ALL

Cincinnati Financial Corporation CINF is expected to register an improvement in top line but a decline in bottom line when it reports third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 26, after the opening bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CINF's third-quarter revenues is pegged at $3 billion, indicating an increase of 5.5% from the year-ago reported figure. The consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.99 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CINF's third-quarter earnings has moved 5.9% north in the past 30 days. The estimate indicates a year-over-year decline of 30.2%. Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for Cincinnati this time around. This is because the stock has the right combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) that increases the chances of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Earnings ESP: CINF has an Earnings ESP of +2.51%. This is because the Most Accurate Estimate of $2.04 is pegged higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.99. Cincinnati Financial Corporation price-eps-surprise | Cincinnati Financial Corporation Quote Zacks Rank: CINF carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Premiums are likely to have benefited from higher insured exposures, pricing, premium growth initiatives, increased new business and contributions from Cincinnati Re and Cincinnati Global. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $2.7 billion. Performance at Personal Lines is likely to have benefited from higher rates, a higher level of insured exposures, increased policy retention rates and changes in policy deductibles or mix of business. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Personal Lines revenues is pegged at $896 million. Better agency renewal and new business written premiums, supported by higher renewal pricing, are likely to have favored Excess and Surplus Lines. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Excess and Surplus Lines revenues is pegged at $193 million. Robust operating cash flow and higher bond yields are expected to have boosted net investment income. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for investment income, net of expenses, is pegged at $324 million. However, total benefits and expenses are likely to have risen due to higher insurance losses, policyholder benefits, underwriting and acquisition costs, interest expense and other operating expenses. Underwriting profitability is likely to face pressure from elevated claims costs and catastrophe losses. Some other P&C insurance stocks with the right combination of elements to deliver an earnings beat this time around are: The Allstate Corporation ALL has an Earnings ESP of +5.25% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $7.03, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 37.1%. ALL's earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters. Arch Capital Group Ltd. ACGL has an Earnings ESP of +11.70% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $2.05 per share, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 26%. ACGL's earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters. The Hanover Insurance THG has an Earnings ESP of +6.83% and a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $4.47 per share, indicating a 12.2% year-over-year decrease. THG's earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Allstate Corporation (ALL) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (THG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Arch Capital Group Ltd. ACGL is expected to register a decline in both top and bottom lines when it reports third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 27, after the closing bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACGL's third-quarter revenues is pegged at $4.46 billion, indicating a 5.5% decline from the year-ago reported figure. The consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at $2.05 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACGL's third-quarter earnings has moved north 9% in the past 30 days. The estimate suggests a year-over-year decline of 25.9%. Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for Arch Capital this time around. This is because the stock has the right combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), which increases the chances of an earnings beat. Earnings ESP: Arch Capital has an Earnings ESP of +11.70% at present. This is because the Most Accurate Estimate of $2.29 is pegged higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.05. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Arch Capital Group Ltd. price-eps-surprise | Arch Capital Group Ltd. Quote Zacks Rank: Arch Capital currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. Rate increases, new business opportunities and growth in existing accounts, product innovation, market expansion and strong underwriting performance, combined with strategic investments, are likely to have favored net premiums earned. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for net premiums earned is pegged at $4 billion. We expect net premiums earned to be $3.9 billion. The Mortgage segment is likely to have benefited from growth in international business offset by a reduction in U.S. monthly premium volume. Net investment income is likely to have benefited from solid net cash flow from operating activities, which is expected to have increased the invested asset base. We expect net investment income to be $432.2 million. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for investment income is pegged at $430 million. The top line is likely to have gained from improved earned premiums and higher net investment income. Expenses are expected to have increased in the to-be-reported quarter due to higher losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition costs, other operating expenses, amortization of intangible assets, corporate expenses and interest expenses. We expect total expenses to be $3.8 billion. Disciplined underwriting practices and relatively modest catastrophe-related losses are expected to have supported underwriting margins. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the combined ratio is pegged at 89, and our estimate is pinned at 92.1. Share buybacks are likely to have added upside to the bottom line. Here are three other P&C insurance stocks that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these, too, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat: RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (RNR has an Earnings ESP of +9.02% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $9.28, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 40.6%. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. RNR's earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters. The Allstate Corporation ALL has an Earnings ESP of +5.25% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $7.03, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 37.1%. ALL's earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters. Everest Group, Ltd. EG has an Earnings ESP of +3.01% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $9.32, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 23.6%. EG's earnings beat estimates in two of the last four reported quarters and missed in the other two. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL) : Free Stock Analysis Report RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (RNR) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Allstate Corporation (ALL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Everest Group, Ltd. (EG) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Northbrook, Illinois-based The Allstate Corporation (ALL) provides property and casualty and other insurance products in the United States and Canada. The company has a market cap of $63.5 billion and operates in four segments: Allstate Protection; Run-off Property-Liability; Protection Services; and Corporate and Other. ALL is expected to release its Q3 2026 earnings on Wednesday, November 4, after the market closes. Ahead of the event, analysts expect the company's EPS to be $7.03 on a diluted basis, down 37.1% from $11.17 in the year-ago quarter. The company has exceeded Wall Street's EPS estimates in each of its last four quarters. - 'No Question Tesla's Going to Merge With SpaceX' — Kevin O'Leary Says If You Own Tesla Stock, You'll Own the New Company After Flying Roadster Demo - Jensen Huang Says the Next Wave of AI Is Physical. Forget Nvidia and Tesla, I'd Bet on These 2 Mid-Cap Stocks Instead. - AST SpaceMobile Stock Gets a New Catalyst. Wall Street Sees 93% Upside. - Stop Missing Market Moves: Get the FREE Barchart Brief – your midday dose of stock movers, trending sectors, and actionable trade ideas, delivered right to your inbox. Sign Up Now! For fiscal 2026, analysts project the company's EPS to be $36.21, up 4% from $34.83 in fiscal 2025. However, its EPS is expected to fall by roughly 20.4% year over year (YoY) to $28.84 in fiscal 2027. Allstate shares have surged 29.6% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 15.2% rise and the State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLF) 6.3% rise during the same time frame. Analysts are fans of ALL's strong fundamentals, which helped it outperform over the past year. The company's pre-tax profit margin grew by 18.4% over the last two years, as it scaled and became more efficient. Moreover, its annual earnings per share grew by 83.7% over the past two years, exceeding its revenue gains and also contributing to share repurchases, strengthening its shareholder returns. Moreover, ALL's annual book value per share growth of 40.9% over the last two years was impressive, which also points to the company's capital strength increasing during that time frame. Analysts are somewhat bullish on ALL, with the stock having a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among the 25 analysts covering the stock, 10 suggest a "Strong Buy," 11 suggest a "Hold," one recommends a "Moderate Sell," and three suggest a "Strong Sell" for the stock. Moreover, ALL's average analyst price target of $270.74 indicates a 7.8% upside from current levels. On the date of publication, Aritra Gangopadhyay did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com

Brown & Brown, Inc. BRO is expected to register an improvement in both top and bottom lines when it reports third-quarter 2026 2026 results on Oct. 26, after the closing bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BRO's third-quarter revenues is pegged at $1.76 billion, indicating 9.8% growth from the year-ago reported figure. The consensus estimate for the bottom line is pegged at $1.08 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BRO's third-quarter earnings has moved south by 0.9% in the past 30 days. The estimate suggests a year-over-year increase of 2.9%. Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for Brown & Brown this time. This is because the stock has the right combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), which increases the chances of an earnings beat. Earnings ESP: Brown & Brown has an Earnings ESP of +1.62% at present. This is because the Most Accurate Estimate of $1.10 is pegged higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.08. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Brown & Brown, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Brown & Brown, Inc. Quote Zacks Rank: Brown & Brown currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Core commissions and fees are likely to have benefited from net new and renewal business, and acquisitions. Profit-sharing contingent commissions are expected to have benefited from improved underwriting results at insurance carrier partners, higher premium volumes and favorable carrier contract terms. Recent acquisitions also support growth in contingent commissions. Net investment income is expected to benefit from interest income earned from the proceeds of the company's follow-on common stock offering. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $23.5 million. Organic revenues in the Retail segment are likely to have benefited from net new business written over the preceding 12 months and growth in renewals of existing customers. However, slowing rate increases and rate decreases in certain coverage lines could moderate growth. Net new business and exposure unit increases are expected to have aided organic revenues in the Wholesale Brokerage segment. Expenses are expected to have increased due to higher employee compensation and benefits, other operating expenses, amortization and depreciation, reflecting the impact of acquisitions and investments in business capabilities. Here are three other insurance stocks that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these, too, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat: Cincinnati Financial Corporation CINF has an Earnings ESP of +2.51% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $1.99, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 30.2%. CINF's earnings beat estimates in three of the last four reported quarters and missed in one. The Allstate Corporation ALL has an Earnings ESP of +5.25% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $7.03, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 37.1%. ALL's earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters. Arch Capital Group Ltd. ACGL has an Earnings ESP of +11.70% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $2.05 per share, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 26%. ACGL's earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Brown & Brown, Inc. (BRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Allstate Corporation (ALL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider Allstate (ALL). This company, which is in the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry, shows potential for another earnings beat. This insurer has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The average surprise for the last two quarters was 49.71%. For the last reported quarter, Allstate came out with earnings of $8.99 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.76 per share, representing a surprise of 56.08%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $7.43 per share and it actually produced earnings of $10.65 per share, delivering a surprise of 43.34%. For Allstate, 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. Allstate has an Earnings ESP of +3.38% 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 November 4, 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. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Allstate Corporation (ALL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

CME Group Inc. CME is expected to register an improvement in both top and bottom lines when it reports third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 21, before the opening bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CME's third-quarter revenues is pegged at $1.71 billion, indicating an 11.4% increase from the year-ago reported figure. The consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at $2.98 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CME's third-quarter earnings has moved 2 cents north in the past seven days. The estimate suggests a year-over-year increase of 11.2%. Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for CME Group this time around. This is because the stock has the right combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), which increases the chances of an earnings beat. Earnings ESP: CME Group has an Earnings ESP of +0.73%. This is because the Most Accurate Estimate of $3.00 is pegged higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.98. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. CME Group Inc. price-eps-surprise | CME Group Inc. Quote Zacks Rank: CME has a Zacks Rank of 3. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. CME Group's third-quarter results are likely to benefit from solid trading activity across its major asset classes, driven by interest-rate uncertainty, fluctuations in equity markets, commodity price volatility and growing demand for risk-management products. Revenue growth is likely to have been aided by gains in market data and information services, as well as higher clearing, transaction and other fee-based income. Increased volatility across asset classes appears to have boosted trading volumes, which, in turn, supported clearing and transaction fees. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for clearing and transaction fees stands at $1.4 billion, indicating an 11% increase from the same period last year. CME Group reported a quarterly average daily volume (ADV) of 29.4 million contracts in the third quarter, which increased 16% year over year. Trading activity increased across asset classes. Agricultural ADV of 2 million contracts in the third quarter of 2026 increased 18% from the prior-year period. Equity Index ADV of 87.7 million contracts increased 23% year over year. Market data and information services revenues are likely to have benefited from pricing adjustments on certain products as well as increased demand and usage. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for this segment is pegged at $236.3 million, suggesting a 16.7% year-over-year increase. On the cost side, expenses are expected to have risen during the quarter, primarily due to higher spending on employee compensation and benefits, along with increased investment in technology. Here are three finance stocks you may want to consider, as our model shows that these also have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. CBOE has an Earnings ESP of +0.94% and carries a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $3.41, indicating a year-over-year increase of 27.7%. CBOE's earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters. Nasdaq NDAQ has an Earnings ESP of +0.98% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $1.02, indicating a year-over-year increase of 15.9%. NDAQ's earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters. The Allstate Corporation ALL has an Earnings ESP of +3.38% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $6.91, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 38.1%. ALL's earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report CME Group Inc. (CME) : Free Stock Analysis Report Nasdaq, Inc. (NDAQ) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Allstate Corporation (ALL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (CBOE) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

- In recent weeks, analysts have revised Allstate's earnings estimates and highlighted its expanded pre-tax profit margins, improved efficiency, and significant share repurchases. - At the same time, Allstate's leadership in mobile app experience and enhanced digital insurance tools has underscored how technology may support its broader protection platform. - Next, we'll examine how these earnings estimate upgrades and efficiency gains might influence Allstate's existing investment narrative and risk profile. Capitalize on the AI infrastructure supercycle with our selection of the 91 best 'picks and shovels' of the AI gold rush converting record-breaking demand into massive cash flow. To own Allstate today, you need to believe its improved profitability, capital strength and technology investments can still matter in a sector facing heavy catastrophe losses and regulatory scrutiny. The recent mix of positive earnings estimate revisions and a weaker share price does not appear to change the near term focus on underwriting discipline as a key catalyst, or the risk that severe weather and legal actions could still unsettle margins and earnings volatility in the quarters ahead. Among the recent updates, Allstate's recognition as a leader in mobile app experience stands out, because it speaks directly to its Affordable, Simple, Connected strategy. If its upgraded digital tools really help retain customers after industry wide price increases, that could support premium levels and make its expanded pre tax profit margins and active buyback program more meaningful to the overall investment story. Yet in contrast to the strong earnings headlines, investors should be aware that catastrophe losses and legal risks could still... Read the full narrative on Allstate (it's free!) Allstate's narrative projects $76.0 billion revenue and $3.9 billion earnings by 2029. This requires 2.7% yearly revenue growth and an earnings decrease of $9.3 billion from $13.2 billion today. Uncover how Allstate's forecasts yield a $274.73 fair value, a 19% upside to its current price. Some analysts were far more optimistic before this news, projecting around US$81.6 billion of revenue and US$4.8 billion of earnings by 2029, which contrasts sharply with the regulatory and catastrophe risks we have discussed and shows how widely your view on Allstate's future can differ from others. Explore 6 other fair value estimates on Allstate - why the stock might be worth 10% less than the current price! Don't just follow the ticker - dig into the data and build a conviction that's truly your own. - A great starting point for your Allstate research is our analysis highlighting 4 key rewards and 2 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision. - Our free Allstate research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate Allstate's overall financial health at a glance. The market won't wait. These fast-moving stocks are hot now. Grab the list before they run: - Invest in the nuclear renaissance through our list of 16 elite nuclear energy infrastructure plays powering the global AI revolution. - Explore 25 top quantum computing companies leading the revolution in next-gen technology and shaping the future with breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, superconducting qubits, and cutting-edge research. - AI is about to change healthcare. These 32 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10b in market cap - there's still time to get in early. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include ALL. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected]

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is one of the largest personal property and casualty insurers in the U.S. Shares fell 5.5% to $229.50 on September 22, 2026, and it now sits about 17% below its high of $277.22. The sell-off followed the company's disclosure of $748 million in catastrophe losses for August, driven largely by severe wind and hail events. Combined with July claims, two-month catastrophe losses reached $1.43 billion. A fresh downgrade added to the gloom, and investors pulled money despite the stock already trading at a low multiple of roughly 5 times earnings. A 5 times earnings tag is unusually low for an established insurer, reflecting uncertainty over future earnings sustainability. An insurer makes money when the premiums generated outweigh the claims it pays. For the past few years, insurers raised prices sharply after a rough stretch. The industry called the period a hard market, during which profits grew. The question is whether the industry can sustain those profits. Big storms are growing more frequent while price increases are softening. IT announces that earnings may be nearing a cyclical peak, justifying a lower valuation multiple. The bull case views the storm losses like bad weather rather than seeing a broken business from it. Catastrophe claims move up each year, and one stormy summer does not change Allstate's long-run quality. The company's core auto and home insurance is backed by solid reserves and remains intact. The consensus Wall Street price targets stand at $275, suggesting a 20% upside from current price levels. At about 5 times earnings with a steady dividend of 1.9%, the market has priced in trouble that may not come. Check Out: 10 Dividend Kings Hedge Funds Favor Most Right Now The bears perceive the low multiple as a warning. Recent record earnings were fuelled by a pricing boom that is nearing its maturity. Meanwhile, climate-driven disasters are trending higher, meaning bigger and more frequent claims in future years. Together, today's earnings may sit near a peak, making 5 times look reasonable. The smart money has been trimming as well. Insider Monkey data shows 48 hedge funds held ALL in the second quarter of 2026, down from 52 in the first. With The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL), the bulls see a high-quality insurer marked down on a rough storm season. The stock is both cheap and oversold, with room to recover. The bears see profits that may have increased with a rise in catastrophe costs. This made the 5 times earnings look fair rather than cheap. A blue-chip insurer at 5 times earnings and a business facing rising climate losses are both real here. The upcoming earnings reports, and the coming storm seasons, will show whether the company can hold on to its profits. While we acknowledge the potential of ALL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Equity LifeStyle (ELS) Slides Near 52-Week Lows: Can Core Rental Stability Offset Higher Rates? and Constellation (STZ) Brands Hit a 52-Week Low. Is the Corona-and-Modelo Machine Broken, or On Sale? This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.

As the craze of earnings season draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of the most exciting (and some less so) results from Q2. Today, we are looking at property & casualty insurance stocks, starting with Allstate (NYSE:ALL). Property & Casualty (P&C) insurers protect individuals and businesses against financial loss from damage to property or from legal liability. This is a cyclical industry, and the sector benefits when there is a 'hard market', characterized by strong premium rate increases that outpace loss and cost inflation, resulting in robust underwriting margins. The opposite is true in a 'soft market'. Interest rates also matter, as they determine the yields earned on fixed-income portfolios. On the other hand, P&C insurers face a major secular headwind from the increasing frequency and severity of catastrophe losses due to climate change. Furthermore, the liability side of the business is pressured by 'social inflation'—the trend of rising litigation costs and larger jury awards. The 31 property & casualty insurance stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q2. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.3% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 0.9% above. While some property & casualty insurance stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 2.7% since the latest earnings results. Born from a Sears, Roebuck & Co. initiative during the Great Depression with its famous "You're in good hands" slogan, Allstate (NYSE:ALL) is one of America's largest personal property and casualty insurers, offering protection for autos, homes, and personal property. Allstate reported revenues of $17.54 billion, up 4.6% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1.7%. Overall, it was an exceptional quarter for the company with a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ net premiums earned estimates. "Consistent operating performance continues to generate attractive returns and deployable capital," said John Dugenske, President, Investments and Corporate Strategy. Investor expectations, however, were likely higher than Wall Street’s published projections, leaving some wishing for even better results (analysts’ consensus estimates are those published by big banks and advisory firms, not the investors who make buy and sell decisions). The stock is down 5% since reporting and currently trades at $251.31. Is now the time to buy Allstate? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. Serving as a crucial bridge between homebuyers and the American dream of homeownership, Essent Group (NYSE:ESNT) provides private mortgage insurance and title services that enable lenders to offer home loans with down payments of less than 20%. Essent Group reported revenues of $362.7 million, up 13.6% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 9.7%. The business had a stunning quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates. The market seems content with the results as the stock is up 4.7% since reporting. It currently trades at $68.57. Is now the time to buy Essent Group? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. Founded during the housing boom of 1977 and weathering multiple real estate cycles since, Radian Group (NYSE:RDN) provides mortgage insurance and real estate services, helping lenders manage risk and homebuyers achieve affordable homeownership. Radian Group reported revenues of $580.7 million, up 95.7% year on year, in line with analysts’ expectations. It was a softer quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates. As expected, the stock is down 7.2% since the results and currently trades at $36.36. Read our full analysis of Radian Group’s results here. Founded in 2009 during the aftermath of the financial crisis when many insurers were retreating from riskier markets, Kinsale Capital Group (NYSE:KNSL) is an insurance company that specializes in writing policies for hard-to-place, unusual, or high-risk businesses that standard insurers typically avoid. Kinsale Capital Group reported revenues of $548.5 million, up 16.8% year on year. This number surpassed analysts’ expectations by 14.9%. Zooming out, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also recorded a solid beat of analysts’ net premiums earned estimates but a miss of analysts’ book value per share estimates. Kinsale Capital Group delivered the biggest analyst estimate beat in the group. The stock is up 8.3% since reporting and currently trades at $360. Read our full, actionable report on Kinsale Capital Group here, it’s free. Starting as a Florida "take-out" insurer that assumed policies from the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, HCI Group (NYSE:HCI) provides property and casualty insurance, primarily homeowners coverage, while leveraging proprietary technology to improve underwriting and claims processing. HCI Group reported revenues of $246.7 million, up 11.1% year on year. This result topped analysts’ expectations by 2.5%. Taking a step back, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also produced a solid beat of analysts’ net premiums earned estimates but a miss of analysts’ book value per share estimates. The stock is up 3.1% since reporting and currently trades at $186.41. Read our full, actionable report on HCI Group here, it’s free. Over the past year, investors have been forced to repeatedly answer the same question: what is the market’s biggest risk? The answer has changed several times, and each shift has reshaped market leadership. Late in 2025 and early 2026, artificial intelligence became the market’s primary uncertainty. Investors questioned whether AI would erode software pricing power and weaken competitive moats as AI made it easier to replicate once-differentiated products. By the spring, technology took a back seat to geopolitics. The U.S. conflict with Iran briefly became the market’s dominant narrative, raising concerns about oil prices, inflation, and global growth. But as energy markets remained orderly and fears of a prolonged supply disruption faded, investors quickly turned their focus back to fundamentals. Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our 9 Best Market-Beating Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Allstate (ALL). Shares have lost about 4.4% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500. Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Allstate due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for The Allstate Corporation before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late. Allstate Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates on Higher Investment Income Allstate reported a second-quarter 2026 adjusted net income of $8.99 per share, which outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 56.1%. The bottom line surged 51.3% year over year. Operating revenues of $17.5 billion grew 4.5% year over year. However, the top line missed the consensus mark by 1.1%. Allstate's quarterly earnings benefited from improved underwriting performance, premium growth supported by higher pricing and policy growth, robust investment income, and lower catastrophe losses, partly offset by lower adjusted net income in the Protection Services segment. Property and casualty insurance premiums improved 4.2% year over year to $15.7 billion. Net investment income of $1 billion advanced 33.8% year over year on the back of a growing market- and performance-based portfolio. The metric beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $870 million. Market-based investment income rose 14.2% year over year to $837 million and performance-based investment income jumped 202.5% year over year to $239 million. Total costs and expenses were $14.5 billion, which decreased 2.5% year over year and was lower than our estimate of $16.4 billion. The year-over-year decline was due to decreased property and casualty insurance claims and claims expenses, accident, health and other policy benefits and Pension and other postretirement remeasurement (gains) losses. Catastrophe losses of $1.4 billion dropped 12.8% year over year. Allstate’s pretax income increased 53.2% year over year to $4.1 billion. As of June 30, 2026, total policies in force were 216 million, up 3.8% year over year. The Property-Liability segment reported premiums earned of $14.9 billion in the second quarter, up 4.4% year over year, driven by higher average premiums in homeowners insurance and growth in policies in force. However, the metric missed both the Zacks Consensus Estimate and our estimate of $15.2 billion. Underwriting income in the segment surged 56.7% year over year to $2 billion. The underlying combined ratio improved 10 basis points to 79.4%. The Protection Services segment’s revenues advanced 7.8% year over year to $935 million, aided by Allstate Protection Plans and Roadside businesses. The metric lagged our estimate of $957 million. Adjusted net income of $53 million declined 7% year over year. Allstate exited the second quarter with a cash balance of $840 million, up from $678 million as of 2025-end. Total assets increased to $124.8 billion from $119.8 billion at the end of 2025. Debt remained unchanged at $7.5 billion from the 2025-end level. Total equity increased to $33.7 billion from $30.6 billion at the end of 2025. Book value per common share was $123.38 as of June 30, 2026, up 49.7% year over year. Backed by its $4.0 billion share repurchase authorization announced on Feb. 4, 2026, the company returned $1.3 billion to shareholders in the second quarter, comprising $1.0 billion in share repurchases and $280 million in dividends. The repurchase program remains in effect through Feb. 29, 2028. In the past month, investors have witnessed a upward trend in fresh estimates. The consensus estimate has shifted 19.63% due to these changes. Currently, Allstate has a subpar Growth Score of D, however its Momentum Score is doing a lot better with a B. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a score of A on the value side, putting it in the top quintile for this investment strategy. Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in. Estimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. It comes with little surprise Allstate has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months. Allstate is part of the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry. Over the past month, Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL), a stock from the same industry, has gained 1.8%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago. Kinsale Capital Group reported revenues of $548.52 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +16.8%. EPS of $5.54 for the same period compares with $4.78 a year ago. Kinsale Capital Group is expected to post earnings of $4.87 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -6.5%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged. The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Kinsale Capital Group. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of C. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Allstate Corporation (ALL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

In recent months, Allstate has drawn attention as rating agencies affirmed its Superior financial strength, while analysts highlighted an improved earnings outlook, stronger underwriting margins, and attractive valuation metrics relative to peers. At the same time, Allstate’s long-running “Mayhem” marketing has helped it secure the fourth-largest U.S. auto insurance market share despite relatively weak customer satisfaction scores, underscoring the power of brand and advertising in the sector. We’ll now examine how Allstate’s affirmed financial strength and upgraded earnings outlook influence its existing investment narrative and risk-return profile. Capitalize on the AI infrastructure supercycle with our selection of the 55 best 'picks and shovels' of the AI gold rush converting record-breaking demand into massive cash flow. To own Allstate, you need to believe its strong balance sheet, underwriting discipline, and powerful brand can offset structural pressures in auto insurance and rising catastrophe costs. The recent affirmation of its Superior financial strength supports that thesis and may reinforce the short term catalyst around earnings quality and valuation, while the biggest near term risk remains elevated catastrophe losses and regulatory constraints on pricing. The latest news does not fundamentally change that risk balance. The AM Best decision to affirm Allstate’s A+ (Superior) financial strength rating is especially relevant here, as it underpins the company’s ability to absorb catastrophe losses, sustain underwriting improvement, and keep investing in digital products. That rating support, combined with analysts’ upgraded earnings outlook and value-focused metrics, ties directly into the current catalyst of potential earnings resilience and cash generation, even as higher weather-related claims remain a key concern. Yet beneath the improved earnings outlook, investors should still be aware of how rising catastrophe losses and tighter regulation could together... Read the full narrative on Allstate (it's free!) Allstate's narrative projects $76.5 billion revenue and $3.9 billion earnings by 2029. This requires 2.9% yearly revenue growth and a $9.3 billion earnings decrease from $13.2 billion today. Uncover how Allstate's forecasts yield a $274.32 fair value, a 4% upside to its current price. Some of the lowest analysts were assuming earnings fall from about US$12.0 billion to US$4.5 billion by 2029, so compared with the recent rating affirmation and stronger earnings outlook, their view is far more pessimistic about how climate and auto trends might reshape Allstate’s future, which is why it is worth comparing these very different expectations before you decide what story you believe. Explore 5 other fair value estimates on Allstate - why the stock might be worth over 2x more than the current price! Disagree with existing narratives? Extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd, so go with your instincts. A great starting point for your Allstate research is our analysis highlighting 4 key rewards and 2 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision. Our free Allstate research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate Allstate's overall financial health at a glance. Don't miss your shot at the next 10-bagger. Our latest stock picks just dropped: We've uncovered the 11 dividend fortresses yielding 5%+ that don't just survive market storms, but thrive in them. Outshine the giants: these 19 early-stage AI stocks could fund your retirement. This technology could replace computers: discover 25 stocks that are working to make quantum computing a reality. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include ALL. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected]