"One of the big issues in this market, one that has put endless pressure on the financials, is the need for the big insurers to refinance their considerable debt load. Who has not watched with terror the action in Lincoln National (LNC) or Principal (PFG) or Hartford (HIG) or Genworth (GNW), my insurer by dint of its purchase of Mayflower -- my pristine carrier for so many years -- not that you get to vote on your insurer's takeover; I know I would never have voted for the cowboys at Genworth." ("Next, Fix the Insurers," 4-8-09)

"One of the big issues in this market, one that has put endless pressure on the financials, is the need for the big insurers to refinance their considerable debt load. Who has not watched with terror the action in Lincoln National (LNC) or Principal (PFG) or Hartford (HIG) or Genworth (GNW), my insurer by dint of its purchase of Mayflower -- my pristine carrier for so many years -- not that you get to vote on your insurer's takeover; I know I would never have voted for the cowboys at Genworth." ("Next, Fix the Insurers," 4-8-09)

"One of the big issues in this market, one that has put endless pressure on the financials, is the need for the big insurers to refinance their considerable debt load. Who has not watched with terror the action in Lincoln National (LNC) or Principal (PFG) or Hartford (HIG) or Genworth (GNW), my insurer by dint of its purchase of Mayflower -- my pristine carrier for so many years -- not that you get to vote on your insurer's takeover; I know I would never have voted for the cowboys at Genworth." ("Next, Fix the Insurers," 4-8-09)

"If we can take the pressure off this group, including MetLife (MET) and Pru (PRU) and Manulife (MFC) and Allstate (ALL), it would eliminate a second albatross -- mark to cash flow (as I like to call it) will take the pressure off banks with performing loans that had to be marked lower because of the inflexibility of the accounting system." ("Next, Fix the Insurers," 4-8-09)

"If we can take the pressure off this group, including MetLife (MET) and Pru (PRU) and Manulife (MFC) and Allstate (ALL), it would eliminate a second albatross -- mark to cash flow (as I like to call it) will take the pressure off banks with performing loans that had to be marked lower because of the inflexibility of the accounting system." ("Next, Fix the Insurers," 4-8-09)

"If we can take the pressure off this group, including MetLife (MET) and Pru (PRU) and Manulife (MFC) and Allstate (ALL), it would eliminate a second albatross -- mark to cash flow (as I like to call it) will take the pressure off banks with performing loans that had to be marked lower because of the inflexibility of the accounting system." ("Next, Fix the Insurers," 4-8-09)

"If we can take the pressure off this group, including MetLife (MET) and Pru (PRU) and Manulife (MFC) and Allstate (ALL), it would eliminate a second albatross -- mark to cash flow (as I like to call it) will take the pressure off banks with performing loans that had to be marked lower because of the inflexibility of the accounting system." ("Next, Fix the Insurers," 4-8-09)

"Anyway, earnings aren't so hot, with Alcoa (AA) probably offsetting Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY), although it is nice to see the latter rebound after heavy inventory liquidation of rival Linens & Things, similarly to Best Buy (BBY) once Circuit City dropped off. And as for Alcoa? I wish it would report next week, then no one would even care about this miserable company." ("Next, Fix the Insurers," 4-8-09)