Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) is highlighted as a stock to watch with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating and a VGM Score of B. The company has shown positive momentum with shares up 2.9% over the past four weeks, and analysts have revised fiscal 2026 earnings estimates upward by $1.99 to $29.71 per share, with an average earnings surprise of +22.8%.

Reinsurance Group (RGA) has demonstrated a strong streak of beating earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 24.58% over the last two quarters. The company currently has a positive Earnings ESP of +0.36% combined with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, suggesting another earnings beat is likely in its next quarterly report. Stocks with this combination historically beat consensus estimates nearly 70% of the time.

Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) is significantly outperforming the Finance sector, gaining 21% year-to-date compared to the sector average of 2.2%. RGA holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with analyst sentiment strengthening as consensus earnings estimates rose 10.5% in the past quarter. Enact Holdings (ACT) is another Finance stock outperformer with a 9.1% year-to-date return and Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), though its earnings estimate growth is more modest at 1.4%.

The article explains the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) tool, which identifies stocks likely to beat quarterly earnings estimates by comparing the most recent analyst estimates against consensus estimates. When combined with a Zacks Rank #3 or better, stocks with positive ESP have historically produced 70% positive surprises and 28.3% average annual returns. Two finance stocks highlighted as potential earnings beaters are Reinsurance Group (RGA) with a #2 Buy rating and +0.36% ESP, and Progressive (PGR) with a #3 Hold rating and +4.06% ESP.

The U.S. life insurance industry is positioned for growth driven by favorable demographics, aging population, rising retirement needs, and product innovation. Individual life insurance sales reached a record $17.5 billion in 2025, while annuity sales exceeded $450 billion in 2026. Three life insurers—Reinsurance Group of America, Lincoln National, and Voya Financial—are well-positioned to benefit from robust annuity demand and growing consumer preference for guaranteed income and protected market participation.

The U.S. life insurance industry reached record highs in 2025 with individual life insurance new annualized premiums hitting $17.5 billion, up 10% year-over-year. Annuity sales surged with RILAs (Registered Index-Linked Annuities) rising 21% to $21.2 billion, driven by aging demographics and demand for guaranteed income with downside protection. Digital innovation and product diversification are expanding growth opportunities for insurers.

The Federal Reserve raised the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4%, marking its first rate increase since 2023. Life and annuity insurers are well-positioned to benefit from higher reinvestment yields and investment income, while property and casualty insurers face mixed impacts from both improved investment returns and inflation-driven claims pressures.

Voya Financial (VOYA) has gained 48.6% in the past six months, outperforming its industry peers. The company's Retirement business drove growth with $8.1 billion in defined-contribution inflows and 10% fee-based revenue growth. Investment Management operating earnings rose 12% to $57 million with $1.2 billion in net inflows, while Wealth Management revenues increased 12% with assets reaching $33 billion. The stock trades at an attractive valuation of 1.43X price-to-book, below the industry average of 2.26X. However, analysts maintain mixed sentiment with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) shares have rallied 35.1% year-to-date, driven by strong momentum in its U.S. Traditional, Longevity/PRT, Asia Asset-Intensive and Asia Traditional segments, as well as solid growth projections. The company is well-capitalized and has been managing capital effectively through share buybacks, dividend payments, and prudent investments.

Reinsurance Group (RGA) reported strong Q2 2024 earnings, with revenue of $5.15 billion and EPS of $5.48, exceeding analyst estimates. The company's key metrics, including net premiums, other revenues, and net investment income, also showed solid year-over-year growth.

Manulife (MFC) appears well-poised for growth on its strengthening Asia business, expanding Wealth and Asset Management business, cost savings to improve profitability and solid capital position.

Manulife Financial (MFC) sets new financial goals banking on its operational efficiency.