Topic: Growth Stocks

INTACT FINANCIAL CORP. $68.29 – Toronto symbol IFC

INTACT FINANCIAL CORP. $68.29 (Toronto symbol IFC; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (416-341- 1464; www.intactfc.com; Shares outstanding: 131.5 million; Market cap: $9.0 billion; Dividend yield: 2.6%) is Canada’s largest provider of property and casualty insurance, based on premiums. Its brands include Intact Insurance, Canada BrokerLink, belairdirect and Grey Power.

In the three months ended September 30, 2013, Intact’s revenue rose 5.7%, to $1.9 billion from $1.8 billion a year earlier. The company earned $0.39 a share, down sharply from $0.90.

However, the latest results include a one-time loss of $1.52 a share related to the Lac-Mégantic rail tragedy and major rain and hail storms in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. One-time losses amounted to $1.02 a share a year ago.

Intact’s personal auto insurance business reported improved results in the latest quarter, with a combined ratio, or claims paid out divided by premiums taken in (the lower, the better), of 93.0%, down from 94.9%.

However, the longer-term car insurance outlook is uncertain. Early in 2013, Ontario’s Liberal government agreed to an NDP demand for a 15% premium cut.

Intact has enjoyed improved profits from its Ontario auto insurance business, so it has some room to accommodate a reduction. As well, the terms of the cut are still under negotiation.

However, personal auto insurance premiums account for 45% of Intact’s total. Ontario drivers supply 40% of those premiums.

Intact Financial is still a hold.

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