A man walks by a Rogers store in Toronto, Wednesday, August 15, 2013.Galit Rodan/The Canadian Press
A recent dip in the price of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. shares, coupled with a solid earnings trajectory, have resulted in a ratings upgrade from CIBC World Markets analyst Robert Sedran.
Mr. Sedran says reported EPS of $0.91 was generally in line with his estimate of $0.89, and that sales growth picked up 15 per cent after a relatively poor showing in the third quarter.
"We have had a favourable view of this company for the last few quarters, but the stock valuation was fairly rich," he says in a research note. "Recent underperformance combined with the ongoing emergence of a solid earnings trajectory take our rating higher."
Mr. Sedran is upgrading Industrial Alliance to "sector outperformer" from "sector performer" and maintains his $52 target price. The analyst consensus price target over the next year is $50, according to Thomson Reuters.
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While other analysts predict rough times for Rogers Communications Inc., RBC Capital Markets analyst Drew McReynolds sees an opportunity on the horizon for investors to get in at a good price.
Mr. McReynolds says fourth-quarter 2013 results and 2014 guidance were mixed, and reflect continued headwinds in wireless and cable. In the medium term, he believes investors will benefit from an upgraded cable network, sports exposure, lack of legacy pressure and lack of material pension obligations.
"While we believe the pullback in the shares is slightly overdone, we would remain patient for a more timely entry point," he says.
Mr. McReynolds is maintaining his "sector perform" rating and cutting his price target to $46 from $48. The analyst consensus price target over the next year is $46.43, according to Thomson Reuters.
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Good net-sales momentum in January and a potential dividend increase has Desjardins Capital Markets Research boosting its target price for CI Financial Inc.
"Yesterday, CI Financial reported 4Q13 results that were in line," says Desjardins analyst Doug Young, in a research note. "More importantly, net sales in January were the strongest since 2000, a good start to 2014."
Mr. Young anticipates a dividend increase of around 12 per cent in 2014, supported by strong asset under management (AUM) growth.
He maintains his "buy --above average risk" rating and is increasing his target price to $40 from $39. The analyst consensus price target over the next year is $38.60.