Diversification still a plus for GWO

Article Excerpt

Great-West enjoys a dominant market position in Canada and is also a leading insurer in the U.K. and Ireland. The shares dipped in June 2016 to around $31 from $36 after the “Leave” side won the U.K. Brexit referendum. However, it seems likely that the U.K. and EU will work out new terms, and that should shield firms like Great-West from any long-term negative consequences. GREAT-WEST LIFECO $33.76 (Toronto symbol GWO; Shares outstanding: 992.9 million; Market cap: $33.4 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Yield: 4.1%; www.greatwestlifeco.com) is Canada’s largest insurance firm, with a top market position in both individual life insurance and in group life and health benefits. In the three months ended June 30, 2016, Great-West’s earnings rose 3.0%, to $0.68 a share from $0.66 a year earlier. The company continues to benefit from its European expansion, including its 2013 acquisition of Irish Life for $1.75 billion. That firm is the Republic’s largest pension manager and life insurance provider. Great-West…