Whenever a company makes a major change to its business model, it inevitably leads to higher risks. There is always the possibility that the changes could lead to worsening performance, which may cause reduced profitability and dividend cuts. However, there is also the prospect of improved performance resulting from a refreshed strategy. Here are two stocks that have made changes to their operational activities and which could prove to be stunning dividend shares in the long run as a result.
Improving performance
Reporting on Thursday was insurer Esure (LSE: ESUR). It has gone from strength-to-strength since its demerger of GoCompare last year. It has left the business leaner and more focused, which is evidenced by its improving financial performance.
For example, in the first quarter of the year the company recorded a rise in gross written premiums of 24.1%. This was despite some weakness in its Home division, where gross written premiums declined by 4.5%. Due to this, the company has decided to temper its growth in home insurance, since market conditions do not currently present opportunities for profitable growth. By contrast, the Motor division recorded a rise of 29%, which indicates a buoyant market after a change to the Ogden discount rate.
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Looking ahead, Esure is expected to grow its earnings by 12% in the next financial year. This puts its shares on a price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of just one, which indicates there may be considerable upside potential on offer. Since the company offers a yield of 4.5% from a dividend which is covered 1.5 times by profit, it could become an increasingly popular income stock in the medium term.
Growth potential
Also making changes to its business model in recent years has been RSA Insurance (LSE: RSA). The company has made numerous asset disposals as part of a major restructuring aimed at reducing risks and improving its capital resilience. According to its first-quarter update which was released on Thursday, its turnaround is nearing completion. It has disposed of UK legacy operations and its entire focus is now on its drive for outperformance.
Evidence of its improving performance includes a 14% rise in group net written premiums when compared to the first quarter of 2016. Furthermore, the company’s operating profit in the first quarter was ahead of its plans, while its underwriting performance was also impressive.
Looking ahead, RSA is forecast to record a rise in its bottom line of 8% in the current year. It is due to follow this up with growth of 17% next year. This puts it on a PEG ratio of just 0.7 and means a higher dividend may be affordable. In fact, the company is expected to increase shareholder payouts by 84% during the next two years. This puts it on a forward dividend yield of 4.8%, which suggests now may be the perfect time to buy it.
