INTACT FINANCIAL $58.23 - Toronto symbol IFC

INTACT FINANCIAL $58.23 (Toronto symbol IFC; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (416-341-1464; www.intactfc.com; Shares outstanding: 109.4 million; Market cap: $6.2 billion; Dividend yield: 2.5%) recently completed its purchase of AXA Canada from Paris-based ASX Group for $2.6 billion.

Intact plans to look for more casualty and property insurers to buy in Canada. That includes other subsidiaries of European insurers, many of which are struggling. Intact estimates that as much as 30% of the Canadian market is controlled by foreign insurers.

The company may aim to expand internationally, but it will remain cautious and likely won’t seriously look for opportunities overseas until late next year at the earliest.

Intact Financial is a buy.

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