - Operating income per share for Q3 2025 was $1.70, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 19.7% [3] - Total revenues increased to $1.9 billion, up 40.7% year-over-year, driven by higher direct premiums and escrow fees [4] - Investment income rose to $163.8 million, an 11.7% increase year-over-year [4] - Expenses increased by 11.7% to $1.7 billion, slightly above estimates [4] Segment Analysis - Title Insurance and Services segment revenues grew by 42% year-over-year to $1.8 billion, driven by higher direct premiums and improved net investment income [5] - Home Warranty segment revenues increased by 3.3% to $114.6 million, with a significant pretax income increase of 80% year-over-year [7] - Corporate segment reported a pretax loss of $25 million, an increase of $6 million compared to the previous year [8] Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $2.91 billion, a 69.4% increase from the end of 2024 [9] - Stockholders' equity rose to $5.3 billion, an 8% increase from the previous year [9] - The debt-to-capital ratio was reported at 33% [9] Market Outlook - Analysts have noted an upward trend in estimates for FAF, with a consensus estimate shift of 8.94% [11] - The stock has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [13] - The overall VGM Score for FAF is B, with a strong value score placing it in the top 20% for value investors [12]