Rising rates add risk for GWO

Article Excerpt

GREAT-WEST LIFECO INC. $37 is a hold. The insurer (Toronto symbol GWO; Conservative Growth and Income Portfolios, Finance sector; shares outstanding: 927.7 million; Market cap: $34.3 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.6; Dividend yield: 4.7%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.greatwestlifeco.com) has now completed its $4.4 billion purchase of the retirement services business of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. Great-West also recently purchased California-based Personal Capital for $825 million U.S. That firm sells wealth management services directly to 2.5 million consumers. Thanks to the higher revenue and cost savings, Great-West expects its annual earnings per share will rise by 8% to 10%. However, the likelihood of higher interest rates will hurt the value of the company’s bond portfolio. Great-West Lifeco is still a hold. hold…