Why I’m Pounding the Table on This Dirt-Cheap Canadian Dividend Stock

Investing in blue-chip TSX dividend stocks such as Intact Financial should help you generate steady gains over the next 18 months.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Intact Financial (TSX:IFC) presents a compelling investment opportunity, featuring a 2% dividend yield and a strategy to increase operating income per share by 10% annually through 2030.
  • The company demonstrates strong fundamentals with robust ROE, effective integration strategies, and plans for international expansion, particularly in the U.K. commercial lines market.
  • Analysts forecast a 13% price increase for IFC stock over the next 18 months, driven by consistent revenue and earnings growth, as well as rising dividend payouts.

Investing in beaten-down dividend stocks with strong fundamentals allows you to benefit from a tasty yield as well as capital gains when market sentiment recovers.

In this article, I have identified one such blue-chip TSX stockIntact Financial (TSX:IFC), that should be on your watchlist right now. Down almost 17% from all-time highs, the TSX dividend stock offers you a yield of 2% in September 2025.

happy woman throws cash

Source: Getty Images

Is this TSX stock a good buy right now?

Valued at a market cap of $47 billion, Intact Financial provides property and casualty insurance products to individuals and businesses across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally.

The company offers personal auto and property insurance, as well as commercial and specialty lines, pet insurance, and risk management solutions through multiple distribution channels, including brokers, direct-to-consumer platforms, and managing general agents.

Earlier this year, Intact Financial outlined an ambitious growth strategy at its investor day. The financial services giant aims to increase operating income per share by 10% annually through 2030, while maintaining its track record of outperforming the ROE (return on equity) across all operating geographies.

The Canadian property and casualty insurance leader demonstrated strong fundamentals, with 650 basis points of ROE outperformance over the past decade, and consistently achieved mid-teens returns across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Management emphasized that recurring revenue from investment and distribution income now contributes nearly 10 points of ROE before underwriting operations begin.

Intact’s growth framework centres on three pillars:

  • Organic growth targeting 6% annually
  • Margin expansion of approximately 2% through advanced AI and data analytics deployment
  • Capital deployment contributing over 4% through strategic acquisitions

Intact has deployed over 500 AI models across operations, generating $150 million in recurring annual benefits, with plans to exceed $500 million within five years.

International expansion remains a key driver, with the U.K. commercial lines market representing 2.7 times the size of Canada’s market, where Intact holds only 6% share compared to 25% domestically. Global Specialty Lines aims to achieve $10 billion in premium by 2030, targeting a combined ratio of under 90%, leveraging the company’s presence across 70% of the worldwide specialty markets.

Management highlighted over $20 billion in capital generation capacity through 2030, with north of $10 billion available for mergers and acquisitions at target leverage ratios.

The strategy builds on Intact’s proven integration capabilities. For instance, it has generated approximately 20% internal rates of return on previous acquisitions while successfully exporting Canadian operational expertise to international markets.

In the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, Intact Financial reported a net operating income per share of $5.23. Its book value per share rose 12% year over year, supported by an operating return on equity exceeding 16% for the third consecutive quarter. Revenue growth of 4% reflected momentum in personal lines, driven by rate increases and a 2% increase in policy count.

However, commercial lines faced ongoing pressure from elevated competition in large accounts, with premium growth of just 1% in Canada despite favourable market conditions.

The company’s combined ratio improved to 86.1%, indicating effective pricing and risk selection strategies, despite a $41 million increase in catastrophe losses compared to the prior year.

What is the price target for IFC stock?

Analysts covering Intact Financial forecast sales to increase from $21.66 billion in 2024 to $25.67 billion in 2027. Comparatively, adjusted earnings per share are forecast to expand from $14.67 to $18.65 in this period.

Today, the TSX stock is priced at 15.9 times forward earnings, which is marginally higher than its 10-year average. Therefore, at a similar multiple, it could gain 13% within the next 18 months, based on its earnings forecast.

A widening earnings base should enable Intact Financial to increase its annual dividend per share from $4.84 in 2024 to $6.27 in 2027, indicating an annual growth rate of 9%. If we adjust for dividends, the TSX stock has returned 250% to shareholders over the last 10 years.

Fool contributor Aditya Raghunath has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Intact Financial. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

monthly calendar with clock
Dividend Stocks

This 4.3% Dividend Stock Delivers a Payout Each and Every Month

Given the essential nature of its business, strong demographic tailwinds, and promising long-term growth prospects, Sienna stands out as an…

Read more »

stock chart
Dividend Stocks

1 Discounted Canadian Dividend Stock Down 31% That’s Worth Buying Now

Down 31% from 52-week highs, this Canadian dividend stock trades at an attractive valuation in June 2026.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Dividend Stocks

How to Keep Investing Wisely When the TSX Keeps Climbing

Here are two TSX stocks to consider adding to your self-directed portfolio if you’re wondering where to invest in a…

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

The 1 TFSA Stock I’d Buy, Set Aside, and Never Feel the Need to Revisit

Discover why this TFSA stock offers dependable income, defensive strength, and long‑term compounding power.

Read more »

Canadian investor contemplating U.S. stocks with multiple doors to choose from.
Top TSX Stocks

BCE vs. Telus: Which Telecom Belongs in Your TFSA?

Picking BCE vs. Telus is a key decision for investors weighing income, risk, and long-term telecom exposure.

Read more »

looking backward in car mirror
Dividend Stocks

An Ideal TFSA Stock for June Paying 7% Each Month

A dealership-focused REIT paying monthly income could quietly turn a $7,000 TFSA contribution into steady tax-free cash flow.

Read more »

Person uses a tablet in a blurred warehouse as background
Dividend Stocks

Got $14,000? Create Monthly Income in a TFSA

A nearly 8% monthly payer inside a TFSA could turn $14,000 into steady tax-free cash flow right away.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

Why Many Canadians Aren’t Using a TFSA the Right Way, and How to Fix it

Most Canadians leave TFSA power on the table by treating it like a cash account instead of an investing shelter.

Read more »