MET

Zacks explains its Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) methodology, which identifies stocks likely to beat quarterly earnings expectations by comparing the most recent analyst estimates against consensus estimates. The system combined with Zacks Rank has historically produced positive surprises 70% of the time with ~28% annual returns. Arch Capital Group and MetLife are highlighted as current examples with positive ESP figures.

Zacks analysts recommend five low-beta, high-yielding stocks with Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) ratings as defensive plays amid market volatility in October 2026. The recommended stocks—Sun Life Financial, Coca-Cola, Altria, Keurig Dr Pepper, and MetLife—are positioned to weather concerns over AI sustainability, elevated crude oil prices, and persistent inflation.

Unum Group's Colonial Life segment demonstrated solid performance in Q2 2026 with adjusted operating income rising 11.9% and premium income increasing 3.3% to $477.4M. The segment benefited from favorable claims experience, higher investment income (up 17.6%), and a strong 19.4% ROE. However, persistency showed a slight decline and modest premium growth suggests the need for sustained sales momentum. Peers Aflac and MetLife also showed strength in their group benefits segments.

Prudential Financial (PRU) is expanding its use of reinsurance as a capital-management tool, completing a $5 billion transaction with Prismic Life to reinsure Japanese whole-life reserves while retaining policy administration. The strategy allows PRU to free up capital for higher-growth businesses, with combined transactions now exceeding $22 billion in USD liabilities. Peers like MetLife and AIG are pursuing similar capital-efficiency strategies through dedicated reinsurance platforms and portfolio restructuring.

The article explains Zacks' Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) tool, which identifies stocks likely to beat quarterly earnings expectations by comparing the most recent analyst estimates against consensus estimates. When combined with a Zacks Rank of #3 or better, this system has historically produced 70% positive surprises and ~28% annual returns. Two finance stocks highlighted as examples are Travelers (TRV) with a +2.86% ESP and MetLife (MET) with a +2.05% ESP, both holding #2 (Buy) ratings.

Equitable Holdings is diversifying its earnings base by expanding Wealth Management and Asset Management operations. In Q2 2026, Wealth Management achieved $2B in advisory net inflows with assets under administration rising 27% to $140.6B, while AllianceBernstein reported $0.8B in net inflows. The company is building a more fee-oriented earnings profile with less reliance on traditional insurance economics, positioning itself competitively against peers like Prudential and MetLife.

Neptune Insurance (NP) is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 20 with projected EPS growth of 45.5% year-over-year and revenue growth of 23.9%. The company is anticipated to benefit from increased policies in force (323,300 expected), higher fee income, and improved workforce productivity.

However, rising commissions and administrative expenses may offset some gains. The stock has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with a positive Earnings ESP of +1.82%, suggesting a likely earnings beat.

The Hartford Insurance Group has completed its acquisition of Equitable's Employee Benefits business for approximately $500 million in premiums, adding 300 employees and expanding its product portfolio in group life, disability, and supplemental health insurance. The deal includes advanced benefits administration technology and creates cross-selling opportunities, complementing HIG's 5% year-over-year premium growth in employee benefits during Q2 2026.

Marsh & McLennan (MRSH) is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 15 with EPS estimated at $1.96 on $6.63 billion in revenues, representing 6% year-over-year growth. The company has beaten consensus estimates in the last four quarters and is predicted to beat again, supported by 4.1% growth in Risk and Insurance Services revenues and 5.6% growth in adjusted operating income. However, rising operating expenses (up ~3%) and a 27% decline in interest income may partially offset gains.

Sun Life Financial (SLF) has launched Health Navigator, combining disability insurance with personalized healthcare navigation services. The product aims to help employees access appropriate specialists and care coordination while reducing recovery times and medical costs.

SLF's U.S. sales surged 43% to $324 million in Q2 2026, driven by medical stop-loss growth. The offering positions SLF to cross-sell services and capture greater market share in employer benefits spending.

Chubb Limited has launched Flexible Benefits Direct, an online platform in the UK offering Personal Accident and Leisure Travel insurance to employees. The move strengthens Chubb's digital distribution strategy, with the employee-benefits business having grown 17% in 2025 and generating $1.2 billion in premiums. However, no specific revenue targets have been disclosed for the new platform.