Great West Lifeco (GWO.TO) Buy, Sell or Hold

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Great West Lifeco (GWO.TO)

89.16

+0.42 (0.47%)

as of Aug 24, 2026, 8:00:01 pm Market Open.

420 watching

Investor Insights

Aug 24, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 7 opinions in the last 12 months.

Great West Lifeco (GWO) is viewed as a solid company with stable earnings and a reliable dividend history, although its recent valuation is considered rich by some analysts. Multiple reviews suggest that the insurance sector, including GWO, has seen stock prices rise significantly, leading to concerns about current buying opportunities. While some experts recommend waiting for a better entry point due to high valuations, others highlight GWO's steady growth profile and the potential for higher dividends in the future. Comparisons with other financial companies, particularly MFC, indicate that while GWO has quality assets and lower volatility, there may be more attractive options currently available in the market. Overall, the stock is appreciated for its stability and income-generating potential, but caution is advised regarding its current valuation relative to growth prospects.

Consensus

Hold

Valuation

Overvalued

Similar

MFC

BUY

The lifecos have all pulled back because of higher interest rates. GWO is solid and will be relatively defensive if there is a recession. The dividend is safe. The valuation is now attractive.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Has a strong long term growth profile. Is well-run, global, trades a a single-digit PE and pays over a 6% dividend. Buy during current market weakness.

DON'T BUY

Lifecos have not been performing. Yes, rates are rising, but not at the long end of the curve, like 10-30 years. Their asset portfolio is getting hurt by rising rates, too, as reflected in quarterly reports.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Oct 12/21, Down 12%) Even today, his top income pick. Healthy dividend yield, low valuation. Yield about 6%, PE around 10x, pretty reasonable growth profile. A bit less sensitive to equity markets.

DON'T BUY

It has under-performed the group and he doesn't see much future momentum or closing of the gap to its peers. He holds Manulife instead since it has held up well and has much better growth potential as well as Asian exposure. Manulife has a great dividend yield of 5.6%

WEAK BUY

Insurance companies as a group are down 20% YTD, while the TSX is down around 12%. Weaker economy hurts. Question is whether it's overly reflected in the sector? GWO tends to trade at a premium, clean earnings. He'd buy the sector, given the nice dividends and low valuations. Second half won't be as bad as the first. He'd go with MFC, trading at 6.5x earnings. Second choice SLF, third GWO.

WEAK BUY

GWO vs. MFC vs. SLF He looks at price to book. MFC is one of the cheapest names out there. GWO is trading at 1.17x, whereas MFC is at 0.87x. SLF is more expensive at 1.4x, but you get the heavier wealth management arm and more exposure to Asia. No issue with it, pretty high and secure dividend at 6.3%. On a combination of growth and valuation, he likes MFC more. GWO is on par with SLF as a pick.

BUY

A solid insurer, but it trades at a premium to peers because it's less volatile. Pays a nice dividend and they are well capitalized to ride out economic uncertainties. A solid income name.

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WEAK BUY

All Canadian lifecos are down. This pays a 6.4% dividend, safe. Definite value here. Price to book is only 1.17x. Prefers Manulife for its growth, though, and pays a 6% dividend.

DON'T BUY

Shares are down, but dividends are higher. They're controlled by Power Corp and underperform. So, he prefers Sun Life as well as telcos like BCE and Telus, if you want dividends--and it's a great time to buy dividend stocks.

BUY

Considered using as a Top Pick today. Undervalued at 8x earnings, 6% dividend yield, very strong capital base. Growth platform more focused on more mature markets of NA and Europe. Well run. Good company. A buy here.

Unspecified

Its fair market value is very strong with lots of upside potential and a great yield. Rising interest rates should help insurance companies make money on their reserves. As a value stock it is very cheap. Would be even better at $29 to $30.

HOLD

Believes company is positioned to continue solid financial results. Higher interest rates will be good for business. Low earnings growth, but not much room for capital appreciation. Would rather invest in companies that have opportunity for share price growth.

BUY

A pocket of value in the sector, life insurance is the cheapest in the group. Lifecos definitely have room for multiple expansion and earnings growth. His preferred name, with a more mature M&A market focus, whereas an MFC is more focused on EM.

BUY

Allan Tong’s Discover Picks True, insurance isn't as exciting as EV's or the metaverse, but, hey, everybody buys insurance. For this reason, GWL is highly defensive. Also, it trades at a low 10.76x PE, boasts a stable 0.84 beta, and pays a fat 5.35% dividend (based on a payout ratio of 53.61%). And yes, rising rates will help the company. Read 3 Canadian Dividend Stocks for our full analysis.

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