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Stockchase Opinions

Hap (Robert) Sneddon FCSIDefinity FinancialDFY.TOTOP PICKJun 05, 2023

This is a buy for the long term, not a trade. It is doing a lot over the next year to improve the bottom line and is a new story in the insurance business.
Buy 7  Hold 4  Sell 0

(Analysts’ price target is $42.95)

$37.00

Stock price when the opinion was issued

$72.08

As of Jun 19, 2026. Market Open.

Financial Services
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1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

DFY is the financial holding company for one of the leading property and casualty insurers in Canada, with nearly $4 billion in annual gross premiums.  They are completing compliance approvals to reduce its leverage restrictions, allowing for a $550 million increase in their credit facility to grow their business.  It trades at 14x earnings, under 2x book and supports an 18% ROE.  We recommend placing a stop-loss at $31, looking to achieve $44 -- upside potential of over 18%.  Yield 1.4%

(Analysts’ price target is $43.55)
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jun 05/23, Down 0.2%)

Likes it long term. Management expects price increases which sets it up for a great bottom line in 2024. Last week, they reported a massive 27% earnings beat which caught people's attention.

BUY

Cheap and growing fast.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 28/23, Down 1%)

Rising cost of insurance due to inflation - hard on business margins.
Long term, still believes in business.
Insurance a required product for all people.
Largest provider of pet insurance. 


TOP PICK

 Although not well known it is Canada's 7th biggest property/casualty insurance company. 70% is personal insurance and 30% is commercial. Its IPO was 18 months ago on the TSX and it is now trading at 1 1/2 times BV. It can grow organically and can now leverage its balance sheet to make acquisitions. After a nice run along with a recent pull-back, he is buying more. It is profitable and growing faster than Intact Insurance, the gold standard in Canada.
Buy 7   Hold 4   Sell 0 

TOP PICK

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)
BUY ON WEAKNESS

Well managed company that will perform well.
Higher interest rates will benefit company.
Does not own shares, but thinks is a good business.
Hold for the long term and dividend yield. 

BUY
Small, junior version of IFC, which he does own. Prefers IFC with its scale, breadth, and geographic diversification. P&C has been in the sweet spot. Likes it. If he were going to own another, this would probably be the one.
WAIT
They added it to the portfolio earlier this year. It is in the property and casualty insurance business and is inexpensive compared to Intact Financial, its main peer. It has great pricing power and good growth. Wait for a pullback.
BUY
Stock's doing well. Trading at a discount to IFC. Reasonable valuation. P&C is a great business. Can see them growing and acquiring. Buy while it's not yet on people's radar.