Thanks Crow, for the insurance list. And the food tip (Sounds awful, but I will try it.) I'm participating in many of the stocks you mentioned. I've bought because the companies looked fundamentally good (cheap) to me, not because of merger possibilities. It's too difficult for me to scope out which companies might likely be takeovers. Something will happen - that I agree with. I leave it to others here who might be more astute in ascertaining the future of the insurance/banking/brokerage industry(industries).
As a brief recap for you, on this thread there have been on-going discussions about the bond insurers (ABK vs. MBI) and with the plusses/minuses of title companies (FAF, FNF, and CTZ). Also Allstate (ALL) has been discussed as it has dropped to its lows. Occasionally some mention of reinsurers (Bermuda based, also Buffett's Berkshire.) Also, at least one person has posted he likes (bought?) CNA.
Right now, I'd guess there might be some interest still in CTZ because of its price vs. the price it's received in a buyout offer. Also perhaps ABK and MBI.
For me, I'm monitoring SAFC and trying to add to added to a small position I have in ESREF. I want to mention now also that I like insurers with reasonable records and which sell with "good" dividend yields. I have long term positions in HSB and CGI and a couple of months ago posted that I bought OCAS. (and I also have CTZ, FAF, FNF, and MBI.)
Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Paul Senior |
