Seeking Alpha: Isn't Torchmark Supposed To Be Defensive?

Life and supplemental health insurance company Torchmark (TMK) is unusual in a lot of ways. Not only does the company have a pretty exceptional history of returns on equity, those returns have been remarkably consistent. The company's underwriting risk is low and not many companies can compete in its core life insurance markets. What's perhaps even stranger is that this supposedly defensive insurance stock is doing quite well in a market where conditions are seen as improving for the sector.

Even though Torchmark would normally have less to gain from the improving economy and rising rates, these shares may yet be undervalued. Torchmark's different model makes P/TBV valuation almost useless, but the shares look surprisingly cheap on the basis of an excess return model. I don't normally think to look at the 52-week high list for bargains, but Torchmark could still offer some meaningful upside from today's level.

Please continue here:
Isn't Torchmark Supposed To Be Defensive?

Seeking Alpha: Can Investors Leverage Leftover Skepticism On Genworth To Their Advantage?

A few years ago investors were spoiled for choice when it came to insurance companies. Many of these companies have since repaired their balance sheets and returned to posting decent if not good returns. The markets have responded, leaving investors considering names like MetLife (MET) and Arch Capital (ACGL) in a position where they are looking at longer timelines for meaningful market-beating returns.

Genworth (GNW) is a different story. The stock has given investors a wild ride, but the last couple of years have been pretty solid. Even with new management and clear progress in improving its businesses, there's still some lingering skepticism regarding Genworth and the company's ability to return to high single-digit ROEs. Genworth has chosen to stay in businesses that many other insurance companies have left behind, but if Genworth's long-term ROE hits 8% or 9%, there's still upside for a stock at its highest point in four years.

Follow this link for the full article:
Can Investors Leverage Leftover Skepticism On Genworth To Their Advantage?

Investopedia: Even Near A 52-Week High, MetLife Seems Undervalued

MetLife (NYSE:MET) has been one of my favorite financial companies that I don't actually own, and nothing has happened to dim my enthusiasm for the company. Not only has the company been fairly proactive in adapting to the new regulatory realities of the U.S. financial system, but it has also looked to improve its international growth prospects while reducing risk in its business. Even though the shares are up 50% over the past year, I'd still consider adding these shares to a portfolio (and would do so in my own portfolio if I didn't already have sizable exposure to the financials).

Please continue here:
http://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/061413/even-near-52week-high-metlife-seems-undervalued-met-hig-pru-amp.aspx

Investopedia: Steady Progress And Underapperciated Value At MetLife

With low rates and an uncertain regulatory environment still troubling investors, MetLife (NYSE:MET) shares have been on a slow boat to nowhere over the past year. Operating performance continues to improve faster than analysts expect, though, and MetLife's strong international operations should help build value in the coming years. While the risk of a MetLife position is asymmetrical (there's a higher likelihood of something going much worse than much better), I do believe these shares are undervalued and priced to deliver good returns over the long term.

Please continue here:
http://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2013/Steady-Progress-And-Unappreciated-Value-At-MetLife-MET-PFG-PRU-GE0215.aspx