Hi all. I'm looking for thoughtful input on ROOT after Q4/FY25. Stock jumped ~12% after hours on the earnings beat, then opened down ~10% and now sitting at the 52-week low. Trying to understand if this is rational repricing or just volatility.

    Tailwinds I see:

    1. Combined ratio improving despite winter weather in Q4.
    2. Growth remains strong, with revenue and EPS beating expectations.
    3. Integrations / partnerships like Carvana and Toyota seem like huge opportunities and could drive embedded growth
    4. Premium growth and policies in force growth are solid
    5. Higher interest rates helping investment income across insurers.
    6. Insurance pricing across the industry has gone up the last couple of years.

    Headwinds:

    1. Combined ratio still volatile. Not fully proven through cycle.
    2. Competitive pricing risk if big carriers chase growth.
    3. Macro slowdown could pressure policy growth/retention.

    Technicals: After-hours moves often exaggerated, probably due to very low trading volumes. Regular session volumes are also low (below 300k). You have to go all the way back to Sept 2024 to find the next support level, which is around $40-45.

    Sector backdrop: Mixed. P&C sector is stabilizing but market still skeptical of smaller, “prove it” names (e.g. ROOT, LMND).

    So what’s your read here? Does the current pricing reflect a true picture of forward risk? Or are we in the middle of an opportunity created by volatility / irrational pessimism?

    Would appreciate perspectives from anyone who follows insurance underwriting closely. Thanks!

    Full disclosure: I'm long ROOT with a cost basis of ~$79

    ROOT earnings pop, followed by sharp price drop. Thoughts?
    byu/HappyRuminations ininvesting



    Posted by HappyRuminations

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