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Intact Financial Corporation

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Industry Insurance - Property & Casualty
Employees 10,000+
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FY2018 Annual Report · Intact Financial Corporation
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Intact Financial Corporation  
2018 Annual Report

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Our Values  
Our People  
Our Future

 
 
 
 
 
Company Profile
Intact Financial Corporation is the largest provider of property and casualty insurance in Canada and a leading provider of specialty 
insurance in North America, with over $10 billion in total annual premiums. We serve more than five million personal, business and 
public sector clients through offices in Canada and the U.S. In Canada, Intact distributes insurance under the Intact Insurance brand 
through a wide network of brokers, including its wholly owned subsidiary BrokerLink, and directly to consumers through belairdirect. 
In the U.S., OneBeacon Insurance Group, a wholly owned subsidiary, provides specialty insurance products through independent 
agencies, brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies.

Approximately14,000
EMPLOYEES

9%

CAGR 

$10.1B
DPW BY BUSINESS LINE1
 Personal auto  _______________37%
 Personal property ____________22%
 Commercial lines – CAN  _______26%
 Commercial lines – US   ________15%

1  This is a non-IFRS financial measure. See glossary on page 170 for definition.

Annual dividend per common share
We are proud of our dividend growth track record,  
including a CAGR of 9% since 2009.

$3 

$2 

$1 

$0

$10.1B
DPW BY BRAND1
 Intact Insurance  _____________63%
 belairdirect  _________________14%
 OneBeacon _________________15%
 BrokerLink   _________________  8%

Table of contents

 1 Our Values | Our People | Our Future
 2 Financial highlights
 4 CEO’s message

 10 Chairman’s message
 12 Board of Directors and Executive 

Committee members

 13 MD&A and financial statements

170 Glossary
172 Five-year financial history
173 Three-year quarterly financial history
174 Shareholder and corporate information
175 Social responsibility

2009      2010      2011      2012     2013      2014      2015      2016      2017       2018

Total shareholder return vs peers
On a total shareholder return basis (including dividends), our 15.3% CAGR over the past 10 years compares very favourably versus peers.

15%

10-YEAR 
CAGR 

350% 

350

250%

250

150%

150

50%

50

-50%

-50

YE2008  YE2009  YE2010  YE2011  YE2012  YE2013  YE2014  YE2015  YE2016  YE2017   YE2018
 Intact Financial Corp.       S&P/TSX Composite       S&P/TSX Banks       S&P/TSX Life Insurance       S&P/U.S. P&C Insurance

Certain statements made in this annual report are forward-looking statements. These statements include, without limitation, statements relating to the company’s strategy, new products and services, lines of business, revenue, 
performance, profitability and growth projections, use of technology, data and artificial intelligence, funding of projects, position within the industry and markets where it operates, return on equity, net operating income per 
share and improved cross-border efficiencies, as well as the sharing economy, climate change and market conditions. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable 
Canadian securities laws.

Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events 
could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Information Form 
and annual MD&A. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and we caution you against unduly relying on any of these forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by 
Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this annual report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please read 
the cautionary note at the beginning of the annual MD&A. 

Disclaimer: 
®Intact Design and Intact Insurance Design are registered trademarks of Intact Financial Corporation. TMIntact Service Centre and Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation are trademarks of Intact Financial Corporation. 
®belairdirect. & Design is a registered trademark of Belair Insurance Company Inc. used under license. ®BrokerLink & Design is a registered trademark of Canada Brokerlink Inc. used under license. OneBeacon is a trademark of 
OneBeacon Insurance Group Holdings, Ltd. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. ©2019 Intact Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

  
 
OUR VALUES | OUR PEOPLE | OUR FUTURE

Why we are here
We are here to help people, businesses and society prosper  
in good times and be resilient in bad times.

What we believe
Insurance is not about things. Insurance is about people.

Our Values
Integrity | Respect | Customer driven | Excellence | Social responsibility

Our Strategy

OUR CUSTOMERS ARE  
OUR ADVOCATES
•  Stay ahead of changing customer 

expectations

•  Deliver experiences that are  

second-to-none

•  Engage with our customers digitally

OUR PEOPLE  
ARE ENGAGED
•  Be a best employer
•  Be a destination for top talent 

and experts

•  Create an inspiring and  
inclusive workplace

OUR SPECIALTY SOLUTIONS 
BUSINESS IS A LEADER IN  
NORTH AMERICA
•  Achieve a combined ratio  

in the low 90s

•  Attract and retain the best expertise
•  Create $3 B in annual premiums

OUR COMPANY IS ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED

EXCEED  
industry ROE 
by 5 points

GROW
NOIPS1 10% yearly 
over time

LEAD  
in data, AI, and  
behavioural analytics

1   This is a non-IFRS financial measure. See glossary on page 170 for the definition.

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report

1
1

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual ReportFINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

2018 Financial Highlights

DPW1

$10.1B

16%

NOIPS1

$5.74 3%

OROE1

12.1% 0.8 pts

Underwriting income1
2%

$474M

Net investment income

$529M

22%

Net distribution income1
11%

$146M

Underwriting Performance
Combined ratio by segment1

Combined ratio by line of business1

2018

2017

99.5% 101.7%

88.3%

89.1%

94.6% 86.5%

94.8%

Personal  
auto

Personal  
property

Commercial lines 
Canada

Commercial lines 
U.S.

IFC

95.1%

95.2%

94.8%

Investment Portfolio

   Fixed income ____________ 75%
    Common shares __________ 13%
   Preferred shares __________  7%
    Cash, cash equivalents,  
short-term notes and loans __  5%

Investment 
mix
(net exposure)

TOTAL INVESTMENTS 
$16.9B

Financial Strength

Book value per share

$ 48.73

1   These are non-IFRS financial measures. See glossary on page 170 for definitions.

Debt-to-total capital ratio

Total capital margin

22.0%

$1.3B

2

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report20

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5

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Canadian Industry Outperformance

Market share by company (%)1
With a market share of 16%, 
we are 17 times the size of the 
average P&C insurer in Canada.

1   Market share data is based on the latest available data 

from MSA Research Inc. (FY 2018).

Canadian combined ratio 
outperformance (in pts)1
Our sophisticated pricing, 
underwriting discipline and  
in-house claims expertise have 
enabled us to outperform the  
industry benchmark’s (top 20)  
combined ratio.

1   Including MYA. Combined ratio is a non-IFRS financial 
measure. See glossary on page 170 for the definition.

Return on equity 
outperformance (in pts)1
Our superior underwriting results, 
investment performance and  
capital management have led to  
a better ROE than the industry.

Target  
outperformance 
5 pts

1   IFC’s ROE is the consolidated adjusted return on equity 
(“AROE”), a non-IFRS financial measure. See glossary on 
page 170 for the definition.

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15

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6

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10

8

6

4

2

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-2

16%

MARKET 
SHARE

  IFC  

#2  

#3  

#4   

#5

5.7 pts

10-YEAR AVG 
outperformance

2009          2010          2011           2012             2013         2014          2015          2016           2017           2018

6.5 pts

10-YEAR AVG 
outperformance

2009          2010          2011           2012             2013         2014          2015          2016           2017           2018

3

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual ReportCEO’S MESSAGE

In 2018, Intact Financial Corporation 
(IFC) continued to grow, adapt and 
innovate to define the future of 
insurance, deliver second-to-none 
experiences for our customers, and 
help to build resilient communities.  

Our success in 2018, and over the last 
10 years, has been possible because  
of the foundation it is built on and the 
people who work here. As I write this 
letter, we are celebrating our 10th 
anniversary. I want to share with you 
what has transpired in that time and 
why it matters. 

Ten years ago, with the support of 
employees, brokers and the financial 
markets, we raised $2.4 billion and 
parted ways with our majority 
shareholder ING. We brought the 
leadership of property and casualty 
(P&C) insurance industry back to 
Canada – establishing IFC as an 
independent, widely held company.  

Dear 
shareholders,

The financial crisis was at its peak – the 
status quo was not an option and  
we had to move with lightning speed. 
The excitement was palpable, and it 
worked – because we created a company 
based on values and a belief that 
insurance is about people, not things. 

People needed to know who we were 
and what we stood for. Within days of  
the transaction we announced our name, 
our colours and our values, and we used 
those to transform the organization and 
make it what it is today. 

Our brands are now among the  
most recognized insurance brands  
in Canada – a testament to our focus  
on getting customers back on track. We 
have doubled the number of employees 
to 14,000, become a best employer and 
attracted a diverse and talented group 
of people. Our strategy – to deliver 
exceptional customer service, engage 
our employees and earn the right to 
be one of the most respected 
companies – has delivered strong 
returns for our shareholders. 

Over the last decade, organic growth 
and six major acquisitions have driven  
a 10% CAGR in Direct Premiums 
Written (DPW)1. With the acquisition of 
OneBeacon, we have launched a new 
growth pipeline in the U.S. We have 
outperformed the P&C industry on 
Return on Equity (ROE) by an average  
of 650 basis points (bps). Our market 
capitalization has quadrupled to  
$14 billion, and we have delivered  
an average annual total shareholder 
return of over 15%, almost double  
that of the TSX60.  

Over the next 10 years, we will build  
an unparalleled advantage in Canada by 
transforming the customer experience 
and extending our presence and 
expertise in the U.S. As we focus on 
excelling at the fundamentals, we will 
continue to challenge ourselves to  
stay ahead of changing consumer 
expectations. We will lead in artificial 
intelligence as the explosion of data and 
technology advancements continue 
rapidly. These big trends combined with 
the impacts of climate change will have 

Our values guide our decision making and are the foundation of our 
success. They’re embraced by our people as they work to build a safe and 
vibrant future for our customers, shareholders and communities.

1  This is a non-IFRS financial measure. See glossary on page 170 for the definition.

4

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report 
 
 
CEO’S MESSAGE

a profound effect on the kinds of 
products we offer and the way we work. 
Our values, purpose and strategy will 
guide us as we tackle these trends, 
serve our customers and communities, 
and build a world-class P&C insurer.

2018 year in review
2018 was our first full year operating  
in both Canada and the U.S. 

DPW grew by 16%, driven by the 
acquisition of OneBeacon and strong 
growth in both commercial and specialty 
lines in Canada. We saw improving 
market conditions as the year progressed 
and expect personal lines to be a greater 
contributor to growth in 2019.  

Net Operating Income Per Share 
(NOIPS)1 grew 3% to $5.74, with solid 
underwriting performance in both 
Canada and the U.S., and improved net 
investment and distribution income. 

Net investment income was up a strong 
22% due to the growth resulting from 
the integration of our Canadian and  
U.S. investment portfolio, as well as 
investment optimization initiatives  
and higher yields. 

The combined ratio1 for Canada  
was 95.2%, with continued strong 
performance from personal property 
and significant improvement in  
personal auto. We are pleased with  
the profitability trajectory in auto and 
are focused on sustaining a mid-90s 
combined ratio in 2019. Canadian 
commercial lines experienced higher 
large losses and higher CAT losses in 
2018, but the underlying fundamentals 
of the business remain strong. 

OneBeacon, in its first full year, 
produced a combined ratio of 94.8%. 
We realized synergies in excess of  
US $25 million in 2018, ahead of schedule. 
OneBeacon business segments under 
profit improvement plans are responding 
positively and claims initiatives are  
being rolled out and are gaining traction. 
NOIPS accretion from OneBeacon was 
roughly 6% in 2018 and we remain on 
track for a sustainable low 90s combined 
ratio by the end of 2020. 

The Operating ROE (OROE)1 was  
12.1% in 2018, below our mid-teen 
expectations and historical track record. 
That being said, we outperformed the 
industry on ROE by close to 900 bps,  
a significant margin. We expect our 
OROE to improve in 2019 given the 
success of our profitability actions  
and the improving market outlook. 

Our balance sheet is strong, with  
$1.3 billion of total capital margin  
and debt-to-total capital of 22%.  
This strength fuels the execution of  
our strategy and gives us the flexibility  
to take advantage of consolidation 
opportunities in Canada moving 
forward. Our balance sheet, combined 
with good earnings momentum and  
a favourable growth outlook, led us to 
once again raise our quarterly dividend 
this year by 9% to $0.76. 

Favourable industry outlook 
supportive of growth and 
profitability initiatives
2018 was a challenging year for the 
Canadian P&C industry with a combined 
ratio of 102.1% and ROE of 2.8%. 
Industry-wide actions including rate 
increases have led to the firm conditions 
we now see across all lines. We expect to 
see at least mid single-digit premium 
growth for the Canadian industry in 2019.  

In personal auto and commercial lines, 
profitability challenges are putting 
upward pressure on rates, while in 
personal property, companies continue 
to adjust to changing weather patterns. 
As industry rate increases catch up and 
our competitive position improves, we 
expect our growth in personal lines to 
improve in 2019. 

Direct premiums written

Quarterly dividend per common share

Total shareholder return1

10%
CAGR

10%
CAGR

$10.1B

10%
CAGR

$10.1B

10.4%
CAGR

$10.1B

$5.74

10.4%
CAGR

$5.74

10.4%
CAGR

$5.74

9%
CAGR

9%
CAGR

9%
CAGR

$0.70

$0.70

$0.70

$4.3B

$4.3B

$4.3B

$2.35

$2.35

$2.35

$0.32

$0.32

$0.32

2009

2009

2018

2009

2018

2009

2018

2009

2018

2009

2018

2009

2018

2009

2018

2009

2018

1  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See glossary on page 170 for definitions.

15.3%

15.3%

15.3%

7.9%

7.9%

7.9%

2018
S&P/TSX
Composite

S&P/TSX
IFC
Composite

S&P/TSX
IFC
Composite

IFC

1   Annualized, since December 31, 2008.

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Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report 
 
 
 
CEO’S MESSAGE

In U.S. Commercial, the pricing 
environment is competitive but stable, 
with modest upward pricing trends. We 
expect low to mid single-digit industry 
growth in the coming year, while our 
strategies in U.S. Specialty position  
us to do better than that. 

Overall, we expect the industry’s ROE to 
improve but remain below its long-term 
average of 10% over the next 12 months. 
While we maintain our 500 bps industry 
outperformance objective, our strategies, 
strong distribution networks and depth 
of talent across the organization should 
help us exceed this target and capture 
improving growth opportunities in 2019. 

Our strategy shapes  
our success
In the medium term, we will continue  
to excel at the fundamentals and 
execute on our four strategic pillars  
to solidify our position as Canada’s 
number one P&C insurer and a leading 
North American specialty insurer.

Our customers are our advocates
This year, substantial investments  
in technology, digital tools, design 
expertise and artificial intelligence (AI)
helped us deliver industry-leading 
platforms and provide more convenience 
for customers. Our new Client Centre 
self-service app makes it easier for 
customers and brokers to do business 
with us. And our recently launched mobile 
Usage Based Insurance (UBI) 2.0 can 
now detect distracted driving and 
improve safety. 

We are making things simpler for  
small and mid-sized business customers 
to get quotes through our new Quick 
Quote tool for commercial lines – pre-
filling more than half the questions using 
geomatics and external data sources. 

Our claims service is a key differentiator 
and is at the heart of what we promise. 
We continue to increase satisfaction by 
providing customers with options to 
tailor their experience – offering both 
online self-service options as well as 
face-to-face, full-service centres.

By 2020, we aim to have three out  
of four customers as advocates by 
delivering second-to-none experiences. 
Through awareness and digital 
adoption, we aim to have three out of 
four people actively digitally engaged.  

Our people are engaged
Our people are central to the success  
of our customer driven transformation. 
They are the ones who help customers 
get back on track, develop new products, 
and make it easier to do business with 
us. We are a growing destination for  
top talent as a company that invests in 
the skills and tools of our employees, 
provides an inspiring environment and 
wants to be a force for good in society. 
We are actively recruiting people with  
a wide range of expertise, from those 
focused on the front-line customer 
service; to industry experts; to software 
engineers, designers and data scientists. 
We all share a common goal of wanting 
to shape the future of insurance  
and provide second-to-none  
customer experiences. 

Our people are central to the success of our customer driven  
transformation. They are the ones who help customers get back on track, 
develop new products, and make it easier to do business with us. 

6

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report 
CEO’S MESSAGE

A team that is engaged and inspired is 
central to that future. As our company 
grows and evolves, we continue to  
have strong engagement. In 2018, 
employees recognized our company  
as being customer driven, for living our 
values and for having leaders who care 
for people, are open and honest, take 
accountability and drive change. For 
the 4th year in a row, we were named 
one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and 
an Aon Best Employer –Canada 2019, 
Platinum level. And for the first time, we 
were named one of the 25 Best Places 
to Work in Canada by Glassdoor, as 
determined by those who know a 
company best – employees.

Our specialty solutions business  
is a leader in North America
Our Canadian specialty lines platform 
has grown close to 50% over the past 
five years. In 2017, we boosted our 
ambitions in specialty lines with the 
acquisition of OneBeacon. The 
transition has gone very well – our 
culture and values have been aligned 
from the beginning. It feels like we've 
been working together for a long time 
and we are seeing positive results. 

Combined specialty lines premiums 
grew to $2.3 billion in 2018, nearly a 
quarter of IFC’s book of business. 
We are on track to reach our goal of 
$3 billion and achieve a sustainable 
combined ratio in the low 90s in the 
medium term. 

We continue to drive change, increase 
broker satisfaction, and take customer 
experience to the next level across  
our personal and commercial 
businesses while deepening our 
strengths in pricing, risk selection, 
claims and investments.  

Having the right people with the right 
expertise is critical to the success of the 
specialty business. We are now better 
positioned to leverage the significant 
opportunities we see in specialty lines 
across North America including growing 
our Canadian cross-border business, 
expanding the most attractive 
OneBeacon product offerings in both 
the U.S. and Canada, and leveraging  
our sharing economy expertise. 

Our company is one of  
the most respected
To be one of the most respected 
companies we must, above all, live  
our values in the marketplace every  
day. That includes putting in place 
strong governance and abiding by  
the highest ethical standards. As our 
Chairman notes in his letter, we have 
consistently performed well in external 
governance reviews. 

We have laid out clear performance 
targets to earn respect including 
exceeding industry ROE by 500 bps  
in Canada and the U.S. and growing 
NOIPS 10% yearly over time. We have 
continued to perform well against those 
targets. In 2018, we exceeded industry 
ROE by close to 900 bps, taking average 
annual outperformance on this metric 
to 650 bps over the past decade. Since 
becoming Intact Financial in 2009, 
we’ve grown NOIPS at a compound 
annual growth rate just north of 10%.  

This outperformance allows us to invest  
in transformation – including leveraging 
AI to design relevant products and 
services for customers. We aspire to  
be the best insurance AI shop in the 
world and we are building unique 
partnerships with leading universities  
in Canada to build a top talent pipeline 
of actuaries and data scientists, and  
to develop cutting-edge products.

Net operating income per share

$10.1B

10%
CAGR

$4.3B

$5.74

10.4%
CAGR

$2.35

9%
CAGR

$0.32

$0.70

2009

2018

2009

2018

2009

2018

650 bps

10-YEAR  
AVERAGE ROE  
OUTPERFORMANCE
7.9%

15.3%

S&P/TSX
Composite

IFC

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Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual ReportCEO’S MESSAGE

Our team of data scientists and 
actuaries at the Data Lab are rolling out 
our latest rating algorithms. We see 
strong evidence that our investments  
in AI will drive efficiencies, growth and 
margin expansion in the years ahead 
through more accurate pricing to better 
reflect risk and a more personalized 
product for customers. 

Making a difference
Making a difference is in our DNA, and 
it is reflected in our purpose and how 
we live our values. Those values help  
us make the right decisions whether we 
are talking about financial performance 
or supporting our communities. 
Employees and customers are 
increasingly looking to businesses to 
take the lead on important societal 
issues. We must challenge ourselves 
over the next 10 years to have a greater 
presence in our communities, and to 
be more generous of our time, our 
knowhow and our financial resources. 
So how do we begin to raise the bar?

Over the last 10 years, we have donated 
more than $37 million to charitable 
causes, including more than $6 million in 
2018 alone. Climate change adaptation, 
addressing the root causes of child 
poverty, and supporting employee 

citizenship through our community 
impact program are at the heart of  
our giving. 

Supporting climate change adaptation 
initiatives has been, and will continue  
to be, at the top of our list. We saw the 
canary in the coal mine 10 years ago 
and we’ve been helping our customers 
manage the direct effects of increased 
flooding, fire and other extreme weather 
events ever since. We continue to see the 
benefits in our investment in the Intact 
Centre for Climate Adaptation at the 
University of Waterloo. Dr. Blair Feltmate 
and the team had outstanding success 
this year working with government 
partners to strengthen building codes 
and flood standards and to give 
homeowners practical tools and tips  
to protect their homes from flooding.  

We are working with other global 
insurers, governments and non-
government organizations on climate 
change. This year, we joined the United 
Nations Environment Programme 
Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Task Force 
on Climate-related Financial Disclosures 
(TCFD) pilot, bringing together 16 of  
the world's largest insurers to better 
understand the impacts of climate 
change on their business and how to 

account for them. We also co-hosted  
the Geneva Association Global Forum  
on Pathways to Climate-Resilient Critical 
Infrastructure in Toronto last September. 
We will continue to use our knowledge, 
experience and expertise in 2019 to 
work with our partners to find solutions. 

Child poverty is another serious issue 
that needs immediate attention right 
here in our own backyard. Today one  
in five children in Canada lives in 
poverty. This year, Intact’s donation  
to the United Way was designated to 
agencies that specifically address child 
poverty issues. And we will continue  
to build on our commitment in this  
area of focus.

In 2018, we also supported the Roméo 
Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative to 
establish a regional centre of training and 
learning in Rwanda. These funds will help 
the Dallaire Initiative establish a 
permanent presence in Africa. This is a 
cause that has been widely embraced  
by our employees and I spent time in 
Rwanda last spring with the Dallaire 
Initiative and saw first-hand the 
importance of their work. While the 
problem of using children in wars is far 
from resolved, the General's team is 
moving the needle and making progress. 

Climate change adaptation, addressing the root  
causes of child poverty, and supporting employee 
citizenship through our community impact program  
are at the heart of our giving.

Over the last 10 years we 
have donated more than 
$37 million 
to charitable causes

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Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report 
 
CEO’S MESSAGE

We will challenge ourselves to do better 
in supporting climate change adaptation 
and addressing the root causes of child 
poverty in 2019 and beyond. 

As beneficiaries of the power of AI,  
we will also turn more of our attention 
to the uncertainty this creates around 
the future of work. People are 
increasingly concerned about the 
impact of technology on jobs and 
whether they can continue to get 
ahead. It is up to companies like Intact 
to help our employees navigate this 
uncertainty and gain new skills, and  
for us to continue to grow and provide 
good jobs in the future.  

Conclusion
Our values, our people and our 
strategy have been foundational to  
our success over the last 10 years  
and they will continue to underpin  
our work over the next 10.

Our customer driven culture and our 
care for our people during a period of 
transformational change are what will 
differentiate us. We are confident that 
this will fuel profitable growth and 
another decade of outperformance on 
our financial objectives as we establish 
ourselves as a world-class P&C 
insurance company. 

I would like to thank our shareholders 
and brokers for their support over the 
last 10 years and our world-class team 
of employees across North America  
for their dedication to our customers 
and communities. 

Charles Brindamour
Chief Executive Officer

Our strategy

•  Launched self-service app
•  Launched mobile UBI 2.0
•  Maintained #1 and #2 brand 
consideration nationally for  
Intact Insurance and belairdirect

Our 
customers 
are our 
advocates

Our 
people 
are  
engaged

•  Combined ratio of 93.0% in 2018
•  $2.3B of DPW in 2018
•  Steady improvement in  
OneBeacon performance

Our 
Specialty 
Solutions 
business is 
a leader 
in N.A.

Our 
company 
is one of the 
most 
respected

•  Aon Best Employer
•  Canada’s Top 100 Employers
•  Canada’s Top Employers  

for Young People

•  25 Best Places to Work (Glassdoor)

•  NOIPS CAGR >10% since 2009
•  Track record of exceeding 500 bps  
of ROE outperformance vs industry
•  Ranked #2 in Corporate Governance 

out of all TSX listed companies
•  Invested in machine learning  
and artificial intelligence

9

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report 
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

10 years of  
outperformance

Despite continued challenges with 
extreme weather across North America, 
personal auto in Canada and recent 
market volatility, the Company is 
well-positioned to outperform in a 
changing environment, through 
enhanced risk selection, better 
segmentation and leveraging data 
analytics. 

Recognizing the significance of climate 
change and the Company's expertise as 
a risk manager, Intact is participating in  
the United Nations Environment 
Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) 
Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) pilot to help better 
assess the intensifying impacts of 
climate change on the business.

Intact continues to accelerate its digital 
offerings, investing in software 
engineering, machine learning and 
artificial intelligence to design relevant 
products and provide options for 
customers. With the successful 
integration of OneBeacon in the U.S. 
and close to $2.3 billion in combined 
direct premiums written in 2018, Intact 
is making good strides towards 
achieving its goal of creating a leading 
specialty insurer in North America.

Built on strong governance principles, 
and a high standard of compliance and 
ethics, Intact is today one of the most 
respected companies in Canada. The 
Company was ranked first (tie) by the 
Clarkson Centre for Board Effectiveness 
in its Board Shareholder Confidence 
Index 2018, for the third year running. 
This index examines the quality of 
corporate governance practices among 
Canadian public companies. As well, 
Intact maintained its second position  
in The Globe and Mail’s 2018 Board 
Games report card.

Intact is celebrating its 10-year 
anniversary in 2019. It became an 
independent and widely held company  
in 2009 against the backdrop of the 
global financial crisis. It was a bold move 
that has consistently delivered strong 
growth for you over the last 10 years. 

In 2018, Intact delivered solid results 
across underwriting, investments and 
distribution, in both Canada and the  
U.S. Net Operating Income Per Share 
(NOIPS)1 of $5.74 drove Operating 
Return on Equity (OROE)1 of 12.1%,  
with over $1.3 billion of total capital 
margin. In addition, the Company 
announced a 9% increase in the  
quarterly dividend for shareholders  
to $0.76 per common share – the 14th 
consecutive annual increase. 

Under the leadership of Charles Brindamour 
and his management team, the Company 
continues to excel, outperform and deliver 
value to you while staying grounded in its 
founding values – integrity, respect, 
customer driven, strive for excellence  
and socially responsible. 

Intact continues to accelerate its digital offerings, investing  
in software engineering, machine learning and artificial  
intelligence to design relevant products and provide options  
for customers.

1   These are non-IFRS financial measures. See glossary on page 170 for definitions.

10

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual ReportCHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Intact was also recognized by Brendan 
Wood International (BWI) as one of  
five 2018 Global TopGun insurance 
companies for transparency and 
financial reporting. Louis Marcotte  
was also named a Global TopGun CFO 
by BWI.

Having engaged employees is integral 
to Intact’s success. Besides retaining 
past awards – an Aon Best Employer in 
Canada at the platinum level, one of 
Canada's Top 100 Employers and 
Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, and 
one of Canada's Top Employers for 
Young People, the Board is pleased  
to note that Intact was voted for the  
first time as one of the 25 Top-Rated 
Workplaces in Canada by Indeed, 
Canada's top job search site, as well  
as one of the 25 best places to work  
in Canada, by Glassdoor. Also,  
the Company was one of three 
companies awarded with Platinum 
Parity Certification by Women in 
Governance, recognized for its ongoing 
focus and progress in developing 
women in the workplace. These 
accolades speak to the Company’s 
commitment to talent development, 
employee engagement and diversity. 

To shareholders, customers and 
brokers, thank you for your trust and 
support over the last decade. It is  
with your continued trust that Intact  
will continue to grow, outperform  
and succeed in 2019, and for many 
years to come. 

Claude Dussault
Chairman of the Board

I want to thank Louise Roy who retired 
from the Board in 2018. Louise served 
on the Board of the Company since  
its IPO in 2004 and brought her 
expertise to the Board’s Human 
Resources and Corporate Governance  
committees during her tenure. 
Following Louise’s retirement, we 
welcomed William L. Young, a director 
with extensive public company board 
and board leadership experience 
gained at several U.S., Canadian and 
European-based companies.

As Intact marks a decade of delivering 
for customers and outperforming, l 
want to pay tribute to the management 
team and employees at Intact, who 
deliver on the Company’s purpose 
every day – helping people, businesses 
and society prosper in good times  
and be resilient in bad times. Your 
dedication, passion and commitment 
are most admirable and are what sets 
the Company apart in the marketplace. 

The Company was one of three companies awarded with  
Platinum Parity Certification by Women in Governance,  
recognized for its ongoing focus and progress in developing  
women in the workplace.

11

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual ReportGOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

Claude Dussault
Chairman of the Board of Intact Financial 
Corporation and President of ACVA Investing 
Corporation

Charles Brindamour 
Chief Executive Officer

Robert W. Crispin 2,4
Corporate Director

Janet De Silva 2,3
President & CEO of Toronto Region Board of Trade

Robert G. Leary 1,4 
CEO, Olayan Group

Eileen Mercier 1,4
Corporate Director

Sylvie Paquette 1,4 
Corporate Director

Timothy H. Penner 2,3
Corporate Director

Notes: 
1  Denotes member of the Audit Committee

2  Denotes member of the Compliance Review and Corporate Governance Committee

3  Denotes member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee

4  Denotes member of the Risk Management Committee

Complete biographies of the members of the Board of Directors available on www.intactfc.com.

Executive Committee Members

Frederick Singer 2,4 
CEO of Echo360

Stephen G. Snyder 1,3 
Corporate Director

Carol Stephenson 2,3
Corporate Director

William L. Young 1,3
Corporate Director

Charles Brindamour 
Chief Executive Officer

Louis Gagnon 
President, Canadian Operations

T. Michael Miller 
President, U.S. and Specialty Solutions

Patrick Barbeau 
Senior Vice President, Claims

Martin Beaulieu 
Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

Paul Brehm 
Senior Vice President, Specialty Solutions

Sonya Côté 
Senior Vice President and Chief Internal Auditor

Frédéric Cotnoir  
Senior Vice President, Corporate and Legal Services 
and Secretary

Debbie Coull-Cicchini 
Executive Vice President, Intact Insurance

Dennis Crosby 
Senior Vice President, Specialty Solutions (U.S.)*

    *  As of January 1, 2019, transition to part-time status.

  **  Since June 1, 2018

*** Since April 2018

Luisa Currie 
Senior Vice President, Western Canada**

Alain Lessard 
Senior Vice President, Commercial Lines

Joe D’Annunzio 
Senior Vice President, BrokerLink

Louis Marcotte 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Jean-François Desautels 
Senior Vice President, Québec and Digital 
Distribution, Intact Insurance

Lucie Martel 
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources 
Officer

Monika Federau 
Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer

Benoit Morissette 
Senior Vice President and Group Chief Actuary

Anne Fortin 
Senior Vice President, Direct Distribution and  
Chief Marketing Officer

Werner Muehlemann 
Senior Vice President and Managing Director,  
Intact Investment Management Inc.

Don Fox 
Executive Vice President

Carla Smith 
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development

Darren Godfrey 
Senior Vice President, Personal Lines

Mark A. Tullis 
Vice Chairman

Natalie Higgins 
Senior Vice President, Atlantic Canada***

Karim Hirji 
Senior Vice President, International and Ventures

Mathieu Lamy 
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Peter Weightman 
Senior Vice President, Specialty Solutions and  
Surety (Canada)

12

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report 
MD&A AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MD&A and 
Financial Statements

Please note that the following MD&A and Financial Statements
are provided as distinct sections with individual pagination:
MD&A – pages 1 to 80;
Financial Statements – pages 1 to 71.

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report

13

This page is  
intentionally  
left blank.

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The following MD&A is the responsibility of management and has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors (or “Board”) for the year 
ended December 31, 2018. This MD&A is intended to enable the reader to assess our results of operations and financial condition for the three- 
and  twelve-month  periods  ended December  31,  2018, compared  to  the  corresponding  periods  in  2017. It  should  be  read  in conjunction  with  our 
Consolidated financial statements for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. This MD&A is dated February 5, 2019. 

“Intact”, the “Company”, “IFC”, “we” and “our” are terms used throughout the document to refer to Intact Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries. 
Further information about Intact Financial Corporation, including the Annual Information Form, may be found online on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

Table of contents  

OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5 
Section 1 – About Intact Financial Corporation ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 
Section 2 – Our performance at a glance..................................................................................................................................................................... 7 
Section 3 – Consolidated performance ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8 
SEGMENT PERFORMANCE .......................................................................................................................................... 10 
Section 4 – Canada ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 
Section 5 – U.S. ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16 
Section 6 – Corporate and Other ............................................................................................................................................................................... 19 
ENVIRONMENT & OUTLOOK ....................................................................................................................................... 22 
Section 7 – Insurance industry at a glance ................................................................................................................................................................ 22 
Section 8 – Operating environment ........................................................................................................................................................................... 23 
Section 9 – Outlook ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 
STRATEGY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 26 
Section 10 – Strategy update .................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 
Section 11 – Unique advantages ............................................................................................................................................................................... 31 
Section 12 – Social responsibility .............................................................................................................................................................................. 33 
FINANCIAL CONDITION ................................................................................................................................................ 36 
Section 13 – Financial position .................................................................................................................................................................................. 36 
Section 14 – Investments .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 37 
Section 15 – Claims liabilities and reinsurance .......................................................................................................................................................... 40 
Section 16 – Employee future benefit programs ........................................................................................................................................................ 43 
Section 17 – Treasury management .......................................................................................................................................................................... 44 
Section 18 – Capital management ............................................................................................................................................................................. 47 
RISK MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................................................... 49 
Section 19 – Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 49 
Section 20 – Risk management structure .................................................................................................................................................................. 49 
Section 21 – Corporate governance and compliance program ................................................................................................................................... 51 
Section 22 – Enterprise Risk Management ................................................................................................................................................................ 52 
Section 23 – Off-balance sheet arrangements ........................................................................................................................................................... 67 
Section 24 – Sensitivity analyses ............................................................................................................................................................................... 68 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................ 69 
Section 25 – Financial KPIs and definitions ............................................................................................................................................................... 69 
Section 26 – Non-operating results ............................................................................................................................................................................ 72 
Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures ............................................................................................................................................................... 73 
Section 28 – Accounting and disclosure matters........................................................................................................................................................ 76 
Section 29 – Shareholder information ........................................................................................................................................................................ 78 
Section 30 – Selected annual and quarterly information ............................................................................................................................................ 79 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           1 

 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Non-IFRS financial measures 

We use both IFRS and non-IFRS financial measures to assess our performance. Non-IFRS financial measures do not have any 
standardized  meaning  prescribed  by  IFRS  and  are  unlikely  to  be  comparable  to  any  similar  measures  presented  by  other 
companies.  The  non-IFRS  measures    included  in  this  MD&A  are:  direct  premiums  written  (DPW),  change  or  growth  in  constant 
currency,  net  earned  premiums  (NEP),  total  net  claims,  underlying  current  year  loss  ratio,  underwriting  expenses,  underwriting 
income  (loss),  combined  ratio,  net  distribution  income,  net  operating  income  (NOI),  net  operating  income  per  share  (NOIPS), 
operating return on equity (OROE), adjusted net income, adjusted net income per share (AEPS), adjusted return on equity (AROE) 
and  market  based  yield.  See  Section 27  –  Non-IFRS  financial  measures  for  the  definition  and  reconciliation  to  the  most 
comparable  IFRS  measures.  These measures and other insurance-related terms used in this MD&A are defined in the glossary 
available in the “Investors” section of our web site at www.intactfc.com. 

Important notes 

•  Unless otherwise noted, DPW refer to DPW normalized for the effect of multi-year policies, excluding industry pools, fronting 
and exited lines (referred to as “DPW” in this MD&A). DPW for 2017 were adjusted to exclude fronting from P&C Canada, to 
enhance  comparability  with  our  current  reporting.  See  Table  29  for  details  on  exited  lines  and  Table  31  for  the 
reconciliation to DPW, as reported under IFRS. All underwriting results and related ratios exclude the MYA and the results 
of our U.S. Commercial exited lines, unless otherwise noted. The expense and general expense ratios are presented herein 
net of other underwriting revenues.  

•  Catastrophe claims are any one claim, or group of claims, equal to or greater than $7.5 million for P&C Canada (US$5 million 
for P&C U.S.) related to a single event (referred to as the “CAT threshold”), and can either be weather-related or not weather-
related (‘other than weather-related’). A non-catastrophe weather event is a group of claims, which is considered significant but 
that is smaller than the CAT threshold, related to a single weather event.  

•  A large loss is defined as a single claim larger than $0.25 million for P&C Canada (US$0.25 million for P&C U.S.) but smaller 

than the CAT threshold. 

•  When relevant, we present changes in constant currency, which exclude the impact of fluctuations in  foreign exchange rates 
from  one  period  to  the  other, to  enhance  the  analysis  of  our  results  with comparative  periods.  See  Section 27  –  Non-IFRS 
financial measures. 

•  Regulatory Capital Ratios refer to MCT (as defined by OSFI and the AMF in Canada) and RBC (as defined by the NAIC in the 
U.S.). All references to “total capital margin” in this MD&A include the aggregate of capital in excess of company action levels 
in regulated entities (170% MCT, 200% RBC and other CALs in other jurisdictions) plus available cash in unregulated entities. 

•  Unless otherwise noted, market share and market related data for P&C Canada are based on the latest available data (YTD 
Q3-2018)  from  MSA  Research  Inc.  (“MSA”)  and  excludes  LIoyd’s  Underwriters  Canada,  Insurance  Corporation  of  British 
Columbia,  Saskatchewan  Government  Insurance,  Saskatchewan  Auto  Fund,  Genworth  Financial  Mortgage  Insurance 
Company  Canada  and  Canada  Guaranty  Mortgage  Insurance  Company.  MSA  data  excludes  certain  Québec  regulated 
entities.  Market  share  and  market  positioning  reflect  the  impact  of  announced  or  completed  acquisitions  and  are  therefore 
presented on a pro forma basis.  

•  Certain  totals,  subtotals  and  percentages  may  not  agree  due  to  rounding.  Not  meaningful  (nm)  is  used  to  indicate  that  the 

current and prior year figures are not comparable, not meaningful, or if the percentage change exceeds 1,000%.  

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements 

Certain  of  the  statements  included  in  this  MD&A  about  the  Company’s  current  and  future  plans,  expectations  and  intentions, 
results,  levels  of  activity,  performance,  goals  or  achievements  or  any  other  future  events  or  developments  constitute  forward-
looking  statements.  The  words  “may”,  “will”,  “would”,  “should”,  “could”,  “expects”,  “plans”,  “intends”,  “trends”,  “indications”, 
“anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “likely”, “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words or other similar 
or  comparable  words  or  phrases,  are  intended  to  identify  forward-looking  statements.    Unless  otherwise  indicated,  all  forward-
looking statements in this MD&A are made as at December 31, 2018 and are subject to change after that date. 

Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management based on management’s experience 
and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that management 
believes  are  appropriate  in  the  circumstances.  Many  factors  could  cause  the  Company’s  actual  results,  performance  or 
achievements  or  future  events  or  developments  to  differ  materially  from  those  expressed  or  implied  by  the  forward-looking 
statements, including, without limitation, the following factors:  

2           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

• 

• 

the  Company’s  ability  to  implement  its  strategy  or  operate 
its business as management currently expects;  
its ability to accurately assess the risks associated with the 
insurance policies that the Company writes;  

•  unfavourable  capital  market  developments  or  other  factors 
which  may  affect  the  Company’s  investments,  floating  rate 
securities and funding obligations under its pension plans;  
the cyclical nature of the P&C insurance industry;  

• 
•  management’s  ability  to  accurately  predict  future  claims 
frequency and severity, including in the personal auto line of 
business; 

•  government  regulations  designed  to  protect  policyholders 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

and creditors rather than investors;  
litigation  and  regulatory  actions;  periodic  negative  publicity 
regarding the insurance industry;  
intense competition;  
the  Company’s  reliance  on  brokers and  third  parties  to sell 
its products to clients and provide services to the Company;  
the  Company’s  ability  to  successfully  pursue  its  acquisition 
strategy;  the  Company’s  ability  to  execute  its  business 
strategy;  the  Company’s  ability  to  successfully  pursue  its 
acquisition strategy;  
the Company’s ability to execute its business strategy;  
the  Company’s  ability  to  achieve  synergies  arising  from 
successful integration plans relating to acquisitions;  
the  Company’s  profitability  following  the  acquisition  (the 
“Acquisition”)  of  OneBeacon 
Insurance  Group,  Ltd. 
(“OneBeacon”);  
the Company’s ability to improve its Combined Ratio in the 
United States in relation to the Acquisition; 
the Company’s ability to retain business and key employees 
in the United States in relation to the Acquisition; 
•  undisclosed liabilities in relation to the Acquisition; 
• 

the  Company’s  participation  in  the  Facility  Association  (a 
industry 
mandatory  pooling  arrangement  among  all 
participants) and similar mandated risk-sharing pools;  

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

terrorist attacks and ensuing events;  
the  occurrence  and 
including a major earthquake;  

frequency  of  catastrophe  events, 

• 

• 

• 
• 

•  catastrophe  losses  caused  by  severe  weather  and  other 
weather-related  losses,  as  well  as  the  impact  of  climate 
change;  
the  Company’s  ability  to  maintain  its  financial  strength  and 
issuer  credit  ratings;  the  Company’s  access  to  debt  and 
equity financing;  
the  Company's  ability  to  compete  for  large  commercial 
business;  
the Company’s ability to alleviate risk through reinsurance;  
the  Company’s  ability  to  successfully  manage  credit  risk 
(including  credit  risk  related  to  the  financial  health  of 
reinsurers);  
the  Company’s  ability  to  contain  fraud  and/or  abuse;  the 
technology  and 
Company’s 
telecommunications  systems  and  potential  failure  of  or 
disruption  to  those  systems,  including  in  the  context  of 
evolving cybersecurity risk;  
the  impact  of  developments  in  technology  and  use  of  data 
on the Company’s products and distribution;  
the  Company’s  dependence  on  and  ability  to  retain  key 
employees;  

reliance  on 

information 

• 

• 

• 

•  changes in laws or regulations;  
•  general economic, financial and political conditions;  
• 

the Company’s dependence on the results of operations of 
its subsidiaries and the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries 
to pay dividends; 
the volatility of the stock  market and other factors affecting 
the trading prices of the Company’s securities;  
the Company’s ability to hedge exposures to fluctuations in 
foreign exchange rates;  
future sales of a substantial number of its common shares;  

• 

• 

treaties  or 
tax 
regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof. 

in  applicable 

laws, 

tax 

tax 

• 
•  changes 

All of the forward-looking statements included in this MD&A and the quarterly earnings press release dated February 5, 2019, are 
qualified by these cautionary statements and those made in the section entitled Risk management (Sections 19-24) of our MD&A 
for the year ended December 31, 2018. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect 
the Company. These factors should, however, be considered carefully. Although the forward-looking statements are based upon 
what  management  believes  to  be  reasonable  assumptions,  the  Company  cannot  assure  investors  that  actual  results  will  be 
consistent with these forward-looking statements. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors should 
ensure the preceding information is carefully considered. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements made 
herein.  The  Company  and  management  have  no  intention  and  undertake  no  obligation  to  update  or  revise  any  forward-looking 
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           3 

 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Glossary of abbreviations 

AEPS 

AFS 

AMF 

Description 
Adjusted EPS  

Available for sale 

Autorité des marchés financiers 

AOCI 

Accumulated OCI 

AROE 

Adjusted ROE 

BVPS 

Book value per share 

CAD 

Canadian Dollar 

MD&A 

Description 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Moody’s  Moody’s Investor Service Inc.  

MYA 

NAIC 

NCIB 

NEP 

NOI 

Market yield adjustment 

National Association of Insurance Commissioners 

Normal course issuer bid 

Net earned premiums 

Net operating income 

CAGR 

Compound annual growth rate 

NOIPS 

NOI per share 

Company action level 

OCI 

Other comprehensive income 

CAL 

CAN 

CAT 

Canada 

Catastrophe 

DBRS 

Dominion Bond Rating Services 

DPW 

EPS 

Fitch 

Direct premiums written 

Earnings per share to common shareholders  

Fitch Ratings Inc.  

FVTPL 

Fair value through profit and loss 

IFRS 

KPI 

MCT 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

Key performance indicator 

Minimum capital test 

OROE 

Operating ROE 

OSFI 

P&C 

PTOI 

PYD 

RBC 

ROE 

S&P 

U.S. 

USD 

Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions  

Property & Casualty 

Pre-tax operating income 

Prior year claims development 

Risk-based capital 

Return on equity 

Standard & Poor’s 

United States 

U.S. Dollar 

This icon represents data relevant to environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure including its impact 

on our results where applicable. 

4           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

OVERVIEW 

Section 1 – About Intact Financial Corporation 

1.1  Who we are 

$8.6B 

$1.5B 

• 

Largest  provider  of  P&C  insurance  in  Canada  and  a  leading  provider  of  specialty  insurance  in  North  America,  with  over 
$10 billion in annual DPW. 

•  Approximately  14,000  full-  and  part-time  employees  who  serve  more  than  five  million  personal,  business  and  public  sector 

customers through offices in Canada and the U.S.  

• 

In Canada, we distribute insurance under the Intact Insurance brand through a wide network of brokers, including our wholly-
owned  subsidiary  BrokerLink,  and  directly  to  consumers  through  belairdirect.  In  the  U.S.,  OneBeacon,  a  wholly-owned 
subsidiary, provides specialty insurance products through independent agencies, brokers, wholesalers and managing general 
agencies. 

•  We are a proven industry consolidator with a track record of 16 successful P&C acquisitions since 1988. 

1.2  What we offer 
With our comprehensive range of auto, home and business insurance products, we offer customers protection tailored to meet their 
unique needs. Across Intact, we share the same goal: We are here to help people, businesses and society prosper in good times 
and be resilient in bad times. Making a difference is important to us; it is our purpose. 

2018 DPW  
by business segment 

2018 DPW  
by line of business 

2018 DPW  
by brand 

1 

1 Represents Intact insurance premiums sold          
through BrokerLink 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           5 

15%85%Canada InsuranceU.S. Insurance22%26%15%37%Personal autoPersonal propertyCommercial lines- CanadaCommercial lines- U.S.8%14%15%63%Intact insuranceBrokerLinkbelairdirectOneBeacon 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

1.3  Our business segments 
We report our financial results under the business segments set out below. The composition of our segments is aligned with our 
management structure and internal financial reporting based on geography and the nature of our activities.  

Comprised of underwriting (P&C Canada) and distribution activities in Canada 

Intact Financial Corporation 

Canada  
(CAN) 

•  Underwriting of automobile, home and business insurance contracts to individual and businesses in 
Canada. Underwriting results in Canada are reported under three lines of business (see Section 4): 
•  Personal auto 
•  Personal property 
•  Commercial, which include Commercial auto and Commercial P&C  

•  Distribution  operations,  including  the  operating  results  of  our  wholly-owned  broker,  BrokerLink,  as 

well as our share of results of broker affiliates. 

Comprised of underwriting activities in the U.S. (P&C U.S.) 

U.S.       

•  Underwriting  of  specialty  contracts  mainly  to  small  and  midsize  businesses  in  the  U.S.,  which  are 

reported under:  
•  Commercial  lines,  which  include  the  underwriting  results  of  OneBeacon  since  September  28, 

2017 (see Section 5). 

Comprised of the following activities, which are managed at the Corporate level 

Corporate      
and Other 
(Corporate) 

Investment management 
Treasury and capital management 

• 
• 
•  Other corporate activities, including internal reinsurance 
Operating  results  include  net  investment  income,  finance  costs,  as  well  as  other  income  and  expenses 
(including corporate expenses and ancillary income) (see Section 6). 

We  measure  our  consolidated  performance  mainly  based  on  NOIPS  and  business  segment  performance  based  on  pre-tax 
operating income (PTOI).  

Table 1 – Operating performance by segment1 

For the years ended Dec. 31,  

DPW 

NEP 

Operating income 

Underwriting income 
Net investment income   
Net distribution income 
Finance costs 
Other income (expense) 

Pre-tax operating income (PTOI)  
Net operating income (NOI) 
NOIPS (in dollars) 

CAN 

8,601 

8,332 

400 
- 
146 
- 
- 

546 

U.S.  Corporate 

1,489 

1,380 

71 
- 
- 
- 
- 

71 

- 

3 

3 
529 
- 
(103) 
(18) 

411 

 2018 
Total 

10,090 

9,715 

474 
529 
146 
(103) 
(18) 

1,028 
839 
5.74 

CAN 

8,423 

8,204 

478 
- 
132 
- 
- 

610 

U.S.  Corporate 

307 

326 

8 
- 
- 
- 
- 

8 

- 

- 

- 
432 
- 
(82) 
5 

355 

2017 
Total 

8,730 

8,530 

486 
432 
132 
(82) 
5 

973 
771 
5.60 

1 Refer to Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures. 

6           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 2 – Our performance at a glance 

Full year 2018 Highlights 

DPW growth  

NOIPS growth 

+16% 

+3% 

OROE 

12.1% 

Total capital 
margin 
$1.3 billion 

BVPS 

+2% 

•  Net operating income per share up 19% to $1.93 in Q4-2018 driven by solid operating results  

•  Premiums grew 4% in the quarter and 16% for the full year fuelled by commercial lines across North America  

•  Combined ratio of 91.7% in Q4-2018 with significant improvement in personal auto  

• 

Full year NOIPS of $5.74 drove Operating ROE of 12.1%, with over $1.3 billion of total capital margin 

•  Quarterly dividend increased by 9% to $0.76 per common share 

DPW  

Combined ratio 

  NOIPS (in dollars) 

EPS (in dollars) 

Operating ROE 

Total capital margin 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           7 

1,9592,2932,392Q48,27710,0908,730Annual92.5%91.7%95.1%95.3%92.6%94.3%Q4Annual2016201720181.581.931.63Q44.885.605.74Annual1.271.671.60Q43.975.754.79Annual12.0%12.1%12.9%Annual2016201720189701,3331,135Annual 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 3 –  Consolidated performance 

Table 2 – Consolidated performance1 

Q4-2018  Q4-2017 

Change 

DPW 

NEP 

Operating income 

Underwriting income 
Net investment income   
Net distribution income 
Finance costs 
Other income (expense) 

PTOI 

NOI 

Non-operating gains (losses) 

Effective income tax rate 

Net income 

Underwriting ratios 

Claims ratio 
Expense ratio 

Combined ratio 

Per share measures, basic and diluted 

(in dollars) 
NOIPS 
EPS 
BVPS 

Return on equity for the last 12 months 

OROE 
ROE 

Total capital margin 
Debt-to-total capital ratio 

1 Refer to Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures. 

Table 3 – Performance by business segment1 

2,392 

2,509 

2,293 

2,400 

2018 

10,090 

9,715 

474 
529 
146 
(103) 
(18) 

1,028 

839 

(142) 

2017  Change 

8,730 

8,530 

486 
432 
132 
(82) 
5 

973 

771 

(31) 

16% 

14% 

(12) 
97 
14 
(21) 
(23) 

55 

9% 

(111) 

4% 

5% 

32 
19 
8 
(2) 
(8) 

49 

19% 

16 

15.6 pts 

20.2% 

15.9% 

4.3 pts 

5 % 

707 

792 

(11)% 

178 
121 
28 
(25) 
2 

304 

236 

(58) 

5.9% 

232 

63.5% 
29.1% 

92.6% 

(0.8) pts 
(0.1) pts 

(0.9) pts 

65.3% 
29.8% 

95.1% 

65.4% 
28.9% 

94.3% 

(0.1) pts 
0.9 pts 

0.8 pts 

5.74 
4.79 

5.60 
5.75 

3% 
(17)% 

1.63 
1.60 
48.00 

12.9% 
12.8% 

1,135 
23.1% 

19% 
4% 
2% 

(0.8) pts 
(2.9) pts 

198 
(1.1) pts 

210 
140 
36 
(27) 
(6) 

353 

281 

(42) 

21.5% 

244 

62.7% 
29.0% 

91.7% 

1.93 
1.67 
48.73 

12.1% 
9.9% 

1,333 
22.0% 

DPW growth in constant currency 

Canada  
U.S.  

Combined ratio 

Canada  
U.S.  

PTOI 

Canada  
U.S. 
Corporate and Other 

Section 

Q4-2018  Q4-2017  Change 

2018 

2017  Change 

4.4 
5.3 

4.4 
5.3 

4.3 
5.3 
6.4 

2,067 
325 

2,392 

90.8% 
96.7% 

91.7% 

232 
13 
108 

353 

1,986 
307 

2,293 

4% 
2% 

4% 

91.9% 
97.4% 

(1.1) pts 
(0.7) pts 

92.6% 

(0.9) pts 

198 
8 
98 

304 

17% 
63% 
10% 

16% 

8,601 
1,489 

10,090 

95.2% 
94.8% 

95.1% 

546 
71 
411 

1,028 

8,423 
307 

8,730 

94.2% 
97.4% 

94.3% 

610 
8 
355 

973 

2% 
nm 

16% 

1.0 pts 
nm 

0.8 pts 

(10)% 
nm 
16% 

6% 

1 Refer to Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures. 

8           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

▪ 

Q4-2018 vs Q4-2017 

2018 vs 2017 

DPW growth 

•  Our premiums grew 4% in the quarter with strong 
growth  in  commercial  and  specialty  lines  across 
North America.  

•  Our  premiums  grew  16%  for  the  full  year, mainly 
from the acquisition of OneBeacon which contributed 
14%  to  our  topline,  and  strong  growth  in  both 
commercial and speciality lines in Canada. 

Underwriting 
performance 

•  Overall  combined  ratio  was  solid  at  91.7%,  with 
improved  underlying  performances  in  both  Canada 
and the U.S. 

•  Overall  combined  ratio  of  95.1%  with  solid 
underlying  performances  in  both  Canada  and  the 
U.S. 

•  Combined ratio for Canada was strong at 90.8%, 
1.1 points better than last year, reflecting significant 
improvement  in  personal  auto,  tempered  by  a 
deterioration in commercial lines.  

•  Combined  ratio  for  Canada  deteriorated  by 
one point to 95.2%, as the improvement in personal 
auto was more than offset by higher large losses and 
catastrophe losses in commercial lines. 

•  Combined  ratio  in  the  U.S.  was  96.7%,  as  a 
healthy  underlying  performance  was  offset  by 
5.9 points of CAT losses. 

• 

Solid  combined  ratio  in  the  U.S.  of  94.8%, in line 
with  expectations  for  2018,  reflecting  good  progress 
towards  our  goal  of  achieving  a  sustainable 
combined ratio in the low-90s within 18-24 months. 

Net  investment 
income 

Net distribution 
income 

NOIPS 

•  Net 

investment 

from 
investment optimization initiatives and higher yields. 

income  was  up  16% 

•  Net  distribution 
$36 million  due 
margins and broker acquisitions. 

income  was  up  29% 
to  organic  growth, 

to 
improved 

•  NOIPS  of  $1.93  up  19%,  due 

improved 
underwriting performance and strong growth in both 
net investment income and net distribution income. 

to 

•  Net  investment  income  was  up  22%,  due  to  the 
growth  in  our  investment  portfolio  following  the 
acquisition  of  OneBeacon,  as  well  as  investment 
optimization initiatives and higher yields. 

•  Net  distribution 

to 
$146 million,  reflecting the continued growth  of our 
broker network and improved profitability. 

income  was  up  11% 

•  NOIPS of $5.74 improved by 3%, largely driven by 
the acquisition of OneBeacon, which delivered solid 
underwriting  results  and  drove  the  strong  growth  in 
net investment income.  

Effective 
income tax rate 

• 

Effective  income  tax  rate  of  21.5%  for  the  quarter  and  20.2%  for  the  full  year  was  largely  in  line  with 
expectations.  In  2017,  the  effective  income  tax  rate  was  unusually  low  as  it  included  a  one-time  income  tax 
recovery related to the enactment of the U.S. Corporate tax reform as well as higher non-taxable gains.  

Net income 

•  Net income of $244 million was up 5%, driven by 

solid operating earnings.  

•  Net  income  of  $707  million  was  down  11%, 
despite  higher  operating  earnings.  In  2017,  we  had 
benefited from one-time non-operating gains relating 
to the acquisition of OneBeacon.  

OROE 

Financial 
condition 

•  Operating ROE for the 12 months ended December 31, 2018 was 12.1%, due to weak personal auto results 
in the earlier part of 2018, as well as elevated large losses in commercial lines. Our OROE remains well above 
the industry, though below our historical track record.  

•  BVPS of $48.73 increased 2% from a year ago as our earnings, net of common share dividends, were offset 

in part by the impact of unfavourable capital markets on our investment portfolio. 

•  Our debt-to-total capital ratio of 22.0% as at December 31, 2018 increased by 0.3 points in the quarter mainly 
due  to  the  weaker  capital  markets,  which  resulted  in  a  lower  equity  base.  For  the  full  year,  it  decreased  by 
1.1 points as we continue to track towards our goal of 20% in 2019. 

•  We ended the year in a strong financial position, with over $1.3 billion of total capital margin. 

Constant currency 

With the acquisition of OneBeacon, approximately 15% of our premiums are written in USD. The impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange 
rates was not material to our consolidated performance for the year ended December 31, 2018. See Section 5 – U.S. for the impact on our 
U.S. results.  

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           9 

 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

SEGMENT PERFORMANCE 

Section 4 – Canada  

4.1  Canada’s largest home, auto and business insurer 
• 

Largest  P&C  insurer  in  Canada,  with  $8.6 billion  in  annual  DPW  and  an 
approximate market share of 17%. 

•  We distribute insurance in Canada under the Intact Insurance brand through a 
wide  network  of  brokers,  including  our  wholly-owned  subsidiary  BrokerLink, 
and directly to consumers through belairdirect. 
Largest private sector provider of P&C insurance in most provinces.  

• 

4.2  We offer a comprehensive range of insurance 

products 

$8.6B 

17% 
Market share 

Personal auto 
•  We  offer  various  levels  of  coverage  to  our  customers  for  their  vehicles 
including  accident  benefits,  third  party  property  and  physical  damage.  Our 
coverage is also available for motor homes, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, 
snowmobiles, and all terrain vehicles.  

Personal property 
•  Our customers can get protection for their homes and contents from risks such 
as  fire,  theft,  vandalism,  water  damage  and  other  damages,  as  well  as 
personal  liability  coverage.  Property  coverage  is  also  available  for  tenants, 
residences  and  seasonal 
condominium  owners,  non-owner-occupied 
residences. 

Commercial lines (including specialty lines) 
•  We provide  a broad  range  of coverages  tailored  to  the  needs  of  a  diversified 
group of small and medium sized businesses including commercial landlords, 
manufacturers,  contractors,  wholesalers,  retailers,  transportation  businesses, 
agriculture businesses and service providers. 

$8.6B 

•  Commercial  property  coverages  protect  the  physical  assets  of  the  business  and  include  business  interruption  insurance. 
Liability coverages include commercial general liability, product liability, professional liability as well as cyber endorsement. 

•  Commercial vehicle coverages provide protection for commercial auto, fleets, garage operations, light trucks, public vehicles 

and the specific needs of the sharing economy. 

4.3  Operating performance 

Table 4 – Operating performance 

Canada  

P&C Canada 
Distribution 

PTOI 

  Section 

Q4-2018  Q4-2017  Change 

2018 

2017  Change 

4.4 

196 
36 

232 

170 
28 

198 

15% 
29% 

17% 

400 
146 

546 

478 
132 

610 

(16)% 
11% 

(10)% 

10           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

4.4  P&C Canada 

Table 5 – Underwriting results for P&C Canada1 

DPW 

NEP 

Current year claims (excluding CAT claims) 
Current year CAT claims 
(Favourable) unfavourable PYD 

Total net claims 
Underwriting expenses 

Underwriting income 

Underwriting ratios 
Underlying current year loss ratio 
CAT loss ratio  
(Favourable) unfavourable PYD ratio 

Claims ratio 

Commissions 
General expenses 
Premium taxes 

Expense ratio  

Combined ratio 

1 Refer to Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures.  

Table 6 – Performance by line of business – Canada  

  Q4-2018  Q4-2017  Change 

2,067 

1,986 

4% 

3% 

(16) 
2 
21 

7 
22 

26 

2,074 

1,372 
31 
(77) 

1,326 
578 

170 

66.2% 
1.5% 
(3.7)% 

(2.5) pts 
0.1 pts 
1.0 pts 

64.0% 

(1.4) pts 

14.5% 
9.7% 
3.7% 

27.9% 

0.4 pts 
(0.1) pts 
- pts 

0.3 pts 

2,129 

1,356 
33 
(56) 

1,333 
600 

196 

63.7% 
1.6% 
(2.7)% 

62.6% 

14.9% 
9.6% 
3.7% 

28.2% 

90.8% 

91.9% 

(1.1) pts 

2018 

8,601 

8,332 

5,411 
308 
(181) 

5,538 
2,394 

400 

65.0% 
3.7% 
(2.2)% 

66.5% 

15.3% 
9.6% 
3.8% 

28.7% 

95.2% 

2017  Change 

8,423 

8,204 

5,321 
313 
(253) 

5,381 
2,345 

478 

2% 

2% 

90 
(5) 
72 

157 
49 

(78) 

64.9% 
3.8% 
(3.1)% 

0.1 pts 
(0.1) pts 
0.9 pts 

65.6% 

0.9 pts 

15.2% 
9.7% 
3.7% 

0.1 pts 
(0.1) pts 
0.1 pts 

28.6% 

0.1 pts 

94.2% 

1.0 pts 

DPW growth 

Personal auto 
Personal property 
Commercial lines 

Combined ratio 
Personal auto 
Personal property 
Commercial lines 

Section 

Q4-2018  Q4-2017  Change 

2018 

2017 

Change 

4.5 
4.6 
4.7 

4.5 
4.6 
4.7 

818 
517 
732 

824 
505 
657 

2,067 

1,986 

(1)% 
2% 
11% 

4% 

97.3% 
78.5% 
91.6% 

90.8% 

101.2% 
79.7% 
87.4% 

(3.9) pts 
(1.2) pts 
4.2 pts 

91.9% 

(1.1) pts 

3,750 
2,186 
2,665 

8,601 

99.5% 
88.3% 
94.6% 

95.2% 

3,818 
2,135 
2,470 

8,423 

(2)% 
2% 
8% 

2% 

101.7% 
89.1% 
86.5% 

(2.2) pts 
(0.8) pts 
8.1 pts 

94.2% 

1.0 pts 

DPW 

Underlying current year loss ratio 

Combined ratio 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           11 

1,9592,0671,986Q48,2778,6018,423Annual64.2%63.7%65.0%64.8%66.2%64.9%Q4Annual20162017201892.5%90.8%95.2%95.3%91.9%94.2%Q4Annual 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Q4-2018 vs Q4-2017 

2018 vs 2017 

•  DPW  growth  of  4%  reflected  very  strong  growth  in 
commercial lines, including specialty lines. Growth in 
personal lines remained tempered by our profitability 
actions in personal auto.  

•  Underlying  current  year  loss  ratio  improved  by 
2.5 points 
reflecting  7  points  of 
improvement  in  personal  auto,  offset  in  part  by 
deterioration in commercial lines.  

to  63.7%, 

•  CAT loss ratio of 1.6% was in line with last year and 

expectations. 

•  DPW  growth  of  2%  reflected  strong  growth  in  commercial 
lines,  while  growth  in  personal  lines  was  tempered  by  the 
impact of our profitability actions in personal auto. 

•  Underlying current  year loss ratio of 65.0% is essentially 
unchanged, as continued improvement in personal auto was 
offset  by  higher 
in 
commercial lines and personal property.  

losses  and  severe  weather 

large 

•  CAT  loss  ratio  of  3.7%  was  mostly  weather-related  and 
remains  above 

last  year, 

though 

to 

it 

comparable 
expectations. 

• 

Lower  favourable  PYD  ratios  of  2.7%  for  the  quarter  and  2.2%  for  the  full  year,  though  they  were  in  line  with 
expectations. 

•  Expense ratio of 28.2% in the quarter and 28.7% for the full  year remained lower than historical levels thanks to our 
expense initiatives and to lower variable commissions.  The increase in commissions in the quarter was due to  improved 
profitability. 

•  We  delivered  a  very  strong  combined  ratio  of 
last  year,  with 
90.8%,  1.1 points  better 
outstanding 
in  personal  property  and 
significant  improvement  in  personal  auto.  This  was 
tempered by a deterioration in commercial lines.  

results 

than 

•  We  completed  the  year  with  a  combined  ratio  of  95.2%, 
up  one  point  compared  to  last  year,  as  strong  results  in 
personal  lines  including  improvement  in  personal  auto,  were 
more than offset by higher large losses in commercial lines. 

12           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

4.5  Personal auto  

Table 7 – Underwriting results for personal auto 

  DPW 
  Written insured risks (in thousands) 
  NEP 
  Underwriting income (loss) 

  Underlying current year loss ratio 
  CAT loss ratio  
  (Favourable) unfavourable PYD ratio  

  Claims ratio 
  Expense ratio 

  Combined ratio  

Q4-2018  Q4-2017 

Change 

818 
866 
934 
26 

74.4% 
- % 
0.3% 

74.7% 
22.6% 

824 
917 
952 
(11) 

(1)% 
(6)% 
(2)% 
nm 

81.4% 
0.2% 
(2.8)% 

78.8% 
22.4% 

(7.0) pts 
(0.2) pts 
3.1 pts 

(4.1) pts 
0.2 pts 

97.3% 

101.2% 

(3.9) pts 

2018 

3,750 
4,159 
3,727 
19 

74.7% 
0.6% 
1.3% 

76.6% 
22.9% 

99.5% 

2017 

Change 

3,818 
4,319 
3,782 
(64) 

77.7% 
0.7% 
0.3% 

78.7% 
23.0% 

(2)% 
(4)% 
(1)% 
nm 

(3.0) pts 
(0.1) pts 
1.0 pts 

(2.1) pts 
(0.1) pts 

101.7% 

(2.2) pts 

Q4-2018 vs Q4-2017 

2018 vs 2017 

•  DPW declined by 1%, as we remain ahead of the market in 
terms  of  rate  increases.  There  is  growing  evidence  of 
improving  market  conditions  based  on  recent  rate  filings 
and growth in the risk sharing pools. 

•  Underlying current year loss ratio of 74.4% improved by 
7.0 points, mostly attributable to our profitability actions. Our 
rate increases and other profitability actions have delivered 
another  quarter  of  lower  claims  frequency  and  severity, 
strengthening our view that our actions are effective. 

•  Unfavourable PYD ratio was minimal at 0.3%. 

•  Combined  ratio  of  97.3% 
reflecting  a  significant 
performance offset in part by a deterioration in PYD.  

improved  by  3.9  points, 
in  underlying 

improvement 

•  DPW  declined  by  2%,  reflecting continued profitability actions 
including  rate  increases  taken  ahead  of  our  competitors.  Our 
segmentation  initiatives,  including  changes  to  our  regional  and 
new  business  mix,  have  improved  the  portfolio  quality  while 
impacting unit growth. 

•  Underlying  current  year  loss  ratio  of  74.7%  improved  by 
3.0 points  due  to  the  continued  benefits  of  our  action  plan 
including  rate  increases  across  the  country.  Weather-related 
losses were essentially in line with 2017. 

•  Unfavourable  PYD 

ratio  of  1.3%,  mostly  driven  by 
unfavourable  development  on  Ontario  Accident  Benefit  (AB) 
files dating prior to the 2016 reform. 

•  Combined  ratio  of  99.5%  improved  by  2.2  points,  as  an 
improved  underlying  performance  driven  by  the  benefits  of  our 
profitability  actions  was  offset  in  part  by  higher  unfavourable 
PYD. 

•  Our profitability actions have yielded results. We have reached a mid-90s combined ratio run-rate and are now focused on 
sustaining  that  performance. We remain well positioned to capture potential growth opportunities as market conditions  continue 
to improve.  

 DPW 

Underlying current year loss ratio 

Combined ratio 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           13 

829818824Q43,7923,7503,818Annual78.5%74.4%74.7%76.5%81.4%77.7%Q4Annual201620172018100.9%97.3%99.5%99.9%101.2%101.7%Q4Annual 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

4.6  Personal property                                                                                              

Table 8 – Underwriting results for personal property 

  DPW 
  Written insured risks (in thousands) 
  NEP 
  Underwriting income 

  Underlying current year loss ratio 
  CAT loss ratio  
  (Favourable) unfavourable PYD ratio 

  Claims ratio 
  Expense ratio 

  Combined ratio  

Q4-2018 

Q4-2017 

Change 

517 
547 
534 
115 

47.1% 
2.1% 
(2.9)% 

46.3% 
32.2% 

78.5% 

505 
556 
522 
106 

49.3% 
1.9% 
(3.2)% 

48.0% 
31.7% 

2% 
(2)% 
2% 
8% 

(2.2) pts 
0.2 pts 
0.3 pts 

(1.7) pts 
0.5 pts 

79.7% 

(1.2) pts 

2018 

2,186 
2,364 
2,098 
246 

52.0% 
7.6% 
(3.7)% 

55.9% 
32.4% 

88.3% 

2017 

Change 

2,135 
2,395 
2,040 
222 

49.6% 
10.2% 
(3.0)% 

56.8% 
32.3% 

2% 
(1)% 
3% 
11% 

2.4 pts 
(2.6) pts 
(0.7) pts 

(0.9) pts 
0.1 pts 

89.1% 

(0.8) pts 

Q4-2018 vs Q4-2017 

2018 vs 2017 

•  DPW  growth  of  2%  in  the  quarter  and  the  full  year  reflected  continuing  rate  increases  in  firm  market  conditions, 

tempered by the impact of profitability actions in personal auto. 

•  Underlying  current  year  loss  ratio  was  very 
strong at 47.1% and improved by 2.2 points, despite 
an  increase  in  weather-related  losses  of  roughly 
2 points. 

•  Underlying  current  year  loss  ratio  for  the  year  remains 
solid at 52.0%, though it deteriorated by 2.4 points from last 
year, due to an increase in weather-related claims and large 
losses. 

•  CAT  loss  ratio  of  2.1%  was  essentially  in  line  with 

•  CAT loss ratio of 7.6% was lower than last year, though in 

last year.  

line with expectations. 

• 

• 

Favourable PYD ratio of 2.9% in the quarter and 3.7% in the full year remained healthy. 

This line continues to perform very well with combined ratios of 78.5% in the quarter and 88.3% for the full year, 
including the impact of severe weather. With market conditions remaining firm, this line is well positioned for the future. 

DPW 

Underlying current year loss ratio 

Combined ratio 

14           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

486517505Q42,0302,1862,135Annual39.9%47.1%52.0%48.9%49.3%49.6%Q4Annual20162017201875.6%78.5%88.3%90.9%79.7%89.1%Q4Annual 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
                       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

4.7  Commercial lines                                                                                       

Table 9 – Underwriting results for Commercial lines Canada, including Commercial P&C and Commercial auto 

  DPW 

Commercial P&C 
Commercial auto 

  NEP 
  Underwriting income (loss) 

  Underlying current year loss ratio 
  CAT loss ratio  

(Favourable) unfavourable PYD ratio 

  Claims ratio 
  Expense ratio 

  Combined ratio  

Q4-2018  Q4-2017 

Change 

732 
502 
230 

661 
55 

62.0% 
3.4% 
(6.7)% 

58.7% 
32.9% 

657 
462 
195 

600 
75 

56.9% 
2.9% 
(5.6)% 

54.2% 
33.2% 

11% 
9% 
18% 

10% 
(27)% 

5.1 pts 
0.5 pts 
(1.1) pts 

4.5 pts 
(0.3) pts 

91.6% 

87.4% 

4.2 pts 

2018 

2,665 
1,822 
843 

2,507 
135 

61.3% 
4.9% 
(6.0)% 

60.2% 
34.4% 

94.6% 

2017 

Change 

2,470 
1,716 
754 

2,382 
320 

57.5% 
3.1% 
(8.4)% 

52.2% 
34.3% 

8% 
6% 
12% 

5% 
(58)% 

3.8 pts 
1.8 pts 
2.4 pts 

8.0 pts 
0.1 pts 

86.5% 

8.1 pts 

Q4-2018 vs Q4-2017 

2018 vs 2017 

•  Very  strong  DPW  growth  of  11%,  as  we  continue  to 
benefit  from  rate  momentum  in  firm  market  conditions 
and robust growth in specialty lines. 

•  Strong  DPW  growth  of  8%,  as  both  segments  are 
benefiting  from  rate  momentum  in  firm  market  conditions 
and strong growth in specialty lines. 

•  Underlying  current  year  loss  ratio  of  62.0%  was 
healthy,  though  it  deteriorated  by  5.1  points  from  last 
year’s strong performance. 

•  Underlying current year loss ratio of 61.3% deteriorated 

by 3.8 points, mainly due to elevated large losses. 

•  CAT 

loss 

ratio  was  3.4%, 

roughly 

twice  our 

•  CAT  loss  ratio  of  4.9%  was  roughly  twice  the  expected 

expectations. 

amount, and mostly driven by severe weather. 

• 

Favourable PYD of 6.7% remained healthy. 

• 

Favourable PYD of 6.0% remained healthy, though lower 
than last year’s elevated level. 

•  Combined  ratio  of  91.6%  deteriorated  by  4.2 points 
from  last  year’s  very  strong  performance,  which  had  a 
lower level of large losses. 

•  Combined  ratio  of  94.6%  deteriorated  by  8.1  points 
compared to last year’s exceptionally strong performance, 
driven by elevated large losses and higher CAT losses.  

• 

The underlying fundamentals of this business remain strong, supported by firm market conditions and a high-quality 
portfolio. 

 DPW 

Underlying current year loss ratio 

Combined ratio 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           15 

644732657Q42,4552,6652,470Annual62.0%62.0%61.3%59.1%56.9%57.5%Q4Annual20162017201893.2%91.6%94.6%91.5%87.4%86.5%Q4Annual 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 5 – U.S.  

The acquisition of OneBeacon was completed on September 28, 2017. 

5.1  A pure-play specialty lines insurer 

Leading U.S. 
specialty insurer 

• 

Leading U.S. specialty insurer focused on small to midsized businesses, with 
US$1.1 billion (CAD$1.5 billion) in annual DPW.  

•  Distributes insurance products and services in the U.S. under the OneBeacon 
regional  and  national  brokers, 

independent  agencies, 

through 

brand 
wholesalers and managing general agencies. 

•  OneBeacon  operates  through  five  underwriting  companies:  Atlantic  Specialty 
Insurance  Company,  Homeland  Insurance  Company  of  Delaware,  Homeland 
Insurance Company of New York, OBI America Insurance Company and OBI 
National Insurance Company.  

5.2  What we offer 

•  Specialty  insurance  to  solve  the  unique  needs  of  particular  customers  or 
industry  groups  including  accident  and  health,  technology,  ocean  and  inland 
marine, public entities, and entertainment.  

•  Distinct  specialty  products  and  tailored  coverages  to  a  broad  customer  base 
across  the  U.S.  in  areas  such  as  healthcare,  tuition  reimbursement,  surety, 
management liability, financial services, specialty property, environmental and 
financial institutions. 

$1.5B 

$1.5B 

•  Each  OneBeacon  business  unit  is  managed  by  an  experienced  team  of 
specialty  insurance  professionals  focused  on  a  specific  customer  group  or 
industry  segment.  Competitive  factors  for  most  of our  insurance  products are 
price, product terms and conditions, agency and broker relationships, claims service, company scale and financial stability.  

DPW by business unit 

16           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

5.3  P&C U.S.  
All figures in the table below are shown in CAD, using an average exchange rate of 1.32 for Q4-2018 and 1.30 for full year 2018 
(Q4-2017  results  were  converted  at  1.27).  Percentage  changes  reported  in  constant  currency  exclude  the  impact  of  currency 
fluctuations. See Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures.  

Table 10 – Underwriting results for P&C U.S. 1 

DPW 

Growth in constant currency 

NEP 

Growth in constant currency 

Current year claims 
Current year CAT claims 
(Favourable) unfavourable PYD  

Net claims incurred 
Underwriting expenses 

Underwriting income 

Underwriting ratios3 
Underlying current year loss ratio 
CAT loss ratio 
(Favourable) unfavourable PYD ratio  

Claims ratio 

Commissions 
General expenses 
Premium taxes 

Expense ratio  

Combined ratio 

Q4-2018  Q4-2017 

Change 

FY 2018 

Q4-2017 

Change2 

325 

379 

211 
22 
6 

239 
127 

13 

307 

326 

183 
- 
15 

198 
120 

8 

6% 
2% 

16% 
12% 

28 
22 
(9) 

41 
7 

5 

55.6% 
5.9% 
1.5% 

63.0% 

14.9% 
17.8% 
1.0% 

55.9% 
- 
4.6% 

60.5% 

16.8% 
18.2% 
1.9% 

(0.3) pts 
5.9 pts 
(3.1) pts 

2.5 pts 

(1.9) pts 
(0.4) pts 
(0.9) pts 

33.7% 

36.9% 

(3.2) pts 

96.7% 

97.4% 

(0.7) pts 

1,489 

1,380 

786 
22 
(4) 

804 
505 

71 

56.9% 
1.6% 
(0.3)% 

58.2% 

15.5% 
19.0% 
2.1% 

36.6% 

94.8% 

307 

326 

183 
- 
15 

198 
120 

8 

55.9% 
- 
4.6% 

60.5% 

16.8% 
18.2% 
1.9% 

36.9% 

97.4% 

nm 
  nm 

nm 
  nm 

nm 
nm 
nm 

nm 
nm 

nm 

nm 
nm 
nm 

nm 

nm 
nm 
nm 

nm 

nm 

1 Excluding the results of exited lines (see Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures).  
2 Change for FY 2018 vs Q4-2017 is not meaningful, as 2017 includes only three months of results given the acquisition date of September 28, 2017. 
3 The impact of currency fluctuations on underwriting ratios is minimal and is not considered significant. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Q4-2018 vs Q4-2017 

20181 

•  DPW growth of 2% on a constant currency basis with solid 
progress in our growth focus lines, tempered by the impact 
of our profitability improvement actions in other lines.  

•  DPW  growth  of  2%  for  the  full  year  on  a  constant 
currency basis reflected strong new business, tempered by 
the impact of our profitability improvement actions. 

•  Underlying current year loss ratio was healthy at 55.6% in the quarter and 56.9% in the full year. 

•  CAT loss ratio of 5.9% in the quarter, mainly reflected the impact of hurricane Michael and large commercial fires. From a full 

year perspective, CAT loss ratio of 1.6% in 2018 was slightly above our expectations. 

• 

Though PYD was unfavourable 1.5% in the quarter, it was slightly favourable for the full year. Refer to Section 15.2 – 
Reinsurance for more details on the Adverse Development Coverage (ADC). 

•  Expense  ratio  of  33.7%  reflected  the  seasonality  of  our 
operations, 
than  our 
expectations  for  the  fourth  quarter  mainly  due  to  business 
mix  and  a  one-time  favourable  adjustment  to  premium 
taxes. 

it  was  slightly  better 

though 

•  Expense  ratio  of  36.6%  reflected  our  continued  focus  on 
cost saving initiatives including realized synergies, and was 
slightly better than expectations.  

•  We have realized  another US$7 million of synergies in the quarter. On a run-rate basis, we have exceeded our target of 

US$25 million of annual synergies, ahead of schedule. 

•  Combined  ratio  of  96.7%  improved  marginally,  after 
absorbing  5.9  points  of  CAT  losses,  thanks  to  a  better 
expense ratio and lower unfavourable PYD.  

•  Combined ratio of 94.8% was in line with our expectations 
for 2018. Though further progress remains, we are on track 
towards achieving our goal of a sustainable combined ratio 
in the low-90s within 18-24 months. 

•  We  continue  to  realize  the  benefits  of  our  underwriting  profitability  actions,  the  internalization  of  claims  and  our 

expense synergies. 

1 2018 full year performance is not comparable to 2017 performance, which only includes one quarter of results. 

18           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 6 – Corporate and Other 

Comprised of the following activities, which are managed at the Corporate level: 

• 
Investing related to P&C insurance 
•  Treasury and capital management 
•  Other corporate activities, including internal reinsurance 

Operating results include net investment income, finance costs, as well as other 
income and expenses, as shown in Table 11 below. 

6.1 

$17 billion of high-quality investments 
strategically managed 

Our investments totalled $16.9 billion as at December 31, 2018, up $123 million 
from December 31, 2017 despite the decline in capital markets in Q4-2018 (see 
Section  6.5  –  Capital  markets).  Our  approach  to  investment  management 
to  reflect  our  objective  of  maximizing  after-tax  returns  and 
continues 
outperforming our peers’ investment returns over the long-term, while ensuring 
policyholder protection and maintaining strong regulatory capital levels. 

We continue to manage our investment portfolio to achieve these objectives via 
appropriate  asset  allocation  and  active  management  investment  strategies, 
while minimizing the potential for large investment losses with diversification and 
limits on our investment exposures. Such limits are specified in our  investment 
policies  and  are  designed  to  be  consistent  with  our  overall  risk  tolerance. 
Management monitors and ensures compliance with our investment policies. 

CORPORATE  
AND OTHER 

$16.9B 

Total capital 
margin 

$1.3B 

Debt-to-total 
capital ratio  22.0% 

6.2  Maximizing long-term shareholder value by optimizing capital 
Our objectives when managing capital consist of: 

•  maintaining strong regulatory capital levels, while ensuring policyholders are well protected; and 
•  maximizing long-term shareholder value by optimizing capital used to operate and grow the Company. 

Treasury management: evolving in an international context 

6.3 
We  have  a  centralized  best-in-class  treasury  management  approach  that  ensures  access  to  funds  in  multiple  currencies  and 
mitigates the impact of volatility in capital markets on our shareholder’s equity. 

6.4  Operating performance 

Table 11 – Corporate and other (operating performance) 

Underwriting income1 
Net investment income 
Finance costs 
Other income (expense)2 

Corporate and other 

  Section  Q4-2018  Q4-2017 

Change 

2018 

2017 

Change 

6.6 

1 
140 
(27) 
(6) 

108 

- 
121 
(25) 
2 

98 

1 
19 
(2) 
(8) 

10 

3 
529 
(103) 
(18) 

411 

- 
432 
(82) 
5 

355 

3 
97 
(21) 
(23) 

56 

1 Reflected the impact of our internal reinsurance treaty. 
 2 Includes general corporate expenses, consolidation adjustments, regulatory fees related to our public company status, special projects and other 

operating items. These can fluctuate from quarter to quarter. 

• 

Finance costs increased in 2018 due to the issuance of the Series 7 medium term notes in Q2-2017. 

•  Other expense increased in the quarter and the full year mainly due to the impact of the unfavourable capital markets on restricted fund 

assets, and a one-time favourable adjustment in 2017.  

2018 vs 2017 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

6.5  Capital markets  
While the correlation between the performance of capital markets and the performance of our investment portfolio is not perfect, the 
following market indicators may be useful in understanding the overall performance of our investments. Refer to Section 6.6 – Net 
investment income, Section 6.7 – Net gains (losses) and Section 14 – Investments for further details. 

Table 12 – Selected market indicators 
Selected market Indicators 

S&P/TSX Composite  
S&P/TSX Financials 
S&P/TSX Preferred Share Index 
5Y Canada Sovereign Index (estimated variance in bps) 
5Y AA Corporate spread (estimated variance in bps) 
DJ Dividend 100 Composite (U.S.) 
5Y U.S. Sovereign Index (estimated variance in bps) 
Strengthening (weakening) of USD vs CAD 

Q4-2018 

Q4-2017 

(11)% 
(12)% 
(11)% 
(41) bps 
26 bps 
(11)% 
(44) bps 
6% 

4% 
5% 
1% 
13 bps 
(5) bps 
9% 
27 bps 
1% 

2018 

(12)% 
(13)% 
(12)% 
8 bps 
32 bps 
(8)% 
31 bps 
8% 

2017 

6% 
9% 
8% 
78 bps 
(21) bps 
17% 
28 bps 
(6)% 

6.6  Net investment income 

Table 13 – Net investment income  

Interest income 
Dividend income 

Investment income, before expenses 
Expenses 

Net investment income 

Average net investments1 

  Q4-2018  Q4-2017  Change 

2018 

2017  Change 

94 
55 

149 
(9) 

140 

81 
50 

131 
(10) 

121 

16,623 

16,644 

13 
5 

18 
1 

19 

-% 

351 
213 

564 
(35) 

529 

275 
194 

469 
(37) 

432 

76 
19 

95 
2 

97 

16,442 

14,663 

12% 

Market-based yield2 

3.44% 
1 Defined as the mid-month average fair value of net equity and fixed-income securities held during the reporting period. 
2 Refer to Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures. 

47 bps 

3.58% 

3.11% 

3.20% 

24 bps 

Q4-2018 vs Q4-2017 

2018 vs 2017 

•  Net investment income increased by $19 million, mainly 
due to our optimization initiatives, as well as higher yields.  

•  Average  net  investments  were  flat  at  $16.6  billion,  as 
the  increase  from  operations  was  impacted  by  the  market 
decline in late 2018. 

•  Net investment income increased by $97 million, due 
to  the  growth  of  our  investment  portfolio  following  the 
acquisition of OneBeacon, our optimization initiatives, as 
well as higher yields. 

•  Average  net 

investments  were  up  12%,  mainly 

reflecting the addition of the OneBeacon portfolio. 

• 

The  higher  market-based  yields  in  Q4-2018  and  for  the  full  year  mainly  reflected  the  benefit  of  higher  bond  rates 
captured through the optimization of our portfolio. See Section 6.5 – Capital markets. 

20           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Net gains (losses) 

6.7 
Net investment gains (losses) are reported in Non-operating results and included the following items.  

Table 14 – Net gains (losses)  

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on: 

AFS bonds, net of derivatives 
Equity securities, net of derivatives 
Embedded derivatives 

Net foreign currency gains on investments 
Impairment losses on common shares 
Currency derivative gain related to book value hedge of 

OneBeacon 
Other gains (losses)1 

Gains (losses) excluding FVTPL bonds 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on FVTPL 

bonds 

Net gains (losses) 

Q4-2018  Q4-2017  Change 

2018 

2017  Change 

(6) 
(3) 
38 
- 
(21) 

- 
3 

11 

48 

59 

(3) 
25 
(15) 
1 
(12) 

1 
17 

14 

(20) 

(6) 

(3) 
(28) 
53 
(1) 
(9) 

(1) 
(14) 

(3) 

68 

65 

(26) 
127 
25 
- 
(47) 

- 
19 

98 

(85) 

13 

5 
123 
(50) 
33 
(20) 

65 
40 

196 

(127) 

69 

(31) 
4 
75 
(33) 
(27) 

(65) 
(21) 

(98) 

42 

(56) 

1 Including net gains (losses) on investments in associates and joint ventures. 

Q4-2018  

2018 

•  Net  gains  excluding  FVTPL  bonds  of  $11  million 
reflected  mark-to-market  gains  on  our  embedded 
derivatives  related  to  our  perpetual  preferred  shares, 
offset  in  part  by  impairment  losses  on  common  shares, 
both linked to weaker equity markets.  See  Section  6.5  – 
Capital markets. 

•  Realized and unrealized gains on our FVTPL bonds of 
$48 million were driven by declining interest rates in both 
Canada  and  the  U.S.  These  gains  were  offset  by  the 
unfavourable  impact  of  lower  rates  used  to  discount  our 
claims liabilities (MYA). See Section 26 – Non-operating 
results. 

•  Net  gains  excluding  FVTPL  bonds  of  $98  million 
reflected  gains  realized  from  our  portfolio  optimization 
initiatives  and  from  ordinary  trading  activities  on  AFS 
common shares, offset by impairment losses of $47 million 
relating mainly to energy stocks.  

•  One-time  gains  in  2017  were  mainly  related  to  the 

OneBeacon acquisition. 

•  Realized and unrealized losses on our FVTPL bonds of 
$85  million  were  driven  by  increasing  rates  throughout 
most  of  the  year.  These  losses  were  offset  by  the  positive 
impact of higher rates used to discount our claims liabilities 
(MYA). See Section 26 – Non-operating results. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

ENVIRONMENT & OUTLOOK 

Section 7 – Insurance industry at a glance 

7.1  P&C insurance in Canada 

Large and 
highly 
fragmented 

• 

• 

• 

In 2017, it was a $51 billion market representing approximately 3% of gross domestic product (GDP), according to 
MSA data. 

The top five insurers represent 48% of the market, and the top 20 have a combined market share of 84%. Intact is 
the largest player with approximately 17% market share. 

There has been consolidation in recent years and we expect more to come. 

Evolving 
and growing 
over time 

•  Over the last 30 years, the industry has grown at about a 5% CAGR and delivered ROE of approximately 10%. 

•  While we distribute about 85% of our premiums through brokers, the P&C industry as a whole distributes about 64% 
of their premiums through this channel. In 2017, the broker channel represented about $33 billion in premiums.  

• 

• 

Emerging technologies and innovations continue to transform the insurance landscape as they enable new ways to 
measure,  control  and  price  risk,  engage  with  customers,  reduce  cost,  improve  efficiency,  and  expand  insurability. 
This will fuel further innovation, transformation and consolidation within the industry. 

Insurance companies are licensed under insurance legislation in each of the provinces and territories in which they 
conduct business.  

Regulated 

•  Home  and  commercial  insurance  rates  are  unregulated,  while  personal  auto  is  regulated  in  most  provinces. While 
the  rate  approval  process  and  timing  for  personal  auto  vary  by  province,  insurers  must file  for  rate  adjustments  in 
Ontario and Alberta before they can be effected. 

•  Capital for federal insurance companies is regulated by OSFI and by provincial authorities in the case of provincial 

insurance companies (see Section 18 – Capital management). 

7.2  U.S. specialty insurance 

Highly 
fragmented 
with no 
clear leader 

Niche 
market with 
lucrative 
potential 

• 

In 2017, the U.S. commercial P&C insurance was a $290 billion market, up 2.8% from 2016, with specialty insurance 
accounting for approximately 43%.  

•  U.S.  commercial  specialty  industry  is  a  fragmented  industry.  The  top  10  players  represent  more  than  45%  of  the 
market,  with  the  largest  player  capturing  roughly  7%  in  2017.  Outside  of  the  top  eight  players,  no  single  insurer 
contributes  more  than  3%  of  the  total  estimated  market.  The  majority  of  the  top  25  players  have  a  market  share 
between 1% and 2.5%. 

• 

• 

• 

The  specialty  insurance  market  offers  niche  and  unique  products  and  services  that  are  not  written  by  most  P&C 
insurance  companies.  These  products  generally  require  specialized  underwriting  knowledge  compared  with  more 
traditional insurance products. 

The combined ratio (and in turn the ROE) of many specialty products have  outperformed those typically offered in 
the standard market due to more pricing and policy form flexibility. 

This unique risk and specialty focus can also come with above-average earnings volatility. 

•  Over the last 20 years, the specialty insurance market has grown at a 4.4% CAGR. 

Evolving 
and growing 
over time 

• 

• 

• 

The  market  has  experienced  elevated  merger  and  acquisition  activity  in  recent  years  and  this  trend  is  likely  to 
continue. 

The  agency  channel  (independent  agencies,  brokers,  wholesalers  and  managing  general  agencies)  is  the  primary 
distribution channel for specialty insurance products. 

Trends  in  litigation,  regulation,  economic  maturity,  social  and  workforce  issues,  and  technology  will  continue  to 
support growth and drive product innovation. 

22           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 8 – Operating environment 

8.1  Current year CAT losses  
CAT  losses can be  caused  by  a  variety  of  events,  including  weather  (such  as  wildfires, hailstorms  and  floods)  and  non-weather 
events  (such  as  industrial  fires,  surety  and  liability  claims).  The  incidence  and  severity  of  CAT  losses,  while  inherently 
unpredictable,  can  have  a  significant  impact  on  our  underwriting  performance  by  quarter  and  by  line  of  business.  We  generally 
seek  to  manage  our  exposure  to  CAT  losses  through  individual  risk  selection  and  the  purchase  of  CAT  reinsurance  (see 
Section 15.2 – Reinsurance hereafter for more details).  

Table 15 – Net current year CAT losses 

Net CAT losses 

By loss type 
Weather 
Non-weather1 

By line of business 

Personal auto 
Personal property 
Commercial lines - Canada 
Commercial lines - U.S. 

By quarter 

Q1 
Q2 
Q3 
Q4 

2018 

330 

2017 

313 

2016 

385 

275 
55 

26 
159 
123 
22 

36 
142 
97 
55 

297 
16 

27 
210 
76 
- 

88 
105 
89 
31 

350 
35 

73 
210 
102 
n/a 

21 
164 
166 
34 

2015 

116 

101 
15 

37 
42 
37 
n/a 

11 
22 
81 
2 

2014 

243 

229 
14 

41 
140 
62 
n/a 

75 
33 
125 
10 

1 Mostly large commercial losses, including non-weather-related fires, surety and liability losses. 

During  the  2014-2018  period,  average  net  current  year  CAT  losses  were  $277  million,  and  included  net  losses  from  the  Fort 
MacMurray  wildfires in  2016, the costliest  insured  natural  disaster in  Canadian history.  During  the 2009-2018 period,  net current 
year CAT losses were closer to $250 million on average. 

By loss type 

Net CAT losses 5-year average 

By line of business 

By quarter 

8.2  CAT guidance 
Over time, our expectation for total CAT losses (net of reinsurance) remains at $275 million per year, including both our 
Canadian and U.S. operations. We continue to expect close to half to occur in the third quarter and approximately 75% to impact 
personal lines.  

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           23 

10%90%WeatherOther than weather30%70%Personal linesCommercial lines17%33%10%40%Q1Q2Q3Q4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 9 – Outlook 

P&C insurance industry 
12-month outlook 

Our response 

Industry growth exceeded 5% for the first three quarters 
of 2018. 

•  Our  actions  continue  on  pricing,  underwriting  and  claims 

to tackle trends. 

• 

• 

• 

Personal 
auto 

Industry  profitability  continues  to  be  challenged  with 
average  direct  loss  ratios  in  the  mid  70s  for  the  first 
nine months of 2018. 

is 

The  market 
firm  with  rate  actions  continuing, 
increases  in  residual  market  volumes  and  further  
tightening of capacity.  

•  We expect growth at a mid-single-digit level in 2019. 

•  We are focused on sustaining a mid-90’s combined ratio 

in 2019, after reflecting seasonal variations.  

• 

Rate actions ahead of the market are bringing some near-
term  pressure  on  growth  but  position  us  well  as  our 
competitive position is improving.  

•  Our  brand  investments  and  focus  on  customer  driven 
digital leadership will continue to help selectively grow our 
market  share.  We  are  also  investing  in  telematics,  big 
data,  and  artificial  intelligence to maintain  our  advantage 
in data and segmentation. 

• 

Industry growth exceeded 5% in the first three quarters 
of 2018 with loss ratios close to 70%.  

• 

Product  enhancements  and  pricing  actions  taken  over 
time have positioned this business very well for the future. 

Personal 
property 

•  We  expect  that  the  current  firm  market  conditions  will 
continue  as  companies  are  adjusting  to  changing 
weather patterns, leading to growth at a mid-single-digit 
level over the next 12 months. 

•  We expect to continue to capitalize on market conditions 
to  ensure  our  results  remain 

with  rate 
sustainable even in severe weather conditions.  

increases 

• 

Industry growth exceeded 7% in the first nine months of 
2018  with  a  loss  ratio  of  approximately  70%.  Market 
conditions are firm. 

• 

•  We expect growth at a mid-single-digit rate in 2019. 

In such  an  environment  we  remain  disciplined  on  pricing 
and  underwriting  of  each  risk,  while  we  continue  to 
capture opportunities where we see market inefficiencies. 
At  the  same  time,  our  focus  on  loss  prevention  and 
service excellence remains. 

Commercial 
lines 
Canada 

•  We have strengthened  our capabilities  and  product  suite 
in  specialty  lines  following  the  OneBeacon  acquisition 
while  we  continue  to  develop  innovative  products  to 
address  customer  needs  (e.g.  cyber  risk  coverage  and 
sharing economy).  

•  Our multi-channel strategy means we are well positioned 
to  capture  opportunities  as  consumer  and  technology 
trends continue to evolve the distribution of insurance. 

•  We  will  continue 

to  grow  distribution 

income  by 
supporting  our  brokers  as  they  expand  and  grow  their 
businesses,  while  actively  participating 
in  broker 
consolidation via BrokerLink and partners.  

•  Our  brand  and  technology  investments  aim  to  bolster 

growth in our belairdirect business. 

• 

The  broker  channel  represents  approximately  64%  of 
the  total  P&C  industry  and  had  higher  growth  than  the 
direct  channel  in  2017.  The  broker  industry  remains 
fragmented  with 
for 
continuing 
consolidation. 

opportunities 

Distribution 

24           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

P&C insurance industry 
12-month outlook 

Our response 

• 

• 

• 

• 

U.S. 
Commercial 
lines 

Investments 

The  pricing  environment  remains  competitive  but  stable, 
with modest upward trends continuing. 

the 

Coupled  with 
favourable  economic 
current 
environment,  we  expect  low-to-mid  single-digit  industry 
growth in the coming year. 

Investment yields remain low by historical standards, but 
there  has  been  upward  momentum  on  interest  rates  in 
2018.  

Volatility  in  capital  markets  may  put  some  pressure  on 
investment market values and capital levels. 

•  Our objective is to grow the U.S. specialty business, and 
opportunities  are  being  successfully  pursued  in  the 
the  portfolio  performing  at  or  above 
segments  of 
expectations. 

• 

Profitability  actions  on  underperforming  lines  and  claims 
improvement  initiatives  are  well  underway  and  gaining 
traction towards our goal to operate at a combined ratio in 
the  low-90’s  on  a  sustainable  basis  within  18  to  24 
months. 

•  We are continuously seeking to  optimize the composition 
of  our  investment  portfolio,  taking  into  account  factors 
including risk, return, capital, regulation and tax legislation 
changes. 

•  Our  investment  management  team  seeks  to  maximize 
after-tax  returns  while  preserving  capital  and  limiting 
volatility.  

•  Overall,  we  expect  the  industry’s  ROE  to  improve  but 
remain below its long-term average of 10% over the next 
12 months. 

•  With  our  action  plans  and  strategies,  we  expect  to 
outperform  the  industry’s  ROE  by  more  than  500  basis 
points in the coming year. 

Overall 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

STRATEGY 

Section 10 – Strategy update 

10.1  What we are aiming to achieve  

Our objectives by 2020 

Our customers are our advocates 

• 

• 

3 out of 4 customers are our advocates 

3 out of 4 customers actively engage with us digitally 

Our strategy 
•  Be easy to deal with and go beyond expectations to deliver a customer experience that is second to none. 
•  Be the recognized leader in small and mid-sized businesses and specialty lines through service, expertise and product. 
•  Build core brands to become trusted, household names. 
• 
•  Contribute to the resiliency and prosperity of communities by leading in climate adaptation initiatives. 

Leverage best-in-class digital distribution and service platforms for customers and brokers. 

Our people are engaged 

•  Be a best employer 

•  Be a destination for top talent and experts 

Our strategy 
•  Be a destination for top talent and experts. 
•  Build an unrivalled team of insurance experts and leaders. 
•  Create a workplace where we are engaged and can contribute our best every day by delivering on our employee promise. 
• 

Live our values and leadership success factors.   

Our specialty solutions business is a leader in North 
America 

•  Achieve combined ratio in the low 90s  

•  Generate $3 billion in annual DPW 

Our strategy 
•  Deliver targeted synergies in back office and claims. 
• 
•  Grow cross-border business. 
•  Retain key talent and management. 

Introduce new products to Canada and export Canadian lines to the U.S. 

Our company is one of the most respected  

•  Grow NOIPS 10% yearly over time 

•  Exceed industry ROE by 5 points in Canada and the U.S.  

Our strategy 
•  Deepen our strengths in pricing, risk selection, claims and investments. 
•  Simplify processes to become the most efficient operator. 
• 
• 
•  Manage capital opportunistically. 
•  Consolidate Canadian industry in manufacturing and distribution. 

Lead in data, artificial intelligence (AI), and behavioural analytics. 
Leverage our size in claims through efficiencies in the supply chain. 

26           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                     
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

10.2  Progress on our 2020 objectives  

• 

1.1 million advocates in 2018, up 1% from last year. 

•  Maintained  #1  and  #2  brand  consideration  nationally  for  Intact  Insurance  and  belairdirect  in 

2018. 

Our customers are 
our advocates 

• 

• 

In May 2018, we launched the Intact Insurance App, providing customers with a mobile-friendly 
way  of  accessing  their  insurance  documents,  accessing  the  status  of  their  claims  in  real-time, 
and contacting their broker or adjuster. 

In Q3-2018 we launched our UBI  2.0  product, using  our mobile app, which improves the way 
that customers track their my Driving Discount. Almost half of our UBI customers log in daily to 
check in. 

•  Net promoter score improved in 2018, for personal line customers who filed a claim during the 

year. 

In 2018, we were recognized: 

Our people are 
engaged 

• 

• 

• 

as an Aon Best Employer – Canada 2019, Platinum level, for the 4th year in a row. 

as one of Canada’s top 100 employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc., for the 4th year in a row. 

by Glassdoor as one of the ‘25 best places to work’ in Canada for the first time this year. 

Our specialty 
solutions business is 
a leader in North 
America 

•  On track to achieve these objectives across North America: 

•  Delivered a combined ratio of 93.0% in 2018. 

•  Generated close to $2.3 billion in DPW in 2018.  

Our company is one 
of the most respected  

•  Over the past 5 years, our NOIPS has grown at a CAGR of 10%. 

•  NOIPS  in  2018  was  up  3%  over  2017,  with  a  solid  underwriting  performance,  strong  growth  in 

net investment income and solid net distribution income.  

•  Outperformed the P&C insurance industry’s ROE by 750 bps in the first nine months of 2018. 

•  Since  2009,  we  have  regularly  exceeded  our  500  basis  points  ROE  outperformance  target 
versus the industry, due to our superior underwriting results, investment performance and capital 
management. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

10.3 

IFC’s OROE performance over time 

(for the last 12 months) 

OROE performance over time 

Our historical track record shows an OROE performance in the mid-teens, though in recent years we have been affected by 
weak personal auto results and elevated CAT losses. 

IFC’s Canadian industry outperformance over time 

10.4 
Industry  data  below  represents  an  IFC  estimate  based  on  MSA.  Industry  benchmark  consists  of  the  20  largest  comparable 
companies in the P&C industry based on industry data. Refer to Important notes on page 2 of this MD&A for further details. 

Table 16 – Canadian P&C Industry – IFC outperformance (underperformance) 

ROE (annualized)1 
P&C Industry 

DPW growth (including industry pools) 

YTD 
Q3-2018 

Full year 
2017 

Full year 
2016 

Full year 
2015 

Full year 
2014 

7.5 pts 

6.9 pts 

5.8 pts 

5.1 pts 

8.2 pts 

Industry benchmark 

(4.3) pts 

(2.4) pts 

2.4 pts 

3.4 pts 

(1.5) pts 

Combined ratio (including MYA) 

Industry benchmark 

 8.6 pts 

6.2 pts 

4.7 pts 

5.2 pts 

6.5 pts 

AMF  (Québec)  chartered  insurance  companies  are  not  required  to  report  on  Q1  and  Q3  results.  As  such,  we  have  included  estimates  for  non-
reporters in our Industry benchmark group, based on publicly available information. Actual results may vary. 
1 IFC’s ROE corresponds to the AROE. 

•  Our ROE outperformance of 7.5 points versus the P&C insurance industry is above our objective of 5 points and improved 

slightly from H1-2018, mainly due to our strong underwriting performance. 

•  Our growth underperformance against our industry benchmark was 4.3 points, reflecting robust profitability actions in 

personal auto, taken ahead of the industry.  

•  Our combined ratio outperformance against our industry benchmark was 8.6 points, an increase of 0.6 points from H1-2018.  

This solid outperformance is the result of the effectiveness of our disciplined profitability actions. 

(in points) 

ROE outperformance over time 

2018 latest industry data: YTD Q3-2018. 

28           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

6.24.15.15.86.97.5(2.1)8.211.110.7200920102011201220132014201520162017201816.8%11.2%16.6%12.0%12.9%12.1%9.2%16.3%15.3%15.0%2009201020112012201320142015201620172018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

10.5  Delivering value to our shareholders 

2019: our 14th consecutive annual dividend increase 

•  We strive to maintain our dividend track record through sustainable annual dividend increases. We have increased our common 

share dividends each year since going public, with a 9% increase in 2018.  

•  Our  decision  to  increase  common  share  dividends  by  9%  to  $0.76  per  quarter  in  2019  reflects  the  strength  of  our  financial 

position and confidence in our ongoing operating earnings and capital generation.  

(in dollars) 

CAGR of 8% (2008-2018) 

CAGR of 12% (2005-2018) 

1 

2004: Initial public offering on TSX (ING Group retained 70%). 

1Annual dividend for 2019 is projected  

Book value per share increase over time 

•  Our  operating  performance  and  financial  strength  have  translated  into  more  than  $1.6  billion  in  capital  returned  to  common 

shareholders through dividends and share repurchases over the past five years. 

•  Our BVPS was up 2% to $48.73 in 2018 driven mainly by our earnings, net of common share dividends, offset in part by the 

impact of unfavourable capital markets on our investment portfolio. 

•  We remained committed to our financial objectives in terms of ROE and NOIPS to enhance value to shareholders. 

(in dollars) 

CAGR of 8% (2008-2018) 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           29 

0.651.001.081.241.281.361.481.601.761.922.122.322.562.803.0420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201921.9624.8826.4729.7333.0333.9437.7539.8342.7248.0048.7320082009201020112012201320142015201620172018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

10.6  Other developments at a glance 

Innovation 

In line with our strategy to deliver a customer experience that is second to none and build a best in class digital distribution and 
service platform: 

• 

• 

In Q4-2018, we launched the first car and home quick quote for belairdirect Ontario, a tool that allows customers to get a 
bundled home and auto quote in 20 questions. 

Leveraging our leadership position in data and data science, we continue to roll-out our new Machine Learning Algorithms 
in Rating. These new algorithms will help us improve our accuracy in segmentation and accelerate profitable growth.  

•  OneBeacon introduced new management liability products that deliver a more comprehensive coverage to a broad range 
of private and not-for-profit organizations. The modular policy approach is designed to help minimize gaps in coverage, while 
providing flexibility to tailor solutions based on each client’s unique exposures. 

Acquisition and financing activities 

• 

In May,  we completed a $250 million offering of Rate Reset Class  A  Series  7  Preferred  Shares. Refer  to  Section  17.1  – 
Financing structure for further details.  

•  BrokerLink  acquired  several  brokerages  this  year,  adding  many  new  locations.  BrokerLink’s  scale  and  reputation,  local 
experts, emphasis on customer service and community involvement were the deciding factors for the brokerages to join the 
team.   

•  Subsequent  to  quarter-end,  BrokerLink  acquired  two  new  brokers,  Alberta-based  Challenge  Insurance  Group,  and 

Ontario-based Insurance & Financial Group. 

Awards and recognition 

We were recognized: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

for the fourth year in a row, as an Aon Best Employer – Canada 2019, Platinum level, recognizing IFC for its strong level of 
employee engagement, leadership, performance culture and employment brand. 

for the fourth year in a row, by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. 

by the Globe and Mail, who awarded us top marks for governance, placing Intact second out of 242 publicly traded companies 
in their annual “Board Games” ranking. 

for a third year in a row, as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, an award given to employers who offer the 
best workplaces and employee programs to young professionals starting their careers. 

for  the  first  time,  by  Glassdoor  as  one  of  the  ‘25  best  places  to  work’  in  Canada.  Winners  are  determined  based  on 
feedback  from  former  and  current  employees  who  voluntarily  and  anonymously  share  insights  and  opinions  about  the 
companies they work for. 

our Intact Investment Management (IIM) team was selected as one of ten TopGun Investments Teams of the Year, which 
honours the most enlightened and disciplined professionals in the investment industry.  

by IR Magazine for ‘Best Financial Reporting’ (co-winner) at the annual IR Magazine Awards Gala, the largest gathering in 
Canada to recognize excellence in various aspects of investor relations. 

in the Risk Manager Choice Award, administered by the Flashpohler | NMG Research Group, which recognized OneBeacon 
for  3  of  the  12  key  factors  studied;  claims  management  (OneBeacon  ranked  #1),  ease  of  doing  business  and  relationship 
management. 

See Section 12 – Social responsibility to see our actions and other developments regarding climate adaptation and social 
responsibility. 

30           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 11 – Unique advantages  
We  have  several  unique  advantages  which  have  enabled  us  to  sustainably  outperform  other  P&C  insurers  in  Canada.  These 
advantages are described in the table below. 

Leading North American P&C Operator 

Seamless  
distribution  
strategy 

Digital first 
experiences 

Engaged &  
talented  
teams 

•  Our  multi-channel  distribution  strategy  includes  the  most  recognized  broker  and  direct-to-consumer 
brands.  This  strategy  maximizes  growth  in  the  market  and  enables  us  to  appeal  to  different  customer 
preferences while being more responsive to consumer trends and needs.  

•  We  have  close  to  2,000  broker  relationships  across  Canada  and  the  U.S. for  customers  that  prefer  the 

highly-personalized and community-based service that an insurance broker provides.  

•  We provide our brokers with a variety of digital distribution service platforms, alongside sales training and 

financing to enable them to continue to grow and develop their businesses. 

•  Our  industry  leading  mobile  and  digital  experiences  separate  us  from  our  peers.  Our  ability  to  design, 
deliver and iterate on new experiences for brokers and customers makes us a preferred company to deal 
with. Speed, simplicity and transparency are core tenets of our focus.  

•  Our people are the cornerstone to the execution of our strategy. We benefit from attracting, retaining and 
engaging  some  of  the  best  talent  both  within  and  outside  our  industry.  How  we  organize  and  behave 
provides a sustainable and replicable approach to continuous operational improvement.  

Scaled &  
diversified  
core operations 

•  Our large database of customer and claims information enables us to identify trends in claims and more 

accurately model the risk of each policy.  

•  We can negotiate preferred terms with suppliers, including service and quality guarantees for repairs and 

workmanship, and lower material costs. 

•  Our business is well diversified across geographic regions and business lines which provides significant 

financial flexibility. 

Sophisticated 
data & 
analytics 
capabilities 
Deep claims  
expertise & 
network 

•  Our superior data expertise and proprietary segmentation and machine learning models are used to price 
and manage risk which allows us to identify certain segments of the market that are more profitable than 
others and in turn establish a model that will both attract and maintain clients with profitable profiles. 

• 

Substantially  all  of  our  claims  are  handled  in  house  with  our  preferred  network,  which  translates  into  a 
data advantage helping claims settle faster and at a lower cost, with a more consistent service experience 
for the customer. 

•  We are a proven industry consolidator with 16 successful acquisitions since 1988. 

Proven  
consolidator 
& integrator 

•  Our primary strategy is to pursue consolidation in the Canadian market and expansion in foreign markets 
where we can deploy our expertise in pricing, risk selection, claims, distribution and digital expertise. With 
these acquisitions, we look to expand our product offering and improve customer experience.  

•  Our  outperformance  is  driven  by  three  key  factors:  thorough  due  diligence  to  assess  all  the  risks  and 
opportunities; swift and effective integration with seamless impact to our customers; and financial benefit 
from significant synergies due to our scale. 

Tailored  
investment  
management 

• 

In-house  investment  management  provides  greater  flexibility  in  support  of  our  insurance  operations  at 
competitive  costs.  In  establishing  our  asset  allocation,  we  consider  a  variety  of  factors  including 
prospective  risk  and  return  of  various  asset  classes,  the  duration  of  claim  obligations,  the  risk  of 
underwriting activities and the capital supporting our business.  

•  Our primary investment objective is to maximize after-tax total return via appropriate asset allocation and 

active management of investment strategies. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

11.1  Canadian distribution strategy 
Our multi-channel distribution strategy includes our broker and direct-to-consumer channels.  

We offer our customers a multitude 
of options to reach us: online, by 
phone or in person. 

With our strong brands, our customers 
have coverage options: via our broker 
network with Intact Insurance, or 
with us directly via belairdirect.  

We have a large network of 
brokerages, including our wholly-owned 
subsidiary, BrokerLink, which operates 
in Ontario, Alberta and Atlantic Canada. 

2018 DPW by distribution channel 

1 

Our broker channel  
•  Our scale and financial strength position us as a strong supporter of our broker 
partners  in  terms  of  brand,  technology,  products  and  expertise,  business 
opportunities, as well as financial solutions. 

•  We invest in our broker network with equity and debt financing. Through these 
relationships, we are able to foster growth in their organizations, participate in 
the consolidation of the broker network, and enhance our product distribution.  

$8.6B 

Our direct channel 
•  We  strive  for  digital  leadership  with  a  simplified,  easy  to  use  customer 

1Affiliated brokers are those to which we provide equity 
or debt financing. 

experience and a cost efficient platform. 

•  We  continue  to  seek  opportunities  to  double  our  direct-to-consumer  business 
in the mid-term by expanding our reach and find innovative solutions to make it 
easy for our customers to protect the things they care about. 

11.2 

Innovation  

Shaping our future in the age of big data 

Artificial  Intelligence  (Al)  and  machine  learning  have  transformational  potential  for  the  insurance  industry,  the  economy  and 
consumers. Our strategic partnerships with academia (such as Montreal’s IVADO, Laval University and the Vector Institute) and the 
Intact Data Lab position us to harness the potential of these emerging technologies now and into the future. While data has always 
been  integral  to  assessing  risk  and  determining  pricing,  these  technologies  can  expand  our  data  advantage  to  innovate  and 
improve product offerings, so we can better serve customers. We are also using them to help increase our understanding of risk 
(including climate risk), and help reduce and prevent risk for customers. 

Intact Ventures continues to help us accelerate 

Launched  in  2016,  Intact  Ventures  Inc.  (Intact  Ventures),  is  focused  on  investing  and/or  partnering  with  companies  that  are 
redefining the P&C insurance landscape with innovative business models and new technology. Building relationships with ground-
breaking companies will enable us to accelerate our learning, design smarter products and leverage unique technology.  

In  return,  we  will  support  the growth  of  these companies  by  providing them  with  access to  our expertise  and  talent. We  want  to 
ensure that we continue to be a leader in a fast-paced industry to serve the best interests of our customers, as well as our portfolio 
of companies and partners.  

Our goal is to connect with companies that are defining: 

the future of transportation; 

• 
•  how we leverage big data and utilize artificial intelligence; 
•  how consumers and businesses will choose to purchase insurance in the future; and 
• 

the sharing of risks, assets and expertise. 

32           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

16%47%27%10%Direct (belairdirect)BrokerLinkAffiliated brokers - Intact insuranceNon-affiliated brokers - Intact insurance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 12 – Social responsibility 

We strive to create an environment where our employees live our values every day. Our 
values are organized according to five core themes, one being Social responsibility. 

We  respect  the  environment  and  its  finite  resources.  We  believe  in  making  the 
communities  where  we  live  and  work  safer,  healthier  and  happier. We  encourage  the 
to  social 
involvement  and  citizenship  of  all  our  employees.  Our  commitment 
responsibility  also  serves  as  the  mandate  of  the  Intact  Foundation,  which  principally 
donates  to  organizations  that  are  committed  to  climate  change  adaptation  and 
addressing the root causes of child poverty in Canada. 

Some of our 2018 developments and initiatives are outlined below. 

12.1  2018 developments and initiatives 

•  Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation 

At IFC, we remain committed to helping people protect themselves from extreme weather caused by climate change. Our 
investment  in  the  Intact  Centre  on  Climate  AdaptationTM  (“Intact  Centre”)  continues  to foster innovative solutions  to help 
reduce the physical, financial and social impacts of extreme weather on Canadian communities. 

The Intact Centre has worked to establish a leading position on the climate change adaptation file in Canada. 

2018 milestones include: 

•  The Intact Centre presented to the Government of Canada standing Senate committee on energy, environment and 
natural  resources  in  February,  discussing  the  financial  and  social  need,  and  means,  to  mitigate  flood  risk  across 
Canada.  

•  Chaired  the  Expert  Panel  on Climate  Change  Adaptation  and  Resilience  Results,  releasing  recommendations  to  the 

Canadian federal government in June. 

•  Supported  the  development  of  the  national  guidelines  on  basement  flood  protection  and  risk  reduction  for  Canada, 

published in July. 

•  Released two significant applied research reports to the Canadian public. 

o  After  the  flood:  a report profiling  the impact of climate change on mental health and lost time from work, 
which  found  that  more  than  half  of  flooded  households  took  an  average  of  seven  days  away  from  work, 
10 times the Ontario average for non-flooded households. 

o  Combatting  Canada’s  rising  flood  costs:  Natural  infrastructure  is  an  underutilized  option:  a  joint 
research  report  with  the  Insurance  Bureau  of  Canada  (‘IBC’),  which  encourages  communities  to  consider 
natural  infrastructure  to  limit  their  flood  risk  and  realize  cost  efficiencies.  For  example,  naturally  occurring 
ponds in Gibbons, B.C., provide up to $4 million in stormwater storage services annually. 

•  Launched a home flood risk assessment training course with Seneca and Fleming Colleges in Ontario, to build a home 

flood risk assessment as a component of home inspector training. 

•  Entrenched our role as trusted advisors to the Canadian public by participating in over 100 media interviews to help 

educate Canadians on the importance of adapting to climate change. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

•  Other climate - related developments 

•  We  co-hosted  the  global  forum  on  climate-resilient  critical  infrastructure  organized  by  the  Geneva 
Association,  the  leading  international  think  tank  of  the  insurance  industry.  Participants  engaged  in  discussions  on 
critical infrastructure, prioritizing climate change migration and adaptation, challenges and opportunities for scaling up 
private  investments  in  climate-resilience,  and  the  insurance  industry's  role  as  underwriters,  risk  managers  and 
investors. 

•  Our CEO, Charles Brindamour, addressed  global  political  leaders  and  experts at  the G7  Environment,  Oceans 
and  Energy  Ministers  meeting  in Halifax on September 19, 2018. On an Adaptation and Conserving Nature panel, 
he  spoke  about  the  role  of  the  insurance  industry  and  public-private  partnerships  to  address  the  critical  need  of 
building climate resilient infrastructure. 

•  We signed to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Finance Initiative Principles for Sustainable 
Insurance  (“PSI”). The PSI are a global framework for the insurance industry to address environmental, social and 
governance risks. 

•  We  joined  the  United  Nations  Environment  Programme  Finance  Initiative  (UNEP  FI)  Task  force  on  Climate-
related financial disclosures (TCFD) insurance pilot, which brings together 18 of the world’s largest insurers to better 
understand the impacts of climate change on their business. 

•  Intact Foundation climate change grants 

• 

Beyond  our  funding  to  the  Intact  Centre,  the  Intact  Foundation  has  provided  over  $1  million  in  funding  to  eight 
projects  nationally  to  further  Canada’s  ability  to  be  resilient  to  the  impacts  of  climate  change.  Projects  funded 
included FireSmart Canada, which provides detailed and customized wildfire risk assessments for homeowners and 
ALUS Canada, which encourages climate resiliency for inefficient farmlands. 

•  Making our communities safer, healthier, and happier 

•  Employees  across  Canada  have  donated  over  4,000  hours  through  team  volunteering  initiatives  and  personal 

volunteer hours throughout the year. 

• 

• 

Intact  reaffirmed  its  commitment  to  the  Romeo  Dallaire  Child  Soldiers  Initiative  with  a  $1  million  commitment  to 
establish  a  regional  centre  of  training  and  learning  in  Rwanda.  The  regional  hub  will  serve  as  a  meeting  place  for 
countries to exchange and learn how to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers. 

The  Intact  Foundation  announced  a  $500,000  partnership  with  UNICEF  Canada  to  support  two  initiatives:  “One 
Youth”,  a  program  with  youth  led  initiatives  to  help  make  Canada  the  best  country  in  the  world  to  grow  up  and 
"UNdaunted", a program focused on improving the lives of girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa through education.  

•  Intact receives top marks for good governance in Canada 

• 

• 

• 

The Globe and Mail awarded Intact with top marks for governance, placing Intact second out of 242 publicly traded 
companies in their annual “Board Games” ranking.  

The Clarkson Centre for Board Effectiveness ranked Intact first (tie) in its Board Shareholder Confidence Index 2018, 
an  annual  examination  of  governance  practices  among  Canadian  public  companies,  for  the  quality  of  its  corporate 
governance practices. 

Intact was awarded a Certification of Parity, Platinum level by La Gouvernance au Féminin for its actions regarding the 
advancement of women in business.  

34           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

12.2  Climate-related governance and risk management 

•  Governance 

Climate change risk management is part of the mandate of the risk management committee, which includes: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

reviewing the reports on risk management, reinsurance programs, implementation programs and progress reports; 

reviewing  the  risk matrix  identifying  the  top and  emerging enterprise  risks  (including  the occurrence and  severity  of 
natural disasters that may be affected by climate change); 

reviewing catastrophe programs, exposure management tests and action plans; 

reviewing and approving the reinsurance risk management policy; and 

remaining informed of climate change adaptation and risk mitigation measures for the Canadian marketplace. 

•  Risk management 

Climate  change  in  Canada  continues  to  create  unpredictable  weather  patterns.  In  particular,  our  property  insurance 
business has been impacted and increased the cost of claims associated with severe storms: water damage accounts for 
40%  of  total  claims  on  average.  To  address  this,  we  have  built  initiatives  in  home  insurance  to  adapt  the  nature  of  the 
product offered and its pricing. We are also reinforcing our claims capabilities, increasing our education  and awareness 
efforts towards distribution partners and customers, and offering prevention discounts. 

There are numerous areas where managing the impacts of climate change is integrated into IFC’s business: 

•  Corporate  development:  as  we  pursue  our  growth  strategy,  we  evaluate  the  strategic  fit  of  potential  acquisitions 
including  the  impact  on  our  business  mix.    For  example,  the  acquisition  of  OneBeacon  last  year  resulted  in  further 
diversification  of  our  insurance  portfolio  by  increasing  the  contribution  of  specialty  solutions  and  decreasing  our 
exposure to weather events relative to our capital base.   

•  Underwriting:  determines  the  risk  drivers  related  to  our  new  climate  realities.  For  example,  we  use  detailed  flood 

maps to manage exposure related to our enhanced water damage endorsement.   

•  Pricing:  reflects  the  scope  of  risks  related  to  climate  change  impacts.  We  have  implemented  rate  changes  in  our 

property insurance products to reflect recent trends in catastrophes and severe weather. 

•  Claims  management:  ensure  claims  can  be  managed  efficiently  and  effectively  across  Canada.  For  example,  we 
have designated teams in place across the country that deal efficiently with catastrophic events and ensure service 
reliability for customers. 

•  Reinsurance:  we  reinsure  certain  risks  to  limit  our  losses  in  the  event  of  catastrophic  events  or  other  significant 

losses. See Section 15.2 – Reinsurance for more details. 

•  Outreach  and  education:  we  believe  it  is  essential  that  Canadians  adapt  to  climate  change.  As  a  result,  we  have 
launched  many  home  insurance  initiatives  to  help  customers  understand  how  to  adapt.  We  continue  to  work  with 
partners,  such  as  the  Intact  Centre  and  the  IBC,  to  promote  climate  change  adaptation  initiatives  to  governments. 
These initiatives include the development of tools for communities to assess the vulnerabilities of their infrastructure to 
climate  change  and  prioritize  investments  in  their  modernization.  By  intensifying  our  education  efforts  and  creating 
greater  awareness  of  the  risks  our  country  faces  and  the  preventative  measures  that  we  can  adopt,  we  help 
Canadians adapt to severe weather caused by climate change. 

More ESG information will be available in our 2018 Social Impact Report, our 2018 Annual Information Form and our 2019 
Management Proxy Circular for the year ended December 31, 2018. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Section 13 – Financial position 

Investment portfolio 

Claims liabilities 

$16.9 billion 

$10.6 billion 

BVPS  
for the last 12 months 
+2% 

Debt-to-total capital 
ratio 
22.0% 

2018 Highlights 

13.1  Balance sheets  

Table 17 – Balance sheets 

As at  
Assets 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term notes 
Fixed-income securities 
Preferred shares 
Common shares 
Loans 
Investments 
Premium receivables 
Reinsurance assets 
Deferred acquisition costs  
Other assets 
Intangible assets and goodwill 

Total assets 

Liabilities 
Claims liabilities 
Unearned premiums 
Financial liabilities related to investments 
Other liabilities 
Debt outstanding 
Total liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity 
Common shares 
Preferred shares 
Contributed surplus 
Retained earnings 
AOCI 
Shareholders’ equity 

Section 

December 31, 
 2018 

December 31, 
2017 

14 

15.2 

15.1 

17 

461 
11,682 
1,165 
3,295 
294 
16,897 
3,358 
864 
903 
1,840 
4,599 

28,461 

10,623 
5,412 
289 
2,118 
2,209 
20,651 

2,816 
1,028 
149 
3,776 
41 
7,810 

48.73 

380 
11,012 
1,330 
3,659 
393 
16,774 
3,351 
822 
881 
1,565 
4,445 

27,838 

10,475 
5,365 
167 
2,127 
2,241 
20,375 

2,816 
783 
128 
3,520 
216 
7,463 

48.00 

Book value per share (in dollars) 

29.4 

36           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 14 – Investments 

Our  investment  portfolio  is  mainly  comprised  of  Canadian  and  U.S.  securities.  Our  invested  assets  were  $16.9  billion  as  at 
December  31,  2018,  essentially  in  line  with  December  31,  2017.  The  benefits  from  our  optimization  initiatives  and  higher  yields 
were tempered by the decline in capital markets in Q4-2018. 

• 

• 

The  Canadian  securities  mainly  comprise  a  mix  of  cash  and  short-term  notes,  fixed-income  securities,  preferred  shares, 
common shares and loans. 
The  U.S.  securities  mainly  comprise  fixed-income  securities  (including  asset-backed  securities  and  corporate  bonds)  and 
common shares. 

High-quality investment portfolio 

Fixed income  
Our fixed-income portfolio includes high quality government and corporate bonds. Approximately 91% of our fixed-income portfolio 
was rated ‘A-’ or better as at December 31, 2018 (90% as at December 31, 2017). On a consolidated basis, the weighted-average 
rating of our fixed-income portfolio was ‘AA’ at December 31, 2018 and 2017. The average duration of our fixed-income portfolio 
was 3.70 years (3.53 years as at December 31, 2017), reflecting the integration of the OneBeacon portfolio. 

Preferred shares 
Our  preferred  share  portfolio  is  made  up  of  high-quality  Canadian  issuers.  The  weighted-average  rating  of  our  preferred  share 
portfolio was ‘P2’ as at December 31, 2018 and 2017.  

Net exposure by asset class 

As  part of  our investment strategies,  from  time  to  time  we  take  long/short  equity  positions  in  order  to maximize  the  value  added 
from  active  equity  portfolio  management,  or  to  mitigate  overall  common  share  market  volatility.  We  also  use  strategies  where 
market risk from long common share positions is reduced through the use of swap agreements or other hedging instruments. 

Table 18 – Investment mix by asset class (net exposure) 

 As at December 31, 

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term notes 
Fixed-income 
Preferred shares 
Common equities 

Loans 

2018 

3% 
75% 
7% 
13% 

98% 
2% 

100% 

2017 

4% 
72% 
8% 
14% 

98% 
2% 

100% 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Net currency exposure 

We hedge the currency exposure of all USD-denominated investments in our Canadian entities using foreign currency contracts, 
resulting  in  minimal  currency  gains  or  losses.  As  at  December  31,  2018,  on  a  net  exposure  basis,  81%  of  our  portfolio  is 
denominated  in  CAD,  17%  in  USD  and  2%  in  other  currencies  (79%  in  CAD,  19%  in  USD  and  2%  in  other  currencies  as  at 
December 31, 2017). 

Net sectoral exposure 
Table 19 – Sector mix by asset class, excluding cash, short-term notes and loans (net exposure)  

 As at December 31, 

Government 
Financials 
ABS and MBS 
Energy 
Industrials 
Consumer staples 
Communication Services 
Utilities 
Consumer discretionary 
Materials 
Information technology 
Health care 

Fixed-income 
securities 

Preferred 

shares  Common shares 

Total 
2018 

Total 
2017 

44% 
22% 
17% 
1% 
3% 
2% 
1% 
2% 
1% 
1% 
3% 
3% 

- 
77% 
- 
13% 
- 
- 
- 
10% 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
24% 
- 
13% 
10% 
10% 
8% 
11% 
6% 
5% 
5% 
8% 

32% 
31% 
12% 
3% 
4% 
3% 
2% 
4% 
2% 
1% 
3% 
3% 

33% 
33% 
11% 
4% 
4% 
3% 
1% 
3% 
3% 
1% 
2% 
2% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

Our  fixed-income  portfolio  remains  concentrated  in  the  government  and  financial  sectors  providing  liquidity  and  stability  to  our 
balance sheet. 

Following  the  OneBeacon  acquisition,  our  portfolio  is  comprised  of  more  structured  debt  securities.  As  at  December  31,  2018, 
these  securities  comprised  $689  million  of  asset-backed  securities  (“ABS”)  and  $1,256  million  of  mortgage-backed  securities 
(“MBS”).  Residential  MBS  (“RMBS”)  and  Commercial  MBS  (“CMBS”)  make  up  respectively  50%  and  50%  of  our  MBS  portfolio. 
Approximately 99% of these structured debt securities are rated ‘A’ or better.  

We continue to have no exposure to leveraged securities. 

Our  net  exposure  as  at  December  31,  2018,  after  reflecting  the  impact  of  hedging  strategies  related  to  investments  and  foreign 
subsidiaries, is outlined below. 

Total portfolio 
Net exposure  
Investment mix 

Fixed income strategies 
Net exposure 
Sector mix 

Total portfolio 
Net exposure 
Currency 

38           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

13%7%5%75%Fixed-incomeCommon sharesPreferred sharesCash, short-term notes and loans22%17%17%44%GovernmentFinancialsMBS/ABSOther (4% or less)17%2%81%CADUSDOther 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Net pre-tax unrealized gain (loss) on AFS securities  

In determining the fair value of investments, we rely on quoted market prices. In cases where an active market does not exist, the 
estimated fair values are based on recent transactions or current market prices for similar securities.  

Table 20 – Net pre-tax unrealized gain (loss) on AFS securities 

 As at  

Fixed-income securities 
Preferred shares 
Common shares 

Net pre-tax unrealized gain (loss) position 

Quarter 

Dec. 31, 
2018 

Sept. 30, 
2018 

June 30, 
2018 

March 31, 
2018 

Dec. 31,  
2017 

17 
(83) 
(85) 

(151) 

(38) 
62 
148 

172 

(11) 
53 
117 

159 

Full year 

2 
64 
54 

120 

22 
43 
212 

277 

Our  pre-tax  unrealized  loss position  of $151 million  increased 
by $323 million in the quarter mainly due to: 

Our  pre-tax  unrealized  loss  position  of  $151  million 
increased by $428 million in 2018 mainly due to: 

•  mark-to-market  losses  on  our  common  shares  and  preferred 
shares,  reflecting  the  decline  in  capital  markets,  partly  offset 
by: 

•  mark-to-market  losses  on  our  common  shares  and 
preferred  shares,  reflecting  the  decline  in  capital 
markets in Q4-2018, and: 

•  mark-to-market  gains  on  fixed-income  securities,  reflecting 

• 

lower interest rates. 

gains  realized  from  ordinary  trading  activities  in  our 
common share portfolio. 

See Section 6.5 – Capital markets for more details. 

Gains and losses in the common share portfolio are generally realized on an ongoing basis under normal capital market conditions.  

Impairment recognition on AFS common shares 

Table 21 – Aging of unrealized losses on AFS common shares 

 As at  

Less than 25% below book value  
More than 25% below book value for less than 6 consecutive months 
More than 25% below book value for 6 consecutive months or more, 

but less than 9 consecutive months 

Unrealized losses on AFS common shares 

Dec. 31, 
2018 

Sept. 30, 
2018 

June 30, 
2018 

Mar. 31, 
2018 

Dec. 31, 
2017 

148 
55 

18 

221 

70 
2 

10 

82 

73 
1 

1 

75 

78 
3 

1 

82 

34 
4 

13 

51 

Impairment  losses  on  AFS  common  shares  amounted  to  $47  million  in  2018,  compared  to  $20 million  in  2017.  Since  common 
shares  are  measured  at  fair  value  on  our  balance  sheet,  impairment  losses  have  no  impact  on  our  BVPS.  Refer  to  Note  2  – 
Summary  of  significant  accounting  policies  of  the  Consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2018, for additional details on our accounting policy regarding the impairment of financial assets. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 15 – Claims liabilities and reinsurance 

15.1  Claims liabilities 

Assumptions 

Claims liabilities were $10.6 billion as at December 31, 2018, largely in line with those as at December 31, 2017. 

The main assumption underlying the claims liability estimates is that our future claims development will follow a similar pattern to 
past  claims  development  experience.  Claims  liability  estimates  are  also  based  on  various  quantitative  and  qualitative  factors, 
including:  

trends in claims severity and frequency; 

•  average claims cost, including claim handling costs (severity); 
•  average number of claims by accident year (frequency); 
• 
•  payment patterns; 
•  other factors such as inflation, expected or in-force government pricing and coverage reforms, and level of insurance fraud; 
•  discount rate; and 
risk margin. 
• 

The total claims reserve is made up of two main elements: 

1)  reported claims case reserves, and 
2) 

incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves. 

IBNR reserves supplement the case reserves by taking into account: 

•  possible claims that have been incurred but not yet reported to us by policyholders; 
•  expected over/under estimation in case reserves based on historical patterns; and 
•  other claims adjustment expenses or subrogation amounts not included in the initial case reserve. 

Case reserves and IBNR should be sufficient to cover all expected claims liabilities for events that have already occurred, whether 
reported or not, taking into account the time value of money, using a rate that reflects the estimated market yield of the underlying 
assets backing these claims liabilities. IBNR and risk margin are reviewed and adjusted at least quarterly. 

The discount is applied to the total claims reserve and adjusted on a regular basis for changes in market yields. If market yields 
rise,  the  discount  would  increase  and  reduce  total  claims  liabilities  and,  therefore,  positively  impact  underwriting  income  in  that 
period, all else being equal. If market yields decline, it would have the opposite effect.  See  Section  26  –  Non-operating  results 
for more details on the impact of MYA on underwriting. 

Net claims liabilities 
by business segment 

Net claims liabilities 
by line of business 

Diversification reduces the 
uncertainty associated with the 
unfavourable development of 
claims liabilities for both our 
Canadian and U.S. operations. 

40           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

PA: Personal auto; PP: Personal property: CL: Commercial lines 

18%82%P&C CanadaP&C U.S.6%29%18%47%PAPPCL CANCL U.S. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Annualized rate of favourable PYD – P&C Canada 
(as a % of opening reserves) 

Prior year development 

PYD can fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year 
to  year  and,  therefore,  should  be  evaluated  over 
longer periods of time.  

As  yields  have  been  increasing,  we  would  expect 
average 
favourable  PYD  as  a  percentage  of 
opening  reserves  to  be  in  the  1%-3%  range  over 
the  long  term. We  expect  that  the  current  accident 
year (CAY) loss ratio will be favourably impacted by 
these higher yields. 

Table 22 – Unfavourable (favourable) PYD 

PYD 

P&C Canada 
P&C U.S. 

By line of business 
Personal auto 
Personal property 
Commercial lines – Canada 
Commercial lines – U.S. 

By quarter 

Q1 
Q2 
Q3 
Q4 

2018 

(185) 
(181) 
(4) 

49 
(78) 
(152) 
(4) 

(75) 
(32) 
(28) 
(50) 

2017 

(238) 
(253) 
15 

10 
(62) 
(201) 
15 

(82) 
(41) 
(53) 
(62) 

2016 

(389) 
(389) 
- 

(115) 
(88) 
(186) 
n/a 

(163) 
(93) 
(71) 
(62) 

2015 

(477) 
(477) 
- 

(212) 
(70) 
(195) 
n/a 

(189) 
(106) 
(107) 
(75) 

2014 

(364) 
(364) 
- 

(141) 
(71) 
(152) 
n/a 

(141) 
(65) 
(80) 
(78) 

5-year average 
P&C Canada 

In $ 

% NEP1 

(333) 
n/a 

(4.3)% 
n/a 

(82) 
(74) 
(177) 
n/a 

(130) 
(67) 
(68) 
(70) 

(1.0)% 
(1.0)% 
(2.3)% 
n/a 

(1.7)% 
(0.8)% 
(0.9)% 
(0.9)% 

1Expressed as a % of total annual NEP for P&C Canada. 

Table 23 – PYD by line of business 

By line of business 
Personal auto 
Personal property 
Commercial lines – Canada  
Commercial lines – U.S. 

Total unfavourable (favourable) development 

Unfavourable (favourable) annualized rate of PYD1  

P&C Canada 
P&C U.S. 

Consolidated 

1 As a % of opening reserves. 

Q4-2018  Q4-2017 

Change 

2018 

2017  Change  

3 
(15) 
(44) 
6 

(50) 

(27) 
(17) 
(33) 
15 

(62) 

30 
2 
(11) 
(9) 

12 

49 
(78) 
(152) 
(4) 

(185) 

10 
(62) 
(201) 
15 

(238) 

39 
(16) 
49 
(19) 

53 

(2.8)% 
1.5% 

(2.1)% 

(3.8)% 
3.0% 

(2.5)% 

1.0 pts 
(1.5) pts 

0.4 pts 

(2.3)% 
(0.2)% 

(1.9)% 

(3.2)% 
3.0% 

0.9 pts 
(3.2) pts 

(1.9)% 

- pts 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           41 

4.5%4.3%3.5%3.2%2.3%10-year average5-year average3-year average20172018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

15.2  Reinsurance  
In  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  we  reinsure  certain  risks  with  other  reinsurers  to  limit  our  maximum  loss  in  the  event  of 
catastrophic events or other significant losses. Our objectives related to ceded reinsurance are capital protection, reduction in the 
volatility of results, increase in underwriting capacity and access to the expertise of reinsurers. The placement of ceded reinsurance 
is  done  almost  exclusively  on  an  excess-of-loss  basis  (per  event  or  per  risk).  Ceded  reinsurance  complies  with  regulatory 
guidelines. Furthermore, the reinsurance treaties call for timely reimbursement of ceded losses. 

Because of the importance of the catastrophe program in place, a certain level of concentration exists with high-quality reinsurers, 
but  diversification  of  reinsurers  remains  a  key  element  and  is  analyzed  and  implemented  to  avoid  excessive  concentration  in  a 
specific reinsurance group. A single catastrophe event such as an earthquake could financially weaken a reinsurer, so distribution 
of risk is an important reinsurance strategy for us. 

Annually,  we  review  and  adjust  our  reinsurance  coverage  as  well  as  our  net  retention  of  risks  in  order  to  reflect  our  current 
exposures  and  our  capital  base.  For  multi-risk  events  and catastrophes,  the  coverage  limits  are  well  in  excess  of  the  regulatory 
requirements with respect to the earthquake risk as per our conservative approach.  

line  with 

industry  practice,  our  reinsurance  recoverables  with 

In 
licensed  Canadian  reinsurers  ($169  million  as  at 
December 31, 2018,  $227  million  as  at  December  31,  2017)  are  generally  unsecured  as  Canadian  regulations  require  these 
reinsurers to maintain minimum asset and capital balances in Canada to meet their Canadian obligations, and claims liabilities take 
priority over the reinsurer’s subordinated creditors. We have collateral in place to support amounts receivable and recoverable from 
unregistered reinsurers. 

Since  January  1,  2018,  the  Company’s  U.S.  operations  are  covered  by  the  multi-risk  events  and  catastrophes  reinsurance 
program. Until April 30, 2018, the losses resulting from any single catastrophe above US$20 million and up to US$130 million were 
being reinsured externally.  

In connection with the acquisition of OneBeacon, we entered into a reinsurance contract pursuant to which a major reinsurer will 
assume 80% of negative reserve development with respect to OneBeacon's claims liabilities for accident years 2016 and prior.  The 
maximum  amount  recoverable  under  the  ADC  is  US$200  million  and  is  subject  to  some  exclusions  and  limitations.  As  at 
December 31, 2018, significant capacity remains under this coverage.  

For further details, see Note 14 – Reinsurance of the Consolidated Financial statements. 

42           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 16 – Employee future benefit programs 
We sponsor a number of funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans 
in Canada that provide benefits to members in the form of a guaranteed level 
of  pension  payable  for  life  based  on  final  average  earnings  and  contingent 
upon  certain  age and  service requirements. We provide active  employees  in 
Canada  a  choice  between  a  defined  benefit  and  a  defined  contribution 
pension plan. We offer employees in the U.S. a 401(k) plan. 

Defined benefit obligation 
(as at the date of the latest actuarial valuation) 

Benefit  obligations  arising  from  our  defined  benefit  plans  are  dependent  on 
assumptions,  such  as  the  discount  rate,  life  expectancy  of  pensioners, 
inflation and rate of compensation increase. Because of the long-term nature 
of  our  pension  obligations,  movements  in  discount  rates  and  investment 
returns could bring volatility in our balance sheet. The sharp decline in equity 
markets  in  late  2018  drove  pre-tax  OCI  losses  of  $127  million  in  Q4-2018, 
offsetting OCI gains recognized earlier in 2018. 

We  have  taken  a  multi-faceted  approach  to  ensure  the  sustainability  of  our  pension  plans  and  gradually  reduced  the  risk  and 
volatility that stems from our pension liabilities and assets, including: 
• 
• 
• 
•  making voluntary contributions to improve the funding status of our pension plans; and 
• 

increasing the target allocation of fixed-income securities to reduce our exposure to market volatility; 
improving our pension asset-liability matching to reduce our interest-rate exposure; 
adding inflation sensitive assets; 

amending pension plan benefits and conditions. 

We  regularly  monitor  the  risks  inherent  in  our  defined  benefit  pension  plans  on  an  asset-liability  basis. We  continue  to  evaluate 
various alternatives to better manage the risk related to these plans. 

Refer  to  Note  27  –  Employee  future  benefits  of  the  accompanying  Consolidated  financial  statements  for  details  on 
actuarial gains and losses recognized in OCI, assumptions used and sensitivity analysis, as well as risk management and 
investment strategy. 

Funding ratio 

Interest rate hedge ratio 

2018 pension plan asset mix 

The lower funding ratio was mainly 
driven by the market decline in Q4-2018. 

The hedge ratio was essentially in line 
with last year.  

Pension plan asset mix is essentially 
unchanged from 2017. 

Funding ratio: Plan assets as a percentage of funded plans’ obligations. 
Interest  rate  hedge  ratio:  The  duration  of the  pension  asset  portfolio  divided  by the  duration  of  the  registered  pension  plans’  obligation.  Our 
objective is to remain in a modest range around our pension fund investment policy target of 70%, assuming the funding ratio is 100%. A lower 
hedge ratio increases our exposure to changes in interest rates. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           43 

103%99%96%20162017201874%68%67%20162017201834%4%62%Debt securitiesCommon sharesOther32%7%61%Active membersPensioners and beneficiariesDeferred members 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
               
  
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 17 – Treasury management 

17.1  Financing structure 

2018 Financing structure 

Debt-to-total capital ratio 

Weighted-average  
debt maturity 

Weighted-average 
debt coupon 

Weighted-average 
preferred share coupon 

22.0% 

11 years 

3.37% (after tax) 

4.30% (after tax) 

We believe that our optimal financing structure is one where the debt-to-total capital ratio is generally at 20%. We also expect to 
have approximately 10% of our total capital comprised of preferred shares. The debt-to-total capital ratio may occasionally exceed 
20% with a firm plan to revert back to 20% within a short period of time; in the case of the OneBeacon acquisition, within 24 months 
following  closing.  Our  debt-to-total  capital  ratio  following  this  acquisition  at  the  end  of  September  2017  was  24.7%  and  has 
decreased to 22.0% as at December 31, 2018 (23.1% as at December 31, 2017).  

We  have  a  diversified  maturity  profile  with  reasonable  levels  of  debt  and  preferred  shares,  which  improves  our  overall  cost  of 
capital:  
•  We  currently  have  seven  series  of  medium-term  notes  outstanding  with  maturities  ranging  between  less  than  1  year  and 

43 years. 
The notes carry a weighted average coupon of 4.61% (3.37% after tax). 

• 
•  All debt tranches are prudent in size with no large peaks, reducing financing risk. 
•  Preferred shares provide flexibility in our capital structure at a reasonable cost. 
•  Debt and preferred shares represent about 30% of our total capital structure. 

Our notes and preferred shares are presented in the table below. 

Finance structure – Notes and preferred shares 

44           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Credit facility  

Our  $750 million  credit  facility  matures  on  August  28, 2023.  There  were  no  outstanding  amounts under  our credit  facility  as  at 
December 31, 2018 ($60 million as at December 31, 2017). As part of the covenants under the credit facility, we are required to 
maintain certain financial ratios, which were fully met as at December 31, 2018 and 2017.   

Our credit facility may be drawn as follows: 

Type: 
      Prime loans 
      Base rate (Canada) advances 
      Bankers’ acceptances 
      Libor advances 

Series 7 preferred shares 

At a rate of: 
    Prime rate plus a margin 
    Base rate plus a margin 
    Bankers’ acceptance rate plus a margin 
    Libor rate plus a margin 

In May, we completed a $250 million offering of Rate-Reset Class A Series 7 Preferred Shares. The holders of these shares will be 
entitled to receive fixed non-cumulative cash dividends on a quarterly basis, subject to Board approval, based on an annual rate of 
4.90%  until  June 30,  2023.  The  dividend  rate  will  be  reset  at  this  time  and  every  five  years  thereafter.  Further  details,  including 
conversion rights, can be found in the Prospectus Supplement dated May 22, 2018 filed by the Company and available on SEDAR 
at www.sedar.com. 

17.2  Ratings 

Independent  third-party  rating  agencies  assess  our  insurance  subsidiaries’  ability  to  meet  their  ongoing  policyholder  obligations 
(“financial  strength  rating”)  and  our  ability  to  honour  our  financial  obligations  (“senior  unsecured  debt  rating”).  Ratings  are  an 
important  factor  in  establishing  our  competitive  position  in  the  insurance market,  mainly in  commercial  insurance, and accessing 
capital markets at competitive pricing levels.  

Table 24 – Ratings 

Financial strength ratings 

IFC’s principal Canadian P&C insurance subsidiaries 
OneBeacon U.S. regulated entities 

Senior unsecured debt ratings 

IFC 
OneBeacon 

A. M. Best 

DBRS  Moody’s 

Fitch 

A+  AA(low) 

A1 
A2 

AA- 
AA- 

A  

Baa1 
Baa2 

A- 
A- 

A 

a- 
bbb+ 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

17.3  Understanding our cash flows 

Cash flows used in operating activities mainly consist of insurance premiums less claims and expense payments, plus investment 
income. Cash is used to pay dividends on common and preferred shares. Cash may also be deployed for strategic purposes like 
business  acquisitions,  investments  in  brokerage  firms  and  share  buybacks,  or  to  repay  outstanding  financing.  Cash  inflows  in 
excess of these outflows are moved to our investment portfolio to generate additional investment income in the future. 

Table 25 – Cash flows  

Net cash flows provided by operating activities 

211 

23 

188 

Q4-2018  Q4-2017 

Change 

Cash flows generated from (deployed on): 

Acquisition of OneBeacon 
Equity investments in brokerages and other, net 
Purchases of intangibles and P&E, net  
Dividends 
Share-based payments in shares 
NCIB  
Issuance of common shares 
Issuance of medium-term notes 
Issuance of Class A Preferred shares 
Amount drawn (repaid) under our credit facility 

Net cash inflows (outflows) before investment 
portfolio sales/purchases 
Excess capital deployed on OneBeacon acquisition 
Proceeds from investment sales (investment purchases) 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

- 
(13) 
(36) 
(109) 
(4) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

49 
- 
(43) 

6 

- 
(25) 
(24) 
(99) 
(4) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(150) 

(279) 
- 
(76) 

(355) 

- 
12 
(12) 
(10) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
150 

328 
- 
33 

361 

2018 

833 

2017 

Change 

781 

52 

- 
(78) 
(117) 
(430) 
(36) 
- 
- 
- 
243 
(60) 

355 
- 
(90) 

265 

(2,139) 
(108) 
(98) 
(378) 
(37) 
(7) 
731 
422 
292 
60 

(481) 
660 
(184) 

(5) 

2,139 
30 
(19) 
(52) 
1 
7 
(731) 
(422) 
(49) 
(120) 

836 
(660) 
94 

270 

We  have  sufficient  capital  resources,  cash  flows  from  operating  activities  and  borrowing  capacity  to  support  our  current  and 
anticipated  activities,  scheduled  principal  and  interest  payments  on  our  outstanding  debt,  the  payment  of  dividends  and  other 
expected financial requirements in the near term.  

17.4  Contractual obligations 
The table below presents the expected timing of contractual liquidity requirements as at December 31, 2018. 

Table 26 – Contractual obligations  

Total  Less than 1 year 

1 - 3 years 

3 - 5 years 

Thereafter 

Payments due by period 

Principal repayment on notes outstanding 
Interest payments on notes outstanding 
Claims liabilities1 
Operating leases and other commitments 
Pension obligations2 

Total contractual obligations 

2,209 
1,184 
10,734 
1,191 
37 

15,355 

250 
97 
4,182 
214 
4 

4,747 

299 
171 
2,913 
261 
7 

3,651 

393 
128 
1,787 
189 
7 

2,504 

1,267 
788 
1,852 
527 
19 

4,453 

1 Represents the undiscounted value and includes incurred but not reported reserves. 
2  These  amounts  represent  the  annual  mandatory  funding  required  by  regulators,  based  on  the  latest  actuarial  valuations  and  expected  benefit 

payments for unfunded plans. 

46           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 18 –  Capital management  

18.1  Capital management objectives 
Our objectives when managing capital consist of:  
•  maintaining  strong  regulatory  capital  levels  (see  Regulatory  capital  section  below),  while  ensuring  policyholders  are  well 

protected; and 

•  maximizing long-term shareholder value by optimizing capital used to operate and grow the Company. 

We  seek  to  maintain  adequate  capital  levels  to  ensure  that  the  probability  of  breaching  the  regulatory  minimum  requirements  is 
very low. Such levels may vary over time depending on our evaluation of risks and their potential impact on capital. We also  keep 
higher levels of capital when we foresee growth or actionable opportunities in the near term. Furthermore, we may return excess 
capital to shareholders through annual dividend increases and, when appropriate, through share buybacks.  

Regulatory capital 

The amount of capital in any particular company or country depends upon the Company’s internal assessment of capital adequacy 
in the context of its risk profile and strategic plans, as well as local regulatory requirements. The Company’s objective is to maintain 
the  capitalization  of  its  regulated  operating  subsidiaries  above  the  relevant  minimum  regulatory  capital  requirements  in  the 
jurisdictions in which they operate (referred to as regulator supervisory minimum levels).  

Canada 

•  Our  federally  chartered  Canadian  P&C  insurance  subsidiaries  are  subject  to  the  regulatory  capital 
requirements  defined  by  OSFI  and  the  Insurance  Companies  Act,  while  our  Québec  provincially  chartered 
subsidiaries are subject to the requirements of the AMF and the Act respecting insurance. 

• 

Federal and Québec regulated P&C insurers are required, at a minimum, to maintain a MCT ratio of 100%. 

•  OSFI and the AMF have also established a regulator supervisory target capital ratio of 150%, which provides 

a cushion above the minimum requirement. 

•  Our U.S. insurance operations are subject to regulation and supervision in each of the states where they are 

domiciled and licensed to conduct business. 

•  State  insurance  departments  have  established  the  insurer  solvency  laws  and  regulatory  infrastructure  to 

U.S. 

maintain accredited status with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). 

•  A key solvency-driven NAIC accreditation requirement is a state's adoption of RBC requirements. 

•  Dividends  from  our  major  U.S.  insurance  subsidiary  are  subject  to  the  New  York  State  Department  of 

Financial Services’ prior approval for a two-year period ending September 30, 2019. 

Regulatory capital guidelines change from time to time and may impact our capital levels. We carefully monitor all changes, actual 
or proposed.  

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

18.2  Capital position 
All  our  regulated  P&C  insurance  subsidiaries  were  well  capitalized  on  an  individual  basis  with  capital  levels  well  in  excess  of 
regulator  supervisory  minimum  levels,  as  well  as  Company  action  levels  (CALs).  CALs  represent  the  thresholds  below  which 
regulator notification is required together with a company action plan to restore capital levels. 

Table 27 – Estimated aggregated capital position  

Regulatory capital ratios (RCRs) 
Industry-wide supervisory minimum 

levels 

CALs 
Capital above CALs (capital margin) 
Other regulated/unregulated entities1 

Total capital margin2 

December 31, 2018 

September 30, 2018 

December 31, 2017 

Canada  
(MCT) 

U.S. 
(RBC) 

201% 

377% 

150% 

-- 

170% 
530 
- 

150% 

200% 
396 
- 

IFC 
capital 
 margin 

- 

- 

- 
926 
407 

1,333 

Canada  
(MCT) 

U.S.  
(RBC) 

196%  384% 

150%  150% 

170%  200% 
381 
- 

469 
- 

IFC  
capital 
margin 

- 

- 

- 
850 
327 

1,177 

Canada  
(MCT) 

U.S.  
(RBC) 

205%  459% 

150% 

150% 

170%  200% 
438 
- 

618 
- 

IFC  
capital 
margin 

- 

- 

- 
1,056 
79 

1,135 

1 Other regulated entities include Split Rock Insurance, Ltd. (Bermuda) and IB Reinsurance Inc. (Barbados). 
2 Total capital margin includes the aggregate of capital in excess of company action levels in regulated entities (170%  MCT, 200% RBC and other 

CALs on other jurisdictions) plus available cash in unregulated entities. 

Total  capital  margin  increased  by  $156  million in  Q4-2018 to  $1,333 million.  Strong  Canadian  underwriting  results  and  seasonal 
improvements in capital factors were tempered by a decline in equity markets. 

On  a  full  year  basis,  total  capital  margin  increased  by  $198  million,  reflecting  the  proceeds  of  the  preferred  share  issuance  in      
Q2-2018, partly offset by the full repayment of the credit facility. 

For details on our Own Risk and Solvency Assessment, refer to Section 22.8 – Own Risk and Solvency Assessment. 

48           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

RISK MANAGEMENT 

Section 19 – Overview  
We have a comprehensive risk management framework and internal control procedures designed to manage and monitor various 
risks in order to protect our  business, clients, employees, shareholders,  regulators and other stakeholders. Our risk management 
programs  aim  at  mitigating  risks  that  could  materially  impair  our  financial  position,  accepting  risks  that  contribute  to  sustainable 
earnings and growth and disclosing these risks in a full and complete manner.  

Effective  risk  management  rests  on  identifying,  understanding  and  communicating  all  material  risks  we  are  exposed  to  in  the 
course of our operations. In order to make sound business decisions, both strategically and operationally, management must have 
continual direct access to the most timely and accurate information possible. Either directly or through its committees, the  Board of 
Directors ensures that our management has put appropriate risk management programs in place. The Board of Directors, directly 
and in particular through its Risk Management Committee, oversees our risk management programs, procedures and controls and, 
in  this  regard,  receives  periodic  reports  from,  among  others,  the  Risk  Management  Department  through  the  Chief  Risk  Officer, 
internal auditors and the independent auditors. A summary of our key risks and the processes for managing and mitigating them is 
outlined below. 

The  risks  described  below  and  all  other  information  contained  in  our  public  documents,  including  our  Consolidated  financial 
statements,  should  be  considered  carefully.  The  risks  and  uncertainties  described  below  are  those  we  currently  believe  to  be 
material, but they are not the only risks and uncertainties we face. If any of these risks, or any other risks and uncertainties that we 
have  not  yet  identified,  or  that  we  currently  consider  to  be  not  material,  actually  occur  or  become  material  risks,  our  business 
prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. 

While we employ a broad and diversified set of risk mitigation  and risk transfer  techniques, those techniques and the judgments 
that  accompany  their  application  cannot  anticipate  every  economic  and  financial  outcome  in  all  market  environments  or  the 
specifics and timing of such outcomes. 

Section 20 – Risk management structure 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of risk management to ensure that risks are properly  measured, monitored 
and  reported.  In  this  regard,  the  Board  is  supported  by  its  Risk  Management  Committee  that  covers  enterprise  wide  risks.  In 
addition, we have an internal Enterprise Risk Committee composed of senior executives. 

The  Board  and  Committee  structures  are  reviewed  periodically  to  be  aligned  with  best  practices,  applicable  laws  and  regulatory 
guidelines on corporate governance. The following structure is in place and remains largely unchanged from 2017. 

Board of Directors 

Main responsibility is to oversee our management of business and affairs, including our pension funds. In this regard, 
the  Board  establishes  policies,  reporting  mechanisms  and  procedures  in  view  of  safeguarding  our  assets  and 
ensuring our long-term viability, profitability and development. 

Risk Management 
Committee 

Assists the Board of Directors with its oversight role with respect to our management in order to build a sustainable 
competitive advantage, by fully integrating  the Enterprise Risk Management policy into all of our business activities, 
strategic planning and our subsidiaries and operations, including our pension funds. 

Compliance Review 
and Corporate 
Governance (CRCG) 
Committee 

Ensures a high standard of governance, compliance and ethics in our company, including our pension, funds and that 
we meet our legal requirements and engage in best practices as determined by the Board of Directors. In this regard, 
the CRCG Committee oversees our governance framework and that of our pension funds, our compliance framework, 
our  compliance  programs  which  includes  related  party  transactions  (“RPT”),  our  market  conduct  programs  and 
policies, as well as the implementation of corporate compliance initiatives. 

Human Resources 
and Compensation 
Committee 

Assists  the  Board  of  Directors  in  fulfilling  its  governance  supervisory  responsibilities  for  strategic  oversight  of  our 
human  capital,  including  organization  effectiveness,  succession  planning  and  compensation  and  the  alignment  of 
compensation with our philosophy and programs consistent with our overall business objectives. 

Audit Committee 

Assists the Board of Directors with its oversight of the integrity of our financial statements and financial information, 
the  accounting  and  financial  reporting  process,  the  qualifications,  performance  and  independence  of  the  external 
auditors, the performance of the internal audit function and the quality and integrity of internal controls. 

Enterprise Risk 
Committee 

This  committee  is  composed  of  senior  officers  designated  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and  is  chaired  by  the  Chief  Risk 
Officer. It meets regularly and oversees our risk management priorities, assesses the effectiveness of risk management 
programs,  policies  and  actions  of  each  key  function  of  our  business  and  reports  on  a  quarterly  basis  to  the  Risk 
Management Committee. The Enterprise Risk Committee evaluates our overall risk profile, aiming for a balance between 
risk, return, and capital, and approves risk policies. The Enterprise Risk Committee is mandated to: (I) identify risks that 
could materially affect our business; (ii) measure risks both in terms of the impact on financial resources and reputation; 
(iii)  monitor  risks;  and  (iv)  manage  risk  in  accordance  with  the  risk  appetite  statement  determined  by  the  Board  of 
Directors.  Periodically,  this  committee  may  establish  sub-committees  to  review  specific  subjects  in  greater  detail  and 
report  back  on  its  findings  and  recommendations.  This  allows  the  Enterprise  Risk  Committee  to  access  the  expertise 
throughout our company and to operate more efficiently in addressing key risks. 

Other committees 

We have other committees responsible for managing, monitoring and reviewing specific aspects of risk related to our 
operations, investments, profitability, insurance operations, security and business continuity. Further details follow on 
how  these  committees  operate,  ensure  compliance  with  laws  and  regulations  and  report  to  the  Enterprise  Risk 
Committee. 

50           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 21 – Corporate governance and compliance program 
We believe that sound corporate governance and compliance monitoring related to legal and regulatory requirements are 
paramount  for  maintaining  the  confidence  of  different  stakeholders  including  our  investors.  Legal  and  regulatory  compliance  risk 
arises  from  non-compliance  with  the  laws,  regulations  or  guidelines  applicable  to  us  as  well  as  the  risk  of  loss  resulting  from      
non-fulfilment of a contract. We are subject to strict regulatory requirements and detailed monitoring of our operations in all  states, 
provinces  and  territories  where  we  conduct  business,  either  directly  or  through  our  subsidiaries.  Our  corporate  governance  and 
compliance program is built on the following foundations: 

21.1  Corporate governance and compliance program 

Corporate governance ensuring compliance with laws and regulatory requirements 

Sound corporate 
governance standards 

Effective disclosure 
controls and 
processes 

Sound corporate 
compliance structures 
and processes 

  Specialized resources 

independent from 
operations 

The Board of Directors and its 
committees are structured in 
accordance with sound 
corporate governance 
standards. 
Directors are presented with 
relevant information in all areas 
of our operations to enable 
them to effectively oversee our 
management, business 
objectives and risks. The Board 
of Directors and the Audit 
Committee periodically receive 
reports on all important 
litigation, whether in the 
ordinary course of business 
where such litigation may have 
a material adverse effect, or 
outside the ordinary course of 
business. 

Disclosure controls and 
processes have been put in 
place so that relevant 
information is obtained and 
communicated to senior 
management and the Board of 
Directors to ensure that we 
meet our disclosure obligations, 
while protecting the 
confidentiality of information. 
A decision-making process 
through the Disclosure 
Committee is also in place to 
facilitate timely and accurate 
public disclosure. 

Effective corporate governance 
depends on sound corporate 
compliance structures and 
processes. 
We have established an 
enterprise-wide Compliance 
Policy and framework including 
procedures and policies 
necessary to ensure adherence 
to laws, regulations and related 
obligations. Compliance 
activities include identification, 
mitigation and monitoring of 
compliance/reputation risks, as 
well as communication, 
education, and activities to 
promote a culture of compliance 
and ethical business conduct. 

To manage the risks associated 
with compliance, regulatory, 
legal and litigation issues, we 
have specialized resources 
reporting to the SVP, Corporate 
and Legal services that remain 
independent of operations. 
The SVP, Corporate and Legal 
services reports to the Board of 
Directors and its committees on 
such matters, including with 
respect to privacy and 
Ombudsman complaints. 
We also use third party legal 
experts and take provisions 
when deemed necessary or 
appropriate. 

While  senior  management  has  ultimate  responsibility  for  compliance,  it  is  a  responsibility  that  each  individual  employee  shares. 
This  is  clearly  set  out  in  our  core  Business  Values  and  Code  of  Conduct  and  employees  sign  a  confirmation  that  they  have 
reviewed and complied with them annually. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 22 – Enterprise Risk Management 

22.1  Mandate 
The Enterprise Risk Management strategy is designed to provide an overview of our risks and ensure that appropriate actions are 
taken to protect our clients, employees, shareholders, regulators, and other stakeholders. 

We  have  an  integrated  risk-based  approach  to  significantly  increase  the  effectiveness  of  the  program,  ensuring  that  delegated 
authorities actions  are  consistent  with  the overall  strategy and  risk  appetite.  Overall,  the  risk  profile  and communication  must  be 
transparent with the objective of minimizing surprises to internal and external stakeholders on risk management. 

Our risks are separated into four main categories: Strategic Risk, Insurance Risk, Financial Risk and Operational Risk. 

22.2  Objectives 

identifying, as completely as possible, the most important risks and issues that may affect us; 

•  overseeing and objectively challenging the execution of risk management activities; 
• 
•  monitoring identified risks, major incidents and control weaknesses and reviewing adopted strategies; 
•  allocating risk ownership and responsibilities; 
•  gathering early warning information; 
•  escalating risk management issues and vetoing high risk business activities; 
•  enforcing compliance with the risk policies; 
•  disclosing key risks completely and transparently; and 
• 

supporting management in raising risk awareness and insight. 

22.3  A shared responsibility 
Managing  risk  is  a  shared  responsibility  at  Intact.  The  three  lines  of  defence  model  is employed  to clearly  identify  the  roles and 
responsibilities of those involved in the risk management process. 

52           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

22.4  Risk Appetite 

How do we manage corporate risk? 

From a risk management perspective, our objective is to protect the sustainability of our activities, while delivering on our promises 
to our stakeholders. To do so, we strive to maintain our financial strength, even in unpredictable environments or under extreme 
stress. We take a prudent approach to managing risk, and the following principles help us establish the nature and scope of risks 
we are willing to assume: 

•  we focus on our core competencies; 
•  we keep our overall risk profile in check; 
•  we protect ourselves against extreme events; 
•  we promote a strong risk management culture; and 
•  we maintain our ability to access capital markets at reasonable costs. 

Consult our website for a more detailed discussion of our Risk Appetite under the Corporate Governance section. 

22.5  Main risk factors and mitigating actions 
Our practice is to regularly identify our top risks, assess the likelihood of occurrence and evaluate the potential impacts should they 
materialize both in terms of financial resources and reputation. We also consider potential emerging risks that are newly developing 
or changing risks which are inherently more difficult to quantify. 

We then determine mitigation plans and assign accountability for each risk if deemed appropriate given our overall assessment, our 
risk appetite, and our business objectives. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

22.6  Top and emerging risks that may affect future results 
Each  year  the  Enterprise  Risk  Management  Committee  identifies  the  top  risks  that  the  Company  faces.  The  following  section 
presents the top and emerging risks identified with the most severe potential impact. In assessing the potential impact for each of 
the top risks, the presence and effectiveness of risk mitigation activities are taken into consideration. Our main risk factors together 
with our practices used to mitigate these risks are explained below. 

TOP AND EMERGING RISKS 
Major earthquake ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 54 

Catastrophe events risk............................................................................................................................................................................................. 55 

Increased competition and disruption ........................................................................................................................................................................ 56 

Turbulence in financial markets ................................................................................................................................................................................. 57 

Reserve and pricing inadequacy ............................................................................................................................................................................... 58 

Governmental and/or regulatory intervention ............................................................................................................................................................. 59 

Failure of an acquisition ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 61 

Failure of a major technology initiative ...................................................................................................................................................................... 61 

Information technology and cyber security risk .......................................................................................................................................................... 62 

Inability to contain fraud and/or abuse ....................................................................................................................................................................... 63 

Customer satisfaction risk ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 63 

The emergence of autonomous vehicles and crash avoidance technology ................................................................................................................ 64 

Major earthquake 

Risk we are facing 

Insurance risk 

The occurrence of a major earthquake may produce significant damage in large, heavily populated areas. 

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

The occurrence of a major earthquake could have a significant impact 
on  our  profitability  and  financial  condition  and  that  of  the  entire  P&C 
insurance  industry  in  Canada.  Depending  on  the  magnitude  of  the 
earthquake,  its  epicentre,  and  on  the  extent  of  the  damages,  the 
losses  could  be  substantial  even  after  significant  reinsurance 
recoveries. There could also be significant additional costs to find the 
required  reinsurance  capacity  upon  further  renewals.  In  addition,  we 
could  be  subject  to  increased  assessments  from  the  P&C  Insurance 
Compensation  Corporation  (PACICC)  leading  to  further  costs  if  other 
insurers  are  unable  to  meet  their  contractual  obligations  with  their 
clients. Based on our assessment, our exposure to a major earthquake 
in Western  Canada  has continued  to  increase slightly  in  2018  versus 
the prior year.    

Our risk management strategy consists of regular monitoring of insured 
value accumulation and concentration of risks. We use earthquake risk 
models to help assess our possible losses at various return periods and 
use reinsurance to transfer a substantial amount of risk. Consequently, 
the diversification of risk among an appropriate number of reinsurers is 
vital for us. See Section 15.2 – Reinsurance for more details on our 
reinsurance program. 

In 2017, we completed a comprehensive review of the models we use 
to  evaluate  our  earthquake  exposure.  We  concluded  that  the  models 
we  use  to  help  us  assess  our  risk  are  sound.  Given  the  nature  of 
earthquake  risk,  different  models  provide  different  assessments  of  the 
same  exposure.  We  continue  to  maintain  a  prudent  amount  of 
reinsurance  that  exceeds  our  risk  assessment  of  an  earthquake  in 
Western  Canada,  including  the  U.S.  Pacific  Northwest,  at  a  1-in-500 
year return period.   

54           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Catastrophe events risk 

Risk we are facing 

Insurance risk 

Climate change is a challenge faced by the entire P&C insurance industry. In particular, our property insurance business has been affected 
due  to  changing  climate  patterns  and  an  increase  in  the  number  and  cost  of  claims  associated  with  severe  storms  and  other  natural  disasters.  
Changing weather patterns has resulted in hotter, drier weather in some areas and more humid, wetter weather in other areas.  The result has been 
more unpredictable weather and increasingly severe storms. These changes could negatively affect our property and automobile insurance results, 
which collectively contribute to a majority of our total annual premiums.   

Catastrophe events include natural disasters and unnatural events. 
• 

There are a  wide variety of natural disasters including but not limited to hurricanes, wind storms, hailstorms, rainstorms, ice storms, floods, 
severe winter weather and forest fires. 

•  Unnatural catastrophe events including but not limited to hostilities, terrorist acts, riots, explosions, crashes and derailments, and wide scale 

cyber-attacks.  

Despite the use of sophisticated models, the incidence and severity of catastrophe events are inherently unpredictable. The extent of losses from a 
catastrophe event is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by  the event and the severity of the event. Most 
catastrophe  events  are  restricted  to  small  geographic  areas;  however,  hurricanes  and  other  storms  may  produce  significant  damage  in  large, 
heavily populated areas. Catastrophe events can cause losses in a variety of P&C insurance lines.  

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

Claims resulting from natural or unnatural catastrophe 
in  our 
events  could  cause  substantial  volatility 
financial  results  and  could  materially  reduce  our 
profitability or harm our financial condition.   

Over  the  last  few  years,  we  have  witnessed  a 
continued  increase  in  the  number  and  severity  of 
weather events. Changing weather patterns may have 
an  impact  on  the  likelihood  and  severity  of  natural 
catastrophes, such as wildfires in the West and heavy 
precipitation  in  the East.  The trend  in climate change 
continues  to  pose  a  meaningful  risk  to  our  ability  to 
meet our business objectives.   

insurance 

We  began  offering  cyber  risk 
to  our 
commercial  customers  in  2015  and  have  expanded 
our  offerings  in  this  space  over  time.  The  acquisition 
of  OneBeacon  expands  further  our  exposure  to  this 
risk.  We  may  be  adversely  affected  by  a  large  scale 
cyber-attack  that  simultaneously  compromises  the 
systems of many of our insureds. 

In  addition,  we  have  exposure  to  terrorism  risk  in  the 
U.S.  through  our  U.S.  specialty  business.    Terrorism 
can  take  many  forms  and  both  our  property  and 
workers’ compensation policies may be affected by an 
event. 

To address this issue, we have ongoing initiatives including pricing and product changes 
to  reflect  new  climate  realities,  regular  reviews  of  claims  processes  and  a  greater  focus 
on  consumer  loss  prevention.  Many  initiatives  have  been  implemented  over  the  last 
several  years  including  the  expanded  use  of  deductibles  and  sub-limits,  and  the 
introduction  of  depreciation  schedules  in  personal  property  insurance  across  Canada. 
These  initiatives  should  help  mitigate,  to  some  extent,  P&C  insurance  losses  resulting 
from  water  damage  and  harsh  weather.  As  climate  risk  continues  to  evolve,  we  are 
continuously  developing  or  acquiring  new  modelling  tools  to  help  better  assess 
catastrophe  risk.  See  Section  12.2  –  Climate-related  governance  and  risk 
management  for  more  details  on  our  initiatives  and  ongoing  management  of  the 
risks related to climate change.  

In  addition,  our  reinsurance  program  offers  protection  against  multi-risk  events  and 
catastrophes. See  Section  15.2  –  Reinsurance  for  more  details  on  our  reinsurance 
program. 

To help mitigate the risks associated with our cyber risk insurance product, we focus on 
small  to  medium  size  companies  with  relatively  modest  policy  limits.  In  addition,  we 
purchase  reinsurance  specifically to  transfer  some  of the  risk  in  the  event  a  large  scale 
cyber-attack triggers a high volume of claims. 

In  addition  to  private  reinsurance,  we  also  participate  in  the  U.S.  federal  government 
terrorism  insurance  backstop  (TRIPRA)  that  mitigates  our  exposure  under  certain 
circumstances as outlined in U.S. federal legislation. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Increased competition and disruption 

Risk we are facing 

Strategic risk 

The P&C insurance industry is highly competitive and we believe that it will remain so for the foreseeable future.  

We believe that competition in our business lines is based on price, service, commission structure, product features, financial strength and scale, 
ability to pay claims, ratings, reputation and name or brand recognition. We compete with a large number of domestic and foreign insurers as well 
as with Canadian banks that are selling insurance products. These firms may use business models different than ours and sell products through 
various distribution channels, including aggregators, brokers and agents who sell products exclusively for one insurer and directly to the consumer. 
We compete not only for business and individual customers, employers and other group customers but also for brokers and other distributors of 
investment and insurance products.  

We distribute our  products primarily through a network of brokers and a great part of our success  depends on the capacity of this network to be 
competitive against other distributors, including direct insurers and web aggregators, as well as our ability to maintain our business relationships 
with  them.  These  brokers  sell  our  competitors’  insurance  products  and  may  stop  selling  our  insurance  products  altogether.  Strong  competition 
exists among insurers for brokers with demonstrated ability to sell insurance products. 

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

Intense competition for our insurance products could harm our ability to 
maintain or increase our profitability, premium levels and written insured 
risk volume. 

The  entrance  of  a  new  player  in  the  market  or  a  shift  in  methods  to 
purchase  insurance  could  challenge  our  distribution  model.  The  use  of 
information  technology  in  the  distribution  and  pricing  of  insurance 
products (e.g. telematics, the use of Big Data, etc.) has increased over 
the last several years and this trend is expected to continue in the near 
future.  Artificial  intelligence  is  another  area  that  is  gaining  much 
attention  and  could  have  a  material  impact  on  the  insurance  industry. 
Competitors  may  use  these  technologies  more  effectively  than  us  or 
there  may  be  negative  reputational  consequences  arising  from  our 
initiatives. 

Demutualization and further consolidation in the Canadian P&C industry 
remains  likely  which  may  result  in  an  erosion  of  our  competitive 
advantage. 

The evolution of customer preferences for different distribution channels 
or alternate business models (e.g. peer-to-peer insurance) could lead to 
a material decline in our market share. Premium volume and profitability 
could be materially adversely affected if there is a material decrease in 
the  number  of  brokers  that  choose  to  sell  our  insurance  products.  In 
addition,  our  strategy  of  distributing  through  the  direct  channel  may 
adversely  impact  our  relationship  with  brokers  who  distribute  our 
products. 

Our  multi-channel  distribution  strategy  including  the  broker  channel, 
direct-to-consumer  brands  and  web  platforms,  enhances  our  ability  to 
adapt  to  evolving  conditions  in  the  insurance  market.  We  have 
established  close  relationships  with  our  independent  distributors  by 
providing  them  with  advanced  technology,  as  well  as  training  to  help 
strengthen  their  market  position.  We  closely  monitor  pricing  gaps 
between our various channels and manage the different channels under 
different  brand  names  including  BrokerLink,  our  wholly-owned  broker 
network. 

We  also  have  a  number  of  initiatives  that  we  are  pursuing  to  help 
mitigate the risk of competition and disruption including: 

• 

• 

• 

Investing  significantly  in  promoting  our  brands  with  an  increasing 
focus on using web and mobile technology to reach consumers; 

Promoting our own usage-based insurance (UBI) product to better 
meet customer needs;  

Increased digitalization of the customer experience; 

•  Opening  innovative  service  centres  in  major  Canadian  cities  to 

provide an unmatched customer experience; and 

•  Creating Intact Ventures (see  Section  11.2) to be at the forefront 
of  technological  change  as  it  applies  to  the  P&C  insurance 
industry. 

We  are  continuously  monitoring  and  analyzing  competitor  offerings  in 
the  marketplace  to  help  ensure  that  we  remain  at  the  forefront  of 
innovation in the P&C insurance marketplace. 

56           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Turbulence in financial markets 

Risk we are facing 

Financial risk 

Movements in  interest  rates, credit  spreads, foreign  exchange  rates,  inflation  rates,  and  equity  prices  cause changes  in  realized  and  unrealized 
gains and losses. Generally, our interest and dividend income will be  reduced during sustained periods of lower interest rates. During periods of 
rising interest rates, the fair value of our existing fixed-income securities will generally decrease and our realized gains on fixed-income securities 
will likely be reduced or result in realized losses. Changes in credit spreads would have similar impacts as those described above for changes in 
interest rates. Severe deflation or unexpected inflation could materially impact both our assets and liabilities, including our employee defined benefit 
pension plans. In 2018, there was renewed financial market volatility that we had not experienced for several years. See  Section  6.5  –  Capital 
markets for more details.  

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

Changes  in  the  market  variables  mentioned 
above  could  adversely  affect  our  investment 
income  and/or 
the  market  value  of  our 
securities. 

While  our  strategy  is  long-term  in  nature,  it  is  regularly  reviewed  to  adapt  to  the  investment 
environment  when  necessary,  especially  in  times  of  turbulence  and  increased  volatility.  We 
closely  monitor  concentration  across  and  within  asset  classes  and  ensure  that  exposures 
remain within the risk tolerance stated in our investment policy.    

In  addition  to  the  risk  related  to  investments 
discussed  previously,  an  economic  downturn 
and/or  increase  in  the  inflation  rate  have  a 
significant  impact  on  the  funded  status  of  our 
defined  benefit  pension  plans.  Consequently, 
this could impact our financial condition.  

economic 

conditions, 

General 
political 
conditions  and  many  other  factors  can  also 
adversely  affect 
the  equity  markets  and, 
the  equity 
consequently, 
securities  we  own  and  ultimately  affect  the 
timing and level of realized gains or losses.  

fair  value  of 

the 

Our  preferred  share  portfolio  depreciates  in 
value  as  a  result  of  negative  developments  in 
interest rate and/or credit markets.  

fixed 

Our 
income  portfolio  may  experience 
defaults  resulting  in  impairments  and  lower 
income prospectively. 

Periodically, we employ several risk mitigation measures such as changes to our strategic asset 
mix, hedging of interest rate, foreign exchange, or equity risk and increased holdings in cash. 
These  actions  serve  to  reduce  exposures  in  the  investment  portfolio  and  decrease  the 
sensitivity of our regulatory capital ratios to financial market volatility.   

Regular  stress testing  of  our  investment  risk  exposures  assists management in  assessing  the 
overall level of financial risk and helps to ensure that exposures remain within established risk 
tolerances.  In  2018,  we  conducted  comprehensive  stress  testing  that  considered  exposures 
holistically  across  all  geographies  in  which  we  invest  and  the  potential  impact  on  our  capital 
position, both in local jurisdictions and on an aggregate basis for IFC. 

The Company’s exposure to financial risk arising from its financial instruments together with the 
Company’s  risk  management  policies  and  practices  used  to  mitigate  it  are  explained  in  our 
Consolidated financial statements. Consult the following sections for more information. 

Reference to our Consolidated financial statements  

Market risk 

Notes 10.1 and 10.2 

Basis risk 

Note 10.3 

Credit risk 

Note 10.4 

Liquidity risk 

Note 10.5 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Reserve and pricing inadequacy 

Risk we are facing 

Insurance risk 

Our success depends upon our ability to accurately assess the risks associated with the insurance policies that we write. We establish reserves to 
cover our estimated liability for the payment of all losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred with respect to premiums collected or due 
on the insurance policies that we write. Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of a liability. Rather, reserves are our estimates of what we 
expect to be the ultimate cost of resolution and administration of claims. These estimates are based upon various factors, including:  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

actuarial projections of the cost of settlement and administration of claims reflecting facts and circumstances then known; 

estimates of trends in claims severity and frequency; 

judicial theories of liability; 

variables in claims handling procedures; 

economic factors (such as inflation); 

judicial and legislative trends, and actions such as class action lawsuits and judicial interpretation of coverage or policy exclusions; and 

the level of insurance fraud. 

Product design and pricing risk is the risk that the established price is or becomes insufficient to ensure an adequate return for shareholders as 
compared to our profitability objectives. This risk may be due to an inadequate assessment of market needs, new business context, a poor estimate 
of the future experience of several factors, or the introduction of new products that could adversely impact the future behaviour of policyholders. 

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

Most  or  all  of  these  factors  are  not  directly  quantifiable,  particularly  on  a 
prospective  basis,  and  the  effects  of  these  and  unforeseen  factors  could 
negatively  impact  our  ability  to  accurately  assess  the  risks  of  the  policies 
that  we  write.  In  addition,  there  may  be  significant  reporting  lags  between 
the occurrence of the insured event and the time it is actually reported to the 
insurer and additional lags between the time of reporting and final settlement 
of claims. 

The  following  factors  may  have  a  substantial  impact  on  our  future  actual 
losses and LAE experience: 
• 
• 
• 
• 

amounts of claims payments; 
expenses that we incur in resolving claims; 
legislative and judicial developments; and 
changes in economic variables such as interest rates and/or inflation. 

To  the  extent that  actual  losses  and  LAE  exceed  our  expectations and  the 
reserves  reflected  in  our  Consolidated  financial  statements,  we  will  be 
required  to  reflect  those  changes  by  increasing  our  reserves.  In  addition, 
government  regulators  could  require  that  we  increase  our  reserves  if  they 
determine  that  our  reserves  were  understated  in  the  past.  When  we 
increase  reserves,  our  income  before  income  taxes  for  the  period  will 
increasing  or 
decrease  by  a  corresponding  amount. 
strengthening  reserves  causes  a  reduction 
insurance 
subsidiaries’  regulatory  capital.  For  example,  there  remains  uncertainty 
related  to  the  ultimate  impact  of  the  2016  Ontario  Auto  Insurance  reforms. 
As  claims  incurred  after  the  reforms  were  enacted  are  settled,  the 
uncertainty  related  to  these  specific  changes  in  legislation  declines.  See 
Section 15.1 – Claims liabilities for more details on the claims reserve 
and prior year claims development. 

in  our  P&C 

In  addition, 

Inadequate  pricing  may  lead  to  material  declines  in  underwriting  income 
and/or deficient reserves.  

58           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Establishing  an  appropriate  level  of  reserves  is  an  inherently 
uncertain  process.  We  continually  refine  our  reserve  estimates  in 
an ongoing process as claims are reported and settled.  

Our  reserve  review  committee  scrutinizes  reserves  by  business 
segment,  and  analyzes  trends  and  variations  in  losses  to  ensure 
that we maintain a sufficient level of claims reserve.   

Our profitability committees review the results of each business line 
and  determine  if  appropriate  action  is  required  in  terms  of  product 
design or pricing to remediate poor underwriting performance.  

We have adopted policies which specify our retention limits and risk 
tolerance and our application depends on training and the discipline 
of  our  underwriting  teams.  Once  the  retention  limits  have  been 
reached,  we  use  reinsurance  to  cover  the  excess  risk.  Moreover, 
our  profitability  and  ability  to  grow  may  also  be  adversely  affected 
by  our  mandatory  participation  in  the  Facility  Association  and 
assumed  risk-sharing  pools 
insurance 
markets including Ontario, Québec, Alberta, and the Maritimes. 

in  several  automobile 

In  addition,  on  an  annual  basis,  our  external  auditor  provides  an 
independent review of our reserves in the context of the audit of the 
Consolidated 
includes 
establishing their own view of a reasonable range for the estimate.  

statements.  This 

financial 

review 

Following the acquisition of OneBeacon, we purchased reinsurance 
to protect against adverse development for OneBeacon’s reserves 
from 2016 and prior years. During 2018, this risk mitigation strategy 
resulted in lower volatility in our U.S. dollar claims reserves. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Governmental and/or regulatory intervention 

Strategic Risk 

Risk we are facing 

Our  subsidiaries  and  affiliates  are  subject  to  regulation  and  supervision  by  regulatory  authorities  of  the  jurisdictions  in  which  they  are 
incorporated and licensed to conduct business. 

These laws and regulations: 
• 

delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers to federal, provincial and territorial insurance commissioners and agencies; 

• 

are generally designed to protect policyholders and creditors, and are related to matters including: 

requirements on privacy and the protection of personal information; 
personal auto insurance rate setting; 
risk-based capital and solvency standards; 
restrictions on types of investments; 

• 
• 
• 
• 
•  maintenance of adequate reserves for unearned premiums and unpaid claims; 
• 
• 
• 
• 

examination of insurance companies by regulatory authorities, including periodic financial and market conduct examinations; 
licensing of insurers, agents and brokers;  
limitations on upstream dividends from operating companies; and  
transactions with affiliates. 

• 

typically require us to periodically file financial statements and annual reports, prepared on a statutory accounting basis, and other information 
with insurance regulatory authorities, including information concerning our capital structure, ownership and financial condition including, on an 
annual basis, the aggregate amount of contingent commissions paid and general business operations. 

Regulatory authorities closely monitor the solvency of insurance companies by requiring them to comply with strict solvency standards based on the 
risk assumed by each company with respect to asset composition, liability composition, and the matching between these two components. We are 
required  to  submit  regular  reports  to  the  regulatory  authorities  regarding  our  solvency,  and  publish  our  solvency  ratio  every  quarter.  Solvency 
requirements are amended from time to time. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Governmental and/or regulatory intervention (cont’d) 

Strategic risk 

How we manage this risk 

We are supported by an in-house team of lawyers and 
staff, and by outside counsel when deemed necessary 
or  appropriate,  in  handling  general  regulation  and 
litigation issues and are an active member of the major 
industry associations.  

Our  government  relations  team  ensures  contact  with 
the governments of the various jurisdictions in which we 
operate,  and  can  be  proactive  in  situations  that  could 
affect our business. 

We  regularly  monitor  trends  and  make  adjustments  to 
our  strategy  and  products,  when  deemed  appropriate, 
to  ensure  the  sustainability  of  insurance  products  and 
to avoid the potential for additional regulation that may 
negatively 
impact  our  reputation,  profitability,  and 
financial condition. 

To  reduce  the  risk  of  breaching  the  regulatory  capital 
requirements,  we  have  Board  approved  thresholds  for 
the  regulatory  capital  ratios  in  all  jurisdictions  in  which 
we operated. We operate above these thresholds under 
normal  circumstances  to  reduce 
the  likelihood  of 
regulatory intervention. Our Enterprise Risk Committee 
regularly  review  risks  related  to  solvency  and  uses 
stress  testing  to  identify  vulnerabilities  and  possibly 
areas  for  remediation.  Our  capital  management  policy 
contains  guidelines  to  help  ensure  that  we  maintain 
adequate  capital  to  withstand  adverse  event scenarios 
and  has  documented  procedures  to  take  corrective 
actions should any unanticipated conditions arise. 

In  addition,  we  conducted  a  full  internal  solvency 
assessment  as  described  hereafter  in  Section  22.8  – 
Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA). 

Potential impact 

We believe that our subsidiaries are in material compliance with all applicable regulatory 
requirements. However, it is not possible to predict the future impact of changing federal, 
states,  provincial  and  territorial  regulations  on  our  operations.  Laws  and  regulations 
enacted in the future may be more restrictive than current laws. Overall, our business is 
heavily  regulated  and  changes  in  regulation  may  reduce  our  profitability  and  limit  our 
growth prospects. 

We could  be subject  to  regulatory  actions, sanctions  and fines  if  a  regulatory  authority 
believed we had failed to comply with any applicable law or regulation. Any such failure 
to comply with applicable laws could result in the imposition of significant restrictions on 
our  ability  to  do  business  or  significant  penalties,  which  could  adversely  affect  our 
reputation, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, any changes in laws 
and regulations could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and 
financial condition.   

We may be subject to governmental or administrative investigations and proceedings in 
the context of our highly regulated sectors of activity. We cannot predict the outcome of 
these  investigations,  proceedings  and  reviews,  and  cannot  be  sure  that  such 
investigations,  proceedings  or  reviews  or  related  litigation  or  changes  in  operating 
policies and practices would not materially adversely affect our results of operations and 
financial condition. In addition, if we were to experience difficulties with our relationship 
with a regulatory body in a given jurisdiction, it could have a material adverse effect on 
our ability to do business in that jurisdiction and the price of our common shares. 

In addition, our  written premiums and  profitability can be significantly affected by many 
factors, including: 
• 
• 

developing trends in tort and class action litigation; 
changes in other laws or regulations or in the interpretation of existing laws including 
with  respect  to  restrictions  on  the  ownership  of  brokers  by  insurers  and/or  the 
compensation arrangements between insurers and brokers, limitations on the conduct 
of brokers, or claims handling procedures; 
the adoption of consumer initiatives regarding rates charged for automobile or other 
insurance coverage or forced reductions in premiums or additional costs imposed by 
governments that limit our ability to properly price our insurance products; 

• 

•  modification  of  tax  laws  or  a  change  in  interpretation  to  existing  tax  laws,  either 

retroactively or prospectively; and 
nationalization of one or more of our business lines. 

• 

Furthermore, a significant increase in solvency requirements would increase the possibility 
of  regulatory  intervention  and  may  reduce  our  ability  to  generate  attractive  returns  for 
shareholders.  This may  also  negatively  impact  our  ability  to  execute  our  growth  strategy 
and attain our financial objectives.  

60           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Failure of an acquisition 

Risk we are facing 

Strategic risk 

Our  primary strategy  is  to  pursue consolidation  in  the  Canadian market  and  expansion in foreign markets  where  we  can  deploy  our expertise in 
pricing, underwriting, claims management and multi-channel management. 

On September 28, 2017, we completed the US$1.7 billion ($2.3 billion) acquisition of OneBeacon, a specialty P&C insurance provider that offers a 
wide range of specialty insurance products in the United States. Failure on our part to manage this U.S. acquisition could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition to specific country risks, we cannot be sure that we will be able to 
identify appropriate profitability targets or successfully integrate this acquired business into our operations.  

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

With  respect  to  the  acquisition  of  OneBeacon,  we  are  faced  with  a  number  of  integration 
risks including but not limited to:  

• 

• 

• 
• 

the  inability to  derive  the  expected  returns  from the  acquisition, which would lead to a 
lower future return on equity for shareholders; 
the  inability  to  realize  growth  and  profitability  action  plans,  such  as  cross-border 
targets.  Under  certain  adverse 
opportunities  and  underwriting  profitability 
circumstances, this may lead to a write down of goodwill;  
challenges in harmonizing processes; and 
a departure of key employees during the integration phase.  

In addition to the potential financial impact, our reputation may be adversely affected if such 
an  event  were  to  occur.  Consequently,  it  may  impact  the  cost  or  availability  of  capital  for 
future acquisitions. 

team 

We  are  a  proven  industry  consolidator  with  16 
successful  P&C  acquisitions  since  1988.  We  have 
a  dedicated  corporate  development 
that 
follows a rigorous selection process. Our approach 
to  conducting  due  diligence  to  assess  all  the  risks 
and  opportunities 
is 
consistently  executed.  We  also  assign  dedicated 
and  experienced  task  forces  to  ensure  a  swift  and 
effective  integration  with  seamless  impact  to  our 
customers.  There  is  also  strong  oversight  by  the 
Board of Directors regarding acquisitions.  

is  well  developed  and 

Failure of a major technology initiative 

Risk we are facing 

Operational risk 

To maintain our performance levels, we are required to regularly modernize our systems. Often significant time and investment is required 
for accomplishing these projects. Any unplanned delays, unforeseen costs, or unsuccessful execution of such projects could lead to a significant 
decline  in  service  levels,  impact  employee  morale  negatively  and  reduce  our  competitiveness.  There  is  no  assurance  that  we  will  succeed  in 
meeting our objectives for these projects. 

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

Our  technology  strategy  may  take  too  long  to  execute  or  may  not  be  adequate  to 
maintain  a  competitive  advantage.  The  complexity  and  interdependence  of  our 
infrastructure  and  applications  may 
to  higher  costs  and  more  errors. 
lead 
Implementation of new technology may introduce more complexity in the interim prior to 
simplification after decommissioning older systems.  

We  could  decide  to  abandon  one  or  more  of  our  technology  initiatives  resulting  in  a 
material write down. 

that  proper 

funding  and 

Senior  management  provides  careful  oversight  and 
ensures 
resources  are 
allocated  to  our  key  projects.  Risk  assessments  and 
internal  audits  are  regularly  conducted  to  identify 
potential  areas  for  remediation  or  the  necessity  for 
additional controls. A dedicated committee was created 
to  ensure  proper  focus is  devoted  to major technology 
projects. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Information technology and cyber security risk 

Operational risk 

Risk we are facing 

Information technology and cyber security risks continue to be key risks for many  companies. Criminal organizations, hackers, and other 
external  actors  have  become  more  active  and  better  equipped  to  attack  even  robust  systems  and  networks.  Our  dependency  on  technology, 
network,  telephony  and  critical  applications  makes  our  ability  to  operate  and  our  profitability  vulnerable  to  business  interruptions,  service 
disruptions, theft of intellectual property and confidential information, litigation and reputational damage. 

The  volume  and  sophistication  of  cyber-attacks  continue  to  increase.  These  attacks  may  include  targeted  attacks  on  systems  and  applications, 
introduction of malicious software, denial of service attacks, and phishing attacks which could result in the fraudulent use or theft of data, and may 
involve  attempts  to  fraudulently  induce  employees,  customers  or  third-party  service  providers  to  disclose  sensitive  information  in  order  to  gain 
access  to  the  Company’s  data.  Distributed  Denial  of  Service  (DDos)  and  Ransomeware  attacks  continue  to  increase  in  frequency  and  severity. 
These activities are designed to disrupt the operations of an organization and/or to benefit the attacker financially. 

We may be unable to prevent cyber-attacks that result in system disruption or a breach of confidential information, whether personal or corporate in 
nature. Third party service providers and other suppliers may also be the subject of successful cyber-attacks leading to a material impact on our 
systems or the theft of confidential information.   

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

Despite our commitment to information and cyber security, we 
may  not  be  able  to  fully mitigate all  risks  associated  with  the 
increased  sophistication  and  volume  in  the  threat  landscape. 
As such, we may be the subject to a cyber-attack resulting in 
system  unavailability,  data  corruption  or  deletion,  or  the 
disclosure  of  confidential  or  personal  information.  Massive 
denial of service attacks and system intrusion attempts could 
compromise  our  ability  to  operate  or  we  may  be  unable  to 
safeguard  personal  and  confidential  information  from  public 
disclosure. Other potential consequences include our inability 
to  provide  customers  with  real-time  access  to  information  on 
their  insurance  policies,  provide  quotes  for  new  insurance 
products or enable customers to report claims electronically. 

To  ensure  the  security  and  resilience  of  our  systems,  the  safeguard  of  our 
confidential  information  and  the  integrity  of  our  information  and  databases, 
dedicated  teams  plan,  test  and  execute  our  continuity  and  security  plans.  This 
includes  threat  and  vulnerability  assessments  and  the  implementation  of 
appropriate mitigation actions. Our security teams constantly monitor our systems 
and are ready to intervene if an incident occurs. To ensure the expected levels of 
service  are  delivered  by  our  critical  third-party  service  providers,  service  level 
agreements are signed and added to relevant contracts. 

We  continuously  upgrade  our  applications  to  better  protect  our  systems  and 
information. We  regularly monitor  external  trends  in  cyber security to  ensure  we 
are able to rapidly mitigate known vulnerabilities. 

lead 

to  wide  ranging 

We  benchmark  our  information  security  practices  to  assess  areas  of  our  cyber 
security  program that  require  additional  effort  and  to learn  from  industry  leading 
practices. 

These  events  and  attacks  may 
consequences including: 
• 

financial  loss,  which  also  includes  lost  productivity, 
remediation  costs,  and  costs  associated  with  potential 
legal action; 
regulatory  action,  which  may  include  regulatory  fines 
and/or increased scrutiny by government; and 
reputational  damage  such  as  lost  consumer  confidence 
and lower customer retention. 

• 

• 

Our  Information  Technology  Security  Committee  oversees  information  security 
initiatives and ensures effective collaboration across teams. As part of our overall 
security  program,  we  provide  employee  information  security  awareness  and 
training  to  enhance  our  ability to resist cyber-attacks.  In  addition,  our  Enterprise 
Risk  Committee  oversees  the  establishment  of  our  cyber  security  strategy  and 
monitors the progress of our mitigation action plans. 

In 2018, we conducted a cyber-security exercise to test our ability to respond to a 
major  security  incident  and  identify  opportunities  to  further  strengthen  our 
resilience. 

62           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Inability to contain fraud and/or abuse  

Risk we are facing 

Operational risk 

As a property and casualty insurer, we may be subject to internal or external fraud. Our insureds may exaggerate claims for personal gain. Despite 
our efforts to control fraud and abuse, our staff, systems, and processes may be unable to accurately detect and prevent internal or external fraud.  

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

Fraud  may  result  in  unanticipated  losses  and  a 
negative  impact  on  our  reputation.  Our  written 
premiums  and  profitability  can  be  significantly 
affected  by  regulatory  regimes  which  limit  our 
ability  to  detect  and  defend  against  fraudulent 
claims and fraud rings. 

We have strong internal controls in place to prevent and detect potential internal fraud. Internal 
and external audits are performed to verify that the controls are followed. 

Fraud detection software is used by our claims teams to detect potential external fraud and flag 
cases  for  further  investigation.  In  Canada,  we  also  have  national  investigative  services  and  a 
number  of  investigative  tools  to  help  detect  and  root  out  fictitious  losses  or  injuries,  staged 
accidents and material misrepresentation or exaggeration of loss amounts or personal injury.   

Government authorities also have an incentive to help reduce fraud in the system and maintain 
affordable insurance for consumers. Ontario Bill 15  - Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile 
Insurance Rates Act  is one example of government action that aims to reduce auto insurance 
fraud.  

Customer satisfaction risk 

Risk we are facing 

Strategic risk 

Our insurance products and services are ultimately distributed to individual consumers and businesses. From time to time, unsatisfied customers, 
consumer advocacy groups or the media may generate negative publicity related to our claims handling or underwriting practices. Untimely or poor 
handling of such negative publicity may increase the impact of a situation and materially affect our reputation and growth prospects. 

In addition, a lack of appropriate focus on customers’ needs and wants may threaten our ability to meet customer expectations, resulting in poor 
customer retention. 

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

Negative  publicity  resulting  from  unsatisfied 
customers  may  result  in  increased  regulation 
and  legislative  scrutiny  of  practices  in  the  P&C 
increased 
industry  as  well  as 
insurance 
litigation. Such  events may further  increase  our 
costs of doing business and adversely affect our 
profitability by impeding our ability to market our 
products  and  services,  requiring  us  to  change 
our  products  or  services  or  increasing  the 
regulatory  burdens  under  which  we  operate. 
The periodic negative publicity of insurance and 
related  businesses  may  negatively  impact  our 
financial results and financial condition.  

Social  media  could  amplify  the  impact  of  a 
reputational  issue.  It  could  result  in  further 
damage  to  our  reputation  and  impair  our  future 
growth prospects. 

To  mitigate  these  risks,  we  have  established  escalation  procedures  to  help  ensure  that  our 
customers  have  multiple  channels  to  express  any  dissatisfaction.  This  includes  a  Customer 
Experience  Team  and  an  Ombudsman’s  Office  which  both  offer  the  opportunity  for  customer 
dissatisfaction  to  be  resolved.  In  addition,  management  proactively  identifies  potential  issues 
and performs an additional review to help ensure that our customers are treated fairly.  

The  wording  of  our  insurance  policies  is  reviewed  periodically  by  management  to  detect  and 
remediate potential issues before they arise.  

New  products  and  significant  changes  in  existing  products  undergo  a  rigorous  product 
development life-cycle including an independent review by the risk management function prior 
to  launch.  Potential  reputational  issues  can  be  identified  in  the  early  stages  of  product 
development and, if required, changes are implemented prior to launch. 

The Enterprise Risk Committee regularly monitors our operations to identify situations that can 
negatively affect customer satisfaction. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The emergence of autonomous vehicles and crash avoidance technology 

Emerging risk 

Risk we are facing 

Commercialisation  of  fully-  or  semi-autonomous  vehicles  could  profoundly  change  the  transportation  and  auto  insurance  industries.  The 
speed  at  which  autonomous  vehicles  are  adopted  will  depend  on  a  number  of  factors  including,  but  not  limited  to,  the  success  of  the  new 
technology,  the  legal  and  regulatory  environment,  and  customer  preferences.  These  vehicles  may  have  a  dramatically  different  risk  profile  than 
current modes of transportation.   

Potential impact 

How we manage this risk 

If  the  potential  of  autonomous 
vehicles  and  crash  avoidance 
technology  is  realized,  a  number 
of changes may occur including a 
significant  reduction  in  accident 
frequency  and  the  emergence  of 
new  ways  to  provide  automobile 
insurance  coverage.  This  could 
cause  a  material  decline  in  our 
written premiums. 

We  recognize  the  potential  impact  of  this  emerging  technology  and  have  been  closely  monitoring 
developments on this topic for some time. We devote part of our research agenda to include items such as 
the future of mobility insurance and autonomous vehicles. We believe it is crucial to understand this emerging 
technology and the possible implications to be able to adjust our corporate strategy accordingly. 

In  2018,  Intact  ventures  invested  in  a  self-driving  start-up,  Voyage,  to  better  position  the  Company  as 
transportation evolves and insurance needs change.   

We  participate  in  the  development  of  recommendations  by  the  Insurance  Bureau  of  Canada  related  to  the 
regulation of automated vehicles.   

64           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

22.7  Other risk factors that may affect future results 

Legal risk 
In addition to the occasional employment-related litigation, we are a defendant in a number of claims relating to our insurance and 
other related business operations. We may from time to time be subject to a variety of legal actions, including lawsuits, regulatory 
examinations,  investigations,  audits  and  reassessments  by  various  parties  including  customers,  suppliers,  and  government 
regulatory agencies and authorities, relating to our current and past business operations. Plaintiffs may also continue to bring new 
types  of  legal  claims  against  us.  Current  and  future  court  decisions  and  legislative  activity  may  increase  our  exposure  to  these 
types  of  claims.  Multiparty  or  class  action  claims  may  present  additional  exposure  to  substantial  economic,  non-economic  or 
punitive damage awards. The loss of even one of these claims, if it resulted in a significant damage award or a judicial ruling that 
was otherwise detrimental, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Unfavourable 
claim  rulings  may  render  fair  settlements  more  difficult  to  reach.  We  cannot  determine  with  any  certainty  what  new  theories  of 
recovery may evolve or what their impact may be on our businesses. 

Reinsurance risk 
We use  reinsurance  to  help manage our exposure to insurance  risk,  including major catastrophe  events.  The availability 
and cost of reinsurance is subject to prevailing market conditions, both in terms of price and available capacity, which can 
affect our premium volume, profitability and regulatory capital position.  Both worldwide and Canadian catastrophe losses have an 
impact on the reinsurance market in North America. In recent years, the availability of alternative capital in the reinsurance market 
has helped maintain the supply of capital and added downward pressure on rates. However, reinsurance companies may exclude 
some coverage from the policies that we purchase from them or may alter the terms of such policies from time to time. These gaps 
in reinsurance protection expose us to greater risks and greater potential losses and could adversely affect our ability to write future 
business. We may not be able to successfully mitigate risks through reinsurance arrangements, which could cause us to reduce 
our premiums written in certain lines or could result in losses.  In addition, the cost of reinsurance could increase significantly year 
over year, impacting our profitability if we are unable to pass on these costs to consumers. Furthermore, a significant decline in the 
availability of reinsurance could impact our premium volume, our profitability and our regulatory capital position. 

People risk 
Our  success  has  been,  and will  continue  to  be,  dependent  on  our  ability  to  retain  the  services of  key  employees  and  to 
attract  additional  qualified  personnel  in  the  future.  In  addition,  a  significant  decline  in  employee  morale  could  materially 
affect  our operations including  an  increase  in the  risk  of human  error or  deliberate acts  that  harm  the company.  The  loss  of  the 
services of any of our key employees, or the inability to identify, hire and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future, could 
adversely affect the quality and profitability of our business operations.   

We have developed a focused recruiting strategy to aggressively market careers and opportunities at Intact. The strategy includes 
an updated web site, focused external recruiting, campaigns, rebranding, and targeted advertising. It also includes partnering with 
four  universities  on  graduate recruiting  as  well  as  commercial  and  personal  lines  trainee program  recruiting.  Talent  identification 
and development programs have been implemented to retain and grow existing talent. We also have a comprehensive succession 
planning program at various levels within the organization to ensure we are prepared for unplanned departures and retirements. 
Furthermore,  our  employee  engagement  surveys  continue  to  reveal  a  high  level  of  engagement  among  employees.  IFC  was 
recognized by multiple organizations as one of Canada’s best employers. We believe that a high level  of employee engagement 
helps  mitigate  some  of  the  operational  risks  associated  with  people.  However,  there  is  no  assurance  that  the  Company  will  be 
successful in retaining and motivating our key talent across the organization. 

Business interruption risk 
We may experience an abrupt interruption of activities caused by unforeseeable and/or catastrophe events, an example of 
which  being  a  global  pandemic  (e.g.  the  Ebola  virus)  or  a  large  scale  cyber-attack.  Our  service  levels  may  decline 
materially  resulting  in  negative  financial  and  reputational  consequences.  Losses  can  relate  to  property,  financial  assets,  trading 
positions  and  also  to  key  personnel.  If  our  business  continuity  plans  cannot  be  put  into  action  or  do  not  take  such  events  into 
account, losses may increase further.   

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           65 

 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

We continuously monitor world events, such as the Ebola virus outbreak in 2014, to enable us to pro-actively adapt our response 
plan. In order to maintain the integrity and continuity of our operations in the event of a crisis, we have developed personalized alert 
and mobilization procedures as well as communication protocols. For example, emergency action plans, business continuity plans, 
business recovery plans, major health crisis plans, building evacuation plans and crisis communication plans have all been defined 
and are tested on an ongoing basis. This process is supported by a crisis management structure adapted to our organization and to 
the type of events we may have to manage. 

Credit downgrade risk 
Independent  third-party rating agencies assess our ability to honour our financial obligations (the “senior unsecured debt rating”) 
and our insurance subsidiaries’ ability to meet their ongoing policyholder obligations (the “financial strength rating”).  See  Section 
17.2 – Ratings for more details.  

The rating agencies periodically evaluate us to confirm that we continue to meet the criteria of the ratings previously assigned to us. 
We may not be in a position to maintain either the issuer credit ratings or the financial strength ratings we have received from the 
rating  agencies.  An  issuer  credit  rating  downgrade  could  result  in  materially  higher  borrowing  costs.  A  financial  strength  rating 
downgrade could result in a reduction in the number of insurance contracts we write and in a significant  loss of business; as such 
business could move to other competitors with higher ratings, thus causing premiums and earnings to decrease.  

This  is more  applicable  to  our  commercial  insurance  where  clients  place  a  higher  emphasis  on such  ratings.  Credit downgrades 
may  affect  our  ability  to  raise  capital  or  may  result  in  an  increase  in  the  cost  of  raising  capital  with  negative  implications  for 
shareholders and other stakeholders. 

Limit on dividend and capital distribution risk 
As a holding company, IFC is a legal entity and is separate and distinct from its operating subsidiaries, most of which are regulated 
insurance  companies.  While  no  regulatory  approval  is  required  for  dividend  payments  from  the  regulated  insurance  companies, 
notice  to  OSFI  is  required  together  with  pro  forma  capital  calculations  showing  internal  target  capital  levels  are  maintained  both 
before  and  after  such  dividends  are  paid  out.  In  addition,  for  competitive  reasons,  our  insurance  subsidiaries  maintain  financial 
strength ratings which require us to maintain minimum capital levels in our insurance subsidiaries. These regulations and ratings 
targets limit the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay unlimited dividends or invest all of their capital in other ways. In certain 
stress scenarios limitations on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to IFC could have a material adverse effect on our ability to 
pay shareholder dividends and may result in a material decline in the price of securities we have issued. 

Deferred tax assets 
We have a deferred tax asset related to net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards as at December 31, 2018, 
that are subject to carryforward limitations in the U.S. Utilization of these assets and other assets included in our net deferred tax 
asset is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income of the appropriate type (i.e. ordinary income or capital gains) in 
the appropriate jurisdiction. If it is determined that it is more likely that sufficient future taxable income will not be generated, we 
would be required to increase the valuation allowance (an offset to our deferred tax asset) in future periods, which could have an 
adverse effect on our results of operations. 

Distribution risk 
Distribution  risk  is  the  risk  related  to  the  distribution  of  our  P&C  insurance  products.  It  includes  the  inherent  risk  of  dealing  with 
independent  distributors,  the  risk  related  to  new  market  entrants  and  the  risk  associated  with  our  multiple  distribution  channel 
strategy. We may also face the risk that one of our channels or business models would not be sustainable in a specific market or 
context. From time to time we issue loans or take equity participation in certain brokers and consequently, we expose ourselves to 
other risks including financial risk and regulatory risk. For various reasons, the broker channel has been in a consolidation mode for 
the last few years and we believe that this situation will continue. The acquisition of brokers by others or even by other insurers 
may impact our relationship with some of them and harm our ability to grow our business. In order to maintain strong relationships 
with brokers, each relationship is managed by officers in each of the main regions in which we operate. To mitigate the financial 
risk  arising  from  loans  to  brokers  we  generally  receive  guarantees and  use standard  agreements  which contain  general security 
and oversight clauses. The Board of Directors participates in this oversight process by reviewing these activities periodically. 

66           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

22.8  Own Risk and Solvency Assessment 
Since  2014,  we  have  conducted  our  Own  Risk  and  Solvency  Assessments  (“ORSA”)  at  least  annually.  ORSA  encompasses 
processes  to  identify,  assess,  monitor,  and  manage  the  risks  we  take  in  conducting  our  business.  ORSA  also  covers  the 
determination  of  our  capital  needs  and  solvency  position. ORSA  is  an  integral  part  of  the  implementation  of  our  Enterprise  Risk 
Management  strategy.  This  exercise  was  conducted  over  and  above  the  Dynamic  Capital  Adequacy  Testing  (DCAT)  performed 
annually  by  the  Appointed  Actuary  (refer  to  Note  21  –  Capital  management  to  the  accompanying  Consolidated  financial 
statements for details).  

Our ORSA revealed that the financial resources of our insurance subsidiaries are sufficient to meet policyholder obligations  after 
adverse  situations  at  a  confidence  level  of  99.5  %  Value-at-Risk  (VaR)  over  a  one-year  time  horizon.  We  considered  all  our 
material  risk  exposures  in  making  this  determination.  We  concluded  that  our  overall  risk  is  well  balanced  primarily  between 
insurance  risk  and  financial  risk,  while  operational  risk  contributes  a  modest  additional  amount.  Diversification  and  other 
adjustments modestly reduce our overall risk assessment.   

Our  2018  assessment  of  capital  required  increased  slightly  compared  to  that  of  2017,  primarily  driven  by  the  acquisition  of 
OneBeacon  Insurance.  Our  capital  sufficiency  remains  within  the  Board  approved  operating  range  as  measured  by  the  ratio  of 
adjusted tangible equity to internal capital required. 

The  ORSA  process  is  well  integrated  into  our  operations  and  influences  the  definition  of  our  corporate  risk  tolerance,  the  target 
levels of capital by jurisdiction and in aggregate, and underwriting profit targets by line of business.  

Section 23 – Off-balance sheet arrangements  

23.1  Securities lending 
We  participate  in  a  securities  lending  program  to  generate  fee  income.  This  program  is  managed  by  our  custodian,  a  major 
Canadian financial institution, whereby we lend securities we own to other financial institutions to allow them to meet their delivery 
commitments. We  loaned  securities,  which  are  reported  as  investments  in  the  accompanying  Consolidated  financial  statements, 
with a fair value of $1,155 million as at December 31, 2018 ($1,087 million as at December 31, 2017).  

Collateral is provided by the counterparty and is held in trust by the custodian for our benefit until the underlying security has been 
returned  to  us.  The  collateral  cannot  be  sold  or  re-pledged  externally  by  us,  unless  the  counterparty  defaults  on  its  financial 
obligations.  Additional  collateral  is obtained  or  refunded  on a  daily  basis  as  the market  value  of the underlying  loaned securities 
fluctuates.  The  collateral  consists  of  government  securities  with  an  estimated  fair  value  of  105%  of  the  fair  value  of  the  loaned 
securities and amounts to $1,215 million as at December 31, 2018 ($1,144 million as at December 31, 2017). 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 24 – Sensitivity analyses 
Sensitivity analyses are one risk management technique that assists management in ensuring that risks assumed remain within our 
risk tolerance level. Sensitivity analyses involve varying a single factor to assess the impact that this would have on our results and 
financial condition. No management action is considered. Actual results can differ materially from these estimates for a variety of 
reasons and therefore, these sensitivities should be considered as directional estimates.  

Table 28 – Sensitivity analysis (after tax) 

For the years ended December 31, 

2018 

2017 

Net 
income 

OCI 

BVPS 

Split by geography  
(total equity impact, estimated) 
Inter-
national 

Canada 

U.S. 

Net 
income 

OCI 

BVPS 

Equity price risk 

Common share prices 
(10% decrease)1 
Preferred share prices (5% 
decrease)2, 3 

Interest rate risk 
(100 basis point increase) 

Debt securities4 

Preferred shares  

Net claims liabilities 

Defined benefit pension 
plan obligation, net of 
related debt securities 

Currency risk 
(strengthening of the CAD by 
10% vs all currencies)5 

U.S. Investments 
supporting P&C Canada 

International securities 
Book value of foreign 
operations 

(11) 

(202) 

(1.53) 

61% 

31% 

8% 

(1) 

(201) 

(1.45) 

8 

(51) 

(0.31) 

100% 

- 

(188) 

(174) 

6 

168 

(37) 

- 

(2.60) 

(0.22) 

1.21 

62% 

100% 

84% 

38% 

- 

16% 

- 

87 

0.63 

100% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(19) 

(0.14) 

(196) 

(1.41) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

99% 

1% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100% 

13 

(62) 

(0.35) 

(167) 

(116) 

8 

168 

(37) 

- 

(2.03) 

(0.21) 

1.20 

- 

89 

0.64 

6 

- 

- 

(1) 

(19) 

0.04 

(0.14) 

(176) 

(1.26) 

1 Net of any equity hedges, including the impact of any impairment. 
2 Including the impact on related embedded derivatives. 
3 The preferred share equity price risk sensitivity analysis includes the impact of interest rate movements. 
4 Excludes the impact of debt securities related to the defined benefit pension plan. 
5 After giving effect to forward-exchange contracts.  

The above analyses were prepared using the following assumptions:  
− 
− 
− 
− 
− 

shifts in the yield curve are parallel; 
interest rates, equity prices and foreign currency move independently; 
credit, liquidity, spread and basis risks have not been considered; 
impact on our pension plans has been considered; and 
risk reduction measures perform as expected, with no material basis risk and no counterparty defaults. 

AFS debt or equity securities in an unrealized loss position, as reflected in AOCI may be realized through sales in the future. 

A  decline  in  the  price  of  AFS  perpetual  preferred  shares  is  recorded  in  OCI  and  would  normally  lead  to  a  lower  valuation  for 
associated embedded derivative liabilities which are recorded as gains in Net income. Conversely, an increase in the price of these 
preferred  shares  is  also  recorded  in  OCI  and  would  normally  lead  to  a  higher  valuation  for  associated  embedded  derivative 
liabilities which are recorded as losses in Net income. 

68           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Section 25 – Financial KPIs and definitions 

25.1  Our financial KPIs 
Our  most  relevant  key  performance  indicators  are  outlined  in  the  table  below.  DPW,  Underlying  current  year  loss  ratio,  NOI, 
NOIPS,  OROE,  ROE,  AROE  and  AEPS  are  considered  non-IFRS  financial  measures.  See  Section  27  –  Non-IFRS  financial 
measures for the reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS measures.  

2018 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

Growth 

DPW growth 

DPW growth in constant currency 

15.6% 

15.4% 

5.5% 

n/a 

4.8% 

n/a 

6.2% 

n/a 

1.6% 

n/a 

Underlying current year loss ratio 

63.8% 

64.5% 

64.8% 

66.1% 

64.3% 

Underwriting 
performance 

Claims ratio 

Expense ratio 

Combined ratio  

65.3% 

65.4% 

64.9% 

61.3% 

62.6% 

29.8% 

28.9% 

30.4% 

30.4% 

30.2% 

95.1% 

94.3% 

95.3% 

91.7% 

92.8% 

Net underwriting income 

Net investment income 

Net distribution income  

NOI 

NOIPS (in dollars) 

OROE 

ROE 

AROE 

EPS (in dollars) 

AEPS (in dollars) 

BVPS (in dollars) 

MCT (Canada) 

RBC (U.S.) 

Total capital margin 

Consolidated 
performance 

Financial 
strength  

474 

529 

146 

839 

5.74 

12.1% 

9.9% 

11.8% 

4.79 

5.70 

48.73 

201% 

377% 

1,333 

486 

432 

132 

771 

5.60 

12.9% 

12.8% 

13.0% 

5.75 

5.82 

48.00 

205% 

459% 

1,135 

375 

414 

111 

660 

4.88 

12.0% 

9.6% 

11.0% 

3.97 

4.53 

42.72 

218% 

n/a 

970 

628 

424 

104 

860 

6.38 

16.6% 

13.4% 

14.3% 

5.20 

5.54 

39.83 

203% 

n/a 

625 

519 

427 

75 

767 

5.67 

16.3% 

16.1% 

16.8% 

5.79 

6.01 

37.75 

209% 

n/a 

681 

Debt-to-total capital ratio 

22.0% 

23.1% 

18.6% 

16.6% 

17.3% 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

25.2  Definitions of our financial KPIs 

Our  most  relevant  key  performance  indicators  are  defined  below.  See  Section  27  –  Non-IFRS  financial  measures  for  the 
reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS measures. 

•  AEPS  and  AROE are  adjusted  measures, meaning that they exclude the after-tax impact of acquisition-related items, such 

as amortization of intangible assets recognized in business combinations, as well as integration and restructuring costs. 

•  NOI,  NOIPS and OROE are  operating  measures, meaning that they exclude non-operating items detailed in  Section  26  – 

Non-operating results. 

•  EPS and ROE are IFRS measures, meaning that their definition is determined in accordance with IFRS. 

Incentive  compensation  is  based  on  the  comparison  of  results  for  DPW  growth,  combined  ratio,  NOIPS  and  AROE  as  defined 
above, against those of our Canadian P&C insurance industry benchmark, specific targets, or a combination of both. See Section 
10.4 – IFC’s industry outperformance over time for more details on our performance versus the industry.  

DPW growth  

Growth 

for a specific period 

DPW for a specified period 

– 
DPW for the previous year 

Written insured 
risks growth  

for a specific period 

# of vehicles and premises in 
personal insurance 

                       - 

Total # for the previous year 

DPW for the previous year 

Total # for the previous year 

Underlying current 
year loss ratio  

for a specific period 

Current year claims ratio 
excluding CAT losses and 
PYD 

Expense ratio  
for a specific period  

Underwriting expenses (including 
commissions, premium taxes and 
general expenses related to 
underwriting activities) 

Underwriting 
results 

NEP before the impact of 
reinstatement premiums  

Claims ratio 

for a specific period 

Claims incurred               

(net of reinsurance) 

Combined ratio  

for a specific period 

NEP   

NEP  

Claims ratio 

+ 

Expense ratio  

A combined ratio under 100% indicates a profitable underwriting result. 
A combined ratio over 100% indicates an unprofitable underwriting result. 

70           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Net distribution 
income 
for a specific 
period 

Operating income excluding interest 
and taxes from our wholly-owned 
broker (BrokerLink) 
+ 
Operating income including interest 
and taxes from our broker associates 

PTOI 
for a specific 
period 

As detailed in Table 2 – 
Consolidated performance  

Consolidated 
performance 

NOI 
for a specific 
period 

As detailed in Table 30 – 
Reconciliation of NOI, NOIPS and 
OROE to net income 

Net investment 
income  
for a specific period 

As detailed in Table 13 – 
Net investment income 

ROE 
for a 12-month 
period 

AROE 
for a 12-month 
period 

Net income attributable to 
common shareholders1 

Average common shareholders' 
equity2 

Adjusted net income attributable 
to common shareholders 

Average common shareholders' 
equity2  

NOIPS  
for a specific 
period 

NOI attributable to common 
shareholders  

WANSO3 

EPS  
for a specific     

period 

As reported in the accompanying 
Consolidated statements of 
income 

OROE 
for a 12-month 
period 

NOI attributable to common 
shareholders  

Average common shareholders’ 
equity2 (excluding AOCI) 

AEPS 

for a specific     

period 

Adjusted net income attributable 
to common shareholders 

WANSO3 

BVPS 

as at the end of a 
specific period 

Common shareholders’ equity4 

Number of common shares 
outstanding at the same date 

Total capital margin 

as at the end of a 
specific period 

Aggregate of capital in excess of 
company action levels in 
regulated entities (170% MCT, 
200% RBC) plus available cash 
in unregulated entities. 

Financial 
strength 

Regulatory 
capital ratio                      

as at the end of a 
specific period 

Minimum capital test (as defined by 
OSFI and the AMF in Canada) and 
Risk-based capital (as defined by the 
NAIC in the U.S.) 

Debt-to-total capital 

Total debt outstanding 

ratio                         

as at the end of a 
specific period 

Sum of the total shareholders’ 
equity4 and total debt 
outstanding as at the same date 

1 Net income is determined in accordance with IFRS. 
2 The average shareholders’ equity is the mean of shareholders’ equity at the beginning and the end of the period, adjusted for significant capital 

transactions, if appropriate. Shareholder’s equity is determined in accordance with IFRS. 

3 Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the same period. 
4 Shareholder’s equity is determined in accordance with IFRS. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           71 

 
 
 
 
                                                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 26 – Non-operating results 
Non-operating  results, a  non-IFRS  financial measure,  include  elements that  are not  representative  of  our  operating  performance 
because  they  relate  to  special  items,  bear  significant  volatility  from  one  period  to  another,  or  because  they  are  not  part  of  our 
normal activities. As a result, these elements are excluded from the calculation of NOI and related non-IFRS financial measures. 

Table 29 – Non-operating results 

Net gains (losses) (Table 14) 

Positive (negative) impact of MYA on underwriting 
Amortization of intangible assets recognized in 

business combinations1 

Integration and restructuring costs2 
Difference between expected return and discount 

rate on pension assets 

Underwriting results of exited lines 
Other  

Non-operating gains (losses) 

Income tax recovery (expense) on the above items 
U.S. Corporate Tax reform 

Q4-2018 

Q4-2017 

Change 

2018 

2017 

Change 

59 

(36) 

(24) 
(14) 

(12) 
(7) 
(8) 

(42) 

5 
- 

(6) 

11 

(25) 
(12) 

(12) 
(10) 
(4) 

(58) 

27 
27 

65 

(47) 

1 
(2) 

- 
3 
(4) 

16 

(22) 
(27) 

13 

97 

(89) 
(63) 

(49) 
(29) 
(22) 

(142) 

19 
(9) 

(132) 

69 

92 

(62) 
(57) 

(45) 
(10) 
(18) 

(31) 

25 
27 

21 

(56) 

5 

(27) 
(6) 

(4) 
(19) 
(4) 

(111) 

(6) 
(36) 

(153) 

After-tax non-operating gains (losses) 
(33) 
1 Includes $10 million in Q4-2018 ($36 million for 2018) in connection with the acquisition of OneBeacon. 
2 Includes $10 million in Q4-2018 ($51 million for 2018) in connection with the acquisition of OneBeacon. 

(37) 

(4) 

•  Net gains and losses as well as the effect of MYA on underwriting arise mostly from changes in market conditions, which can 

be volatile to earnings. 

• 

•  Claims liabilities are discounted at the estimated market yield of the assets backing these liabilities. The impact of changes in 
the discount rate used to discount claims liabilities based on the change in the market-based yield of the underlying assets is 
referred to as MYA. MYA is included in Net claims incurred in our consolidated statements of income. 
Integration and restructuring costs include items such as retention bonuses, the initial net impact of a reinsurance coverage 
which provides protection against certain negative reserve developments, pre-acquisition finance costs and acquisition-related 
expenses. 
The difference between the expected return and discount rate on pension assets is treated as non-operating results, as 
the gap in these measures is not reflective of our internal investment management expertise and management of our pension 
asset portfolio. 

• 

•  Underwriting results of exited lines included the results of the U.S. Commercial’s business units Programs, and Architects 
and  Engineers.  In  our  consolidated  statements  of  income,  underwriting  results  of  exited  lines  are  presented  in  several 
captions, namely Direct premiums written, Net earned premiums, Net claims incurred and Underwriting expenses. 

72           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures 

The  non-IFRS  measures  included  in  this  MD&A  are:  DPW,  change  or  growth  in  constant  currency,  NEP,  total  net  claims, 
underlying current  year loss  ratio, underwriting  expenses, underwriting income, combined  ratio,  net  distribution income,  NOI,  net 
NOIPS, OROE, adjusted net income, AEPS, AROE and market-based yield.  

These measures do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by 
other companies in our industry.  They are used by management and financial analysts to assess our performance. Further, they 
provide users with an enhanced understanding of our results and related trends and increase transparency and clarity into the core 
results of the business.  

NOI, NOIPS and OROE 

•  Exclude non-operating results (see Section 26 for details). 

Table 30 – Reconciliation of NOI, NOIPS and OROE to net income 

Net income 
Add (less) income tax expense (recovery) 
Add non-operating losses  

Pre-tax operating income 
Tax impact 

NOI 
Less preferred share dividends 

NOI to common shareholders 
Divided by weighted-average number of common shares (in millions)  

NOIPS, basic and diluted (in dollars) 

NOI to common shareholders – last 12 months 
Average common shareholders’ equity, excluding AOCI 
OROE for the last 12 months 

   Q4-2018 

Q4-2017 

2018 

2017 

244 
67 
42 

353 
(72) 

281 
(11) 

270 
139.2 

1.93 

232 
14 
58 

304 
(68) 

236 
(10) 

226 
139.2 

1.63 

707 
179 
142 

1,028 
(189) 

839 
(40) 

799 
139.2 

5.74 

799 
6,603 
12.1% 

792 
150 
31 

973 
(202) 

771 
(27) 

744 
133.1 

5.60 

744 
5,758 
12.9% 

All underwriting results and related ratios exclude the MYA and results of our U.S. Commercial exited lines, unless otherwise noted. 

DPW 

•  Represents the total amount of premiums for new and renewal policies billed (written) during the reporting period, normalized 
for  the effect  of multi-year policies, excluding industry  pools,  fronting  and  exited  lines. We  consider  that  this measure better 
reflects the operating performance of our core operations, and that it is the most useful measure in terms of measuring growth, 
volume of business and market share. 
This  measure  matches  DPW  to  the  year  in  which  coverage  is  provided,  whereas  under  IFRS,  the  full  value  of  multi-year 
policies is recognized in the year the policy is written. 

• 

Table 31 – Reconciliation of DPW and DPW growth to DPW, as reported under IFRS  

DPW, as reported under IFRS 
Add (less) impact of industry pools and fronting 
Less DPW of exited lines 

DPW (full term) 
Add impact of the normalization for multi-year policies 

DPW 

DPW growth 

Q4-2018 

Q4-2017 

2018 

2,377 
(31) 
(2) 

2,344 
48 

2,392 

4% 

2,301 
(3) 
(18) 

2,280 
13 

2,293 

17% 

10,125 
(105) 
(17) 

10,003 
87 

10,090 

16% 

2017 

8,748 
(19) 
(18) 

8,711 
19 

8,730 

5% 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Underlying current year loss ratio 

•  Represents our current year claims ratio excluding catastrophe losses, reinstatement premiums, and PYD. 
•  Catastrophe events are not predictable and subject to volatility, and as such, excluding them provides clearer insight into our 

analysis of current year performance.  

Table 32 – Reconciliation of NEP before reinstatement premiums to NEP and of current year claims to net claims incurred, as reported under IFRS 

Q4-2018 

Q4-2017 

NEP, as reported under IFRS 
Less NEP of exited lines 

NEP 
Add (deduct) reinstatement premiums ceded (recovered) 

NEP, before reinstatement premiums 

Net claims incurred, as reported under IFRS 
Add positive (negative) impact of MYA on underwriting results 
Less difference between expected return and discount rate on pension 

assets allocated to net claims incurred 

Less net claims of exited lines 

Total net claims  
Less current year CAT claims 
Add favourable (unfavourable) PYD 

Current year claims (excluding CATs and PYD) 
NEP, before reinstatement premiums 

Underlying current year loss ratio 
CAT loss ratio (including reinstatement premiums) 
Unfavourable (favourable) PYD ratio 

Claims ratio 

Underwriting income (loss) 

2,516 
(7) 

2,509 
1 

2,510 

1,624 
(36) 

(3) 
(13) 

1,572 
(55) 
50 

1,567 
2,510 

62.5% 
2.2% 
(2.0)% 

62.7% 

Table 33 – Reconciliation of underwriting expenses to underwriting expenses, as reported under IFRS 
Q4-2018 

Underwriting income, as reported under IFRS1 
Less impact of MYA on underwriting results  
Add difference between expected return and discount rate on pension assets 
Add underwriting results of exited lines 

Underwriting income 

Combined ratio 

155 
36 
12 
7 

210 

2,428 
(28) 

2,400 
(2) 

2,398 

1,552 
11 

(6) 
(33) 

1,524 
(31) 
62 

1,555 
2,398 

2018 

9,765 
(50) 

9,715 
- 

9,715 

6,340 
97 

(20) 
(75) 

6,342 
(330) 
185 

6,197 
9,715 

2017 

8,558 
(28) 

8,530 
(2) 

8,528 

5,538 
92 

(18) 
(33) 

5,579 
(313) 
238 

5,504 
8,528 

64.8% 
1.3% 
(2.6)% 

63.8% 
3.4% 
(1.9)% 

64.5% 
3.7% 
(2.8)% 

63.5% 

65.3% 

65.4% 

Q4-2017 

2018 

2017 

167 
(11) 
12 
10 

178 

493 
(97) 
49 
29 

474 

523 
(92) 
45 
10 

486 

91.7% 

92.6% 

95.1% 

94.3% 

1 Includes the following captions in the Consolidated statements of income: Net earned premiums, Other underwriting revenues, Net claims incurred 

and Underwriting expenses. 

Underwriting expenses 

Table 34 – Reconciliation of underwriting expenses to underwriting expenses, as reported under IFRS 
Q4-2018 

Q4-2017 

Underwriting expenses, as reported under IFRS 
Less difference between expected return and discount rate on pension 

assets 

Less other underwriting revenues  
Less underwriting expenses of exited lines 

Underwriting expenses 

Expense ratio 

74           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

765 

(9) 
(28) 
(1) 

727 

735 

(6) 
(26) 
(5) 

698 

29.0% 

29.1% 

2018 

3,042 

(29) 
(110) 
(4) 

2,899 

29.8% 

2017 

2,605 

(27) 
(108) 
(5) 

2,465 

28.9% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

ROE 

•  Excludes the dividends declared on preferred shares. 
•  Average  common  shareholder’s  equity  is  the  mean  of  the  shareholder’s  equity  at  the  beginning  and  the  end  of  the  period, 

adjusted for significant capital transactions, if appropriate. 

Table 35 – Reconciliation of ROE to net income 

Net income 
Less preferred share dividends 

Net income attributable to common shareholders 

Net income attributable to common shareholders – last 12 months 
Average common shareholders’ equity 
ROE for the last 12 months 

244 
(11) 

233 

667 
6,731 
9.9% 

232 
(10) 

222 

765 
5,961 
12.8% 

707 
(40) 

667 

792 
(27) 

765 

Q4-2018 

Q4-2017 

2018 

2017 

AEPS and AROE 

•  Exclude the  after-tax impact of amortization of intangible assets recognized in business combinations, as well as  integration 

and other acquisition-related costs. 

•  We believe that these acquisition-related items are not appropriate in assessing our underlying performance. 

Table 36 – Reconciliation of AEPS and AROE to net income 

Net income 
Adjustments, net of tax 

Remove currency derivative gain related to the acquisition of OneBeacon 
Add negative (positive) impact from U.S. Corporate Tax reform 
Add amortization of intangibles recognized in business combinations 
Add integration and other costs 

Adjusted net income 
Less preferred share dividends 

Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders 
Divided by weighted-average number of common shares (in millions) 

AEPS, basic and diluted (in dollars) 

Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders - LTM 
Average common shareholders’ equity 
AROE for the last 12 months 

Market-based yield 

Q4-2018 

Q4-2017 

244 

- 
- 
19 
10 

273 
(11) 

262 
139.2 

1.88 

794 
6,731 
11.8% 

232 

(7) 
(27) 
20 
7 

225 
(10) 

215 
139.2 

1.55 

775 
5,961 
13.0% 

2018 

707 

- 
9 
71 
47 

834 
(40) 

794 
139.2 

5.70 

2017 

792 

(62) 
(27) 
50 
49 

802 
(27) 

775 
133.1 

5.82 

•  Represents the annualized total pre-tax investment income (before expenses), divided by the mid-month average fair value of 

net equity and fixed-income securities held during the reporting period (average net investments). 
This calculation provides users with a consistent measure of our relative investment performance. 

• 

Growth or change in constant currency 

•  Represents the growth or change between two figures, excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. This is calculated 
by applying the exchange rate in effect for the current year to the results  of the previous year. We believe that this measure 
enhances  the  analysis  of  our  results  with  comparative  periods,  particularly  with  respect  to  the  KPI  of  our  U.S.  segment 
(namely, DPW and NEP growth, as the impact of currency fluctuations on underwriting ratios is minimal and not considered 
significant). 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 28 – Accounting and disclosure matters 

Reference to our Consolidated financial statements 

Significant accounting 
judgments, estimates and 
assumptions 

Adoption of new 
accounting standards  

Related-party 
transactions  

Standards issued                              

but not yet effective  

Note 3 

Note 4 

Note 30 

Note 33 

28.1  New accounting standards effective January 1, 2018 
On January 1, 2018, we adopted following new standards and amendments to existing standards: 

•  Amendments to IFRS 4 - Insurance Contracts for the application of IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments 
• 
• 

IFRS 15 - Revenue from contracts with customers 
Income tax consequences of payments on financial instruments classified as equity 

For further details on these new standards, refer to Note 4 of our Consolidated financial statements. 

28.2  Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions 
The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  management  to  use  judgments,  estimates  and 
assumptions that can have a significant impact on reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and 
liabilities as at the balance sheet date, as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual 
results could differ significantly from these estimates.  

The key estimates and assumptions that have a risk of causing a material adjustment to the  carrying value of certain assets and 
liabilities within the next financial year are as follows: 

Reference to our Consolidated financial statements 

Description 

Business combinations 

Valuation of claims liabilities  

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

Note 

Description 

Note 5.2 

Note 11.3 

Note 15.2 

Impairment of financial assets 

Measurement of income taxes 

Valuation of DB obligation 

Note 

Note 23.2 

Note 24.3 

Note 27.6 

28.3  Related-party transactions 
We  enter  into  transactions  with  associates  and  joint  ventures  in  the  normal  course  of  business.  Most  of  these  related-party 
transactions  are  with  entities  associated  with  our  distribution  channel.  These  transactions  mostly  comprise  of  commissions  for 
insurance  policies,  as  well  as  interest  and  principal  payments  on  loans.  These  transactions  are  measured  at  the  amount  of  the 
consideration  paid  or  received,  as  established  and  agreed  by  the  related  parties.  Management  believes  that  such  exchange 
amounts approximate fair value. 

We  also  enter  into  transactions  with  key  management  personnel  and  post-employment  plans.  Our  key  management  personnel 
comprise all members of the Board of Directors and certain members of the Executive Committee. Key management personnel can 
purchase  our  insurance  products  offered  in  the  normal  course  of  business.  The  terms  and  conditions  of  such  transactions  are 
essentially  the  same  as  those  available  to  our  clients  and  employees.  Transactions  with  post-employment  plans  comprise  the 
contributions paid to these plans. 

76           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

28.4  Financial instruments 
An important portion of our Consolidated balance sheets is composed of financial instruments. For additional information, refer 
to our Consolidated financial statements. 

Reference to our Consolidated financial statements 

Significant accounting policies 

Derivative financial instruments 

Fair value measurement 

Note 2 

Note 7 

Note 9 

28.5  Disclosure controls and procedures 
We  are  committed  to  providing  timely,  accurate  and  balanced  disclosure  of  all  material  information  about  the  Company  and  to 
providing  fair  and  equal  access  to  such  information.  Management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  our  disclosure 
controls  and  procedures  to  ensure  that  information  used  internally  and  disclosed  externally  is  complete  and  reliable.  Due  to  the 
inherent limitations in all control systems, an evaluation of controls can provide only reasonable, not absolute assurance, that all 
control issues and instances of fraud or error, if any, within the Company have been detected. We continue to evolve and enhance 
our system of controls and procedures. 

Management,  at  the  direction  and  under  the  supervision  of  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  the 
Company, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. The evaluation was conducted in accordance 
with the requirements of National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in Issuer’s Annual and Interim Filings (“NI 52-109”) 
of  the  Canadian  Securities  Administrators.  This  evaluation  confirmed,  subject  to  the  inherent  limitations  noted  above,  the 
effectiveness  of  the  design  and  operation  of  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  as  at  December  31,  2018.  Management  can 
therefore provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries is reported to it on a 
timely basis so that it may provide investors with complete and reliable information. 

Internal controls over financial reporting  

28.6 
Management has designed and is responsible for maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) to provide 
reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external 
purposes in accordance with IFRS. 

Management has evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of its ICFR as defined in NI 52-109. The evaluation was based 
on the criteria established in the “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). This evaluation was performed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer 
of  the  Company  with  the  assistance  of  other  Company  Management  and  staff  to  the  extent  deemed  necessary.  Based  on  this 
evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the ICFR were appropriately designed and 
operating effectively, as at December 31, 2018. 

In  spite  of  its  evaluation,  Management  does  recognize  that  any  controls  and  procedures,  no  matter  how  well  designed  and 
operated, can only provide reasonable assurance and not absolute assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. 

No  significant  changes  were  made  to  our  ongoing  ICFR  during  2018  that  have  materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to 
materially affect, the Company’s ICFR. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 29 – Shareholder information 

29.1  Authorized share capital 
Our authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares and Class A shares. 

29.2  Outstanding share data  

Table 37 – Outstanding share data (number of shares) 

As at February 2, 2019 

Common shares 

Class A 
  Series 1 preferred shares 
  Series 3 preferred shares 
  Series 4 preferred shares 
  Series 5 preferred shares 
  Series 6 preferred shares 
  Series 7 preferred shares1 

139,188,634 

10,000,000 
8,405,004 
1,594,996 
6,000,000 
6,000,000 
10,000,000 

¹ Series 7 preferred shares were issued on May 29, 2018. 

Refer  to  our  Annual  Information  Form  for  more  detailed  information  on  the  rights  of  shareholders  and  to  Note  20  – 
Common shares and preferred shares to the accompanying Consolidated financial statements for additional information.  

29.3  Dividends declared on common shares and preferred shares 

Table 38 – Dividends declared per share 

Common shares 

Class A 
  Series 1 preferred shares 
  Series 3 preferred shares 
     Series 4 preferred shares 
  Series 5 preferred shares 
  Series 6 preferred shares 
Series 7 preferred shares 

29.4  BVPS 

Table 39 – Evolution of BVPS (in dollars) 

As at December 31, 

BVPS, beginning of period 
EPS 
Dividends on common shares 
Impact of market movements on AFS securities1 
Net actuarial gains (losses) on employee future benefits1 
Foreign exchange impact1 
NCIB and other 
Impact from issuance of common shares 

BVPS, end of period 
Period-over-period increase 
1 Reported in AOCI. 

78           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Q1-2019 

0.76 

0.21225 
0.20825 
0.2695675 
0.325 
0.33125 
0.30625 

Q4-2018 

49.27 
1.67 
(0.70) 
(1.72) 
(0.67) 
0.86 
0.02 
- 

48.73 
(1)% 

Q4-2018 

0.70 

0.21225 
0.20825 
0.2627050 
0.325 
0.33125 
0.30625 

2018 

48.00 
4.79 
(2.80) 
(2.49) 
(0.13) 
1.26 
0.10 
- 

48.73 
2% 

2017 

42.72 
5.75 
(2.56) 
0.22 
(0.49) 
- 
(0.23) 
2.59 

48.00 
12% 

FY 2018 

2.80 

0.84900 
0.83300 
0.9687500 
1.300 
1.32500 
0.72245 

2016 

39.83 
3.97 
(2.32) 
1.62 
(0.20) 
- 
(0.18) 
- 

42.72 
7% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Section 30 – Selected annual and quarterly information 

30.1  Selected annual information  

Table 40 – Selected annual information 

Total revenues1  
Underwriting income2 
Net income 
EPS, basic and diluted (in dollars) 

Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars) 
Common shares 
Class A  

2018 

10,426 
474 
707 
4.79 

2.80 

2017 

9,157 
486 
792 
5.75 

2.56 

2016 

8,538 
375 
541 
3.97 

2.32 

Series 1 Preferred Shares 
Series 3 Preferred Shares 
Series 4 Preferred Shares 
Series 5 Preferred Shares 
Series 6 Preferred Shares 
Series 7 Preferred Shares 

1.05 
1.00 
0.20 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
1 Total revenues exclude other underwriting revenues and NEP of exited lines. Refer to Note 28 – Segment information to the accompanying 

1.05 
0.83 
0.81 
0.78 
0.49 
n/a 

0.85 
0.83 
0.97 
1.30 
1.33 
0.72 

Consolidated financial statements for details. 

2 Refer to Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures. 

Table 41 – Selected annual information 

As at December 31, 

Investments 
Total assets 
Debt outstanding 
Shareholders' equity 

30.2  Selected quarterly information  

Table 42 – Selected quarterly information1 

2018 

16,897 
28,461 
2,209 
7,810 

2017 

16,774 
27,838 
2,241 
7,463 

2016 

14,386 
22,866 
1,393 
6,088 

DPW 
Total revenues2 
NEP 
Current year CAT losses 
Favourable PYD 
Underwriting income 
Combined ratio  
Net investment income 
Net distribution income 
NOI 
Net income 
Per  share  measures,  basic  and 
diluted (in dollars) 
  NOIPS 
EPS 

Q4 
2,392 
2,697 
2,509 
55 
(50) 
210 
91.7% 
140 
36 
281 
244 

Q3 
2,708 
2,644 
2,462 
97 
(28) 
152 
93.8% 
133 
34 
237 
199 

Q2 
2,908 
2,589 
2,410 
142 
(32) 
93 
96.1% 
134 
52 
201 
161 

2018 
Q1 
2,082 
2,496 
2,334 
36 
(75) 
19 
99.2% 
122 
24 
120 
103 

Q4 
2,293 
2,576 
2,400 
31 
(62) 
178 
92.6% 
121 
28 
236 
232 

Q3 
2,203 
2,231 
2,082 
89 
(53) 
170 
91.8% 
101 
30 
219 
171 

Q2 
2,497 
2,204 
2,051 
105 
(41) 
103 
95.0% 
105 
50 
193 
243 

2017 
Q1 
1,737 
2,146 
1,997 
88 
(82) 
35 
98.2% 
105 
24 
123 
146 

1.93 
1.67 

1.62 
1.34 

1.38 
1.10 

0.81 
0.68 

1.63 
1.60 

1.61 
1.25 

1.44 
1.82 

0.90 
1.08 

1 Refer to Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures. 
2 Total revenues exclude other underwriting revenues and NEP of exited lines. 

See also the discussion on seasonality of the business hereafter. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

30.3  Seasonality of the P&C Canadian insurance business  
The P&C Canadian insurance business is seasonal in nature. While NEP are generally stable from quarter to quarter, underwriting 
results are driven by weather conditions which may vary significantly between quarters.  

The tables below present the unfavourable (favourable) seasonality indicators, in points of combined ratio. For instance, in  2018, 
Q1 and Q2 saw a higher combined ratio including CAT losses than  Q3 and Q4, meaning that underwriting results were relatively 
less  profitable  in  Q1-2018  and  Q2-2018. When  CAT  losses  are  excluded,  Q1-2018  saw  a  higher  combined  ratio  than  the  other 
quarters in 2018, meaning that the underwriting results were relatively less profitable in Q1-2018 than the rest of the year. 

Table 43 – Seasonal indicator, including CAT losses 

Q1 
Q2 
Q3 
Q4 

2018 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

4.7 pts 
1.3 pts 
(1.3) pts 
(4.7) pts 

4.1 pts 
0.8 pts 
(2.5) pts 
(2.4) pts 

(2.9) pts 
4.1 pts 
1.7 pts 
(2.9) pts 

1.8 pts 
(0.1) pts 
1.6 pts 
(3.3) pts 

4.5 pts 
0.1 pts 
0.4 pts 
(5.0) pts 

3-year 
average 

5-year 
average 

1.9 pts 
2.1 pts 
(0.7) pts 
(3.3) pts 

2.4 pts 
1.2 pts 
- pts 
(3.6) pts 

10-year 
average 

0.6 pts 
0.3 pts 
1.5 pts 
(2.4) pts 

Table 44 – Seasonal indicator, excluding CAT losses 

Q1 
Q2 
Q3 
Q4 

2018 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

7.0 pts 
(2.0) pts 
(2.4) pts 
(2.6) pts 

3.7 pts 
(0.5) pts 
(3.2) pts 
- pts 

1.2 pts 
(0.4) pts 
(1.4) pts 
0.6 pts 

2.8 pts 
0.2 pts 
(1.2) pts 
(1.8) pts 

3.7 pts 
1.7 pts 
(3.5) pts 
(1.9) pts 

3-year 
average 

5-year 
average 

4.0 pts 
(1.0) pts 
(2.3) pts 
(0.7) pts 

3.7 pts 
(0.2) pts 
(2.4) pts 
(1.1) pts 

10-year 
average 

2.9 pts 
(1.1) pts 
(1.9) pts 
0.1 pts 

30.4  Expected release dates of our financial results  

Q1-2019 

May 7, 2019 

Q2-2019 

July 30, 2019 

Q3-2019 

Q4-2019 

November 5, 2019 

February 4, 2020 

80           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intact Financial Corporation 
Consolidated financial statements 
For the year ended December 31, 2018 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s responsibility for financial reporting 

Management  is  responsible  for  the  preparation  and  presentation  of  the  Consolidated  financial  statements  of  Intact  Financial 
Corporation and its subsidiaries, collectively known as “the Company”. This responsibility includes selecting appropriate accounting 
policies and making estimates and informed judgments based on the anticipated impact of current transactions, events and trends, 
consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards.  

In  meeting  its  responsibility  for  the  reliability  of  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  Company  maintains  and  relies  on  a 
comprehensive  system  of  internal  control  comprising  organizational  procedural  controls  and  internal  accounting  controls.  The 
Company’s  system  of  internal  control  includes  the  communication  of  policies  and  of  the  Company’s  Code  of  Conduct, 
comprehensive business planning, proper segregation of duties, delegation of authority for transactions and personal accountability, 
selection  and  training  of  personnel,  safeguarding  of  assets  and  maintenance  of  records.  The  Company’s internal auditors  review 
and evaluate the system of internal control. 

The Company’s Board of Directors, acting through the Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of  independent Directors who 
are neither officers nor employees of the Company, oversees management’s responsibility for the design and operation of effective 
financial reporting and internal control systems, as well as the preparation and presentation of financial information. 

The  Audit  Committee  conducts  such  review  and  inquiry  of  management  and  the  internal  and  external  auditors  as  it  deems 
necessary to establish that the Company employs an appropriate system of internal control, adheres to legislative and regulatory 
requirements and applies  the Company’s  Code  of  Conduct.  The  internal  and  external  auditors,  as  well  as  the  Appointed  Actuary 
and  the  Group  Chief  Actuary,  have  full  and  unrestricted  access  to  the  Audit  Committee,  with  and  without  the  presence  of 
management. 

Pursuant to the Insurance Companies Act of Canada or to the Insurance Act (Québec) (“the Acts”), the Appointed Actuary, who is a 
member of management, is appointed by the Board of Directors. The  Appointed Actuary is responsible for discharging the various 
actuarial  responsibilities  required  by  the  Acts  and conducts  a  valuation of  policy  liabilities,  in  accordance  with generally  accepted 
actuarial standards, reporting his results to management and the Audit Committee. 

The Company’s external auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, are appointed by the shareholders to conduct an independent audit of the 
Consolidated financial statements of the Company and meet separately with both management and the Audit Committee to discuss 
the results of their audit, financial reporting and related matters. The Independent Auditor’s Report to shareholders appears on the 
following page. 

February 5, 2019 

Charles Brindamour  
Chief Executive Officer 

Louis Marcotte 
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report 

To the shareholders of  
Intact Financial Corporation 

Opinion 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Intact Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (the 
Group), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the consolidated 
statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then 
ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. 

In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
consolidated financial position of the Group as at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and its consolidated financial 
performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs).  

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities 
under  those  standards  are  further  described  in  the  Auditor’s  Responsibilities  for  the  Audit  of  the  Consolidated 
Financial  Statements  section  of  our  report.  We  are  independent  of  the  Group  in  accordance  with  the  ethical 
requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial statements in Canada, and we have fulfilled 
our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we 
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Other information 

Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises: 

• 

• 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

The  information,  other  than  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  our  auditor’s  report  thereon,  in  the 
Annual Report  

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express 
any form of assurance conclusion thereon.  

In  connection  with  our  audit  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  our  responsibility  is  to  read  the  other 
information, and in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated 
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  

We obtained Management’s Discussion & Analysis prior to the date of this auditor’s report. If, based on the work 
we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required 
to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.  

The Annual Report is expected to be made available to us after the date of the auditor’s report. If based on the 
work we will perform on this other information, we conclude there is a material misstatement of other information, 
we are required to report that fact to those charged with governance. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
– 2 – 

Responsibilities of management and those charged with Governance for the consolidated financial 
statements 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in 
accordance  with  IFRSs,  and  for  such  internal  control  as  management  determines  is  necessary  to  enable  the 
preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to 
continue  as  a  going  concern,  disclosing,  as  applicable,  matters  related  to  going  concern  and  using  the  going 
concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or 
has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole 
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes 
our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when 
it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  influence  the  economic  decisions  of  users  taken  on  the  basis  of  these 
consolidated financial statements. 

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional 
judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due 
to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence 
that  is  sufficient  and  appropriate  to  provide  a  basis  for  our  opinion.  The  risk  of  not  detecting  a  material 
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, 
forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are 
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the 
Group’s internal control. 

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates 
and related disclosures made by management. 

Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based 
on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may 
cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material 
uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the 
consolidated  financial  statements  or,  if  such  disclosures  are  inadequate,  to  modify  our  opinion.  Our 
conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future 
events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
– 3 –

•

•

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including
the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and
events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

Obtain sufficient  appropriate audit evidence  regarding the  financial  information  of  the  entities  or  business
activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible 
for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit
opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and 
timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we 
identify during our audit. 

We  also  provide  those charged  with  governance  with  a  statement  that  we  have  complied  with  relevant  ethical 
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may 
reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Ted Di Giorgio. 

Montréal, Canada 
February 5, 2019 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited1 CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit no. A112431INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Consolidated financial statements 
For the year ended December 31, 2018 

Table of contents 

Consolidated balance sheets………………………………………………………………………….……...…………..3 
Consolidated statements of income………………………...……..……………………..……………………………..........4 
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income……..……..……………………..……………………………….5 
Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity…………………………………………………………6 
Consolidated statements of cash flows……………………….………………………………………………………....7 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements  

 Status of the Company ........................................................................................................................ 8 
 Summary of significant accounting policies ......................................................................................... 8 
 Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions ......................................................... 22 
 Adoption of new accounting standards .............................................................................................. 23 
 Business combinations ...................................................................................................................... 24 
 Investments ....................................................................................................................................... 25 
 Derivative financial instruments ......................................................................................................... 27 
 Financial liabilities related to investments .......................................................................................... 28 
 Fair value measurement .................................................................................................................... 29 
 Financial risk .................................................................................................................................... 30 
 Claims liabilities ............................................................................................................................... 37 
 Unearned premiums ........................................................................................................................ 40 
 Insurance risk .................................................................................................................................. 40 
 Reinsurance ..................................................................................................................................... 43 
 Goodwill and intangible assets ........................................................................................................ 45 
 Investments in associates and joint ventures ................................................................................... 47 
 Property and equipment ................................................................................................................... 47 
 Other assets and other liabilities ...................................................................................................... 48 
 Debt outstanding .............................................................................................................................. 49 
 Common shares and preferred shares ............................................................................................ 50 
 Capital management ........................................................................................................................ 52 
 Net investment income .................................................................................................................... 53 
 Net gains (losses) ............................................................................................................................ 54 
 Income taxes ................................................................................................................................... 55 
 Earnings per share........................................................................................................................... 57 
 Share-based payments .................................................................................................................... 58 
 Employee future benefits ................................................................................................................. 60 
 Segment information ........................................................................................................................ 65 
 Additional information on the Consolidated statements of cash flows.............................................. 67 
 Related-party transactions ............................................................................................................... 67 
 Commitments and contingencies ..................................................................................................... 68 
 Disclosures on rate regulation ......................................................................................................... 68 
 Standards issued but not yet effective ............................................................................................. 69 

2          INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Consolidated balance sheets 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

As at December 31, 

Assets 
Investments 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Debt securities 
Preferred shares  
Common shares 
Loans 
Investments 

Premium receivables 
Reinsurance assets  
Income taxes receivable 
Deferred tax assets 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Other assets 
Investments in associates and joint ventures 
Property and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Goodwill  

Total assets 

Liabilities 
Claims liabilities  
Unearned premiums  
Financial liabilities related to investments 
Income taxes payable 
Deferred tax liabilities  
Other liabilities  
Debt outstanding  

Total liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity 
Common shares  
Preferred shares 
Contributed surplus 
Retained earnings  
Accumulated other comprehensive income  

Available-for-sale securities 
Translation of foreign operations, net of hedges 
Other 

Note 

6 

14 

24 

18 
16 
17 
15 
15 

11 
12 
8 

24 
18 
19 

20 
20 

Restated 
(see Note 5) 
2017 

2018 

 $ 

442  $ 

11,701 
1,165 
3,295 
294 
16,897 

3,358 
864 
88 
141 
903 
841 
600 
170 
2,200 
2,399 

163 
11,229 
1,330 
3,659 
393 
16,774 

3,351 
822 
24 
124 
881 
703 
550 
164 
2,161 
2,284 

28,461  $ 

27,838 

 $ 

 $ 

10,623  $ 
5,412 
289 
15 
239 
1,864 
2,209 

20,651 

2,816 
1,028 
149 
3,776 

(122) 
166 
(3) 

7,810 

10,475 
5,365 
167 
262 
246 
1,619 
2,241 

20,375 

2,816 
783 
128 
3,520 

224 
(10) 
2 

7,463 

27,838 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

 $ 

28,461  $ 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated financial statements. 

On behalf of the Board: 

Charles Brindamour 
Director 

Eileen Mercier 
Director 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
                                                                
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Consolidated statements of income  
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

For the years ended December 31,  

Direct premiums written 
Premiums ceded 

Net premiums written 
Changes in unearned premiums 

Net earned premiums  
Other underwriting revenues 
Investment income 
Interest income 
Dividend income 

Other revenues 

Total revenues  

Net claims incurred  
Underwriting expenses  
Investment expenses 
Net gains (losses) 
Share of profit from investments in associates and joint ventures 
Finance costs  
Integration and restructuring costs  
Other expenses 

Income before income taxes  

Income tax expense 

Net income attributable to shareholders 

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in millions) 
Earnings per common share, basic and diluted (in dollars) 

Dividends paid per common share (in dollars) 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated financial statements. 

Note 

$ 

2018 

10,125 
(393) 

  $ 

9,732 
33 

9,765 
110 

351 
213 
147 

10,586 

(6,340) 
(3,042) 
(35) 
13 
25   
(103) 
(63) 
(155) 

886 

(179) 

 $ 

$ 

$ 

707 

  $ 

139.2 
4.79 

2.80   

 $ 

$ 

22 

11 

23 
16 

24 

25 
25 

20 

2017 

8,748 
(221) 

8,527 
31 

8,558 
108 

275 
194 
158 

9,293 

(5,538) 
(2,605) 
(37) 
69 
16 
(82) 
(57) 
(117) 

942 

(150) 

792 

133.1 
5.75 

2.56 

4           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

For the years ended December 31,  

Note 

2018 

Net income attributable to shareholders 

Other comprehensive income (loss) 

Available-for-sale securities: 
  net changes in unrealized gains (losses) 

income tax benefit (expense) 
reclassification of net losses (gains) 
income tax benefit (expense) 

Cash flow hedges:  
  net changes in unrealized gains (losses) 
reclassification of net losses (gains) 

Foreign exchange gains (losses) on:  

translation of foreign operations 

  net investment hedges 

income tax benefit (expense) 

Other, net of tax 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to net income 

Net actuarial gains (losses) on employee future benefits  

27 

income tax benefit (expense) 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to net income 

Other comprehensive income (loss) 

$ 

707 

  $ 

(408) 
104   
(60)  
18   

(346)  

- 
- 

-   

352 
(176) 
-   

176   

(5) 

(175) 

(25) 
7 

(18) 

(193) 

2017 

792 

295 
(81) 
(251) 
66 

29 

(200) 
200 

- 

- 
(12) 
3 

(9) 

5 

25 

(89) 
24 

(65) 

(40) 

Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders 

$ 

514 

  $ 

752 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated financial statements. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           5 

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Note 

Common 
shares 

Preferred 
shares 

Contributed 
surplus 

Retained 
earnings 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income (loss) 

Balance as at January 1, 2018 

  $ 

2,816  $ 

783  $ 

128  $ 

3,520 

$ 

216  $ 

Net income attributable to shareholders 
Other comprehensive income (loss)  

Total comprehensive income (loss) 

Preferred shares issued 
Dividends declared on: 
  common shares 
  preferred shares 
Share-based payments 

20 

20 
20 
26 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

245 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
21 

707 
(18) 

689 

- 

(390) 
(40) 
(3) 

Balance as at December 31, 2018 

  $ 

2,816  $ 

1,028  $ 

149  $ 

3,776 

Balance as at January 1, 2017 

  $ 

2,082  $ 

489  $ 

129  $ 

3,197 

Net income attributable to shareholders 
Other comprehensive income (loss)  

Total comprehensive income (loss) 

Common shares issued 
Preferred shares issued 
Common shares repurchased for 

cancellation 

Dividends declared on: 
  common shares 
  preferred shares 
Share-based payments 
Acquisition of non-controlling interests 

20 
20 

20 

20 
20 
26 

- 
- 

-   

735 
- 

(1) 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
294 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
(1) 
- 

792 
(65) 

727 

- 
- 

(6) 

(351) 
(27) 
(6) 
(14) 

Total 

7,463 

707 
(193) 

514 

245 

(390) 
(40) 
18 

- 
(175)   

(175)   

- 

- 
- 
- 

$ 

$ 

41  $ 

7,810 

191  $ 

6,088 

- 
25 

25 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

792 
(40) 

752 

735 
294 

(7) 

(351) 
(27) 
(7) 
(14) 

Balance as at December 31, 2017 

  $ 

2,816  $ 

783  $ 

128  $ 

3,520 

$ 

216  $ 

7,463 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated financial statements.

6           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Consolidated statements of cash flows 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

For the years ended December 31,  

Operating activities 
Income before income taxes 
Income taxes received (paid), net 
Contributions to the defined benefit pension plans 
Share-based payments 
Net losses (gains) 
Adjustments for non-cash items  
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities  
Changes in net claims liabilities 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities  

Investing activities 
Business combinations, net of cash acquired 
Proceeds from sale of investments 
Purchases of investments 
Purchases of brokerages and other equity investments, net 
Purchases of intangibles and property and equipment, net  

Net cash flows used in investing activities  

Financing activities 
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of issuance costs 
Amount borrowed (repaid) on the credit facility, net 
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs 
Proceeds from issuance of preferred shares, net of issuance costs  
Common shares repurchased for cancellation 
Common shares repurchased for share-based payments 
Dividends paid on common shares 
Dividends paid on preferred shares 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 
Exchange rate differences on cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

Composition of cash and cash equivalents 

Cash 
Cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

Other relevant cash flow disclosures – operating activities 

Interest paid  
Interest received  
Dividends received  

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated financial statements. 

Note 

2018 

2017 

27 

23 
29 
29 
11 

5 

19 
19 
20 
20 
20 
26 
20 
20 

$ 

$ 

886   
(382)  
(55)  
(4)  
(13)  
294   
112   
(5)  

833   

-   
14,471   
(14,561)  
(78)  
(117)  

(285)  

-   
(60)  
-   
243   
-   
(36)  
(390)  
(40)  

(283)  

265   

163   
14   

$ 

442   

$ 

205   
237   

442   

105   
347   
228   

942 
32 
(60) 
(2) 
(69) 
225 
(201) 
(86) 

781 

(2,139) 
11,058 
(10,582) 
(108) 
(98) 

(1,869) 

422 
60 
731 
292 
(7) 
(37) 
(351) 
(27) 

1,083 

(5) 

168 
- 

163 

114 
49 

163 

84 
277 
207 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Status of the Company 

Intact Financial Corporation (the “Company”), incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act, is domiciled in Canada and 
its shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: IFC). The Company has investments in wholly-owned subsidiaries 
which operate principally in the property and casualty (“P&C”) insurance market and offers specialty insurance products  mainly to 
small  and  midsize  businesses  in  the  United  States.  The  Company,  through  its  operating  subsidiaries,  principally  underwrites 
automobile,  home,  as  well  as  commercial  P&C  contracts  to  individuals  and  businesses.  On  September  28,  2017,  the  Company 
acquired  all  of  the  issued  and  outstanding  shares  of  OneBeacon  Insurance  Group,  Ltd.  (“OneBeacon”),  a  leading  U.S.  specialty 
insurer. Further details of the acquisition are provided in Note 5 – Business combinations. 

These  Consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries.  The  Company’s  significant 
operating subsidiaries are presented in Note 28 – Segment information. 

The registered office of the Company is 700 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada. 

 Summary of significant accounting policies 

Glossary of abbreviations .................................................................................................................................................................. 9 
2.1    Basis of presentation ................................................................................................................................................................ 9 
2.2    Basis of consolidation ............................................................................................................................................................... 9 
2.3    Insurance contracts……………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………… ... 10 
a) Revenue recognition and premium receivables……………………………………………………………………………………. . 10 
b) Claims liabilities……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. .. 11 
c) Reinsurance assets…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 
d) Deferred acquisition costs…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 
e) Liability adequacy test…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11 
2.4    Financial instruments ………………………………………………………………………………………… ................................... 12  
a) Classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities………………………………………………….…. 12 
b) Fair value measurement…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 13 
c) Derivative financial instruments and hedging……………………………………………………………………………………… .. 14 
d) Recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities .......................................................................................................... 15 
e) Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities ............................................................................................................. 15 
f) Revenue and expense recognition.…………………………………………………………………………………….. ................... 16 
g) Impairment of financial assets other than those classified as designated as FVTPL……………………………………………16 
2.5    Business combinations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17 
2.6   Goodwill and intangible assets…………………………………………………………………………………………………..……. 17 
a) Goodwill…………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………… 17 
b) Intangible assets…………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………. 18 
2.7  Foreign currency translation…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. .. 18 
2.8 
Investments in associates and joint ventures…………………………………………………………………………………….… 19 
2.9  Property and equipment………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19 
2.10  Leases……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… .19 
2.11  Income taxes……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… .19 
a) Income tax expense (benefit)………………………………………………………………………………………………………… . 19 
b) Recognition and offsetting of current tax assets and liabilities………………………………………………………………….…  20 
2.12  Share-based payments………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20 
a) Long-term incentive plan…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ............... 20 
b) Employee share purchase plan………………………………………………………………………………………….… ............... 21 
c) Deferred share unit plan ……………………………………………………………………………………………………...... ......... 21 
2.13  Employee future benefits – pension………………………………………………………………… ............................................. 21 
2.14  Current vs non-current………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..… 22 

8           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Glossary of abbreviations 

ABS 

AFS 

AMF 

AOCI 

CAD 

CALs 

CGU 

DB 

DPW 

DSU 

EPS 

ESPP 

FA 

Asset-backed securities 

Available for sale 

IFRS 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

JV 

Joint ventures 

Autorité des marchés financiers 

LAE 

Loss adjustment expenses 

Accumulated other comprehensive income 

LTIP 

Long-term incentive plan 

Canadian Dollar 

Company action levels 

Cash generating unit 

Defined benefits 

Direct premiums written 

Deferred share unit 

MBS  Mortgage-backed securities 

MCT  Minimum capital test 

MYA  Market-yield adjustment 

NCI 

Non-controlling interest 

NEP 

Net earned premiums 

OCI 

Other comprehensive income 

Earnings per share to common shareholders 

OSFI  Office of the Superintendent of Financial 

Institutions  

Employee share purchase plan  

PSU 

Performance stock units 

Facility Association 

RBC 

Risk-based capital 

FVTOCI 

Fair value through other comprehensive income 

ROE 

Return on equity 

FVTPL 

Fair value through profit and loss 

IASB 

IBNR 

International Accounting Standards Board 

Insurance claims incurred but not reported by 
policyholders 

RSP 

RSU 

USD 

Risk sharing pools 

Restricted stock units 

U.S. Dollar 

Basis of presentation 

2.1 
These Consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB. These Consolidated financial 
statements  and  the  accompanying  notes  were  authorized  for  issue  in  accordance  with  a  resolution  of  the  Board  of  Directors  on 
February 5, 2019.  

The key accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Consolidated financial statements are described below. These policies 
have  been  applied  consistently  to  all  periods  presented.  Certain  comparative  figures  have  been  reclassified  to  conform  to  the 
presentation adopted in the current year (see Note 5 – Business combinations for details).  

Basis of consolidation 

2.2 
These Consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Table 2.1 presents the basis of 
consolidation. 

In some cases, voting rights in themselves are not sufficient to assess power or significant influence over the relevant activities of the 
investee or the sharing of control in a joint arrangement. In such cases, judgment is applied through the analysis of management 
agreements, the effectiveness of voting rights, the significance of the benefits to which the Company is exposed and the degree to 
which the Company can use its power to affect its returns from investees. 

Acquisitions or disposals of equity interests in a subsidiary that do not result in the Company obtaining or losing control are treated as 
equity  transactions  and  reported  as  acquisitions  or  disposals  of  NCI  in  the  Consolidated  statements  of  changes  in  shareholders’ 
equity. 

All balances, transactions, income and expenses and profits and losses resulting from intercompany transactions and dividends are 
eliminated on consolidation. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Basis of consolidation 

Investment category 

Subsidiaries 
Entities over which the Company: 

1.  has the power over the relevant activities of the investee; 

2.  is exposed, or has rights to variable returns from its 

involvement with the investee; and 

3.  has the ability to affect those returns through its power over 

the investee. 

Associates 
Entities over which the Company: 

1.  has the power to participate in the decisions over the 

relevant activities of the investee, but 

2.  does not have control. 

Shareholding 

Accounting policies 

Generally, more 
than 50% of voting 
rights 

All subsidiaries are fully consolidated 
from the date control is transferred to the 
Company. 

They are deconsolidated from the date 
control ceases and any gain or loss is 
recognized in Net gains (losses). 

Generally, between 
20% to 50% of      
voting rights 

Equity method 

Note 2.8 for details 

Joint ventures 
Joint arrangements whereby the parties have: 

1.  joint control of the arrangements, requiring unanimous 
consent of the parties sharing control for strategic and 
operating decision making; and  

2.  rights to the net assets of the arrangements. 

Generally, an 
equal percentage 
of voting rights 
from each party to 
the joint 
arrangement 

Equity method 

Note 2.8 for details 

2.3 

Insurance contracts  

Insurance  contracts  are  those  contracts  that  transfer  significant  insurance  risk  at  the  inception  of  the  contract.  Insurance  risk  is 
transferred when the Company agrees to compensate a policyholder on the occurrence of an adverse specified uncertain future event. 
As  a  general  guideline,  the  Company  determines  whether  it  has  significant  insurance  risks,  by  comparing  the  benefits  that  could 
become payable under various possible scenarios relative to the premium received from the policyholder for insuring the risk. 

Revenue recognition and premium receivables 

a) 
Premiums written are reported net of cancellations, promotional returns and sales taxes. Premiums written are recognized on the date 
coverage begins. Premiums written are deferred as Unearned premiums and recognized as NEP (net of reinsurance), on a pro rata 
basis over the terms of the underlying policies, usually 12 months.  

Premium receivables consist of the premiums due for the remaining months of the contracts. 

Other underwriting revenues include:  
• 

fees  collected  from  policyholders  in  connection  with  the  costs  incurred  for  the  Company’s  yearly  billing  plans,  which  are 
recognized over the terms of the underlying policies; and 
fees received for the administration of a portion of the FA policies. 

• 

Other revenues include commission revenues received from external insurance providers by consolidated brokers recognized on an 
accrual basis.  

10           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Claims liabilities 

b) 
Claims liabilities are established to reflect the estimate of the full amount of all liabilities associated with the insurance contracts earned 
at the balance sheet date, including IBNR, that have occurred on or before the balance sheet date. They also include a provision for 
adjustment  expenses  representing  the  estimated  ultimate  expected  costs  of  investigating,  resolving  and  processing  these  claims 
(usually referred to as loss adjustment expenses or LAE).  

Claims  liabilities  are  first  determined  on  a  case-by-case  basis  as  insurance  claims  are  reported.  They  are  reassessed  as  additional 
information becomes known. Claims liabilities are estimated by the appointed actuaries using generally accepted actuarial standard 
techniques and are based on assumptions that represent best estimates of possible outcomes, such as historical loss development 
factors and payment patterns, claims frequency and severity, inflation, reinsurance recoveries, expenses, as well as changes in the 
legal and regulatory environment, taking into consideration the circumstances of the Company and the nature of the insurance policies.  

The ultimate amount of these liabilities will vary from the best estimate made for a variety of reasons, including additional information 
with  respect  to  the  facts  and  circumstances  of  the  insurance  claims  incurred.  Actuaries  are  required  to  include  margins  in  some 
assumptions to recognize the uncertainty in establishing this best estimate, to allow for possible deterioration in experience and to 
provide greater comfort that the actuarial liabilities are sufficient to pay future benefits. 

Claims  liabilities  are  discounted  to  consider  the  time  value  of  money,  using  a  rate  that  reflects  the  estimated  market  yield  of  the 
underlying assets backing these claims liabilities at the reporting date. Anticipated payment patterns are revised from time to time to 
reflect the most recent trends and claims environment. This ensures getting the most accurate and representative market yield-based 
discount rate. 

Claims liabilities are deemed to be settled when the contract expires, is discharged or cancelled. 

Reinsurance assets 

c) 
The Company reports third party reinsurance balances on the Consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis to indicate the extent of 
credit risk related to third party reinsurance. The estimates for the reinsurers’ share of claims liabilities are presented as an asset and 
are  determined  on  a  basis  consistent  with  the  related  claims  liabilities.  Reinsurance  assets  are  reviewed  for  impairment  at  each 
reporting date or more frequently when an indication of impairment arises during the reporting period.  

d) 

Deferred acquisition costs 

Policy  acquisition  costs  incurred  in acquiring  insurance  premiums  include  commissions  and  premium  taxes  directly  related  to  the 
writing  or  renewal  of insurance  policies.  These  acquisition costs  are  deferred  and  amortized  on  the same  basis  as  the  unearned 
premiums and are reported in Underwriting expenses. Deferred acquisition costs are written off when the corresponding contracts are 
settled or cancelled.  

Liability adequacy test 

e) 
At the end of each reporting period, a liability adequacy test is performed to validate the adequacy of unearned premiums and deferred 
acquisition costs. A premium deficiency would exist if unearned premiums were deemed insufficient to cover the estimated future 
costs associated with the unexpired portion of written insurance policies. A premium deficiency would be recognized immediately as 
a reduction of deferred acquisition costs to the extent that unearned premiums plus anticipated investment income are not considered 
adequate to cover for all deferred acquisition costs and related insurance claims and expenses. If the premium deficiency is greater 
than the unamortized deferred acquisition costs, a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency.  

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           11 

 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

2.4 

Financial instruments 

a) 

Classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities 

 Classification of the Company’s most significant financial assets and financial liabilities 

Classification 

Financial 
instruments  Description 

AFS 

Debt 
securities 

Investments  intended  to  be  held  for  an  indefinite  period 
and which may be sold in response to liquidity  needs or 
changes in market conditions. 

Investments neither classified nor designated as FVTPL. 

Common 
shares and 
preferred 
shares 

Initial and subsequent measurement 

Initially measured at fair value using transaction 
prices at the trade date. 

Subsequently  measured  at  fair  value  using  bid 
prices  (except  as  noted  below  for  Level  3 
instruments) at end of period, with changes in fair 
value reported in OCI (when unrealized) or in Net 
gains (losses) when realized or impaired. 

Other 
instruments 

Surplus  notes,  as  well  as  investments  in  mutual  and 
private funds.  

Refer  to  Note  2.4  b)  (Level  3)  hereafter  for 
more details on the fair value measurement. 

Classified as 
FVTPL 

Common 
shares 

Investments  purchased  with  the  intention  of  generating 
profits in the near term. 

Initially measured at fair value using transaction 
prices at the trade date. 

Derivative 
financial 
instruments 

Derivatives used for economic hedging purposes and for 
the purpose of modifying the risk profile of the Company’s 
investment  portfolio  as  long  as  the  resulting  exposures 
are within the investment policy guidelines. 

Embedded 
derivatives 

to 

related 

Embedded  derivatives 
the  Company’s 
perpetual  preferred  shares.  Treated  as  separate 
derivative  financial  instruments  when  their  economic 
characteristics  and  risks  are  not  clearly  and  closely 
related to those of the host instrument. These embedded 
derivatives are presented in Investments, with the related 
perpetual preferred shares, on the Consolidated balance 
sheets. 

Subsequently  measured  at  fair  value  using  bid 
prices  (for  financial  assets)  or  ask  prices  (for 
financial liabilities) at end of period, with changes 
in fair value reported in Net gains (losses). 

The effective portion of cash flow hedges, as well 
as net investment hedges in foreign operations is 
recorded  in  foreign  exchange  gains  (losses)  in 
OCI. 

Designated 
as FVTPL on 
initial 
recognition 

Debt 
securities 
backing its 
claims 
liabilities and 
some 
common 
shares  

A portion of the Company’s investments backing its claims 
liabilities  has  been  voluntarily  designated  as  FVTPL  to 
reduce the volatility caused by fluctuations in fair values 
of underlying claims liabilities due to changes in discount 
rates. To comply with regulatory guidelines, the Company 
ensures 
the  weighted-dollar  duration  of  debt 
securities designated as FVTPL is approximately equal to 
the weighted-dollar duration of claims liabilities. 

that 

Cash and 
cash 
equivalents, 
loans and 
receivables 

Cash and 
cash 
equivalents 

Highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into 
a known amount of cash are subject to an insignificant risk 
of changes in value and have an original maturity of three 
months or less. 

Loans and 
receivables 

Financial assets with fixed or determinable payments not 
quoted in an active market.  

Initially measured at fair value using transaction 
prices at the trade date. 

Subsequently measured at amortized cost using 
the effective interest method, with changes in fair 
value  reported  in  Net  gains  (losses)  when 
realized or impaired. 

12           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Classification 

Financial 
instruments  Description 

Other 
financial 
liabilities 

Debt 
outstanding 

The Company’s Senior and medium-term notes. 

Amount drawn under a credit facility. 

Initial and subsequent measurement 

Initially measured at fair value at the issuance 
date. 

Subsequently measured at amortized cost using 
the effective interest method, with changes in 
fair value reported in Net gains (losses) when 
the liability is extinguished. 

Fair value measurement 

b) 
The fair value of financial instruments on initial recognition is normally the transaction price, being the fair value of the consideration 
given or received. After initial recognition, the fair value of financial instruments is determined based on available information and 
categorized according to a three-level fair value hierarchy. 

 Three-level fair value hierarchy  

Levels 

Description 

Type of financial instruments normally classified as such 

Level 1 

Quoted prices in active 
markets for identical assets or 
liabilities 

•  U.S. Treasuries, Canadian Federal and Canadian Agency housing trust debt 

securities 

•  Common shares and preferred shares 

• 

• 

• 

Investments in mutual funds 

Exchange-traded derivatives 

All Government and Corporate debt securities, except for U.S. Treasuries, 
Canadian Federal and Canadian Agency housing trust 

•  Unsecured medium-term notes and 2012 U.S. Senior Notes 

• 

ABS and MBS 

•  Over-the-counter derivatives 

• 

• 

Loans1  

Embedded derivatives related to perpetual preferred shares with call option  

•  Hedge and private funds 

• 

Surplus notes 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Valuation techniques for 
which all inputs that have a 
significant effect on the fair 
value are observable (either 
directly or indirectly) 

Valuation techniques for 
which inputs that have a 
significant effect on the fair 
value are not based on 
observable market data 

1 Measured at amortized cost with fair value disclosed. 

Level 1 

A financial instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted prices for that financial instrument are readily and regularly 
available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service or regulatory agency and those prices represent actual 
and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. 

Level 2 

Where the fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities cannot be derived from active markets, they are determined using a 
variety of valuation techniques that include the use of discounted cash flow models and/or mathematical models. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

For discounted cash flow models, estimated future cash flows and discount rates are based on current market information and rates 
applicable to financial instruments with similar yields, credit quality and maturity characteristics. 

•  Estimated  future  cash  flows  are  influenced  by  factors  such  as  economic  conditions  (including  country  specific  risks), 

concentrations in specific industries, types of instruments, currencies, market liquidity and financial condition of counterparties. 

•  Discount rates are influenced by risk free interest rates and credit risk. 

The inputs to these models are derived from observable market data where possible. Inputs used in valuations include: 
• 
• 
• 

prevailing market rates for bonds with similar characteristics and risk profiles; 
closing prices of the most recent trade date subject to liquidity adjustments; or 
average brokers’ quotes when trades are too sparse to constitute an active market.  

Level 3 

In limited circumstances, the Company uses input parameters that are not based on observable market data. Non-market observable 
inputs use fair values determined in whole or in part using a valuation technique or model based on assumptions that are neither 
supported by prices from observable current market transactions for the same instrument nor based on available market data. In these 
cases, judgment is required to establish fair values. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value 
of financial instruments. 

• 

Loans – The fair value of loans is determined using a valuation technique based on the income approach. Future inflows of 
principal  and  interest  are  discounted  using  a  pre-tax  risk-free  rate  from  the  Government  of  Canada  bonds  curve  plus  a  risk 
premium that is based on the credit risk to which the Company would be exposed from the borrowers. The Company ensures 
that the discount rate is consistent with borrowing rates on similar loans issued by financial institutions. The Company receives 
guarantees for loans. 

•  Embedded  derivatives  related  to  perpetual  preferred  shares  call  options  –  The  fair  value  of  the  Company’s  perpetual 
preferred shares call options (which give the issuer the right to redeem the shares at a particular price) has to be measured 
separately  from  preferred  shares  and  accounted  for  as  an  embedded  derivative.  To  determine  the  fair  value  of  embedded 
derivatives, the Company uses a valuation technique based on the implied volatility of underlying preferred shares. The implied 
volatility is an unobservable parameter that is calculated using an internally developed valuation model, which can be significantly 
affected by market conditions. Judgment is also required to determine the time period over which the volatility is measured. 

•  Hedge funds and private funds – Hedge funds and private funds are measured at fair value  for which the net assets value 
(‘’NAV’’) is generally the practical expedient.  The Company employs several procedures to assess the reasonableness of the 
NAV reported by the fund, including obtaining and reviewing periodic and audited financial statements and discussing each fund’s 
pricing with the fund manager throughout the year. In the event, the Company believes that its estimate of the NAV differs from 
that  reported  by  the  fund  due  to  the  illiquidity  or  other  factors,  the  Company  will  adjust  the  fund’s  reported  NAV  to  more 
appropriately represent the fair value of its interest in the investment. 

•  Surplus notes – The fair value of the surplus notes is based on a discounted expected cash flow model using information as of 
the measurement  date.  The  estimated  fair  value is  sensitive  to  changes in public  debt credit spreads, as  well  as  changes in 
estimates with respect to other variables. These variables include a discount to reflect the lack of liquidity due to its private nature, 
the credit quality, as well as the timing, amount and likelihood of interest and principal payments on the notes which are subject 
to regulatory approval. 

Derivative financial instruments and hedging 

c) 
The Company enters a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure arising from financial  assets and financial 
liabilities.  Derivative  financial  instruments  are  financial  contracts  whose  value  is  derived  from  an  underlying  interest  rate,  foreign 
exchange rate, equity or commodity instrument or index. The Company uses derivatives for economic hedging purposes and for the 
purpose of modifying the risk profile of the Company’s investment portfolio as long as the resulting exposures are within the investment 
policy  guidelines.  In  certain  circumstances,  these  hedges  also  meet  the  requirements  for  hedge  accounting.  Risk  management 
strategies eligible for hedge accounting have been designated as cash flow hedges or net investment hedges in a foreign operation. 

14           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Derivatives are initially measured at fair value at the trade date and subsequently remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting 
date. Derivative financial instruments with a positive fair value are recorded as assets while derivative financial instruments with a 
negative fair value are recorded as liabilities. Changes in fair value are recorded in Net gains (losses) unless the derivative financial 
instruments are part of a qualified hedging relationship, as described below. 

•  Net investment hedges 

The Company uses foreign currency derivatives to manage its book value exposure to the USD relative to the CAD. The effective 
portion of gains or losses on hedging derivatives, together with foreign exchange translation gains or losses on foreign operations, 
is recorded in Foreign exchange gains (losses) in OCI. 

•  Cash flow hedges 

The Company  has used foreign currency  derivatives to hedge the  OneBeacon  purchase price exposure to fluctuations in the 
CAD/USD  exchange  rate.  The  effective  portion  of  the  change  in  the  fair  value  of  the  hedging  derivative,  net  of  taxes,  was 
recognized in OCI. The Company has elected to reclassify net losses accumulated in OCI at the time of closing to the acquisition 
cost of its investment in OneBeacon. 

Where  the  Company  has  elected  to  apply  hedge  accounting,  a  hedging  relationship  is  designated  and  documented  at  inception. 
Hedge effectiveness  is  evaluated  at  inception  and  throughout  the  term  of  the  hedge.  Hedge  accounting is only  applied  when  the 
Company expects that the hedging relationship will be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or changes in cash 
flows attributable to the risk being hedged.  

Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when it is determined that the hedging instrument is no longer effective as a hedge, 
the hedging instrument is terminated or sold, or upon the sale or early termination of the hedged item. 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting 
Certain derivative instruments, while providing effective economic hedges, are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. 
Changes in the fair value of such derivatives are recognized in Net gains (losses). See Note 7 – Derivative financial instruments 
for details. 

Recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities 

d) 
Refer to Table 2.2 for the initial recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. Financial assets are no longer recorded 
when the rights to receive cash flows from the instruments have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. Financial liabilities are no longer recorded when they have expired or have been 
cancelled. 

Securities lending - Financial assets lent by the Company in the course of securities lending operations remain on the Consolidated 
balance sheet because the Company has not substantially transferred the risks and rewards related to the lent assets. 

Structured settlements - The Company enters into annuity agreements with various Canadian life insurance companies to provide 
for fixed and recurring payments to claimants.  

•  When  the  annuity  agreements  are  non-commutable,  non-assignable  and  non-transferable,  the  Company  is  released  by  the 
claimant  for  the  settlement  of  the  claim  amount.  As  a  result,  the  liability  to  its  claimants  is  substantially  discharged  and  the 
Company removes that liability from its Consolidated balance sheet. However, the Company remains exposed to the credit risk 
that life insurers may fail to fulfill their obligations. 

•  When the annuity agreements are commutable, assignable or transferable, the Company keeps the liability and the corresponding 

asset on its financial statements. 

e) 

Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset, and the net amount is reported on the Consolidated balance sheets only when there 
is: 
• 
• 

a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts; and 
an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Revenue and expense recognition 

f) 
Net investment income 
• 
•  Premiums and discounts on debt securities classified as AFS, as well as premiums earned, or discounts incurred for loans and 

Interest income from debt securities and loans is recognized on an accrual basis. 

AFS securities are amortized using the effective interest method.  

•  Dividends are recognized when the shareholders’ right to receive payment is established, which is the ex-dividend date. 

Net gains (losses) 
•  Gains and losses on the sale of AFS debt and equity securities are generally calculated on a first in, first out basis, except for 

• 

• 
• 

certain equity strategies.  
Transaction costs associated with the acquisition of financial instruments classified or designated as  FVTPL are expensed as 
incurred; otherwise, transaction costs are capitalized on initial recognition and amortized using the effective interest method. 
Transaction costs incurred at the time of disposition of a financial instrument are expensed as incurred. 
If a business combination is achieved in stages, any previously held equity interest is remeasured as at its acquisition date fair 
value and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in income. 

Impairment of financial assets other than those classified or designated as FVTPL 

g) 
The Company determines, at each balance sheet date, whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial 
assets, other than those classified or designated as FVTPL, are impaired. Those financial assets are impaired according to either a 
debt,  equity,  or  loans  and  receivables  impairment  model.  The  appropriate  impairment  model  is  determined  based  on  the 
characteristics of each instrument, the capacity of the issuer to pay dividends or interest and the Company’s intention to either hold 
the preferred shares for the long term or sell them. Objective evidence of impairment includes: 

Debt impairment model 

•  One or more loss events (a payment default for example) that occurred after initial recognition and that has an impact on the 

estimated future cash flows of the financial asset. 
Increased probability that the future cash flows will not be recovered based on counterparty credit rating considerations. 

• 

Equity impairment model 

•  A significant, a prolonged, or a significant and prolonged decline in the fair value of an investment below cost. 
• 

Information about significant changes with an adverse effect that have taken place in the technological, market, economic or 
legal environment in which an issuer operates, indicating that the cost of an equity instrument may not be recovered. 

 Objective evidence of impairment for equity impairment model 

Unrealized loss position 

Common shares 

Significant 

Prolonged 

Unrealized loss of 50% or more 

Unrealized loss for 15 consecutive months or more 

Significant and prolonged 

Unrealized loss for 9 consecutive months or more and unrealized loss of 25% 

16           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Loans and receivables impairment model 

A payment default or when there are objective indications that the counterparty will not honour its obligations.  

The following table summarizes the measurement and recognition of impairment losses. 

 Impairment models 

Debt 
 •  Debt securities 

Equity 

Loans and receivables 

•  Common shares 

• 

Loans and receivables: 

n
o
i
t
a
c

i
l

p
p
A

• 

• 

Preferred shares redeemable 
at the option of the holder 

• 

Perpetual preferred shares 
purchased with the intent of 
holding for the long-term1 

Perpetual preferred shares 
not impaired using the debt 
impairment model1 

   Significant (tested individually) 

   Otherwise (grouped by similar 
characteristics for testing) 

s
s
o
L

-
e
r
u
s
a
e
m

t
n
e
m

  Difference between amortized cost 

and current fair value less any 
unrealized loss on that security 
previously recognized 

Difference between acquisition 
cost and current fair value less 
any impairment loss on that 
security previously recognized 

Difference between amortized cost and the present 
value of the estimated future cash flows 

d
e
t
r
o
p
e
R

r
i
a
f

t
n
e
u
q
e
s
b
u
S

Impairment loss removed from OCI and recognized in Net gains 
(losses) 

Impairment loss recognized in Net gains (losses) 

s
s
o

l

    Recognized in Net gains (losses) 
s
e
when there is observable positive 
s
a
development on the original 
e
r
impairment loss event. Otherwise, 
c
n
recognized in OCI 

i

e
u
a
v

l

Recognized directly in OCI  

Impairment losses are not 
reversed 

Provision can be reversed when the event that gave 
rise to its initial recognition subsequently disappears 

Recognized in Net gains (losses) when there has 
been a change in the estimates used to determine 
the asset’s recoverable amount since the last 
impairment loss was recognized 

1 Since the business model of the Company is to purchase preferred shares for the purpose of earning dividend income, with the intent of holding them 

for the long-term, virtually all preferred shares are assessed for impairment using a debt impairment model. 

2.5 

Business combinations 

Business  combinations  are  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition  method.  The  purchase  consideration  is  measured  at  fair  value  at 
acquisition date. At that date, the identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities assumed are estimated at their fair value. Acquisition-
related costs are expensed as incurred. When the Company acquires a business, it assesses financial assets acquired and financial 
liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual term, economic circumstances 
and relevant conditions at the acquisition date.  

2.6 

Goodwill and intangible assets 

a) 

Goodwill 

Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred over the Company’s share in 
the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. After initial recognition, goodwill is measured 
at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.  

Goodwill is allocated to CGUs, or groups of CGUs, that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which they arose. 
Impairment testing is performed at least annually, on June 30, or more frequently if there are objective indicators of impairment, by 
comparing the recoverable amount of a CGU with its carrying amount. Impairment testing is undertaken at the lowest level at which 
goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, which corresponds to the Company’s operating segments. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Upon  disposal  of  a  portion  of  a  CGU,  the  carrying  amount  of  goodwill  related  to  the  portion  of  the  CGU  sold  is  included  in  the 
determination of gains and losses on disposal. The carrying amount is determined based on the relative fair value of the disposed 
portion to the total CGU.  

Intangible assets 

b) 
The  Company’s  intangible  assets  consist  of  distribution  networks,  trade  names,  customer  relationships  and  internally  developed 
software. 

•  Distribution networks represent the contractual agreements between the Company and unconsolidated brokers for the distribution 

of its insurance products.  

•  Customer relationships represent the relationships that exist with the policyholders, either directly (as a direct insurer) or indirectly 

(through consolidated brokers). 

Intangible assets are initially measured at cost, except for intangible assets acquired in a business combination which are recorded 
at fair value as at the date of acquisition. 

The  useful  lives  of  intangible  assets  are  assessed  to  be  either  finite  or  indefinite.  For  each  distribution  network  acquired,  that 
assessment depends on the nature of the distribution network. When the related cash flows are expected to continue indefinitely, 
intangible assets are assessed as having an indefinite useful life. 

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication 
that the intangible asset may be impaired. Intangible assets with indefinite lives, as well as those intangible assets that are under 
development, are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment on an annual basis.  

The amortization method and terms of intangible assets assessed as having finite useful lives are shown below. 

 Amortization methods and terms of intangible assets – finite useful life 

Intangible assets 
Distribution networks 

Customer relationships 

Internally developed software 

Method 
Straight-line 

Straight-line 

Straight-line 

Term 
20 to 25 years 
10 years 

3 to 10 years  

Amortization of intangible assets is included in Other expenses in the Consolidated statements of income. 

Foreign currency translation 

2.7 
The  Consolidated  financial  statements  are  presented  in  Canadian  dollars,  which  is  the  Company’s  presentation  currency.  The 
functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which an entity operates. The functional currency of most 
foreign subsidiaries is their local currency, mainly the USD. 

Foreign currency transactions 
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency of the related entity using the exchange 
rates in effect at the date of the transaction. 

•  Monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  translated  using  the  closing  exchange  rates.  Any 

resulting exchange difference is recognized in income. 

•  Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and measured at historical cost are translated using 
historical exchange rates, and those measured at fair value are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the date the 
fair value is determined. 

•  Revenues and expenses are translated using the average exchange rates for the period or the exchange rate at the date of 

the transaction for significant items. 

•  Net foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in income except for AFS equity securities where unrealized foreign 

exchange gains and losses are recognized in OCI until the asset is sold or becomes impaired. 

18           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Foreign operations 

•  Assets and liabilities of foreign operations whose  functional currency is other than the Canadian dollar are translated into 

Canadian dollars using closing exchange rates. 

•  Revenues and expenses, as well as cash flows, are translated using the average exchange rates for the period. 
• 

Translation  gains  or  losses  are  recognized  in  OCI  and  are  reclassified  to  income  on  disposal  or  partial  disposal  of  the 
investment in the related foreign operation. 

The exchange rates used in the preparation of the Consolidated financial statements were as follows: 

 Exchange rates used  

USD vs CAD 

As at December 31, 

Average rate for the years 

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017 

1.36490 

1.25730 

1.29618 

1.29832 

2.8 

Investments in associates and joint ventures 

The Company’s investments in associates and joint ventures are initially recorded at the amount of consideration paid, which includes 
the  fair  value  of  tangible  assets,  intangible  assets  and  goodwill  identified  on  acquisition,  plus  post-acquisition  changes  in  the 
Company’s share of their net assets. They are subsequently measured using the equity method. 

The Company’s profit or loss from such investments is shown in Share of profit from investments in associates and joint ventures and 
reflects the after-tax share of the results of operations of the associates and joint ventures. The Company determines at each reporting 
date whether there is any objective evidence that investments in associates and joint ventures are impaired. 

Property and equipment 

2.9 
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation terms are established to depreciate the cost 
of the assets over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation methods and terms are shown below. 

 Depreciation methods and terms of property and equipment 

Property and equipment 
Buildings 

Furniture and equipment 

Leasehold improvements 

Finance leases 

Method 
Straight-line 

Straight-line 

Straight-line 

Straight-line 

Term 
15 to 40 years 

2 to 7 years 

Over the terms of related leases 

Over the terms of related leases 

2.10  Leases 
Leases which do not transfer to the Company substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased items are 
operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and reported in 
underwriting expenses. Refer to Note 33.2 – Leases for more details on the IFRS 16 – Leases standard effective January 1, 2019. 

2.11 

Income taxes 

Income tax expense (benefit) 

a) 
Income tax is recognized in Net income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in OCI, or directly in equity where it is 
recognized in OCI or equity. Income tax expense (benefit) comprises current and deferred tax. 

•  Current income tax is based on current year’s results of operations, adjusted for items that are not taxable or not deductible. 
Current income tax is calculated based on income tax laws and rates enacted or substantively enacted as at the balance sheet 
date.  Management  periodically  evaluates  positions  taken  in  tax  returns  with  respect  to  situations  in  which  applicable  tax 
regulations are subject to interpretation and provisions are established where appropriate based on amounts expected to be paid 
to the tax authorities. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

•  Deferred income tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and 
liabilities and their respective tax  values. Deferred tax is calculated using income tax laws and rates enacted or substantively 
enacted as at the balance sheet date, which are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realized, or the deferred 
tax liability is settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences as well as unused tax losses 
and tax credits to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the losses can be utilized. For 
each entity for which there is a history of tax losses, deferred tax assets are only recognized in excess of deferred tax liabilities if 
there is convincing evidence that future profit will be available. 

b) 

Recognition and offsetting of current tax assets and liabilities 

For each legal entity consolidated, current tax assets and liabilities are offset when they relate to the same taxation authority, which 
allows the legal entity to receive or make one single net payment, and when it intends to settle the outstanding balances on a net 
basis. Upon consolidation, a current tax asset of one entity is offset against a current tax liability of another entity if, and only if, entities 
concerned have a legally enforceable right to make or receive a single net payment and entities intend to make or receive such net 
payment or to recover the asset or settle the liability simultaneously. 

2.12  Share-based payments 

The Company has three types of shared-based payment plans: 

a) 

Long-term incentive plan 

Certain key employees are eligible to participate in the LTIP. Participants are awarded notional share units referred to as PSUs and 
RSUs. The PSU payout is subject to the achievement of specific targets with regards to: 

• 
• 
• 

the Company’s estimated ROE outperformance versus the Canadian P&C industry, based on a three-year average; or 
the three-year average combined ratio of the U.S. operations compared to a specific target; or 
a combination of both. 

Most RSUs automatically vest three years from the year of the grant. Vesting for RSUs is not linked to the Company’s performance.  

RSUs and PSUs - Subject to the Company’s Board of Directors’ approval, certain participants can receive cash in lieu of shares of 
the Company: 

• 
• 

based on the plan structure; or  
if they meet a defined share ownership threshold (“eligible participants”) and elect to receive cash. 

At the time of the payout, the plan administrator purchases in the market the number of common shares based upon the vested PSUs 
and RSUs, and elections of eligible participants.  

The awards are estimated and valued at fair value at grant date, which corresponds to the average share price of the Company over 
the last quarter of the preceding year. 

The LTIP is accounted for as an equity-settled plan, except for the participants that are eligible to receive cash in lieu of shares of the 
Company (accounted for as a cash-settled plan). 

Equity-settled plan 

The cost of the awards is recognized as an expense over the vesting period, with a corresponding entry to Contributed surplus. The 
value of each award is not revalued subsequently, but the Company re-estimates the number of awards that are expected to vest at 
each reporting period. The difference between the market price of the shares purchased and the cumulative cost for the Company of 
these vested units, net of income taxes, is recorded in Retained earnings. 

Cash-settled plan 

The cost of the awards is recognized as an expense over the vesting period, with a corresponding entry to Other liabilities. The liability 
is remeasured at each reporting period based on the number of awards that are expected to vest and the current share price, with 
any fluctuations in the liability also recorded as an expense until it is settled.  

20           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

b) 

Employee share purchase plan 

Employees who are not eligible for the LTIP are entitled to make contributions to a voluntary ESPP. Eligible employees can contribute 
up to 10% of their annual base salary through a payroll deduction to purchase IFC common shares in the market. As an incentive to 
participate in  the plan  the  Company  matches, at  the  end  of  each  year,  a number of shares  equal  to  50%  of  the  common shares 
purchased by the employees during the year (subject to certain conditions). During the following year, the common shares contributed 
by the Company are purchased by an independent broker at each pay period and deposited in the employee account evenly each 
pay.  The  common  shares  contributed  by  the  Company  are  awarded  and  vested  at  the  time  they  are  deposited  in  the  employee 
account.  

Equity-settled plan 

The fair value of awards is estimated at the grant date and is not revalued subsequently, but the Company re-estimates the number 
of awards that are expected to vest at each reporting period. The cost of awards is recognized as an expense over the vesting period, 
with a corresponding entry to Contributed surplus. The difference between the market price of the common shares purchased and the 
cumulative cost for the Company of these vested awards, net of income taxes, is recorded in Retained earnings. 

c) 

Deferred share unit plan 

Non-employee directors of the Company are eligible to participate in the Company’s DSU plan. A portion of the remuneration of non-
employee  directors  of  the  Company  must  be  received  in  DSUs  or  common  shares  of  the  Company.  For  the  remainder  of  their 
compensation, the directors are given the choice of cash, common shares of the Company, DSUs or a combination of the three. Both 
DSUs and common shares vest at the time of the grant. The DSUs are redeemed upon director  retirement or termination and are 
settled for cash afterwards. When directors elect to receive shares, the Company makes instalments to the plan administrator for the 
purchase of shares of the Company on behalf of the directors. 

Cash-settled plan 

The DSUs are cash-settled awards which are expensed at the time of granting with a corresponding financial liability reported in Other 
liabilities. This liability is remeasured at each reporting date based on the current share price, with any fluctuations in the liability also 
recorded as an expense until it is settled.  

2.13  Employee future benefits – pension 
The actuarial determination of the DB obligation uses the projected unit credit method and management’s best estimate assumptions.  

DB pension expense 

Cost recognized in Net income in the current period includes: 
• 

service cost: benefits cost provided in exchange for employees’ services rendered during the year (current service cost) or prior 
years (past service cost);  
net interest expense: change in the DB obligation and the plan assets resulting from the passage of time; and 
administrative expenses paid from the pension assets. 

• 
• 

The discount rate methodology used to determine the DB expense is determined with reference to the yields on high quality corporate 
bonds with durations that match the various components of the DB expense. 

Remeasurement of net DB liability (asset) 

The rate used to discount the DB obligation is determined by reference to market yields on high quality corporate bonds with cash 
flows that match the timing and amount of expected benefit payments, determined at the end of each reporting period. 

Remeasurements are recognized directly in OCI in the period in which they occur and include: 
• 

return on plan assets, which represents the difference between the  actual return on plan assets and the  return based on the 
discount rate determined using high quality corporate bonds; 
actuarial gains and losses arising from plan experience; and 
changes in actuarial methods and assumptions, such as discount rate used to discount the DB obligation. 

• 
• 

Such  remeasurements  are  also  immediately  reclassified  to  Retained  earnings  as  they  will  not  be  reclassified  to  Net  income  in 
subsequent periods. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           21 

 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

2.14  Current vs non-current 
In  line  with  industry  practice  for  insurance  companies,  the  Company’s  balance  sheets  are  not  presented  using  current  and  
non-current  classifications  but  are  rather  presented  broadly  in  order  of  liquidity.  Most  of  the  Company’s  assets  and  liabilities  are 
considered current given they are expected to be realized or settled within the Company’s normal operating cycle. All other assets 
and liabilities are considered as non-current and generally include: Investments in associates and joint ventures, Deferred tax assets, 
Property and equipment, Intangible assets, Goodwill, Deferred tax liabilities and Debt outstanding. 

 Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to use judgments, estimates and assumptions 
that can have a significant impact on the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as 
at the balance sheet date, as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could 
differ significantly from these estimates. 

The key estimates and assumptions that have a risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying value of certain assets and 
liabilities are as follows:  

Description 

Business combinations 

Valuation of claims liabilities  

Reference 

Description 

Note 5.2 

Impairment of financial assets 

Note 11.3 

Measurement of income taxes 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

Note 15.2 

Valuation of DB obligation 

Reference 

Note 23.2 

Note 24.3 

Note 27.6 

22           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Adoption of new accounting standards 

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the following new standards and amendments to existing standards: 

4.1 

Amendments to IFRS 4 – Insurance Contracts for the application of IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments 

The Company has adopted the amendments to IFRS 4 – Insurance Contracts (“IFRS 4”) that address concerns of insurers about the 
different  effective  dates  for  IFRS 9  –  Financial  Instruments  (“IFRS  9”)  and  IFRS  17  –  Insurance  Contracts  (“IFRS  17”),  the  new 
insurance contracts standard. The amendments allow insurance entities to elect one of the two following approaches. 

• 

• 

The deferral approach provides entities whose predominant activities are to issue contracts within the scope of IFRS 4, a 
temporary exemption to continue using IAS 39 – Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (“IAS 39”), instead of 
IFRS 9 until January 1, 2021. 
The overlay approach can be applied to eligible financial assets and provides an option for all issuers of insurance contracts 
to reclassify from profit or loss to OCI any additional accounting volatility that may arise from applying IFRS 9 before the new 
insurance contracts standard.  

The  Company  has  opted  for  the  deferral  approach  and  performed  an  assessment  as  at  September  30,  2017,  considering 
OneBeacon’s  acquisition  (see  Note  5  –  Business combinations).  The  Company  concluded  that  its activities  are  predominantly 
connected with insurance, since the percentage of liabilities connected with insurance contracts over total liabilities is above the 80% 
threshold. This assessment is only updated if significant changes to activities of an entity occur. 

Therefore, the Company will continue to apply IAS 39 to its financial instruments until January 1, 2021. In November 2018, the IASB 
tentatively  decided  that  the  mandatory  effective  date  of  IFRS  17  should  be  deferred  by  one  year  (see  Note  33.3  –  Insurance 
contracts) and consequently, the fixed expiry date for the temporary exemption in IFRS 4 should be amended to annual periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2022, subject to public consultation. 

Nevertheless, in the interim, the Company is required to present additional disclosure related to the classification and fair value of 
financial assets as well as their credit rating. 

Disclosure 

Reference 

Classification and fair value of financial assets 

Note 6.2 – Carrying value of investments 

Credit rating of financial assets 

Note 10.4 b) – Credit risk (credit quality) 

Refer to Note 33.1 – Standards issued but not yet effective (Financial instruments) for more details on IFRS 9  – Financial 
instruments. 

IFRS 15 – Revenue from contracts with customers 

4.2 
The Company has adopted the new IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”). The standard supersedes IAS 18 
– Revenue, IAS 11 – Construction Contracts, and a number of revenue-related interpretations. This new standard specifies how and 
when to recognize revenue and additional relevant disclosure requirements. IFRS 15 applies to nearly all contracts with customers, 
except for insurance contracts, financial instruments and leases.  

IFRS 15 only applies to the Company’s Other revenues and its adoption had no impact on the Consolidated financial statements. 

4.3 

Income tax consequences of payments on financial instruments classified as equity 

In December 2017, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 12 – Income Taxes (“IAS 12”) to clarify that an entity should account for the 
income tax on dividends in Net income, OCI or equity, according to where the entity originally recognized the past transactions that 
allowed for having the cash flows to declare a dividend.  

The amendments apply to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier application permitted. The Company 
early adopted the amendments to IAS 12 and there was no significant impact.   

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Business combinations 

OneBeacon 

5.1 
On  September  28,  2017,  the  Company  completed  the  acquisition  of  OneBeacon,  a  leading  U.S.  specialty  insurer,  for  a  cash 
consideration  of  US$1.7  billion  ($2.3  billion).  OneBeacon  became  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  the  Company  and  the  results  of 
operations are included in the Consolidated financial statements from that date.  

The  following  table summarizes  the  consideration  paid  for OneBeacon,  and  the  amounts  recognized  for  the assets  acquired  and 
liabilities assumed (determined in accordance with IFRS) as at the acquisition date. As required by IFRS 3 – Business Combinations, 
the provisional fair values have been reassessed considering new information obtained during the measurement period following the 
acquisition and the purchase price allocation is now final. 

 Business combination – OneBeacon 

As at acquisition date 

Purchase price 

Cash consideration paid 
Purchase price hedge 

Total purchase price 

Fair value of assets acquired, and liabilities assumed 
     Investments1 

Premium receivables 
Reinsurance assets 

     Distribution networks and other intangibles  

Other assets 
Claims liabilities 
Unearned premiums  
Deferred tax liabilities 
Debt outstanding 
Other liabilities  

Total identifiable net assets 

Goodwill 

Exchange rate (CAD/USD) as at the acquisition date 

1 Included net cash acquired of US$151 million. 

  Final assessment of fair value 
CAD 

USD 

1,702 
- 

1,702 

2,706 
275 
287 
626 
328 
(1,628) 
(650) 
(18) 
(292) 
(431) 

1,203 

499 

2,128 
200 

2,328 

3,383 
343 
358 
782 
410 
(2,036) 
(813) 
(21) 
(364) 
(538) 

1,504 

824 

1.25030 

During the third quarter of 2018, a measurement  period adjustment was made which resulted in a decrease to  the Surplus notes 
reported in Other assets of US$51 million ($64 million), a decrease to Deferred tax  liabilities of US$18 million ($22 million) and a 
resulting  increase  to  Goodwill  of  US$33  million  ($42  million).  The  2017  comparative  balance  sheet  was  restated  to  reflect  these 
adjustments to the provisional amounts.  

The fair value of the acquired distribution networks, trade names and other intangible assets are based on a discounted cash flow 
analysis. The distribution networks are amortized over a 20-year period. The fair value of the claims liabilities reflected the impact of 
discounting and risk margin. Goodwill reflects the quality of the acquired business and the synergies expected following the integration 
of OneBeacon. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.  

The  integration  costs  in  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  OneBeacon  are  reported  in  Integration  and  restructuring  costs  in  the 
Consolidated statements of income.  

The Company has hedged the purchase price and book value exposure associated with CAD/USD exchange rate fluctuations.  

Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions  

5.2 
Upon initial  recognition,  the  acquiree’s assets  and liabilities  have been  included  in  the  Consolidated  balance  sheets  at  fair  value. 
Management  estimated  the  fair  values  using  estimates  on  future  cash  flows  and  discount  rates.  However,  actual  results  can  be 
different from those estimates. The changes in the estimates that relate to new information obtained about facts and circumstances 
that existed as of the acquisition date, made at initial recognition regarding items for which the valuation was incomplete, would have 
an impact on the amount of goodwill recognized. Any other changes in the estimates made at initial recognition would be recognized 
in income.  

24           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Investments 

6.1 

Classification of investments 

 Classification of investments 

As at 

December 31, 2018 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Short-term notes 
Fixed income  

Investment grade 
  Government 
  Corporate 
  Asset-backed1 
  Mortgage-backed 

  Agency2 
  Non-agency 

  Non-rated 

Debt securities 
Investment grade 
  Retractable 
  Fixed-rate perpetual 
  Other perpetual 

Preferred shares 
Common shares 
Loans 

December 31, 2017 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Short-term notes 
Fixed income  

Investment grade 
  Government 
  Corporate 
  Asset-backed1 
  Mortgage-backed 

  Agency2 
  Non-agency 
  Below investment grade 

  Corporate 
  Mortgage backed – non-agency 

  Non-rated3 
Debt securities 
Investment grade 
  Retractable 
  Fixed-rate perpetual 
  Other perpetual 
Preferred shares 
Common shares 
Loans 

Fair value 

Classified  
as FVTPL 

Designated 
as FVTPL 

Amortized cost 
Cash and cash 
equivalents and 
loans 

Total 
carrying 
amount 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
123 
- 
123 

- 
97 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

99 
- 
- 
196 

- 
- 
- 
- 
357 
- 
553 

- 
- 

2,899 
2,240 
184 

387 
314 
- 

6,024 

- 
- 
- 

- 
856 
- 
6,880 

- 
- 

3,432 
2,368 
487 

250 
218 

18 
7 
32 
6,812 

- 
- 
- 
- 
1,030 
- 
7,842 

442 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
294 
736 

163 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
393 
556 

442 
19 

5,147 
4,420 
689 

569 
687 
170 

11,701 

31 
256 
878 

1,165 
3,295 
294 
16,897 

163 
217 

5,207 
3,873 
987 

340 
327 

117 
7 
154 
11,229 

24 
271 
1,035 
1,330 
3,659 
393 
16,774 

AFS 

- 
19 

2,248 
2,180 
505 

182 
373 
170 

5,677 

31 
256 
878 

1,165 
2,316 
- 
9,158 

- 
120 

1,775 
1,505 
500 

90 
109 

- 
- 
122 
4,221 

24 
271 
1,035 
1,330 
2,272 
- 
7,823 

1 Credit card receivables and auto loans. 
2 Publicly traded MBS which carry the full faith and credit guarantee of the U.S. Government or are guaranteed by a government sponsored entity. 
3 Included $40 million of MBS as at December 31, 2017 (nil as at December 31, 2018).  

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The Company uses data from various rating agencies to rate debt securities and preferred shares. When there are two ratings for the 
same instrument, the Company uses the lower of the two. When there are three ratings for the same instrument, the Company uses 
the median. Debt securities with a rating equal to or above 'BBB-' are classified as investment grade. Preferred shares with a rating 
equal to or above 'P3L' are classified as investment grade.  

6.2 

Carrying value of investments 

 Carrying value of investments 

As at 

December 31, 2018 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Debt securities  
Preferred shares 
Common shares 
Loans  

December 31, 2017 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Debt securities  
Preferred shares 
Common shares 
Loans  

FVTPL 
investments 
Carrying 
value 

Amortized 
cost 

Unrealized 
gains 

Unrealized 
losses 

Other 
investments 
Carrying 
value 

Total 
investments 
Carrying 
value 

- 
6,024 
- 
979 
- 

7,003 

- 
7,008 
- 
1,387 
- 

8,395 

442 
5,660 
1,248 
2,401 
294 

10,045 

163 
4,199 
1,287 
2,060 
393 

8,102 

- 
44 
23 
136 
- 

203 

- 
43 
71 
263 
- 

377 

- 
(27) 
(106) 
(221) 
- 

(354) 

- 
(21) 
(28) 
(51) 
- 

(100) 

442 
5,677 
1,165 
2,316 
294 

9,894 

163 
4,221 
1,330 
2,272 
393 

8,379 

442 
11,701 
1,165 
3,295 
294 

16,897 

163 
11,229 
1,330 
3,659 
393 

16,774 

The Company is currently assessing the cash flow characteristics test (solely payments of principal and interest or “SPPI” test). Based 
on its preliminary assessment, most of the debt securities would pass the SPPI test. The composition of debt securities may change 
significantly by the time IFRS 9 is adopted, which is expected to be on January 1, 2022. 

6.3  Market neutral equity investment strategy 

 Market neutral equity investment strategy 

As at December 31, 

2018 

2017 

Fair value 

Collateral 

Fair value 

Collateral 

Long positions – reported in Common shares 
Short positions – reported in Financial liabilities related to 

investments (Table 8.1) 

104 

(105) 

- 

(105) 

121 

(122) 

- 

126 

Securities lending 

6.4 
The  Company  participates  in  a  securities  lending  program  to  generate  fee  income.  This  program  is  managed  by  the  Company’s 
custodian, a major Canadian financial institution. The Company lends securities it owns to other financial institutions to allow them to 
meet their delivery commitments. Collateral, mainly consisting of government securities, is provided by the counterparty and held in 
trust by the custodian for the benefit of the Company until the underlying security has been returned to the Company. The collateral 
cannot  be  sold  or  re-pledged  externally  by  the  Company,  unless  the  counterparty  defaults  on  its  financial  obligations.  Additional 
collateral is obtained or refunded daily as the market value of underlying loaned securities fluctuates. 

 Securities lending 

As at December 31, 

2018 

2017 

Fair value 

Collateral1 

Fair value 

Collateral1 

Loaned securities – reported in Investments 
1 Representing approximately 105% of the fair value of the securities loaned as at December 31, 2018 and 2017. 

1,215 

1,155 

1,087 

1,144 

26           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Derivative financial instruments 

7.1 

Types of derivatives used  

 Types of derivatives used  

Derivatives   Description 

Objective 

Forwards 

Contractual obligations to exchange: 

Currency  

one currency for another at a predetermined 
future date 

Mitigate risk arising from foreign currency 
fluctuations on: 

• 

foreign currency cash inflows and 
outflows impacting the Company’s 
operations 

Intent to hold 
instrument 

Risk management 
purposes 

Futures 

Contractual obligations to buy or sell: 

Interest rate 

an interest rate sensitive financial instrument 
at a specified price and a predetermined 
future date  

Equity 

a specified amount of stocks, a basket of 
stocks or an equity index at an agreed price 
and a specified date 

Swaps 

Over-the-counter contracts: 

Swap 
agreements 

in which two counterparties exchange a series 
of cash flows based on a basket of stocks, 
applied to a notional amount 

Credit default 

that transfer credit risk related to an 
underlying financial instrument from one 
counterparty to another 

•  on the Company’s net investment in 

Book value hedge 

foreign operations 

Modify or mitigate exposure to interest rate 
fluctuations 

Mitigate exposure to equity market 

Mostly for risk 
management 
purposes 

Risk management 
purposes 

Mitigate exposure to equity market 
fluctuations  

Risk management 
purposes 

Modify exposure to credit 

Risk management 
purposes 

Book value hedge 

Cross 
currency 

in which two counterparties exchange interest 
and principal payments in two different 
currencies 

Mitigate risk arising from foreign currency 
fluctuations on the Company’s net investment 
in foreign operations 

Options 

Contractual agreements under which the seller grants to the buyer the right, but not the obligation either to 
buy (call option) or sell (put option): 

Inflation caps  an index at a predetermined price, at or by a 

Mitigate exposure to inflation risk 

Trading purposes 

specified future date 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Fair value and notional amount of derivatives 

7.2 
Derivative financial assets are presented on the Consolidated balance sheets as part of Other assets and derivative financial liabilities 
are presented as part of Financial liabilities related to investments. 

 Fair value and notional amount of derivatives by nature of risk 

2018 

2017 

Notional 
amount 

Fair value 

Asset 

Liability 

Notional 
amount 

Fair value 

Asset 

Liability 

8 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

8 

8 
- 

8 

13 
- 

- 

8 
- 

- 

- 

21 

21 
- 

21 

1,852 
- 

1,317 

1,022 
247 

- 

63 

4,501 

4,337 
164 

4,501 

4,279 
222 
- 

4,501 

2018 

105 
99 
85 

289 

2017 

122 
24 
21 

167 

As at December 31, 

Foreign currency contracts 
  Forwards 
  Cross currency swaps 
Interest rate contracts 
  Futures 
Equity contracts 
  Swap agreements 
  Futures 
Credit contracts 
  Swap agreements 
Inflation options 
  Options 

Held for risk management purposes1 
Held for trading purposes 

Term to maturity:  

less than one year 
from one to five years 
over five years 

69 
16 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

85 

85 
- 

85 

- 
- 

- 

58 
- 

- 

- 

58 

58 
- 

58 

1,636 
392 

505 

847 
160 

- 

28 

3,568 

3,492 
76 

3,568 

3,568 
- 
- 

3,568 

1 Includes net investment hedges and cash flow hedges, using forwards and cross currency swaps.  

 Financial liabilities related to investments  

 Financial liabilities related to investments 

As at December 31, 

Equities sold short positions (Table 6.3) 
Accounts payable to investment brokers on unsettled trades  
Derivative financial liabilities (Table 7.2) 

28           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Fair value measurement 

9.1 

Categorization of fair values  

 Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and financial liabilities 

As at 

December 31, 2018 
Short-term notes 
Fixed income 

Investment grade 
  Government 
  Corporate 
  Asset-backed 
  Mortgage-backed 

Agency 
Non-agency 

  Non-rated 

Debt securities 
Preferred shares1 
Common shares 
Derivative financial assets (Table 7.2) 

Total financial assets measured at fair value 

Total financial liabilities measured at fair value 

December 31, 2017 
Short-term notes 
Fixed income 

Investment grade 
  Government 
  Corporate 
  Asset-backed 
  Mortgage-backed 

Agency 
Non-agency 
  Below investment grade 

  Corporate 
  Mortgage backed – non-agency 

  Non-rated 

Debt securities 
Preferred shares1 
Common shares 
Derivative financial assets (Table 7.2) 

Total financial assets measured at fair value 

Total financial liabilities measured at fair value 

Level 1 
Valued 
using  
quoted 
(unadjusted) 
market prices 

Level 2 
Valued 
using models 
(with 
observable 
inputs) 

Level 3 
Valued 
using models 
(without 
observable 
inputs) 

19 

- 

2,667 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

2,686 
1,165 
3,262 
- 

7,113 

105 

217 

2,902 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

3,119 
1,330 
3,595 
- 

8,044 

122 

2,480 
4,420 
689 

569 
687 
- 

8,845 
- 
- 
58 

8,903 

85 

- 

2,305 
3,873 
987 

340 
327 

117 
7 
43 

7,999 
- 
35 
8 

8,042 

21 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
170 

170 
- 
33 
- 

203 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
111 

111 
- 
29 
- 

140 

- 

Total 

19 

5,147 
4,420 
689 

569 
687 
170 

11,701 
1,165 
3,295 
58 

16,219 

190 

217 

5,207 
3,873 
987 

340 
327 

117 
7 
154 

11,229 
1,330 
3,659 
8 

16,226 

143 

1 Include perpetual preferred shares with call options amounting to $1,017 million as at December 31, 2018 ($1,182 million as at December 31, 2017). 
The fair value of the embedded derivatives component amounting to $39 million as at December 31, 2018 ($79 million as at December 31, 2017) 
was determined using a Level 3 methodology.  

The fair value of loans was $289 million as at December 31, 2018 ($384 million as at December 31, 2017).  

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Financial risk  

The Company has a comprehensive risk management framework and internal control procedures designed to manage and monitor 
various risks to protect the Company’s business, clients, shareholders and employees. The risk management programs aim to manage 
risks that could materially impair the Company’s financial position, accept risks that contribute to sustainable earnings and growth and 
disclose these risks in a full and complete manner.  

Effective risk management consists in identifying, understanding and communicating all material risks that the Company is exposed 
to in the course of its operations. To make sound business decisions, both strategically and operationally, management must have 
continual direct access to the most timely and accurate information possible. Either directly or through its committees, the Board of 
Directors ensures that the Company’s management has put appropriate risk management programs in place. The Board of Directors, 
directly and through its Risk Management Committee, oversees the Company’s risk management programs, procedures and controls 
and, in this regard, receives periodic reports from, among others, the Risk Management Department through the Chief Risk Officer 
and internal auditors. 

 Financial risk 

Market risk 

Risk       
definition 

Risk that the fair value or future 
cash flows of a financial 
instrument will fluctuate because 
of changes in equity market 
prices, interest rates or spreads, 
foreign exchange rates or 
commodity market. 

Basis risk 

Credit risk 

Liquidity risk 

Risk that offsetting investments 
in an economic hedging 
strategy will not experience 
price changes that entirely 
offset each other. 

Risk that counterparties 
may not be able to meet 
payment obligations when 
they become due. 

Risk that the Company 
will encounter difficulty 
in raising funds to meet 
obligations associated 
with financial liabilities. 

Reference 

Notes 10.1 and 10.2 

Note 10.3 

Note 10.4  

Note 10.5 

10.1  Market risk 

 Market risk  

Equity price risk 

Interest rate risk 

Currency risk 

Risk 
definition 

Risk of losses arising from 
changes in equity market 
prices.  

Risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a 
financial instrument will fluctuate because of 
changes in interest rates or spreads. 

Risk that the fair value or future cash 
flows of a financial instrument will 
fluctuate because of changes in foreign 
exchange rates. 

Risk 
exposure 

Significant exposure to price 
changes for common shares 
and preferred shares, 
including pension plan 
equities. 

Significant exposure to changes in interest 
rates from: 

A portion of the Company’s net 
investment in foreign operations. 

• 

• 

debt securities and preferred shares;  

defined benefit pension plan 
obligations, net of related debt 
securities; and 

• 

net claims liabilities.  

Investments supporting the Company’s 
Canadian operations denominated in 
foreign currencies, mainly USD. 

A portion of foreign currency inflows 
and outflows impacting the Company’s 
operations. 

Risk 
management 
investment 
policy 

Risk 
mitigation 

Set forth limits in terms of 
equity exposure. 

Set forth limits in terms of interest rate and 
credit spread duration. 

Set forth limits in terms of currency 
exposure. 

Through asset class and 
economic sector 
diversification and, in some 
cases, the use of derivatives. 

Using interest-rate derivatives. 

Using foreign currency derivatives.  

Changes in the discount rate applied to the 
Company’s claims liabilities offers a partial 
offset to the change in price of interest 
sensitive assets. 

The Operational Investment Committee and Compliance Review and Corporate Governance Committee regularly monitor and review 
compliance, respectively, with the Company’s investment policies.  

30           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Sensitivity analyses to market risk 

a) 
Sensitivity analyses are one risk management technique that assists management in ensuring that risks assumed remain within the 
Company’s risk tolerance level. Sensitivity analyses involve varying a single factor to assess the impact that this would have on the 
Company’s  results  and  financial  condition.  No  management  action  is  considered.  Actual  results  can  differ  materially  from  these 
estimates for a variety of reasons and therefore, these sensitivities should be considered as directional estimates. 

 Sensitivity analyses (after tax) 

For the years ended December 31, 

Equity price risk 

Common share prices (10% decrease)1 
Preferred share prices (5% decrease) 2,3 
Interest rate risk (100 basis point increase) 

Debt securities4 
Preferred shares 
Net claims liabilities  
Defined benefit pension plan obligation, net of related debt securities  
Currency risk (strengthening of Canadian dollar by 10% vs all currencies)5 

U.S investments supporting the Company’s Canadian operations 
International securities 
Net assets of foreign operations 

2018 

2017 

Net income 

OCI  Net income 

OCI 

(11) 
8 

(202) 
(51) 

(188) 
6 
168 
- 

- 
- 
- 

(174) 
(37) 
- 
87 

- 
(19) 
(196) 

(1) 
13 

(167) 
8 
168 
- 

6 
- 
- 

(201) 
(62) 

(116) 
(37) 
- 
89 

(1) 
(19) 
(176) 

1 Net of any equity hedges, including the impact of any impairment. 
2 Including the impact on related embedded derivatives.  
3 The preferred share equity price risk sensitivity analysis includes the impact of interest rate movements. 
4 Excludes the impact of debt securities related to the defined benefits pension plan. 
5 After giving effect to foreign-exchange contracts.  

These sensitivity analyses were prepared using the following assumptions: 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

shifts in the yield curve are parallel; 
interest rates, equity prices and foreign currency move independently; 
credit, liquidity, spread and basis risks have not been considered; 
impact on the Company’s pension plans has been considered; and 
risk reduction measures perform as expected, with no material basis risk and no counterparty defaults. 

AFS debt or equity securities in an unrealized loss position, as reflected in AOCI, may be realized through sale in the future. 

b) 

Exposure to currency risk 

 Net foreign currency and translation exposure to the USD 

As at December 31, 

U.S. investments supporting the Company’s Canadian operations  
Less: foreign-currency derivatives, notional amount 

Consolidated net assets of OneBeacon 
Less: foreign-currency derivatives, notional amount 

Other net assets denominated in USD  

Total net currency exposure to the USD 

USD 

2018 

1,255 
(1,236) 

19 

1,769 
(300) 

1,469 
12 

1,500 

2017 

1,048 
(1,045) 

3 

1,755 
(300) 

1,455 
13 

1,471 

In  addition,  the  Company  holds  international  securities  amounting  to  $254  million  as  at  December  31,  2018  ($344  million  as  at 
December 31, 2017). 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Interest risk  

10.2 
The following table presents the fair value and respective duration of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as 
well as financial instruments that are sensitive to movements in interest rates. 

 Interest risk 

As at December 31,  

Investments: 

Debt securities 
Preferred shares 

Net claims liabilities (Note 11.1) 

Defined benefit pension plans 

Debt securities (Note 27.3) 
Obligation (Note 27.2) 

2018 

2017 

Fair value 

Duration 
(in years) 

Fair value 

Duration 
(in years) 

11,701 
1,165 

9,877 

1,285 
2,271 

3.69 
3.59 

2.29 

12.3 
17.7 

11,229 
1,330 

9,746 

1,308 
2,263 

3.43 
2.94 

2.37 

12.0 
17.3 

The  Company  manages  the  interest  rate  risk  exposure  of  its  investment  portfolio  in  accordance  with  its  investment  policies. 
Compliance with interest rate risk exposure ranges and targets established in these policies is monitored regularly. 

10.3  Basis risk 

The use of derivatives exposes the Company to a number of risks, including credit and market risks. The hedging of certain risks with 
derivatives results in basis risk. The imperfect correlation between the hedging instrument and hedged item creates the potential for 
excess gains or losses in a hedging strategy, thus adding risk to the position. The Company monitors the effectiveness of its economic 
hedges on a regular basis. Basis risk is controlled by limits prescribed in the investment policy, which are monitored regularly. 

10.4  Credit risk 
The Company’s credit risk exposure is concentrated primarily in its debt securities and preferred shares and, to a lesser extent, in its 
premium receivables, reinsurance assets, and structured settlement agreements entered with various life insurance companies. The 
Company is also subject to counterparty credit risk arising from reinsurance, over-the-counter derivatives, as well as securities lending 
and borrowing transactions. A counterparty is any person or entity from which cash or other forms of consideration are expected to 
extinguish a liability or obligation to the Company. These exposures and the Company’s risk management policy and practices used 
to mitigate credit risk are explained below. 

a) 

Credit exposure 

The  table  below  presents  the  Company’s  maximum  exposure  to  credit  risk  without  considering  any  collateral  held  or other  credit 
enhancements available to the Company to mitigate this risk. For on-balance sheet exposures, maximum exposure to credit risk is 
defined as the carrying value of the asset.  

 Maximum exposure to credit risk 

As at December 31, 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Debt securities  
Preferred shares  
Loans  
Premium receivables 
Reinsurance assets 
Other financial assets1 

On-balance sheet credit risk exposure 

Structured settlements 

Off-balance sheet credit risk exposure 

2018 

442 
11,701 
1,165 
294 
3,358 
864 
676 

18,500 

1,264 

1,264 

2017 

163 
11,229 
1,330 
393 
3,351 
822 
553 

17,841 

1,229 

1,229 

1 Include restricted funds, other receivables and recoverables, financial assets related to investments, industry pools receivable, accrued investment income 

and Surplus notes. 

32           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Structured settlements  

The Company has obligations to pay certain fixed amounts to claimants on a recurring basis and has purchased annuities from life 
insurers to provide for those payments.  If the life insurers are in default, the  Company may have to assume a financial guarantee 
obligation. Therefore, the net risk to the Company is any credit risk related to the life insurers. This credit risk is minimal since the 
Company deals with registered life insurers with credit rating of at least ‘A-’ at the inception of the contract.  

Credit quality 

b) 
The Company’s risk management strategy is to invest in debt securities and preferred shares of high credit quality issuers and to limit 
the amount of credit exposure with respect to any one issuer by imposing limits based upon credit quality. The Company’s investment 
policy requires that, at the time of the investment, all debt securities have a minimum credit rating of 'BBB' and of ‘P3’ for preferred 
shares. This credit quality restriction excludes indirect investments through debt funds. In the case of funds, specific policy limits apply 
to manage the overall exposure to these investments. Management monitors subsequent credit rating changes on a regular basis.  

The following tables present the credit quality of the Company’s debt securities and preferred shares. 

 Credit quality of debt securities 

As at December 31, 

Debt securities 
AAA 
AA 
A 
BBB 
BB and not rated 

 Credit quality of preferred shares 

As at December 31, 

P2 
P3 

2018 

43% 
31% 
17% 
7% 
2% 

100% 

2018 

84% 
16% 

100% 

2017 

41% 
28% 
21% 
8% 
2% 

100% 

2017 

79% 
21% 

100% 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Credit risk concentration 

c) 
Concentration of credit risk exists where a number of borrowers or counterparties are engaged in similar activities, are located in the 
same geographic area or have comparable economic characteristics. Their ability to meet contractual obligations may be similarly 
affected by changing economic, political or other conditions. The Company’s investments could be sensitive to changing conditions 
in specific geographic regions or industries. 

Investments 
The Company has a significant concentration of its investments in the financial sector and in Canada. These risk concentrations are 
closely monitored. To provide sector diversification, the Company holds investment-grade non-financial U.S. corporate bonds. The 
acquisition of OneBeacon, as well as the existing U.S. and international securities, reduce the concentration risk in Canada.  

 Investment breakdown by country of incorporation and by industry 

As at December 31, 

By country of incorporation  
Canada 
U.S. 
Other 

By industry 
Government 
Financials 
ABS and MBS 
Energy 
Other 

Investments 
2018 

69% 
29% 
2% 

100% 

32% 
27% 
12% 
5% 
24% 

100% 

2017 

71% 
25% 
4% 

100% 

33% 
28% 
10% 
6% 
23% 

100% 

Pension assets 

2018 

85% 
7% 
8% 

100% 

43% 
24% 
-% 
5% 
28% 

100% 

2017 

84% 
8% 
8% 

100% 

44% 
23% 
-% 
6% 
27% 

100% 

For the Company’s regulated subsidiaries, the assets invested in any entity or group of related entities are limited by OSFI and AMF 
to 5% of the subsidiaries’ assets. In the U.S. similar limitations exist and vary depending on the state. The Company also monitors 
aggregate concentrations of  credit  risk by  country  of  issuer  and  by  industry  regardless  of  the  asset  class  (see  Note  14.4  –  Risk 
management  and  counterparty  credit  risk).  The  Company  applies  limits  against  that  aggregate  exposure,  which  are  more 
conservative than OSFI’s limits. Investment portfolio diversification helps to mitigate credit risk and is monitored against established 
guidelines with respect to exposure to individual issuers. 

Most of the investment portfolio is invested in well established, active and liquid markets. 

34           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Counterparty credit risk 

d) 
Counterparty credit risk arises from reinsurance (see Note 14.4 – Risk management and counterparty credit risk), over-the-counter 
derivatives, as well as securities lending and borrowing transactions. 

Over-the-counter derivatives, as well as securities lending and borrowing transactions 
Credit  risk  from  over-the-counter  derivative  transactions  reflects  the  potential  for  the  counterparty  to  default  on  its  contractual 
obligations when one or more transactions have a positive market value to the Company. Therefore, derivative-related credit risk is 
represented by the positive fair value of  an over-the-counter instrument and is normally a small fraction of the contract’s notional 
amount.  In  addition,  the  Company  may  be  subject  to  wrong-way  risk  arising  from  certain  derivative  transactions. Wrong-way  risk 
occurs when exposure to a counterparty is adversely correlated with the credit quality of that counterparty. 

Credit  risk  from  securities  lending  and  borrowing  transactions  arises  when  the  counterparty  can  re-hypothecate  or  re-pledge  the 
collateral externally. Credit risk from securities borrowing is the potential for the counterparty to default when the value of the collateral 
posted is higher than the value of the security borrowed.  

The Company subjects its derivative-related, as well as securities lending and borrowing credit risk to the same credit approval, limit 
and  monitoring  standards  that  it  uses  for  managing  other  transactions  that  create  credit  exposure.  This  includes  evaluating  the 
creditworthiness of counterparties, and managing the size, diversification and maturity structure of the portfolio. Credit utilization for 
all products is compared with established limits on a continual basis and is subject to a monthly review by the Operational Investment 
Committee. The Company has adopted a policy whereby, upon signing the derivative contract, the counterparty is required to have a 
minimum credit rating of ‘A-’ and an issuer credit spread below established thresholds or has a guarantee from a company rated ‘A-’ 
or better. 

The Company uses netting clauses in master derivative agreements to reduce derivative-related credit exposure. Netting clauses in 
master derivative agreements provide for a single net settlement of all financial instruments covered by the agreement in the event of 
default. However, credit risk is reduced only to the extent that the Company’s financial obligations toward the counterparty to such an 
agreement can be set off against obligations such counterparty has toward the Company. The overall exposure to credit risk that is 
reduced  through  the  netting  clauses  may  change  substantially  following  the  reporting  date  as  the  exposure  is  affected  by  each 
transaction subject to the agreement as well as by changes in underlying market rates and values. 

The  Company’s  rigorous collateral  management  process is another significant credit  mitigation  tool  used  to  manage counterparty 
credit risk arising from over-the-counter derivative and securities lending and borrowing transactions. Most of the Company’s legal 
agreements allow for daily collateral movement. Consequently, the Company regularly validates that the collateral that it pledges is 
not too high and that mark-to-market provisions for derivatives are sufficient. Mark-to-market provisions provide the Company with 
the right to request that the counterparty pay down or collateralize the current market value of its derivative positions when the value 
exceeds a specified threshold amount.  

The aggregate credit risk exposure was $135 million as at December 31, 2018 ($95 million as at December 31, 2017) and is the sum 
of  the  replacement  cost  net  of  collateral  plus  an  add-on  amount  for  potential  future  credit  exposure.  The  risk-weighted  amount 
represents the credit risk equivalent, weighted according to the creditworthiness of the counterparty, as prescribed by OSFI.  

10.5  Liquidity risk 

The Company’s liquidity management is governed by establishing a prudent policy that identifies oversight responsibilities as well as 
by setting limits and implementing effective techniques to monitor, measure and control exposure to liquidity risk. Given the nature of 
the Company’s P&C insurance activities, cash flows may be highly volatile and unpredictable. 

The Company’s liquidity needs are rigorously managed by matching asset and liability cash flows and by establishing forecasts for 
cash inflows and outflows. The Company invests in various types of assets  to match them to its liabilities. This method maps the 
obligations towards insured clients to asset life and performance. The Company reviews the matching status on a quarterly basis. To 
manage its cash flow requirements, a portion of the Company’s investments is maintained in short-term (less than one year) highly 
liquid money market securities. A large portion of the investments are unencumbered and held in highly liquid federal and provincial 
government  debt  to  protect against  any  unanticipated  large  cash  requirements.  In  addition,  the  Company  also  has  an unsecured 
committed credit facility (see Note 19.3 – Credit facility). 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

a) 

Investments and derivative financial assets by contractual maturity 

 Investments and derivative financial assets by contractual maturity 

Less than  
1 year 

From 1 to  
5 years 

As at December 31, 2018 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Debt securities 
Preferred shares  
Common shares 
Loans   

Derivative financial assets 

As at December 31, 2017 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Debt securities 
Preferred shares  
Common shares 
Loans  

Derivative financial assets 

442 
1,078 
11 
- 
2 

1,533 

58 

1,591 

163 
1,338 
4 
- 
11 

1,516 

8 

1,524 

Over             

No specific 
maturity 

5 years 

- 
4,894 
8 
- 
252 

5,154 

- 

- 
5,559 
12 
- 
40 

5,611 

- 

Total 

442 
11,701 
1,165 
3,295 
294 

16,897 

58 

- 
170 
1,134 
3,295 
- 

4,599 

- 

5,611 

5,154 

4,599 

16,955 

- 
5,781 
17 
- 
42 

5,840 

- 

- 
3,999 
3 
- 
340 

4,342 

- 

- 
111 
1,306 
3,659 
- 

5,076 

- 

163 
11,229 
1,330 
3,659 
393 

16,774 

8 

5,840 

4,342 

5,076 

16,782 

b) 

Financial liabilities by contractual maturity 

 Financial liabilities by contractual maturity 

As at December 31, 2018 

Claims liabilities – undiscounted value 
Debt outstanding  
Other financial liabilities 

As at December 31, 2017 

Claims liabilities – undiscounted value 
Debt outstanding  
Other financial liabilities 

Less than 
 1 year 

From 1 to 
5 years 

4,182 
250 
950 

5,382 

4,139 
- 
753 

4,892 

4,700 
692 
77 

5,469 

4,463 
974 
81 

5,518 

Over                

No specific 
maturity 

5 years 

1,852 
1,267 
31 

3,150 

1,808 
1,267 
35 

3,110 

Total 

10,734 
2,209 
1,657 

14,600 

10,410 
2,241 
1,437 

14,088 

- 
- 
599 

599 

- 
- 
568 

568 

The expected maturity of claims liabilities is determined by estimating when claims liabilities will be settled. Unearned premiums have 
been excluded because they do not constitute actual obligations. 

36           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Claims liabilities 

On the Consolidated balance sheets, claims liabilities are reported gross of the reinsurers’ share, which is included in Reinsurance 
assets. Changes in claims liabilities, net of reinsurance, are reported in Net claims incurred. 

11.1  Movements in claims liabilities 

 Movements in claims liabilities 

For the years ended 

December 31, 2018 

Balance, beginning of year 
Current year claims  
Unfavourable (favourable) prior-year claims development 
Increase (decrease) due to changes in discount rate (see Note 11.2) 

Total claims incurred 
Claims paid 
Business combinations 
Exchange rate differences 

Balance, end of year 

December 31, 2017 

Balance, beginning of year 
Current year claims  
Unfavourable (favourable) prior-year claims development 
Increase (decrease) due to changes in discount rate (see Note 11.2) 

Total claims incurred 
Claims paid 
Business combinations (see Note 5) 
Exchange rate differences 

Balance, end of year 

Direct 

Ceded 

Net 

10,475 
6,783 
(115) 
(111) 

6,557 
(6,586) 
(2) 
179 

10,623 

8,536 
5,705 
(299) 
(89) 

5,317 
(5,478) 
2,090 
10 

10,475 

729 
180 
51 
(14) 

217 
(241) 
- 
41 

746 

465 
54 
(46) 
(2) 

6 
(180) 
437 
1 

729 

9,746 
6,603 
(166) 
(97) 

6,340 
(6,345) 
(2) 
138 

9,877 

8,071 
5,651 
(253) 
(87) 

5,311 
(5,298) 
1,653 
9 

9,746 

11.2  Fair value of claims liabilities 

The Company estimates that the fair value of its net claims liabilities approximates their carrying values.  

 Carrying value of claims liabilities 

As at 

December 31, 208 

Undiscounted value 
Effect of time value of money1 
Risk margin 

December 31, 2017 

Undiscounted value 
Effect of time value of money1 
Risk margin 

Direct 

Ceded 

Net 

10,734 
(693) 
582 

10,623 

10,410 
(553) 
618 

10,475 

731 
(64) 
79 

746 

656 
(33) 
106 

729 

10,003 
(629) 
503 

9,877 

9,754 
(520) 
512 

9,746 

1  Using  a  discount  rate  of  2.73%  for  Canada  and  3.25%  for  the  U.S.  as  at  December  31,  2018  (2.33%  and  2.34%  respectively  as  at 

December 31, 2017). 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

11.3  Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions 
The Company establishes claims liabilities to cover the estimated liability for the payment of all losses, including  LAE incurred with 
respect to insurance contracts underwritten by the Company. The ultimate cost of claims liabilities is estimated by using a range of 
standard actuarial claims projection techniques in accordance with generally accepted actuarial methods. 

The main assumption underlying these techniques is that a company’s past claims development experience can be used to project 
future claims development and hence ultimate claims costs. As such, these methods extrapolate the development of paid and incurred 
losses, average costs per claim (severity) and average number of claims (frequency) based on the observed development of earlier 
years and expected loss ratios. Historical claims development is analyzed by accident years, by geographical area, as well as by 
significant business line and claim type. Catastrophic events are separately addressed, either by being reserved at the face value of 
loss adjuster estimates in the case of very large losses or separately projected to reflect their future development which might differ 
from  historical  data  in  the  case  of  catastrophic  events.  Expected  claim  cost  inflation  is  also  considered  when  estimating  claims 
liabilities. 

Additional qualitative judgment is used to assess the extent to which past trends may not apply in the future to arrive at the estimated 
ultimate cost of claims that present the likely outcome from the range of possible outcomes, considering the uncertainties involved 
(“best estimate”). Actuaries are required to include margins in some assumptions to recognize the uncertainty in establishing this best 
estimate, to allow for possible deterioration in experience and to provide greater comfort that the actuarial liabilities are sufficient to 
pay future benefits.  

The determination of the overall risk margin considers: 

• 

• 

the  level  of uncertainty  in  the  best  estimate  due  to  estimation  error,  variability  of  key  inflation  assumptions  and  possible 
economic and legislative changes; and 
the volatility of each line of business and the diversification between the lines of business and geographic regions (referred 
to as diversification benefit).  

At a fixed probability of adequacy, the appropriate risk margin for two or more classes of business or for two or more geographic 
locations combined is likely to be less than the sum of the risk margins for the individual classes. The level of diversification assumed 
between classes considers industry analysis, historical experience and the judgement of experienced and qualified  actuaries. With 
operations in Canada and the U.S., the risk margin assumption used reflects this diversification benefit as at December 31, 2018 and 
2017. 

11.4  Sensitivity analysis 
The claims liabilities’ sensitivity to certain key assumptions is outlined below. It is not possible to quantify the sensitivity to certain 
assumptions such as legislative changes or uncertainty in the estimation process. The analysis is performed for possible movements 
in the assumptions with all other assumptions held constant, showing the impact on Net income. Movements in these assumptions 
may be non-linear and may be correlated with one another. 

 Sensitivity analysis (claims liabilities net of reinsurance) – Impact on Net income 

As at December 31, 

Average claim costs (severity) 
Average number of claims (frequency) 
Discount rate 

2018 

2017 

Canada 

U.S. 

Canada 

+5% 
+5% 
+1% 

(282) 
(52) 
138 

(19) 
(61) 
24 

(279) 
(54) 
137 

U.S. 

(20) 
(62) 
29 

A portion of the Company’s investments backing its claims liabilities has been voluntarily designated as FVTPL to reduce the volatility 
caused by fluctuations in the value of underlying claims liabilities due to changes in discount rates. 

38           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

11.5  Prior-year claims development  
The claims development table below demonstrates the extent to which the original claim cost estimates in any one accident year has 
subsequently developed favourably (lower than originally estimated) or unfavourably. This table illustrates the variability and inherent 
uncertainty in estimating the claims estimate on a yearly basis. The ultimate claims cost for any accident year is not known until all 
claims payments have been made. For property insurance, payout of claims liabilities generally occurs shortly after the occurrence of 
the  loss.  For  casualty  (long-tailed)  coverages,  the  loss  may  not  be  paid,  or  even  reported,  until  well  after  the  loss  occurred.  The 
estimated ultimate claims payments at the end of each subsequent accident year demonstrate how the original estimate has been 
revised over time. 

The  outstanding claims liabilities  assumed  and  revised  estimates  resulting  from  a  business acquisition  are  included  in the  claims 
development table from the date of acquisition. Prior years are adjusted to ensure comparability while avoiding the presentation of 
development in pre-acquisition accident years. 

The following table presents the estimates of cumulative incurred claims, including IBNR, with subsequent developments during the 
periods and together with cumulative payments to date.  

 Prior-year claims development – net  

As at December 31, 2018 

Total  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010  2009  Earlier 

Undiscounted claims liabilities outstanding at 

end of accident year 

  3,344  3,447  3,067  2,759  2,648  2,618  2,435  2,346  2,060  1,810 

Accident year 

Revised estimates 
One year later 
Two years later 
Three years later 
Four years later 
Five years later 
Six years later 
Seven years later 
Eight years later 
Nine years later 

Current estimate  

Claims paid to date 

Net undiscounted claims liabilities 
Discounting and risk margin 

Net claims liabilities 

  3,298  3,104  2,656  2,577  2,557  2,402  2,247  1,945  1,751 
  3,110  2,691  2,571  2,521  2,322  2,176  1,918  1,750 
  2,712  2,588  2,512  2,280  2,092  1,882  1,726 
  2,599  2,508  2,254  2,052  1,858  1,690 
  2,518  2,231  2,020  1,814  1,667 
  2,227  1,990  1,790  1,639 
  1,968  1,767  1,613 
  1,752  1,600 
  1,593 

  3,344  3,298  3,110  2,712  2,599  2,518  2,227  1,968  1,752  1,593 

  (1,268) (1,594) (1,657)  (1,882) (2,049) (1,955) (1,812)  (1,646) (1,523) 

10,003  3,344  2,030  1,516  1,055 

717 

469 

272 

156 

106 

70 

268 

(126)  

9,877 

The original reserve estimates are evaluated quarterly for redundancy or deficiency. The evaluation is based on actual payments in 
full or partial settlement of claims and current estimates of claims liabilities for claims still open or claims still unreported. 

To eliminate the distortion resulting from changes in foreign currency rates, all amounts denominated in currencies other than the 
CAD have been translated into CAD using the exchange rate in effect as at December 31, 2018.  

Industry pools  

11.6 
Canadian  operations  –  When  certain  automobile  owners  are  unable  to  obtain  insurance  via  the  voluntary  insurance  market  in 
Canada, they are insured via the FA. In addition, entities can choose to cede certain risks to the FA administered RSP. The related 
risks associated with FA insurance policies and policies ceded to the RSP are aggregated and shared by the entities in the Canadian 
P&C insurance industry, generally in proportion to market share and volume of business ceded to the RSP.  

U.S. operations – As a condition of its license to do business in certain states in the U.S., the Company is required to participate in 
various mandatory shared market mechanisms commonly referred to as residual or involuntary markets. Each state dictates the type 
of insurance and the level of coverage that must be provided.  

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Unearned premiums 

12.1  Movements in unearned premiums 
Unearned premiums represent the portion of DPW that the Company has not yet earned as it represents insurance coverage to be 
provided by the Company after the balance sheet date. There was no premium deficiency as at December 31, 2018 and 2017. 

 Movements in unearned premiums 

For the years ended 

December 31, 2018 

Balance, beginning of year 
Premiums written 
Premiums earned 
Exchange rate differences 

Balance, end of year 

December 31, 2017 

Balance, beginning of year 
Business combinations (Note 5) 
Premiums written 
Premiums earned 
Exchange rate differences 

Balance, end of year 

 Insurance risk 

Direct 

Ceded 

Net 

5,365 
10,125 
(10,139) 
61 

5,412 

4,573 
813 
8,748 
(8,774) 
5 

5,365 

93 
393 
(374) 
6 

118 

17 
71 
221 
(216) 
- 

93 

5,272 
9,732 
(9,765) 
55 

5,294 

4,556 
742 
8,527 
(8,558) 
5 

5,272 

The  Company  principally  underwrites  automobile,  home,  as  well  as  commercial  P&C  contracts  to  individuals  and  businesses  in 
Canada. The Company also offers a wide range of insurance products in the U.S. through OneBeacon, a specialty P&C insurance 
provider.  

Most of the insurance risk to which the Company is exposed is of a short-tail nature. The average duration of claims liabilities was 
approximately 2.4 years for Canadian operations and 2 years for the U.S. operations as at December 31, 2018 (2.4 years for Canada 
and 2.2 years for the U.S. as at December 31, 2017). Policies generally cover a 12-month period. 

Insurance contract risk is the risk that a loss arises from the following reasons: 
• 
• 
• 
• 

underwriting and pricing (Note 13.1); 
fluctuation in the timing, frequency and severity of claims relative to expectations (Note 13.2);  
inadequate reinsurance protection (Note 14.4); and 
large unexpected losses arising from a single event such as a catastrophe (Note 13.3). 

Insured events can occur at any time during the coverage period and can generate losses of variable amounts. An  objective of the 
Company is to ensure that sufficient claims liabilities are established to cover future insurance claim payments related to past insured 
events.  The  Company’s  success  depends  upon  its  ability  to  accurately  assess  the  risk  associated  with  the  insurance  contracts 
underwritten by the Company. The Company establishes claims liabilities to cover the estimated liability for the payment of all losses, 
including LAE incurred with respect to insurance contracts underwritten by the Company.  

Claims liabilities do not represent an exact calculation of the liability. Rather, claims liabilities are the Company’s best estimates of its 
expected ultimate cost of resolution and administration of claims. Expected claim cost inflation is considered when estimating claims 
liabilities, thereby mitigating inflation risk. The composition of the Company’s insurance risk, as well as the methods employed to 
mitigate risks, are described hereafter. 

40           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

13.1  Underwriting and pricing risks 
The insurance business is cyclical in nature whereby the industry generally reduces insurance rates following periods of increased 
profitability,  while  it  generally  increases  rates  following  periods  of  sustained  loss.  The  Company’s  profitability  tends  to  follow  this 
cyclical market pattern and can also be affected by demand and competition. In addition, the Company is at risk from changes in 
automobile insurance legislation, the economic environment and climate patterns. 

In order to properly monitor the Company’s risk appetite, guidance on pricing targets is provided by the Risk Management Department. 
Pricing targets are established using a return on equity model and an internal risk-based capital model. 

a) 

Concentration by countries and lines of business 

 Concentration by countries and lines of business 

As at December 31, 

By countries 
Canada 
U.S.1 

By lines of business 
Personal auto 
Personal property 
Commercial lines - Canada 
Commercial lines - U.S.1  

2018 

2017 

DPW 

84% 
16% 

100% 

36% 
21% 
27% 
16% 

Net claims  
liabilities 

82% 
18% 

100% 

47% 
6% 
29% 
18% 

DPW 

96% 
4% 

100% 

44% 
24% 
28% 
4% 

Net claims  
liabilities 

83% 
17% 

100% 

48% 
7% 
28% 
17% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

1 2017 includes only Q4 results of our U.S. operations. 

Risks associated with commercial lines and personal property insurance contracts may vary in relation to the geographical area of 
the risk insured by the Company. For automobile insurance, legislation is in place at a provincial level and this creates differences in 
the benefits provided among the provinces.   

The Company’s exposure to concentration of insurance risk, in terms of type of risk and level of insured benefits, is mitigated by 
careful selection and implementation of underwriting strategies, which is in turn largely achieved through diversification across industry 
sectors and geographical areas. Diversification also reduces the uncertainty associated with the unfavourable development of claims 
liabilities for both our Canadian and U.S. operations.  

The Enterprise Risk Committee monitors the Company’s overall risk profile, aiming for a balance between risk, return and capital and 
determines policies concerning the Company’s risk management framework. Its mandate is to identify, measure and monitor risks, as 
well as avoid risks that are outside of the Company’s risk tolerance level. Further,  to minimize unforeseen risks, new products are 
subject to an internal product and approval review process. The Company also uses reinsurance under its strategy for managing the 
underwriting  risk.  The  availability  and  cost  of  reinsurance  are  subject  to  prevailing  market  conditions,  both  in  terms  of  price  and 
available capacity, which can affect the Company’s ceded premium volume and profitability. Reinsurance companies exclude some 
types of coverage from the contracts that the Company purchases from them or may alter the terms of such contracts from time to 
time. These gaps in reinsurance protection expose the Company to greater risk and greater potential loss and could adversely affect 
its ability to underwrite future business. Where the Company cannot successfully mitigate risk through reinsurance arrangements, 
consideration is given to reducing premiums written to lower its risk.  

13.2  Risk related to the timing, frequency and severity of claims 
The occurrence of claims being unforeseeable, the Company is exposed to the risk that the number and the severity of claims could 
exceed the estimates.  

Strict claim review policies are in place to assess all new and ongoing claims. Regular detailed reviews of claims handling procedures 
and  frequent  investigations  of  possible  fraudulent  claims  reduce  the  Company’s  risk  exposure.  Further,  the  Company  enforces  a 
policy of actively managing and promptly pursuing claims,  to reduce its exposure to unpredictable future developments that could 
negatively impact the business. The Company has established a Large Loss Committee responsible for analyzing large losses  and 
contentious matters to ensure that appropriate claims liabilities are established and approved.  

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

13.3  Catastrophe risk 
Catastrophe risk is the risk of occurrence of a catastrophe defined as any one claim, or group of claims related to a single event such 
as large fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, hail or wind storms, and acts of terrorism. Catastrophes can have a significant impact on the 
underwriting income of an insurer. Changing climate conditions may add to the unpredictability and frequency of natural disasters and 
create additional uncertainty as to future trends and exposures. 

The Company manages its exposure to catastrophe risk by imposing maximum claim amounts on certain contracts, as well as by 
using reinsurance arrangements. The placement of ceded reinsurance is almost exclusively on an excess-of-loss basis (per event or 
per risk). Ceded reinsurance complies with regulatory guidelines. Retention limits for the excess-of-loss reinsurance vary by product 
line. See Note 14.1 – Company’s reinsurance net retention and coverage limits by nature of risk. 

13.4  Exposure to insurance risk 
The principal assumption underlying the claims liability estimates is that the Company’s future claims development will follow a similar 
pattern  to  past claims  development  experience.  Claims liabilities  estimates are  also  based  on  various quantitative  and  qualitative 
factors, including:  
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

average claim costs, including claim handling costs (severity); 
average number of claims by accident year (frequency); 
trends in claim severity and frequency;  
payment patterns; 
other factors such as inflation, expected or in-force government pricing and coverage reforms, and level of insurance fraud; 
discount rate; and 
risk margin (see Note 11.3 for more details). 

See Note 11.4 for the sensitivity analysis of claims liabilities to certain key assumptions. 

Most  or  all  the  qualitative  factors  are  not  directly  quantifiable,  particularly  on  a  prospective  basis,  and  the  effects  of  these  and 
unforeseen  factors  could  negatively  impact  the  Company’s  ability  to  accurately  assess  the  risk  of  insurance  contracts  that  the 
Company underwrites. There may also be significant lags between the occurrence of the insured event and the time it is reported to 
the Company and additional lags between the time of reporting and final settlement of claims. 

The  Company  refines  its  claims  liabilities  estimates  on  an  ongoing  basis  as  claims  are  reported  and  settled.  Establishing  an 
appropriate level of claims liabilities is an inherently uncertain process. Reserving policies are overseen by the Company’s Reserve 
Review Committee. 

42           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Reinsurance 

14.1  Company’s reinsurance net retention and coverage limits by nature of risk 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company reinsures certain risks with other reinsurers to limit its maximum loss in the event of 
catastrophic  events  or  other significant  losses.  The  following  table  shows  the  Company’s  reinsurance net  retention and  coverage 
limits by nature of risk. 

 Company’s reinsurance net retention and coverage limits by nature of risk 

As at December 31 

Single risk events 
Retentions in Canada: 
  on property policies 
  on liability policies 

Retentions in the U.S. (in USD): 
  on property and liability policies 

Multi-risk events and catastrophes 
Retention 
Coverage limits 

2018 

2017 

7.5 
5 - 10 

3 

100 
3,800 

7.5 
3 - 10 

3 

100 
3,600 

For certain special classes of business or types of risks, the retention for single risk events may be lower through specific treaties or 
the use of facultative reinsurance. For multi-risk events and catastrophes, the Company retains participations averaging 5.6% as at 
December 31, 2018 (5.1% as at December 31, 2017) on reinsurance layers between the retention and coverage limit. The coverage 
limit prudently exceeds the Company's risk assessment of an earthquake in Western Canada at a 1-in-500-year return period. 

Since January 1, 2018, the Company’s U.S. operations are covered by the multi-risk events and catastrophes reinsurance program. 
Until  April  30,  2018,  the  losses  resulting  from  any  single  catastrophe  above  US$20  million  and  up  to  US$130 million  were  being 
reinsured externally.  

In connection with the acquisition of OneBeacon, the Company entered into a reinsurance contract pursuant to which a major reinsurer 
will assume 80% of negative reserve development with respect to OneBeacon's claims  liabilities for accident years 2016 and prior. 
The  maximum  amount  recoverable  under  the  reinsurance  agreement  is  US$200  million  and  is  subject  to  some  exclusions  and 
limitations. 

14.2  Components of reinsurance assets 
Reinsurance assets include the reinsurers’ share of claims liabilities and unearned premiums. 

 Components of reinsurance assets 

As at December 31, 

Reinsurers’ share of claims liabilities (Note 11.1) 
Reinsurers’ share of unearned premiums (Note 12.1) 

14.3  Net recovery (expense) from reinsurance 

 Net recovery (expense) from reinsurance  

For the years ended December 31,   

Ceded earned premiums (Note 12.1) 
Ceded claims incurred (Note 11.1) 
Commissions earned on ceded reinsurance 

2018 

746 
118 

864 

2018 

(374) 
217 
42 

(115) 

2017 

729 
93 

822 

2017 

(216) 
100 
25 

(91) 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

14.4  Risk management and counterparty credit risk 
The Company relies on reinsurance to manage underwriting risk. Under reinsurance programs, management considers that  for a 
contract to reduce exposure to risk, it must be structured to ensure that the reinsurer assumes the significant insurance risk related to 
the underlying reinsured risks and it is reasonably possible that the reinsurer may realize a significant loss from the reinsurance.  

Although reinsurance makes the assuming reinsurer liable to the Company to the extent of the risk ceded, the Company is not relieved 
of its primary liability to its policyholders as the direct insurer. There is no certainty that its reinsurers will pay all reinsurance claims 
on a timely basis or at all. As a result, the Company bears credit risk with respect to its reinsurers on potential future recoverables and 
collectability of balances due from reinsurers is important to the Company’s financial strength.  

The Company is selective with its reinsurers, placing reinsurance with only those reinsurers having a strong financial condition. The 
Company’s placement of reinsurance is diversified such that it is not dependent on a single reinsurer and the Company’s operations 
are not substantially dependent upon any single reinsurance contract. The Company monitors the financial strength of its reinsurers 
on a regular basis. Uncollectible amounts historically have not been significant. 

Management concluded that the Company was not exposed to significant loss from reinsurers for potentially uncollectible reinsurance 
as at December 31, 2018 and 2017. 

The Company also has minimum rating requirements for its reinsurers. Substantially all reinsurers are required to have a minimum 
credit rating of 'A-' at inception of the contract. The Company also requires that its contracts include a special termination and security 
review clause allowing the Company to replace a reinsurer during the contract period should the reinsurer’s credit rating fall below the 
level acceptable to the Company or for other reasons that might jeopardize the Company’s ability to  continue doing business with 
such reinsurer as intended at the time of entering into the reinsurance arrangement.  

Canadian operations 
The Company has collateral in place to support amounts receivable and recoverable from unregistered reinsurers. The Company is 
the  assigned  beneficiary  of  collateral  consisting  of  cash,  security  agreements  and  letters  of  credit  totalling  $95  million  as  at 
December 31, 2018 ($114 million as at December 31, 2017) as guarantees from unregistered reinsurers. This collateral is held in 
support of policy liabilities of $58 million as at December 31, 2018 ($69 million as at December 31, 2017) and could be used should 
these reinsurers be unable to meet their obligations. 

U.S. operations 
The  Company  has  collateral  in  place  to  support  amounts  receivable  and  recoverable  mainly  from  unauthorized  reinsurers.  The 
Company is the assigned beneficiary of collateral consisting of cash, security agreements and letters of credit totalling $154 million 
as at December 31, 2018 ($96 million as at December 31, 2017) as guarantees from unauthorized reinsurers. This collateral is held 
in support of policy liabilities of  $136 million as at December 31, 2018 ($87 million as at  December 31, 2017) and could be used 
should these reinsurers be unable to meet their obligations. 

44           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Goodwill and intangible assets  

15.1  Summary of goodwill and intangible assets 

 Reconciliation of the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets. 

 Distribution 
networks and 
trade names 

Customer 
relationships 

Internally 
developed 
software 

Total 
intangible 
assets 

Goodwill 

Intangible assets 

Cost 

Balance as at January 1, 2018  
  Acquisitions and costs capitalized 
  Business combinations  
  Disposals and write-off  
  Exchange rate differences 

Balance as at December 31, 2018 

Accumulated amortization 

Balance as at January 1, 2018 
  Amortization expense 
  Disposals and write-off 
  Exchange rate differences 

Balance as at December 31, 2018 

Net carrying value 

Cost 

Balance as at January 1, 2017 
  Acquisitions and costs capitalized 
  Business combinations1  
  Disposals and write-off  
  Exchange rate differences 

Balance as at December 31, 2017 

Accumulated amortization 

Balance as at January 1, 2017 
  Amortization expense 
  Disposals and write-off 

Balance as at December 31, 2017 

2,284 
39 
4 
- 
72 

2,399 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

1,719 
- 
- 
- 
67 

1,786 

(31) 
(41) 
- 
(3) 

(75) 

2,399 

1,711 

1,403 
83 
795 
- 
3 

2,284 

- 
- 
- 

- 

910 
1 
804 
- 
4 

1,719 

(15) 
(16) 
- 

(31) 

Net carrying value 

2,284 

1,688 

407 
22 
- 
(1) 
- 

428 

(211) 
(34) 
1 
- 

(244) 

184 

365 
31 
12 
(1) 
- 

407 

(179) 
(32) 
- 

(211) 

196 

517 
75 
- 
(55) 
6 

543 

(240) 
(45) 
52 
(5) 

(238) 

305 

495 
71 
18 
(67) 
- 

517 

(274) 
(33) 
67 

(240) 

277 

2,643 
97 
- 
(56) 
73 

2,757 

(482) 
(120) 
53 
(8) 

(557) 

2,200 

1,770 
103 
834 
(68) 
4 

2,643 

(468) 
(81) 
67 

(482) 

2,161 

1 Including business combinations of OneBeacon as restated (see Note 5 – Business combinations) and InnovAssur, assurances générales inc. 

Intangible assets under development amounted to $53 million as at December 31, 2018 ($103 million as at December 31, 2017). 
These intangible assets are not subject to amortization but are tested for impairment on an annual basis. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

15.2  Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions  

Allocation of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives to the group of CGUs 

a) 
Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are allocated to CGUs, or groups of CGUs, that are expected to benefit from the 
business combination in which they arose. 

In 2017, following the acquisition of OneBeacon a new group of CGUs has been defined and the goodwill and intangible assets with 
indefinite useful lives acquired were allocated to it (see Note 5 – Business combinations). 

 Allocation of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives to the groups of CGUs 

As at December 31, 

Canada 
U.S. 

Goodwill 

Intangible assets  

2018 

1,499 
900 

2,399 

2017 

1,461 
823 

2,284 

2018 

820 
50 

870 

2017 

820 
46 

866 

Impairment testing of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives 

b) 
The Company determines whether goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives (not subject to amortization) are impaired 
at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable at the 
CGU or group of CGUs level. 

The annual impairment tests for the groups of CGUs were performed at the following dates: 
•  Canada –  as at June 30, 2018 and 2017; and 
•  U.S. – as at June 30, 2018 and as at December 31, 2017, following the acquisition of OneBeacon. 

The Canada and U.S. CGUs were tested for impairment by comparing their carrying value to their recoverable amount, which has 
been determined based on a value in use calculation using the following key estimates and assumptions: 

•  Cash flow projections for the next three years are based on financial budgets approved by the Board of Directors and determined 
using budgeted margins based on past performance and management expectations for the  Canada and U.S. CGUs and their 
industry. 

•  Cash flow projections beyond the three-year period are extrapolated using estimated growth rates, based mainly on the Canadian 

and U.S. inflation, as well as demographic or gross domestic product growth perspectives.  

•  Pre-tax discount rate is based on the weighted-average cost of capital for comparable companies whose activities are similar to 

the Canada and U.S. CGUs. 

 Key assumptions used (groups of CGUs) 

Canada  
U.S.  

Growth rate 
2018 

2.5% 
3.9% 

2017 

2.5% 
3.9% 

Pre-tax discount rate 

2018 

9.0% 
11.6% 

2017 

9.1% 
10.7% 

No  impairment  loss  on  goodwill  or  intangible  assets  with  infinite  lives  has  been  recognized  for  these  CGUs  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2018 and 2017. 

The key assumptions used to determine the recoverable amount of each  group of CGUs were tested for sensitivity by applying a 
reasonably possible change to those assumptions, with all other assumptions held constant. The results of the sensitivity analysis 
would not have resulted in an impairment of the Canada and U.S. CGUs. 

46           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Investments in associates and joint ventures  

 Movement in investments in associates and joint ventures  

As at December 31, 

Balance, beginning of year 
Acquisitions, net of sales 
Dividends received 
Share of profit (loss) recorded in: 

net income 
OCI 

Balance, end of year  

Of which: 

associates 
joint ventures 

2018 

550 
36 
(15) 

25 
4 

600 

436 
164 

2017 

543 
11 
(14) 

16 
(6) 

550 

398 
152 

During 2018, there were no events or changes in circumstances that indicated that the carrying values of Company’s investments in 
associates and joint ventures, all of which are investments in private entities, may not be recoverable. 

 Property and equipment 

 Net carrying value of property and equipment 

As at December 31, 

Land and buildings 
Furniture and equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Finance leases 

2018 

35 
59 
61 
15 

170 

2017 

37 
50 
63 
14 

164 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Other assets and other liabilities  

18.1  Other assets 

 Components of other assets 

As at December 31, 

Financial assets related to investments 
Industry pools receivable 
Restricted funds 
Reinsurance receivable 
Other receivables and recoverables 
Accrued investment income 
Investments, at cost 
Prepaids 
Premium and sale taxes receivable 
Surplus notes1 
Pension plans in a surplus position (Note 27.1) 
Other  

2018 

2017 

139 
104 
103 
96 
92 
80 
66 
48 
41 
28 
- 
44 

841 

34 
100 
111 
60 
112 
76 
54 
43 
38 
31 
5 
39 

703 

1 Recorded at fair value based on a discounted cash flow model using information as of the measurement date and classified in Level 3 of the fair 

value hierarchy (see Note 5 – Business combinations). 

During 2018, there were no events or changes in circumstances that indicated that the carrying values of Investments at cost may not 
be recoverable. 

18.2  Other liabilities  

 Components of other liabilities  

As at December 31, 

Deposits received in connection with insurance contracts1 
Premium and sale taxes payable 
Accrued salaries and related compensation 
Commissions payable 
Pension plans in a deficit position and unfunded plans (Note 27.1) 
Account payables and accrued expenses 
Industry pools payable 
Other post-employment benefits and other post-retirement benefits  
Deposits received from reinsurers  
Other payables and other liabilities 

1 Unrestricted collateral held by the Company primarily in relation with the surety business.  

2018 

2017 

366 
251 
244 
196 
191 
107 
101 
51 
14 
343 

197 
233 
244 
199 
140 
108 
99 
52 
25 
322 

1,864 

1,619 

48           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Debt outstanding 

19.1  Summary of debt outstanding  

 Carrying value of debt outstanding 

As at December 31, 

Maturity 
date 

Initial 
term 
(years) 

Fixed 
rate 

Coupon 
(payment) 

Principal 
amount 

Carrying value (net of fees) 

2018 

2017 

Term notes 
Series 1 
Series 2 
Series 3 
Series 4 
Series 5 
Series 6 
Series 7 

2012 U.S. Senior Notes 
Credit facility (Note 19.3) 

Sept. 2019 
Nov. 2039 
July 2061 
Aug. 2021 
June 2042 
Mar. 2026 
June 2027 

Nov. 2022 

10  
30 
50  
10 
30  
10 
10  

10 

5.41%  Mar. & Sept. 
May & Nov. 
6.40% 
Jan. & July 
6.20% 
Feb. & Aug. 
4.70% 
5.16% 
June & Dec. 
3.77%  Mar. & Sept. 
June & Dec. 
2.85% 

250 
250 
100 
300 
250 
250 
425 

4.60% 

May & Nov.  USD275 

250 
248 
99 
299 
249 
249 
422 

393 
- 

250 
248 
99 
299 
249 
249 
422 

365 
60 

2,209 

2,241 

The term notes are accounted for at amortized cost which equals their carrying value. They may be redeemed at the option of the 
issuer, in whole or in part at any time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of the Government of Canada Yield at the date of 
redemption plus a margin or their par value. 

Fair value of debt outstanding amounted to $2,365 million as at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $2,449 million) and was 
established using valuation data from a benchmark firm. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company was in compliance with 
all debts covenants.  

19.2  Movement in the Company’s debt outstanding  

 Movement in the Company’s debt outstanding 

For the year ended December 31, 

Balance, beginning of year 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issuance of debt 
Amount drawn (repaid) under a credit facility 

Business combinations (Note 5) 
Exchange rate differences 
Other 

Balance, end of year 

19.3  Credit facility 

2018 

2,241 

- 
(60) 
- 
31 
(3) 

2017 

1,393 

422 
60 
364 
2 
- 

2,209 

2,241 

In  2017,  the  Company  increased  the  amount  available  under  its  unsecured  revolving  term  credit  facility  from  $300 million  to 
$750 million. This five-year credit facility matures on August 28, 2023 and may be drawn as follows: 

Type: 
      Prime loans 
      Base rate (Canada) advances 
      Bankers’ acceptances 
      Libor advances 

At a rate of: 
    Prime rate plus a margin 
    Base rate plus a margin 
    Bankers’ acceptance rate plus a margin 
    Libor rate plus a margin 

As part of the covenants of the loans under the credit facility, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios, which were 
fully met as at December 31, 2018 and 2017. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Common shares and preferred shares 

20.1  Authorized 

Authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares and Class A Shares. 

20.2  New financing 

Series 7 
Preferred 
Shares 

•  On  May  29,  2018,  the  Company  completed  a  Class  A  Series  7  offering  of  preferred  shares  (the  “Series  7 
Preferred Shares”) by issuing and selling 10,000,000 Series 7 Preferred Shares, at a price of $25.00 per share, 
for aggregate gross proceeds of $250 million. Share issuance costs of $7 million ($5 million after tax), were 
accounted for as a reduction in preferred shares on the Consolidated financial statements. 

• 

The holders of the Series 7 Preferred Shares will have the right, at their option, to convert their Series 7 Preferred 
Shares into Non-cumulative Floating Rate Class A Shares, Series 8 (the "Series 8 Preferred Shares"), subject 
to certain conditions, on June 30, 2023, and on June 30 every five years thereafter. The holders of Series 8 
Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive quarterly floating rate non-cumulative preferential cash dividends, 
as and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, on the last day of March, June, September 
and December in each year at an annualized rate equal to the 90-day Canadian Treasury Bill rate plus 2.55%. 

20.3 

Issued and outstanding  

 Issued and outstanding shares 

As at December 31, 

Common shares 

Preferred shares - Class A Shares 

Series 1  
Series 3  
Series 4  
Series 5 
Series 6 
Series 7 

Total Class A 

2018 

2017 

Number of 
shares 

Amount 
(in millions) 

Number of 
shares 

Amount 
(in millions) 

139,188,634 

2,816 

139,188,634 

2,816 

10,000,000 
8,405,004 
1,594,996 
6,000,000 
6,000,000 
10,000,000 

42,000,000 

244 
206 
39 
147 
147 
245 

10,000,000 
8,405,004 
1,594,996 
6,000,000 
6,000,000 
- 

1,028 

32,000,000 

244 
206 
39 
147 
147 
- 

783 

Issued and outstanding Class A shares rank in priority to common shares with regards to payment of dividends. 

 Reconciliation of number of shares outstanding 

As at December 31, 

Balance, beginning of year 
Issued 
Repurchased for cancellation (Note 20.5) 

Common shares                      

Preferred shares                  

(in shares) 
2018 

Class A shares (in shares) 

2017 

2018 

2017 

139,188,634 
- 
- 

131,050,134 
8,210,000 
(71,500) 

32,000,000 
10,000,000 
- 

20,000,000 
12,000,000 
- 

Balance, end of year 

139,188,634 

139,188,634 

42,000,000 

32,000,000 

On September 28, 2017, concurrent to the acquisition of OneBeacon, 8,210,000 subscription receipts (“receipts”) were converted into 
8,210,000 common shares. The Company had completed its offering of the 8,210,000 subscription receipts on May 11, 2017 at $91.85 
per receipt for gross proceeds of $754 million. Share issuance costs of $23 million ($19 million after tax), were accounted for as a 
reduction in common shares on the Consolidated balance sheets. 

On May 24, 2017, the Company completed a Series 5 offering of preferred shares (the “Series 5 Preferred Shares”) by issuing and 
selling 6,000,000 Series 5 Preferred Shares, at a price of $25.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $150 million. Share 
issuance costs of $4 million ($3 million after tax), were accounted for as a reduction in preferred shares on the Consolidated balance 
sheets. 

50           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

On August 18, 2017, the Company completed a Series 6 offering of preferred shares (the “Series 6 Preferred Shares”) by issuing and 
selling 6,000,000 Series 6 Preferred Shares, at a price of $25.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $150 million. Share 
issuance costs of $4 million ($3 million after tax), were accounted for as a reduction in preferred shares on the Consolidated balance 
sheets.  

20.4  Dividends declared and paid per share 

 Dividends declared and paid per share (in dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 

Common shares 
Preferred shares 

Series 1 
Series 3 
Series 4 
Series 5 
Series 6 
Series 7 

2018 

2.80 

0.85 
0.83 
0.97 
1.30 
1.33 
0.72 

2017 

2.56 

1.05 
0.83 
0.81 
0.78 
0.49 
n/a 

The  holders  of  record  of  the  Company  preferred  shares  are  entitled  to  receive  non-cumulative  preferential  cash  dividends  on  a 
quarterly basis, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Company. 

•  Series 1 Preferred Shares – The initial fixed-rate period ending on December 31, 2017 was based on an annual rate of 
4.20%. The dividend rate that will prevail from and including  December 31, 2017 to but excluding December 31, 2022  is 
3.396%. Every five years thereafter, the dividend rate will reset at a rate equal to the five-year Government of Canada bond 
yield plus 1.72%.  

•  Series 3 Preferred Shares – The annual dividend rate for the five-year period from and including September 30, 2016 to 

but excluding September 30, 2021 is 3.332%.  

•  Series 4 Preferred Shares – The dividend rate for the 3-month floating rate period from and including September 30, 2018 
to but excluding December 31, 2018 was 1.05082% (4.169% on an annualized basis). The floating quarterly dividend rate 
will be reset every quarter.  

•  Series 5 Preferred Shares – The annual dividend rate is 5.20% and is not subject to a rate reset. 

•  Series 6 Preferred Shares – The annual dividend rate is 5.30% and is not subject to a rate reset. 

•  Series 7 Preferred Shares – The annual dividend rate until June 30, 2023 is 4.90%, the dividend rate will be reset at this 
time and every five years thereafter. The initial dividend paid on September 28, 2018 amounted to $0.4162 per share. 

20.5  Normal course issuer bid (NCIB) 

Following the announcement of the acquisition of OneBeacon on May 2, 2017, the Company suspended its NCIB in order to maintain 
excess capital prior to the closing date of the transaction. The NCIB program expired on February 12, 2018 and was not renewed. 

 Common shares repurchased for cancelation under the NCIB 

As at December 31, 

Common shares repurchased for cancellation (in shares) 
Average price (in dollars) 

Total consideration paid 

2018 

- 
- 

- 

2017 

71,500 
94.05 

7 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Capital management 

21.1  Capital management objectives 

The Company’s objectives when managing capital consist of: 

•  maintaining strong  regulatory capital  levels  (see  Regulatory  capital  section  below),  while  ensuring  policyholders  are  well 

protected; and 

•  maximizing long-term shareholder value by optimizing capital used to operate and grow the Company. 

The Company seeks to maintain adequate capital margin to ensure the probability of breaching the regulatory minimum requirements 
is very low. Such levels may vary over time depending on the Company’s evaluation of risks and their potential impact on capital. The 
Company also keeps higher levels of capital margin when it foresees growth or actionable opportunities in the near term. Furthermore, 
the Company may return capital to shareholders through annual dividend increases and, when appropriate, through share buybacks. 

Regulatory capital  
The amount of capital deployed in any company or country is dependent upon local regulatory requirements, as well as the Company’s 
internal assessment of capital requirements in the context of its risk profiles, requirements and strategic plans. The Company’s practice 
is  to  maintain the capitalization  of its  regulated  operating subsidiaries  at a  level  that  will exceed  the  relevant  minimum  regulatory 
capital requirements in the jurisdictions in which they operate (referred to as regulator supervisory minimum levels). Regulatory capital 
guidelines change from time to time and may impact  the Company’s  capital levels.  The Company carefully monitors all changes, 
actual or proposed. 

Canada  

The  Company’s  federally  chartered  Canadian  P&C  insurance  subsidiaries  are  subject  to  the  regulatory  capital 
requirements defined by OSFI and the Insurance Companies Act, while its Québec provincially chartered subsidiaries 
are subject to the requirements of the AMF and the  Act Respecting Insurance. Federal and Québec regulated P&C 
insurers  are  required, at  a  minimum,  to  maintain a  MCT  ratio of  100%.  OSFI and  the  AMF  have  also  established  a 
regulator supervisory target capital ratio of 150%, which provides a cushion above the minimum requirement. 

U.S. 

The Company’s U.S. insurance operations are subject to regulation and supervision in each of the states where they 
are domiciled and licensed to conduct business. State insurance departments have established the insurer solvency 
laws  and  regulatory  infrastructure  to  maintain  accredited  status  with  the  National  Association  of  Insurance 
Commissioners  ("NAIC").  A  key  solvency-driven  NAIC  accreditation  requirement  is  a  state's  adoption  of  RBC 
requirements. Dividends from our major U.S. insurance subsidiary are subject to the New York  State Department of 
Financial Services’ prior approval for a two-year period ending September 30, 2019. 

21.2  Capital position 
As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, all the Company’s regulated P&C insurance subsidiaries were well capitalized on 
an individual basis with capital levels well in excess of regulator supervisory minimum levels, as well as CALs. 

 Estimated aggregate capital position 

As at December 31, 

Regulatory capital ratios  

Industry-wide supervisory minimum levels 
CALs 
Capital above CALs (capital margin) 
Other regulated / unregulated entities1 

Total capital margin 

2018 

U.S. 
(RBC) 

377% 

150% 
200% 
396 
- 

Canada 
(MCT) 

201% 

150% 
170% 
530 
- 

2017 

Canada 
(MCT) 

U.S. 
(RBC) 

205% 

459% 

150% 
170% 
618 
- 

150% 
200% 
438 
- 

IFC 
Capital 
margin 

- 

- 
- 
926 
407 

1,333 

IFC 
Capital 
margin 

- 

- 
- 
1,056 
79 

1,135 

1 Other regulated entities include Split Rock Insurance, Ltd. (Bermuda) and IB Reinsurance Inc. (Barbados). 

52           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

•  CALs  represent  the  thresholds  below  which  regulator  notification  is  required  together  with  a  company  action  plan  to  restore 

capital levels. 

•  U.S. capital levels comprise the RBC levels of OneBeacon’s U.S. regulated entities consolidated in Atlantic Specialty Insurance 

• 

Company.  
IFC’s total capital margin represents the aggregate of capital in excess of CALs in regulated entities, as well as unrestricted 
cash and invested assets in unregulated entities. 

Annually, the Company performs Capital Adequacy Testing to ensure that the Company has sufficient capital to withstand significant 
adverse event scenarios. These scenarios are reviewed each year to ensure appropriate risks are included in the testing process. 
The 2018 results indicated that the Company’s capital position is strong. In addition, the target, actual and forecasted capital position 
of the Company is subject to ongoing monitoring by management using stress and scenario analysis to ensure its adequacy. 

 Net investment income 

 Net investment income 

For the years ended December 31, 

Interest income from: 
  debt securities 

designated or classified as FVTPL 
classified as AFS 

loans and cash and cash equivalents 

Interest income 

Dividend income (expense) from: 
  common shares, net 

designated or classified as FVTPL 
classified as AFS 

  preferred shares classified as AFS 
  equities sold short positions 

investments, at cost 

Dividend income 

Expenses 

2018 

2017 

190 
134 
27 

351 

63 
94 
60 
(4) 
- 

213 

(35) 

529 

161 
90 
24 

275 

62 
78 
61 
(8) 
1 

194 

(37) 

432 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Net gains (losses) 

23.1  Net gains (losses) 

 Net gains (losses)  

For the years ended December 31, 

2018 

2017 

Portfolios 

Net gains (losses) from: 
financial instruments: 

designated as FVTPL 
classified as FVTPL 
classified as AFS 

  derivatives1: 

swap agreements 
forwards and futures 

  other 

Embedded derivatives 
Net foreign currency gains (losses) 
Impairment losses on common shares 

Currency derivative gain related to book 

value hedge of OneBeacon 

Other gains (losses) 2 

Fixed 
Income 

Equity 

Total 

Fixed 
Income 

Equity 

Total 

(82) 
(3) 
(20) 

(105) 

- 
(5) 
- 

(5) 
- 
(1) 
- 

(111) 

(179) 
4 
127 

(48) 

155 
22 
(2) 

175 
25 
- 
(47) 

105 

(261) 
1 
107 

(153) 

155 
17 
(2) 

170 
25 
(1) 
(47) 

(6) 

- 
19 

13 

(127) 
- 
2 

(125) 

- 
5 
- 

5 
- 
(2) 
- 

(122) 

12 
9 
167 

188 

(47) 
(19) 
1 

(65) 
(50) 
33 
(20) 

86 

(115) 
9 
169 

63 

(47) 
(14) 
1 

(60) 
(50) 
31 
(20) 

(36) 

65 
40 

69 

1 Excluding foreign currency contracts, which are reported in the line Net foreign currency gains (losses). 
2 Including net gains (losses) on investments in associates and joint ventures. 

23.2  Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions 

The Company determines, at each balance sheet date, whether there is objective evidence that financial assets, other than those 
classified or designated as FVTPL, are impaired. Considerations which form the basis of these objective evidence judgments include 
a significant or prolonged decline in fair value, a loss event that has occurred which has impaired the expected cash flows, as well as 
other considerations such as liquidity and credit risk. See Table 2.4 - Objective evidence of impairment for equity impairment 
model. 

54           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Income taxes 

24.1 

Income tax expense recorded in Net income 

 Components of income tax expense recorded in Net income  

For the years ended December 31, 

Current income tax expense 

Current year 
Adjustments to prior years 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)  

Change related to temporary differences 
Adjustments related to the U.S. Corporate Tax reform (see below) 
Adjustments to prior years 

2018 

2017 

168 
(2) 

2 
9 
2 

179 

216 
4 

(40) 
(27) 
(3) 

150 

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“U.S. Corporate Tax reform”), which reduces the U.S. corporate tax rate 
from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, was enacted. This change resulted in the initial recognition of a deferred tax benefit of 
$27 million  in  2017.  In  2018,  the  deferred  tax  expense  of  $9  million  related  to  the  finalization  of  the  OneBeacon  purchase  price 
equation (see Note 5 – Business combinations for details). 

24.2  Effective income tax rate 

The effective income tax rates are different from the combined Canadian federal and provincial income tax rates. The Consolidated 
statements of comprehensive income contain items that are non-taxable or non-deductible for income tax purposes, which cause the 
income tax expense to differ from what it would have been if based on statutory tax rates. 

The following table presents the reconciliation of the effective income tax rate to the income tax expense calculated at statutory tax 
rates.  

 Effective income tax rate reconciliation 

For the years ended December 31, 

Income tax expense calculated at statutory tax rate 
Increase (decrease) in income tax rates resulting from: 
  non-taxable investment income 
    foreign income taxed at different rates 
  adjustments related to the U.S. Corporate Tax reform1 
  non-taxable income 
  non-deductible losses (non-taxable income) from subsidiaries 
  non-deductible losses (non-taxable gains) 
  non-deductible expenses 
  other 

Effective income tax rate 

1 See Note 24.1 above for details. 

2018 

26.9% 

(4.7)% 
(1.7)% 
1.1% 
(1.0)% 
(0.8)% 
(0.3)% 
0.3% 
0.4% 

20.2% 

2017 

26.9% 

(3.8)% 
(0.7)% 
(2.9)% 
(0.7)% 
(0.5)% 
(3.5)% 
1.0% 
0.1% 

15.9% 

24.3  Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions 

Management exercises judgment in estimating the provision for income taxes. The Company is subject to income tax law in various 
jurisdictions where it operates. Various tax laws are potentially subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant tax 
authority. To the extent that the Company’s interpretations of tax laws differ from those of tax authorities or that the timing of realization 
of deferred tax assets is not as expected, the provision for income taxes may increase or decrease in future periods to reflect actual 
experience.  

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

24.4  Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities 

 Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities 

As at December 31, 

Net claims liabilities 
Difference between market value and book value of investments 
Deferred expenses for tax purposes 
Losses available for carry forward 
DB plans 
Other 

Deferred tax assets 

Intangible assets 
Deferred income for tax purposes 
Deferred gains and losses on specified debt obligations 
Property and equipment 
Difference between market value and book value of investments 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Net deferred tax asset (liability) / expense (benefit) 

Consolidated 
balance sheets 
Asset (liability) 

Consolidated statements  
of comprehensive income  
Expense (benefit) 

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017 

96 
32 
55 
155 
50 
6 

394 

(439) 
- 
(9) 
(44) 
- 

(492) 

(98) 

100 
15 
58 
140 
36 
13 

362 

(437) 
- 
(11) 
(36) 
- 

(484) 

(122) 

4 
(17) 
3 
(15) 
(14) 
7 

(32) 

2 
- 
(2) 
8 
- 

8 

(24) 

(92) 
- 
(5) 
(30) 
29 
11 

(87) 

119 
140 
2 
(11) 
5 

255 

168 

The Company believes that it is probable that it will generate sufficient taxable income in the future to realize the above deferred tax 
assets. 

The  Company  recognizes  a  deferred  tax  liability  on  all  temporary  differences  associated  with  investments  in  subsidiaries  and 
associates unless it can control the timing of the reversal of these differences and it is probable that these differences will not reverse 
in  the  foreseeable  future.  As  at  December  31,  2018  and  2017,  no  deferred  tax  liability  has  been  recognized  on  the  temporary 
differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates.  

24.5  Movement in the net deferred tax asset (liability) 

 Movement in the net deferred tax asset (liability) 

2018 

(122) 

(13) 
37 
5 
(4) 
(1) 

(98) 

141 
(239) 

2017 

(262) 

70 
98 
9 
(20) 
(17) 

(122) 

124 
(246) 

As at December 31, 

Balance, beginning of year  
Income tax benefit (expense): 
recorded in net income 
recorded in OCI 
recorded in equity 

Business combinations (Note 5) 
Exchange rate differences and other 

Balance, end of year  

Reported in: 

deferred tax assets 
deferred tax liabilities 

56           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

24.6  Unused tax losses and credits 

The following table presents a summary of unused tax losses and credits, as well as the amount for which a deferred tax asset was 
recognized on the Consolidated Balance sheets as at December 31, 2018 and 2017. 

 Unused tax losses and credits 

As at December 31, 

Unused net operating losses: 
  U.S subsidiaries 
    Canada 

Unused tax credits: 
  U.S subsidiaries 

Unused allowable capital losses: 
  Canada 

2018 
Total  Recognized 

2017 
Total  Recognized 

Expiry date 

2031 - 2037 
2037 - 2038 

2030 - 2038 

426 
111 

33 

434 
60 

27 

81 

426 
117 

33 

93 

Expiry date 

2031 - 2035 
2037 

2030 - 2037 

434 
57 

27 

- 

No expiry date 

- 

No expiry date 

Unused tax credits can be used to offset U.S. tax payable in the future. Unused allowable capital losses can be used to reduce future 
taxable capital gains in Canada. 

 Earnings per share 

EPS was calculated by dividing the Net income attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted-average number 
of common shares outstanding during the year. Dilution is not applicable and, therefore, diluted EPS is the same as basic EPS.  

 Earnings per share 

For the years ended December 31,  

Net income attributable to shareholders 
Less: dividends declared on preferred shares, net of tax  

Net income attributable to common shareholders 

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in millions) 

EPS – basic and diluted (in dollars) 

2018 

707 
40 

667 

139.2 

4.79 

2017 

792 
27 

765 

133.1 

5.75 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Share-based payments 

26.1  Long-term incentive plan 

a) 

Outstanding LTIP units and fair value at grant date 

 Outstanding units and weighted-average fair value at grant date by performance cycle 

As at December 31, 

Performance cycles 

2015 - 2017  
2016 - 2018  
2017 - 2019 
2017 - 2022 
2018 - 2020 

Number of 
units 

- 
248,005 
246,137 
119,733 
473,736 

1,087,611 

2018 
Weighted-average 
fair value at  
grant date (in $) 

Amount  
(in millions 
of $) 

Number of 
units 

2017 

Weighted-average 
fair value at  
grant date (in $) 

Amount  
(in millions 
of $) 

- 
90.36 
93.30 
103.88 
105.14 

99.01 

- 
22 
23 
12 
50 

227,572 
216,886 
210,592 
119,733 
- 

107 

774,783 

77.89 
90.36 
93.30 
103.88 
- 

92.06 

19 
20 
20 
12 
- 

71 

b) 

Movements in LTIP units 

 Movements in LTIP share units 

For the years ended December 31, 

Outstanding, beginning of year 
Awarded 
Net change in estimate of units outstanding 
Units settled 

Outstanding, end of year 

2018 
(in units) 

774,783 
434,583 
132,079 
(253,834) 

1,087,611 

2017 
(in units) 

702,246 
308,252 
20,203 
(255,918) 

774,783 

c) 

LTIP expense recognized in Net income 

The LTIP is accounted for as an equity-settled plan, except for the participants that are eligible to receive cash in lieu of shares of the 
Company (accounted for as a cash-settled plan). 

 LTIP expense recognized in Net income 

For the years ended December 31,  

Cash-settled plans 
Equity-settled plans 

26.2  Employee share purchase plan 

a) 

Movements in restricted common shares 

 Movements in restricted common shares 

For the years ended December 31, 

Outstanding, beginning of year 
Accrued 
Awarded and vested 
Forfeited 

Outstanding, end of year 

58           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

2018 

2017 

4 
42 

46 

6 
14 

20 

2018 
(in units) 

132,491 
133,871 
(129,416) 
(5,265) 

131,681 

2017 
(in units) 

145,368 
134,865 
(142,327) 
(5,415) 

132,491 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

ESPP expense recognized in Net income 

b) 
The ESPP is accounted for as an equity-settled plan. For the years ended December 31, 2018, the ESPP expense was $13 million 
(December 31, 2017 – $14 million).  

26.3  Deferred share unit  
The DSU is accounted for as a cash-settled plan. For the years ended December 31, 2018, the expense was $1 million (December 31, 
2017 - $2 million). The DSU provision amounted to $10 million as at December 31, 2018 and 2017. 

26.4  Common shares repurchased for share-based payments 
The settlement in shares with regards to the Company’s LTIP and ESPP plans is presented below.  

 Table Settlement in shares (LTIP and ESPP plans) 

For the years ended December 31,  

Value of common shares repurchased for share-based payments 
Less: cumulative cost of the units for the Company 

Excess of market price over the cumulative cost for the Company 
Amount recognized in Retained earnings, net of taxes 

2018 

2017 

36 
32 

4 
3 

37 
29 

8 
6 

The cumulative cost of the units that vested  during the year and were settled through the plan administrator purchasing common 
shares on the market and remitting them to the participants was removed from Contributed surplus. 

The difference between the market price of the shares and the cumulative cost for the Company of these vested units, net of income 
taxes, was recorded in Retained earnings. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Employee future benefits 

The  Company  has  funded  and  unfunded  DB  pension  plans  in  Canada  that provide 
benefits to members in the form of a guaranteed pension payable for life based on 
final average earnings and contingent upon certain age and service requirements. In 
Canada,  the  Company  provides  active  employees  a  choice  between  a  DB  and  a 
defined contribution pension plan. In the U.S., the Company offers a 401(k) plan to its 
employees. 

DB pension obligation 
(as at the date of the latest actuarial valuation) 

Active members
Pensioners and beneficiaries
Deferred members

7%

Subject to applicable pension legislation, the Canadian plans are administered either 
by the Company or by a pension committee, with assets held in a pension fund that is 
legally separate from the Company. The assets cannot be used for any purpose other 
than payment of pension benefits and related administrative fees. 

32%

61%

Provincial minimum funding regulations in Canada require special payments from the 
Company  to  amortize  any  shortfall  of  registered  plans’  assets  relative  to  the 
corresponding funding targets. Security in the form of letters of credit is permitted in 
lieu of those special payments, up to a limit of 15% of  the actuarial liability used to 
determine the funding target. 

Subject to applicable legal requirements in Canada, any balance of assets remaining after providing for the accrued benefits of the 
plan members may be returned to the Company upon termination of the plan. Pension legislation in certain provinces may require 
that the Company submit a proposal to the members and beneficiaries regarding the allocation of surplus assets. However, on an 
ongoing basis, a portion of such surplus may be recoverable by the Company through a reduction in future contributions or through 
payment of eligible administrative expenses. 

The Company also offers employer-paid post-retirement life insurance and  health care benefit plans to a limited number of  active 
employees and retirees as well as post-employment benefit plans that provide health and dental coverage to employees on disability 
for the duration of their leaves. These post-retirement and post-employment benefit plans are unfunded. 

27.1  Funded status 
The DB obligation, net of the fair value of plan assets, is recognized on the Consolidated balance sheets as an asset, when the plan 
is in a surplus position, or as a liability, when the plan is in a deficit position. This classification is determined on a plan-by-plan basis. 

 Movement in the DB obligation 

As at December 31, 

DB obligation 
Fair value of plan assets 

Net DB asset (liability) 

Reported in: 
  other assets – plans in a surplus position 
  other liabilities – plans in a deficit position and unfunded plans 

Funded status – funded plans 

Pension plans 

2018 

(2,271) 
2,080 

(191) 

- 
(191) 
(191) 
96% 

2017 

(2,263) 
2,128 

(135) 

5 
(140) 
(135) 
99% 

The  measurement  date  for  the  DB  pension  plans  is  December 31.  The latest  actuarial valuations for  the  DB  pension  plans  were 
performed as at December 31, 2017. The Company’s liquidity risk with regards to pension plans is not significant, as inflows from 
contributions receivable generally outweigh outflows for benefit payments. A large portion of the  investments are held in short-term 
notes and highly liquid federal and provincial government debt to protect against any unanticipated large cash requirements. 

60           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

27.2  DB obligation 

The DB obligation is based on the current value of expected benefit payment cash flows to plan members over their expected lifetime. 

 Movement in the DB obligation 

As at December 31, 

Balance, beginning of year 
Current service cost  
Past service cost 
Interest expense on DB obligation 
Actuarial losses (gains) due to changes in: 

financial assumptions 
plan experience 
life expectancy 
Employee contributions 
Benefit payments 
Balance, end of year  

27.3  Fair value of plan assets 

Pension plans 

2018 

2,263 
76 
- 
77 

(170) 
55 
23 
27 
(80) 
2,271 

2017 

2,014 
65 
1 
72 

103 
52 
- 
27 
(71) 
2,263 

The  Company  makes  contributions  to  the  DB  pension  plans  to  secure  the  benefits.  The  amount  and  timing  of  the  Company’s 
contributions  are  made  in  accordance  with  applicable  pension  and  tax  legislation  following  the  advice  of  an  actuary.  Under  the 
provisions  of  the  pension  plans,  members  may  annually  select  between  three  different  DB  levels  and  are  required  to  make 
contributions to their respective plans based on the benefit level selected. The Company must fund the excess of the required funding 
over the members’ contributions. 

a) 

Movement in the fair value of plan assets 

 Movement in the fair value of plan assets 

As at December 31, 

Balance, beginning of year 
Employer contributions 
Employee contributions 
Actual return on plan assets 

Interest income on plan assets recognized in Net income 
Actuarial gains (losses) recognized in OCI 

Benefit payments 
Other  
Balance, end of year  

b) 

Composition of pension plan assets 

 Composition of pension plan assets 

As at December 31, 

Cash and short-term notes 
Fixed income 

Investment grade 
  Government 
  Corporate 
  Asset-backed 

Debt securities 

Common shares 
Derivative financial instruments 

Pension plans 

2018 

2,128 
55 
27 

71 
(117) 
(80) 
(4) 
2,080 

2017 

1,981 
60 
27 

69 
66 
(71) 
(4) 
2,128 

2018 

2017 

Fair value 

% of total 

Fair value 

% of total 

62 

3% 

43 

2% 

823 
460 
2 

1,285 

710 
23 
2,080 

40% 
22% 
- 

62% 

34% 
1% 
100% 

867 
438 
3 

1,308 

749 
28 
2,128 

41% 
21% 
- 

62% 

35% 
1% 
100% 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Plan assets are essentially all quoted in an active market. 

Based on the latest projections of the financial position of all its plans, total cash contributions by the Company are expected to be 
approximately $51 million in 2019 compared to actual contributions of $55 million in 2018. The contributions will vary depending on 
the number of active members accruing benefits and their level of pensionable earnings, the results of any new actuarial valuations, 
the impact of any funding rule changes, the use of funding relief measures, if any, and decisions taken by the Company to use or not 
use letters of credit as permitted by legislation. The Company is also expected to meet the cost of eligible administrative expenses 
through the pension funds. 

27.4  Employee future benefit expense recognized in Net income 

 Employee future benefit expense recognized in Net income 

For the years ended December 31, 

Current service cost  
Past service cost  
Net interest expense 

Interest expense on DB obligation 
Interest income on plan assets 

Other 

27.5  Actuarial gains (losses) recognized in OCI  

 Actuarial gains (losses) recognized in OCI 

For the years ended December 31, 

Remeasurements related to: 

change in discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation 
actual return on plan assets 
changes in life expectancy (Note 27.6) 
change in other financial assumptions 
changes in plan experience 

Pension plans 

2018 

2017 

76 
- 

77 
(71) 
4 

86 

65 
1 

72 
(69) 
4 

73 

Pension plans 

2018 

2017 

131 
(117) 
(23) 
39 
(55) 

(25) 

(110) 
66 
- 
7 
(52) 

(89) 

27.6  Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions 
The cost of the DB plans and the DB obligation are calculated by the Company’s independent actuaries using assumptions determined 
by management. The actuarial valuation involves making assumptions about discount rates, future salary increases, future inflation, 
the employees’ age upon termination and retirement, mortality rates, future pension increases, disability incidence and health and 
dental care cost trends. If actual experience differs from the assumptions used, the expected obligation could increase or decrease 
in future years. 

Due to the complexity of the valuation and its long-term nature, the DB obligation is highly sensitive to changes in the assumptions. 
Assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date. 

62           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

a) 

Assumptions used and sensitivity analysis 

 Key weighted-average assumptions used in measuring the Company’s pension plans 

Discount rate: 

determination of DB obligation 
current service cost 
interest expense on the DB obligation 
Rate of increase in future compensation: 

next 3 years 
beyond 3 years 

Rate of inflation 
Life expectancy for pensioners at the age of 65: 

male  
female  

Obligation 
As at December 31, 

2018 

2017 

Expense 
For the years ended December 31, 
2017 

2018 

3.86% 
n/a 
n/a 

2.75% 
2.39% 
1.64% 

22.2 
24.6 

3.53% 
n/a 
n/a 

2.75% 
2.68% 
1.93% 

21.7 
24.1 

n/a 
3.58% 
3.30% 

2.75% 
2.68% 
1.93% 

21.7 
24.1 

n/a 
3.90% 
3.45% 

2.75% 
2.75% 
2.00% 

21.6 
24.1 

The rate of compensation increase was based on financial plans approved by management for the next 3 years, and on inflation and 
long-term expectations of wage salary increase beyond 3 years.  

Assumptions regarding life expectancy for pensioners are based on the standard Canadian private sector mortality table published in 
2014 by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (“CPM2014Priv table”). The assumptions as at December 31, 2018 also reflected the 
Company’s recent mortality experience study conducted in 2018.  

 Sensitivity of the DB pension obligation to key assumptions 

As at December 31, 

Change 

2018 

2017 

increase 

decrease 

increase 

decrease 

Discount rates 
Rate of increase in future compensation 
Rate of inflation 
Life expectancy 

1% 
1% 
1% 
One year  

(360) 
97 
74 
53 

482 
(85) 
(67) 
(53) 

(369) 
108 
76 
60 

503 
(107) 
(69) 
(60) 

The effect on the DB pension obligation at the end of the year has been calculated by changing one assumption for the sensitivity but 
without changing any other assumptions. The impact of a one-year increase in life expectancy has been approximated by measuring 
the impact of members being one year younger than their actual age on the valuation date. 

27.7  Risk management and investment strategy  
Employee DB provisions expose the Company to actuarial risks (such as longevity risk, interest rate risk, inflation risk and market 
investment risk). The ultimate cost of the DB provisions to the Company will depend upon future events rather than on the assumptions 
made.  In  general,  the  risk  to  the  Company  is  that  the  assumptions  underlying  the  disclosures,  or  the  calculation  of  contribution 
requirements  are  not  borne  out  in  practice  and  the  cost  to  the  Company  is  higher  than  expected.  This  could  result  in  higher 
contributions required from the Company and a higher deficit disclosed.  

Assumptions which may vary significantly include:  
the actual return on plan assets; 
decrease in asset values not being matched by a similar decrease in the value of liabilities; and 
unanticipated future changes in mortality patterns leading to an increase in the DB liabilities. 

• 
• 
• 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The DB obligation and the service cost are sensitive to the assumptions made about salary growth levels and inflation, as well as the 
assumptions made about life expectancy. It is based on estimates of market yields on highly rated corporate bonds. 

The Management Pension Committee is responsible for the oversight of the pension plans, including the review of the funding policy 
and investment performance. The  Statement of  Investment Policies and Procedures  of the pension plan (the “SIP&P”) formulates 
investments principles, guidelines and monitoring procedures to meet the funds’ needs and objectives, in conformity with applicable 
rules. It also establishes principles and limits pertaining to debt and equity market risks. Any deviation from the SIP&P is reviewed by 
the Operational Investment Committee. The Risk Management Committee, which is a committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, 
is responsible for the approval of the SIP&P and the review of the pension plans’ investment performance.  

The  pension  plans  investment  portfolio  is  managed  by  Intact  Investment  Management  Inc.,  a  subsidiary  of  the  Company,  in 
accordance  with  the  SIP&P  that  focuses  on  asset  diversification  and  asset-liability  matching.  The  Company  regularly  monitors 
compliance with the SIP&P. 

Asset diversification  
The goal of asset diversification is to limit the potential of sustaining significant capital losses. 

Debt securities in the pension plans are significantly exposed to changes in interest rates 
and movements in credit spreads. Investment policies seek a balanced target investment 
allocation between debt and equity securities, within credit concentration limit. The pension 
plans’ risk management strategy is to invest in debt instruments of high credit quality issuers 
and to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect to any one issuer by imposing limits 
based upon credit quality. The adopted SIP&P generally requires minimum credit ratings of 
‘BBB’ for investments in debt securities and limits its concentration in any one investee or 
related group of investees to 5% of the cost of its total assets for debt securities (except for 
those  that  are  issued  or  guaranteed  by  the  Government  of  Canada  or  by  a  province  of 
Canada having at least an ‘A’ rating). The Company has overall limits on credit exposure 
that include debt and equity securities, as well as off-balance sheet exposure. 

Pension plan asset mix 
(as at December 31, 2018) 

Debt securities

Common shares

Other

4%

34%

62%

Sensitivity analysis is one risk management technique that assists management in ensuring that equity risks assumed remain within 
the pension plans’ risk tolerance level. The Company’s pension plans have a significant concentration of their investments in Canada 
as well as in the Government sector. This risk concentration is closely monitored. 

The Company also establishes asset allocation limits to ensure sufficient diversification (see Note 10.4 – Credit risk). 

Asset-liability matching 
One objective established in the SIP&P is to maintain an appropriate balance between the interest rate exposure of the plans’ invested 
assets and the duration of its contractual liabilities. The Company calculates a hedge ratio as the interest rate duration of the pension 
asset portfolio divided by the duration of the funded registered pension plans’ obligation. A lower hedge ratio increases the Company’s 
exposure to changes in interest rates. The hedge ratio was 67% as at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – 68%).  

A portion of the pension plan liabilities contain an indexation provision linked to the consumer price index (CPI). The Company invests 
in inflation sensitive assets to partially mitigate the risk of an unanticipated increase in inflation. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, 
10% of pension plan assets were invested in Canada Government Real Return Bonds. 

64           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Segment information  

28.1  Reportable segments  

The Company has two reportable segments, in line with its management structure and internal financial reporting which is based on 
country, and the nature of its activities.  

Canada 
•  Underwriting of automobile, home and business insurance contracts to individuals and businesses in Canada distributed through 

a wide network of brokers and directly to consumers.  

•  Distribution operations, including the results from the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary (BrokerLink) and broker affiliates. 

U.S. 
•  Underwriting  of  specialty  contracts  mainly  to  small  and  midsize  businesses  in  the  United  States.  The  Company  distributes 

insurance through independent agencies, brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies. 

Corporate  and  Other  (“Corporate”)  consists  of  centralized  investing,  treasury  and  capital  management  activities,  as  well  as  other 
corporate activities. 

28.2  Segment operating performance 

 Segment operating performance1 

For the years ended December 31, 

Canada 

U.S.  Corporate 

Total  Canada 

U.S.  Corporate 

Total 

2018 

2017 

Operating income 

NEP 
Investment income 
Other 
Segment operating revenues 
Net claims incurred (before MYA) 
Underwriting expenses2 
Investment expenses 
Share of profit from invest. in associates & JV 
Finance costs  
Other 

PTOI3 
Comprised of: 

underwriting income4 
net investment income 
net distribution income 
finance costs 
other income (expense) 

- 
136 

8,332  1,380 
- 
- 
8,468  1,380 
(804) 
(5,538) 
(505) 
(2,394) 
- 
- 
- 
53 
- 
- 
- 
(43) 
71 
546 

400 
- 
146 
- 
- 

71 
- 
- 
- 
- 

3 
564 
11 

9,715 
564 
147 
578  10,426 
(6,342) 
(2,899) 
(35) 
53 
(103) 
(72) 
1,028 

- 
- 
(35) 
- 
(103) 
(29) 
411 

8,204 
- 
124 
8,328 
(5,381) 
(2,345) 
- 
46 
- 
(38) 
610 

3 
529 
- 
(103) 
(18) 

474 
529 
146 
(103) 
(18) 

478 
- 
132 
- 
- 

326 
- 
- 
326 
(198) 
(120) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
8 

8 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
469 
34 
503 
- 
- 
(37) 
- 
(82) 
(29) 
355 

- 
432 
- 
(82) 
5 

8,530 
469 
158 
9,157 
(5,579) 
(2,465) 
(37) 
46 
(82) 
(67) 
973 

486 
432 
132 
(82) 
5 

Investments 
Net claims liabilities (Table 11.1) 

- 

- 
8,151  1,726 

16,897  16,897 
9,877 

- 

- 

- 
8,098  1,648 

16,774  16,774 
9,746 

- 

1 See Table 28.2 for the reconciliation to the Consolidated statements of income. 
2 Other underwriting revenues are netted against underwriting expenses when assessing segment performance. 
3 See Section 27 – Non IFRS financial measures of the Company’s MD&A for the definition of related operating measures. 
4 2017 includes only Q4 results of the Company’s U.S. operations. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

All segment revenues presented in Table 28.1 – Segment operating performance are generated from external customers. 

Management  measures  the  profitability  of  the  Company’s  segments  based  on  pre-tax  operating  income  (“PTOI”).  PTOI  excludes 
elements that are not representative of the Company’s operating performance because they relate to special items, bear significant 
volatility from one period to another, or because they are not part of the Company’s normal activities.  

The reconciliation of the segment information to the amounts reported in the Consolidated statements of income is presented in the 
table below. Other underwriting revenues are netted against underwriting expenses when assessing segment performance for MD&A 
presentation  and,  as  such,  are  not  included  in  segment  operating  revenues.  Revenues  and  expenses  not  allocated  to  segments 
mainly represent non-operating items excluded from PTOI. 

 Reconciliation of segment information to amounts reported in the Consolidated statements of income 

For the years ended December 31,  

Segment operating revenues (Table 28.1) 
Add: other underwriting revenues 
Add: NEP exited lines 
Revenues, as reported 

Segment PTOI (Table 28.1) 
Non-operating items:  
net gains (losses) 
positive (negative) impact of MYA on underwriting 
amortization of intangible assets recognized in business combinations 
integration and restructuring costs 
difference between expected return and discount rate on pension assets 
underwriting results from OneBeacon exited lines 
other non-operating costs  
Pre-tax income, as reported 

2018 

10,426 
110 
50 
10,586 

1,028 

13 
97 
(89) 
(63) 
(49) 
(29) 
(22) 
886 

2017 

9,157 
108 
28 
9,293 

973 

69 
92 
(62) 
(57) 
(45) 
(10) 
(18) 
942 

28.3 

Information by geographic areas 

 Geographic areas 

As at December 31, 

Canada 
U.S.1 

1 2017 includes only Q4 results of the Company’s U.S. operations. 

Revenues 
2018 

9,060 
1,526 

10,586 

2017 

8,923 
370 

9,293 

Total assets 
2018 

22,023 
6,438 

28,461 

2017 

21,814 
6,024 

27,838 

Revenues and assets are allocated based on the country where the risks originate. The Company’s significant operating subsidiaries 
by geographic areas of operations are presented below. 

 Significant operating subsidiaries by geographic areas 

Operations 

Canada 

•  Belair Insurance Company Inc.  
•  Canada Brokerlink Inc. 
•  Equisure Financial Network Inc.  
Intact Insurance Company  
• 
IB Reinsurance Inc.  
• 

Legal entities 

Jevco Insurance Company 

• 
•  Novex Insurance Company  
• 
• 

The Nordic Insurance Company of Canada  
Trafalgar Insurance Company of Canada 

U.S. 

•  OneBeacon Insurance Group Holdings; Ltd.  
•  Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company  

•  OneBeacon U.S. Financial Services Inc. 
•  Split Rock Insurance, Ltd. 

66           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

 Additional information on the Consolidated statements of cash flows 

29.1  Adjustments for non-cash items 

 Adjustments for non-cash items 

For the years ended December 31,  

Depreciation of property and equipment 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Net premiums on debt securities classified as AFS 
DB pension expense 
Share-based payments expense  
Share of profit from investments in associates and joint ventures 
Other 

29.2  Changes in other operating assets and liabilities 

 Changes in other operating assets and liabilities 

For the years ended December 31,  

Unearned premiums, net 
Premium receivables, net  
Deferred acquisition costs, net 
Other operating assets 
Other operating liabilities 
Dividends received from investments in associates and joint ventures 

2018 

2017 

38 
120 
20 
86 
59 
(25) 
(4) 

294 

2018 

(33) 
19 
(13) 
(13) 
137 
15 

112 

34 
81 
15 
73 
34 
(16) 
4 

225 

2017 

(30) 
52 
(25) 
(26) 
(186) 
14 

(201) 

 Related-party transactions 

The  Company  enters  into  transactions  with  associates  and  joint  ventures  in  the  normal  course  of  business,  as  well  as  with  key 
management  personnel  and  pension  plans.  Transactions  with  related  parties  are  at  normal  market  prices  and  mostly  comprise 
commissions for insurance policies and interest and principal payments on loans.   

30.1  Transactions with associates and joint ventures  

 Transactions with associates and joint ventures 

As at December 31, 

Income and expenses reported in: 

net investment income  
underwriting expenses 

Assets and liabilities reported in: 
loans and other receivables 
commissions payable 

2018 

2017 

7 
266 

129 
35 

8 
260 

202 
36 

30.2  Compensation of key management personnel 
Key management personnel comprise all members of the Board of Directors and certain members of the Executive Committee. The 
compensation of key management personnel comprises salaries, share-based awards, annual incentive plans and pension value. 
Total compensation amounted to $28 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 ($43 million for the year ended December 31, 
2017). 

Key management personnel can purchase insurance products offered by the Company in the normal course of business. The terms 
and conditions of such transactions are essentially the same as those available to clients and employees of the Company. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

30.3  Pension plans 
Intact Investment Management Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, manages the investment portfolio of the pension plans’ Master 
Trust in return for investment advisory fees charged to the pension plans, for a total of $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 
($7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017). The Company made contributions to pension plans of $55 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2018 ($60 million for the year ended December 31, 2017). 

 Commitments and contingencies    

31.1  Commitments 

The Company has entered into commercial operating leases and other commitments, with a remaining life ranging from one to 19 
years.  

 Future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases and other commitments 

As at December 31, 2018 

Less than 1 year 
From 1 to 5 years 
Over 5 years 

Operating 
leases 

118 
375 
512 

1,005 

Other 

96 
75 
15 

186 

Total 

214 
450 
527 

1,191 

31.2  Contingencies 
In  the  normal  course  of  operations,  various  insurance  claims  and  legal  proceedings  are  instituted  against  the  Company.  Legal 
proceedings  are  often  subject  to  numerous  uncertainties  and  it  is  not  possible  to  predict  the  outcome  of  individual  cases.  In 
management’s opinion, the Company has made adequate provisions for, or has adequate insurance to cover all insurance claims and 
legal proceedings. Consequently, any settlements reached should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated 
future operating results and financial position.  

The Company provides indemnification agreements to directors and officers, to the extent permitted by law, against certain claims 
made against them as a result of their services to the Company. The Company has insurance coverage for these agreements. 

 Disclosures on rate regulation   

32.1  Canada 
The Company’s Canadian insurance subsidiaries are licensed under insurance legislation in each of the provinces and territories in 
which  they  conduct  business.  Personal  and  commercial  automobile  insurance is  a  compulsory  product  and  is  subject to  different 
regulations across the provinces and territories in Canada, including those with respect to rate setting. 

Rate setting mechanisms generally fall under three categories:  

 Rate filing categories  

Category 

Description 

File and approve 

Insurers must wait for specific approval of filed rates before they may be used. 

File and use 

Insurers  file  their  rates  with  the  relevant  authorities  and  wait  for  a  prescribed  period  and  then 
implement the proposed rates. 

Use and file 

Rates are filed following use. 

In Canada, essentially all provinces and territories use a “file and approve” rate setting mechanism except for Quebec, which uses a 
“use and file” mechanism. Automobile DPW covered by a “file and approve” rate setting mechanism totalled $3.3 billion, or 74% of 
the  Canadian  Company’s  automobile  DPW  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2018  ($3.4  billion,  or  75%,  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2017).  

68           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

32.2  U.S. 
Nearly  all  states  have  insurance  laws  requiring  property  and  casualty  insurance  companies  to  file  their  rates,  rules  and  policy  or 
coverage forms with the state's regulatory authority. In most cases, such rates, rules and forms must be approved prior to use. While 
pricing laws vary from state to state, their objectives are generally to ensure that rates are not excessive, unfairly discriminatory or 
used to engage in unfair price competition. The Company’s ability to increase rates and the timing of the process are dependent upon 
the regulatory requirements in each state.  

 Standards issued but not yet effective  

33.1  Financial instruments 
IFRS 9 is a three-part standard that will replace IAS 39 and will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. 
However, the Company meets the eligibility criteria of the temporary exemption from IFRS 9 as provided by IFRS 4 and has elected 
to defer the application of IFRS 9 until the effective date of the new insurance contracts standards IFRS 17, on January 1, 2021 (see 
Note 4.1 - Amendments to IFRS 4 – Insurance Contracts for the application of IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments). The Company 
is  currently  evaluating  the  impact  that  IFRS  9,  in  conjunction  with  IFRS  17,  will  have  on  its  Consolidated  financial  statements. 
Nevertheless, in the interim, the Company is required to present additional disclosures as described in Note 4.1. 

Classification and measurement 
The classification of debt instruments is dependent on the business model and the cash flows characteristics. A debt instrument will 
be classified in accordance with the table below if its contractual term gives rise on specific dates to cash flows that are solely payments 
of principal and interest. It would otherwise be classified as FVTPL. 

Amortized cost 

FVTOCI 

FVTPL 

Default classification when the 
objective of the business model is 
uniquely to receive contractual cash 
flows of principal and interest. 

Default classification when the 
objective of the business model is 
equally to receive contractual cash 
flows of principal and interest and 
realize cash flows from the sale. 

Classification when the debt instrument does not 
meet the objective of the amortized cost or 
FVTOCI business models, or election to measure 
them as FVTPL instead of amortized cost or 
FVTOCI if doing so eliminates or significantly 
reduces an accounting mismatch. 

Cash and cash equivalents, deposits with financial institutions, and receivables pass the SPPI  test and are held at amortized cost, 
whereby the amortized cost is assumed to approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the assets. 

Equity instruments and derivatives are usually measured at FVTPL. An entity can also elect on initial recognition to present fair value 
changes on an equity investment that is not held for trading directly and permanently in OCI, thus gains or losses are not recognized 
in income when the investment is disposed of.  

Hedge accounting 

The new model more closely aligns hedge accounting with risk management activities undertaken by companies when hedging their 
financial  and  non-financial  risk  exposures  (under  IAS  39,  hedging  non-financial  components  is  not  permitted).  It  will  enable more 
entities to: 
•
•

apply hedge accounting to reflect their actual risk management activities; and 
use information produced internally for risk management purposes as a basis for hedge accounting, compared to IAS 39 
which imposes eligibility and compliance based on metrics that are designed solely for accounting purposes. 

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Expected credit loss 
This new impairment model applies only to financial assets classified as amortized cost and debt securities classified as FVTOCI. 
Under the expected credit loss model, a loss allowance will be established for all financial assets impaired based on a 12-month 
expected credit losses or life-time expected credit losses if the credit risk increases significantly.  

As an exception from the general requirements, an entity may assume that the criterion for recognising lifetime expected credit losses 
is not met if the credit risk on the financial instrument is low (“investment grade”) at the reporting date. 

33.2  Leases 

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 – Leases (“IFRS 16”). IFRS 16 will replace IAS 17 – Leases and related interpretations. It 
requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as right-of-use assets (representing the right to use the underlying 
assets),  with  the  corresponding  lease  liabilities  (representing  the  obligation  to  make  lease  payments).  Generally,  the  recognition 
pattern for capitalized leases will be similar to today’s finance lease accounting, with interest and depreciation expense recognized in 
Finance costs and Other expenses respectively in the Consolidated statements of income. 

IFRS  16  is  effective  for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2019.  Lessees  must  adopt  IFRS  16  using  either  a  full 
retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. The Company will apply the modified retrospective approach, under  which the 
cumulative  effect  of  adoption will  be  recognized  in  opening  Retained  earnings  as  at  January  1,  2019,  with  no  restatement  to  the 
comparative figures. 

The adoption of IFRS 16 will lead to the recognition of operating leases, mainly real estate leases. As a result, the Company expects 
to account for right-of-use assets of $358 million, lease liabilities of $441 million, write-off of net liabilities recognized under IAS 17 of 
$29 million, and a reduction of shareholders’ equity of $40 million, net of income taxes. 

33.3 

Insurance contracts 

In May 2017, the IASB published IFRS 17 a comprehensive new accounting standard for insurance contracts covering recognition 
and  measurement,  presentation  and  disclosure,  which  replaces  IFRS  4  and  introduces  consistent  accounting  for  all  insurance 
contracts.  

IFRS  17  provides  a  general  model  for  the  recognition  of  insurance  contracts,  as  well  as  a  simplified  model  (premium  allocation 
approach)  for  short-duration  contracts,  which  will  be  applicable  to  most  property  and  casualty  insurance  contracts.  The  standard 
requires a company to measure insurance contracts using updated estimates and assumptions that reflect the timing of cash flows 
and  any  uncertainty  relating  to  insurance  contracts.  Additionally,  IFRS  17  requires  a  company  to  recognize  profits  as  it  delivers 
insurance services.  

The main features of the simplified new accounting model for property and casualty insurance contracts are as follows: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the concept of portfolio, which is a group of contracts covering similar risks and managed together as a single pool. As such, 
contracts will be grouped for allocation of deferred acquisition costs, the calculation of risk adjustment, the determination of 
onerous contracts and the application of the discount rate; 
insurance liabilities will be discounted at a rate that reflects the characteristics of the liabilities (as opposed to a rate  based 
on asset returns) and the duration of each portfolio. Entities will record the effect of changes in discount  rates either in Net 
income or in OCI, according to their accounting policy choice; 
changes in balance sheet presentation where the deferred acquisition costs, premium receivables, unearned premiums and 
claims liabilities will be presented together on a single line called insurance liabilities; 
direct premiums written will no longer be presented in profit or loss. The new insurance revenue will reflect services that have 
been provided during the period (similar to the current earned premiums). Also, insurance results will be presented without 
the impact of discounting. Amounts relating to financing and changes in discount rates will be shown separately; 
disclosure: extensive disclosures to provide information on the recognized amounts from insurance contracts and the nature 
and extent of risks arising from these contracts. 

70           INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The standard applies to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021. Earlier application is permitted if IFRS 9 is also applied. 
In  November 2018,  the  IASB tentatively  decided  to  defer  by  one  year  the mandatory  effective  date  of  IFRS  17, subject  to  public 
consultation  to  address  concerns  and  implementation  challenges  raised  by  stakeholders.  Retrospective  application  is  required. 
However, if full retrospective application for a group of insurance contracts is impracticable, then the entity is required to choose either 
a modified retrospective approach or a fair value approach. The Company plans to adopt the new standard on the required effective 
date together with IFRS 9 (see above). The Company started a project to implement IFRS 17 and has been performing a high-level 
impact assessment. The Company expects that the new standard will result in important changes to accounting policies for insurance 
contract liabilities, but the impact has not yet been determined. 

33.4  Uncertainty over income tax treatments 
In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (“IFRIC 23”). This interpretation specifies that if 
an entity concludes it is probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment,  it shall determine the tax result 
consistently with the tax treatment used or planned to be used in its income tax filing. If it is not probable, the entity shall reflect the 
effect of uncertainty for each uncertain tax treatment by using either of the following methods, depending on which  one the entity 
expects to better predict the resolution of the uncertainty: 

•  most likely amount: single most likely amount in a range of possible outcomes; 
• 

expected value: sum of the probability-weighted amounts in a range of possible outcomes.  

An entity shall apply IFRIC 23 for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier application permitted. 
The Company will not early adopt IFRIC 23 and does not expect a significant impact. 

33.5  Plan amendment, curtailment or settlement (amendments to IAS 19 – Employee Benefits) 

In  February  2018,  the  IASB  issued  amendments  to  IAS  19  –  Employee  Benefits  (“IAS  19”)  to  specify  how  companies  determine 
pension  expense  when  changes  to  a  defined  benefit  pension  plan  occur.  A  company  now  uses  updated  assumptions  from  the 
remeasurement  of  the  net  defined  benefit  asset  (liability)  to  determine  the  current  service  cost  and  net  interest  for  the  period. 
Previously, it would not have updated its calculation of these costs until year-end. 

The  amendments  are  to  be  applied prospectively,  effective  for annual  periods  beginning  on or after  January 1,  2019, with  earlier 
application permitted. The Company will not early adopt the amendments to IAS 19. 

33.6  Definition of a business 
In October 2018, the IASB issued amendments to the definition of a business in IFRS 3 – Business Combinations. The objective of 
the amendments is to assist entities in determining whether a transaction should be accounted for as a business combination or as 
an asset. The amendments apply prospectively to acquisitions that occur in annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020, 
with earlier application permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of these amendments.  

33.7  Definition of material 

In October 2018, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1  – Presentation of Financial Statements  and IAS 8 – Accounting Policies, 
Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors to align the definition of “material” across the standards and to clarify certain aspects of 
the definition. The objective of this amendment is to improve disclosure effectiveness in the financial statements by improving the 
understanding of the existing requirements rather than to significantly impact an entity’s materiality judgements. The amendments 
apply  prospectively  to  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2020,  with  earlier  application  permitted.  The  Company  is 
currently assessing the impact of these amendments. 

33.8  Conceptual framework for financial reporting 

In  March  2018,  the  IASB  issued  a  comprehensive  set  of concepts  for  financial  reporting:  the  revised  Conceptual  Framework  for 
Financial Reporting (“Conceptual Framework”), which replaces its previous version. It assists companies in developing accounting 
policies when no IFRS standard applies to a particular transaction and it helps stakeholders more broadly to better understand the 
standards.   

The revised Conceptual Framework’s effective date is January 1, 2020, with earlier application permitted. The Company does not 
expect any impact upon its adoption.  

INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION           71 

 
 
 
GLOSSARY

This glossary includes IFRS and non-IFRS 
financial measures, as well as other insurance-
related terms used in our financial reports. See 
our MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2018 
for further details.

CAT loss ratio1
Current accident year catastrophe losses, including 
net reinstatement premiums, expressed as a 
percentage of Net earned premiums (MD&A basis) 
before reinstatement premiums.

Actuarial gains (losses)
Effect of changes in actuarial assumptions and 
experience adjustments (effect of differences 
between the previous actuarial assumptions and 
what has occurred).

Adjusted earnings per share (AEPS)1
Calculated as net income for a specific period less 
preferred share dividends, adjusted for the after-tax 
impact on net income of amortization of intangible 
assets recognized in business combinations, 
integration costs, acquisition-related currency 
derivative gains or losses and the impact from 
the U.S. Corporate Tax reform, divided by the 
weighted-average number of common shares 
outstanding during the same period.

Adjusted return on equity (AROE)1
Calculated as net income for a 12-month period less 
preferred share dividends, adjusted for the after-tax 
impact on net income of amortization of intangible 
assets recognized in business combinations, 
integration costs, acquisition-related currency 
derivative gains or losses and the impact from the 
U.S. Corporate Tax reform, divided by the average 
shareholders’ equity (excluding preferred shares) 
over the same 12-month period. Net income and 
shareholders’ equity are determined in accordance 
with IFRS. 

Affiliated brokers
Brokers in which we hold an equity investment or 
provide financing.

Average shareholders’ equity 
Mean of shareholders’ equity at the beginning and 
end of the period, adjusted for significant capital 
transactions, if appropriate. Shareholders’ equity is 
determined in accordance with IFRS.

Book value per share
Shareholders’ equity (excluding preferred 
shares) divided by the number of common shares 
outstanding at the same date. Shareholders’ equity 
is determined in accordance with IFRS.

Case reserves
The liability established to reflect the estimated 
cost of unpaid claims that have been reported and 
claims expenses that the insurer will ultimately be 
required to pay.

Cash flow available for investment activities1
Includes net cash flows from cash and cash 
equivalents and the investment portfolio.

Catastrophe losses
Any one claim or group of claims, equal to or greater 
than $7.5 million for P&C Canada (US$5 million for 
P&C U.S.) related to a single event. 

Change in constant currency1
The growth or change between two figures, 
excluding the impact of foreign currency 
fluctuations, calculated by applying the exchange 
rate in effect for the current period results to the 
results of the previous period.

Claims liabilities
Technical accounting provisions comprising: case 
reserves, claims incurred but not reported by 
policyholders (“IBNR”), and a risk margin as required 
by accepted actuarial practice. Claims liabilities 
are discounted to take into account the time value 
of money, using a rate that reflects the estimated 
market yield of the underlying assets backing these 
claims liabilities at the reporting date.

Claims ratio1 
Claims incurred, net of reinsurance (as determined 
in accordance with IFRS), excluding the market yield 
adjustment, the difference between expected return 
and discount rate on pension assets and claims 
incurred from U.S. Commercial exited lines, during a 
specific period and expressed as a percentage of Net 
earned premiums (MD&A basis) for the same period.

Combined ratio1
The sum of the Claims ratio and the Expense ratio. 
A combined ratio below 100% indicates a profitable 
underwriting result. A combined ratio over 100% 
indicates an unprofitable underwriting result.

Company action levels (CALs)
Thresholds below which regulator notification is 
required together with a company action plan to 
restore capital levels.

Debt-to-total capital ratio
Total debt outstanding divided by the sum of total 
shareholders’ equity and total debt outstanding, at 
the same date.

Direct premiums written (DPW) (IFRS)
The total amount of premiums for new and 
renewal policies written during a specific period, as 
determined in accordance with IFRS.

Direct premiums written (DPW) (MD&A basis)1
DPW (IFRS) normalized for the effect of multi-year 
policies, excluding industry pools, fronting and U.S. 
Commercial exited lines. This measure matches 
direct premiums written to the year in which 
coverage is provided, whereas under IFRS, the full 
value of multi-year policies is recognized in the year 
the policy is written.

Distribution EBITA1
Operating results excluding interest and taxes from 
our consolidated brokers (including our wholly 
owned broker, BrokerLink), as well as our share of 
operating results excluding interest and taxes from 
our broker associates for a specific period.

Earnings per share to common shareholders 
(“EPS”)
Net income attributable to common shareholders 
divided by the weighted-average number of common 
shares outstanding during the same period.

Expense ratio1
Underwriting expenses, net of other underwriting 
revenues, including commissions, premium taxes 
and general expenses related to underwriting 
activities for a specific period and expressed as a 
percentage of Net earned premiums (MD&A basis) 
for the same period.

Frequency (of claims)
Average number of claims reported in a specific period.

Full-time equivalent number of employees
A unit of measurement equivalent to an employee 
with a full-time workload. If two employees each 
have a 50% workload, they would represent one full-
time equivalent employee. 

Funding ratio
Pension plan’s assets expressed as a percentage of 
funded plans’ obligations.

Incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims 
reserve
Reserves for estimated claims that have been 
incurred but not reported by policyholders, 
including a reserve for future developments on 
claims which have been reported.

Industry pools
Canadian operations – When certain automobile 
owners are unable to obtain insurance via the 
voluntary insurance market in Canada, they are 
insured via the Facility Association (“FA”). In addition, 
entities can choose to cede certain risks to the FA 
administered Risk Sharing Pool (“RSP”). The related 
risks associated with FA insurance policies and 
policies ceded to the RSP are aggregated and shared 
by the entities in the Canadian P&C insurance 
industry, generally in proportion to market share and 
volume of business ceded to the RSP. 
U.S. operations – As a condition of its license to do 
business in certain states in the U.S., the Company 
is required to participate in various mandatory 
shared market mechanisms commonly referred to as 
residual or involuntary markets. Each state dictates 
the type of insurance and the level of coverage that 
must be provided. 

Interest rate hedge ratio
A ratio calculated by the Company as the duration of 
the pension asset portfolio divided by the duration 
of the registered pension plans’ obligation. A lower 
hedge ratio increases the Company’s exposure to 
changes in interest rates. 

1   These are non-IFRS financial measures, which do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report

170

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GLOSSARY

Large loss
A single claim larger than $0.25 million for P&C 
Canada (US$0.25 million for P&C U.S.) but smaller 
than the catastrophe threshold of $7.5 million for 
P&C Canada (US$5 million for P&C U.S.).

Market-based yield1
The annualized total pre-tax investment income 
(before expenses) divided by the mid-month 
average fair value of net equity and fixed-income 
securities held during a period (average net 
investments).

Market yield adjustment (MYA)
The impact of changes in the discount rate used to 
discount claims liabilities based on the change in the 
market-based yield of the underlying assets.

Minimum capital test (“MCT”)
Ratio of total capital available to total capital 
required, as defined by the Office of the 
Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) and 
Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). 

Net distribution income1
Operating income excluding interest and taxes 
from our consolidated brokers (including our 
wholly owned broker, BrokerLink) and our share of 
operating income including interest and taxes from 
our broker associates for a specific period.

Net earned premiums (NEP) (IFRS) 
Net premiums written recognized for accounting 
purposes as revenue during a specific period 
including net reinstatement premiums, as 
determined in accordance with IFRS.

Net earned premiums (NEP) (MD&A basis)1
NEP (IFRS), excluding net earned premiums of 
U.S. Commercial exited lines.

Net operating income (“NOI”)1
Calculated as net income for a specific period, 
excluding the after-tax impact Non-operating 
results. 

Net operating income per share (“NOIPS”)1
Calculated as net operating income for a specific 
period less preferred share dividends, divided by 
the weighted-average number of common shares 
outstanding during the same period.

Net premiums written
Direct premiums written for a specific period less 
premiums ceded to reinsurers during the same 
period.

Non-catastrophe weather event
A group of claims, which is considered significant 
but that is smaller than the catastrophe threshold of 
$7.5 million for P&C Canada (US$5 million for P&C 
U.S.), related to a single weather event.

Non-operating results1
Include elements that are not representative of our 
operating performance because they relate to special 
items, bear significant volatility from one period to 
another, or because they are not part of our normal 
activities. These include the amortization of intangible 
assets recognized in business combinations, 
integration and restructuring costs, net gains (losses), 
difference between expected return and discount 
rate on pension assets, market yield adjustment, 
underwriting results of U.S. Commercial exited lines, 
the impact from the U.S. Corporate Tax reform, as well 
as other costs or revenues that are not representative 
of our operating performance.

Non-weather catastrophe losses
Catastrophe losses mostly related to large commercial 
losses, including non-weather-related fires, surety and 
liability losses.

Normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”)
A program for the repurchase of the Company’s own 
common shares, for cancellation through a stock 
exchange that is subject to the various rules of the 
relevant stock exchange and securities commission.

Operating return on equity (“OROE”)1
Calculated as net operating income for a 12-month 
period less preferred share dividends, divided by the 
average shareholders’ equity (excluding preferred 
shares and accumulated other comprehensive 
income) over the same 12-month period. 

Policies in force
The number of insurance policies in effect at a specific 
date. If two or more separate risks are covered under 
the same insurance policy, this counts as one policy 
in force.

Prior year claims development (PYD) (IFRS)
Change in total prior year claims liabilities during 
a specific period. A decrease to claims liabilities 
is referred to as favourable prior year claims 
development. An increase in claims liabilities 
is referred to as unfavourable prior year claims 
development. 

Prior year claims development (PYD) (MD&A 
basis)1
PYD (IFRS basis), adjusted to exclude the PYD related 
to U.S. Commercial exited lines. 

PYD ratio1
PYD (MD&A basis) expressed as a percentage of Net 
earned premiums (MD&A basis).

Regulatory capital ratios
Minimum capital test (MCT), as defined by the Office 
of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) 
and the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in 
Canada, and Risk-based capital requirements (RBC) 
as defined by the National Association of Insurance 
Commissioners (NAIC) in the U.S.

Reinstatement premium
Premium payable to restore the original reinsurance 
policy limit as a result of a reinsurance loss payment 
under a catastrophe coverage. Reinstatement 
premiums are reported in Net earned premiums 
(IFRS). 

Reinsurer
An insurance company that agrees to indemnify 
another insurance or reinsurance company, the 
ceding company, against all or a portion of the 
insurance or reinsurance risks underwritten by the 
ceding company, under one or more policies.

Return on equity (“ROE”)
Net income for a 12-month period less preferred 
share dividends, divided by the average 
shareholders’ equity (excluding preferred shares) 
over the same 12-month period. Net income and 
shareholders’ equity are determined in accordance 
with IFRS. 

Risk-based capital (“RBC”)
Risk-based capital as defined by the National 
Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in 
the U.S. 

Severity (of claims)
Average cost of a claim calculated by dividing the 
total cost of claims by the total number of claims.

Structured settlements
Periodic payments to claimants for a determined 
number of years for life, typically in settlement for a 
claim under a liability policy, usually funded through 
the purchase of an annuity.

Total capital margin
Total capital margin includes the aggregate of capital 
in excess of company action levels in regulated 
entities (170% MCT, 200% RBC) plus available cash 
in unregulated entities. 

Underlying current year loss ratio1
Current year claims excluding catastrophe losses 
and prior year claims development, expressed as a 
percentage of Net earned premiums (MD&A basis) 
before reinstatement premiums.

Underwriting income (MD&A basis)1
Net earned premiums less net claims incurred, 
commissions, premium taxes and general expenses, 
excluding market yield adjustment, the difference 
between the expected return and discount rate on 
pension assets and the underwriting results of U.S. 
Commercial exited lines.

Written insured risks
The number of vehicles in personal automobile 
insurance and the number of premises in personal 
property insurance written during a specific period.

1   These are non-IFRS financial measures, which do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report

171

 
FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL HISTORY

This table contains non-IFRS financial measures. Refer to Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures of the MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2018 for details. 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except as noted) 

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

3-year 
average

5-year 
average

10-year 
average

Consolidated performance

Direct premiums written1 

Net earned premiums1 

Underwriting income (loss)1

Net investment income

Net distribution income1

Net operating income1 

Non-operating gains (losses)1

Effective tax rate 

Net income attributable to shareholders

Combined ratio1

Per share measures ($)

Net operating income per share1

Earnings per share

Book value per share

Dividend per common share

Return on equity

Operating return on equity1

Return on equity 

Underwriting performance by line of business

Personal auto

Direct premiums written1 

Net earned premiums 

Combined ratio1 

Personal property

Direct premiums written1 

Net earned premiums 

Combined ratio1 

Commercial lines – CAN

Direct premiums written1 

Net earned premiums 

Combined ratio1 

Commercial lines – U.S. (in CAD)

Direct premiums written1 

Net earned premiums1 

Combined ratio1 

Financial condition

Total capital margin

Debt-to-total capital ratio

Investments

Total investments

Market-based investment yield1

10,090

9,715

474

529

146

839

(142)

20.2%

707

95.1%

5.74

4.79

48.73

2.80

12.1%

9.9%

8,730

8,530

486

432

132

771

(31)

15.9%

792

94.3%

5.60

5.75

48.00

2.56

12.9%

12.8%

3,750

3,727

3,818

3,782

99.5%

101.7%

2,186

2,098

88.3%

2,665

2,507

94.6%

1,489

1,380

94.8%

1,333

22.0%

2,135

2,040

89.1%

2,470

2,382

86.5%

307

326

97.4%

1,135

23.1%

16,897

3.44%

16,774

3.20%

8,277

7,946

375

414

111

660

(152)

21.1%

541

95.3%

4.88

3.97

42.72

2.32

12.0%

9.6%

3,792

3,704

99.9%

2,030

1,880

90.9%

2,455

2,362

91.5%

–

–

–

970

18.6%

14,386

3.36%

7,901

7,535

628

424

104

860

(216)

19.3%

706

91.7%

6.38

5.20

39.83

2.12

16.6%

13.4%

3,591

3,508

95.4%

1,864

1,736

85.9%

2,446

2,291

90.3%

–

–

–

625

16.6%

13,504

3.55%

7,441

7,207

519

427

75

767

10

18.3%

782

92.8%

5.67

5.79

37.75

1.92

16.3%

16.1%

9,032

8,730

445

458

130

757

(108)

19.1%

680

8,488

8,187

496

445

114

779

(106)

7,044

6,768

360

394

n/a

622

(85)

19.0%

18.7%

706

562

94.9%

93.8%

94.9%

5.41

4.84

46.48

2.56

5.65

5.10

43.41

2.34

4.66

4.21

36.51

1.92

12.3%

10.8%

14.0%

12.4%

13.7%

12.0%

3,374

3,387

3,787

3,738

3,665

3,622

3,159

3,116

94.5%

100.4%

98.2%

96.4%

1,715

1,617

89.0%

2,352

2,203

92.9%

–

–

–

681

17.3%

13,440

3.65%

2,117

2,006

1,986

1,874

1,637

1,539

89.4%

88.6%

95.0%

2,530

2,417

2,478

2,349

2,069

1,942

90.9%

91.2%

92.5%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

1,146

21.2%

949

800

19.5%

18.4%

16,019

15,000

12,876

3.33%

3.44%

3.72%

1   These are non-IFRS financial measures. See glossary on page 170 for definitions.

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report

172

THREE-YEAR QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HISTORY

This table contains non-IFRS financial measures. Refer to Section 27 – Non-IFRS financial measures of the MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2018 for details. 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except as noted) 

2018

2017

2016

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Consolidated performance

Direct premiums written1 

2,392

2,708

2,908

2,082

2,293

2,203

2,497

Net earned premiums1 

2,509

2,462

2,410

2,334

2,400

2,082

2,051

Underwriting income (loss)1

Net investment income

Net distribution income1

Net operating income1 

Non-operating gains (losses)1

210

140

36

281

(42)

152

133

34

237

(36)

93

134

52

201

(45)

19

122

24

120

(19)

178

121

28

236

(58)

170

101

30

219

(61)

103

105

50

193

57

1,737

1,997

35

105

24

123

31

1,959

2,188

2,455

1,675

2,043

2,036

1,937

1,930

153

104

24

212

(52)

61

102

30

137

(16)

16

104

43

114

(26)

145

104

14

197

(58)

Effective tax rate 

21.5% 22.3% 19.1% 14.2%

5.9%

22.3%

17.6%

19.3%

23.7%

19.9%

16.9% 21.6%

Net income attributable to shareholders

244

199

161

103

232

171

243

146

171

125

93

152

Combined ratio1

Per share measures ($)

Net operating income per share1

Earnings per share

Book value per share

91.7% 93.8% 96.1% 99.2%

92.6%

91.8%

95.0%

98.2%

92.5%

97.0%

99.2% 92.5%

1.93

1.67

1.62

1.34

1.38

1.10

0.81

0.68

1.63

1.60

1.61

1.25

1.44

1.82

0.90

1.08

1.58

1.27

1.01

0.91

0.83

0.67

1.46

1.11

48.73

49.27

48.64

47.32

48.00

46.56

42.16

43.14

42.72

41.47

40.57

40.06

Dividend per common share

0.70

0.70

0.70

0.70

0.64

0.64

0.64

0.64

0.58

0.58

0.58

0.58

Return on equity

Operating return on equity1

12.1% 11.6% 11.9% 12.4%

12.9%

13.3%

12.1%

10.6%

12.0%

13.4%

14.6% 16.7%

Return on equity 

9.9%

9.8% 10.0% 11.7%

12.8%

12.7%

12.3%

9.5%

9.6%

10.5%

10.5% 12.7%

Underwriting performance by line of business

Personal auto

Direct premiums written1 

Net earned premiums 

Combined ratio1 

Personal property

Direct premiums written1 

Net earned premiums 

Combined ratio1 

Commercial lines – CAN

Direct premiums written1 

Net earned premiums 

Combined ratio1 

Commercial lines – U.S. (in CAD)

Direct premiums written1 

Net earned premiums1 

Combined ratio1 

Financial condition

Total capital margin

818

1,003

1,137

934

939

935

792

919

824

952

1,028

1,163

962

949

803

919

829

942

1,032

1,154

944

918

777

900

97.3% 99.9% 95.6% 106.4%

101.2% 105.1%

97.8% 102.6%

100.9% 104.3%

97.6% 96.4%

517

534

606

531

640

521

423

512

505

522

591

517

625

506

414

495

486

494

569

483

592

447

383

456

78.5% 83.8% 102.7% 88.3%

79.7%

85.0%

99.5%

92.8%

75.6%

99.7% 106.7% 82.9%

732

661

630

644

757

613

546

589

657

600

584

603

709

596

520

583

644

607

587

609

709

572

515

574

91.6% 94.9% 92.9% 99.5%

87.4%

76.5%

86.7%

95.9%

93.2%

83.5%

95.9% 93.9%

325

379

469

347

374

340

321

314

307

326

96.7% 93.5% 93.8% 95.3%

97.4%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,333

1,177

1,243

1,067

1,135

1,155

1,014

1,034

970

881

857

904

Debt-to-total capital ratio

22.0% 21.7% 22.5% 23.4%

23.1%

24.7%

22.8%

18.5%

18.6%

19.0%

19.3% 19.5%

Investments

Total investments

16,897 16,999 16,946 16,424

16,774

17,093

14,890

14,227

14,386

14,342

13,812

13,630

Market-based investment yield1

3.58% 3.44% 3.51% 3.22%

3.11%

3.10%

3.30%

3.32%

3.27%

3.27%

3.43% 3.47%

1   These are non-IFRS financial measures. See glossary on page 170 for definitions.

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report

173

SHAREHOLDER AND CORPORATE INFORMATION

Credit rating

IFC senior unsecured debt ratings

OneBeacon senior unsecured debt ratings 

IFC’s principal Canadian P&C insurance  
subsidiaries’ financial strength ratings

IFC’s principal U.S. P&C insurance  
subsidiaries’ financial strength ratings

A.M. Best

a-

a-

A+

A+

DBRS

A

Not rated

AA(low)

Not rated

Fitch

Moody’s

A-

A-

AA-

AA-

Baa1

Baa2

A1

A2

On March 8, 2019, A.M. Best upgraded IFC’s principal U.S. P&C insurance subsidiaries’ financial strength rating 
(FSR) to A+ (Superior) from A (Excellent) and the OneBeacon senior unsecured debt rating to “a-” from “bbb+”.  

DBRS has assigned a rating of “Pfd-2” with a Stable trend for the Non-cumulative Rate Reset Class A 
Series 1 preferred shares, Non-cumulative Rate Reset Class A Series 3 preferred shares, Non-cumulative 
Floating Rate Class A Series 4 preferred shares, Non-cumulative Class A Series 5 preferred shares, Non-
cumulative Class A Series 6 preferred shares and Non-cumulative Class A Series 7 preferred shares (the 
“Series 1 Preferred Shares”, “Series 3 Preferred Shares”, “Series 4 Preferred Shares”, “Series 5 Preferred 
Shares”, “Series 6 Preferred Shares” and “Series 7 Preferred Shares”, respectively) issued on July 12, 2011, 
August 18, 2011, September 30, 2016, May 24, 2017, August 18, 2017 and May 29, 2018, respectively.  

Fitch Ratings has assigned a rating of “BBB” with a Stable outlook to the Series 1 Preferred Shares, Series 3 Preferred 
Shares, Series 4 Preferred Shares, Series 5 Preferred Shares, Series 6 Preferred Shares and Series 7 Preferred Shares.

Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) listings 
Common Shares Ticker Symbol: IFC 
Series 1 Preferred Shares Ticker Symbol: IFC.PR.A 
Series 3 Preferred Shares Ticker Symbol: IFC.PR.C 
Series 4 Preferred Shares Ticker Symbol: IFC.PR.D 
Series 5 Preferred Shares Ticker Symbol: IFC.PR.E 
Series 6 Preferred Shares Ticker Symbol: IFC.PR.F 
Series 7 Preferred Shares Ticker Symbol: IFC.PR.G 

Annual meeting of the shareholders 
Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2019 
Time: 11:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) 
Venue: Art Gallery of Ontario 
317 Dundas Street West 
Toronto, Ontario 
Canada  M5T 1G4 

Version française 
Il existe une version française du présent rapport annuel à la 
section Investisseurs de notre site Web www.intactfc.com/
French/accueil/default.aspx. Les personnes intéressées 
peuvent obtenir une version imprimée en appelant au  
1 866 778 0774 ou en envoyant un courriel à ir@intact.net. 

Transfer agent and registrar 
Computershare Investor Services Inc. 
100 University Avenue  
8th Floor, North Tower 
Toronto, Ontario  M5J 2Y1 
1 800 564 6253 

Auditors 
Ernst & Young LLP 

Earnings conference call dates 
Q1 – May 8, 2019 
Q2 – July 31, 2019 
Q3 – November 6, 2019 
Q4 – February 5, 2020 

Investor inquiries 
Ken Anderson  
Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasurer  
855 646 8228, ext. 87383  
kenneth.anderson@intact.net 

Media inquiries 
Stephanie Sorensen 
Director, External Communications 
416 344 8027 
stephanie.sorensen@intact.net 

Dividend reinvestment 
Shareholders can reinvest their cash 
dividends in common shares of Intact 
Financial Corporation on a commission-free 
basis either through a broker, subject to 
eligibility as determined by the broker, or 
through Canadian ShareOwner Investments 
Inc. Full details can be obtained by visiting 
the Investors section of the Company’s 
website at www.intactfc.com. 

Eligible dividend designation 
For purposes of the enhanced dividend tax 
credit rules contained in the Income Tax Act 
(Canada) and any corresponding provincial 
and territorial tax legislation, all dividends 
(and deemed dividends) paid by Intact 
Financial Corporation to Canadian residents 
on our common and preferred shares after  
December 31, 2005, are designated as 
eligible dividends. Unless stated otherwise, 
all dividends (and deemed dividends) paid 
by the Company hereafter are designated as 
eligible dividends for the purposes of such rules. 

Information for shareholders  
outside of Canada  
Dividends paid to residents of countries 
with which Canada has bilateral tax treaties 
are generally subject to the 15% Canadian 
non-resident withholding tax. There is no 
Canadian tax on gains from the sale of shares 
(assuming ownership of less than 25%) or 
debt instruments of the Company owned 
by non-residents not carrying on business 
in Canada. No government in Canada levies 
estate taxes or succession duties.

Common share dividend history

Common share prices and volume

Record

Payable

Amount

High

Low

Close

Volume traded

Dec. 14, 2018
Sept. 14, 2018
June 15, 2018
Mar. 15, 2018
Dec. 15, 2017
Sept. 15, 2017
June 15, 2017
Mar. 15, 2017
Dec. 15, 2016
Sept. 15, 2016
June 15, 2016
Mar. 15, 2016

Dec. 31, 2018
Sept. 28, 2018
June 29, 2018
Mar. 29, 2018
Dec. 29, 2017
Sept. 29, 2017
June 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 30, 2016
Sept. 30, 2016
June 30, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016

$0.70
$0.70
$0.70
$0.70
$0.64
$0.64
$0.64
$0.64
$0.58
$0.58
$0.58
$0.58

2018 Q1
2018 Q2
2018 Q3
2018 Q4
2018 YE
2017 Q1
2017 Q2
2017 Q3
2017 Q4
2017 YE
2016 Q1
2016 Q2
2016 Q3
2016 Q4
2016 YE

$105.00  
$98.85  
$109.17  
$107.69  
$109.17  
$97.56
$98.29
$104.33
$109.33
$109.33
$91.08
$94.16
$97.20
$97.34
$97.34

  $94.57  
  $92.53  
  $91.65  
  $95.75  
  $91.65  
  $91.40
  $91.41
  $95.14
  $99.35
  $91.40
  $77.49
  $84.88
  $89.75
  $90.00
  $77.49

  $96.81
  $93.25
 $107.40
  $99.19
  $99.19
  $94.58
  $97.96
  $103.07
  $104.99
  $104.99
  $90.93
  $92.29
  $94.84
  $96.10
  $96.10

14,148,701
12,649,563
14,146,639
16,274,245
57,219,148
13,471,916
15,096,910
13,125,539
15,359,434
57,053,799
16,605,531
13,312,286
10,209,134
13,065,874
53,192,825

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report

174

Source: Toronto Stock Exchange Data items are not adjusted for stock splits and consolidations. This data is provided "AS IS". TSX, its 
affiliates, their respective service providers, suppliers and licensors: (i) make no warranties or representations of any kind, express, implied 
or otherwise regarding this data or its accuracy, completeness or timeliness, (ii) disclaim the implied warranties of merchantability and 
fitness for a particular purpose, and (iii) assume no liability in making this data available.

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C

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Social Impact

In 2018:

We donated over 
$6.1 million 
to over 400 organizations  
across North America

Our employees  
volunteered over 
4,000 hours
and donated  
over $1.4 million

3 new standards 
and guidelines
were developed to address 
flooding in Canada

$1.3 million 
was invested in  
25 communities  
to address root causes  
of child poverty

Intact Financial Corporation 2018 Annual Report

175

Why Invest with Intact

LARGEST 
PROVIDER
of P&C insurance in Canada 
and a leading provider of specialty 
insurance in North America

Consistently 
OUTPERFORMS 
INDUSTRY
due to disciplined underwriting, scale 
advantage and in-house claims expertise

TRACK RECORD
of strong capital generation 
and annual dividend increases

PROVEN
industry consolidator

FINANCIAL 
STRENGTH
reinforced by  
prudent risk management

Attracts and retains 
TOP TALENT
as one of 
Canada’s Top Employers

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See the full suite of our reports here:
intactfc.com

Intact Financial Corporation
700 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario  M5G 0A1