
TSE:GWO
This summary was created by AI, based on 7 opinions in the last 12 months.
Great West Lifeco (GWO) is viewed as a strong investment opportunity by experts, with mentions of its solid earnings stability and decent dividend yield ranging from 3.5% to about 5%. Analysts note that while the company has experienced recent ups in price trends, there may be better entry points due to its current valuation. Specific comparisons have been drawn with other life insurance companies like Manulife Financial Corp (MFC), highlighting differences in growth profiles and market sensitivity to interest rates. GWO's lower beta suggests it has not been as volatile as some peers, but there are discussions around its premium valuation relative to growth expectations. Overall, while opinions on immediate purchases vary, the consensus leans towards considering GWO as a robust long-term play in the insurance space.
GWO is now trading at 9.7x times' Forward P/E. In Q4 – 2022, EPS of $0.96 beat estimates of $0.88. ROE is good at 13.6%.
Total asset under management remained largely flat at $1.03B. Based on consensus estimates, EPS is expected to grow by 6% in 2023.
The financial position is strong with long-term debt (excluding lease) of $10.5B against total Equity of $32B.
The company also increased dividends by 6% and gave out medium-term guidance to grow EPS by 9% on average while maintaining an ROE of 14-15% on average.
Overall, we think this is a good quarter, the company continues to execute well with their previous guidance.
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GWO stock pays a 5.57%dividend yield, fine for income earners, and trades at 11.06x earnings. Of the three listed here, GWO boasts the lowest beta at 0.79, so it’s a stable ship on choppy seas. It has beaten three of its last four quarters, but missed the last in November 2022. While the dividend should be stable, GWO’s earnings growth lags its peers and the wider market. Annual growth over the last five year stands at 6.4% while the industry boasts 24.1% and the wider market 21.5%. Last year, GWO earnings growth actually declined by 9.7% while its peers climbed 5.1% and the market 9.4%. Read 4 Insurance Stocks to Stay Safe in a Risky Market for our full analysis.
Lifecos invest the premiums they receive and are now getting better long term returns of 5 to 6% on bonds that used to pay only 2%. Therefore revenues on premiums have gone up a lot but the market hasn't recognized this yet leading to these companies being under-valued.