July 24 (Reuters) - Globe Life's ( GL ) second-quarter

profit rose 20% on robust life and health insurance premiums and

higher gains from investments, it said on Wednesday.

The upbeat results come days after the company said an

independent audit did not identify any matter requiring

adjustments to its previously issued financial statements or

related disclosures with the U.S. securities regulator.

Globe Life's ( GL ) shares have lost nearly 15.9% of their value

since a short seller attack in April. Shares rose 2% after the

bell.

Insurance premium revenue increased 5% to $1.17 billion in

the quarter, while net investment income rose 9%, echoing

results at peers.

Bonds, which return better yields in a high interest rate

environment, make up for a major chunk of the investment

portfolios at risk-averse insurers.

Their stock investments have also performed well, thanks to

rally sparked by an artificial intelligence boom and hopes of a

soft landing for the economy.

Globe Life's ( GL ) profit jumped to $258.4 million, or $2.83 per

share, for the three months ended June 30, from $215.3 million,

or $2.24 per share, a year earlier.

The company now expects annual net operating income between

$11.80 to $12.10 per share, compared to its previous forecast of

$11.50 to $12.00 per share.