Definity FinancialDFY.TOTOP PICKFeb 28, 2023Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 05, 2026. Market Open.
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%.
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%.
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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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.
Up 30% in one year and the biggest IPO of 2021. Their combined ratio went from 110% to 90%, from losing to making money. Pays a 1.3% dividend. Also they have a pet insurance business, a lucrative space.
(Analysts’ price target is $42.95)