American International Group, Inc. offers insurance products for commercial, institutional, and individual customers in North America and internationally. It operates through three segments: General Insurance, Life and Retirement, and Other Operations. The General Insurance segment provides commercial and industrial property insurance, including business interruption and package insurance that cover exposure to made and natural disasters; general liability, environmental, commercial automobile liability, workers' compensation, excess casualty, and crisis management insurance products; and professional liability insurance. This segment offers marine, energy-related property insurance, aviation, political risk, trade credit, trade finance, and portfolio solutions, as well as operates reinsurance business; voluntary and sponsor-paid personal accident, and supplemental health products; and personal auto and personal property insurance. Its Life and Retirement segment offers individual retirement products, including variable, fixed index, and fixed annuities, as well as retail mutual funds; group retirement products comprising record-keeping, plan administrative and compliance services, financial planning, and advisory solutions; life insurance, including term and universal life insurance; and institutional markets products, which includes wrap products, structured settlement, pension risk transfer annuities, corporate and bank-owned life insurance, high net worth, and guaranteed investment contract products. It distributes its products through a network of brokers, agents, advisors, banks, and other distributors. The company was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

AIG looks like a mature insurance business with stable earnings, but without clear signs of the kind of strong acceleration that would typically justify a meaningful upside in valuation. On the multiples side, the picture is mixed: P/E is around the industry median, while P/B and P/S are below the median, which supports the case for a fair or slightly attractive valuation, but P/FCF is noticeably above the industry level and limits re-rating potential. The recent trend in P/E and P/S has been improving, but P/FCF remains tight, so the market is likely already pricing in part of the earnings quality. Profitability is generally stable, but not outstanding: ROA looks stronger than the industry, while ROE, ROI, and return on tangible equity are below the median, indicating restrained capital efficiency. Profit margins and operating margin are also below industry benchmarks, despite being relatively stable over the years, so there is no sign of meaningful margin expansion yet. Leverage looks comfortable: debt/equity is low, and debt relative to capital does not create noticeable balance sheet pressure, which is a positive for financial stability. At the same time, current and quick liquidity are weak, and the quick ratio is effectively zero, which is not necessarily critical for an insurance model on its own, but still warrants caution in interpretation. Revenue, EBITDA, operating profit, and net income remain positive and generally stable over the years, confirming the resilience of the core business. Equity and assets are also holding at similar levels, with no signs of a sharp deterioration in the balance sheet. Dividend yield has been gradually increasing, which adds to the investment appeal, but the level is still moderate and does not fully offset the lack of strong profitability growth. Overall, the fundamentals support the current valuation more than they call for a meaningful rerating, and certain weak spots in capital efficiency and the cash-based valuation of the business limit upside potential. For an investor, this means AIG looks like a quality insurance asset, but not a cheap or clearly undervalued one, where a moderate recalibration of expectations is more realistic than an aggressive increase in the target price.

American International Group, Inc. New

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Слабый индекс, значительно упал. Рынок на стороне быков.

Weak index, significantly down. The market is on the bulls' side.

Слабый индекс, незначительно упал. Приток средств в лонги остался положительным, но снизился.

Weak index, slightly down. The inflow of funds into longs remained positive, but decreased.

AIG shows stable profitability and low debt, but weak margins, ROE, and an expensive P/FCF limit the potential for a significant valuation re-rating.

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (Symbol: FTA) where we have detected an approximate $243.5 million dollar outflow -- that's a 15.2% decrease week over week (from 16,150,002 to 13,700,002). Among the largest underlying components of FTA, in trading today Fidelity National Information Services Inc (Symbol: FIS) is off about 1%, PayPal Holdings Inc (Symbol: PYPL) is off about 1.4%, and American International Group Inc (Symbol: AIG) is lower by about 0.8%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the FTA Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of FTA, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, FTA's low point in its 52 week range is $77.66 per share, with $101.15 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $98.98. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Further FTA Research:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

FTA, FIS, PYPL, AIG: ETF Outflow Alert

MetLife, Inc. MET is increasingly embedding artificial intelligence (AI) across its business as part of its New Frontier strategy, with the goal of improving efficiency, enhancing customer experiences and supporting long-term growth. Rather than treating AI as a standalone initiative, the insurer is integrating the technology into core operations, from underwriting and claims to customer service and decision-making. This approach is helping the company simplify workflows while positioning it to compete more effectively in an evolving insurance market.
MetLife has invested more than $3.2 billion over the past five years to modernize its technology infrastructure. These investments are enabling broader AI adoption across the enterprise. AI tools are helping employees make faster decisions, reduce operational friction and deliver more personalized customer interactions. MetLife continues to emphasize responsible AI deployment through robust governance and risk management practices.
The company's AI investments are already supporting stronger operating performance. In the first quarter of 2026, adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased 23.5% year over year to $2.42. At the same time, MetLife's direct expense ratio, excluding total notable items related to direct expenses and PRT, improved to 11.9% from 12% a year ago, reflecting continued productivity gains and disciplined cost management.
AI is becoming more than an operational tool for MetLife — it is evolving into a strategic differentiator. By combining technology-driven efficiency with disciplined execution and a diversified business model, the company is positioning itself to improve productivity, strengthen customer relationships and build a sustainable competitive advantage over the long run.
How Are Competitors Faring?
Some of MET’s competitors adopting AI to improve operations include American International Group, Inc. AIG and CNO Financial Group, Inc. CNO.
AIG is expanding its use of AI to improve underwriting accuracy, automate claims handling and strengthen risk assessment. American International Group is also using generative AI to support employees and streamline workflows, helping improve operational efficiency while delivering faster and more personalized customer service.
CNO Financial is adopting AI and advanced analytics to modernize customer engagement, automate routine processes and improve agent productivity. CNO is also investing in digital capabilities that simplify policy servicing and support more personalized insurance solutions, strengthening its long-term operating efficiency.
MET’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
In the year-to-date period, MET’s shares have risen 17.3% compared with the industry’s growth of 4.9%.
From a valuation standpoint, MET trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 8.80, above the industry average of 8.27. MetLife carries a Value Score of A.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MET’s 2026 earnings implies 13% growth from the year-ago period.
MetLife currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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MetLife, Inc. (MET) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

How AI Is Becoming MetLife's Long-Term Competitive Advantage

Shares of Everest Group, Ltd. EG have risen 17.7% in the past year, outperforming the industry’s growth of 6.1%. The stock closed at $377.89 on Monday, near its 52-week high of $379.22, reflecting investor confidence.
EG shares have risen because of stronger-than-expected earnings, a much better combined ratio, lower catastrophe losses, solid investment income and confidence in management's specialty insurance and reinsurance strategy.
1-Year Price Performance: EG, AEG, AIZ, AIG & Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Shares of other insurers like American International Group AIG, Aegon NV AEG and Assurant, Inc. AIZ have gained 9.4%, 12.5% and 17.6% respectively in the past year.
EG’s Attractive Valuation
EG’s shares are trading at a discount compared with the industry. Its price-to-book value of 0.98X is lower than the industry average of 2.98X. The insurer has a Value Score of A.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Shares of other insurers like American International, Aegon and Assurant are trading at a discount to the industry average.
EG’s Growth Projection
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Everest Group’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) is pinned at $53.05, indicating a year-over-year increase of 19.1%. The estimate for 2026 revenues is pegged at $15.94 billion, implying a year-over-year decline of 8.9%. The consensus estimate for 2027 EPS indicates an increase of 13.2%, while revenues indicate a decrease of 3.7% from the corresponding 2026 estimates.
EG’s earnings grew 18% in the last five years, better than the industry average of 10.7 %. The expected long-term earnings growth is pegged at 12.4%.
Optimistic Analyst Sentiment on EG
The company has witnessed four upward earnings estimate revisions for 2026 over the past 60 days, against two downward revisions. For 2027, it has witnessed three upward revisions and one downward revision. Thus, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings has moved north by 0.6% and north 0.2%, respectively, over the same period.
EG’s Return on Invested Capital
The return on invested capital in the trailing 12 months was 9.7%, better than the industry average of 2.2%. This reflects the company’s efficiency in utilizing funds to generate income.
What Drives EG?
Reinsurance Treaty remains Everest Group's key growth engine, supported by disciplined underwriting, favorable reserve development and strong underwriting profitability. The Global Wholesale & Specialty business continues to gain traction, benefiting from portfolio optimization, improved underwriting and growth in higher-margin specialty lines. Although property catastrophe pricing has moderated, management remains disciplined, deploying capital only where risk-adjusted returns meet its profitability thresholds, supporting sustainable long-term earnings growth.
Everest Group continues to enhance portfolio quality by reducing exposure to lower-return casualty and retail insurance businesses while expanding higher-margin specialty and short-tail lines. The company also maintains conservative reserve practices, with favorable property reserve development and no material adverse U.S. casualty reserve movements, reflecting disciplined risk management and supporting earnings quality.
Net investment income has been improving, supported by strong alternative investment returns and growth in the fixed-income portfolio. Higher limited partnership income and expanding assets under management are expected to support investment returns.
Everest Group is actively scaling operations in markets such as Mexico, Colombia, Australia, and Italy, targeting regions with strong insurance demand and underpenetrated segments. Mexico and Colombia offer growth opportunities, driven by rising insurance adoption and demand for customized solutions. Australia and Italy provide exposure to developed markets with an increasing need for specialty and non-life coverage.
Everest Group is improving capital efficiency through the sale of its Commercial Retail Insurance business and the runoff of legacy operations, while the expanding Mt. Logan platform supports additional underwriting capacity and returns. The company also maintains a strong cash position and continues to enhance shareholder returns through regular dividends and an aggressive share repurchase program. Management expects a minimum quarterly buyback pace of $300 million throughout 2026.
Risks for EG Stock
Property catastrophe reinsurance pricing continues to soften, which may weigh on premium growth and margins despite favorable policy terms.
Everest Group faces foreign exchange risk as it operates in currencies such as the euro, pound, and Canadian dollar while reporting in U.S. dollars.
Everest Group remains vulnerable to large catastrophe losses and geopolitical events. Large natural disasters or geopolitical events could increase claims and adversely impact underwriting profitability.
Conclusion
Everest Group is poised for growth in underwriting discipline, international insurance expansion, a rise in investment income and financial flexibility. However, foreign exchange volatility, geopolitical tensions and catastrophe losses continue to be concerns.
Coupled with attractive valuation, optimistic analyst sentiment and higher returns, it is wise to retain this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock presently. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
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Aegon NV (AEG) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

EG Outperforms Industry, Trades Near 52-Week High: Time to Exit?

Looking for a stock that has been consistently beating earnings estimates and might be well positioned to keep the streak alive in its next quarterly report? American International Group (AIG), which belongs to the Zacks Insurance - Multi line industry, could be a great candidate to consider.
This insurer has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 7.38%.
For the last reported quarter, American International Group came out with earnings of $2.11 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.9 per share, representing a surprise of 11.05%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $1.89 per share and it actually produced earnings of $1.96 per share, delivering a surprise of 3.70%.
Price and EPS Surprise
For American International Group, estimates have been trending higher, thanks in part to this earnings surprise history. And when you look at the stock's positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), it's a great indicator of a future earnings beat, especially when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.
Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
American International Group has an Earnings ESP of +0.93% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on August 6, 2026.
Investors should note, however, that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss, but a negative value does reduce the predictive power of this metric.
Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.
Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
See Stocks Now >>
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why American International Group (AIG) is Poised to Beat Earnings Estimates Again

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – July 1, 2026 – 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: Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.'s MRSH, American International Group, Inc. AIG, American Financial Group, Inc. AFG and Accelerant Holdings ARX.
Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:
Looking Beyond Tech? Here Are 3 Buy-Rated Insurance Stocks
While AI and technology remain major market themes, investors are increasingly broadening their focus to defensive sectors. Insurance stands out as an attractive option, offering stable earnings, pricing power and resilient cash flows. In an environment marked by sticky inflation, higher-for-longer interest rates, geopolitical tensions and ongoing supply chain disruptions, companies with dependable earnings have become increasingly appealing.
Where the Biggest Opportunities Are
Not every insurance company is benefiting equally, however. Investors are favoring insurers with disciplined underwriting, solid pricing power, fee-based revenues and exposure to specialized markets where competition is limited. At the same time, companies with heavy catastrophe exposure or weaker investment portfolios are drawing greater scrutiny.
Insurance brokers remain one of the industry's strongest long-term stories. Unlike insurers, brokers generate commissions without assuming underwriting risk. Demand for commercial insurance, employee benefits, cyber coverage and specialty products continues to rise, while industry consolidation is creating additional growth opportunities.
The broader commercial insurance market is also holding up well, even as pricing gradually normalizes after several years of sharp increases. According to Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.'s Global Insurance Market Index, global commercial insurance rates declined 5% in the first quarter of 2026, marking the seventh straight quarter of easing prices. Even so, many commercial lines remain profitable, particularly property insurance, where favorable reinsurance conditions and ample capacity continue to support earnings.
Specialty & Excess-and-Surplus (E&S) insurance remains one of the fastest-growing niches. Businesses increasingly need protection against cyberattacks, professional liability claims, climate-related risks and other complex exposures. These policies are harder to underwrite, allowing insurers with specialized expertise to maintain stronger pricing and healthier margins.
Technology is Becoming a Competitive Edge
Technology investments are increasingly separating industry leaders from the rest. More insurers are using artificial intelligence to speed up claims processing, improve underwriting, detect fraud and enhance customer service. While adoption varies across the industry, companies investing in modern technology platforms could improve efficiency and profitability over time. InsurTech and AI-enabled platforms remain a long-term growth theme as insurers modernize legacy systems, though many pure-play InsurTech firms remain smaller and more volatile.
Insurance Stocks That Stand Out
Against this backdrop, three insurance companies stand out: American International Group, Inc., American Financial Group, Inc. and Accelerant Holdings. The companies carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each, combine solid earnings momentum with favorable estimate revisions and are well positioned to benefit from current industry trends. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Let's take a closer look at these three insurers and why they stand out.
American International Group continues to benefit from its multi-year transformation, which is driving stronger underwriting performance, disciplined capital allocation and consistent shareholder returns. In first-quarter 2026, General Insurance net premiums written increased 24% year over year, underwriting income more than tripled to $774 million, and the combined ratio improved to an excellent 87.3%, reflecting underwriting discipline across commercial and personal lines.
The company also benefits from a strong balance sheet. In February 2026, it completed minority investments in Convex and Onex, which are expected to be accretive to 2026 earnings and ROE. It is also expanding its commercial footprint through an agreement to acquire Everest's insurance operations in Colombia, with closing expected in early 2027.
Based on short-term price targets offered by 22 analysts, the Wall Street average price target for AIG stands at $88.18 per share, suggesting a 17.4% upside from current levels.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AIG's 2026 earnings is pegged at $7.98 per share, indicating 12.6% year-over-year growth. The estimate witnessed eight upward revisions over the past 60 days against no movement in the opposite direction. Its 2027 earnings estimate indicates a further 10.3% increase. It beat earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters with an average surprise of 15.1%. The consensus mark for 2026 revenues is pegged at $29.18 billion, indicating 6.3% year-over-year growth, while the same for 2027 suggests a further 7% increase.
American Financial Group is well-positioned to benefit from sustained strength in the specialty property and casualty insurance market, supported by disciplined underwriting and a diversified commercial portfolio. In first-quarter 2026, net operating earnings increased 36.5% year over year, while Specialty P&C underwriting profit jumped 66%, driving an annualized return on equity of 15.8%.
The company continues to generate healthy investment income from its high-quality portfolio and maintains a shareholder-friendly capital allocation strategy. It returned $259 million through special dividends and share repurchases in the first quarter. Analysts' price targets currently range from $127 to $158, reflecting differing views on the stock's upside potential.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings is pegged at $11.37 per share, indicating a 10.5% year-over-year rise. The estimate has witnessed three upward revisions over the past 60 days against no movement in the opposite direction. Its 2027 earnings estimate suggests a further 5.2% increase. American Financial Group beat the consensus estimate for earnings in three of the past four quarters and missed once, with the average surprise being 7.3%. The consensus mark for 2026 revenues is pegged at $8.01 billion, while the same for 2027 indicates a further 8% jump.
Accelerant Holdings is capitalizing on the growing specialty insurance market through its technology-enabled risk exchange that connects managing general agents or MGAs with diversified risk capital providers. In the first quarter of 2026, Exchange Written Premium increased 16% year over year to $1.14 billion, while operating revenues climbed 57% to $273.2 million. Fee-based Adjusted EBITDA more than doubled, reflecting the company's strategic shift toward capital-light, recurring revenue streams.
Accelerant also expanded its network to 296 members and reaffirmed strong full-year growth expectations. Its proprietary data, AI-driven underwriting tools and scalable marketplace model position the company to deliver profitable, long-term growth as specialty insurance adoption continues to expand. At the end of the first quarter, total assets stood at $8.6 billion. Based on short-term price targets offered by nine analysts, the Wall Street average price target for ARX is at $19.33 per share, suggesting a 53.1% upside from current levels.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ARX's 2026 earnings is pegged at 73 cents per share, which has witnessed five upward estimate revisions over the past 60 days against no movement in the opposite direction. Its 2027 earnings estimate indicates a 24.2% jump. It beat earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 32.6%. The consensus mark for 2026 revenues is pegged at $1.09 billion, implying 19% year-over-year growth, while the same for 2027 suggests a further 9.4% increase.
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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.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Marsh & McLennan, American International, American Financial and Accelerant

While AI and technology remain major market themes, investors are increasingly broadening their focus to defensive sectors. Insurance stands out as an attractive option, offering stable earnings, pricing power and resilient cash flows. In an environment marked by sticky inflation, higher-for-longer interest rates, geopolitical tensions and ongoing supply chain disruptions, companies with dependable earnings have become increasingly appealing.
Where the Biggest Opportunities Are
Not every insurance company is benefiting equally, however. Investors are favoring insurers with disciplined underwriting, solid pricing power, fee-based revenues and exposure to specialized markets where competition is limited. At the same time, companies with heavy catastrophe exposure or weaker investment portfolios are drawing greater scrutiny.
Insurance brokers remain one of the industry's strongest long-term stories. Unlike insurers, brokers generate commissions without assuming underwriting risk. Demand for commercial insurance, employee benefits, cyber coverage and specialty products continues to rise, while industry consolidation is creating additional growth opportunities.
The broader commercial insurance market is also holding up well, even as pricing gradually normalizes after several years of sharp increases. According to Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.’s MRSH Global Insurance Market Index, global commercial insurance rates declined 5% in the first quarter of 2026, marking the seventh straight quarter of easing prices. Even so, many commercial lines remain profitable, particularly property insurance, where favorable reinsurance conditions and ample capacity continue to support earnings.
Specialty & Excess-and-Surplus (E&S) insurance remains one of the fastest-growing niches. Businesses increasingly need protection against cyberattacks, professional liability claims, climate-related risks and other complex exposures. These policies are harder to underwrite, allowing insurers with specialized expertise to maintain stronger pricing and healthier margins.
Technology is Becoming a Competitive Edge
Technology investments are increasingly separating industry leaders from the rest. More insurers are using artificial intelligence to speed up claims processing, improve underwriting, detect fraud and enhance customer service. While adoption varies across the industry, companies investing in modern technology platforms could improve efficiency and profitability over time. InsurTech and AI-enabled platforms remain a long-term growth theme as insurers modernize legacy systems, though many pure-play InsurTech firms remain smaller and more volatile.
Insurance Stocks That Stand Out
Against this backdrop, three insurance companies stand out: American International Group, Inc. AIG, American Financial Group, Inc. AFG and Accelerant Holdings ARX. The companies carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each, combine solid earnings momentum with favorable estimate revisions and are well positioned to benefit from current industry trends. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Let’s take a closer look at these three insurers and why they stand out.
American International Group continues to benefit from its multi-year transformation, which is driving stronger underwriting performance, disciplined capital allocation and consistent shareholder returns. In first-quarter 2026, General Insurance net premiums written increased 24% year over year, underwriting income more than tripled to $774 million, and the combined ratio improved to an excellent 87.3%, reflecting underwriting discipline across commercial and personal lines.
The company also benefits from a strong balance sheet. In February 2026, it completed minority investments in Convex and Onex, which are expected to be accretive to 2026 earnings and ROE. It is also expanding its commercial footprint through an agreement to acquire Everest’s insurance operations in Colombia, with closing expected in early 2027.
Based on short-term price targets offered by 22 analysts, the Wall Street average price target for AIG stands at $88.18 per share, suggesting a 17.4% upside from current levels.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AIG’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $7.98 per share, indicating 12.6% year-over-year growth. The estimate witnessed eight upward revisions over the past 60 days against no movement in the opposite direction. Its 2027 earnings estimate indicates a further 10.3% increase. It beat earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters with an average surprise of 15.1%. The consensus mark for 2026 revenues is pegged at $29.18 billion, indicating 6.3% year-over-year growth, while the same for 2027 suggests a further 7% increase.
American International Group, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
American Financial Group is well-positioned to benefit from sustained strength in the specialty property and casualty insurance market, supported by disciplined underwriting and a diversified commercial portfolio. In first-quarter 2026, net operating earnings increased 36.5% year over year, while Specialty P&C underwriting profit jumped 66%, driving an annualized return on equity of 15.8%.
The company continues to generate healthy investment income from its high-quality portfolio and maintains a shareholder-friendly capital allocation strategy. It returned $259 million through special dividends and share repurchases in the first quarter. Analysts' price targets currently range from $127 to $158, reflecting differing views on the stock's upside potential.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings is pegged at $11.37 per share, indicating a 10.5% year-over-year rise. The estimate has witnessed three upward revisions over the past 60 days against no movement in the opposite direction. Its 2027 earnings estimate suggests a further 5.2% increase. American Financial Group beat the consensus estimate for earnings in three of the past four quarters and missed once, with the average surprise being 7.3%. The consensus mark for 2026 revenues is pegged at $8.01 billion, while the same for 2027 indicates a further 8% jump.
American Financial Group, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Accelerant Holdings is capitalizing on the growing specialty insurance market through its technology-enabled risk exchange that connects managing general agents or MGAs with diversified risk capital providers. In the first quarter of 2026, Exchange Written Premium increased 16% year over year to $1.14 billion, while operating revenues climbed 57% to $273.2 million. Fee-based Adjusted EBITDA more than doubled, reflecting the company's strategic shift toward capital-light, recurring revenue streams.
Accelerant also expanded its network to 296 members and reaffirmed strong full-year growth expectations. Its proprietary data, AI-driven underwriting tools and scalable marketplace model position the company to deliver profitable, long-term growth as specialty insurance adoption continues to expand. At the end of the first quarter, total assets stood at $8.6 billion. Based on short-term price targets offered by nine analysts, the Wall Street average price target for ARX is at $19.33 per share, suggesting a 53.1% upside from current levels.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ARX’s 2026 earnings is pegged at 73 cents per share, which has witnessed five upward estimate revisions over the past 60 days against no movement in the opposite direction. Its 2027 earnings estimate indicates a 24.2% jump. It beat earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 32.6%. The consensus mark for 2026 revenues is pegged at $1.09 billion, implying 19% year-over-year growth, while the same for 2027 suggests a further 9.4% increase.
Accelerant Holdings Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
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Looking Beyond Tech? Here Are 3 Buy-Rated Insurance Stocks

Investors looking for stocks in the Insurance - Multi line sector might want to consider either American International Group (AIG) or Axa Sa (AXAHY). But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks? Let's take a closer look.
We have found that the best way to discover great value opportunities is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with a great grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The Zacks Rank is a proven strategy that targets companies with positive earnings estimate revision trends, while our Style Scores work to grade companies based on specific traits.
Right now, both American International Group and Axa Sa are sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). This system places an emphasis on companies that have seen positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that these stocks have improving earnings outlooks. But this is just one factor that value investors are interested in.
Value investors analyze a variety of traditional, tried-and-true metrics to help find companies that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels.
The Value category of the Style Scores system identifies undervalued companies by looking at a number of key metrics. These include the long-favored P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that help us determine a company's fair value.
AIG currently has a forward P/E ratio of 9.41, while AXAHY has a forward P/E of 10.35. We also note that AIG has a PEG ratio of 0.69. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. AXAHY currently has a PEG ratio of 9.76.
Another notable valuation metric for AIG is its P/B ratio of 0.99. The P/B ratio is used to compare a stock's market value with its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, AXAHY has a P/B of 1.95.
These are just a few of the metrics contributing to AIG's Value grade of A and AXAHY's Value grade of C.
Both AIG and AXAHY are impressive stocks with solid earnings outlooks, but based on these valuation figures, we feel that AIG is the superior value option right now.
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Axa Sa (AXAHY) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

AIG vs. AXAHY: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?

American International Group, Inc. AIG is a leading global property and casualty insurer that provides insurance and risk-management solutions to businesses and individuals in more than 200 countries and jurisdictions.
The company is well positioned for growth, supported by strategic portfolio optimization, expense-reduction initiatives, technology investments and a strong capital position. Despite these strengths, AIG shares have lost 12.7% over the past six months, underperforming the industry's 5.9% decline.
From a valuation standpoint, AIG is trading below its own historical levels. The stock currently carries a forward 12-month P/E of 9.02X, which is below its five-year median of 10.16X. However, it remains above the industry average of 8.8X, indicating that investors still have confidence in the company's long-term growth prospects despite the recent share price decline.
Courtesy of solid prospects, AIG currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Where Do Estimates for AIG Stand?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for American International’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $7.99 per share, indicating a 12.7% year-over-year rise. In the past 60 days, it has witnessed eight upward estimate revisions against none in the opposite direction.
The consensus mark for 2026 revenues is pegged at $29.16 billion, indicating a 6.2% year-over-year increase. It beat earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 15.1%. AIG carries a Value Score of A.
American International Group, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
AIG’s Growth Drivers
Despite the recent decline in its share price, AIG has continued to deliver improvements across its core business. Below are the key factors supporting its ongoing turnaround.
The turnaround is being fueled by stronger underwriting results. In the first quarter of 2026, General Insurance underwriting income more than tripled year over year to $774 million, while the combined ratio improved 850 basis points to 87.3%. Net premiums written increased 24%, driven by growth across commercial and personal insurance businesses. Lower catastrophe losses and disciplined underwriting continue to support profitability.
Over the past few years, management has simplified the business and sharpened its focus on property and casualty insurance. The insurer exited several non-core operations, including Crop Risk Services. Validus Re and its travel insurance business. It also completed its exit from the life and retirement business through the sale of its remaining stake in Corebridge. These moves are reducing complexity, improving liquidity and freeing up capital for higher-return opportunities.
Ongoing cost-control efforts are helping improve operating efficiency. The General Insurance expense ratio improved 120 basis points year over year to 29.3% in the first quarter of 2026, keeping the insurer on track to achieve its target of reducing the ratio below 30% by 2027. The AIG Next program has generated annual run-rate savings of $500 million, supporting margin expansion.
Solid cash generation continues to support both growth initiatives and shareholder returns. During the first quarter of 2026, approximately $760 million was returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. In April 2026, the quarterly dividend was raised by 11%, marking the fourth consecutive year of double-digit dividend growth and reinforcing management's commitment to disciplined capital allocation.
Risks for AIG Stock
While the company's fundamentals are improving, investors should keep an eye on a few risks.
AIG remains exposed to large catastrophe events that could pressure future earnings. Significant weather-related claims may increase earnings volatility and weigh on underwriting profitability. The company also ended the first quarter of 2026 with $9 billion in long-term debt, significantly higher than its cash balance of $1.5 billion. Adjusted ROE of 10.9% remained below the industry average of 16.2%, suggesting there is still room for improvement in capital efficiency.
Other Key Picks
Some other top-ranked stocks in the broader Finance space are First American Financial Corporation FAF, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. THG and United Fire Group, Inc. UFCS, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for First American’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $6.81 per share, indicating 12.6% year-over-year growth. FAF beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 22%. The consensus estimate for 2026 revenues is pinned at $8.03 billion, implying 7.8% year-over-year growth.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for The Hanover Insurance’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $18.36 per share, which has witnessed one upward revision in the past 30 days, with no movement in the opposite direction. THG beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 28.5%. The consensus estimate for 2026 revenues is pinned at $6.95 billion, implying 4.7% year-over-year growth.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for United Fire’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $4.69 per share, indicating 2% year-over-year growth. UFCS beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 68.8%. The consensus estimate for 2026 revenues is pinned at $1.53 billion, implying 10.5% year-over-year growth.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

AIG's Turnaround Continues Despite Stock Weakness: Time to Buy?

Shares of Everest Group, Ltd. EG closed at $336.25 on Thursday, near its 52-week high of $368.29. This proximity underscores investor confidence. It has the ingredients for further price appreciation.
The stock is trading above the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) of $330.11, indicating solid upward momentum. SMA is a widely used technical analysis tool to predict future price trends based on historical price data.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The insurer has a market capitalization of $13.3 billion. The average volume of shares traded in the last three months was 0.36 million.
EG’s Average Target Price Suggests Upside
Based on short-term price targets offered by 16 analysts, the Zacks average price target is $385.25 per share. The average suggests a potential 14.6% upside from the last closing price.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
EG’s Attractive Valuation
EG’s shares are trading at a discount compared with the industry. Its price-to-book value of 0.87X is lower than the industry average of 2.57X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Shares of other insurers like American International Group AIG, Aegon NV AEG and Assurant, Inc. AIZ are trading at a discount to the industry average.
EG’s Growth Projection
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Everest Group’s 2026 EPS is pinned at $52.79, indicating a year-over-year increase of 18.5%. The estimate for 2026 revenues is pegged at $16.18 billion, implying a year-over-year decline of 7.5%.
The consensus estimate for 2027 EPS indicates an increase of 13.6%, while revenues indicate a decrease of 2.7% from the corresponding 2026 estimates.
EG’s earnings grew 18% in the last five years, better than the industry average of 10.4%.
The expected long-term earnings growth is pegged at 12.4%.
Mixed Analyst Sentiment on EG
Two of the three analysts have raised estimates for 2026, while one of the two has increased estimates for 2027 over the past 30 days. Thus, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings has moved south 0.2% and north 0.3%, respectively, over the same period.
What Drives EG?
Everest's core Reinsurance Treaty business remains a major earnings driver. The segment generated $315 million of underwriting income, versus a $122 million loss a year earlier, while the combined ratio improved 1,750 basis points to 87.2% in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting disciplined underwriting and favorable reserve development. The Global Wholesale & Specialty segment turnaround is gaining momentum. Gross written premiums increased 2.9% to $793 million, while the attritional loss ratio improved 380 bps to 58.9% in the first quarter, driven by stronger underwriting and a shift toward higher-margin Specialty and Accident & Health businesses.
Everest continues to improve portfolio quality by reducing casualty exposures and maintaining conservative reserve practices. Management reported no material adverse U.S. casualty reserve developments and favorable property reserve releases, reflecting disciplined risk management.
Net investment income increased 15.5% to $567 million in the first quarter of 2026, supported by strong alternative investment returns and growth in the fixed-income portfolio. Higher limited partnership income and expanding assets under management are expected to support investment returns.
Everest Group is actively scaling operations in markets such as Mexico, Colombia, Australia, and Italy, targeting regions with strong insurance demand and underpenetrated segments. Mexico and Colombia offer growth opportunities driven by rising insurance adoption and demand for customized solutions, while Australia and Italy provide exposure to developed markets with increasing need for specialty and non-life coverage.
Everest expects meaningful capital release from the sale of its Commercial Retail Insurance business to AIG and the runoff of legacy operations, which should boost capital efficiency and shareholder returns. Additionally, the growing Mt. Logan platform, with more than $2.6 billion in assets under management, is helping expand underwriting capacity while enhancing capital efficiency and returns. As of March 31, 2026, cash and cash equivalents rose 7.4% year over year to $ 1.4 billion. In the quarter, EG repurchased $331 million of shares and paid $80 million in dividends. Management expects a minimum quarterly buyback pace of $300 million throughout 2026.
Risks for EG Stock
Property catastrophe reinsurance pricing continues to soften, which may weigh on premium growth and margins despite favorable policy terms.
Everest Group faces foreign exchange risk as it operates in currencies such as the euro, pound, and Canadian dollar while reporting in U.S. dollars.
Everest remains vulnerable to large catastrophe losses and geopolitical events. Management noted that events such as the Iran conflict can create earnings volatility, while natural disasters continue to pose risks to underwriting profitability.
Conclusion
Everest Group is poised for growth in underwriting discipline, international insurance expansion, a rise in investment income and financial flexibility. However, foreign exchange volatility, geopolitical tensions and catastrophe losses continue to be concerns.
It is, therefore, wise to retain this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock presently. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
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Aegon NV (AEG) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

EG Stock Trades Near 52-Week High: Should Investors Exit or Hold?

All investors love getting big returns from their portfolio, whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities. But for income investors, generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments is your primary focus.
Cash flow can come from bond interest, interest from other types of investments, and of course, dividends. A dividend is that coveted distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders, and investors often view it by its dividend yield, a metric that measures the dividend as a percent of the current stock price. Many academic studies show that dividends make up large portions of long-term returns, and in many cases, dividend contributions surpass one-third of total returns.
Hancock Whitney in Focus
Headquartered in Gulfport, Hancock Whitney (HWC) is a Finance stock that has seen a price change of -6.41% so far this year. The holding company of Whitney Bank and Hancock Bank is paying out a dividend of $0.45 per share at the moment, with a dividend yield of 3.51% compared to the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.33% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.61%.
Taking a look at the company's dividend growth, its current annualized dividend of $1.80 is up 20% from last year. Hancock Whitney has increased its dividend 2 times on a year-over-year basis over the last 5 years for an average annual increase of 7.74%. Future dividend growth will depend on earnings growth as well as payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. Hancock Whitney's current payout ratio is 30%. This means it paid out 30% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.
Earnings growth looks solid for HWC for this fiscal year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 is $5.48 per share, representing a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 3.01%.
Bottom Line
Investors like dividends for a variety of different reasons, from tax advantages and decreasing overall portfolio risk to considerably improving stock investing profits. It's important to keep in mind that not all companies provide a quarterly payout.
High-growth firms or tech start-ups, for example, rarely provide their shareholders a dividend, while larger, more established companies that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options. Income investors have to be mindful of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. With that in mind, HWC presents a compelling investment opportunity; it's not only an attractive dividend play, but the stock also boasts a strong Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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American International Group, Inc. New

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