GWO offers growth & risk

Article Excerpt

GREAT-WEST LIFECO, $38.51, is still a hold. The insurer (Toronto symbol GWO; shares o/s: 928.4 million; Market cap: $35.6 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 4.6%), has announced a series of acquisitions in the past few months as part of a plan to diversify its operations. For example, it recently agreed to buy the full-service retirement business of U.S.-based Prudential Financial for $4.45 million. As well, the company’s Irish Life subsidiary is buying Ark Life Assurance Company. That firm is a leading provider of life insurance, pensions and investments in Ireland. It will pay 230 million euros (about $340.4 million Canadian). Great-West’s Canada Life business has also completed its purchase of ClaimSecure Inc. which provides health and dental insurance plans to businesses in Canada. The purchase price has not yet been disclosed. This is the latest in a series of acquisitions meant to diversify the insurer’s operations. However, expanding by acquisition adds risk. Great-West Lifeco is still a hold. hold…