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Definity Financial Corp. (TSE:DFY)
TSX:DFY

Definity Financial Corp. (DFY) AI Stock Analysis

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Definity Financial Corp.

(TSX:DFY)

Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
C$86.00
▲(15.75%Upside)
Definity Financial Corp. scores well due to its solid financial performance and strategic acquisition that boosts its market position. Technical indicators reveal a strong stock trend but also warn of potential overbought conditions. Valuation is moderate, with the P/E ratio reflecting market confidence but a low dividend yield. The absence of earnings call data does not weigh on the overall score.
Positive Factors
Earnings
The target price for Definity Financial Corp. has been increased by $1 to $64, reflecting confidence in its future performance.
Financial Performance
Sonnet is, as of Q4/24, now breaking even, consistent with guidance, and a better-than-expected dividend increase, up 17%.
Growth Potential
Definity Financial Corp. is positioned for outsized top-line growth with a scalable platform that should help drive continued improvements in underwriting profitability.
Negative Factors
CAT Losses
DFY announced Q1/25 CAT losses of $50mm, driven by heavy snowfall and rain, leading to elevated property damage, especially in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.
Top-Line Growth
Top-line growth was modestly weaker than estimated, impacting personal auto and distribution segments.
Underlying Loss Ratio
The underlying loss ratio was slightly higher than expected, largely due to higher weather-related claims.

Definity Financial Corp. (DFY) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

Definity Financial Corp. Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionDefinity Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides property and casualty insurance products in Canada. It offers personal insurance products, including auto, property, general and umbrella liability, and pet insurance products to individuals under the Economical, Sonnet, Family, Petsecure, and Peppermint brands; and commercial insurance products comprising fleet, commercial auto, property, liability, and specialty insurance products to businesses under the Economical brand name. The company distributes its products on a primarily intermediated basis, and through brokers, as well as directly to customers. Definity Financial Corporation was formerly known as Economical Holdings Corporation and changed its name to Definity Financial Corporation in August 2021. Definity Financial Corporation was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyDefinity Financial Corp. generates revenue primarily through the underwriting and sale of insurance policies. The company collects premiums from policyholders, which forms the core of its income. Investment income is another significant revenue stream, as the company invests the premiums it collects into various financial instruments to earn returns. Additionally, Definity Financial Corp. may partner with brokers and agents to expand its distribution network, thereby increasing its market reach and policy sales. Factors such as effective risk assessment, claims management, and operational efficiency contribute significantly to the company's profitability.

Definity Financial Corp. Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 08, 2025
(Q3-2024)
|
% Change Since: 7.35%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 31, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a resilient performance with strong growth in premiums and investment income, despite significant challenges from natural catastrophes impacting underwriting results. The company showed robust book value growth and maintained a positive outlook on achieving future financial targets.
Q3-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Solid Underlying Performance Despite Catastrophes
Operating net income of $14.6 million or $0.13 per share was achieved despite a 17-point impact on the combined ratio from natural disasters.
Strong Growth in Gross Written Premiums
Underlying gross written premiums increased by 12.2%, with reported growth at 9.9% despite the exit of Sonnet Alberta personal auto business.
Robust Book Value Growth
Book value per share grew by 17.9% from one year ago, supported by an operating ROE of 10.7%.
Personal Auto Growth
Adjusted growth in Personal Auto gross written premiums was 15.8% in Q3 2024.
Commercial Lines Growth
Commercial lines saw gross written premiums up 12.6% year-over-year, supported by strategic segment growth and strong market conditions.
Investment Income Increase
Net investment income increased by $2.7 million from Q3 2023 due to higher interest income.
Distribution Income on Target
Distribution income of $15.8 million was in line with expectations, supporting the full-year target of $75 million.
Negative Updates
Catastrophe Impact on Underwriting
Natural disasters led to a 17-point impact on the combined ratio, with $7 billion in industry catastrophe losses.
Challenges in Personal Property
Catastrophe losses accounted for more than 46 points of the reported combined ratio of 124.9% in Personal Property.
High Catastrophe Losses in Commercial Lines
Commercial lines experienced higher catastrophe losses accounting for 8.8 points in Q3 2024, up from 4.2 points in Q3 2023.
Sonnet Alberta Auto Exit
The exit of Sonnet Alberta Auto business impacted growth by 5.5 points in Q3 2024 due to its loss-making nature.
Company Guidance
During the Definity Financial Corporation Q3 2024 earnings call, the company provided guidance on several financial metrics, highlighting a 17-point impact on the combined ratio due to significant catastrophe events, which was above expectations. Despite this, the company achieved an operating net income of $14.6 million or $0.13 per share, with underlying gross written premiums increasing by 12.2% and reported growth of 9.9%. The operating return on equity (ROE) was 10.7%, with robust book value growth per share of 17.9% from a year ago. The company expects firm market conditions in auto and commercial insurance to persist, with a focus on expense optimization and claims transformation to enhance ROE towards a mid-teen level over the next few years. Additionally, the company anticipates managing $1.5 billion in premiums via its broker platform, targeting $75 million in operating income for 2024 before financial considerations.

Definity Financial Corp. Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Definity Financial Corp. exhibits strong financial health with solid revenue growth and improving profitability. The balance sheet reflects prudent financial management with low leverage and stable equity. However, decreasing operating cash flow could signal underlying operational challenges.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Definity Financial Corp. has demonstrated strong revenue growth, with a consistent upward trajectory from 2019 to 2024. The net profit margin has improved significantly, indicating robust profitability. While the EBIT margin data is unavailable for 2024, the EBITDA margin remains healthy. Overall, the company shows strong financial performance with slight fluctuations in operating efficiency.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is low, reflecting a conservative leverage strategy. Return on Equity (ROE) has been increasing steadily, demonstrating efficient use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio remains stable, showcasing a solid financial foundation. However, a decline in cash reserves might pose a potential risk in liquidity management.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Operating cash flow has decreased over the years, which may indicate challenges in converting sales into cash. Free cash flow has shown variability but remains positive, indicating adequate cash generation to support capital expenditures. The free cash flow to net income ratio suggests a reasonable alignment, though declining operating cash flow needs monitoring.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
4.53B3.91B3.25B2.92B2.70B
Gross Profit
4.53B3.93B3.25B2.92B2.70B
EBIT
578.70M3.86B304.60M273.00M193.10M
EBITDA
713.60M578.30M165.20M335.70M252.40M
Net Income Common Stockholders
430.40M350.10M252.00M213.20M153.90M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
504.90M197.50M2.99B3.59B2.91B
Total Assets
7.69B7.26B8.32B7.89B6.62B
Total Debt
149.50M149.90M70.80M18.90M21.70M
Net Debt
-172.60M66.70M-129.70M-368.40M-488.60M
Total Liabilities
4.19B4.25B5.84B5.50B4.80B
Stockholders Equity
3.32B2.85B2.37B2.40B1.82B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
231.60M264.30M166.10M605.80M447.40M
Operating Cash Flow
307.20M351.80M256.90M655.20M490.20M
Investing Cash Flow
-298.00M-351.90M-374.70M-1.04B-74.60M
Financing Cash Flow
-113.80M-61.00M73.40M376.80M0.00

Definity Financial Corp. Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price74.30
Price Trends
50DMA
66.97
Positive
100DMA
63.20
Positive
200DMA
58.85
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.30
Negative
RSI
63.58
Neutral
STOCH
52.36
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:DFY, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 74.3 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 70.11, above the 50-day MA of 66.97, and above the 200-day MA of 58.85, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.30 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 63.58 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 52.36 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for TSE:DFY.

Definity Financial Corp. Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSDFY
74
Outperform
C$8.61B20.4013.25%0.90%18.15%18.11%
64
Neutral
$12.87B9.817.76%16985.65%12.28%-7.83%
$40.30B9.0617.21%0.93%
TSIAG
77
Outperform
C$13.23B15.0212.54%2.47%-7.31%28.65%
TSIFC
76
Outperform
C$55.63B25.1712.95%1.59%4.73%44.14%
TSELF
72
Outperform
C$5.66B5.1714.11%0.92%-25.60%-5.43%
72
Outperform
C$7.31B12.265.40%0.38%-10.83%-34.83%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:DFY
Definity Financial Corp.
74.30
31.34
72.95%
FRFHF
Fairfax Financial Holdings
1,662.87
548.69
49.25%
TSE:ELF
E-L Financial
16.35
6.25
61.88%
TSE:IAG
iA Financial Corporation Inc
142.32
56.74
66.30%
TSE:IFC
Intact Financial Corporation
311.94
86.35
38.28%
TSE:ONEX
ONEX Corporation
106.03
9.11
9.40%

Definity Financial Corp. Corporate Events

Private Placements and FinancingM&A Transactions
Definity Financial Expands Private Placement to Fund Acquisition
Neutral
May 28, 2025

Definity Financial Corporation has announced an increase in the size of its previously declared private placements of common shares to $385 million. This move is aimed at partially funding the acquisition of the Canadian operations of Travelers, excluding its surety business, for a cash consideration of approximately $3.3 billion. The offering is expected to close around June 11, 2025, subject to regulatory approvals, and if the acquisition does not proceed, the funds will be used for general corporate purposes.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:DFY) stock is a Hold with a C$53.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Definity Financial Corp. stock, see the TSE:DFY Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Definity Financial to Acquire Travelers’ Canadian Operations for $3.3 Billion
Positive
May 27, 2025

Definity Financial Corporation has announced a significant acquisition of Travelers’ Canadian operations for $3.3 billion, excluding the Canadian surety business. This move positions Definity as the fourth-largest P&C insurer in Canada, enhancing its leadership in the broker channel and aligning with its growth strategy. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share and improve return on equity, with anticipated synergies and increased scale providing substantial value creation opportunities. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, is set to close in early 2026 and will significantly bolster Definity’s commercial lines business, adding $600 million in annual premiums and expanding its expertise in various specialty insurance areas.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:DFY) stock is a Hold with a C$53.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Definity Financial Corp. stock, see the TSE:DFY Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Definity Financial Corporation Reports Strong Shareholder Support at 2025 Annual Meeting
Positive
May 15, 2025

Definity Financial Corporation announced the results of its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, where all proposed items, including the election of directors and the appointment of an auditor, were approved with overwhelming support. The results reflect strong shareholder confidence in the company’s leadership and strategic direction, which may positively influence its market positioning and stakeholder relations.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:DFY) stock is a Hold with a C$53.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Definity Financial Corp. stock, see the TSE:DFY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Definity Financial Corp. Achieves Strong Q1 2025 Results Amid Market Challenges
Positive
May 8, 2025

Definity Financial Corp. reported a 9.6% growth in gross written premiums for Q1 2025, driven by strong personal auto activity and firm market conditions in personal and commercial insurance. The company maintained a combined ratio of 94.5% despite increased claims due to winter weather, thanks to proactive rate actions and disciplined expense management. Operating net income was stable at $75.9 million, with a strong book value per share increase of 16.2% year-over-year. The company strategically shifted its investment portfolio towards government bonds to protect against market volatility, enhancing its financial capacity.

Financial Disclosures
Definity Financial Faces $50 Million Impact from Q1 Catastrophe Losses
Negative
Apr 9, 2025

Definity Financial Corporation announced that its first-quarter 2025 operating income would be negatively impacted by approximately $50 million due to catastrophe losses, which is double the historical average for this period. The losses stem from severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and an ice storm in Ontario, affecting property damage and power outages, highlighting the company’s enhanced catastrophe response capabilities and commitment to supporting customers.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.