Mercury Insurance Named as a Top Customer Service Provider in Financial Services for 2026 by USA TODAY [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationMercury joins nationally recognized financial services brands, such as American Express and Capital One in USA Today's ranking.LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- [Mercury Insurance](NYSE/NYSE Texas: [MCY]) has earned a spot on USA Today's inaugural list of America's Best Customer Service providers in Financial Services for 2026, recognizing companies that co ...

2,800 Teen Deaths. 3x the Risk. Why the First Year Behind the Wheel is the Most Dangerous [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationFederal data shows drivers 16-19 are nearly three times more likely to be in a fatal crash – preparation, and protection matter.LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The driver's license photo may be slightly awkward, but the milestone is unforgettable. For families, a newly licensed teen means independence, busy schedules — and a new set of responsibilities.Motor vehicle c ...

Core Insights - Assurant reported its ninth consecutive year of profitable growth in 2025, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by approximately 11% and adjusted EPS rising by about 12% excluding catastrophes [3][7]. Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA excluding catastrophes has increased by over $700 million since 2020, representing an 11% compound annual growth rate [2]. - Adjusted EPS excluding catastrophes grew to $22.81 per share, with a total shareholder return of approximately 93% over the last five years [2]. - Including catastrophes, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS increased by 16% and 19%, respectively, in 2025 [3][7]. Business Segments - In Global Lifestyle, adjusted EBITDA grew at a mid-single-digit rate, with Connected Living adding nearly 2 million protected devices, totaling over 66 million globally [1][7]. - Global Automotive also saw mid-single-digit earnings growth, with Assurant now protecting 57 million vehicles, an increase of nearly 2 million from the previous year [8]. - Global Housing achieved double-digit adjusted EBITDA growth in 2025, surpassing $1 billion in segment earnings, more than doubling since 2022 [9]. Strategic Initiatives - Assurant is launching a national rollout of its Home Warranty service, integrated into real estate transactions, and has signed a long-term agreement with Compass International Holdings [5][21]. - The company is investing in AI and reverse logistics to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [5][24]. - Share repurchases for 2026 are planned in the range of $250 million to $350 million, following $300 million in buybacks in 2025 [5][25]. 2026 Outlook - Management expects underlying adjusted EBITDA and EPS to grow mid- to high-single digits excluding catastrophes, with an anticipated annual CAT load of about $180–$185 million [6][20]. - Global Lifestyle is expected to lead growth, with high-single-digit earnings expansion driven by new program optimizations and existing client expansions [17]. - In Global Housing, growth is anticipated from higher tracked loans and continued hardening in the voluntary homeowners market [18][19]. Capital Deployment - Assurant returned $138 million to shareholders in the fourth quarter, including $94 million in share repurchases and $44 million in dividends [14]. - The company increased its dividend by 10% in November, marking its 21st consecutive year of dividend increases [15]. - Corporate EBITDA loss is expected to be approximately $140 million in 2026 due to investments in the Home Warranty segment [22]. Market Position - The home warranty market is described as fragmented, with opportunities for growth as customer trust improves [23]. - Assurant's strategic moves include expanding partnerships with major brands and enhancing service delivery through technology [8][24].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased to $17.3 billion for Q4 2025 and $67.7 billion for the year, with net income applicable to common shareholders at $3.8 billion for the quarter and $10.2 billion for the year [4] - Adjusted net income was $3.8 billion, or $14.31 per common share for Q4, and $9.3 billion, or $34.83 per share for 2025, compared to $1.9 billion in 2024 [4] - The primary drivers of increased income included better underwriting losses, lower catastrophes, and reserve releases from prior years [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Property-Liability business generated strong results, with premiums earned increasing by 4.4% in auto insurance and 15% in homeowners insurance [15] - Auto policy growth was 2.3% and homeowners policy growth was 2.5%, with the auto combined ratio improving by 10 points compared to the prior year [15] - Homeowners insurance recorded a combined ratio of 84.4, reflecting strong underlying performance and lower catastrophe losses [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The protection services segment grew policies in force by 3.3% to 172 million, with revenue increasing by 11.7% to $3.3 billion for the year [13] - Domestic revenue in the protection services segment increased by 8.1% year-over-year, while international revenue surged by 39.7% [14] - The auto insurance growth accelerated geographically, with 20 states growing policies by at least 4% and representing over 70% of countrywide written premium [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase personal property-liability market share and expand customer protection, focusing on affordability and operational excellence [3] - The Transformative Growth initiative has reduced the adjusted expense ratio by 6.6 points since 2018, allowing for competitive pricing while maintaining margins [10] - New products like the Affordable, Simple, Connected auto insurance have been introduced in multiple states to enhance customer value [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the importance of addressing insurance affordability through cost reductions rather than profit increases, emphasizing the need for legislative changes to control costs [5][6] - The competitive landscape remains challenging, with key competitors being Progressive, GEICO, and State Farm, but the company believes its Transformative Growth strategy is effective in gaining market share [30][31] - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing strong growth potential in homeowners insurance and the effectiveness of new product offerings [32] Other Important Information - The company returned $2.2 billion to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and share repurchases, with a new $4 billion share repurchase program authorized [22] - The investment portfolio performed well, with net investment income rising to $3.4 billion, reflecting strong risk discipline and higher fixed income yields [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regulatory and legislative changes regarding rate relief - Management acknowledged the complexity of predicting regulatory changes but emphasized the need for cost reductions to improve affordability for consumers [25][26] Question: Competitive landscape in auto and home insurance - Management noted that competition is intense but believes their differentiated products and pricing strategies position them well in the market [28][30] Question: Impact of legacy policies on auto PIF - Management confirmed that the slide includes inactive brands and is focused on overall growth rather than just active brands [43][44] Question: New business penalty and its impact on margins - Management indicated that increased pricing sophistication has reduced the new business penalty, allowing for growth while maintaining target margins [53][54] Question: Capital priorities and share repurchase program - Management stated that the priority is to maximize shareholder returns through organic growth and share repurchases, with M&A being a secondary consideration [81][84] Question: Premium per policy trends and retention - Management clarified that while price impacts retention, they do not consider their retention weak and are actively working to improve it through initiatives like the SAVE program [91][92]

Core Insights - Privium Fund Management B.V. increased its stake in Lemonade by purchasing 103,259 shares, valued at approximately $6.94 million, during Q4 2025 [2] - The total stake in Lemonade reached 248,259 shares, with a reported value of $17.67 million, reflecting a $9.91 million increase from the previous quarter [2] - Lemonade's share price rose to $80.57, marking a 142.9% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 15% gain [3] Company Overview - Lemonade is a technology-driven insurance company focusing on property and casualty coverage, with operations in the U.S. and Europe [5] - The company utilizes a fully digital platform to provide efficient and customer-centric insurance experiences, leveraging AI and automation to reduce costs and improve underwriting accuracy [5] - Revenue for Lemonade stands at $658.60 million, with a net income of -$173.80 million and a market capitalization of $6.02 billion as of February 2, 2026 [4] Financial Performance - In-force premiums increased by 30% year-over-year to $1.16 billion, while gross profit more than doubled to $80 million, resulting in an expanded margin of 41% [8] - The gross loss ratio improved to 62%, and adjusted EBITDA narrowed to a $26 million loss from $49 million the previous year [9] - Lemonade generated $18 million in adjusted free cash flow, indicating that scale and AI-driven automation are effectively reducing costs [9] Investment Implications - Lemonade's position in Privium's portfolio represents over 3% of assets, indicating a significant but not dominant stake [10] - The company is demonstrating the ability to grow premiums rapidly while reducing losses, which may attract investor attention despite inherent risks [10]

Core Insights - Mercury Insurance emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures to mitigate water damage risks following winter storms, particularly as temperatures fluctuate [1][5]. Group 1: Company Actions and Recommendations - Mercury Insurance encourages homeowners and business owners to take proactive steps to prevent interior water damage, which is a common and costly issue [1][5]. - The company shares winter guidance developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to help reduce property damage through informed actions [3][5]. - Specific recommendations include knowing the location of the main water shutoff valve, safely clearing snow, addressing snow accumulation on structures, using generators cautiously, and documenting any damage promptly [7]. Group 2: Industry Context - Interior water losses are one of the most frequent types of insurance claims, especially after freeze events when plumbing systems are under stress due to rapid temperature changes [5]. - The fluctuating temperatures following winter storms can lead to new risks, such as frozen pipes cracking and leaking, which necessitates vigilance from property owners [2][4].

Core Insights - Lemonade is rapidly growing in the insurance sector, utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance its services and operations [1][2] - The company offers a range of insurance products including homeowners', renters', pet, term life, and auto insurance across the U.S. and Europe [1] Business Model and Growth - Lemonade differentiates itself from traditional insurers by using AI bots for sales and claims processing, allowing for more accurate pricing and lower costs [2] - The company is expected to see significant revenue growth, with Zacks Consensus Analyst Estimates projecting a 54.18% increase for 2026 [2] Sales Estimates - Current quarter sales estimate is $216.67 million, with projections for the next quarter at $231.60 million [3] - For the current year, sales are estimated at $726.51 million, with a forecast of $1.12 billion for the next year [3] - Year-over-year growth estimates indicate a 45.61% increase for the current quarter and a 53.18% increase for the next quarter [3] Tesla Partnership - Lemonade announced a partnership with Tesla to offer a new car insurance product designed for self-driving vehicles, which will utilize actual usage data for pricing [4][6] - The partnership is expected to provide Lemonade with exclusive access to Tesla vehicle data and a significant customer base [6][7] - Tesla customers can expect a 50% discount on insurance when using Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature [5][6] Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the partnership, Lemonade's stock (LMND) rose nearly 10% on high trading volume, reflecting positive investor sentiment [8] - Over the past year, LMND shares have increased by 163% [8] Conclusion - The collaboration between Lemonade and Tesla signifies a transformative approach to risk assessment in modern insurance, leveraging AI for competitive advantage [10]

Core Insights - Winter driving risks are often underestimated, even by experienced drivers, highlighting the need for a review of fundamental safety practices before travel [1][6] Group 1: Winter Driving Essentials - Tires are crucial for winter driving; regular checks on tread depth and tire pressure are necessary as cold temperatures can reduce traction [2] - Visibility is critical during winter; replacing worn wiper blades, ensuring windshield washer fluid is suitable for freezing temperatures, and maintaining clean headlights and taillights are essential [3] - An emergency kit should be carried in vehicles, including items like a flashlight, phone charger, blanket, water, and simple tools, to prepare for unexpected situations [4] Group 2: Driving Behavior Adjustments - Drivers should slow down and increase following distances to allow more time to react to changing road conditions, as cold roads and black ice can be deceptive [5] - Many winter crashes occur on seemingly dry roads where traction is compromised, emphasizing the importance of awareness beyond severe weather conditions [6]

Core Insights - Understanding seasonal volatility in weather patterns can help homeowners and drivers mitigate preventable losses caused by extreme weather events [1][2][6] Weather-Related Risks - An active weather pattern characterized by variable temperatures and precipitation is increasing weather-related risks, with factors such as atmospheric rivers and temperature swings contributing to this volatility [1][4] - Meteorologists attribute the current winter weather risks to a disrupted polar vortex, leading to record cold and snow in certain regions, followed by heat waves and severe weather events on the West Coast [4] Common Vulnerabilities - Common winter vulnerabilities include water damage from frozen pipes, structural damage from heavy snow and ice, increased fire risks from heating sources, and accidents due to slick roads [8] Importance of Preparation - Early awareness and proactive measures, such as checking drainage, sealing gaps, and adjusting driving habits, are crucial for reducing the likelihood of insurance claims [5][6] - The company emphasizes that preparation is key to avoiding disruptions caused by weather events, highlighting that proactive homeowners and drivers tend to have better outcomes [6] Recommended Actions - Suggested actions to reduce weather-related risks include inspecting roofs and gutters, knowing the location of the main water shutoff, securing outdoor items, and driving cautiously in adverse conditions [9]

Core Insights - Mercury Insurance emphasizes the importance of home preparation during the holiday season to ensure safety and facilitate Santa's delivery [1][7] Group 1: Home Safety Tips - Clearing the roof of leaves, debris, and snow is essential for preventing damage and ensuring safe rooftop inspections [2] - A clean chimney is crucial for fire safety, requiring the removal of soot and proper inspection for ventilation [3] - Securing holiday lights and decorations prevents electrical hazards, ensuring they are properly rated for outdoor use [4] - Keeping walkways and entry points clear helps prevent slips and falls for both Santa and holiday guests [5] - Double-checking doors and windows before bed enhances security against unwanted visitors [6] Group 2: Company Overview - Mercury Insurance offers a wide range of insurance products, including personal auto, homeowners, and business insurance, through a network of independent agents [8][9] - The company has been providing value through competitive rates and excellent customer service since 1962, earning an "A" rating from A.M. Best [10]