12 Best Performing Cheap Stocks in 2024

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01. Kingstone Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:KINS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 2

Year to date Share Price Gain: 322.07%

Forward Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: 6.44

Kingstone Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:KINS) is a well-established player in the property and casualty insurance sector, providing a range of insurance products tailored for individual clients across the United States. With a rich history dating back to 1886, the company has undergone strategic transformations and is now positioned to capitalize on the evolving insurance landscape.

The second quarter of 2024 marks a significant milestone for Kingstone Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:KINS), as it achieved its third consecutive quarter of profitability, reporting a net income of $4.5 million, or $0.41 per basic share. This is a remarkable turnaround, especially considering the $11.5 million increase in net income compared to the same period last year. The company’s commitment to enhancing its core business is evident, with direct premiums rising 12%, bolstered by a remarkable 21% growth in core direct written premiums. The average premium across policies surged by over 18%, reflecting Kingstone’s strategic pricing actions and effective risk management.

Kingstone Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:KINS) combined ratio improved substantially to 78.2%, a remarkable 21-point decrease year-over-year, indicating efficient underwriting practices. This positive trend is supported by a significant improvement in both the current accident year loss ratio and a decrease in catastrophe losses, underscoring the company’s strong risk selection and operational effectiveness.

Moreover, Kingstone Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:KINS) focus on a selective growth strategy allows it to maximize opportunities in a constrained market, particularly after several competitors have exited key areas, including New York. The company’s proactive approach to raising premiums and updating replacement costs on policies has positioned it favorably to capture market share from these exiting players.

Looking ahead, Kingstone Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:KINS) anticipates direct premium growth of 25% to 35% for the full year, with earnings per share expected to range between $1.00 and $1.30. The projected return on equity stands impressively between 26% and 34%. With a scalable platform and strategic initiatives in place, Kingstone Companies, Inc. is poised not just for survival but for substantial growth, making it an attractive investment for 2024 and beyond.

While we acknowledge the potential of KINS to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than KINS but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

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