Portfolio losses add to Great-West’s risk

Article Excerpt

Great-West and other insurance companies invest the premiums they receive in stocks, bonds and other securities. They use that income to pay out claims to policyholders. However, in the latest quarter, losses on those securities offset the benefits of a big acquisition. GREAT-WEST LIFECO INC. $31 is a hold. The company (Toronto symbol GWO; Conservative Growth and Income Portfolios, Finance sector; shares outstanding: 931.8 million; Market cap: $28.9 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.6; Dividend yield: 6.3%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.greatwestlifeco.com) is Canada’s second-largest life insurer, after Manulife Financial. It also offers mutual funds and wealth management services. Power Corp. (Toronto symbol POW) owns 66.6% of the firm. The company has completed several acquisitions in the past few months as part of a plan to diversify its operations. In November 2021, it paid $332 million for Ark Life Assurance Company. That firm is a leading provider of life insurance, pensions and investments in Ireland. Great-West’s Empower business also acquired the full-service retirement business of U.S.-based Prudential Financial…