Principal's shares have rallied smartly this month, but they still trade at just a conservative book-value estimate near 14. Within a year, they could reach 22.

In the Thursday "Sell Block" segment, Cramer recited the mantra "when facts change, we change our minds," as he released life insurers Principal Financial (PFG), Prudential (PRU), Lincoln National (LNC) and Hartford Group (HIG) from solitary confinement.

BankingMyWay

Cramer said he doesn't want to own any of these names, but with the news that the government's TARP plan will be extended to the insurers, they're no longer toxic.

Cramer said there's no doubt these companies made a lot of terrible decisions, but TARP solves many of their problems and it's time to stop hating them. ("Mad Money Recap," 4-9-09)

Lincoln National (LNC), Prudential (PRU), MetLife (MET), Hartford (HIG) and Principal Financial Group (PFG) are right back on the red-hot griddle, and as a bull on the way down, this group is the only group that can truly shake my convictions. Given the exposure these firms have to bedrock principles, payoffs in annuities and life insurance, it is vital that some branch of the Treasury come on and say, "Look, your contractual obligations will be made good, regardless of the ramifications of the companies themselves." These deals have to be like pension benefit guarantees, but the government doesn't seem to be aware of it.

Mad About Options: Gilead Sciences: The Mad About Options crew reviews Jim Cramer's recent bearish comments about Gilead Sciences and offers options strategies for traders and investors. Also hear opinions about Principal Financial and United Parcel Service.
Click here to watch the video.

From a recent Mad Money show:"This stock is moving up. But if all the negatives are still true, then we don't want to own it. I want to hear from the Goldman Sachs analyst who scared us all to death first. "

And while we are at it, you, Prudential (PRU), and you, MetLife (MET), and you, Hartford (HIG), and you, Principal (PFG), are one firm.

From a recent Mad Money show:"Here's the problem: There was a report that came out that said Principal needs to raise money. I believe that report, so I'm saying no to that stock."

From a recent Mad Money show:"I do not want Principal, I do not want Manulife Financial (MFC), or Hartford Financial Services (HIG) or MetLife (MET).

Tim Call, a portfolio manager with Capital Management in Richmond, Va., sees promise in various financial groups, including insurance. He also likes Principal Financial Group (PFG), a Des Moines-based leader in servicing small and mid-range 401K retirement plans. The company trades for only four times 2009 expected earnings. "Don't look for banks," he says, noting insurers are "in better shape and just as oversold."

4.84%

jh

Never saw any meaningful gain in stock value.