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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: United Insurance Holdings, Progressive, James River Group Holdings and American Equity Investment Life Holding
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For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – October 8, 2018 – 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 United Insurance Holdings Corp. , The Progressive Corp. (PGR - Free Report) , James River Group Holdings, Ltd. (JRVR - Free Report) and American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. .
3 Solid Insurance Companies Poised for Robust Returns in Q4
Given a substantial improvement in the economy, backed by rising interest rates, a growing gross domestic product (GDP) and lower tax incidence, the insurance industry has so far been exhibiting a significantly favorable performance. We expect this momentum to continue in the fourth quarter based on the aforementioned factors, which will enable insurers to focus on bolstering their bottom line as well as boosting top-line growth.
The insurers might grapple with challenges in the form of unpredictable weather-oriented events or regulatory uncertainty but banking on a more-than-decent performance year to date, we anticipate the industry to finish off with much better results in comparison to 2017.
Interest Rate Hike: Keeping Pace With Projection
Per expectations, the Fed raised the interest rate for the third time this year at the Sep 26 FOMC meeting with the current interest rate now ranging at 2-2.25% (also marking the eighth hike since the financial crisis). Also, the regulatory body is estimated to deliver another quarter-point rate hike in December 2018 and three more in 2019. This accelerated pace of rate hikes signifies the strength in economy that will be beneficial to the insurance industry for driving its key players’ results in the final quarter of 2018 and beyond.
This increase in interest rates has been a boon to insurers and we are hopeful that an improving rate environment will aid investment income, an important component of insurers’ revenues. This in turn, will allow insurers to accelerate their overall growth in the near term.
Underwriting Results: So Far So Good?
With no major catastrophic event experienced in the first half, the insurers could display a better-than-expected underwriting performance. Even though the third quarter will bear the brunt of Hurricane Florence, it will still not be as devastating as the damages suffered last year. Recently, United Insurance Holdings Corp. announced that it has incurred $35 million pre-tax catastrophe loss due to the aforementioned hurricane.
Although the aforementioned catastrophic event is likely to impact results in the soon-to-be-reported quarter, the insurers still do not fear a huge dent in their underwriting performance. Thus, the air of optimism surrounding a better underwriting performance remains intact despite massive inclement weather-oriented losses being incurred.
Other Influencing Factors
There are a few other factors consistently enhancing the insurers’ performance in the past couple of quarters and are expected to keep the trend alive in the near term. The unemployment rate is projected at 3.7% in 2018 (the unemployment rate of 3.9% in August denoted the 18-year low level). The gross domestic product is likely to grow 3.1% in 2018 (an increase from the June estimate of 2.8%). Both represent a bullish economic outlook, retaining insurers’ confidence for favorable results.
Additionally, inflation is anticipated to remain slightly above the targeted 2% through 2020, though the same will stay at 2% thereafter.
Moreover, a lower level of tax incidence (effective first-quarter 2018) has been contributing to the insurers’ bottom line. This in turn, will not only support margin expansion but also hike dividend payouts owing to higher net profit available to shareholders.
A strong liquidity profile, attributable to a continued capital inflow into the industry, will not only back the insurers to counter near-term volatility as well as the impact of hostile occurrences but will also sustain the industry’s growth momentum. With the insurance industry boasting an all-time high capital level, strategic mergers and buyouts (an important trend in the industry this year) have become easier to pursue and invest in.
This apart, the insurers stand to benefit from a broader invested asset base and alternative assets.
Key Picks
Riding high on the above-mentioned tailwinds, we have zeroed in on three stocks, displaying more-than-a-modest performance to date. We expect this upside to last for the ongoing quarter as well. These stocks also carry an encouraging VGM Score of A and B and we expect the same to deliver an impressive performance on the basis of northbound estimate revisions, a solid Zacks Rank and share price outperformance on a year-to-date basis. Our research shows that stocks with a commendable VGM Score of A or B when combined with a favorable Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), offer the best investment opportunities. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Mayfield Village, OH-based The Progressive Corp. provides personal and commercial auto insurance, residential property insurance and other specialty property-casualty insurance and related services, primarily in the United States. The stock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings being revised 4.1% upward to $4.57 over the past 60 days. This is also reflected in the company’s Zacks Rank #2. The insurer boasts a VGM Score of A.
The stock has jumped 26.3%, outperforming the industry’s increase of 7.2%.
Pembroke, Bermuda-based James River Group Holdings, Ltd. offers specialty insurance and reinsurance services in the United States. The stock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 bottom line move 2.2% north to $2.35 over the past 60 days. This is also justified by the company’s Zacks Rank of 2. The insurer flaunts a VGM Score of A.
The stock has gained 5.3% against the industry’s decrease of 6.2%.
Headquartered in West Des Moines, IA, American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. provides life insurance products and services in the United States. The stock has seen the consensus mark for current-year earnings being raised 3.5% to $3.55 over the past 60 days. This is also indicated by the company’s Zacks Rank of 2. The life insurer has a VGM Score of B.
The stock has rallied 16.8% versus the industry’s decline of nearly 16.1%.
Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies
It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%.
And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News
Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >>.
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
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 Highlights: United Insurance Holdings, Progressive, James River Group Holdings and American Equity Investment Life Holding
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – October 8, 2018 – 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 United Insurance Holdings Corp. , The Progressive Corp. (PGR - Free Report) , James River Group Holdings, Ltd. (JRVR - Free Report) and American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. .
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:
3 Solid Insurance Companies Poised for Robust Returns in Q4
Given a substantial improvement in the economy, backed by rising interest rates, a growing gross domestic product (GDP) and lower tax incidence, the insurance industry has so far been exhibiting a significantly favorable performance. We expect this momentum to continue in the fourth quarter based on the aforementioned factors, which will enable insurers to focus on bolstering their bottom line as well as boosting top-line growth.
The insurers might grapple with challenges in the form of unpredictable weather-oriented events or regulatory uncertainty but banking on a more-than-decent performance year to date, we anticipate the industry to finish off with much better results in comparison to 2017.
Interest Rate Hike: Keeping Pace With Projection
Per expectations, the Fed raised the interest rate for the third time this year at the Sep 26 FOMC meeting with the current interest rate now ranging at 2-2.25% (also marking the eighth hike since the financial crisis). Also, the regulatory body is estimated to deliver another quarter-point rate hike in December 2018 and three more in 2019. This accelerated pace of rate hikes signifies the strength in economy that will be beneficial to the insurance industry for driving its key players’ results in the final quarter of 2018 and beyond.
This increase in interest rates has been a boon to insurers and we are hopeful that an improving rate environment will aid investment income, an important component of insurers’ revenues. This in turn, will allow insurers to accelerate their overall growth in the near term.
Underwriting Results: So Far So Good?
With no major catastrophic event experienced in the first half, the insurers could display a better-than-expected underwriting performance. Even though the third quarter will bear the brunt of Hurricane Florence, it will still not be as devastating as the damages suffered last year. Recently, United Insurance Holdings Corp. announced that it has incurred $35 million pre-tax catastrophe loss due to the aforementioned hurricane.
Although the aforementioned catastrophic event is likely to impact results in the soon-to-be-reported quarter, the insurers still do not fear a huge dent in their underwriting performance. Thus, the air of optimism surrounding a better underwriting performance remains intact despite massive inclement weather-oriented losses being incurred.
Other Influencing Factors
There are a few other factors consistently enhancing the insurers’ performance in the past couple of quarters and are expected to keep the trend alive in the near term. The unemployment rate is projected at 3.7% in 2018 (the unemployment rate of 3.9% in August denoted the 18-year low level). The gross domestic product is likely to grow 3.1% in 2018 (an increase from the June estimate of 2.8%). Both represent a bullish economic outlook, retaining insurers’ confidence for favorable results.
Additionally, inflation is anticipated to remain slightly above the targeted 2% through 2020, though the same will stay at 2% thereafter.
Moreover, a lower level of tax incidence (effective first-quarter 2018) has been contributing to the insurers’ bottom line. This in turn, will not only support margin expansion but also hike dividend payouts owing to higher net profit available to shareholders.
A strong liquidity profile, attributable to a continued capital inflow into the industry, will not only back the insurers to counter near-term volatility as well as the impact of hostile occurrences but will also sustain the industry’s growth momentum. With the insurance industry boasting an all-time high capital level, strategic mergers and buyouts (an important trend in the industry this year) have become easier to pursue and invest in.
This apart, the insurers stand to benefit from a broader invested asset base and alternative assets.
Key Picks
Riding high on the above-mentioned tailwinds, we have zeroed in on three stocks, displaying more-than-a-modest performance to date. We expect this upside to last for the ongoing quarter as well. These stocks also carry an encouraging VGM Score of A and B and we expect the same to deliver an impressive performance on the basis of northbound estimate revisions, a solid Zacks Rank and share price outperformance on a year-to-date basis. Our research shows that stocks with a commendable VGM Score of A or B when combined with a favorable Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), offer the best investment opportunities. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Mayfield Village, OH-based The Progressive Corp. provides personal and commercial auto insurance, residential property insurance and other specialty property-casualty insurance and related services, primarily in the United States. The stock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings being revised 4.1% upward to $4.57 over the past 60 days. This is also reflected in the company’s Zacks Rank #2. The insurer boasts a VGM Score of A.
The stock has jumped 26.3%, outperforming the industry’s increase of 7.2%.
Pembroke, Bermuda-based James River Group Holdings, Ltd. offers specialty insurance and reinsurance services in the United States. The stock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 bottom line move 2.2% north to $2.35 over the past 60 days. This is also justified by the company’s Zacks Rank of 2. The insurer flaunts a VGM Score of A.
The stock has gained 5.3% against the industry’s decrease of 6.2%.
Headquartered in West Des Moines, IA, American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. provides life insurance products and services in the United States. The stock has seen the consensus mark for current-year earnings being raised 3.5% to $3.55 over the past 60 days. This is also indicated by the company’s Zacks Rank of 2. The life insurer has a VGM Score of B.
The stock has rallied 16.8% versus the industry’s decline of nearly 16.1%.
Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies
It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%.
And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.
See Them Free>>
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News
Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year. See these high-potential 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.