We are upgrading our recommendation on the shares of Loews Corp. (L) to Neutral. The company’s third-quarter earnings of $1.08 per share was well ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 87 cents a share. Loews reported a loss of 33 cents a share in the year-ago quarter.   The improved earnings were driven by increased investment income and a considerable reduction in investment losses at CNA Financial Corp. (CNA), besides strong results at Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. (DO).    While the spin-off of Lorillard in 2008 eliminated the company’s overhang of tobacco litigation and the strong rebound in investment income is impressive, we think that the continuation of a stressed economic environment will have a restrictive effect on the top-line growth of the company.   The recent financial market appreciation bodes well for Loews. Both the holding company as well as the subsidiary, CNA, has experienced

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Loews Corporation’s (L) third quarter income from continuing operations came in at $1.08 per share compared to a loss of 33 cents in the year-ago quarter. Results primarily reflected a 26% year-over-year increase in revenues. The improved results were driven by increased investment income and a considerable reduction in investment losses at CNA Financial Corporation (CNA) and strong results at Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. (DO). Also, the results reflect a strong rebound in investment income, primarily from improved limited partnership results. CNA Financial Corporation’s operating income increased to $304 million from $76 million in the prior-year period. Diamond Offshore experienced a strong quarter with $170 million of earnings, up 17% year-over-year. However, Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP’s (BWP) earnings decreased to $9 million from $31 million in the year-ago period. Reported earnings for the quarter were significantly reduced due to the shutting down ...