12 Best Small-Cap Growth Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

Page 4 of 11

​8. Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR)

Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR) is one of the Best Small-Cap Growth Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On March 3, Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR) presented at the Raymond James conference, highlighting its strategic roadmap.

​Interim CEO Tom candidly addressed headwinds in the auto insurance market. He highlighted California as a pain point due to higher minimum liability limits that hammered profitability. However, the company remains optimistic and looks forward to its expansion in high-potential states like Florida and Texas. This strategy is backed by robust capital and liquidity to fuel efficiency drives and profit recovery.

​Management highlighted that loss ratios in California jumped by 15 to 16 points in the second half of 2025. This was slightly offset by a 6.9% overall rate hike by the state, with liability coverages surging over 40%. The company aims to reduce its expense ratios to under 20%.

​Looking ahead, Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR) aims to de-risk by accelerating growth beyond California. Management noted that by growing in promising markets such as Florida and Texas, the company will reduce earnings volatility and will be able to reinvest in growth opportunities.

​​Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR) is a diversified insurance holding company that offers property and casualty insurance as well as life insurance through its subsidiaries.

Page 4 of 11