Rob Haines Quotations

I don't expect the Wachovia (joint venture) to be a big headache going forward. It's not a cheap stock but it's still a good franchise with good growth prospects.

Most life insurance companies lack the critical mass to survive long term. The sector is highly fragmented and rife with overcapacity. We do not see how most of the smaller players can effectively compete and remain profitable in this environment.

Earnings were essentially in line to mildly negative because of the adjustments.

A lot of people used to talk about the financial supermarket but it's clear that companies aren't getting rewarded for that model anymore. For the foreseeable future, it's likely banks will be spinning off (or selling) their insurance operations.

This settlement removes the largest cloud overhanging the company.

The big question Allstate will need to answer in its conference call tomorrow is how much of the risk they'll retain and what will be the pricing trends,

It was a disappointment but not a disaster. It was weaker than the consensus, but not everyone had adjusted for the charges.

It's disappointing that they are restating earnings. We don't want another quarter of surprises.

It was a mildly disappointing quarter. Operating earnings missed the analysts' target and the property and casualty side was worse than I thought.

Allstate has indicated it will be very active in buying back its shares this year.

The company guided expectations that 2006 growth would slow. This stock has run up and was looking for an excuse to sell off.

It was disappointing to have another restatement, but the company still earned $1.8 billion.

It was a very strong quarter. They blew away the (Wall) Street estimates.

It's another example of how asbestos can bite you. This issue is far from done.