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The Zacks Analyst Blog Cincinnati Financial, W. R. Berkley and AXIS Capital
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For Immediate Releases
Chicago, IL – September 20 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Cincinnati Financial Corp. (CINF - Free Report) , W. R. Berkley Corp. (WRB - Free Report) and AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. (AXS - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:
3 P&C Insurance Stocks to Add to Your Portfolio Despite Fed Rate Cut
In its FOMC meeting, the Federal Reserve announced cutting the interest rate by 50 basis points. This is the first time in four years that the central bank has taken such an action. The interest rate is now 4.75%-5%, down from a more than two-decade high of 5.25%-5.5%. All the major indices — the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq — declined yesterday.
Despite the lowered rate, Cincinnati Financial Corp., W. R. Berkley Corp. and AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. are poised to perform well banking on prudent pricing, increased exposure, streamlined operations, global presence and a solid capital position.
Insurers are direct beneficiaries of a rising rate environment. They invest a portion of their premiums. Long-tail insurers tend to gain more from rising rates as they have more time to invest their premiums and earn a higher rate of return. With a lower rate of return, investment income will suffer.
As far as commercial insurers are concerned, lower interest rates can make it difficult for them to maintain adequate reserves for long-tail liabilities. This can lead to increased volatility in claims reserve.
The insurance industry contributes significantly to the GDP. Per the Federal Reserve issued FOMC statement, “Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace.” U.S. GDP grew 3% in the second quarter after growth slowed to 1.4% in the first quarter. Thus, an improving GDP indicates better performance of the insurance industry.
As inflation approaches the target of 2%, stable employment and improved retail sales data will likely lead to more rate cuts. Per a report published in CNBC, “In addition to this reduction, the committee indicated through its dot plot” the equivalent of 50 more basis points of cuts by the end of the year, close to market pricing. The matrix of individual officials’ expectations pointed to another full percentage point in cuts by the end of 2025 and a half point in 2026. In all, the dot plot shows the benchmark rate coming down about 2 percentage points beyond Wednesday’s move.”
3 Insurance Stocks to Buy Now
With the help of the Zacks Stock Screener, we have selected three P&C insurers that have an impressive Value Score of A or B. Each of these stocks either carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Back-tested results have shown that stocks with a solid Value Score and a favorable Zacks Rank are the most attractive, and their returns are better. The stocks also have been witnessing rising earnings estimates and have a beta of less than 1, indicating less volatility than the market and a strong dividend yield. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Cincinnati Financial: Headquarters in Fairfield, OH, Cincinnati Financial markets property and casualty insurance. Prudent pricing, an agent-centric model, a higher level of insured exposures and disciplined expansion of Cincinnati Re will drive this insurer. This Zacks Rank #2 insurer has increased its annual cash dividend rate for 64 consecutive years, a record that is believed to be matched by only seven other U.S. publicly traded companies.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CINF’s 2024 and 2025 earnings suggests 9.1.% and 7.1% year-over-year growth, respectively. The consensus estimate for 2024 and 2025 has moved up 5.6% and 0.9%, respectively, in the past 60 days.
The stock currently has a P/B ratio of 1.67. It has a Value Score of B and a beta of 0.66.
W.R. Berkley: Based in Greenwich, CT., W.R. Berkley is one of the nation’s largest commercial lines property casualty insurance providers. A solid insurance business, momentum in international business and a sturdy financial position should continue to drive earnings. W.R. Berkley maintains a solid balance sheet with sufficient liquidity and strong cash flows. Banking on prudent underwriting, it boasts more than 60 straight quarters of favorable reserve development. W.R. Berkley has been hiking dividends since 2005, banking on a solid capital position.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WRB’s 2024 and 2025 earnings suggests 22.9% and 5.7% year-over-year growth, respectively. The consensus estimate for 2024 and 2025 earnings has moved 4.4% and 1.4% north in the past 60 days. The expected long-term earnings growth rate is 13.5%.
This Zacks Rank #2 stock currently has a P/B ratio of 2.83. It has a Value Score of A and a beta of 0.62.
Axis Capital Holdings: Bermuda-based Axis Capital focuses on growth areas, including wholesale insurance and lower middle markets, deploying resources prudently while enhancing efficiencies and improving its portfolio mix and underwriting profitability. AXIS Capital is also working with its distribution partners to use expanding digital capabilities to create new business growth in desirable smaller accounts. AXS, aiming for leadership in specialty risks, has an impressive dividend history. It has hiked dividends for 18 straight years and boasts one of the highest dividend yields among its peers. It sports a Zacks Rank #1.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AXS’ 2024 and 2025 earnings suggests 8.7% year-over-year growth each. The consensus estimate for 2024 and 2025 has moved up 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively, in the past 30 days. The expected long-term earnings growth rate is pegged at 27.8%, better than the industry average of 11.2%.
The stock currently has a P/B ratio of 1.31. It has a Value Score of A and a beta of 0.89.
Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?
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Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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The Zacks Analyst Blog Cincinnati Financial, W. R. Berkley and AXIS Capital
For Immediate Releases
Chicago, IL – September 20 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Cincinnati Financial Corp. (CINF - Free Report) , W. R. Berkley Corp. (WRB - Free Report) and AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. (AXS - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:
3 P&C Insurance Stocks to Add to Your Portfolio Despite Fed Rate Cut
In its FOMC meeting, the Federal Reserve announced cutting the interest rate by 50 basis points. This is the first time in four years that the central bank has taken such an action. The interest rate is now 4.75%-5%, down from a more than two-decade high of 5.25%-5.5%. All the major indices — the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq — declined yesterday.
Despite the lowered rate, Cincinnati Financial Corp., W. R. Berkley Corp. and AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. are poised to perform well banking on prudent pricing, increased exposure, streamlined operations, global presence and a solid capital position.
Insurers are direct beneficiaries of a rising rate environment. They invest a portion of their premiums. Long-tail insurers tend to gain more from rising rates as they have more time to invest their premiums and earn a higher rate of return. With a lower rate of return, investment income will suffer.
As far as commercial insurers are concerned, lower interest rates can make it difficult for them to maintain adequate reserves for long-tail liabilities. This can lead to increased volatility in claims reserve.
The insurance industry contributes significantly to the GDP. Per the Federal Reserve issued FOMC statement, “Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace.” U.S. GDP grew 3% in the second quarter after growth slowed to 1.4% in the first quarter. Thus, an improving GDP indicates better performance of the insurance industry.
As inflation approaches the target of 2%, stable employment and improved retail sales data will likely lead to more rate cuts. Per a report published in CNBC, “In addition to this reduction, the committee indicated through its dot plot” the equivalent of 50 more basis points of cuts by the end of the year, close to market pricing. The matrix of individual officials’ expectations pointed to another full percentage point in cuts by the end of 2025 and a half point in 2026. In all, the dot plot shows the benchmark rate coming down about 2 percentage points beyond Wednesday’s move.”
3 Insurance Stocks to Buy Now
With the help of the Zacks Stock Screener, we have selected three P&C insurers that have an impressive Value Score of A or B. Each of these stocks either carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Back-tested results have shown that stocks with a solid Value Score and a favorable Zacks Rank are the most attractive, and their returns are better. The stocks also have been witnessing rising earnings estimates and have a beta of less than 1, indicating less volatility than the market and a strong dividend yield. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Cincinnati Financial: Headquarters in Fairfield, OH, Cincinnati Financial markets property and casualty insurance. Prudent pricing, an agent-centric model, a higher level of insured exposures and disciplined expansion of Cincinnati Re will drive this insurer. This Zacks Rank #2 insurer has increased its annual cash dividend rate for 64 consecutive years, a record that is believed to be matched by only seven other U.S. publicly traded companies.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CINF’s 2024 and 2025 earnings suggests 9.1.% and 7.1% year-over-year growth, respectively. The consensus estimate for 2024 and 2025 has moved up 5.6% and 0.9%, respectively, in the past 60 days.
The stock currently has a P/B ratio of 1.67. It has a Value Score of B and a beta of 0.66.
W.R. Berkley: Based in Greenwich, CT., W.R. Berkley is one of the nation’s largest commercial lines property casualty insurance providers. A solid insurance business, momentum in international business and a sturdy financial position should continue to drive earnings. W.R. Berkley maintains a solid balance sheet with sufficient liquidity and strong cash flows. Banking on prudent underwriting, it boasts more than 60 straight quarters of favorable reserve development. W.R. Berkley has been hiking dividends since 2005, banking on a solid capital position.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WRB’s 2024 and 2025 earnings suggests 22.9% and 5.7% year-over-year growth, respectively. The consensus estimate for 2024 and 2025 earnings has moved 4.4% and 1.4% north in the past 60 days. The expected long-term earnings growth rate is 13.5%.
This Zacks Rank #2 stock currently has a P/B ratio of 2.83. It has a Value Score of A and a beta of 0.62.
Axis Capital Holdings: Bermuda-based Axis Capital focuses on growth areas, including wholesale insurance and lower middle markets, deploying resources prudently while enhancing efficiencies and improving its portfolio mix and underwriting profitability. AXIS Capital is also working with its distribution partners to use expanding digital capabilities to create new business growth in desirable smaller accounts. AXS, aiming for leadership in specialty risks, has an impressive dividend history. It has hiked dividends for 18 straight years and boasts one of the highest dividend yields among its peers. It sports a Zacks Rank #1.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AXS’ 2024 and 2025 earnings suggests 8.7% year-over-year growth each. The consensus estimate for 2024 and 2025 has moved up 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively, in the past 30 days. The expected long-term earnings growth rate is pegged at 27.8%, better than the industry average of 11.2%.
The stock currently has a P/B ratio of 1.31. It has a Value Score of A and a beta of 0.89.
Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?
Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.
Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.
See Stocks Free >>
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.