The Zacks Research Daily highlights recent research reports on major stocks including IBM, Goldman Sachs, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. IBM outperformed its industry with strong Q2 2025 results, driven by demand for hybrid cloud and AI solutions, and bolstered by the acquisition of Hakkoda and a collaboration with SAP in retail AI. Goldman Sachs exceeded earnings estimates, benefiting from growth in Global Banking & Markets, and has raised dividends after passing the 2025 Fed stress test, though its reliance on overseas revenues and rising tech expenses are concerns. Thermo Fisher showed mixed performance, with declining shares despite strong financial results from GenAI integration and new product launches like Krios 5 Cryo-TEM and Orbitrap MS systems, supported by acquisitions of Solventum and Olink. Other companies covered include Reddit, TELUS, Enbridge, Clean Harbors, RenaissanceRe, Sirius XM, and Amicus. The article also promotes a free report on the 'Second Wave of AI' and offers free stock analysis reports for several companies.

Swiss Re has surpassed Munich Re to become the top reinsurer globally among companies reporting under IFRS 17, based on year-end 2024 gross reinsurance revenue of $36.2 billion. Berkshire Hathaway has taken the top spot for non-IFRS 17 reporters with a gross written reinsurance premium (GWP) of $26.9 billion, marking a significant shift due to Swiss Re's adoption of IFRS 17 accounting standards. The market remained favorable in 2024 despite severe global catastrophe losses exceeding $320 billion, with over $140 billion in insured losses. Munich Re retained a strong loss performance with a combined ratio of 77.3%, down from 85.2% the prior year. Hannover Re, SCOR, and China Re ranked third to fifth in the IFRS 17 list with revenues of $27.5 billion, $16.8 billion, and $5.9 billion, respectively. Lloyd’s, Reinsurance Group of America, Everest Group, and RenaissanceRe ranked in the top five for non-IFRS 17 reporters. AM Best noted that 2025 results will depend on Atlantic hurricane season activity, with California wildfires in January negatively impacting first-quarter underwriting. Some reinsurers have benefited from third-party capital via insurance-linked securities (ILS), though reporting transparency remains limited.

AM Best has released new rankings for global reinsurers based on year-end 2024 performance, showing Swiss Re has overtaken Munich Re as the world's largest reinsurer for companies reporting under IFRS 17, with a gross reinsurance revenue of $36.2 billion. Berkshire Hathaway has taken the top spot for non-IFRS 17 reporters with a gross written reinsurance premium (GWP) of $26.9 billion. Munich Re, which previously held the top position for non-IFRS 17, now ranks second with $32.6 billion in revenue and a leading combined ratio of 77.3% for non-life reinsurance. Hannover Re is third with $27.5 billion in revenue, followed by SCOR at $16.8 billion and China Re at $5.9 billion. Lloyd’s is second in the non-IFRS 17 category with $23.5 billion in GWP, while Reinsurance Group of America, Everest Group, and RenaissanceRe follow with $15.6 billion, $12.9 billion, and $11.7 billion respectively. The California wildfires in January 2025 significantly impacted first-quarter results, leading to worse underwriting performance and reduced catastrophe loads for many reinsurers with California exposure. Despite this, some non-loss-affected accounts have seen rate softening in 2025, while rates remained stable or improved on loss-affected accounts.

This article highlights the ten most popular news stories from Artemis.bm during the week ending August 17th, 2025, focusing on catastrophe bonds, insurance-linked securities (ILS), reinsurance capital, and related risk transfer topics. Key developments include creditors suing Aon and China Construction Bank over forged collateral in the Vesttoo bankruptcy, RenRe's third-party capital under management surpassing $8 billion, a growing projection of third-party reinsurance capital reaching $114 billion in 2025, and strong performance in UCITS catastrophe bond funds. The article also notes increased registrations in Bermuda for ILS and alternative capital, and highlights market observations from Beazley, Swiss Re, and Aon regarding market conditions, risk modeling, and attractive margins in natural catastrophe risks.

The Zacks Research Daily highlights recent performance and strategic developments for several major companies, including IBM, Goldman Sachs, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. IBM outperformed in the computer-integrated systems sector due to strong second-quarter 2025 results, driven by demand for hybrid cloud and AI solutions, and its acquisition of Hakkoda, which enhanced its data capabilities. IBM is also collaborating with SAP on generative AI for retail. However, declining consulting segment sales and integration risks from its acquisition spree are concerns. Goldman Sachs outperformed the financial sector with strong earnings and growth in global banking and markets, supported by restructuring and private equity expansion, though its reliance on overseas revenues and rising tech expenses are noted. Thermo Fisher showed resilience despite a year-to-date decline, leveraging GenAI in its PPI system and launching new products like Krios 5 Cryo-TEM and Orbitrap MS systems, with strategic acquisitions of Solventum and Olink. The article also covers reports on Reddit, TELUS, RPM, Clean Harbors, RenaissanceRe, Sirius XM, Amicus, Enbridge, RBC Bearings, Zions, Embraer, NOV, and Hain Celestial, each with specific performance drivers and risks.