The article explains how to use the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) filter to identify stocks likely to beat earnings expectations. The system compares the most recent analyst estimates against consensus estimates, and when combined with a Zacks Rank #3 or better, stocks posted positive earnings surprises 70% of the time with average annual returns of 28%. Two example stocks highlighted are Skyward Specialty Insurance (SKWD) with a +7.55% ESP and Hut 8 (HUT) with a +11.13% ESP, both expected to report earnings in early November 2026.

Skyward Specialty Insurance (SKWD) is highlighted as a strong candidate for beating upcoming earnings estimates. The company has a track record of beating consensus estimates with an average surprise of 16.05% over the past two quarters. With a positive Earnings ESP of +7.55% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, analysts suggest the stock has a high probability of delivering another earnings beat when it reports on November 5, 2026.

Skyward Specialty Insurance (SKWD) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, reflecting upward trends in earnings estimates over the past three months. The upgrade positions the stock in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks based on earnings estimate revisions, suggesting potential for near-term stock price appreciation.

The article explains how investors can use the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) filter to identify stocks likely to beat earnings expectations. The ESP compares the most accurate analyst estimates to consensus estimates, with positive ESPs historically resulting in earnings beats 70% of the time and generating approximately 28% annual returns. Two finance stocks highlighted as examples are Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR) with a +1.10% ESP and Skyward Specialty Insurance (SKWD) with a +7.55% ESP, both expected to report earnings in early November 2026.

Skyward Specialty Insurance (SKWD) is highlighted as a momentum stock worth watching, holding a #3 (Hold) Zacks Rank with an A Momentum Style Score and B VGM Score. The specialty insurance company has seen upward earnings estimate revisions, with consensus estimates increasing to $5.00 per share for fiscal 2026, and shares are up 2.6% over the past four weeks.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (SKWD) is expanding its autonomous vehicle (AV) insurance offerings through ibott, acquired as part of Apollo in January 2026. The move leverages ibott's specialized AV underwriting expertise combined with Skyward's distribution and market access. Q2 2026 results showed managed premiums up 17.5% to $1.1 billion and fee-generating GWP up 28.8%, positioning the company to capture emerging opportunities in the evolving AV insurance market.

SnapRefund and Skyward Specialty Insurance Group announced a strategic partnership to modernize claim payment execution through SnapRefund's ClaimsSnap platform. The collaboration aims to automate workflows, reduce manual handling, lower loss adjustment expenses, and improve operational efficiency as claims volumes scale.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group is using AI and technology to improve operational efficiency as insurance markets become more competitive. The company's expense ratio improved to 24.3% in Q2, with innovations like Sky View underwriting workstation and Bionic underwriting reducing submission time by 40% and improving quote speed by 35%. SkyScore and agentic AI automate surety tasks and risk assessment, helping underwriters focus on judgment-based decisions.

Skyward Specialty Insurance (SKWD) reported strong Q2 2026 earnings with operating EPS of $1.30 (up 46.1% YoY) and revenues of $489.53 million (up 53% YoY), both beating consensus estimates. Premium growth accelerated across all platforms, with gross written premiums up 13.3%. Despite a slight increase in the combined ratio to 89.5%, underwriting remained profitable. However, shares have underperformed the S&P 500 by 10.7% since the earnings report, and the stock holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

Skyward Group announced the global expansion of Skyward Specialty's Life Sciences insurance solution by leveraging Apollo's Lloyd's Syndicate 1969 following the acquisition closure. This marks the first strategic collaboration between the two organizations, enabling enhanced multinational placements for U.S.-domiciled life sciences companies with international operations.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (Nasdaq: SKWD) announced the completion of its acquisition of Apollo Group Holdings Limited, a U.K.-based Lloyd's of London insurance platform. The acquisition was completed at previously agreed upon terms and has received approval from regulatory authorities and minority shareholders. Skyward Specialty operates through nine underwriting divisions and maintains A (Excellent) ratings from A.M. Best Company.

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group promotes John Burkhart to President, U.S. Property & Casualty, expanding his leadership role to oversee additional divisions and support the company's strategic growth.