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Key Takeaways VRSK is set to report Q2'26 results on July 29, with EPS expected to rise 3.2% y/y. Verisk's underwriting growth is expected to benefit from pricing, renewals, AI and client wins.VRSK's claims revenues are projected to grow on contract renewals and AI-backed solution adoption. Verisk (VRSK - Free Report) is scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 results on July 29, before market open.

VRSK surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in the trailing four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 6.3%.

VRSK’s Q2 ExpectationsThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pinned at 802.4 million, suggesting 3.9% year-over-year growth. The consensus mark for underwriting revenues is set at $571.5 million, marking 3.9% year-over-year growth. VRSK is likely to have achieved this momentum in this segment on the back of strong pricing realization and multi-year contract renewals.

Sustained growth in catastrophe and risk solutions and life business, accompanied by client wins and contract extensions, is anticipated to have aided the segment. Growth acceleration is likely to have been achieved by contributory data programs and the rapid adoption of AI-driven innovations.

For the claims segment, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is pinned at $235 million, indicating a 5.4% year-over-year rally. Strong value realization in contract renewals, fueled by improved data insights and a growing ecosystem, is expected to have driven this segment’s growth. Revenue growth is anticipated to have been bolstered by the rapid client adoption of new AI-backed solutions.

For EPS, the consensus estimate is $1.94, increasing 3.2% year over year. The aforesaid expectation of segmental growth, accompanied by prudent expense management supporting operational efficiency, is anticipated to have improved the bottom line.

What Our Model Says About VRSKOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Verisk this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. But that is not the case here. You can uncover the best stocks before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

VRSK has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Stocks to ConsiderHere are a few stocks from the broader Business Services sector that, according to our model, have the right combination of elements to beat earnings estimates this season.

Clean Harbors (CLH - Free Report) : The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2026 revenues is set at $1.6 billion, indicating a 4.8% increase from the year-ago quarter’s actual. For earnings, the consensus mark is pegged at $2.73 per share, suggesting 15.7% growth from the year-ago quarter’s reported number. The company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the past four quarters, the average negative surprise being 0.02%.

It has an Earnings ESP of +3.82% and a Zacks Rank of 2 at present.

CLH is scheduled to declare second-quarter 2026 results on July 29.

Duolingo (DUOL - Free Report) : The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s second-quarter 2026 revenues is pegged at $297.4 million, indicating a 17.9% year-over-year jump. For earnings, the consensus mark is pegged at 61 cents per share, suggesting a 33% decline from that reported in the year-ago quarter. The company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the past four quarters, the average surprise being 32.3%.

DUOL currently has an Earnings ESP of +9.02% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is scheduled to declare second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 5.

California Public Employees Retirement System decreased its holdings in shares of Verisk Analytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK – Free Report) by 14.9% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 314,982 shares of the business services provider’s stock after selling 55,071 shares during the period. California Public Employees Retirement System owned about 0.24% of Verisk Analytics worth $59,768,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Verisk Analytics by 1.1% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 4,232 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $1,259,000 after acquiring an additional 44 shares during the period. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of Verisk Analytics by 3.5% during the third quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC now owns 1,377 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $339,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Verisk Analytics by 3.8% during the 4th quarter. Legacy Advisors LLC now owns 1,295 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $290,000 after purchasing an additional 48 shares during the period. Essex Bank boosted its holdings in shares of Verisk Analytics by 0.4% during the fourth quarter. Essex Bank now owns 12,388 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $2,771,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the period. Finally, Net Worth Advisory Group grew its position in shares of Verisk Analytics by 5.1% during the fourth quarter. Net Worth Advisory Group now owns 1,151 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $257,000 after acquiring an additional 56 shares during the last quarter. 90.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Transactions at Verisk Analytics In related news, Director Bruce Edward Hansen sold 2,336 shares of Verisk Analytics stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $174.99, for a total transaction of $408,776.64. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 15,868 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,776,741.32. The trade was a 12.83% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Samuel G. Liss sold 4,671 shares of Verisk Analytics stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $182.21, for a total value of $851,102.91. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 69,098 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,590,346.58. The trade was a 6.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 16,507 shares of company stock valued at $2,925,710. Corporate insiders own 0.52% of the company’s stock.

Verisk Analytics Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ:VRSK opened at $200.68 on Monday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $179.05 and a 200-day moving average of $190.31. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.42. The firm has a market cap of $26.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.54, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 0.69. Verisk Analytics, Inc. has a twelve month low of $155.94 and a twelve month high of $304.29.

Verisk Analytics (NASDAQ:VRSK – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 29th. The business services provider reported $1.82 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $782.60 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $771.62 million. Verisk Analytics had a negative return on equity of 2,405.75% and a net margin of 29.34%.The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.73 earnings per share. Verisk Analytics has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.450-7.750 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Verisk Analytics, Inc. will post 7.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Verisk Analytics Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 15th were paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 15th. Verisk Analytics’s payout ratio is currently 30.44%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently weighed in on VRSK. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Verisk Analytics from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “sell (d+)” rating in a report on Thursday, May 14th. Morgan Stanley set a $235.00 target price on shares of Verisk Analytics in a research report on Thursday, April 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an “outperform” rating and issued a $230.00 price target on shares of Verisk Analytics in a research note on Monday, March 30th. Rothschild & Co Redburn set a $185.00 price target on Verisk Analytics and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Thursday, June 18th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Verisk Analytics from $220.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, April 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, Verisk Analytics has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $234.87.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on VRSK

Verisk Analytics Profile (Free Report)

Verisk Analytics, Inc (NASDAQ: VRSK) is a data analytics and decision‑support provider that helps organizations assess and manage risk. The company supplies data, predictive models and software to customers in insurance, reinsurance, financial services, government, energy and other commercial markets. Its offerings are designed to support underwriting, pricing, claims management, catastrophe modeling, fraud detection and regulatory compliance, enabling clients to make more informed operational and strategic decisions.

Verisk’s product portfolio combines large proprietary datasets with analytics platforms and industry‑specific applications.

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Key Takeaways Verisk added KatRisk to Model Exchange, expanding independent catastrophe risk modeling options. VRSK launched an upgraded U.S. Tropical Cyclone Model with enhanced climate and cloud analytics. VRSK supported growth via acquisitions, dividends, share repurchases and expanded insurance solutions. Verisk Analytics’ (VRSK - Free Report) agreement to bring KatRisk onto its Model Exchange strengthens the platform’s position as an open, multi-vendor catastrophe risk modeling ecosystem. By adding KatRisk’s climate-informed models covering perils, such as inland flood, wildfire, tropical cyclone, storm surge and earthquake, VRSK broadens the range of independent risk perspectives available to insurers and reinsurers.

The move comes as the insurance industry faces rising climate-related losses and increasing regulatory scrutiny, increasing the importance of transparent, comparable and defensible catastrophe models. Expanding the platform’s portfolio of third-party models is expected to enhance underwriting, portfolio management and capital planning while reinforcing Verisk’s role as a key provider of risk analytics and decision-support solutions for the global insurance market.

The company’s reengineered U.S. Tropical Cyclone Model, delivered through its cloud-native Synergy Studio platform, represents a significant enhancement to its catastrophe risk analytics capabilities. By integrating updated climate science, refined hazard and vulnerability modeling, and a reengineered stochastic event catalog, the model provides insurers, reinsurers and capital market participants with a more realistic assessment of hurricane-related risks and potential losses.

The launch also strengthens VRSK’s competitive position by combining advanced scientific modeling with scalable cloud-based analytics, enabling faster risk assessments, improved portfolio management and more transparent, defensible decision-making as climate-related weather events become more frequent and severe.

VRSK continues to reward shareholders through consistent dividend payments and share repurchases. The company paid out dividends of $195.2 million, $196.8 million, $221.3 million and $251.3 million, while repurchasing shares worth $1.7 billion, $2.8 billion, $1 billion and $624 million in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.

The company’s growth strategy is also driven by its strong focus on innovation and acquisitions, as it rapidly invests in global companies to enhance its data and analytical capabilities. Recently, the company acquired SuranceBay, a leading provider of producer licensing, onboarding, appointment and compliance solutions, which is expected to expand VRSK’s life and annuity offerings.

Other Factors That Make VRSK an Attractive PickSolid Rank: VRSK carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Our research shows that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 offer attractive investment opportunities.  You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Positive Earnings Surprise History: VRSK has an impressive earnings surprise history. The company outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters and missed once, delivering an earnings surprise of 6.29%, on average. 

Strong Growth Prospects: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Verisk’s 2026 revenues is pinned at $3.22 billion, reflecting 5% year-over-year growth. The consensus estimate for 2026 earnings is pegged at $7.63 per share, indicating a 6.6% year-over-year increase.

Bullish Industry Rank: The industry to which VRSK belongs currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 18 (out of 243). Such a favorable rank places it in the top 7% of Zacks Industries. Studies show that 50% of a stock’s price movement is directly related to the performance of the industry group to which it belongs.

A mediocre stock within a strong group is likely to outperform a robust stock in a weak industry. Reckoning the industry’s performance becomes imperative.

Other Stocks to ConsiderSome other top-ranked stocks for investors’ consideration are Dave Inc. (DAVE - Free Report) and Coherent Corp. (COHR - Free Report) .

Dave currently sports a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy). The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 10.5% and 24.5% for 2026 and 2027, respectively.

DAVE has an encouraging earnings surprise history as it has surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 54.2%.

Coherent Corp. sports a Zacks Rank of #1. COHR has an expected earnings growth rate of 55% and 51.04% for 2026 and 2027, respectively.

The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history as it has topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average earnings surprise of 6.20%.

Investors in Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Sept. 18, 2026 $140.00 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.

What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.

What do the Analysts Think?Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Verisk Analytics shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Verisk Analytics is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the Business - Information Services industry that ranks in the Top 19% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, three analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while one has dropped the estimate. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from $1.93 per share to $1.95 in that period.

Given the way analysts feel about Verisk Analytics right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Year-over-year, the U.S. property/casualty (P&C) insurance industry’s financial performance improved through the first three months of 2026, according to Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK), a leading strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), the primary national trade association for home, auto and business insurers.

According to key financial indicators for private U.S. P&C insurers, the industry posted an estimated net underwriting gain of approximately $15.8 billion in Q1 2026, a strong rebound from the $864 million underwriting loss in Q1 2025, which was heavily impacted by large-scale catastrophe activity, including the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. Year-over-year industry financial volatility was similar in the first quarters of 2023 and 2024, swinging from a $7.8 billion loss to a $9.5 billion gain, respectively.

First-quarter results improved largely due to continued momentum in personal auto underwriting, alongside a more stable catastrophe experience relative to the prior year. Some carriers have returned personal auto premiums through elevated policyholder dividends, marking a shift from recent periods of auto rate increases. At the same time, broader market conditions are mixed and other lines of insurance continue to face pressure.

“Industry profitability improved in 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, driven largely by moderating inflation and an unusual respite from natural catastrophes over the past 12 months,” said Robert Gordon, senior vice president, policy, research and international, APCIA. “In good news for policyholders, premium increases continued to slow. Net written premium growth slowed sharply to 2.9 percent in Q1 2026, down from 9.6 percent in Q1 2024 and 6.8 percent in Q1 2025. When factoring in inflation and $6.2 billion returned to policyholders through dividends, written premiums have effectively declined in 2026.”

“Net income bounced back in Q1 2026 following a 50 percent decline in Q1 2025. At the same time, legal system abuse and rising claims severity continue to be among the industry’s most significant headwinds. States such as Florida that have enacted meaningful legal system abuse reforms are beginning to see progress, including stabilization and reductions in auto and homeowners’ insurance rates,” Gordon concluded.

Underwriting Industry Financial Results Through Q1 2026, Post-Policyholder Dividends

Written premiums: Net written premium growth slowed to 2.9 percent, compared to 6.8 percent during the same period in 2025.Earned premiums: Net earned premiums rose 3.8 percent, compared to 7.8 percent during the same period in 2025.Underwriting gain: The U.S. P&C insurance industry posted an estimated net underwriting gain of $15.8 billion, an improvement from the $864 million underwriting loss through the first three months of 2025.Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased by 9.6 percent, compared to a 15.5 percent increase in Q1 2025. The combined ratio improved to 92.4 percent, down from 99.2 percent in the same period last year.Surplus: Policyholders’ surplus increased to $1.24 trillion from $1.09 trillion during the same period in 2025.Realized capital gains: Realized capital gains increased to $8.8 billion, compared to $3.7 billion in Q1 2025.Net income: Net income after taxes increased to $40.9 billion from $19.4 billion in Q1 2025. “First-quarter results reflected meaningful improvements, most notably in personal auto, but slower premium growth and continued pressure in casualty underscore an uneven recovery across the market,” said Saurabh Khemka, president of Verisk Underwriting Solutions. “Heading into the 2026 hurricane season, a critical focus for the industry is the potential for catastrophic activity to impact full-year performance. Profitability will need to hold through historically more active second and third quarters, as even in otherwise calm El Niño years, a single event can materially shift outcomes.”

Khemka added, “In today’s market, underwriting performance is increasingly defined by the quality and consistency of individual decisions. Carriers are using more granular data and AI to improve insight into how specific risks are selected, priced and managed across their portfolios, bringing greater discipline to underwriting at scale. That level of precision is critical not only for protecting margins, but for sustaining performance in the year ahead as conditions evolve.”

Note: The results above are based on quarterly statements filed with insurance regulators by private property/casualty insurers domiciled in the United States, including reinsurers, excess and surplus insurers, and domestic insurers owned by foreign parents, and excluding state funds for workers' compensation and other residual market insurers, the National Flood Insurance Program, and foreign insurers. The figures are consolidated estimates based on reports accounting for about 98 percent of all business written by U.S. property/casualty insurers. All figures are net of reinsurance unless otherwise noted and occasionally may not balance due to rounding. Net investment results displayed are post-tax.

About Verisk
Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) is a leading strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry. It empowers clients to strengthen operating efficiency, improve underwriting and claims outcomes, combat fraud and make informed decisions about global risks, including climate change, catastrophic events, sustainability and political issues. Through advanced data analytics, software, scientific research and deep industry knowledge, Verisk helps build global resilience for individuals, communities and businesses. With teams across more than 20 countries, Verisk consistently earns certification by Great Place to Work. For more, visit Verisk.com and the Verisk Newsroom.

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.

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Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

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Stock to Watch: Verisk Analytics (VRSK - Free Report) Headquartered in Jersey City, N.J., Verisk Analytics is one of the leading data analytics providers serving customers in the insurance, energy, financial services and specialized markets. Using advanced technologies to collect and analyze data, Verisk draws on unique data assets and deep domain expertise to provide innovations that are integrated into customer workflows. The company offers predictive analytics and decision support solutions to customers in rating, underwriting, claims, catastrophe and weather risk, natural resources intelligence, economic forecasting and many other fields. The company operates in 30 countries.

VRSK is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. VRSK has a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 6.6% for the current fiscal year.

Three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.01 to $7.63 per share. VRSK boasts an average earnings surprise of +6.3%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, VRSK should be on investors' short list.

New Verisk Model Context Protocol (MCP) connectors enable conversational, natural-language interactions, provide contextual access to Verisk’s trusted insurance analytics inside enterprise AI environments.  Enables underwriting and claims professionals to access Verisk’s regulatory-grade data within Claude, surfacing relevant insights and reducing manual tasks.   AI-enabled insurance workflows with embedded governance and security controls that reinforce trust, ensure humans remain at the center of every decision.  JERSEY CITY, N.J., May 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK), a leading strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry, today announced its trusted insurance analytics are now available in Claude, Anthropic’s family of AI models, through standardized Verisk Model Context Protocol (MCP) connectors. These connectors enable insurance and property restoration professionals to access insights conversationally within a secure, governed environment, and bring meaningful efficiency. 

Verisk’s analytics and solutions are used by U.S. property & casualty insurers, including the top 100 insurers, as well as global insurers, reinsurers and brokers. This deep understanding of essential processes, platforms, and workflows positions Verisk to responsibly support the next evolution of how insurance professionals engage with trusted data and analytics through AI.

Building on this foundation, Verisk MCP connectors simplify access to insurance analytics, surfacing contextual insights and streamlining tasks within Claude:

Through MCP connectors, insurance professionals can access Verisk’s proprietary, regulatory-grade data and analytics through generative AI, governed by Verisk’s established data governance framework to support customers’ controlled access and compliance needs. Insights are surfaced through natural language, rather than requiring navigation across multiple systems and dashboards. Helps teams save time by enabling tasks to be streamlined and reducing manual steps. Intelligently presents data and insights that are relevant to the current task or query.  This approach combines speed and reliability to meaningfully accelerate mission‑critical underwriting and claims workflows.  “Trust is the foundation of insurance, and that doesn’t change as new technologies emerge,” said Lee Shavel, president and CEO of Verisk. “What is changing is how professionals expect to interact with information. Our role is to bring AI into insurance in a way that reflects the realities of the industry – where data must be authoritative, decisions must be explainable, and accountability remains with people. This collaboration with Anthropic applies a conversational interface to Verisk’s governed analytics so professionals can work more efficiently, while upholding the industry’s high standards.” 

Verisk MCP Connectors Integrate Trusted Analytics, Contextual Intelligence, and Task Execution into Enterprise AI Workflows

Verisk is launching two connectors in Claude that provide conversational access to its proprietary analytics for underwriting and restoration use cases, enabling professionals to discover insights more quickly while preserving the rigor and reliability required for insurance decision‑making: 

Verisk Underwriting Intelligence (ISO Indications): 
Through this connector, insurers can access loss cost trends, experience insights, and filing signals from Insurance Services Office (ISO), a Verisk business, using conversational queries within their underwriting workflow. By bringing together insights that typically require navigating multiple tools and datasets, the connector helps underwriters and actuaries more efficiently assess indications, explore emerging patterns, and support underwriting decisions with greater confidence – while ensuring judgment and accountability remain with insurance professionals, consistent with existing processes and controls. It is estimated that integrating AI in this workflow could save hundreds of hours per carrier per year, freeing up capacity for higher-value, strategic analysis.  Verisk XactRestore: 
Restoration professionals, including contractors who repair property damage following insured events, rely on Xactware from Verisk to support estimating and repair activities tied to insurance claims. Through this connector, professionals can engage with researched pricing and estimating intelligence using natural language, providing a conversational layer that supports scoping, estimate development, and iteration alongside existing estimating processes. It is estimated that experienced contractors can achieve time savings ranging from 30 minutes to two hours per estimate.  Responsible AI Built for Insurance 

Verisk aligns with insurers’ existing systems, entitlements, and operating models. Model- and platform-agnostic, Verisk’s approach enables clients to integrate Verisk data, insights and AI into their existing environments regardless of their strategy or vendor choices. Verisk’s use of AI is within established, controlled workflows and aligned with its contractual data use, confidentiality, and governance obligations.

Verisk’s collaboration with Anthropic builds on the company’s commitment to applying artificial intelligence responsibly in the insurance market, through rigorous governance and compliance protocols. Verisk has embedded AI across the insurance ecosystem for more than two decades and has deployed approximately 40 agentic and generative AI solutions grounded in proprietary data, deep domain expertise, and transparent, explainable methodologies.

“Insurance is a highly regulated, high-stakes industry, and Verisk has long been a leader for how trusted data and analytics are applied responsibly,” said Mike Ram, Head of Insurance at Anthropic. “By pairing Claude with Verisk’s governed analytics and established controls, this collaboration shows how generative AI can enhance professional decision-making without compromising the rigor and accountability the industry demands.” 

Shavel added, “Responsible use of generative AI isn’t just about efficiency – it’s about helping insurers make sound decisions, so consumers and policyholders receive clarity, confidence, and support when it matters most.”

For more information, visit https://www.verisk.com/company/ai/. 

About Verisk  
Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) is a leading strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry. It empowers clients to strengthen operating efficiency, improve underwriting and claims outcomes, combat fraud and make informed decisions about global risks, including climate change, catastrophic events, sustainability and political issues. Through advanced data analytics, software, scientific research and deep industry knowledge, Verisk helps build global resilience for individuals, communities and businesses. With teams across more than 20 countries, Verisk consistently earns certification by Great Place to Work. For more, visit Verisk.com and the Verisk Newsroom.  

Verisk reported Q1 revenue of $783M (+4% y/y), with improved margins and strong adjusted EBITDA, but top-line growth remains modest. VRSK maintains a healthy balance sheet with 2.4x debt/EBITDA and 8x interest coverage; liquidity and solvency are not concerns. Management reaffirmed 2026 guidance, expects Q1 to be a trough, and anticipates federal contract resumption and normalized catastrophe activity to support growth.

Verisk Analytics is rated Buy as AI-driven fears have compressed its valuation despite resilient fundamentals and reaffirmed 2026 guidance. VRSK's subscription-heavy revenue base, high EBITDA margins, and proprietary insurance data provide defensibility against AI disruption concerns. Management views Q1 as a trough and sees an opportunity to leverage AI for productivity and value realization, not disintermediation.

Key Takeaways Verisk's Underwriting and Claims revenues rose 3.8% and 4.3% y/y in the first quarter of 2026.VRSK expands AI and analytics offerings through the SuranceBay acquisition and fraud tools.Verisk returned capital through dividends and buybacks despite higher debt and expenses. Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK - Free Report) is benefiting from its recurring subscription revenues, supported by strong premium growth. Acquisitions are driving customer growth, while shareholder-friendly policies attract investors. However, the company continues to grapple with elevated expenses.

VRSK has a Growth Score of B. This style score condenses key financial metrics to reflect a fair sense of the quality and sustainability of its growth.

The company’s second-quarter 2026 earnings are expected to increase 3.7% year over year. Its 2026 and 2027 earnings are projected to rise 6.6% and 13.5%, respectively. Revenues are expected to grow 4.9% in 2026 and 6.8% in 2027.

Factors That Bode Well for VRSKVerisk’s growth is primarily driven by its Underwriting and Rating division, with the Claims division being the secondary one. Higher annualized recurring revenues and direct written premium growth also positively impact the bottom line. Rising demand for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products supports growth in VRSK’s subscribed offerings. During the first quarter of 2026, Underwriting revenues increased 3.8% year over year to $552 million, while Claims revenues rose 4.3% to $231 million.

VRSK’s growth strategy is also driven by its strong focus on innovation and acquisitions, as the company rapidly invests in global companies to enhance its data and analytical capabilities. Recently, the company acquired SuranceBay, a leading provider of producer licensing, onboarding, appointment and compliance solutions, which is expected to expand VRSK’s life and annuity offerings.

The company is witnessing growing customer demand for AI-enabled underwriting, fraud detection and catastrophe modeling solutions. One of its key AI innovations, its digital media forensics platform, an AI-powered anti-fraud solution that automates anomaly detection in photos and documents, is expected to attract customers. Continued success of its aerial imagery analytics offerings, which help insurers improve property risk selection and underwriting efficiency, is also expected to expand in the future.

VRSK continues to reward shareholders through consistent dividend payments and share repurchases. The company paid out dividends of $195.2 million, $196.8 million, $221.3 million and $251.3 million, while repurchasing shares worth $1.7 billion, $2.8 billion, $1 billion and $624 million in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.

VRSK: Risks to WatchVerisk faces intensifying pressure from soaring operating expenses, which weigh heavily on profitability and the company’s strategic outlook. Sustained cost growth at this pace could erode margins and limit VRSK’s ability to invest in strategic initiatives, making expense management a key area to watch going forward.

The company had long-term debt of $4.2 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2026, up 30.6% year over year, reflecting a significant accumulation of debt due to past buyouts and business expansion efforts. This higher debt burden also increases operational costs and affects VRSK’s capacity to pursue other opportunities.

VRSK’s Zacks Rank & Stocks to considerVerisk currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

A couple of better-ranked stocks in the Business Services are FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS - Free Report) and TransUnion (TRU - Free Report) .

FactSet carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 6.5%.

FDS beat earnings estimates in two of the last four reported quarters and missed twice, delivering an earnings surprise of 0.4%, on average.

TransUnion also has a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 13.6%.

TRU beat earnings estimates in the last four quarters, the earnings surprise being 6.3%, on average.

Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK) Presents at Bernstein 42nd Annual Strategic Decisions Conference Transcript

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Verisk Analytics (VRSK - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 6.3% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.

But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Verisk due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for Verisk Analytics, Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.

Verisk Q1 Earnings Surpass EstimatesVerisk Analytics, Inc reported first-quarter 2026 results, with both earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

VRSK’s adjusted earnings per share were $1.82, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.76 by 3.4% and increasing 5.2% from the year-ago quarter.

Revenue came in at $782.6 million, topping the consensus mark of $775.9 million by 0.9% and rising 3.9% year over year. Organic constant-currency revenue growth was 4.7%, supported by continued momentum across the Insurance business.

VRSK Posts Higher Insurance RevenuesVerisk’s top-line growth was driven by both operating areas within Insurance. Underwriting revenues increased 3.8% year over year to $552 million, while Claims revenues rose 4.3% to $231 million.

On an organic constant-currency basis, Underwriting growth accelerated to 5.3% and Claims increased 3.4%. Management attributed the Underwriting performance primarily to price increases tied to enhancements in forms, rules and loss cost solutions, alongside increased sales to new clients and expanded renewals with existing clients.

Verisk Gains in Claims on Fraud Analytics StrengthVRSK’s Claims growth reflected improved value realization and customer additions. The company cited improved value realization in its anti-fraud analytics and sales to new customers within casualty solutions as key contributors.

These gains were partly offset by modest declines in property and restoration solutions. Even with that pressure, Claims remained a meaningful contributor to consolidated revenue growth for the quarter.

VRSK Expands Profitability on Operating LeverageVerisk generated stronger profitability as revenue growth flowed through the model. Adjusted EBITDA increased 5% year over year to $438 million and the adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 55.9% from 55.3% a year ago.

Net income was $234.2 million, up 0.8% year over year. The company said that the increase was mainly driven by operating leverage on revenue growth and cost discipline, partially offset by a higher effective tax rate and higher net interest expenses.

Verisk Cash Flow Declines on Tax, Interest TimingVRSK’s cash generation was weaker year over year due to timing items. Net cash provided by operating activities was $390.4 million, down 12.2%, while the free cash flow declined 16.5% to $326.4 million.

The company linked the decrease primarily to a tax refund received in the prior year that did not recur, as well as higher interest payments. It noted that the increase in interest payments reflected higher debt balances during the quarter, partly offset by higher interest income earned on cash.

VRSK Accelerates Shareholder Returns in Q1Verisk stepped up capital return activity in the quarter. It paid out a cash dividend of 50 cents per share on March 31, 2026, and also executed a $1.5-billion accelerated share repurchase program.

As part of that accelerated repurchase, the company received an initial delivery of 6,986,302 shares at an initial price of $182.50, representing about 85% of the aggregate purchase price. Separately, it repurchased $126.1 million of shares in the open market and received 583,042 shares at an average price of $216.24. VRSK ended the quarter with $1 billion remaining under its share repurchase authorization.

Verisk Keeps 2026 Outlook IntactVerisk has reaffirmed its 2026 guidance. The company expects total revenues of $3.19 billion to $3.24 billion, and adjusted EBITDA of $1.79 billion to $1.83 billion, implying an adjusted EBITDA margin of 56% to 56.5%.

Management maintained diluted adjusted earnings per share guidance of $7.45 to $7.75, and expects a tax rate of 23% to 26%. Capital expenditure is projected at $260 million to $280 million, while fixed asset depreciation and amortization is expected to be $270 million to $290 million, with intangible amortization of $60 million.

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates review.

VGM ScoresCurrently, Verisk has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with a C. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated a score of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. Notably, Verisk has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.

Performance of an Industry PlayerVerisk is part of the Zacks Business - Information Services industry. Over the past month, TransUnion (TRU - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 0.9%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended March 2026 more than a month ago.

TransUnion reported revenues of $1.25 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +13.7%. EPS of $1.18 for the same period compares with $1.05 a year ago.

TransUnion is expected to post earnings of $1.18 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +9.3%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.

TransUnion has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of C.

Integrates advances in climate science, hazard, and vulnerability to improve how tropical cyclone risk is assessed  Provides a more realistic view of individual risk and portfolio exposure across insurance, reinsurance, and capital markets  Delivered through Verisk’s new cloud-native Synergy Studio platform, enabling high-resolution modeling, high-performance analytics, and scalable workflows  JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) today announced a major update to its Tropical Cyclone Model for the United States (hurricane) model—delivering advances in how hurricane risk is quantified and applied across insurance, reinsurance and capital markets. Delivered on Verisk’s cloud‑native Synergy Studio platform, the updated model uses flexible computing and automated workflows to generate faster insights into individual risks and portfolio exposure. 

The updated U.S. Tropical Cyclone model reflects a near-present climate view, grounded in recent tropical cyclone behavior and impacts, enhanced hazard and vulnerability modeling, and a clearer representation of loss drivers. It combines an updated stochastic event catalog, peer-reviewed wind-field methodology, and a comprehensive reevaluation of vulnerability to better capture how hurricanes behave today and how that translates into losses—such as damage driven by storm surge in coastal areas and rainfall‑driven inland flooding—delivering a more accurate and transparent view of risk. The model is exclusively available through Verisk Synergy Studio. 

“Insurance leaders are navigating a more complex and interconnected risk environment than ever before,” said Rob Newbold, president of Verisk Catastrophe and Risk Solutions. “The updated U.S. Tropical Cyclone model and Verisk Synergy Studio are designed to support those decisions—providing a more defensible view of risk on a modern platform that helps organizations assess exposure, manage capital, and operate with confidence in today’s climate.” 

A near‑present view of hurricane risk, grounded in updated science  

The updated model adopts a single, near‑present view of tropical cyclone risk that reflects the impact of both global warming and the natural variability of the ocean and atmosphere in the Atlantic Basin. The underlying framework supports more flexible climate sensitivity analysis while remaining grounded in established science and physical plausibility.  

This approach represents a significant advance in how tropical cyclone behavior and impacts are modeled, enabling a more realistic and robust view of risk. 

The update comprehensively modernizes the representation of tropical cyclone risk—from the underlying event catalog and hazard framework to vulnerability and loss dynamics. This includes a reevaluation of how buildings, infrastructure, and communities sustain damage, reflecting changes in construction practices, mitigation, and exposure that increasingly shape actual losses. 

Key scientific advancements include: 

Modernized tropical cyclone hazard modeling significantly enhances the representation of wind fields, storm surge, and inland flooding, incorporating improved simulation of storm structure, land interaction, impact of event duration, and physical realism of these sub-perils. These advances provide a more physically realistic view of how tropical cyclones evolve and propagate impacts inland—key drivers of outsized losses in recent U.S. hurricane seasons, particularly across coastal and near‑coastal states.  Enhanced vulnerability modeling reflects how modern buildings and infrastructure withstand peak hurricane winds and duration, incorporating updated construction practices, mitigation measures, and component-level damage behavior. The update improves model differentiation of risk across older versus newer structures, capturing key drivers that influence how similar storms can produce significantly different damage and recovery outcomes.  A reengineered stochastic event catalog captures a broader range of plausible tropical cyclone behavior, including tropical storms and extratropical transition. Event tracks are generated using physically consistent atmospheric and oceanic variables known to influence tropical cyclone activity, which provides more physics-based information in the simulation of rare tail events.  Together, these advances provide insurers and reinsurers with a clearer view of individual risks, drivers of loss, and how portfolios are exposed to extreme but plausible events—particularly in high exposure regions such as the U.S. Southeast and Gulf Coast, where multiple risks increasingly interact.  

Peer-reviewed science and built for real‑world decision making 

Catastrophe models increasingly inform decisions beyond insurance pricing, including reinsurance and insurance‑linked securities (ILS), as well as housing, infrastructure, capital markets, and climate risk disclosure. The updated model is designed to support risk evaluations at that intersection: results that can be explained to executives, presented to regulators, and defended under external review. 

The updated model underwent extensive external evaluation, including academic peer review and publication of the new hurricane wind-field methodology, and review and evaluation of the new event set and vulnerability modules by independent experts. This process complements internal scientific validation by Verisk’s domain-area experts and reflects the level of rigor required for risk assessments that inform high stakes public and private decision‑making. 

“This update reflects years of advances in atmospheric science, hazard modeling, and loss validation,” said Jay Guin, executive vice president and chief research officer at Verisk. “By incorporating a near‑present view of climate conditions and improved representations of wind, storm surge, and flooding, the model provides a more realistic picture of how hurricanes behave and how losses may occur today—not decades ago.” 

Delivered on Verisk Synergy Studio, Verisk’s modern platform for catastrophe modeling at scale 

The updated model, along with Verisk’s global suite of catastrophe models, is delivered on Verisk Synergy Studio, a cloud‑native platform designed to unify catastrophe modeling, exposure management, and risk analytics in a single environment. The platform supports larger, more complex portfolios with modern workflows and high‑performance computing, while leveraging open, non‑proprietary exposure data formats and an updated, globally connected financial modeling framework. 

By pairing advanced science with a modern platform, Synergy Studio enables more frequent model updates and improved integration with enterprise risk workflows. 

Availability 

The Verisk Tropical Cyclone model for the United States will be delivered natively through Verisk Synergy Studio. Both offerings will be available starting June 15, 2026. Verisk is supporting clients through a phased migration process, with validation resources and model documentation available to support adoption. 

The Verisk Tropical Cyclone Model for the United States is developed by AIR Worldwide Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Verisk Analytics, Inc. 

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About Verisk 
Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) is a leading strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry. It empowers clients to strengthen operating efficiency, improve underwriting and claims outcomes, combat fraud and make informed decisions about global risks, including climate change, extreme events, sustainability and political issues. Through advanced data analytics, software, scientific research and deep industry knowledge, Verisk helps build global resilience for individuals, communities and businesses. With teams across more than 20 countries, Verisk consistently earns certification by Great Place to Work. For more, visit Verisk.com and the Verisk Newsroom.