Stockchase Opinions

Bruce MurrayDefinity FinancialDFY.TOBUY ON WEAKNESSFeb 10, 2023

Well managed company that will perform well.
Higher interest rates will benefit company.
Does not own shares, but thinks is a good business.
Hold for the long term and dividend yield. 

$36.54

Stock price when the opinion was issued

$68.53

As of Jun 05, 2026. Market Open.

Financial Services
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TOP PICK

Cheaper than it ought to be, not at a multi-year high. Solid beat in underwriting. Synergies from Travelers Canada. Integration is increasing financial flexibility. Company is confident of mid-teen ROEs over next 3 years. Beneficiary of AI efficiencies. 

You should add to the "have-nots" when they're not popular and there's a bit of doubt. Soberly priced at 14x PE for 2027, 26% growth. Growth, value, decent dividend, increasing ROEs. Yield is 1.32%.

(Analysts’ price target is $80.09)
BUY ON WEAKNESS

P&C insurance, rather than the life insurance of MFC or SLF. Great performer over last 3 years, with its strategy to acquire smaller insurance companies. Good 5-year outlook. Bit expensive at 19.4x PE. Has sometimes been in the 14-16x PE range, and that's a better long-term entry point.

Start a position now, and then look to double it if it drops 15-20%.

BUY

With its growth rate, a good spot to put new money to work.

PARTIAL SELL

Focused on efficiencies and growth. Looking to buy Travelers Canada, which would make it the fourth largest in Canada and give them good scale. Trades at 2.4x book value. Time to take some profit.

HOLD
Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research

EPS was 65c, missing estimates of 71c; revenue of $1.00B missed estimates of $1.02B. Written premiums rose 9.6%. Combined ratio was 94.5% (more accidents and catastrophe losses). EPS was flat year over year, ROE was 10.3%. Book value rose 16%. The stock is still up 10% on the year, and despite the decline this is not a disaster. But a miss is a miss, and investors may also be selling to move into more exciting areas now that the market is rallying a bit. The outlook still calls for very decent earnings growth over the next two years.
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HOLD

Strong balance sheet, buying smaller businesses. Has an opportunity in front of them that the likes of MFC do not. 

HOLD

Has done exceptionally well. Best technology platform in the space. Great management. In November, it's allowed to be taken out if a suitor comes calling. Lofty premium will remain until then. Would make sense for IFC to buy it.

TOP PICK

Predictable. Smaller P&C insurance. Pretty stable chart. ROE has an exceptionally bright future because of how well the business is run. Topline growth over 9% in recent earnings, and really good expense management. Yield is 1.21%.

(Analysts’ price target is $64.30)
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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Dec 14/23, Up 54.1%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with DFY has triggered its stop at $56.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  Combined with our previous guidance, this will result in a net investment gain of 37%.

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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Dec 14/23, Up 60.8%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with DFY is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $51) to $56 at this time.

DON'T BUY
Keep adding to a position?

Depends on what percentage it makes of your portfolio, plus what your cost base is. #1 competitor to DFY is IFC. The industry is consolidating more. DFY might have a leg up on IFC, as DFY is smaller and can buy a few more things in Canada.

Cost inflation and extreme weather give him pause in this area. Both well-run businesses, but inclined to stay away. The sector poses some risks.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Dec 14/23, Up 50.3%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with DFY is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $46) to $51 at this time.  

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Unlock this Panic-proof Portfolio opinion with Stockchase Premium

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Dec 14/23, Up 36.7%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with DFY is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $41) to $46 at this time.  

PARTIAL BUY

Recent insurance losses (flooding) in Toronto will be hard on the business, but overall long term prospects are good. Climate change actually good for the business (more premiums). Likes business, but does not own shares (prefers Intact). 

HOLD

P&C business. Making a ton of money. Great business, good valuation. Will probably be acquired at some point. His insurance play remains BRK.B.