Though it technically didn't lose at all last week, Allstate's (ALL -1.32%) 0.16% gain last week put it in the laggard's spot versus competitors. Set to release its first-quarter earnings after the bell on Wednesday, three pieces of news from Allstate may have caused the lower gains:

  • Higher than expected catastrophic event payouts for the first quarter.
  • New bond purchases.
  • Potential sale of its Lincoln Benefit Life Co. subsidiary.

In the video below, Motley Fool contributor Jessica Alling discusses the three developments and what they means for insurance investors.