Industry Overview - The Zacks Property and Casualty Insurance (P&C) industry is experiencing softer pricing after years of improvement, but is expected to benefit from prudent underwriting, exposure growth, and accelerated digitalization [1] - The industry includes companies providing commercial and personal property insurance, casualty insurance products, and services, with premiums being the primary revenue source [3] - The industry is currently ranked 173 in the Zacks Industry Rank, placing it in the bottom 29% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating weak prospects in the near term [8][9] Trends and Challenges - Global commercial insurance rates fell by 4% in Q3, marking a decline after seven years of rising rates, with personal auto insurance expected to perform strongly due to improved investment returns and reduced claims [4] - The property and casualty insurance industry is vulnerable to catastrophe events, which can negatively impact underwriting profits, with estimated insured losses from natural catastrophes reaching approximately $107 billion by 2025 [5] - Increased adoption of technology, including blockchain and AI, is transforming the industry, although it also introduces cyber threats [7] Company Insights - **Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. (SKWD)**: Focuses on complex, underserved risk segments and is well-positioned for growth, with a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings suggesting a 29.4% year-over-year growth [17][18] - **Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF)**: Continues to grow through better pricing and strong renewal rates, with a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings indicating a 16.2% year-over-year growth [21][22] - **Hagerty Inc. (HGTY)**: A specialty insurer with a diversified model, expected to achieve 17.6% year-over-year growth in 2026 earnings [24][25] - **Chubb Limited (CB)**: One of the largest P&C insurers, focusing on middle-market businesses and cyber insurance, with a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings suggesting an 8.9% year-over-year growth [27][28] - **The Travelers Companies (TRV)**: A leading writer of auto and homeowners' insurance, expected to see a 6.9% year-over-year increase in 2026 earnings [30][32] Financial Performance - The Property and Casualty Insurance industry has underperformed compared to its sector and the S&P 500, with a collective stock increase of 6.9% versus 16.8% for the sector and 19.8% for the S&P 500 over the past year [10] - The industry is currently trading at a trailing 12-month price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 1.46X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 8.69X and the sector's 4.23X [13]

Core Viewpoint - Skyward Specialty Insurance Group has introduced Skyward Group as the unified brand for its holding company following the acquisition of Apollo, which was completed on January 1, 2026 [1] Group Overview - Skyward Group serves as the holding company for Skyward Specialty Insurance Group and Apollo, maintaining the individual identities of both brands to honor their established reputations [2][3] - The company aims to communicate a unified vision and strategy to investors and stakeholders while preserving the unique cultures and market expertise of each brand [2][4] Market Position and Offerings - Through its brands, Skyward Specialty and Apollo, Skyward Group provides specialized insurance solutions across global specialty property and casualty markets, focusing on niche and complex risks [4] - Skyward Specialty operates through nine underwriting divisions, including Accident & Health, Agriculture, Construction & Energy Solutions, and more, delivering both non-admitted and admitted insurance products [6] - Apollo operates at Lloyd's of London, offering data-driven solutions across various sectors, including Property, Casualty, and Marine, and aims to support clients and partners in achieving long-term strategies [8] Company Ratings and Performance - Skyward Specialty's insurance companies are rated A (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company, indicating strong financial health and operational stability [7] Additional Information - Skyward Specialty is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, representing the top fourth of all Nasdaq listed companies [5]