Mortgage and life insurer Genworth Financial
A look at the numbers
The company's staggering earnings decline reflected an investment loss of $60 million, compared to a gain of $54 million in the year-ago period , as market conditions played their part in driving losses.
The American mortgage insurance business has begun to narrow its losses after the turmoil the industry has been through in the last few years. Sandler O'Neill & Partners analyst Edward Shields said results in the segment improved -- in fact beating Street expectations -- because losses in the quarter diminished and loans approached maturity.
Aussie endeavor
In an effort to reorganize its business portfolio, gain a better entrance into capital markets, and help its Australian business grow, Genworth plans to float its Australian mortgage insurance business in a minority initial public offering. It is hoping to sell nearly 40% of the company through the IPO slated to take place in the second quarter of next year.
Housing bust
Genworth and its peers like Radian
Housing outlook
The Fed recently stated that it is looking to focus more on the housing sector in an effort to boost the sluggish U.S. economy by making a concerted effort to help bolster the real estate market. The suggestion has met with a positive response from economists across the board, as they believe that efforts at bettering the state of the housing market may spur large-scale recovery. If the Fed manages to succeed in spite of the serious housing headwinds, mortgage insurers such as Genworth may just see brighter days ahead.
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